getalife.org

aeg lendab

2010-05-15T21:30:00.002+03:00

Ma olen elus ja terve (teadaanne neile, kes minust ainult selle infokanali kaudu kuulevad).

Varem väljakuulutatud video-postituste üleslaadimise võib vast üldjoontes läbikukkunuks lugeda. Lõplikuks tagasilöögiks sai tehnika ja loodusjõudude ühildumatus. Mu kaamera sai mõni aeg tagasi liivaseks ning nüüd keeldub igasuguste ülesvõtete tegemisest... hoolimata sellest kui tungivalt ma teda kaadris ka ei põrnitseks.

Eelmiste postituste ajendiks olnud karneval sai vahepeal läbi (nii u. 3 kuud tagasi). mõned pildid olen ma ka üles riputanud (http://picasaweb.google.com/siim.saarlo/Maracatu_carnaval#). Väga head pildid on nähtavad ka Arrasta Ilha webis: http://arrastailha.blogspot.com/. Nüüd ma käin maracatu trumme mängimas ainult põhapäeviti :)

Rios käisin ma ka, aga kuna sealt pidin ma pooleldi looduskatastroofi eest põgenedes lahkuma, siis pilte pole ma veel kätte saanud. Ehk kunagi saan :)

Ja lõpetuseks - kõik kes te seda juttu Eestis olles loete, võite rahulolevalt naeratada. Sel nädalal oli teil esmakordselt soojem kui Florianopolis. Lõunapoolkeral hakkab kätte jõudma talv.

Maracatu treeningud

2010-01-28T05:55:00.005+02:00

Kasutan vaba leheruumi ja panen siia mõned videod, mis said üles võetud teisipäevasel maracatu treeningul.

Nagu sealt näha, on löökpillidega tehtav muusika ülilahe ning mina saan trummiga endiselt äärmiselt kohmakalt hakkama. Tegelikult rütmitunne mul juba paraneb, aga vastukaaluks muutub kõrvakuulmine kehvemaks ning kui lisaks trummi tagumisele tuleb ka laulda või ühelt jalalt teisele astuda, siis ma juba balanseerin oma võimete piiril.

Kätetöö timmimine:

Üks täispikk tants:

Lõpuprotseduur:

Ootamatu areng kultuuriliste õppetundide omandamisel Brasiilias

2010-01-11T03:21:00.002+02:00

Tõesti, kirjutanud olen ma siin kesiselt. Kuna aga pilt ütleb enam kui 1000 sõna, siis kui arvestada kokku kõik kaadrid ühes keskmises videos, saan ma juba selle alloleva lühikese klipiga oma kirja-karma-võla tasutud. Lootkem siiski, et mul jätkub püsivust rohkemaks.

Igaljuhul täna suurenes tunduvalt tõenäosus, et mind võib kohalikul karnevalil näha naljakas riietuses, kummalises seltskonnas suurt trummi tagumas. Seni kuni ma ise rohkemat kirjutan, võib Maracatu kohta uurida wikipediast.

Schumacher, Massa, Barrichello ja mõned klounid

2009-11-29T23:05:00.006+02:00

Tänu erinevate juhuste kokkulangemisele sain ma sel (nüüdseks juba eelmisel) nädalavahetusel kolme positiivse üllatuse osaliseks:

1. Brasiilia õlu. Seni on kohaliku kesvamärjukese positiivsed omadused piirdunud selle äärmiselt jaheda serveerimistemperatuuriga. Tõele au andes - siinses suves jätab see kriteerium kõik teised küllaltki edukalt varju. Siiski mõne tõsisema vestluse käigus on selgunud, et üldine arvamus siinse standardõlle kohta väga kõrge ei ole (loomulikult ei kajastu selliste debattide tulemused mitte kuidagi tarbimise kõikumises). Kuna ma ise ennast suuremaks õlle-gurmaaniks või patrioodiks ei pea, siis olen ma kohalike oludega küllaltki hästi kohanenud. Kuid mõnikord ei saa ka mina brasiillastele eesti-õlle ülimlikkust kirjeldamata jätta.
Laupäeval sattusin ma aga ühele sünnipäevapeole, kus päevakangelane pakkus õllevalikut oma kodukohast - Blumenaust. See linn on eelkõige tuntud kui Brasiilia Oktoberfesti toimumiskoht ning hoiab tugeva au sees oma Saksamaalt sisserännanud esiisade -emade kultuuri ja kombeid. Lisaks õllele, millel veest erinev maitse täiesti äratuntav oli, pakuti õhtu naelana isepruulitud-villitud tumedat õlut, mis Guinessi-le vast ainult toodangumahult alla jääb. (Pildid puuduvad)

2. Autosport. Kohalikul kardirajal nägin ma võistlemas Schumacherit, Massat Barrichellot ja tervet rida muid selle ala tegijaid. Ma pole vormel 1-te juba aastaid jälginud, aga sel nädalavahetusel toimus siin Felipe Massa korraldatud/promotud võidusõit, mida ma ka vaatamas käisin. Üritus oli võimas. Nägin nii mööda- kui väljasõite, kuidas brasiilia rahvuskangelane sõidu võitis, Schumacher u. 10ndalt kohalt teiseks tõusis, Barichello Schumacheri mööda lasi (good old times) jne jne. Killukesejagu ettekujutust autospordimaailmast sain igaljuhul jälle kätte. (pildid)

3. Klounid. Florianopolis võõrustas sel nädalal rahvusvahelist klounide kokkutulekut (?!?!?!!). Minu ettekujutuse sellest meelelahutusvaldkonnast oli kujundanud Krusty the Clown Simpsonitest ja mõned kurvakstegevalt püüdlikud tegelased India ja Vene (?) Tsirkustest. Seega naersin ma välja esimesed kutsed etendustele ning olin skeptiline ka siis kui ma laupäeva õhtul ennast ootusäreva publiku seast leidsin. Kui klounaad pihta hakkas, siis muutus kõik. Vähemalt see, mis ma nägin oli kõrgema taseme huumor - midagi sõnadeta stand-up comedy laadset. Raamat Comedy Writing Secret annab rea valemeid, kuidas inimesi naerma panna (eelkõige sõnadega). Mitmed neist olid laval ära tuntavad, aga minu jaoks täiesti uues - sõnadeta - vormis. Publiku tähelepanu ja kujutlusvõime veeti kaasa puhtalt õhupallidega äratuntavaid sümboleid voolides. Võib vaid ette kujutada, kui palju higi ja töötunde on nende tükkide ettevalmistamisse pandud. Minu järeldus - klounid on lahedad. (pildid)

Sambamaa

2009-09-27T00:36:00.004+03:00

Ilma pikema sissejuhatuseta kannan siis ka käesoleva infokanali kaudu ette, et olen ilusti Brasiiliasse kohale jõudnud ning ennast ka Florianópolis sisse seadnud. Ma ei hakka hetkel pikemalt oma eluolust või sekeldustest/seiklustest pajatama ... lähiajal ehk siiski.

Meeleolu loomiseks lisasin postitusele video, mis sai üles võetud lõuna ajal ühes kesklinna baaris ... ja täpselt niisugune ta siin ongi ... see Brasiilia

on the road again

2009-09-09T00:10:00.002+03:00

As the temperature goes down in Estonia it's time to head south again. This time it will be further than Göteborg. I'm going to Florinanópolis, Brazil for one year. Will explain the details in future but the keywords could be Brazil, AIESEC internship, surfing (well, hopefully) ... sounds good enough.

I will start posting here more in Estonian (you better read it, mom). Also just bought a camera so you might see some photos uploaded here as well and who knows ... maybe even some video clips.

Also on one of those nights I made twitter account (@siimsaarlo) and it seems reasonable to keep/start that one in English.

My plane leaves tomorrow(today) so ... até logo

Targeting superstar shows

2009-04-29T15:34:00.003+03:00

As I don't have a TV I'm not really up to date with latest trends in media. But on a recent skitrip to Sälen a couch in front of the TV was one of the places where to drop dead after a day on snow. I discovered fascinating show there - top chef.

People are actually watching chefs to prepare food and getting criticised by judges. I started to think if that is a sign of traditional cooking shows getting to a new level or specialisation of traditional "however-you-call-those-big-brother-and-looking-for-talent-originated-shows". In latter case I can propose a theme for another one - top software engineer (alternative titles are "Country X is looking for super programmer", "Who has got talent in IT" or just "ITguy"). In every episode participants get a IT related challenge (create a driver, library, UI, plug-in or what ever to smth. what ever else). Their efforts and explaining of the solution (what language, patterns, security tweaks etc. were used) fill most of the screen time and in the end judges make their decision. Bulletproof, isn't it?

