1. What about YouTube? I love YouTube! It's just better than television in every way. Some things can still get better from a technical standpoint, but that happens as we speak. As with everything on the internet – parental advice and guidance is necessary, of course. But that is no different with YouTube than with Google.
2. What about Facebook and those guys? I use Facebook exclusively to stay in touch with a well defined group of friends: people I have met through Up With People. For that, it is a great tool. I might have to reconsider my policy though – a lot of ”addings” are coming my way, and I feel a bit hostile each time I ignore someone. Plus, so many things actually happen on Facebook, invitations, planning... Yes. I might have to reconsider. As far as outing my private self, yes, that is something I always take into consideration. I am probably not very generous with very private matters, compared to some.
3. What about Wikipedia? As a journalist, I am VERY careful when I use Wikipedia. I am often downright suspicious. In ”real” encyclopedias, some things may be wrong. But they are never wrong on purpose. Wikipedia is full of ”facts” that people contribute for kicks. One example that might entertain you: I interviewed English talk show legend Michael Parkinson a few weeks ago. It said on Wikipedia that he was a ”keen beekeeper”, and I asked him about that. He laughed, and said ”yeah, that's on Wikipedia, isn't it?”. I wrote that in the interview, that is available here, in Swedish of course – and within hours, the beekeeping was removed from the Michael Parkinson article. This shows a great deal about both strengths and weaknesses in a wiki system.
4. What about blogging? I am a big fan. For fun, for networking, for learning. And to have a place to dispose the amount of text I produce every day. I am a write-o-maniac.
5. What about internet as a whole? It is indeed a change going faster than any changes mankind has experienced before. It's worth analysis and care, but it's there, and there is no going back in that sense. But the changes, long term? As a Chinese partyman said in the seventies about the impact of the French revolution – it's to soon to tell!
Showing posts with label Andreas Ekstrom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andreas Ekstrom. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
ANDREAS EKSTROM - Funny
1. What scene from a sit-com, book, film or play have you found the funniest and why? That is just impossible. I find a lot of things funny. To mention one thing, here's an absolute favorite from Seinfeld. Every little line, every move, is just so bleedin' perfect...
2. When was the last time you laughed so hard it hurt and who or what made you laugh? I can't remember. I rarely laugh that much. It might have been at the movies when I saw ”Burn after reading” a few weeks ago. (See it! It's the most fun I've had with a movie in a long, long time.)
3. What’s the funniest or most absurd situation you have found yourself in? Did you find it funny at the time or afterwards? I am not sure. I really can't think of anything like ”there I was with my foot in the whipped cream and my hands stuck inside a dead moose”, you know, those stories...
4. How would you describe your sense of humour and why do you think there is so much variation among individual’s senses of humour? I laugh at a lot: small things, crude things, wordplay, silly puns, politically incorrect things, old fashioned humour from rural Sweden, stuff that really doesn't translate... And the movie ”Team America: World Police”, another must-see. (And about people's different senses of humour? Well. People are different, in everything.)
5. Is humour powerful? Yes, in just about every way imagniable.
2. When was the last time you laughed so hard it hurt and who or what made you laugh? I can't remember. I rarely laugh that much. It might have been at the movies when I saw ”Burn after reading” a few weeks ago. (See it! It's the most fun I've had with a movie in a long, long time.)
3. What’s the funniest or most absurd situation you have found yourself in? Did you find it funny at the time or afterwards? I am not sure. I really can't think of anything like ”there I was with my foot in the whipped cream and my hands stuck inside a dead moose”, you know, those stories...
4. How would you describe your sense of humour and why do you think there is so much variation among individual’s senses of humour? I laugh at a lot: small things, crude things, wordplay, silly puns, politically incorrect things, old fashioned humour from rural Sweden, stuff that really doesn't translate... And the movie ”Team America: World Police”, another must-see. (And about people's different senses of humour? Well. People are different, in everything.)
5. Is humour powerful? Yes, in just about every way imagniable.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
ANDREAS EKSTROM: Your Relationship with Food
1. How would you describe your diet? How do you feel about it? I love to eat, and I am not picky. I have a soft spot for sugar and one for carbs... Good bread is a cornerstone in my eating. I gain weight fairly easily, even though I am considered thin, and have to watch what I eat. Generally, I think I know more about food than average Joe, and I love to cook.
