This book really got my attention after a pastor at my home church in Singapore devoted an article on this book in the church magazine.
The version I read is the 2nd (expanded) version and the first 200 pages really blew me away and had me thinking to myself ”yes, this is what is happening right now in our world, what should I be doing now to ensure that I am well prepared?”
Thomas Friedman, the New York Times columnist and acclaimed writer of a few books such as From Beirut to Jerusalem and The Lexus and the Olive Tree (check out his site here) wrote about how the world is flat i.e. connected. He discussed 10 forces that had flattened the world, from the fall of the Berlin wall to internet and the one that stays on my mind is how UPS becomes part of the supply chain of so many companies, not just delivery but even repair & maintenance!
However, it got a little less interesting for me as the book went on to talk about how America is (not) prepared for the flat world and how different developing countries run along with it or resist it. Another point though is that in various examples, it’s mentioned that freelancers (think graphic designers!) actually become competition in our connected world.
I got a greater sense of urgency and awareness of the need to prepare, embrace, run along and run ahead in this connected world but not so much on how to prepare for it.. Not sure if the 3.0 version has the answers but I guess nothing beats keeping my eyes and ears open!
Notes on the logo by Owen Jones:
They (client) opted for a muted mauve colour rather than green, and wanted to focus on a feeling of friendliness and personal touch, hence a less formal, more flowing heart/tear tweak, and the handwritten style type for ‘Counselling Service’.
Owen Jones is a graphic designer from Plymouth, UK. Check out his site here.
Here’s the news brief taken from china post.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Rio de Janeiro on Monday unveiled its bid logo for the 2016 Olympics — the famed Sugar Loaf mountain shaped as a heart to represent the Brazilian people’s passion for sports. The logo — in the green, yellow, blue and white colors of the Brazilian flag — has the writing “rio20!6,” with the exclamation point replacing the numeral 1 to symbolize Brazil’s heightened expectations with the chance of hosting the event.
“The Sugar Loaf in the shape of a heart represents the Brazilian’s indisputable passion and vibration for sports,” logo designer Ana Soter said. A Brazilian Olympic Committee panel chose the logo from a list of four finalists.
For the 2nd year running, I have given Christmas goodie bags to my pre-believing friends and colleagues and this year, I have added a very neat pocket New Testament bible.
There is the New Testament bible, with a post-it note that points to the chapter of the birth of Jesus i.e. how christmas comes about. Plus the goodies of raisins, kit kat and kisses..
Pray that a few seeds will be sown even if not time for reaping!
