OBS(cure) Theory

Obviously obscure theories in the realm of health, communication, relationships, religion and development. All the "crazy" unleashed in one spot...

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What City Are You?

* Madrid marvels. Traditionally staunch governmental city. (Oct, 2010)

Most people choose to live where they grew up among their family and friends - where they find safety in numbers. Where you choose to live has an immense impact on your financial, emotional and mental well-being.

Throughout different phases of your life you should take the opportunity to live in a suitable city which enhances your development and creative clout. If you only experience other places through internet or film it will never bring you the full sensory glow of a new place.

Here is a quiz that may guide you in the right direction. Don't forget to pack a map!

http://www.brainfall.com/quizzes/what-city-should-you-live-in/

In a more studied review, Richard Florida's theories on the rising of the creative class examine how people are making decisions about where to live and why. Such measures as the "Bohemian/Gay Index" point to the creativity and potential of a city. 

http://www.creativeclass.com/_v3/whos_your_city/

* Sitges, Spain. Mecca of bohemians, gays and cosmopolitan/international residents. (Feb, 2012)

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Rise from the Deep

Never mind the questionable doping, Lance Armstrong is an inspirational figure in the realm of incredible. He fought f***ing cancer. He won 7 Tours. He's raising 5 kids. And he peddled ads for Nike like no other sporting wonder.

He's risen from the deep recesses of hope-crushing cancers and drug allegations yet outperforms his peers in charitable causes and wins.

Every time I watch these spots it makes me want to hop back on my bike. Ride on and on...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxcY2hvBQZs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIl5RxhLZ5U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph6Gd2Cg4gc&feature=fvwrel

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Pull From Various Religions

*The Duomo casts an afternoon shadow in Florence, Italy (Dec. 2011)

Pull out from under the shadow of the Church. Pick your favourite aspects from whichever religions you like and create your own spiritual script to follow. Atheist is a chicken's way out. Yes, science "has a point", but to really live with morals and ethics it helps if you have some guidelines in a higher order/sense of purpose kind of way. 

Obs(cure) Theorist hancho is 1/3 Buddhist, 1/3 Scientologist, and 1/3 Kabbalah. Reincarnation, auditing, aliens, silent birth, sporting the red string... these are defining elements of my hybrid belief system. 

It is unrealistic to dedicate yourself to one religion fully when there may be certain aspects you would not rather participate in. Even I cringe at the thought of the Scientologists taking me under for a deep "auditing" session. I would try it sure, but the cost is crazy if you wrap yourself in the warped cult. And I never go in too deep. 

Religion is like picking from a plate. You eat what you like and you swallow what you can handle. It is best to learn the basics from various religions so you can understand how and why people make the decisions they do. The obvious is to touch lightly upon your practices but not to become too extreme. 

Here are some essential links to the top three somewhat enlightened religions:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/

http://www.scientology.org/

http://www.kabbalah.com/

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Talk to Strangers

Don't be so f***ing shy or bashful. Approach everyone, even the homeless. Talk taboo. Say what's really on your mind. No judgements. Talking to strangers will change your life. 

Vancouverites in particular seem to be cliquey and unapproachable. The "talking to strangers" concept is not new to Europeans or Australians, but for some reason Canadians, especially those on the West Coast seem uptight or even surprised if someone initiates conversation. Don't be so polite next time that mysterious person crosses your path. Open up. Speaking up, asking questions and getting to know someone (other than just for money, sex or hobby) might advance your presumptions or beliefs beyond your typical sphere of influence.

The city can be a lonely place sometimes. Get out there and see who lives among the lights.

* Vancouver city skyline (Jan, 2011)

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Bring Back the Suit

These days think of a suit and you think Mad Men, right? There is so much more to the suit than the latest regurgitation, albeit slight alteration, of decades past. It’s not just Don Draper that’s draping a suit. It’s you. And that killer cat in the corner office that may or may not be your make-believe arch-nemesis. Do they have it better than you? It depends on their suit perhaps.

You not only want this staple, you need it to work harder than you on some days. The fabric entices the feeler just as the fit grants you the gait. A suit essentially gets you the kind of action not suited for, well, a suit. Dressing for money, a date, whatever it is you’re after - you know what that requires. This requirement is coming back in a big way. Unless you have no desire to take care of such suited urges.

Tom Ford swoops onto the scene bringing styles more relevant than the maddest man’s ad campaign. If you need inspiration look to Ford's Fall 2012 campaign: http://www.tomford.com/#/en/menswear/autumn/winter-2012

Take a look in your closet. Find something that measures up to who you are? Some suits fall short of delivery. Yet you have a lot riding on yours. The presentation you’re delivering at work is just icing on your look. Face it. 

