Wanting to choose comes naturally, though it isn’t linked to any distinct biological advantage. Without choice, as zoo animals show, even if someone else’s decisions set you up in luxury, you won’t be happy. Having influence on control makes people happiest. A nursing home let some patients decide when to watch movies and which plants they wanted. After six months, those who had more perceived choice “were happier and more alert” and, it turned out, “were less likely to have died.”

People define themselves through their choices

The studies just described come from the book The Art of Choices written by Sheena Iyengar, a professor at Columbia University. In her book, Iyengar makes these observations. The way that people make choices as individual consumers of products and services has changed with industrialization. Buying was once very matter-of-fact due to limited options, but it has been transformed into collecting markers of personal identity. As “an ethos of independence” took over, getting noticed as an individual replaced blending in, and choice became an exercise of personal definition. Think Starbucks, automobiles, or clothing fashion. Now, people everywhere face substantial new alternatives. Options for family structure, political affiliation, and even eye color (with “tinted contact lenses”) let people express themselves in countless ways.

Iyengar continues by stating that along with freedom, these decisions carry the burden of defining a person’s self-image. She describes three challenges make this hard: People believe they are more unique than they are, they want a consistent vision of themselves, and they want it to mesh with others’ views of them. With each potentially immobilizing choice, people define themselves privately and socially. Iyengar’s solution: Try to see your identity as ever changing, so that choosing helps you discover yourself.

If we replace organizations with people there are similarities.

The role of analytics to make choices for organizations

Analytics’ goal should be to gain insights and solve problems, to make better and quicker decisions with more accurate and fact-based data, and to take actions. “Big data” with high performance computing is allowing organizations to deploy business analytics to have more choices and make better decisions. But the three challenges that Iyengar describes also apply to organizations. For commercial companies they seek a competitive edge typically through differentiated products and services increasingly targeting differentiated customers.

Since customer preferences are not static – they are making individual choices on what to purchase – business analytics are essential to detect what is changing. They are also needed for organizations to uniquely define themselves. Ultimately the best source to gain a competitive edge is to grow competencies in employees with analytics – creating a culture for analytics.

  Expression of Interest Exercise for leasing of Small Retail Zone of Domain closes on Friday

Hong Kong (HKSAR) – The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:

The Housing Authority (HA) has been receiving Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from interested parties and small business operators for the leasing of the Small Retail Zone of its mega-commercial centre located at Yau Tong MTR Station, Domain, since April 25. The HA today (May 15) reminded the public that the EOI exercise will close this Friday (May 18).

The EOI application form can be downloaded from the Domain website at www.housingauthority.gov.hk/domain, and is also available at Yau Lai Shopping Centre in Yau Tong, the HA Customer Service Centre in Lok Fu and HA Headquarters in Ho Man Tin.

Completed application forms can be submitted in person to the three above-mentioned locations or by mail to the Commercial Properties Management Unit (Team 4) of the Housing Department at 1/F, Block 2, HA Headquarters, 33 Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon. The envelope should be marked with “EOI for Leasing of Retail Units in Small Retail Zone of Domain”.

Applications received by mail are dated by the postmark.

Interested parties should include in their EOI information the proposed trade, characteristics or uniqueness of the products/services, experience in the retail sector and the expected rent.

All proposals will be evaluated on the basis of relative comparison with reference to the uniqueness, creativity and attractiveness of the products/services offered, as well as the image and potential being brought to the shopping centre, while experience in business operation will not be a significant factor so as to encourage participation from small business operators and aspiring individuals.

It is expected that by mid-June the HA will invite shortlisted applicants to participate in a restricted instant tender, which will be held between the end of June and early July. There will be a predetermined reference rent for each unit, and tenancies will be granted to the highest bidders on two-year terms with fixed monthly rent.

Located on the second floor at Domain with a total area of about 700 square metres, the Small Retail Zone comprises 23 open and independent shop units, with internal floor area ranging from 10 to 60 square meters.

Fashion clothing, fashion accessories, handicraft and gift items, mobile phone accessories, eyeglasses, fashion jewellery, watches, electronic games, cosmetics, skin care and hair care products, etc, are to be provided in the Small Retail Zone.

