Read: Arianna Huffington's Thrive

Title: Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-being, Wisdom, and Wonder
Author: Arianna Huffington
Publisher: Harmony, New York

I was recommended to read this book. In this book, Huffington shared her observations that the third measure of success goes beyond the two metrics of money and power. What exactly did she identify as the third measure of success?

The third metric consists of four pillars:
Well-being,
Wisdom,
Wonder and
Giving.

The author outlined how paying greater attention to our well-being enables us to connect with parts of ourselves and be whole being successful at work and thriving in life. In the chapter on well-being, many pages were dedicated to discuss how getting adequate sleep can improve so many aspects of our lives. This sub-chapter encouraged and reminded me to be more mindful to sleep before midnight as often as possible.

The chapter on wisdom weaved in the author's growing up years in Athen and Greek myths. One major source of wisdom is intuition, our inner knowing. The author stated that "Our intuition is like a tuning fork that keeps us in harmony - if we learn to listen".

Huffington also made three suggestions to cultivate the ability to not be disturbed by our lives' circumstances. These are:
1) Listening to our inner wisdom to let go of something that we no longer need. (e.g. resentment, self-talk or a project that we are not really going to complete.)
2) A gratitude list.
3) A specific time to disconnect from the digital world.

Being present enough could awaken in us the almost constant state of wonder that countless things in our daily lives present. In this chapter, the author spends a fair length to discuss how coincidences are life's secret door to wonder.

Concluding the chapter on wonder, the author shared three simple practices that has helped her live more in the moment, the place from which we can experience wonder:
1) Focus on the rising and falling of our breath for ten seconds whenever we feel tensed, rushed or distracted. This will allow us to become fully present in our life.
2) Pick an image that ignites the joy in us.
3) Forgive ourselves for any judgments that we are holding against ourselves, and then forgive our judgement of others. Then look at our life and the day ahead with newness and wonder.

The chapter on giving was comparatively shorter than the other chapters. It outlined how service is so powerful. The author shared her own memories of her mother whereby giving was a way of being. That was a moving chapter on how the gesture of giving and service was an offering, not a trade.

Ending the chapter on giving were simple suggestions such as:
1) Make small gestures of kindness and giving a habit. Pay attention to how this affects our mind, our emotions and our body.
2) During our day, make a personal connection with people we might normally tend to pass by and take for granted.
3) Use a skill or talent - cooking, accounting, decorating - we have to help someone who could benefit from it.

This book ends with an insightful epilogue, which quoted Archimedes: "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the world".

There are appendices at the end of the book to provide a series of resources for the readers.

While this isn't a book I would have normally pick up and read, I am pleased that I have read the book. A book that has shifted me towards redefining what it means to thrive in today's world.

Read: Clarity

Title: Clarity
Author: Jamie Smart
Publisher: Capstone (2013)

This is a book that I had chanced upon. I borrowed the book from a local library, and had a pretty good read on this book. I like the way that this book was written in an accessible fashion. Instead of giving instructions on the things to do, the author id written in a way that is closely aligned with how the mind and life really works so that the reader can "catch an understanding" of the "symptoms" of increasing clarity, resilience and peace of mind.

A book that I will recommend.

Read: Venice: A New History

Image credit: Amazon.com

Title: Venice: A New History
Author: Thomas F. Madden
Publisher: Penguin Books (2012)


Someone I know recommended this book. Coincidentally, in July 2016, I visited Venice for my second time, and it was very appealing to read the book. The first chapter was still enticing. By the second chapter, I realized I had limited knowledge of European history. Nevertheless, eager to learn something new, I set myself the challenge to complete the reading of the book.

While I cannot claim that I am a master of Venice's history, I could at least claim that I have read this book and have a sense of how Venice has changed over the ages. The rise and the fall of Venice is an intriguing story.

This book reveals the Origins of Venice. Essentially, the earliest Venetians were Romans. Venice was built from refugees fleeing from the fall of the Roman Empire. Perhaps the next time that I would reread this book again would be when I next visit Venice. By that time, I would have a deeper understanding of Venice.

