More on ANA's Boarding Music

The boarding music used by All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Japanese airline, is a well-known and distinctive piece of music that has been played before takeoff on ANA flights for many years. The piece is called "Takarajima," which means "Treasure Island" in Japanese. It was composed by Japanese musician and composer Taro Hakase specifically for ANA.

"Takarajima" is a lively and upbeat piece of music that features a combination of classical and contemporary elements, including strings, piano, and percussion. It was first introduced as ANA's boarding music in 1996, and has since become a signature part of the airline's brand and identity.

According to ANA, the choice of "Takarajima" as their boarding music was intended to evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation among passengers as they prepare to embark on their journey. The music is meant to create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere and to convey the idea that each ANA flight is a special and unique experience.

In addition to its use as boarding music, "Takarajima" has also been used in ANA's marketing and advertising campaigns and has become a recognizable symbol of the airline's stated commitment to quality and customer service.

Overall, in their view, the use of "Takarajima" as ANA's boarding music reflects the airline's attention to detail and commitment to providing a memorable and enjoyable flying experience for its passengers.

Why Do Belgian Beers Come in 11.2 oz/330 ml Containers?

Belgian beers are often bottled in 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottles due to historical reasons and the preference of Belgian brewers. This size is unique to Belgium and is not commonly used in other countries.

One reason for the use of 11.2 oz bottles is related to the history of beer production in Belgium. In the early 20th century, Belgium had a large number of small breweries, and beer was often sold in small bottles or served on tap. The 11.2 oz bottle size was common at that time and became popular among Belgian beer drinkers.

Another reason is the preference of Belgian brewers for smaller bottle sizes. Unlike in some other countries where large beer bottles are popular, Belgian brewers prefer smaller bottles as they believe that they help to maintain the quality and taste of their beer. Additionally, smaller bottles allow them to produce a wider variety of beers, as smaller batches can be bottled without the risk of spoilage.

Finally, the use of 11.2 oz bottles may also be related to the country's tax laws. In Belgium, beer is subject to a progressive tax based on the volume produced. By using smaller bottles, breweries can avoid the higher tax rates that apply to larger bottles.

So, in the end, the reason why Belgian beers are often bottled in 11.2 oz bottles is due to historical reasons, the preference of Belgian brewers for smaller bottles, and tax considerations.

Ten Essential Things to Know About Listicles

1. That they are a click-baiters dream come true.

2. That they force the author of the listicle to come up with whatever random thoughts or ideas in order to meet the number of items they promised.

3. That despite their promise for easy and fast information, context is still king and you really should do your research.

4. That despite list item 2, I am seriously debating just stopping the list here.

5. That I could, though, use this opportunity to try to sell you some product or service, since we are all just customers.

6. That AI will likely be producing a ton of these in short order as a means to direct people toward products and services.

7. That if you see a link and really want to click on it, that was the plan. Watch your wallet. 

8. That you really should get more sleep and treat your physical and mental self much better than you do.

9. That “things” don’t add meaning or establish purpose in your life. That using “things” as symbols of status really is, in the end, very empty and that you have the choice to fill that emptiness with more things (only to feel the same or worse emptiness) or to get off that treadmill and connect with people as you are. 

10. That you should communicate with your family and friends and those that love you more often, not to guilt you, but really they do, in the end, add the most meaning and purpose to your life.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boarding Music to the Wind

OK, I cannot be the only one to hear "Tara's Theme" from "Gone with the Wind" in ANA's boarding music.

Podcast Favorites: In Our Time: Orwell's Animal Farm

On this great podcast episode of "In Our Time" (yes, BBC4) the host (Melvyn Bragg) and guests have a very interesting discussion about the book "Animal Farm", and its allegorical meaning, particularly in the time it was written (1944). Discussions give very interesting look into Orwell as a person as well as search out how well Orwell "got it right" with respect to "the Old Left". Highly recommended (particularly in these Orwellian times). Download the episode here: High Bandwidth, Lower Bandwidth

"Up-side" Risk & Development

Brainstorm on "up-side risks" and development economics

"The only ignorant question is the one not asked"

Disclaimer  
As (I hope will not be too) apparent to anyone with a some level of economics or statistical education, this is not my primary area of work - yet to open the bridges between siloed disciplines (aka interdisciplinary work) we must start walking into personally murky waters. We must not fear retribution for basics not received or lost (can you tell this is a pep talk?)

Up-side Risk
Are there "up-side" risks? In other words, how does one assess (or does one assess) the risks associated with a "positive" upside event? Of course for those that hedge there is upside risk. Hmm. So perhaps we can see investment in things like Air Conditioning or perhaps water systems and electrical systems as a hedge against risks in natural capital? Of course in an urban environment - with population densities well beyond the carrying capacity - such systems are no longer a "hedge", no longer "insurance" but full blown... cost? I now reach too far beyond my ken. Perhaps some input from others on how to think this through.

What McCain campaign wants you to think

What McCain campaign wants you to think about:
Palin
Lipstick on a pig
Fear
Terror
War
Culture wars
Obama's funny name
Bridges to nowhere (supported or otherwise)

Airplanes on ebay (not personally places there or otherwise)

What they don't want you to think about:
The economy

Insight

There was some great insight I had on waking up this morning that I cannot recall at all. It is quite funny how that happens. I am having a brilliant insight and then like it never happened - poof. Reminds me of smoking pot. Great insights - all meaningless. I know... I'm getting older (that is of course humordamnit)

It's funny, I just read that the American women took the gold and silver in the Olympic games in Beijing. This was in the individual event (as it must considering that as teams that could not have taken the gold AND silver). It's funny because the Chinese women took the gold in the team event and thus highlighting strategy and cultural differences between the two countries. One more group oriented and the other more individual oriented. I think both countries would benefit from respecting the opposing philosophy a little more.