Pros:

Large target audience - there actually are lot of people who know more about computers than cooking
Interesting and educating plot, challenges - I admit that this might be bit biased opinion
Want to promote IT/engineering education (as it is the case in Estonia)- here's your chance
Probably would be possible to involve different companies who would pay for the right to compete for the title of "Employer of most brilliant engineer"

If someone got inspired here and has necessary resources - go for it. I don't want any credits just would really enjoy the show... Just don't turn it into another "beauty and the geek". Aiming for a target audience is a key here!

Reisid vabadusse / Travel to freedom

2009-02-25T13:05:00.004+02:00

My good friends and co-fighters-workers-searchers have started a travel-company. Check it out from www.reisidvabadusse.ee. I can back-up what they say about Croatian nature and people but haven't been to Kazachstan. Then again "When Deniss says it, it must be true".

Scientific papers

2009-02-20T10:40:00.003+02:00

I am currently writing my thesis. If anyone else is doing something similar and sometimes needs some more sophisticated distraction than regular bang-your-head-against-the-wall session then read how to interpret statements in scientific papers. Level two of that exercise would be to go through your work and reflect on usage of similar statements there. That might lead to another head-banging session of course.

What floats that boat?

2008-12-10T23:28:00.005+02:00

As I have said before, I try to be empathic. I really do, and "60% of the time it works, every time" (Brian Fantana, Anchorman). I think of curiosity as a catalyst for empathy - urge to know what's going on, what's the reason things are as they are, people act like they do.

During one course in university I heard a lot about "the shadow system in organizations" (not talking about the IT term here) - research on people's habit to act in a way you would never expect them to do. And for sure it is certainly not only work place where you can experience unfamiliar situations to cope with.

How does curiosity/empathy fit in here? Asking questions helps to learn a lot. Act by being curious before reacting - make an effort to understand! It will be harder to get stressed out or pissed - it is not so easy to be mad at someone whose intentions and reasoning you actually understand.

So - traveling somewhere - leave some room for curiosity and empathy in your head besides Lonely Planet facts and pick-up lines in native language. Working somewhere with other people being closer than 20 meters - you probably can make use out of it as well.

What would you think if you see a boat floating in air?

simple solutions

2008-12-09T12:45:00.003+02:00

Saw an interesting posting in slashdot that referred to original article about the potential of checklists in medicine. It was intriguing to read about simple and smart solutions applied successfully on relevant and critical problems.

Made me think about the importance of striving for excellence, why small flaws matter and how brilliant solutions are often the most simple ones.

Some food for thought anyways

fragments of management experiences

2008-11-14T12:17:00.006+02:00

Just an interesting thought that came to my mind after Project Management course evaluation meeting.

Besides university (and army maybe) I have experiences with different projects from AIESEC and Aqris. Both great organizations and very good in what they do. If I compare the main issues (or the fragments that I remember) there seem to be an interesting difference.

In AIESEC managing a project was to create a WBS, put it into time frame (gantt) and then it was mainly about motivating and inspiring people to follow the plan (or make them follow the plan through you by some schools of thought).
In Aqris main effort was put on estimating (accuracy on time to market/customer) and control. There are obvious reasons behind that but definitely it is a good thing to have at least some variability points in experiences. Wonder what is it like in governmental organizations.

dusty

2008-09-29T22:26:00.002+03:00

ummm ... I am still alive - at least more than this site here - I honestly smell dust when typed in the address.

Just to brief you in - had a great summer and have been back in Göteborg for a month by now.
In summer -
• 2 trips trips to Bulgaria and Croatia - these two were totally different probably in any sense possible :)
• met old friends but still could not catch many of them
• learned to enjoy work/task I rather disliked before - got somekind of connection with my roots and managed to put many things into nice perspective
• read a decent amount of books
• improved my Swedish ... a bit

look it from the source

2008-05-26T16:20:00.004+03:00

One of the Toyota Production System rules say that every customer-supplier relationship has to be direct. Experienced that myself some time ago. Finding cheap flights campaign of one tourism agency gave me a good idea how to spend August - in Croatia. What could be easier then booking two flights through travel agency. Well - from first target agency I got few rejections mainly because the discount was only meant for 1 week trips. Being not satisfied I kept on digging on the issue till it came out that flights are actually operated by other company. When I turned there I still got about 4 rejections from different travel agents before finally one nice lady booked the requested flights (Actually some rejections came even after that confirmation but this has probably something to do with my extensive spamming strategy).
That proved it to me again - when you need something then go to the source and stuck on it as a tick.

Well, at least they talk about us

2008-05-15T11:55:00.005+03:00

Quite an interesting discussion happening in slashdot about Estonia and Cyber Defense center. My current favorite is the comment about how similar "Estonia" sounds to "Elbonia" :p

Asking for extraordinary servicing

2008-04-05T21:24:00.004+03:00

Continuing on the topic of last post here. Knowing what makes you happy as customers is not beneficial only for customer service people but may come handy to you too.

Me and my girlfriend went to one wine-cellar for a dinner on my last night in Estonia. Somewhere we had got the information that the waitress was new and not very experienced there. And really her her plan seemed to be just to open a bottle for us and mention the name of the wine. This time we decided to express our interest with additional questions which lead to quite an interesting overview of different aspects of wine industry.

Moral? When knowing what you want/like/expect, then it is rather easy to get it. Awareness and proactivity may lead to good experiences.

Extraordinary servicing

2008-04-04T15:29:00.004+03:00

I have been more than skeptic about the culture of customer servicing in Estonia. Still, recently I got 2 really great experiences in that field.

I went to eye doctor who explained me the technology of different machinery in the office, history of eye operations and real background of the given diagnosis. Also I had a cool visit to hairdresser who had networking skills of CEO and stunned me with her professional approach to customer network building. When I left these places I felt really good, satisfied and ... smarter.

I had never thought that I could learn something interesting in the rooms of eye doctor or hairdresser. They used professional knowledge and experience to really give interesting and relevant information from their areas.

How to be extraordinary? It's quite a same concept as Robin Sharma's "Leadership without a title" : Be ambassador! Believe in what ever you are doing and show the interesting aspects of it to others. The old truth of facilitating - people are satisfied when learning something new - also applies in the field of customer servicing.

PS: let me know if you are looking for good hairdresser or eye doctor in Tartu.

Potential of feedback?

2008-02-26T11:51:00.007+02:00

Now and then I discover myself receiving feedback (or fragments of it) that I recognize. Not only that I agree I often recall that I have thought about the same thing before or even I have already got the very same feedback.

It can be your impressed sub-ordinate, disappointed girlfriend, colleague or yourself promising to get better - quite often feedback tends to have only temporary effect.
It happens that after initial excitement the ideas/promises for improvement and motivation burst kind of fade away. And when returning we discover that full potential of these small discoveries were not used.

I started to use two lists for that - one for positive and other for negative feedback. First list I have filled for some time - such a motivation boost for feeling-down-days. What I discovered is that having negative list is also quite handy and not at all self-destructive. Similar to Rude Q&A by Scott Perkun.

Now trying to get into habit of reviewing negative feedback list during GTD weekly review process and picking some improvement actions from there and adding to action lists. Will see how that works.

Hibernation

2008-02-24T22:38:00.003+02:00

Have been stayed pretty silent for 2.5 months. Am still alive and haven't broke my fingers (although have had chances for it). Just to recap:

Christmas holidays in Estonia
Snowboarding - tried it finally. In Kuutsemäe and more in Poland. Might just happen that I finish the season in Norway in end of April.
University - from ridiculous administrative struggle to really exciting new knowledge. All of that have left me quite a little time for anything else lately.
Patriotism - Estonian independence day in Göteborg's Estonian community but mainly the book "Mesimeri ring" I started reading just as a lightest book for travel from Jaan Kross but ended up getting the best reading experience over long time.
Synergy 08 - Will be part of facilitators team there. So back to @ :)
Currently in Göteborg till 12th of March

... and bunch of other minor and major things that have kept me away from updating this page. Try to be better tomorrow than I am today.

Personal outsourcing.