Read: The Essential Deming: Leadership Principles from the Father of Quality

Read: The Essential Deming: Leadership Principles from the Father of Quality
Author: W. Edwards Deming
Edited by Joyce Nilsson Orsini
Publisher: McGraw Hill (2013)

Eager to learn more about Edwards Deming's concepts of Quality assurance, I borrowed the book from the library. This book lends insights to the ideas and thoughts of Edwards Deming. One of the ideas presented was that "dependability of service is an important quality characteristic." "Reliable service reduces cost."

This book outlines and discusses Deming's 14 points for management.

After reading this book, I felt curious to learn more about the statistical techniques that were discussed in the book. I felt curious how statistical techniques could be applied as an aid to solution of problems and as aids to knowledge and creativity.

Read: Leveraging the Universe

Title: Leveraging the Universe: 7 Steps to Engaging Life's Magic
Author: Mike Dooley
Publisher: First Atria Book/ Beyond Words (2011)

I was browsing the library book shelves and came across this book. Accessible in its writing, reading this book felt like I was on a journey of life adventurers on the quest to make the best of it.

The seven simple steps to engage life's magic were laid out in each chapter of the book. The seven steps are:

1) Understand Your Power.
2) Chart Your Chart
3) Take Action and Delegate
4) Leverage the Universe
5) Align Your Beliefs
6) Engage the Magic
7) Adjust Your Sails.

It is worth a good read for anyone who wishes to learn more. I learnt that this book is based on the audio book, Leveraging the Universe and Engaging the Magic, published in 2008.

USA 2015

Charles River

Better late than never. This post recapitulates the links to the various posts that I have written on my trip to Boston, Nahant and New York City last year, in 2015. It was a trip that was beyond my imagination. I had not thought of visiting Boston until early 2015. I am thankful for the opportunity to visit a part of USA to learn about song-writing and to learn about a different culture.

Ambivalence and resolution: The journey to the United States, 20 Jun - 5 Jul 2015
Travelling tips: From Singapore to Boston
21 Jun 2015: Arriving in Boston on Summer Solstice
22 Jun 2015: Breakfast at Hostelling International Boston
22 Jun 2015 and etc: Thinking Cup
22 Jun 2015: Faneuil Hall and beyond
22 Jun 2015: Old North Church
22 Jun 2015: The Daily Catch
22 Jun 2015: Along the Freedom Trail
22 Jun 2015: Dinner at Giacomo's
22 Jun 2015: Mike's Pastry, possibly Boston's most popular pastry shop
22 Jun 2015: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
23 Jun 2015: German food at Jacob Wirth
24 Jun 2015: Breakfast from Mac Donalds
24 Jun 2015: The search for Algiers Coffee House
24 Jun 2015: Official Harvard Tour
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a guided tour of it
24 Jun 2015: Hatch Shell and the Charles River
24 Jun 2015: One of the Super Duck Tours
24 Jun 2015: Dinner at the Union Oyster House
24 Jun 2015: My final night in Boston for the month of June 2015
25 Jun 2015: A visit to Boston Public Library and beyond
25 Jun 2015: Boston Pizza Kitchen
25 Jun 2015: The journey to Lynn and Oceanview Bed and Breakfast
25 Jun 2015: A visit to Rockport
25 Jun 2015: Fresh seafood dinner from Roy Moore Lobster Company
25 Jun 2015: A quick stopover at Salem
26 Jun 2015: A morning in Lynn
26 - 28 Jun 2015: A weekend learning songwriting
26 - 28 Jun 2016: Beautiful Nahant
Lincoln's Landing at Swampscott
29 Jun 2015: Express bus to Boston and James Hook and Co
Leaving Boston for New York
29 Jun 2015: Reached New York City
Getting around New York City with a MetroCard
29 Jun 2015: HI New York City
30 Jun 2015: Jerry's Grand Tour
1 Jul 2015: Metropolitan Museum of Art
1 Jul 2015: Gimme Coffee
2 Jul 2015: abraco
2 Jul 2015: Washington Square Park and more
2 Jul 2015: A Visit to United Nations Headquarters
2 Jul 2015: Carnegie Hall and a missed chance
2 Jul 2015: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
2 Jul 2015: Dinner at Fluffy's Cafe
2 Jul 2015: A stroll about Columbia University
3 Jul 2015: Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale
3 Jul 2015: Absolute Bagels and Lox
3 Jul 2015: A short visit to The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine
3 Jul 2015: Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Rockefeller Centre
3 Jul 2015: Shake Shack in Madison Square Park
3 Jul 2015: Bye New York City