For enquiries, please call the leasing hotline at 2820 2966 during working hours (9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm) or fax to 2802 8568 and contact the sole private estate agent appointed by the HA.

Over 70 per cent of the leasable area of Domain has been let or has reached agreed terms since leasing started last year.

Source: HKSAR Government

Published on: 2012-05-15

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The Delibodi oil burner costs Bt350, with aromatic essential oils ranging from Bt450 to Bt880.

Feeling overwhelmed by life in the fast lane, Anutra Ungsuprasert quit her job as an editor for Nation Junior magazine five years ago and took the pace down a few notches by launching her own line of aromatic skincare products and home accessories under the label Delibodi.

With the concept of slowing life down, Delibodi’s fragrant products made from natural ingredients include hand cream, body lotion, shower gel and scented candles, all created to let you savour time with yourself and loved ones.

In keeping with the philosophy, Anutra has let the business grow organically by word of mouth, and two years after its founding Delibodi still had no permanent outlets of its own. But she and her two partners, Sataporn Nuallaong and Akarit Leeyavanich – the guys run graphic design firm Default Associates – have finally decided to set up their own shop, called Made, at new riverfront mall Asiatique to discover what people actually think about their products.

“Although we love to savour the slow life, we don’t want our business going slowly,” jokes Anutra. “So far, we have sold our products through other shops, so we don’t know who our customers are. We keep asking ourselves whether there is room in the market for our ideas. Having our own shop, we will get the answer. But having been open for just 10 days, we believe we are on the right track.”

Made doesn’t limit itself to just Delibodi stuff, but has a wide selection of eye-catching products also available to cheer up your home. The shop has an eco-friendly vibe with wooden shelves offering bright ideas for everyday life – from fragrant products, handicrafts, clothing, fashion accessories and houseware, to works of art.

So far the products come from 15 partners – most of them local designers. Among them are notebooks hand-made by Nauli, Papermint and Obasan from quality paper sandwiched by attractive graphic covers. Nearby sit soft pillows and dolls made from Japanese cotton by Cherrijame, while Vanilla Vintage’s collection of sleek tablecloths, hand towels, slippers and face scrubs come from a little further afield – Lithuania.

Thought has also gone into the stylish selection of bags. There are two-tone earth totes by Spoonful Zakka along with Lapin canvas bags that come in polka-dot or plain colour, offered side by side with characterful crocheted totes and clothing made by Anutra’s “auntie” neighbour. Also catching the eye are wooden candleholders and ceramic bowls by Bahari and prints made from original paintings by young artist Suthipa Kamyam.

Meanwhile the Delibodi line offers body lotions, hand creams and shower gels in four scents. Sensual refreshment is covered by Mandarin Poetry’s extract of lemon and orange, or for more zing try Ginger Theory’s peppermint and ginger. If you need a stress-busting scent go for Tea Culture made from Oolong, or the subtle Olive Serif.

For relief at the end of those long busy days, Made has hand-poured aromatic candles made of non-toxic soy wax that are soot-free. They come in three fragrances – Zen Valley (bamboo and citrus), Tuscany Garden (olive) and Borneo Native (mixed flowers). More soothing natural scents are offered by essential oil blends extracted from seeds, flowers, leaves, fruits, barks and roots of different aromatic herbs.

“We try to select products with a vintage and softer feel. Rather than vivid shades, we go for warm tones of white, cream, blue, brown and navy blue. Handmade is the main key,” explains Anutra.

The shop is also keen on hand-made fresh ideas from local designers. If you think your goodies are a good fit, feel free to e-mail welcome@delibodi.com.

Scent it out

>> Made is at Warehouse No 8 in Asiatique the Riverfront on Charoenkrung Road. It’s open daily from 5pm to 11pm.

>> Call (081) 432 3860. Visit www.Delibodi.com or www.AsiatiqueThailand.com.

