Friday, October 21, 2011

Rugby World Cup Final Preview - France vs New Zealand

One of the most beautiful people I ever worked with got married to a French guy. She's moving to France now. Life sucks.
France are one of the most consistent teams in World Cup history. This makes it 3 final appearances and they have perennially been in the semi finals throughout the history of the competition.
New Zealand are one of the more inconsistent teams in the competition, capable of outstanding performances but also capable of the off day.
The strength for the French will be in their forwards. Harinordoquy has been amazing as usual for the French. Despite their reputation for flair, the French demonstrated in their win against Wales that they can win ugly.
For New Zealand, it's all about Owen Franks.

A few statistics to bear in mind for the final:

- This World Cup has the lowest kicking conversion rate of any
- This World Cup has seen the least amount of kicks in open play since 1991
- Canada won their first World Cup game. They also steal our women

Monday, October 17, 2011

Inventions

Sometimes necessity, sometimes it's just not necessity. Let's look at the top 5 inventions that ended up being used for something other than their intention.

5. The Ice Gun

Originally invented as a prop for the movie Top Gun 2 (never released), the ice gun is used in rugby union and other professional plowing parties. It's a fantastic invention, in winter people play rugby, in summer people drink beer. In winter, you ice the injuries of players, in summer, instant coldie.



4. Aspirin

Originally designed to treat headaches, it's now used in open heart surgery. Truly life-saving.





3. Internet



The government developed the network for internet relay chat. They never thought anyone would use it so never worried about security. Now it's used for MySpace, Bebo, ICQ etc. Some people still think it's a government project and call it the 'Internet'.





2. Shoe-goo

Your favourite shoes are your favourite for a reason. At first, they were uncomfortable. Garish even. You went through store after store to try and find some good shoes. Then you brought them back and most of them just didn't cut it. But these ones, these are your favourite. With them, you can go anywhere. And, it feels even more comfortable than going barefoot (bindies don't hurt).

When your shoes break, when the soles come off, there is shoe-goo. Except, it doesn't work. It's now used for repairing cricket bats.




1. Baseball bat

Baseball was invented in the 1800's. Back when people wore baggy pants, handlebar moustaches and the cities were made up of grassy fields, the game started to teach people the new geometry that was being developed (the rhombus).












Saturday, October 8, 2011

Interview with Dave Careers

Today on the blog we're pleased to present an interview with Dave Careers, author of Career Advice and Things to Expect When You're Managing Expectations.

So Dave, tell us what inspired you to write these books?

Thanks guys for inviting me. I guess the best way to describe it is my friends always just said I should write this book. I think there was a big gap out there. We've all read the books that give the general advice 'Follow your passions' but people out there need to hear more specifics.

So let's get into specifics. What are some simple ways people can get ahead in their careers?

Always take on more work than you have time to do. Then delegate that work to someone else. Take the credit for that work.

Practice looking busy in the mirror.

If you stay back late or work on the weekend, make sure someone knows about it. Send an email, or bring it into conversation when people ask you how your weekend was.

What are some tips for when it all goes wrong?

Always have a back up plan. Not a degree or another career, just remember if you are going into a meeting, have someone call you in an hour to say you have to go. Like a bad date, only worse.

You talk a lot about the power of words in your book. What do you mean?

Well, really it's just about phrasing. If someone below you asks for your help, don't say yes. In fact, if someone wants to talk to you, you need to have a bit of a pained expression. Mention how busy you are (as if you'd love to continue this chat but you know, you're working) and then say you'll get back to them later.

Learn these phrases. 'I've got to get something out' 'Push back' 'Over-deliver'. These will help you when people are asking you to do something.

Any last words?

Being professional.

Thanks Dave, I think that's all we've got time for.

Touch base if you have any queries.

Thanks a lot Dave, for your time.

Hope you're well.

Good luck with the book.

Thanks for sending this through to me, just a couple of things.

Alright Dave.

As discussed, here are a few action points from our meeting.

Look forward to reading the next one

Warmest regards.