At Boston. Giacomo's

Ferry ride to Staten Island.

Read: Silent Voices of the Soul

Title: Silent Voices of the Soul: How to Recognize the Spiritual Messages in Everyday Life.
Author: Robin Leigh Vella

I was looking for a book by another author and gladly picked this book up. The author used a number of real-life examples to illustrate her ideas and concept. This book is a reminder to listen to the silent voices of the soul to recognize and receive the messages meant for us.

The book is readable and provides a gentle guidance on how we can listen to our inner voice.

Places: Inventions and Innovation. Singapore Night Festival 2016

One of the installations of Singapore Night Festival 2016.

#showerthoughts. National Design Centre.

Image Credit: Photo used with permission from Belinda Tan.

©Belinda Tan

This year, the festival's theme is that of Innovations and Innovation. Find out what are the interesting highlights of Singapore Night Festival 2016 here: Places: Inventions and Innovation. Singapore Night Festival 2016.



Singapore Night Festival 2016 

19 and 20 August 2016, Fri and Sat 

26 and 27 Aug 2016, Fri and Sat 

Bras Basah Bugis 

Free Admission 

7.30 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. 

http://nightfest.sg

Bye New York City

3 Jul 2015 (Fri):

It was soon time to say goodbye to New York City. I found my way back to Hostelling International New York City to claim my baggage which was stored in one of the lockers. The staff at the hostel was very helpful when I asked for directions to get to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK Airport). There were two options to travel to JFK Airport from the hostel. I took the faster way.

Goodbye New York City. Thank you for the friendships forged and the memories.

3 July 2015: Shake Shack in Madison Square Park

3 Jul 2015 (Fri):

Eating out in New York City is an endeavour with countless options. I had wanted to eat something that is fairly affordable and yet will make my dining time in New York memorable enough. In order to narrow down to noteworthy options, I referred to Pocket Rough Guide: New York City written and researched by Martin Dunford, Stephen Keeling and Andrew Rosenberg.

One of the places that was recommended in the Eating Out options was Shake Shack for its price and outdoor seating setting. Coincidentally, the day before I had visited Shake Shack, one of my new-found friends at the hostel told me he had a meal at Shake Shack.

Shake Shack is very popular. It is in fact a phenomenon! At non-lunch hours, around 3 p.m., there was already a long queue at Shake Shack. I had waited more than half-an-hour before it was my turn to have my order taken. It took another 15 minutes at least to wait for my order to be ready.

Located in Madison Square Park, I love its outdoor setting and the surrounding landscaped park. I later found out that in 2004, a bid was won to open a permanent kiosk in the Madison Square Park. Shake Shack has the company of beautiful trees, a lovely fountain and flowers. In some ways, I think such a natural yet landscaped location makes eating burgers healthier and less sinful.

Shake Shack is known for its grilled burgers and frozen custard shakes. I ordered a single Shack Stack, a Concrete Single Shack Attack and French Fries. 

The Shack Stack is a cross between a Cheeseburger and a 'Shroom Burger with crisp-fried portabello mushroom. This delicious burger is topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce. Each Shack Stack costs USD$9.49. I particularly like the crisp-fried portabello mushroom that was sandwiched in the Shack Stack. The burger bun was fresh and has a soft yet just right texture. The cheese went just right with the rest of the burger. Overall, a tasty burger. No wonder people are willing to queue at Shake Shack for its grilled burgers.

Shack Stack.