2. How do you (and/or your family) eat? We eat well! We spend a lot on shopping for good food, we buy fruit and vegetables at the local square. We probably eat a little too much meat rather than beans and other sources of protein, and we could do better on fish as well.
3. Where do you shop for your food? How do your food-shopping habits reflect your values? Locally as much as we can – but practicalities and money are important factors.
4. What does your country/ state/ region do to influence how and what people eat? Does this need to change, in your opinion?Well, the food issue is on everyone's plate (har har) at the moment. There are discussions everywhere, and the Swedish government do make some attempts at informing well.
5a. What one thing can you do to wean yourself off an oil-based diet and onto sun-based foods? Move to Spain!
5b. What one thing can you do to improve your eating habits and thus your health? Stay off sugar for defined periods of time.
5c. What one thing can you do to encourage others to do the same? Leading by example and shutting up. Annoying food advice is one of the things I really hate. Most people know that that brownie probably isn't good for you in the long run. You just don't want to hear it while you're enjoying it...
2. How do you (and/or your family) eat? We eat well! We spend a lot on shopping for good food, we buy fruit and vegetables at the local square. We probably eat a little too much meat rather than beans and other sources of protein, and we could do better on fish as well.
3. Where do you shop for your food? How do your food-shopping habits reflect your values? Locally as much as we can – but practicalities and money are important factors.
4. What does your country/ state/ region do to influence how and what people eat? Does this need to change, in your opinion?Well, the food issue is on everyone's plate (har har) at the moment. There are discussions everywhere, and the Swedish government do make some attempts at informing well.
5a. What one thing can you do to wean yourself off an oil-based diet and onto sun-based foods? Move to Spain!
5b. What one thing can you do to improve your eating habits and thus your health? Stay off sugar for defined periods of time.
5c. What one thing can you do to encourage others to do the same? Leading by example and shutting up. Annoying food advice is one of the things I really hate. Most people know that that brownie probably isn't good for you in the long run. You just don't want to hear it while you're enjoying it...
Friday, November 14, 2008
ANDREAS EKSTROM: Teaching & Learning
1. What's your learning style? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Can't say that I am sure that I know how to fit myself into any of those three. All I know is that I learn best when I am curious.
2. What's the most useful thing you have learned that can be applied both, to your personal and to your professional life? To take big steps in small steps. To get shit done, rather than postponing.
3. Can you share what's been the most useful thing you have ever taught? I really don't know what that would be. Probably something I by example have taught my daughters about how to interact with other people.
4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten? ”Only pass the vehicle in front of you if you are absolutely sure there is enough space and time.” Sounds shallow? No! My dad one day changed his regular ”drive safely” to this, just one time. And by changing a standard, he made a thought really stick. So I take that experience and apply to other things. I always tell myself to ”be professional”. But what if I turn that into something real, like ”run spell-check twice, you wrote this in a hurry” or ”make sure you leave NO loose ends in this interview”? I really make a difference for myself.
5. If there was one thing you wished everyone in this planet learned, what would it be? That's easy: Empathy.
2. What's the most useful thing you have learned that can be applied both, to your personal and to your professional life? To take big steps in small steps. To get shit done, rather than postponing.
3. Can you share what's been the most useful thing you have ever taught? I really don't know what that would be. Probably something I by example have taught my daughters about how to interact with other people.
4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten? ”Only pass the vehicle in front of you if you are absolutely sure there is enough space and time.” Sounds shallow? No! My dad one day changed his regular ”drive safely” to this, just one time. And by changing a standard, he made a thought really stick. So I take that experience and apply to other things. I always tell myself to ”be professional”. But what if I turn that into something real, like ”run spell-check twice, you wrote this in a hurry” or ”make sure you leave NO loose ends in this interview”? I really make a difference for myself.
5. If there was one thing you wished everyone in this planet learned, what would it be? That's easy: Empathy.
Friday, November 7, 2008
ANDREAS EKSTROM: Of Dreams and Youth and Possibilities
1. When you were young what did you envision your future to be? And as a follow up, how does it compare to where you eventually arrived? I wanted to be a pilot! And then I got glasses at age 8, so I decided to write instead. Which is what I do. And married with children, I guess, which I am!