2007-12-09T21:29:00.000+02:00

General concept seemed a bit overkill to me but this clip made me interested whats behind it all. Tim Ferriss's blog seems a good place to start.

free media

2007-11-26T01:50:00.000+02:00

I recently noticed that I am spending less and less time on Estonian news sites. Reason for that is not only rougher schedule but also the fact that they turned from being information channels into constant streams of negativism.
I can tolerate the banners (until some limit of course) but if everything you can read about your home country is probability of inflation, disastrous traffic and some abused animals, then ....
Kalev.ee actually had quite a good initial idea - portal of positive news - not so sure how they are doing but compared to epl, äripäev, delfi and postimees the first impression is less "towards the end of world".
Partitioning news by content is not enough anymore - I want to choose tab named "positive" and read what good has been happening without being disturbed by yellowish disasters - emotion based tabs?
Delfi could open minut.ee-like subpage or truemors.ee (truemors.com) would have some potential.

digital disunity

2007-11-11T18:48:00.000+02:00

Inspired by Tehnokratt radio show (10th Nov) I got one step deeper into the ultimate digital disunity and joined facebook.

I don't consider myself very social in internet but still I can count quite a number of social networks I am member of. Plus I can not count them all as I most probably have forgot some.

Free market seems to have a bit destructive effect on comfortability in internet. It would be much better to create, own, manage (and close if needed) one profile and identity. You enter your details and picture once and then you can use it for arranging a party, update your CV, contact friends from both Brazil and western Europe, exchange favorite music lists etc. etc.

Are the companies that cover one of those functionalities too lazy to grow bigger and finding new target groups? Or they are just so honest that they don't want to take over ideas started by others? Or they just can not agree on take-over price?

There seems to be a chance for one truly global web2.0 consortium.

aim your cannons, military men ...

2007-11-01T00:29:00.000+02:00

Few days ago I had a discussion with a friend about Estonian National Defence College (ENDC). It was college's PR campaign that made me surprise. Latest news I had got about it were that because of the lack of suitable applicants they are planning to accept people who had not gone through military service. It seemed rather strange to me as I could not understand who could want to study in military college without first going to military service (also who would want to teach them)

I think that the ENDC's administration could do it better (less harsh way of saying does it wrong). What are they promoting currently? scholarship, free meals, dormitory place, ... It seems that they are focusing on wrong part of Maslow's pyramid. Average Estonian youngster does not see these things as priorities. These are not sexy. This same military school should think through what kind of people they want and then find out what these people want. Men and women who are supposed to lead others in intense situations should not be motivated with free food and bed. I see personal development, wide career opportunities, self confidence and respect as more potential catchy keywords in this place.

It is obvious that currently ENDC should not rely on prestige of Estonian army when doing recruitment and thus it probably takes very long time (if is ever possible) to improve the general reputation then least they can do is to aim their artillery less like Elcoteq and more like Noored kooli.

Learning Swedish

2007-10-21T01:32:00.000+03:00

... in Sweden is rather tricky. Everybody speak so good English that you have to push yourself quite a lot to find motivation (or someone to practice on).

Some aids/tricks/stuff I am using:

carrying Swe-Est-Swe dictionary with me and reading adds and free newspaper in tram
keeping Est-Swe phrasebook in toilet
attending free Swedish courses given by Mormons
signed myself for free Swedish courses given by local government
labeling stuff in my apartment with their Swedish translations (got yellow notes for free)
internet resources like this and this

24

2007-10-16T01:35:00.000+03:00

:: I don't get older once a year - I develop constantly ::

Thank you all for good wishes and greetings. You made the day special :)

asap

2007-10-09T21:46:00.000+03:00

When reading the article about Ebay's Skype purchase I noticed a great quote from Margaret Whitman: the price of inaction is far greater than the cost of a mistake. If I owned the walls of my room I would scratch these words into wallpaper.

I can not count the number of times I have proven this to be true. Last one was the neat fact that I missed the deadline of signing-up for exams and paying student union fee.

In my case usually the thing is that (recurrence start) I convince my comfort-loving-ass that it would be much better to deal with the issue bit later (recurrence end).

I have improved quite a lot as I have discovered myself testing the quote various times and always tried to get rid of nasty habit. Probably the mental note is not enough - Actually just adding a new list for myself (which I hereby promise to update and check regularly) - things to do immediately. Let's see how long will it grow :)

Simplicity

2007-10-06T22:53:00.000+03:00

I recently watched a TED presentation by John Maeda, where he emphasized the relevance of simplicity and gave a definition - simplicity is about living a life with more enjoyment and less pain. As his talk was rather catching I also checked out his website lawsofsimplicity.com. Quite of a food for thought actually.

We all know the KISS - keep it short(/stupid) and simple - but how often do we actually act according to it. I don't mean writing emails or making presentations here. Rather the overall philosophy of life (Maeda's definition of simplicity).

SICK - show it complicated and keeruline (this is Estonian word here as couldn't come up with suitable English one :)) - It is rather common standard to put some extra air to the balloons of problems (with motivation to claim credit for keeping them from blowing up). But this goes against the Maeda's definition. As problem == pain (with a bit of generalization) you should not (!!) make it bigger (simple).

KICK - keeping things complicated for yourself - thinking over ("üle mõtlemine" in Estonian). It is often the result of overall SICK tendency - when you see that other people are solving really complicated problems constantly then of course you feel that to live a full life you need some more complexity and you roll around some easy and simple issues till you manage to get them to transfer from SS to CK.

Hereby I don't mean that life should be boring (simple != boring). You should not avoid challenges but rather make complicated challenges simple to yourself to sustainably enjoy the process of actually solving them.

If you think that you suffer in KICK or SICK syndrome then give Maeda's laws and keys a try and apply some of them on your CK problems. Who knows, might help you and lot of people around :)

Cultural Karma

2007-09-28T13:53:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I ended up in a night of Baltic poetry and jazz. It was like a real one - with Noorkuu responsible for musical part and Sinijärv, Ehin and Künnap representing Estonian poets and few more from Latvia and Lithuania. Must confess that this was my first experience with this kind of events (hereby I do not count farewell party that also had similar theme :)). Anyways the night was part of Estival that takes place in Göteborg during these days.

Trying not to get too carried away by a quite reasonable prices of alcohol and free snacks I tried to figure out what could I actually get out of this performances. And despite the wine (or rather catalyzed by it) I started to look for things worth noticing.

Vocabulary, words - It was like a small cookbook of presentations and speech - with words and terms as ingredients. New tricks to use certain word combinations to but more emphasize on meaning or form.
Body language, voice - Well, poets should read their works by heart because holding a notes in one hand and following lines with eyes does not give much room for impressive use of b.l. Of course they are not supposed to dance there but still I would have expected something more in this area.
Getting the audience - Tactics like introduction in English/Swedish instead of just reading poems in your own language, jokes about yourself and longish night, irony and sarcasm, getting all room to sing Estonian folk song (!!!). Don't know how intentional these were but definitely something to think about.
Story vs. message - It was interesting that everybody (who I understood) introduced their poems as a stories, but nobody revealed - even mentioned - the the message of it, or what he/she wanted to say with the poem. Were they so certain that it was so obvious? didn't they care as long as they knew? Far from claiming any authority in the field, I would suggest that in the introduction the speaker prepares the audience for the message as well.

And my picks-up from the evening: Karl Martin Sinijärv "Ärge muretsege kehakaal pärast" and Kristiina Ehin "Võitlus" (probably not the exact titles but reconstructed by memory)

Turning queues into money.

2007-09-21T01:51:00.000+03:00

In the last posting I described quite positively my visit to bank. Well some time has gone by and some experiences have rather got stuck on me.
For someone from Estonia banking system here is rather stagnant and some things even seem ridiculously irrational. I will leave out the complaints about cold attitude they have towards international students - probably they have not recognized them/us as potentially good customers like TELE2 did.

But rather some things I have noticed. They do not have internet bank by default - people have to pay extra to get it. Well - the Sweden really defends the title of the "country with long queues". "No, we don't give you internet bank by default - you should come to our office for all transactions". commoon - If you have built the system then you should use it not to try to grow turnover with some historical fees. I imagine the amount of new customers a bank could win by announcing free internet accounts here.

Other thing was my debit card - When I got it by post (!!!!) I found out that it belonged to someone named Aiim Saarlo. Typical spelling mistake to switch the "A" with "S". But as in some papers I had my name spelled right then it made me think about how many times did they actually type my name in? Shouldn't one time be enough with good and thought-through systems?

When I went to bank office to check about it then I found the reason for all of that. It is the same "country of queues" title they are fighting for. Ready-to-pay-for-service clients waiting with queue-numbers on one side of the counter table and on the other side there were 3 or 4 bank officials - folding letters, inserting data, counting money - no one was dealing with a customer - neat.