The Concrete Single Shack Attack (single) is one of the options of frozen custard that is available at Shake Shack. The ingredients in this dense frozen custard ice cream blended at high speed with mix-ins include: chocolate custard, fudge sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough and Mast Brothers Shake Shack dark chocolate chunks, topped with chocolate sprinkles. It tasted rich and creamy, and fresh! Shake Shack promises that the vanilla and chocolate recipes in its frozen custard items are spun fresh daily with milk from dairy farmers who pledge not to use artificial growth hormones. At USD$4.50, I think it is value-for-money.

Concrete Single Shack Attack.

Service was considered good given that the Shake Shack outlet in Madison Square Park had a long queue and did not charge service charge. There was a member of the staff who went around serving iced cold (water) and passing out menus to customers who were queuing in the line.

The weather was good on the day of my visit and there was enough shade provided by the trees. I would have to say that I enjoy eating outdoors at seated dining areas. Although Shake Shack is not unique to New York City, it was a unique experience eating delicious grilled burgers and drinking frozen custard right in a park. Furthermore, the Madison Square Park was where Shake Shack was first started.

My learning point: Eating is pleasurable not just because of the quality of the food. The environment also matters. A relaxing and pleasant environment enhances the dining experience.

***
Shake Shack

Madison Square Park

near Madison Ave and E 23rd Street

Subway: N, R, W to 23rd Street

Operating hours: Daily, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

https://www.shakeshack.com

3 July 2015: Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Rockefeller Centre

3 Jul 2015: My gut instinct told me that this shall be the place to visit: The Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is said to be one of the obvious places to go for a panoramic views of New York. Perhaps it was because it was my first time in New York, so I willing paid USD$45 for access to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck as well as a tour of Rockefeller Centre.

The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza at 50th St, at the top of the GE Building. It offers a good view of the Empire State Building, New York City's Central Park and more. I spent a good half-an-hour there at least. Up at the observation deck, I felt I had a good overview of the New York City from a good vantage point.

The Rockefeller Center was conceived more than 100 years ago by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as a "city within a city." "It has been a hub of remarkable art, style and entertainment."

For me, the tour of the Rockefeller Center was more interesting than the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The Rockefeller Center showcases a remarkable collection of sculptures and art deco motifs.

When I was reading about the Rockefeller Center, I learnt that the American Institute of Architects declared Rockefeller Center the second most significant piece of architecture in America. It is indeed a wonderful piece of architecture and I felt thankful that I had visited it.

During the tour, our guide gave us an overview to the history of Rockefeller Center. He also highlighted to us the various works of art within the Rockefeller Center. I was glad that I had made time to attend this tour. It seemed that a visit to New York City would have been incomplete if I had missed the Rockefeller Center.

I would like to thank the guide, Jonathan, for an enriching guided tour of the Rockefeller Center.

My learning point: Give people something better!
This was what I had derived from a quote that was associated with the Rockefeller Center:
"Giving people what they want is fundamentally and disastrously wrong. The people don't know what they want... [Give] them something better." - Samuel Rothapfel, founder of the Palace Theater chain, 1914.

***

Rockefeller Center
From Fifth to Sixth Aves between W 48th and W 51st sts.
Subway: B, D, F, V to 47-50th St
https://www.rockefellercenter.com

3 Jul 2015: A short visit to The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine

3 Jul 2015:

This is a post that is overdued. While I was in New York City last year, I stayed for a few nights at HI New York City. In the morning of 3 Jul 2015, I took a stroll about the neighbourhood near the hostel and decided to spend some time visiting The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine.

The Cathedral is fairly impressive in its size. I learnt that it is more than 120 years old and reminds unfinished. It was a year later after my visit that I learnt that the cathedral is the largest cathedral in the world!

I was thankful that during my visit to the cathedral, a choir was singing. I don't know if the choir was rehearsing yet I love the sounds of the choir filling the spaces of the cathedral. A morning adventure to explore the neighbourhood had brought me to a global landmark.