Living in Europe has given me a different perspective on the suit. The men wear the shit out of them over here. Simply put, they wear it well. Perhaps it is in their genes. The long, lean leap of their confidence grants them the privilege to don whatever style and they own it like no other. Midday sees all sorts flock out to lunch in an impeccably tailored piece. My tongue has never wagged so much. We know the suit is here. But the question remains, when you finally find the right one, how does it suit up your life?

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Gestures, Shape, Lines and Fate

Are hand-talkers exaggerators? Yes.

Do big hands signify solid, smart individuals with better confidence? Yup.

Well-mapped lines on your hand indicate a sense of purpose and direction. Palm readers believe the lines can pinpoint your personality and perhaps fate...

If you are in need of a great party trick learn the basics of palm reading. If you are unable to identify what every line means, just make it up along the way based on other characteristics you observe. See what happens and how they respond. Most people you will notice shake their head yes and agree with various generalizations about their character. 

People love to talk about themselves and find you interesting if you are the one asking questions of them. Become more engaged with the people you meet by offering something unique. Comment on a gesture or characteristic that makes them feel noticed. If they have long fingers - do they play an instrument or are they artistic? Ask these questions. 

Left-handed (southpaw) individuals are said to be more creative because they use the right side of their brain. People with large, paddle-type paws are strong swimmers. Our hands determine more than we are aware. Claws write the clause, and paws pause before pouncing. 

Here's a basic how-to on reading palms:

http://www.wikihow.com/Read-Palms

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Mastering the Art of Siesta

* Augusto el Perro takes siesta (Feb, 2012)

Ah, the afternoon Zzz's beckon when the weather becomes too hot mid-day or work pressures have built enough tension by late morning so a siesta makes sense to refresh for the long afternoon ahead. Or if you live in Spain, siesta is the standard. Typically taken between 1 and 3pm, it's a hard habit to break if you've established a perfect routine to incorporate the luxury.

Perhaps Spain, Italy and Greece must abolish siesta to work on fixing their economic crisis? Nonsense, and here is why:

If you have more time during the day, roughly 80 minutes does the trick to doze into the REM cycle. There is a strong link between the way you sleep and your creative output. With 60-90 minutes of sleep new connections in the brain develop and creativity flows more upon waking. (It will take considerable creativity to solve the financial woes of Southern Europe...)

There are varying theories on the optimal length of time to allow for siesta.  Some say 18-20 minutes is just enough time to settle down, fall asleep and then catch yourself drifting before you fall into a deep slumber, which makes it more difficult to rouse out of.

The following shows further evidence in favour of taking siesta:

http://www.siestaawareness.org/pages/siesta-facts.php

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"On the Spectrum"

We all have our quirks. Some of us are genetically quirky but function well nonetheless. If you find yourself identifying with traits common in Asperger's syndrome, ADD or dyslexia your skills and aptitudes are highly coveted and marketable in the software industry.

You can take the AQ Test here to find out if you are in the range:  http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html

We all eventually grow up and out of that awkward stage (well, some of us) and when we leave the playground we must find a balance in the office/work-force with the smooth-talking executives and managers. If you fall somewhere "on the spectrum" you are a potentially valuable prospect for hyper-paced tech start-ups.

A recent article in the Economist points to some famous examples of successful entrepreneurs that took their quirks to market: http://www.economist.com/node/21556230

*A cautionary note however: If you are in the process of genetically scoping out your future brood look for a complementary strike. The protocol is not always obvious, but here is our (somewhat obscure) theory. The social should breed with the shy. The Type A with the B. Blood Type O with B or A. You get it by now... mix up your batter before it bakes.

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"Be the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are." 

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A clever advert for the Guadian's quest for open journalism. Keep your chiny chin chins up little fellas. Check it! 

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Diversions are for the curious and the creative. Let your life have time for diversions. Find yourself around the corner and thank instinct if this diversion turns out to be your main path.

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Radical Honesty

Don't be boring, be honest. Don't pretend or fake your way to civil discussion. You don't have to be obnoxious in your pursuit; you can be authentic in your approach and genuine with your words.

Dr. Brad Blanton developed the technique/self-improvement program of Radical Honesty to enhance human relationships by creating an intimacy with (and in) truth. Taboo or painful subjects are transcended breaking boundaries otherwise not crossed. More details on the concept can be found here:  http://www.radicalhonesty.com/

Children are the greatest truth tellers until they are scolded for being blunt or impolite. We can do a better job teaching kids to maintain a truthful version of their view on topics if they are not shamed into conventional approach. If there is a gentleness to their words, integrity and honesty shining through then perhaps a more healthy forum of communication will be established. 

If you are having hesitations embracing Radical Honesty check out this writer's experience covering the trend for Esquire Magazine: http://www.esquire.com/features/honesty0707

You can handle the truth. It's a lot more interesting... 

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Obscure theories develop during childhood...

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”  ― Dr. Seuss