The dictionary defines a conformist as a person who conforms, especially unquestioningly, to the unusual practices or standards of a group, society, etc. As such conformists are not viewed as the movers and shakers of this world, since they are more than happy to keep things the way they are.
Conformists are often viewed as rubber "stampers", they do not want to do anything that will "rock the boat", but anything to maintain a steady course. In the political arena they can be viewed as loyal sheep that will not stray form their leader, and may cling to his/her coat-tail if it means survival. Their motto is "if it's working leave it alone". Don't touch it.
Conformists are intelligent individuals, who sometimes make valuable contributions to their community but prefer to remain in the shadows rather than occupy the spotlight. They almost never make the headlines and others are often credited for their efforts.
Characteristics of "Transformers"
To transform means to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose; to change in condition, nature, or character, to change from the inside out. Hence an individual's transformation must first take place in the mind before it can be manifested on the outside. Evidence of one's transformation is by the fruits that they produce.
"Transformers" are essentially non-conformists. They are individuals who refuse to accept the status quo. Clearly "Transformers" are disrupters of the norms and acceptable traditions. Many are more often world changers who leave their marks on the world long after they are gone.
In order to avoid conforming to the world, you have to know who you are and what your purpose is.
"Transformers" believe that although something is working it can still be improved to perform better. They are risk takers and failure is not an option as it provides an opportunity to try something different.
Albert Einstein (one of the greatest "transformers" of the world) puts it this way "The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them." In the same vein he went on to define insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. "Transformers" are prepared to think and act differently to achieve the desired outcome.
Another significant trait of great "Transformers" both past and present is that they are/were visionaries, some of whom had not even completed university. This proves that the impact that one can have on the world is not dependent on the number of university degrees that you possess.
Let me take this opportunity to highlight some of the great world changers ("transformers") who in my mind have influenced and brought impactful changes to the way we live. While there are many others, this is my short list.
Great world changers ("Transformers")
Number one on my list is my Lord and Saviour- Jesus the Christ, the one who has transformed my life. His impact on the world is so significant, in that more than 2000 years after his death, his teachings live on. It is because of Jesus the history of the universe is divided into BC (Before Christ) and AD (anno Domini)..
Mahatma Gandhi a man of humble upbringing who employed non-violent principles and peaceful disobedience in his campaign for Indian independence from the British Empire.
Martin Luther King Jr a civil rights activist who had a dream of racial equality for all people. He envisioned a day when men would be judged not by the colour of their skins but the content of their character. His passionate, but non-violent protests, helped to raise awareness of racial inequalities in America, leading to significant political and social changes.
Rosa Parks an unknown seamstress who got tired of conforming to the unjust rules of sitting to the back of the bus, and one day defiantly took a front row seat instead. Her action has led the U.S. Congress to dub her the "Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement".
Nelson Mandela a South African national who peacefully opposed the injustice of apartheid and racial segregation in his country; who after 27 years of imprisonment rose to be that country's first black president.
All of these individuals had one thing in common; they refused to conform to accepted traditions and status quo of their season. I am certain that none of them sat down and drew up a plan to make their place in history, but they earned that place by being non-conformists or" transformers".
Some "transformers" in the field of technology have changed the way we live, work and play. A few of these include:
Mark Zuckerburg the co-founder of Facebook- the largest and fastest growing social network community in the world. Facebook with its network of almost 2 billion users is a leading application in bringing together liked minded people from all over the globe, to the extent that it is difficult to imagine life without Facebook
Bill Gates the principal founder of Microsoft has impacted and influenced the world with how we interact with our computers through the inventions of Windows Interface and other Microsoft applications.
Steve Jobs - the co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple Inc. Jobs has impacted the way we communicate with inventions such as the iPhone and iPad.
There is no doubt that every person listed above has transformed the world in one way or another. Their influences impacted all areas of society including social, technological, economic and political.
Unfortunately I cannot draw up a list of conformists although they represent a majority of people in the world. No one readily comes to mind? Hmm, I wonder why? It is simple, conformists stand in rather than stand out as such they have not left their marks on the world.
How would you rather be remembered as a Conformist or a "Transformer"?
Remember the first step to transformation is to renew your mind and think differently. Make a difference within your sphere of influence and contribute to making a positive change in something or someone. A simple act could have world changing impact
Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom and at the same time ensure you acquire knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
Friday, July 22, 2016
Characteristics of Conformists
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Caviar But Were Afraid To Ask
Once just a symbol of wealth, power and privilege, caviar is back in fashion. Not only that, these exotic fish eggs can be purchased by the average person, if only for special occasions. So how does a person go about enjoying the delicacy of caviar?
Buying caviar can be a little tricky, not typically, caviar may be found in a specialty supermarket. Fresh caviar is a must. It may be sold in red, yellow and blue specialty tins, for the three top varieties of Beluga, Sevruga and Ossetra. It is available to buy over the internet through Caviar Xpress and other firms. The term "Mollosol" means "less salt" and refers to a finer class of caviar. A rare and exotic food item, the cost of caviar can be prohibitive, not usually less than about $100 per ounce.
First of all, it must be stored properly to not lose its flavor, texture and aroma. Once opened, caviar will last about three days. It should never be stored in the freezer, which will destroy its delicate taste and texture. Instead, it should be stored in the refrigerator at the coldest part - the very bottom drawer - at a temperature as close to -1 to -2 degrees Celsius as possible. Ten minutes before your guests arrive, remove it from the fridge, placing it at room temperature, but keep it covered until the very moment it is served.