My learning point: Be open to new experiences. Pleasant surprises can happen.

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
112th Street
New York
NY 10025
http://www.stjohndivine.org

3 July 2015: Absolute Bagels and Lox

Life offers pleasant surprises when we take the step out to explore what it has to offer. I was on my way to visit the Cathedral of St John The Divine that was about ten blocks away from the hostel that I was staying in. On the way there, I noticed a queue waiting to buy bagels.

I took a moment to figure out what had drawn people to queue for bagels outside the shop named Absolute Review. There were reviews that Absolute Bagels has the best bagels in Manhattan. I suppose the beeline was the testament.

I ordered a bagel with Lox Spread for USD$3.95. I learnt that Lox Spread is essentially cream cheese and lox (salmon cured in brine). The bagel has a chewy and satisfying texture and the Lox Spread tasted fresh and flavoursome. There was a generous spread of Lox Spread on the bagel. The bagel with Lox Spread was worth the queue. The best bagel that I ever had yet.

Learning point: Life offers pleasant surprises. It helps to keep ourselves opened to what are around us. We may find something that we will like!

***

Absolute Bagels

2788 Broadway, between 107th and 108th Streets

Subway: #1 to 110th St - Cathedral Parkway

Tel: (212) 932-2052

Operating hours: Daily, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

http://www.absolutebagels.com

3 Jul 2015: Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale

3 Jul 2015: I received a recommendations to check out the Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale cafe near the international hostel, HI New York, that I was staying in. I felt thankful for the recommendations. The espresso from the cafe tasted balanced and is a lovely treat for the day.

If you are near the area and want a cup of espresso, check this cafe out!

Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale
2730 Broadway
New York
NY 10025
United States

2 Jul 2015: A stroll about Columbia University

2 Jul 2015: Thanks to the long daytime in summer, I continued to explore more of New York and visited the Columbia University which was a subway station away from the hostel that I had stayed.

I learnt that visitors to the Columbia University can download the self-guided walking tour to explore the campus. A beautiful and stately looking campus. There were a number of sculptures placed at various parts of the campus. I felt thankful to have an opportunity to visit this beautifully landscaped university campus.

Columbia University
116th and Broadway
New York
NY 10027
http://www.columbia.edu

2 Jul 2015: Dinner at Fluffy's Cafe

2 Jul 2015:

After a visit to The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), I looked around for places for dinner. One of the best thing about travelling during summer is that the days are relatively longer and I could take the opportunity to explore for longer duration each day.

I ordered a red and white quinoa. A tasty dinner! A simple meal to be thankful for.

Fluffy's Cafe
370 West 5th St
Corner 9th Ave

2 July 2015: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

2 Jul 2015:

The Museum of Modern Art offers its visitors a treat to one of the finest collections of late 19th and 20th century art in the world.

During my visit on 2 July 2015, I had the great privilege to see a collection of Andy Warhol's iconic images, get a closed-up view of Van Gogh's The Starry Night, June 1889 and sculptures by Henry Moore. I had started my visit with the fifth floor for in my humble opinion, some of the most noteworthy artworks in MoMA's collection are located at the fifth floor's Paintings and Sculptures galleries.

The visit reminded me of the art history classes that I had taken when I was a teenager. When I was a teenager, I did not quite fully appreciate the value of the art history classes. When I became an adult, I became appreciative of the art history classes. These were the classes that gave me the exposure to artworks by the great artists even though I had yet to see those artworks face-to-face. Having the opportunity to see face-to-face some of the artworks that I had studied when I was a teenager was like a home-coming experience for me. I had learnt about the artworks and finally they were right before my eyes.

I could go back to the Museum of Modern Art countless times to enjoy this home-coming experience. I wished I had more time to spend at MoMA. This is the place to visit for some of the best works of contemporary art.

Learning point: There are classes that we had attended in the past which we did not know why. Yet let us have the trust that a few of these classes will prove themselves to be the best investments that we could make using our time. I know one of such classes were the art history classes.

Special thanks to Mr Ellis, my art teacher in Secondary School for giving me a foundation in art history and in fine arts.

