Creativity, Business Development, Mornings and Inspiring Environments

They say early mornings are the best time to come up with great ideas. At that time in the morning your brain is fresh and more free flowing. Putting yourself in an inspiring environment can help encourage creative juices. There is a reason why universities often look the way they do. If you are a business person it may be beneficial to think about your ideas in the morning and improve your work setting.

This is a picture of a nice small Inn above a wine bar. These retro places are making a comeback.

Temperatures Change in the Mountains Quickly-Make Sure You Pack Right

Making my way up to Big Bear California which is about 7,000 feet above sea level. The lake and associated town is well known for its mountain culture, hiking, and recreational activities. It is one of those places that people simply love to go and hang out. If you love to down hill ski this is also a great place to visit.

You will notice the fog and clouds rolling in. The temperature can drop 30 degrees in about an hour. Keep that in mind when your on the trail. I like very light jackets that squish up but still offer plenty of protection.

Painting for Research Plastic Ocean Project Charity

Research costs money and the government can't pay for it all. I enjoy the process of research and there are lots of good causes out there. Because I love sailing, the outdoors and of course science I think it is important to support research through one's hobbies. It isn't a lot of money but it does give one a little more motivation to get some work while still contributing to a good cause.

The two paintings of the coast are more or less practice and playing around with concepts. A little while ago a restaurant asked if I would paint something to put on their wall. To get to a larger painting I must pain many small quick paintings to know what I would like to do and how it will all come together on a larger canvas piece.

Usually I give them away to friends or even throw them out if I don't like them. Now I'm thinking that it isn't wise for me to do this. It may make more sense for me to "shoot two birds with one stone" so to speak by offering on Ebay and using 50% for materials and the other 50% to go to a worthwhile charity such as the Research Plastic Ocean Project.

The two pieces come together and are $39.99
https://www.ebay.com/itm/173568863357


Research Plastic Ocean Project Charity

We are a 501c3 devoted to the removal of plastic marine debris, conducting research on the impacts caused by plastic pollution, and solutions creating jobs that will make plastic debris so valuable, it will not end up where it doesn't belong. But above all, educating the masses through artist measures to reduce single use plastics - the ultimate prevention of plastic marine debris.

USCMA Highlights Regional Trade

USMCA is signed and seems to signal a shift toward regional trade to strengthen the Americas as well as focus on local issues. Thus far all sides appear to come out for the trade agreement and have made some concessions to get there.

Creativity and intelligence are Closely Related Aspects of Problem Solving

Creativity and intelligence might be closely connected. We often thought that people who were intelligent were not necessarily creative and visa versa. New research in the Educational Psychology Review Shows us that deep connections between intelligence and creativity are associated with problem solving through the methods of flexibility, critically, and playfulness (Silvia, 2015).

This would make sense since science and art revolve around discovery of new forms that solve problems. While one may use an exact scientific method the idea must be generated through creativity. Art and science are connected to the concept of theory, art, music, discovery, exploration and much more.

It is also true that highly intelligent people do things differently and also try new things. They use their creativity to solve problems in the world. They explore interest of theirs and help the rest of society catch up to their thinking. They are unique and should be honored for their uniqueness.

At its very fundamental root the human mind makes connections among various stimuli in order to come to greater conclusion. Those who do this better through using memory, analytical ability, abstract thinking, and creativity can often come to more accurate conclusions than others. They process information very deeply and are able to weigh and balance alternatives better than the bell curve average.

Silvia, P. (2015). Intelligence and creativity are pretty similar after all. Educational Psychology Review, (27) 4.

Celebrating Sukkot in Encinitas California

Attending the Sukkot festival at Coastal Roots Farm with some Jewish friends of mine. I'm not that familiar with Jewish traditions although I have some knowledge of more of the historical past. It was a harvest festival that offered lots of music, food, and traditional events. If you want to know more about this event click the link below.

The farm offered a nice connection to nature with butterfly garden, mini farm fields, etc... It is a good way to connect people to the source of their meals. Lots of other organizations that benefit the needy and special causes were present.

Meeting Opera Stars and Info on Becoming a Patron of the Musical Arts

Ashley Cutright

Recently I had the opportunity to meet some of San Diego's Opera stars at a pre-season event in La Jolla. Their voices carried loudly across the packed room and resonated within our hearts. Each of the singers were so friendly and kind to their audience in a way that made the meet and greet very special. Talent connecting with the community can make a big difference in support of this art form.

Opera is a highly developed artistic form. While many of us are listening to the latest bands and electro music that hits the market it is artistic productions like Opera that take years to master and can bring us a truer sense of culture that connects across the ages. If you would like to support the Opera and make a donation, attend an event, or share their link here is their web address. Click the Support Us tab.

They have a great 2018/19 line up!!!

https://www.sdopera.org/

Can You Determine Which Ads Will Sell the Most Through Biometric Markers?

You can actually predict and test recall based on neuroscience markers. This means that certain behaviors in our brains determine whether we like, recall or view certain advertisements. For those who work in the advertising fields it could mean the difference between ads that sell and those that waste money simply by testing how control groups respond.

According to a study in the Frontiers in Psychology Journal effectiveness of ads on YouTube can be predicted by neural networks and neuroscience-based metrics with 82.9% accuracy (Guiexeres, et. al 2017). The biometric markers were things like brain response, heart rate variability and eye tracking.

As we get aroused we often collect, encode information which in turn can lead to better recall. There is an emotional response to some of the things we like and don't like. By using these biometric markers we are better able to determine on a deeper neural level what people like and don't like.

While the study was limited with 35 participants it does highlight the ability to test advertisements, images, and possibly word choices on target populations before actually spending lots of money on marketing. We may know what is better what will create a brand versus what might not. Our marketing choices will be much more pointed and effective with pre-testing campaigns.

Guixeres, J. et. al. (2018). Consumer Neuroscience-Based Metrics Predict Recall, Liking and Viewing Rates in Online Advertising. Frontiers in Psychology, 8.

Join the Polaris Sailing Club

President's UNGA Speech

It doesn't matter what side of the political perspective you are on it is important to keep up on the news to see what might be coming down the road. As business people we should seek to gain information about potential changes in American policy. As policy changes so does the way in which we do business and how we influence world markets.