Accompaniments to caviar are optional. If you choose to use them, try traditional blini's (tiny pancakes) salt crackers, sour cream, or bits of toasted bread. A glass of champagne or "chilled to the bone" vodka is recommended. A normal serving is one or two ounces per person, unless it is being served on top of something else, in which that ratio may be halved.
Serving caviar on a bed of ice will also help it stay fresh and tasty for a little longer. Perhaps it is best served indoors in the summer months. There are special decorative serving dishes designed for this purpose.
Some gourmets claim that the mother of pearl spoon is the only way to go. Recent research shows that using a metal spoon won't hurt the delicate taste, but your guests may not know that. To avoid giving them a reason to look down on your lovely caviar, for psychological reasons more than not, it is probably best to use the former instead of the latter.
Many people feel a pang of guilt eating the expensive and now environmentally endangered delicacy. American caviar production has made a comeback in recent years. Due to risk of endangerment, a ban was issued on exporting Beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. In recent years, fish harvesting centers have taken the place of traditional fishing methods which has allowed the number of sturgeon to increase. The increase in fish egg harvesting can be likened to cultured pearly, which in many cases are just as lovely as rare, natural pearls.
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Saturday, June 25, 2016
How Modern Gyms Are Revolutionizing Fitness
Modern workout routines differ quite a bit from the highly regimented workout routines of the past. No longer are you forced to complete the same repetitive motions over and over again without achieving very significant results in the end. There are now a multitude of advanced training programs available today that are designed to burn fat and build muscle through a combination of meticulously chosen motions.
If you are looking for one of the best ways to get fit, and perhaps even ripped, you should consider participating in the fitness classes now offered in modern gyms. These classes are no ordinary gym membership classes though, because they involve the extensive use of unique strategies to get students fit. Everything from weightlifting to dancing is now commonly used during these classes to get students into the best shape of their lives.
In this way, you can get fit without suffering through the monotonous repetition of exercise routines of the distant past. This powerful combination of motions also produces muscle confusion thereby enhancing every part of the body. Exercise routines that take advantage of muscle confusion never let the body rest so that it is always in motion.
Modern workout routines also move at a much faster pace than most people are used to. This non-stop action helps to burn calories and build muscle to get you fit as quickly as possible. High energy instructors often lead these groups and their primary focus is to get each and every student energized about getting fit.
The ongoing encouragement offered by the instructor helps students break through their personal barriers so that they can push themselves harder than ever before. During these classes, you will be asked to engage in a variety of motions that oftentimes make use of weights, elliptical bikes, and fun activities such as belly dancing.
It is this entertaining variety of options that makes modern gym classes so exciting for novices and fitness experts alike. In the best gyms, you can easily switch between classes so that one day you can be specializing in a martial art and the next find yourself engaging in competitive elliptical cycling all while having a tremendous amount of fun in the process. By exercising in this way, you will never get bored and you will actually find the idea of going to the gym to be an exciting one.
There are also so many options to choose from so that everyone can easily find a class they will personally enjoy. Plus, you can even learn an interesting ability while simultaneously getting fit. For instance, some fitness classes specialize in competitive fighting techniques to increase your strength and power so that you can easily conquer any obstacle that gets in your way.
Other classes focus on keeping you centered and balanced both mentally and physically. Yoga and Pilates training programs are designed to give you peace of mind while simultaneously engaging your body in light resistance exercises that burn fat. This powerful mixture of motions found in each class will keep you excited and motivated so that you can quickly benefit from the pleasures of your toils.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Taking Your Pet on Summer Vacation
first thing you need to do is make sure your pet is used to riding in your vehicle, nothing can ruin a vacation as fast as a car-sick pet. If your dog isn't used to riding in the car, you can get them used to it by first let them just sit in the car in your driveway. Then start going for short rides and slowly increase to longer rides. This should give your pup a chance to acclimate to being in the car.
You can also avoid car sickness by letting your pet travel on an empty stomach, but be sure to have plenty of water available for your pet.
Make sure your car is well-ventilated. If your dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow through the crate. If your dog is loose in the car, do not let them ride with their head out the windows as this can lead to eye injuries and infections in the nose and ears.
Never leave your pet unattended in a closed vehicle particularly in warm weather. For pit stops appoint someone to stay in the vehicle with your dog so that your pet can remain to be safe. A car even with the windows open can get hot enough to kill your pet in a very short time.
Be sure to stop at least every 2 hours for potty breaks and exercise. This is not only good for your dog but also good for your own health to reduce fatigue. Please always clean up after your dog both at rest stops and at your destination.
Plan where you will be staying in route and at your destination to make sure the motels/hotels you are going to allow your type of dog. Remember vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing, nothing can ruin that faster than not being able to find a place to stay.
Please respect the other guests, staff and property wherever you stay. Keep your dog as quiet as possible and never leave them alone in your room. Many dogs will be scared if left alone in a strange place and are likely to bark or destroy property.
Remember to be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition. This way everyone can enjoy their vacations and our pets will be welcome guests at more and more places.
So as we plan our vacations this summer be sure to include your four legged friends too. With just a little preparation taking your pet on vacation can be a walk in the park. Always take your pets favorite bed or blanket with you on your trip to make them more comfortable wherever you stay