***

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

11 W 53rd St between Fifth and Sixth aves

Subway: B, D, F, V to 47-50th St

http://www.moma.org

2 July 2015: Carnegie Hall and a missed chance

2 Jul 2015:

I have heard about it. The Carnegie Hall is one of the world's great concert venues. Carnegie Hall was built by magnate, Andrew Carnegie, in 1891.  I was told that Carnegie Hall has superb acoustics.

I could have been more thorough when planning my trip in New York City. I was planning to take one of the guided tours of Carnegie Hall when I was in New York City. While I had visited the Carnegie Hall to look at its lobby area, I had missed the opportunity to take one of the guided tours by just two days. The guided tours are conducted from late September to June, and the last guided tour for June 2015 was on 30 June 2015.

At the very least, I had stepped into the main lobby of Carnegie Hall. I did not attend any concert at Carnegie Hall as yet. I was in need of a good night rest on 2 July 2015 so I decided to give up the option of attending a concert at the Carnegie Hall.

By the way, in New York City, there is a district that is called Carnegie Hill. However, the Carnegie Hall is not located there. Many thanks to one of the staff members from the United Nations for alerting me to this piece of information. It had helped to ask.

Learning point: This is a landmark that will be enjoyed in perpetuity. In the meantime, a reminder for myself to plan better in the future.

Carnegie Hall
154 W 57th St at Seventh Ave
Subway: N, Q, R, W to 57th St

Tours: Late September to June
http://www.carnegiehall.org

2 Jul 2015: A Visit to United Nations Headquarters

2 Jul 2015:

While I was in New York, I took some time to visit the United Nations Headquarters. When visiting the United Nations Headquarters, it is essential to bring along one's identification documents. Guided tours are only offered on weekdays. By the time when I had reached the United Nations Visitor Centre past 1 p.m., all the guided tours were no longer available for reservation. The guided tours will take visitors to experience some of the non-public spaces of the United Nations Headquarters.

Knotted Gun sculpture, Non-Violence.

There were spaces for exhibitions at the United Nations Visitor Centre. Before I entered the indoor spaces of the United Nations Headquarters, I was greeted by the Knotted Gun sculpture, Non-Violence by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reutersward at the outdoor Plaza of the UN Visitors Entrance on 46th Street and 1st Avenue. This was made by the sculptor after his friend, the singer and peace activist John Lennon was shot dead in 1980.

One interesting thing about the United Nations Headquarters is that the United Nation issues its own stamps! Visitors can also create their own unique United Nations stamps with their photos taken at the Personalized Stamp Shop. At the UN Gift Centre, visitors can find many miniature United Nations flags as well as those of all Member states. This is perhaps a wonderful place for philatelists?

Admittedly, my legs were aching by the time I was at the United Nations Headquarters so I was spending more of the time finding seats to rest my feet. While resting, I took time to admire the works of art on display at the exhibitions.

My learning point is that anyone who wants to visit the United Nations Headquarters will find it more meaningful to join the guided tour, and to visit as early in the morning as possible to get a place in the guided tour. Admission to the United Nations Visitor Centre is free.

United Nations Visitor Centre
801 First Avenue (Corner of 45th Street)
New York
http://visit.un.org

2 Jul 2015: Washington Square Park and more

2 Jul 2015:

NYU.

After enjoying cups of coffee at Abraco, my next stop was the United Nations. On the way there, I thought of taking photographs of the nearby university campus of NYU (New York University) as well as visit Washington Square Park. The park is a landmark for cultural activity. Two prominent features at the park are the Washington Square Arch and the large fountain.

Washington Square Park.

Washington Square Park.

On my way to United Nations, it was essential to stop by the Grand Central Station if I were to use the public transport. The station looked very different during the day.

Grand Central Station.

On my way, I ordered a 99 cents fresh pizza for myself. I felt I could make better pizzas yet at 99 cents for a slice of pizza, I felt thankful that the meal was easily affordable.

A glimpse of New York City before I visit the United Nations.