In Sweden as a customer

2007-09-15T13:18:00.001+03:00

Have to go to IKEA and check it out :)

Actually the customer service culture in Sweden is quite fantastic - specially for someone from Estonia :) I heard that in banks you usually don't get very good treatment - especially if you happen to be international student - but my experience was rather fine. Another example of how bureaucratic company policies and wicked laws can be done more acceptable for clients with hiring a nice looking/talking/smiling people :)

Generally I am sure that if you don't have some wanna-be Freddy Krueger facing you on the other side of counter table, then it is rather up to you what are your emotions after leaving the place. Big win if you made a sales person smile and even if you were the only one who smiled - also something to be proud of :)

Saved by Päevakaja

2007-09-10T21:35:00.000+03:00

Just when daily cooking started to be a bit of a routine and boring block that just had to be done I got a saved by Päevakaja. This is a summary of daily news composed by Estonian national radio and also available from internet. Not 100% sure if this is the best available but it surely covers my ignorant interest and nicely adds some points to efficiency karma.

BTW: cooking is not boring and is really creative (sometimes challenging) activity. Should write more about my adventures in kitchen and maybe even publish some receipts that I think I have discovered :p

Tele2 marketing in university

2007-09-09T16:46:00.000+03:00

It is quite a neat marketing idea Tele2 is practicing here in Chalmers university. Every year all new international students get pre-paid phone card worth 25 SEK. Calling between these numbers is free of charge and there are cheaper rates for calling to other countries (0.5 sek to Estonian fixed line).

So Tele2 gets few hundred loyal and active customers here yearly and extra positioning among all students in prestigious technical university. Seems to be the deal beneficial for both sides.

It looks like Swedish companies are really realizing the effects of internationalization and picking up new (actually not so new in Sweden anymore) opportunities from that.

I guess in Estonian universities the number of international students might be less but probably the ratio to overall client base would be same. It is interesting how possible would it be eg. for AIESEC to get some extra deal with mobile companies for interns or for all members.

Agile perspective

2007-09-06T00:57:00.000+03:00

Today was the first lecture in the Agile Development Processes course. The content was quite predictable and introductory and when we got to agile software manifesto, then my mind started to wander a bit. The statement that was written to give direction for new way in software engineering actually applies quite well everywhere else as well.

Do we always ensure that everyone has opportunity to reach his/her potential in the environment that looks so comfortable and natural through our eyes? Are the rules that we set beneficial from every aspect for everybody? How much closer will the result actually be thanks to careful planning and endless discussions? What are we actually offering to our stakeholders? What are we delivering? How ready are we for changes?

Have some agile perspective in your life :)

Progress by combining

2007-07-19T18:49:00.000+03:00

In the article I recently read, author suggests that next big thing after currently dominating web 2.0 is location based information. Basically the idea connects information accessibility, mobile technologies and positioning systems. It also takes advantage of web 2.0 successes like tags, user's contribution etc. As a result you find yourself equipped with tools that allow you to easily get information that should be most suitable to you on the specific place you are at. For example - on a boat at sea your device will get you some maps, information about navigation marks, nearest ports with provided facilities etc. etc.

Interesting step forward from location-based-web would be situation-based-web. Having some upgrade with health/heart-rate control device you could get articles tagged with 'crises', 'sea', 'learn to swim ultrafast', 'hypothermia' etc. when on the same previously mentioned boat some sensor assume that your vessel is sinking.

Location/situation based web would also take GTD tools to the next level. If currently you still have to do something to find your context based lists (lists that consist activities that you should do in specific place/situation) then user could save some highly valuable time when needed lists pop up automatically when you are driving by some shop, arriving to office or having spare minutes for some phone calls. And even if it is seems as a minor win it actually could save a lot when considering that David Allen mentioned that using keyboard shortcuts in one of the best ways to save time.

33x3 productivity tips

2007-07-12T20:15:00.000+03:00

After a long time I returned to my read/review list and discovered quite a catchy list of 33 productivity tips (actually 99 as there are 3 volumes of it). Anyway quite a interesting stuff and if you think that you are top-productivity-guru-almost-or-even-better then review the lists and find out how many of them are you already using, how many not and how many could bring in some benefit.

Also a nice test - read them from the beginning and check the number at the point where you don't understand anymore what exactly are you reading :)

And now what ...

2007-06-03T22:10:00.000+03:00

Looks like a new post over a long-long time. Actually I wanted to put down some of my thoughts that popped up to my mind after reading essay "How to stay motivated" from Scott Berkun, but discovered the huge time gap from my last post. So Im instead writing down some 3P updates (Past, Presest, Probable future) from my side.

officially not el presidente any more - Few days ago my term as a LCP of LC Tallinn finished. Still some transition to do and huge amount of care and interest about the LC left. Probably here will be some more reflecting postings :)
"Rootsi Kunn" is my next targeted title :) - from September 07 I will be a student of Chalmers University of Technology. I also got A.Ots scholarship so I won't open the donation corner in this blog neither will put up any adds in near future ;)
During summer I will be mainly located in Tallinn. Not sure yet about trips and travels.
After posting this thing I am going to sauna ...
Still planning to write a posting about the previously mentioned essay in some days/weeks/...

Everyday Empathy

2007-03-21T23:43:00.000+02:00

::Lady With a Crystal Ball Once Said That I Will Be Killed By Someone Who Won't Get My Joke::

I have always considered empathy as the most important value for myself. Always trying to analyze the situations and persons to find out the reasons behind actions and impressions. But some situations actually show that analyzing later is not enough. Often you have to respond fast and react to situations immediately. In my case sometimes the empathy comes after irony.

It is normal that some people get frustrated because of bad service in bubs and seeing locals not caring about it and even making fun out of it could really shock them and turn into defense. I remember Europeans reaction in India when our hosts commented that very annoying beggars were actually normal there. Because of personality and different experiences I always try not to let the situation and environment ruin my mood or the mood of my fellows. But sometimes I tend to forget or miss that for many people details are really important.

I hope that at least learning from each situation helps me to grow better every day and next time my empathy-processor works fast enough to just ask: "Can I help you somehow?".

::I Hope I Can Laugh On His Version Of The Joke Before::

In the zone

2007-03-07T23:44:00.000+02:00

Few weeks ago I attended the David Allen's training about GTD. He described the state of being "in the zone" - when all your concentration is focused on something and your effectiveness is really high without any effort. I was reviewing my notes from AIESEC Estonia Steering team workshop with Ajutrust and transfered some ideas to my LCP transition repository when I found myself being "in the zone". Basically the ideas just recursively popped up and formed into solutions and strategies. All I needed were triggers in form of my notes and environment, free mind and easily manageable tools provided by GTD system. And passion towards the topic is a beneficial as well :)

some books

2007-02-25T13:31:00.000+02:00

Even if I haven't had much time lately for reading I still can list some of the best ones here -

Jack Welch, Straight from the gut - If you have a chance to lead some organization (eg. LC) this book definitely brings up lot of ideas and makes your brain jive.
Scott Berkun, The art of project management - haven't got too far with it but beginning is quite promising.
S. Covey, Seven habits of highly effective people - the AIESEC bible I finally got my hands on.
David Allen, Getting things done - read the book in summer but now had an opportunity to participate on the training by him. Actually I should go now and organize my inbox :)

How to measure the quality of a book - when you read, take a paper and a pencil with somewhere near and later check how much ideas and thoughts you wrote down.

Experience is a comb which nature gives to men when they are bald.

2007-02-15T09:53:00.000+02:00

Linnar Viik had a blogpost about Thailand proverb - Experience is a comb which nature gives to men when they are bald. If you think about it - this proverb definitely has a meaning.
But I want to get the comb when I have potential that my hair will grow again - I am trying to loose my first set of hair in AIESEC :).

get bachelor degree - done

2006-12-10T22:51:00.000+02:00

This Thursday I finally and successfully presented my bachelor thesis. The work "Analyze of using CMMI model for process improvement in smaller software companies" got the highest mark :). As I am on my way to Turkey on 21st then you can't bring me flowers to official ceremony - but I accept them on unofficial times as well :)

It was bretty close call with my thesis because just a month ago I was not much closer for finishing then half of year ago when I decided to postpone the graduation in spring. What helped me to be successful was "now or never" strategy. I really convinced myself that I wanted to graduate now. Also what I consider important was that I did not leave myself possibilities for excuses. I let everyone know about my goal and this helped me most on long saturday nights when I was working on my thesis.

So really - if you want to achieve something then don't hold it to yourself. It is easy to convince yourself on importance or unimportance of a goal. Let everyone know about your aims - This is something like injurance of purposes.

Siim

the day

2006-12-04T22:36:00.000+02:00

Well, finally it happened to me - the day that really shook me over. It is strange that news that actually give you extra hope can turn the day into quite a beautiful disaster. If anything to remember from this day then - thinking too much is worse than thinking too little.