2. If you could go back and become yourself at a certain time in life which time would you choose and why? And if you could only take one bit of knowledge or one trait you’ve gained as you’ve grown older (but not too old!), what would it be? And why again? I am not sure I want to go back. I have been there already! I would love some more time with my grandparents, but...
3. Were you a reader as a youth? If so, what kind of books did you read? Who were some of your favorite authors at the time? Very much so. I read everything from kids books to pretty complicated stuff. I read ”Biggles”, all 80 of them. I read Gorbachev's ”Perestrojka” at age twelve. (That is just plain weird.)
4. I’m wondering if there are any dreams you had which you did not achieve but are still working on, or hoping to achieve? Just the usual fame and fortune. Except I am not sure I want more fame and fortune than I have. Ok, maybe a little. I would at some point like to be able to fly a plane! But enough to put in the time and money? No way.
5. Please share a book that has meant something to you, and tell us why. Jules Verne's ”Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” was my first ”big” novel experience. A book that had, and still has, just about everything. I to this day consider it a masterpiece, and I have reread it many times, even as an adult.
2. If you could go back and become yourself at a certain time in life which time would you choose and why? And if you could only take one bit of knowledge or one trait you’ve gained as you’ve grown older (but not too old!), what would it be? And why again? I am not sure I want to go back. I have been there already! I would love some more time with my grandparents, but...
3. Were you a reader as a youth? If so, what kind of books did you read? Who were some of your favorite authors at the time? Very much so. I read everything from kids books to pretty complicated stuff. I read ”Biggles”, all 80 of them. I read Gorbachev's ”Perestrojka” at age twelve. (That is just plain weird.)
4. I’m wondering if there are any dreams you had which you did not achieve but are still working on, or hoping to achieve? Just the usual fame and fortune. Except I am not sure I want more fame and fortune than I have. Ok, maybe a little. I would at some point like to be able to fly a plane! But enough to put in the time and money? No way.
5. Please share a book that has meant something to you, and tell us why. Jules Verne's ”Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” was my first ”big” novel experience. A book that had, and still has, just about everything. I to this day consider it a masterpiece, and I have reread it many times, even as an adult.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
ANDREAS EKSTROM: Travel, Work and Politics
1. Can you describe a favorite travel memory? It doesn’t have to be extraordinary - simple is good, too – but what is a memory of some travel experience that you treasure?
Stepping out on a wintery Chicago Street a few years back, a mild evening, having a four hour layover, just hitting the town since I happen to know a great place for hot chocolate there. A wonderfully urban feeling. I also love a memory of visiting ”Bianca Regina” while she lived in London – a little over ten years ago, which, in itself, is a breathtaking thought.
2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling – a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?
Travel light. Get rid of unnecessary baggage.
3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?
That's all about trusting oneself. I could probably be better at that.
4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?
A constant struggle for me.
5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)
A big question. Mr Obama represents a more modern and international view of the world. That does give me some hope.
Stepping out on a wintery Chicago Street a few years back, a mild evening, having a four hour layover, just hitting the town since I happen to know a great place for hot chocolate there. A wonderfully urban feeling. I also love a memory of visiting ”Bianca Regina” while she lived in London – a little over ten years ago, which, in itself, is a breathtaking thought.
2. What is something you’ve learned from traveling – a lesson that you’ve tried to carry with you in the rest of your life?
Travel light. Get rid of unnecessary baggage.
3. I’ve been doing a bit of reading about work and careers lately, and came across this quote: “Jump, and a net will appear.” What does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply in any way to your own life?
That's all about trusting oneself. I could probably be better at that.
4. Here is another quote about work and life choices that I recently discovered: “I must simplify my life, and whittle down what I do to the things that I am absolutely the most passionate about, or else I risk being stuck in mediocrity.” Similarly, what does that say to you, if anything, and does it apply to your own life?
A constant struggle for me.
5. The U.S presidential election is on Tuesday. By the time you have to answer this question, we’ll know the outcome of the vote. How do you think the result of this election affects how the world views the U.S.? (Or, if you prefer, how you personally view the U.S., or how the U.S. might view itself?)