Winnipeg Free Press – PRINT EDITION

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 1:00 AM | Comments: (including replies)

Bill McDonald

CEO, Winnipeg Humane Society

If your house were on fire, heaven forbid, what’s the one item contained within that you would try to take with you?

(People, pets and computers not included.)

The very first book that I bought by myself at age eight. It’s called Read Aloud Puppy Stories. Kinda strange considering what I do for a living now.

What’s the one clothing/fashion item you can’t live without?

Cowboy boots! I still have a pair that I wear that I bought in 1974. They fit like a glove and I have had them resoled four times.

What’s your favourite knick-knack and why?

A ceramic statue of my spaniel Tracy that was given to me as a Christmas present by my parents in 1970. It sits on a shelf in my office and reminds me of both my parents and Tracy. He was a great dog for a kid growing up — full of energy and smart.

What’s the oldest thing you own?

I have a pocket knife that belonged to my grandfather. He bought it in 1896 and used it to cut plugs off his chewing tobacco. He loved to offer us kids a piece of his “chocolate bar” but we all knew what it was.

Describe your most beloved piece of furniture.

I have an old-fashioned burgundy leather wing-backed chair in my library. It has the brass studs and deep-set buttons and I love to sit in it in my library to read or watch TV.

Is there an edible item we’ll always find in your pantry

or fridge?

Bread and olives. I love all the various kinds of bread that are available now and I must have six different jars or tubs of olives in my fridge. A favourite lunch on Saturday or Sunday is bread and olives and a glass of wine. I must have some Italian or Spanish roots in my Scottish background.

As the days get longer and the nights warmer, there seems to be more things to do around town, especially this weekend. There are quite a variety of events going on in the “event city,” so there’s sure to be something to please everyone in the family. From seeing a play to going to play with kittens at the Humane Society, there’s quite a few things to choose from to fill your time.

A battle of the arts

This weekend is a big one for both Oshkosh North and West high schools. The two schools will perform their own take of the Shakespeare classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In this original production, called “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: And the Power of the Creative Arts,” students from both schools will take the stage together for the first time in nine years.

This creative performance is being put on at the Grand Opera House, 100 High Ave., Friday through Sunday. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, and tickets are $10.

For more information or to buy tickets online, go to grandoperahouse.org or call (920) 424-2350. To check out a video preview of a rehearsal, go to www.thenorthwestern.com.

Fashion forward Oshkosh

Feel like putting on your Sunday best a little early this week? Check out the “Step Out In Fashion” style fashion show and dinner at the Oshkosh Convention Center on Thursday. The event will start at 3:30 p.m., with shopping at some of the featured stores, followed by dinner and a fashion show from 5:30-7:30 p.m., followed by more shopping. (If you’re up for it!)

Some of the local featured shops are AtomicKatz, Brooks Brothers, Karniby’s, The Guilded Lilly and Reimer Jewelers. Miss Oshkosh Samantha Philip will also be making an appearance. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling (920) 424-4071. Proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy’s Out of Home Respite Care Program.

Furry, fuzzy friends from the OAHS

Word on the street is the Oshkosh Area Humane Society is going to be getting a whole lot of kittens this summer – as in hundreds. Who wouldn’t want to take home a new fuzzy addition to the family? In preparation for all of the new friends, the OAHS is holding a fundraiser and “kitten shower” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Humane Society, 1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh. There will be refreshments, raffles, prizes and games.

As the days get longer and the nights warmer, there seems to be more things to do around town, especially this weekend. There are quite a variety of events going on in the “event city,” so there’s sure to be something to please everyone in the family. From seeing a play to going to play with kittens at the Humane Society, there’s quite a few things to choose from to fill your time.

A battle of the arts

This weekend is a big one for both Oshkosh North and West high schools. The two schools will perform their own take of the Shakespeare classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In this original production, called “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: And the Power of the Creative Arts,” students from both schools will take the stage together for the first time in nine years.

This creative performance is being put on at the Grand Opera House, 100 High Ave., Friday through Sunday. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, and tickets are $10.

For more information or to buy tickets online, go to grandoperahouse.org or call (920) 424-2350. To check out a video preview of a rehearsal, go to www.thenorthwestern.com.