I never thought that I could end up in a "trap of over thinking" but today it still happened. So what can I say - remember your stated values and stay calm and think realistically - and if that does not work - go and have a good physical challenge. Trust me - it is true what they say - sport gets your feet back on ground :).

For me indoor rowing works best :). If some ppl say that their best ideas come when jogging then I enjoy it because this is the place where I can forget all the daily (also nightly if you are in head of a cell of AIESEC) worries. It really helps - to have some time when all you think about is right technique, breathing, seconds and decreasing number of meters ...

weekend thesis marathon

2006-11-11T20:56:00.000+02:00

This weekend I am spending quality time with my laptop. We are practicing highly effective teamwork in order to successfully finish my thesis in time. As I am so busy writing my thesis I wont spend time here writing about my thesis.

Just one enlightening story for other ppl who are in same situation with me. Few hours ago I understood that I need some data for my thesis from someone who I can not reach anymore ... hmm, who can help me - maybe Dilbert ....

AIESEC gives you wings! vol. 2

2006-11-04T22:25:00.000+02:00

Picture is taken during one coffee-break on EuroCO 2006 in Macedonia. On backround you can see lake Ohrid. More pics from this amazing experience are uploaded here.

Incredible India.

2006-11-04T22:10:00.000+02:00

I'm not much of a fan of movies but indian films do rock :). I am 100% sure that if I havent been to India myself I would not think much of them but now they really bring up much memories. Defenately going back there and defenately will enjoy more Bollywood products.

Today's suggestion - Hum Tum

Changes and stability

2006-10-05T00:28:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I attended "Klapid eest" lecture "Muutused ja stabiilsus" ("changes and stability"). Priit Põldoja from Hansapank spoke about leading of changes and contradictions in leadership.
Had a great AHHAA moment again. I really enjoied recognizing the issues that he pointed out also in LC Tallinn. It actually helped me to figure out and find some concreate bottlenecks and risks.
Also it was interesting to see mr Põldoja giving presentation. He was quite different from some charismatic speaker who make the audience laugh really often. In the beginning it was rather boring to me - looked like average lecture in university. Actually there was even some recognizable mistakes he made. But still I remember the content really well. I think that he have found his style of speaking and he does it well. When Steve Palmer raises the motivation then Priit Põldoja raises the awareness. I guess for me is the place somewhere middle ... luckily I have time and chances to find it :)

Mario Puzo's "Godfather"

2006-10-02T21:55:00.000+03:00

These days I am reading a Mario Puzo's "Godfather". All of us have probably seen a movie and heard that It is one of the few movies that is better than original book. I have even heard that the book is considered quite average.

I got my next AHHAA moment (what I mean by that term will be prbbly explained in future) when reading the chapter about how don Corleone built up his empire. After that I would say that this is one of the best book about leadership I have read.

Don Corleone's attitude toward favours and friendship, the structure of organization he built up, different characters in his team etc. etc. I really suggest everyone to read it and think about the do-s and dont-s offered there. At least I got a lot to think about.

I started to read the book with some prejudice but Pretty soon discovered the old truth - It is up to you. Are you open minded enough and ready to catch the piece of wisdom - a learning point - from the place you went on totally other reasons.

Suhkruasendaja - master of wisdoms

2006-08-18T17:51:00.000+03:00

Today at work when I went to the kitchin to get a cup of coffee I had a
really stupid misunderstanding with suhkruasendaja (something sweet that you
but into your coffee but which lacks of some unhealthy essential features
sugar is so famous for). As there was no sugar I had to use suhkruasendaja
first time but somehow it was not so easy to me. I couldnt found the button
of this suhkruasendaja-box which is originally used for dropping some
suhkruasendaja-bills to your coffee. I tried to read the documentation but
this was only full of the list of unhealthy features this product does not
have.
The final result of my fight with this thing was that I managed to open the
box from wrong place, spill half of the suhkruasendaja-bills on the floor and
ower-sweetened my coffee. You would think that bachelor-course in technical
university will somehow quarantee the ability to handle technical tools like
suhkruasendaja-box.
Well the conclusions I made from this event:

being sleepy or tired is not an excuse for failure - suhkruasendaja and most of people usually just see the result not the reasons behind that.
You screw suhkruasendaja and suhkruasendaja screws you.
Observe, think, act - and better take some time for it. Acting without thinking first is old known road to failure but thinking without having enough information to work through might be quite useless.

SWD

2006-07-14T11:46:00.000+03:00

How are we really running our SWD projects.

take your time.

2006-07-13T23:25:00.000+03:00

Today at the work when I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee I had a
really stupid misunderstanding with suhkruasendaja (something sweet that you
but into your coffee but which lacks of some unhealthy essential features that
sugar is so famous for). As there was no sugar I had to use suhkruasendaja
first time but somehow it was not so easy to me. I couldnt found the button
of this suhkruasendaja-box which is originally used for dropping some
suhkruasendaja-bills to your coffee. I tried to read the documentation but
this was only full of the list of unhealthy features this product does not
have.
The final result of my fight with this thing was that I managed to open the
box from wrong place, spill half of the suhkruasendaja-bills on the floor and
over-sweetened my coffee. You would think that bachelor-course in technical
university will somehow quarantee the ability to handle technical tools like
suhkruasendaja-box.
Well the conclusions I made from this event:

being sleepy or tired is not an excuse for failure - suhkruasendaja and most of people usually just see the result not the reasons behind that.
You screw suhkruasendaja and suhkruasendaja screws you.
Observe, think, act - and better take some time for it. Acting without thinking first is old known road to failure but thinking without having enough information to work through might be quite useless.

I remember one professor who said in programming-class that he trusts more the programmer who does not start coding very fast but takes a time. And this is because that way the one has less time to make mistakes. And I must say it is same in everywhere else. Take your time - to have less time to make mistakes.

The Art of Start

2006-07-10T23:22:00.000+03:00

Now when World Cup is not so happily over and you cant spend evenings in football learning circles any more (and maybe you also have a foot injury because of what you cant even play the football) you probably have some free 40 minutes.

My suggestion is that find yourself an internet connection and whatch the Guy Kawasaki's speak based on his book "The Art of Start". Mainly ment for startup enterpreneurs it fits perfectly into AIESEC contects.

The book was really motivating and useful to me (Thank you, Carlos, for lending it to me and this speech covers big part of the book.

and the link:
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/06/the_art_of_the_.html

BR,

Siim

recovering

2006-07-10T21:11:00.001+03:00

Yes, I am recovering from World Cup football-watching sessions but in addition to that I am fortunately recovering from one of the worst injuries I have had during quite some years. In the spirit of worldCup2006 we started to play football 2-3 times a week.
Must say that the game I was not very interested in before won my heart and foot. Just when I realised that in order to retain my running-shoes I should buy football boots I managed to hurt my left foot quite bad - my visit to doctor where I got flier for a gel for 50 eek is worth extra posting (WEP) :D. Somehow the pain moved on to my lower back and I could not move for 3 days - these days full of wonderful ceiling-views and deep-deep discussions with my sisters doughter (5 years old and onlyone who was willing to listen my grumbling when I tested her computing skills for return) are also WEP.
As my bones and bursas have been quite ok after the incident in army (WEP) it was quite shocking to me when I suddenly discovered that visiting a toilet might be quite a journey (WEP, but rather short one because going into details would be quite embarrasing).
At least I proved to myself that body really is a temple of a mind in my case because I was far from Stephen Hawkins - previously mentioned 5 y.o. girl had to correct me in calculating and my plans to work from home failed miserably.
Well at least now I am getting better each day and hereby I thank everyone who massaged my back and rubbed me with different gels, listened my whining and provided me with food and even empty bottle when I looked really miserable in the first phase of my journey to toilets (of course I didnt use the bottle and succsessfully finished my journey).

all the best.

Got Milk ...

2006-06-25T01:09:00.000+03:00

Milk is bad for your health is a statement in EPL's article

Quite a worrying news for someone who considers milk as a favorite drink. When reading the article I understood that it was rather an another sign of "turning to yellow" process of one leading Estonian newspaper.

Continuing could be insight to my view about dotal inflation of estonian media but as I am quite dired of midsummer day celebrations I rather skip it this time and accept the situation where most popular TV show is "Võsarepporter".

People is not the mirror image of media but media is the image of people.

First 9 to 5 day over 11 months

2006-06-12T23:59:00.000+03:00

More than 11 months I have not done paid office job. I have done lots of office work in AIESEC (database sessions in India and of course local @ office) and also some paid projects but combination of these things is first time.