A big question. Mr Obama represents a more modern and international view of the world. That does give me some hope.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
ANDREAS EKSTROM: Prejudice and Stereotypes
1-2 What are some of the things people who don't know you very well tend to think about you? Which of these assumptions are true?
I don't drink alcohol, because I don't like the taste of it. It breaks through, in beer, in wine, in liquor and in cocktails. So I don't drink it. (I don't like celery either, but noone has ever put much effort in trying to get me to eat celery...) People tend to think I am a control freak because of that. It's true that I am, to an extent – but it has little or nothing to do with me not liking a particular taste. (How much control do you lose over two glasses of wine to dinner? That is not the issue.) People also think I don't mind conflicts, since I am confident and express myself well. But I do, boy do I ever.
3. Which stereotypes about your country are true about you, if any?
Swedes are dull. I am not. Swedish food is bland. I don't cook bland food. But Swedes are also said to be morally liberal, democratic, non-corrupt, a little envious by nature, tall and fair skinned. Yep, that's me.
4. What are situations in which you find yourself to be prejudiced?
I am generally quick. Quick to analyze, quick to categorize, quick to understand. Sometimes I rush it. I always have to make sure I re-evaluate often. And I try to put very little pride in being right – that does make it easier to change one's mind...
5. To you, what value is there in stereotypes?
A stereotype is often based on a foundational truth – that might not be true all the time, or with all people. I might make use of it in some sort of simplified context, to understand the first little bit of what there is to understand. And that's ok, as long as I am aware of what is what.
I don't drink alcohol, because I don't like the taste of it. It breaks through, in beer, in wine, in liquor and in cocktails. So I don't drink it. (I don't like celery either, but noone has ever put much effort in trying to get me to eat celery...) People tend to think I am a control freak because of that. It's true that I am, to an extent – but it has little or nothing to do with me not liking a particular taste. (How much control do you lose over two glasses of wine to dinner? That is not the issue.) People also think I don't mind conflicts, since I am confident and express myself well. But I do, boy do I ever.
3. Which stereotypes about your country are true about you, if any?
Swedes are dull. I am not. Swedish food is bland. I don't cook bland food. But Swedes are also said to be morally liberal, democratic, non-corrupt, a little envious by nature, tall and fair skinned. Yep, that's me.
4. What are situations in which you find yourself to be prejudiced?
I am generally quick. Quick to analyze, quick to categorize, quick to understand. Sometimes I rush it. I always have to make sure I re-evaluate often. And I try to put very little pride in being right – that does make it easier to change one's mind...
5. To you, what value is there in stereotypes?
A stereotype is often based on a foundational truth – that might not be true all the time, or with all people. I might make use of it in some sort of simplified context, to understand the first little bit of what there is to understand. And that's ok, as long as I am aware of what is what.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
RESPONSIBILITY: Andreas
1. What is your principle on RESPONSIBILITY. And how does that play out in your life?
For reasons unknown to me, responsibility is the Big Thing. The Right Thing. Something I like and respect, something I consider a cornerstone of society. Big words, but true words. I am one of those people who have a hard time walking into a room without being elected or appointed something. Do I want that? Well, yes, often times I do. Often times I don't. But since Taking Responsibility is the Right Thing, I find myself taking a lot of it. Perhaps because I am a big brother?
2. Where does the principle of responsibility come from?
It's a human foundation. An attempt at the idea of the greater good.
3. What is something you learned from being irresponsible?
That ”irresponsible” and ”Andreas” might be good for each other sometimes – but we don't like to hang out.
4. What is an example in the world today in which you, or someone greater than you needs to take more responsibility?
I am listening to Wham! as I write this. I should probably take active responsibility and click my iTunes forward. But hell, I like them! At least sometimes! No, seriously: All small personal responsibility is the key to larger responsibilities. Apathy amongst young people who don't have the decency to vote in their national elections, that's one thing that drives me crazy. People who say ”I wasn't informed” when information is free.
5. Is everyone in the world “responsible” for everyone else in the world? How do you decide what you are responsible for?
Yes, but only in the personal meeting. Do I meet someone thirsty while taking a walk in the desert? I will share my water. But will I sell all my assets to bring water to everyone who needs it? Probably not. I might help contribue somehow – charity, opinion-making – but the actual physical helping hand can't help everyone. And how do we decide? Well, most of us don't. We take a shot from the hip and let decisions be made for us.