Fashion forward Oshkosh

Feel like putting on your Sunday best a little early this week? Check out the “Step Out In Fashion” style fashion show and dinner at the Oshkosh Convention Center on Thursday. The event will start at 3:30 p.m., with shopping at some of the featured stores, followed by dinner and a fashion show from 5:30-7:30 p.m., followed by more shopping. (If you’re up for it!)

Some of the local featured shops are AtomicKatz, Brooks Brothers, Karniby’s, The Guilded Lilly and Reimer Jewelers. Miss Oshkosh Samantha Philip will also be making an appearance. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling (920) 424-4071. Proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy’s Out of Home Respite Care Program.

Furry, fuzzy friends from the OAHS

Word on the street is the Oshkosh Area Humane Society is going to be getting a whole lot of kittens this summer – as in hundreds. Who wouldn’t want to take home a new fuzzy addition to the family? In preparation for all of the new friends, the OAHS is holding a fundraiser and “kitten shower” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Humane Society, 1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh. There will be refreshments, raffles, prizes and games.

Thursday, 10 May 2012 04:26

Mother’s Day is a very special day for most women in Australia. It’s a day that we celebrate and honour our mothers, or mother figures and is held on the second Sunday in May.

It’s also a day for many of us as mothers to reflect on how we are doing as mums and what being a mum or becoming a mum is all about. It’s also a very special time for grandmothers.

According to entries on Wikipedia, Mother’s Day traditions stem from other countries. The date we celebrate Mother’s Day is the same as the United States of America.

The day is celebrated in different countries, including China where carnations are popular Mother’s Day presents. Some groups in Samoa organise elaborate song and dance performances throughout the country. They celebrate the contributions that mothers make to Samoan society.

Mother’s Day is an annual public holiday in countries such as Costa Rica (August 15), Georgia (March 3), Samoa (second Monday of May), and Thailand (August 12).

We watch our children grow and we nurture them, and as mums we do it because we want to and we love our children. It’s a maternal instinct that is hard to suppress. As our kids grow older we have to let them fly from the nest, and watch as they make their way in the world. We pick up the pieces when they fall and we’re almost always the first to forgive when things go wrong. We swell with pride at their achievements and have a sense of satisfaction for them when they are happy.

They’re our kids and we love them.

The modern-day origins of Mother’s Day can be attributed to two women – Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, who were important in establishing the tradition in the United States.

Around 1870, Julia Ward Howe called for Mother’s Day to be celebrated each year. It continued to be held in Boston for about 10 years under her sponsorship, but died out after that. Other sources say that Juliet Calhoun Blakely initiated Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the late 1800s. Her sons paid tribute to her each year and urged others to honour their mothers.

Winnipeg Free Press – PRINT EDITION

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 1:00 AM | Comments: (including replies)

Gem Newman

Software developer and founder of the Winnipeg Skeptics

If your house were on fire, heaven forbid, what’s the one item contained within that you would try to take with you? (People, pets and computers not included.)

In that situation, I’d rather find myself ensuring that everyone is out safely than grabbing one last sentimental item, to be honest. That said, the pocket watch that my wife gave me a few months after we began dating is special to me. It rarely leaves my pocket, however, so I’d probably grab the photo that was signed by all of our wedding guests off the wall.

What’s the one clothing/fashion item you can’t live without? “Can’t live without” is rather extreme, but I am inordinately fond of my grey sports coat, what with its geography-teacher elbow patches and all.

What’s your favourite knick-knack and why?

I generally keep a Swiss Army knife in my pocket (I prefer Victorinox, but Wenger will do in a pinch).

What’s the oldest thing you own?

Several of the books in my library are more than a century old, but (as a technophile) most of my possessions run much newer than that.

Describe your most beloved piece of furniture.

I’m not much concerned with furniture, but I do quite enjoy the old orange armchair that we keep in the basement.

Is there an edible item we’ll always find in your pantry or fridge?

Coffee beans and tea leaves. I am very rarely without a mug of dark roast or a cup of Earl Grey.