So I am a consultant on improving a software development processes based on CMMI. Sounds like ... well finishing this project successfuly is my next challange.

unofficially bachelor

2006-06-02T15:15:00.000+03:00

Today I had my last exam in TTY business-informatics bachelor course. Only thesis to go now - relax - it takes about 6 months to get so far in my case now ;)

... summer

Teams

2006-06-01T01:04:00.000+03:00

Today I saw a documentary film "Team" from TV. It was about Estonian succesful cross-country skiers and the cover team supporting it. I must say it was a perfect title for the film. It gave a good insight into the work and commitment what is behind good results (Andrus Veerpalu 1st and Jaak Mae 5th on Torino winter Olympics). It is a kind of team that has one concrete goal and vision (with Estoinan skiiers it has been really a long term vision if we remember the downtimes in 90-s). So it is a very diversed team working for one goal and for a glory of some people who solely have to shape all this years-long work into a medal during a short distance in olympics game.

Yesterday BC Kalev won Estonian master league in basketball - thats a bit different team. All team shaping together the work done by every individual player who have trained in different teams to get so far. Or even better example - the football MM - during one month team has to perform well together to celebrate the success of individual players who have trained to get ultimate skills during years in different teams and leagues.

From TV I also saw one random war-movie today - teams in military, war situation. Lets forget noble patrioritism and nationalism. I am talking about proffessional army. Men doing missions for gareer and money. What motivates them? Money - it might be till first shot. After that they work as team to survive. Ultimate trust, shared tasks to survive the next mission that is more like routine. There are no medals just everyday work. You dont have to guarantee the success of trainings done in past but to ensure that you can keep training in future.

What motivates those different teams? What are their critical success factors? Is the TV so bad if it made me think about and post this topic ...

What will be the motivators and CSF-s of new LC Tallinn EB - we'll see after this weekend EB planning days aka honeymoons ;)

That's what going on ....(vol. 2)

2006-05-09T00:24:00.000+03:00

Have been bit lazy on postings resently. Well at least I havent been so lazy in other activities.

After ITC I have been quite busy with AIESEC and school.

Transition and planning is going on in LC Tallinn
I have to finish projects on two subjects
Also will have 4 exams/project presentations in school
I will not graduate this year but most prbbly in winter so I will have only thesis to finish after those exams.
About thesis- there is a little break in cooperation with AQRIS because of CEO-s vacation and my exams - Hope to get hands on when exams are over
more AIESEC - last weekend we had EB transition - was quite succesful
bit more AIESEC - next weekend I am on NC3 - national planning conference in Pärnu
even more AIESEC - next tuesday I will have a 30 minutes speech for high school pupils about self-discovery, decisions and AIESEC - something new and challanging again.
I am trying to use class-diagrams as mindmaps - lets see if that helps - I have mapped huge amount of output from last friday recruitment planning meeting and EB transition in Umbrella (case tool for linux). As I just did it cant say how useful thiskind of aproach is.

Back from ITC

2006-05-01T22:47:00.000+03:00

Back in Estonia. ITC in Lithuania really rocked. Big thanks to everybody who made it a really great experience.

Just a month ago I was not sure weather to continue in AIESEC or find challanges somewhere else. Now I am sure that my time is not there yet and this organization is really the place where to continue my development. ITC really proved me again that I made a right decision.

About the ITC. First I was bit dissapointed as the conference theme was different from what I had expected but it needed just a little observation and resetting my goals to make it a really great experience:

rediscovering myself - strenghts, weaknesses
reevaluating and challanging my values
critically evaluating my leadership and working style
experiencing the ultimate diversity in teamwork both in terms of cultural and personal backrounds
getting new ideas and setting priorities for LCP term
getting new and refreshing old contacts
knowledge of learning environment
different tools about self discovery, virtual spaces, facilitating, mentoring

Hope to write bit more about those points here.

el presidente 06/07

2006-04-19T22:19:00.000+03:00

The water ceremony for president of LC Tallinn 06/07. Yes now it is official.

LCP speech

2006-04-17T18:52:00.000+03:00

When will I be ready? Will I ever be ready? For what do I want to be ready?

These were just some of the questions that ran through my head when considering weather to run for position of president of LC Tallinn.

What do I want to do when I know that I have only 3 days to live? In AIESEC it is popular to make decisions based on this suicidal question. Well if I had only three days to live I would have a wild party, say goodbye to my friends and family and probably drop some tears because of all the money wasted on retirement funds.

But lets eat healthy food, not exaggerate with alcohol, sport regularly and cross streets on a right places and think it the way way we all have long life ahead. Which I most certainly hope I do. Don't I want to experience as much as possible. Do I want to be ultimate professional only in one field in life.

I have heard a theory that first man who lives 1000 years is already born. Maybe I am the one. When I think myself 900 years old awfully rich and loads of grand-grand-children on my knees. What do I like to remember from my life. Graduated, married, kids, wife died, married again, got huge amount of money during oil-crises, married with younger woman, got some more money, did some charity. Would It then be ok if AIESEC is only 0.3% of my CV when at the moment it has so much bigger part in my life.

Some people here in this room know Bode – I met him when he was chair in Poland CELDS conference. Some of you remember him from CEEMOS. From last years conference. I remember one moment with him. All plenary gave huge applause to one presentation. Then Bode asked– Why are you clapping? Nobody really couldn't answer- There was a good powerpoint, nice background music, faci was a great story teller, all the others are clapping ... But was that all. Were these the main points we were supposed to get from that session. Sometimes in conferences and as well in everyday life we tend to forget why we really do something. Is there a reason, point or goal. At least in AIESEC the mindset should be – I KNOW WHY I AM HERE. And it is only plus when people outside from AIESEC are aware of our confidence as well.

It is really hard to make radical changes in AIESEC. It is so big, with so long history, with so important values and missions. It is not possible to change something in one year. Make everything work, fix all flaws and make everybody happy. Lets imagine AIESEC as a horde of buffaloes. You cant stand in front of running buffaloes and say. STOP buffaloes. From now on we are going for a better future. This is that way – turn right!!!

But what you can to is constantly strive them to the right direction by giving a constant and relevant impact.

I will not promise to do something drastically different in my term. I want to ensure the sustainability. Keep on the good work done in this year and make sure that next term there are enough motivated and aware people left who can continue guiding this crazy hurd of buffaloes.

I remember that I got a carpenter toolbox as a birthday gift when I was a little boy. There was a hammer, saw, chisel, nails and some other stuff. I was so happy, finally a man. Carpenter toolbox was a big thing in boys life back in the town I am originally from. 1^st thing I did was breaking a window with a hammer and hurting myself with saw. Good start – I but the toolbox away –never really used it again. sometimes showed it to my friends- just to show – I am not a just a elementary-school boy anymore, I have some tools.

AIESEC is similar to this toolbox. You can build up a perfect future to yourself and really give something to others, have great time, develop, really find yourself get new friends... OR you can just give up after 1^st failure, disappointment, downtime, misunderstanding.

I decided to use this toolbox to myself and to others and that is why I am running for the position of LCP in LC Tallinn.

Siim Saarlo
candidate for the position of LCP06/07 in LC Tallinn
Tartu 13.04.2006

Decision making festival vol.2

2006-04-09T00:43:00.000+03:00

Hereby I send my application and 2 endorsment letters to the position of LCP of LC Tallinn 06/07.

God help me,

Siim Saarlo

This is the letter I sent to our current LCP mailbox some minutes ago with my application and two endorsment letters. Lets see if the results of this act will change postings in this blog for one year.

Big thanks to Aldo and Sigrid for endorsment letters. There was more help in those to me than only formal need for two endorsment letters.

Back from Greece

2006-04-08T17:50:00.000+03:00

Here I am - tanned, happy, energetic - back.
Yesterday I felt the shitty Estonian weather again over 10 days. Meanwhile I enjoid the vacation in Greece.

It all started on 28th March when me, Käbi and Hannakas went to Greece through Berlin. The idea was to visit Marge who was studing in Ioannina through Erasmus program. We managed to miss the late-night Athens-Ioannina buss for 10 minutes and so we spent our first night on streets of Athens. It was much more colder I had imagined - It was still spring in Greece and without sun ... not so mediterannian I expected.
Thanks to Vana Tallinn (traditional Estonian alcoholic drink) and some open beer-selling points we managed to survive the night and took early-morning buss through magnificent coast to Ioannina.