For reasons unknown to me, responsibility is the Big Thing. The Right Thing. Something I like and respect, something I consider a cornerstone of society. Big words, but true words. I am one of those people who have a hard time walking into a room without being elected or appointed something. Do I want that? Well, yes, often times I do. Often times I don't. But since Taking Responsibility is the Right Thing, I find myself taking a lot of it. Perhaps because I am a big brother?
2. Where does the principle of responsibility come from?
It's a human foundation. An attempt at the idea of the greater good.
3. What is something you learned from being irresponsible?
That ”irresponsible” and ”Andreas” might be good for each other sometimes – but we don't like to hang out.
4. What is an example in the world today in which you, or someone greater than you needs to take more responsibility?
I am listening to Wham! as I write this. I should probably take active responsibility and click my iTunes forward. But hell, I like them! At least sometimes! No, seriously: All small personal responsibility is the key to larger responsibilities. Apathy amongst young people who don't have the decency to vote in their national elections, that's one thing that drives me crazy. People who say ”I wasn't informed” when information is free.
5. Is everyone in the world “responsible” for everyone else in the world? How do you decide what you are responsible for?
Yes, but only in the personal meeting. Do I meet someone thirsty while taking a walk in the desert? I will share my water. But will I sell all my assets to bring water to everyone who needs it? Probably not. I might help contribue somehow – charity, opinion-making – but the actual physical helping hand can't help everyone. And how do we decide? Well, most of us don't. We take a shot from the hip and let decisions be made for us.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Attachment - Andreas
1. What are you attached to that may ultimately be providing more pain, suffering or negative than than pleasure and benefit? And why do you continue to stay attached?
My life, when/if I get old. Because it is in our nature to hang on in there. I just said farewell to my grandpa, on his 96th birthday. I am almost certain I will not see him again, but he is still around as I write this. For his sake, I wish he had passed about a year ago.
2. Does your “attachment score” at the following survey indicate anything important about your feelings on attachment?
I am not surprised to see that I am very relaxed and safe - I am in a wonderful marriage since 2001, and with my wife since 1996, when I was just 20!
3. Is someone too attached to you?
No. Daring to be attached is a part of daring to love to the fullest.
4. Share your thoughts on the following quote: ”Suffering finds its roots in your desire to be free from something that's either present for you right now or something that you fear may be present for you in the future . . . Your suffering is directly proportional to the intensity of your attachments to these passing phenomena and to the strength of your habit of seeking for some kind of personal identity in the world of forms.” - Chuck Hillig
It's a quote that doesn't seem to catch me, no matter how many times I re-read it. (But I disagree with the usage of the words ”directly proportional” in this context. This matter is less mathematical than that.)
5. Are you able to get rid of the life you’ve planned, so you can have the life that is waiting for you?
Able, perhaps, but not willing.
My life, when/if I get old. Because it is in our nature to hang on in there. I just said farewell to my grandpa, on his 96th birthday. I am almost certain I will not see him again, but he is still around as I write this. For his sake, I wish he had passed about a year ago.
2. Does your “attachment score” at the following survey indicate anything important about your feelings on attachment?
I am not surprised to see that I am very relaxed and safe - I am in a wonderful marriage since 2001, and with my wife since 1996, when I was just 20!
3. Is someone too attached to you?
No. Daring to be attached is a part of daring to love to the fullest.
4. Share your thoughts on the following quote: ”Suffering finds its roots in your desire to be free from something that's either present for you right now or something that you fear may be present for you in the future . . . Your suffering is directly proportional to the intensity of your attachments to these passing phenomena and to the strength of your habit of seeking for some kind of personal identity in the world of forms.” - Chuck Hillig
It's a quote that doesn't seem to catch me, no matter how many times I re-read it. (But I disagree with the usage of the words ”directly proportional” in this context. This matter is less mathematical than that.)
5. Are you able to get rid of the life you’ve planned, so you can have the life that is waiting for you?
Able, perhaps, but not willing.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
AUTHOR BIO: Andreas Ekstrom
(updated!) ANDREAS (Andy) EKSTROM.
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