Ioannina is a town in northern Greece where we spent three days. Our base was Marge's dormitory room in local campus. From this tiny room we moved out to sightseeing, parties, eat in taverna and students restaurant etc.
There were quite a lot to see for us as the town was situated in valley rounded with eyecatching mountains. Slightly different from our 318m-max landscape. Also nice medieval castle, island with monasterys and tiny white streets, dark gaves - it all was a good start.
Taveras are popular eating place in Greece which is no suprise considering the quality and price of food and drinks. We managed to go there twice on our student-budget during our trip;).

Worth to remark is student restaurant in Ioannina. For 90 EUR cents we got a really good meal there three times a day. For greece students it was totally free - What a hell is going on in Estonia. When here we cant find money to build dormitories then there we saw houses in campus which were built few years back but no use were found to these yet. Makes you think about different extremes.

And parties - as Marge was leaving with us he had farewell party there on friday night. Combination of cheap beer, Ouzo, and AIESEC drinking cames made it quite wild one. Anyway in the morning when I woke up Merka had joined our jolly team of travelers.

Next three days we spent in Gorfu. For me the most memorisable thing is defenately renting a car and driving five chatty females around the island with hilly roads and mediterainean traffic-culture - As i survived and stayed calm there I will survive everything. Except that of course furniture stealing to cover a rent (we stayed at Patricia's appartment, who is Erasmus student from Spain), beach, night at fire, magnificent sunsets and beautiful beautiful island.

After Corfu we took a bus and drove seven hours at night to Athens - Akropolis, museums, market, olivs, more ouzo, hangover-climbing to Likavitos hill, Olympic stadion ... This time we spent a night at Piret's appartment (again Erasmus student - this time from Estonia).

In Athens we also said goodby to Marge who moved to Ireland (good luck to you in everything you do) and left us with half of his luggage which was supposed to be transported to Estonia by us (sorry about those books I gave to Piret to reduce the weight)

All together I was a really supper trip and vacation. I cant tell much about Greece culture or history cause didnt prepare well for this trip but I sure got a lot smarter. I got also collected some strange learning-points which I try to upload to blogg in future.
Thanks to good weather and getting away from everyday business I got a lot of energy as well to deal with everything here.

I prbbly will follow up this post with link to the pictures when I eventually upload these or when I discover - remember something interesting. For excample this "traditional Greece music" we were suggested to buy for 1 EUR was somekind of crap pop-music - comperable to Erich Grieger in estonia (sorry fans).

Big thanks to all the hosts, Erasmus students I met (specially spanish ppl from Ioannina), all the others I met;), my travel mates and of course to Marge.

I am back ...

In Greece 28.03 till 07.04

2006-03-28T10:25:00.000+03:00

I have flight in three hours and I am still in AIESEC office :s

hope to but some sunny pictures here...

That's what going on ....

2006-03-26T20:55:00.000+03:00

First - congratiolations to all new fullmembers of LC Tallinn - you all were great on interviews (y)(y)

I have not done any posting for a time now. Well the excuse is that blogging is still not even the 6th priority yet in my scedual.
Just a brief update .... Things in school are getting interesting. As the 8th week is over and as well midterm so now tons of deadlines and controls are starting to get more and more important/urgent. Should finish object-oriented design project (i chose storage-house system in the beginning of term) and tomorrow is also a test in system-theory - prbbly will skip thistime.
BOF2006 first period is almost over - all the speakers from my "juristiction" are collect and now I need to get some document ready for tomorrow :s.
My next challange will be my thesis. This will be about software development process in one Estonian SD company. I am really excited about it cause it is really practical thing to do and somewhat connected to outsourcing topic. But more about it later.

And last on tuesday I will fly away to Greece - so, vacation - 2nd one in my life if i am not mistaking ;). But yeah, before that there are tons of stuff still to do ... domorrow will be creazy ...
So dont know about you but I will be in Greece from 28.03 to 07.04
cu

poker in 404 /relevance of money

2006-03-16T00:43:00.000+02:00

Today we were playing poker again in 404 with trainees. This time we had 4 ppl (from Estonia, Dominican rep., Germany and Bolivia).
At the end I had doubled my money what I had when starting the game - so I had 20 eek. We are usually playing with sents (1 eek max bet).
When we finished the came I was totally happy and saticfied and on my way from 404 to 522 I started wondering how much does money really matter. Because of my values, priorities and laziness I prbbly wont to anything for money till I am 27. My goal is not to have 1 million in five years but rather own a knowledge how to do it.

In business-world it is same. Raise of salary motivates ppl only for some time. Then they want more. So it is much smarter from employer to offer something else. Innovative approach to employee motivation is defenately good idea. There is never enough money to overpay all compeditors in business. Estonian IT companies are defenately good example for that. Challanges, team-spirit, work-culture, teambuildings, extra-courses etc. - that what keeps workers.

Still the poker would have been not so interesting without that small amount of money. The sound of coins. You defenately have to pay enough money to your people to keep them satisfied but with innovative approach of investing into your ppl you can be ahead of other companies in market.

The money makes the poker real and relevant. I have always been against anykind of recognition by cash in organization. Still maybe this is what we are missing. Certain amount of money on every realize? This is defenately the best solution but rewards and recognition system must be visible and remade. As we cant afford salary we have to stress innovativness in HR.

AIESEC gives you wings!

2006-03-13T22:14:00.000+02:00

Just a teaser from Synergy 2006 . . .

Decision making festival vol.1

2006-03-13T22:02:00.000+02:00

Next weeks are quite important for me. Somehow It is happened that all relevant stuff has to be decided now - aiesec, LCP position, university, theses, graduation, erasmus, emploiment.

Because of some very interesting emails I started with the festival today - plus-minus table. I have used it once pefore when doubting on my first work in infinit and it worked fine. Just make two columns and start brainstorming pluses and minuses - what you win or loose with dobted decision.

Use plus-minus table - it makes true festival out of your decision making process - actually it really works.

back from Synergy 2006

2006-03-12T23:37:00.000+02:00

Another international AIESEC conference is over. This time for me there was more quality and value in our LC-spirit and atmosphere than in sessions - and parties were just wild. More about it later when I have had some sleep.

Retention Of Development

2006-03-09T00:15:00.000+02:00

This headline game out during todays free-style-brainstorming-session in office. Really enjoy those spontaneous comedy-shows.

Matching team role-call was rocking today in LC meeting. And on fryday we defenately will rock with it on the opening plenary of Synergy2006.

Learning cycle event tomorrow.

2006-03-07T00:06:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow I am planning to go to "klapideest" team next lecture held in IT college. "From Idea to Brand" is the title and speaker is from Saku. It really sound promising. Last lecture about media was just great. Quality of these lectures seems to really be improving.

Last time I got a Director magazin by journalist for being active. Interesting what is it possible to get from the worker of beer-factory ... will defenately be there.

All you need is a good approach ... and song ...

2006-03-06T23:47:00.000+02:00

... for a great role-call at least. Matchingteam's new dance really rocks - this could be THE ROLECALL of LC Tallinn. And what did it take ... If I think back to this situation.
All I wanted was good role-call. In the past there have been problems because all ideas were not accepted. I think main cause is that everybody wants to use their ideas - as we all are so creative ppl - and tend to be rejective against orher ideas.

So this time I used slightly different aproach. I just gave a goal to reach - good rolecall, and suggested a way to do it - dance. Then one teammember had chance to use her favorite song - this eliminated her from a list of potential oposition members for next ideas because that was her song. As we decided to have a dance, everyone had chance to offer their ideas and everybody can participate performing it too - seems like perfection.

So there is a slice of leadership even in those situations - you just have to have THE APPROACH.

summarize of last week

2006-03-05T23:05:00.000+02:00

Hmm, It has been a while from my last post here - In your face writer-wannabe!! I thought I can use this weekend to work out the topic for my thesis - no luck - still have 2-3 to choose from. Also my lazy ass didnt find enought time to study system theory - this will be the struggle nr.2 of this spring.

But last 10 minutes - looking through my mail archive and I think lC Tallinn is very close to other match - one japanese to SKYPE (y).

What else - This week I handed out an application to Erasmus program - might be that next year I am studying in Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden (some strange way I really think that I want to see this part of student-life where I actually study-hard etc.)

And BOF - end of the last week was quite a success - list of potential speakers grew quite a remarkably. Well it was a time because I am not far from vacation (about 22 days to go).

Opportunities everywhere

2006-02-08T00:51:00.000+02:00

This "opportunities everywhere" is a string I wanted to put my name in msn for all day. But as I am so lazy and using a Gaim you have to surf in menus a bit to do it I put it as a title for this post now.

Opportunities everywhere - it really is so. My head has been quite a highway for ideas during last weeks. Sad thing is that there is no place for them to stop and grow. "Hi, just going through. Am a very good Idea but busy as well. garry on. Have to run now....". They just have to go on. Or is it just "Up to me"? With every idea, good or bad, there is somekind of risk. And in some aspects I am not much of a risk-taker. I know that and working on this side. No risk - no shampain. And even if I prefer some wine, shampain is only option in the "new-years eve".

From one "Klapid eest" event with Robert Kitt I remember his ending point that even the smallest things can make a big impact. Even a job that looks not so good at start can lead to very good contacts and promotions (and some cash in-flow ofcourse). I have rejected quite a many offers because I have been thinking that is not good/challangeing/interesting/... for me. Should I reconsider my values and standards...

I leave this question open to myself and move back to beginning. Day full of opportunities.
a)AIESEC: +1 potential TN taker and some ideas for delegating responsibilities
b)BOF: around 5 new ideas for possible speakers
c)studies: at least 2 ideas for thesis
d)career: +2 pot for job

And some others I was not able to classify because of the speed they were pushed out by followers and the noise in tty AIESEC office when it is full of people (Y).

2006-02-04T12:45:00.000+02:00

No comments (y)

weekend in Haapsalu

2006-02-04T12:30:00.000+02:00

Will spend this weekend in home. Refused to go to Tartu for celebrations of some birthdays. Last weeks have been quite busy and I nee a rest. Weather is great - too cold but sun is shining. Have to decide either to go to training or walking (it is prbbly too cold for a walk/jogging).

back from AC

2006-01-30T00:30:00.000+02:00

Annual Conference is over. What a days full of parties, fun, emotions, discussions, ups/downs of motivation, drinking games, different thoughts running trhough your head, instantly considering pros and cons of different opporunities and plans .... too much to write right now - It made me think.

Anyway, I am back - bit different but back.

night before the AK and tsemester before graduation

2006-01-26T01:43:00.000+02:00

Well here I am in the beginning of new tsemester in university. It prbbly would be like any other but as it is last of my bachelor studies ... it is bit more special.
It started bit different than last one:
a) I am not in a very hot and incredible country during 2 first weeks of it
b) Till now (during 3 first days) I have attended all the lessons, except one that didnt happen. Last term was total disaster considering my school attendance.
c) well this thing is similar - most of my days are spent in AIESEC office

Today when I was there looking for a place where to have dinner for 100-180 BOF2006 participants entered Kuoshan - the girl I was arranging resident permit for ... well what was I just talking about - all last tsemester. I really hope that getting a one to Carlos will be lot faster. Carlos is next trainee in Skype from Dominican Republic. When Carlos is stuck in New York Kuoshan is here finally and participating AK. Yes tomorrow is Annual conference. It is pitty that I have almost no emotions at the moment. I really hope that it gets better when it starts. I am not that heading-for-... yet ;)

First days in school have been nicely filled with thrill looking for lectures to fill up my free points. Found one - smth about business management, starting it and making a business plan. There is my lounch to success ... or is it just another exam. I am not sure yet but prbbly I will attend some java programming lectures as well. There is one next thursday.

Also looking for a ways for further education - found interesting summer-school opportunity in Helsinky :) Stipendium and everything to study Internet marketing for 2 weeks. Not much but considering the fact that I have missed the ddl for booking TOEFL test - well it is something to consider (y)

It's 2 am. My lazyation factor is up - or is it down. still havent defined it - anyways this is most productive time of my all day - I am transforming into owl ... good night

ideas and macrology

2006-01-20T00:30:00.000+02:00

Hmm, http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com - page worth seeeing and story thinking about. Really - there will be day when i start drinking/thinking and dont stop before my own 1M$idea.

What else - today I scanned through some articles about outsourcing - this topic gets more and more interesting to me each day and my ambitious brain is already generating different ways how to combine myself and this area of corporate world. I have thought about it lot before the BOF2006 as well. It combines IT and HR (my studies and AIESEC experience). The field is far from "dry and boring IT" etc. Actually I think i thought about it more seriously first in India where it is really hot topic. When many big IT corporations outsource cheap (and in some cases qualified) labour from this country. But before looking towards India I have chance to get more experience right here with BOF2006 (rocknroll).

As we didnt manage to prepare for sunday-morning-X-day today We'll do it domorrow. Agenda and goals are set now me and Ingrid from OGX side have to work on exact structure of trainings. Well it will be very cool and importand day for AIESEC Tallinn exchangers.

Also we had a LC meeting despite this freecing weather (its strange that i havent whinged about that. Prbbly because I have squeezed myself near heat sink. But I hate each and every last one of these 30 minus we have out there. Makes you think that even this desperate www.worldjumpday.org is not so pointless - at least you get warm when jumping.
But about LC meeting - that was fun and motivating - As i have said it is totally neccesary to go to these events - motivations proportion of lazynation factor increases much (y).

Extremely happy with my not-so-fresh-anymore gentoo installation-configuration (rocknroll). Working with J2EE configuration on these days but as there are so many different things to do this is not going as fast as I planned :s. Hmm, I havent tested skype here properly - chat function is working but I am afraid that voip is out. But some out of bit more than some is good for now ;)

2006-01-16T22:28:00.000+02:00

Holidays and exams are over - both of them went well. Still worried about my lazyness - sleep owfuly long hours in mornings.

But yeah - on last monday i bought dickets to Athens - now im broke but will have nice vacation from 27th of March till 7th April.

Also most prbbly I am new project manager of Baltic Outsourcing Forum 2006 held in Tallinn where my tastk is to find famous ppl to talk to rich ppl. About that later on. I will have meeting with main organizers next sunday. Why I decided to run for this position is that it is generally IT conference and through that it is possible to find huge amount of good contacts and it is 2 months projects - will be working with it till March.

Hmm, just found out new term to describe my situation - lazynation factor (not to mix up with lesbination factor which whatever it means does not describe my situation). LAZYNATION factor shows my motivation, proactivity and hours of sleep (will work on exact formula).

ohhooo

2005-12-21T12:22:00.000+02:00

So just accidentally I found out that I have my own blog - which i have updated twice. Well the situation now is that it is near christmas and i am busy with school and AIESEC. Back from India (for 3 months already) and also the typical average estonian feeling is back - hard to explain but it is so.

Yesterdey met Marge who is back in Estonia for while and decided that will visit her in spring - easyjet and Greece - here i come. Also had plans to go to Prague to CC reunion (would really like to meet the gang) but because of lack of funds and my incredibly slow organizing ability this wont happen im afraid :(

Also I have increadibly hard discussions with myself - what to do next - in spring and in outumn - after new year and graduation - traineeship, studies abroad or in tty, work etc.

So these could be the topics I am prbbly going to write about in near future. And also should fresh my own memory about India trip - blog of memories ;)

Miks krt ma siin siis olen ehk mis tegelikult toimub.

2005-08-17T18:21:00.000+03:00

Detailidesse pikemalt mitte laskudes olen ma 24.07.2005 kuni 07.09 Indias Agras. Ma olen üks kuuekümnest kolmekümne riigi kodanikust, kes organiseerivad siin tudengiorganisatsiooni Aiesec konverentsi (mis tuleb krdi suur ja läbi ajaloo võimsaim).
Kuni u. 25. augustini elame me suhteliselt lihtsas hotellis, mille muudab aga eriliseks asjaolu, et see asub paarisaja meetri kaugusel Taj Mahalist. Umbes mainitud kuupäeval kolime me viietärni hotelli Yaipee Palace, mis näeb välja nigu suts-üle-keskmise loss.
Tavaliselt on päevad suhteliselt töised. Mina olen infosüsteemide tiimi liige ja seetõttu tuleb mul kõvasti tegemist teha php, andmebaaside ja poole tosina indialase töökultuuriga (sellest täpsemalt ja emotsionaalsemalt edaspidi).
Üldse aitab hetkel ....

2005-08-17T16:58:00.000+03:00

Siia hakkan ma nüüd riputama erinevaid mõtteid, kogemusi, juhtumisi, muljeid, kirjelduse jms. Eelnevatele kogemustele toetudes on postituste sagedus äärmiselt hõre ja random. Aga kannatage ära ...
Üks põhjusi miks plogimist alustan (kui alustan - praegu liiga varajane staadium, et kindlalt midagi öelda) on see, et minuni on jõudnud jutud, et paljude inimeste arust olen ma indias bolliwoodis filminäitleja - selle klaarime siis kohe ära - Indias olen, aga mingit tõsisemat näitlejakarjääri ma siin ei alusta - arvatavasti ei ole annet lihtsalt.