LunaLog

Rather than attempt to save a dollar here and a nickel there, Apple is famous for preferring quality (and good design) over quantity.

You’ll find a great example in Apple Insider’s post about the costs associated with the building of Apple’s new flagship store in Boston.

I have a little theory that a company’s physical space is a reflection of that company’s products or services. The Apple stores are more than a reflection of Steve Jobs’ architectural taste; they are an integral part of the Apple brand and what they sell.

On my way to the dry cleaner I walked by Ye Olde Oreck Vacuum Shoppe and saw the following posted in their window:

Sure enough, they have a Dyson inside placed on the floor amongst many Oreck models (imagine a yellow Ferrari parked in the middle of a junk yard of grey and black clunkers).  I’m sure Dyson has been eating Oreck’s lunch for years.  But up until now, Oreck has been ignoring Dyson, hoping they would go away.

I had heard that Oreck recently hired a new CEO and some other new executives.  This attempt to address Dyson’s popularity head on shows some wisdom from their new leadership.

Now all they need to do is update the design of their products.  Heck, they could be the best vacuums in the world, but they still look like they were built during the Korean War.

The Dyson is tough to beat, though.  We have one and love it.  Like my friend, Padilla, says, “If you don’t have a Dyson, you’re living in filth.”

I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men and women;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all people most richly blessed.

Here’s a great article explaining why oil is so expensive, despite a surplus of supply.

And here’s an interesting chart:

1. Go to class.
2. Talk to your teachers; develop a good rapport with them.
3. Network with other students; ask them for help.
4. Carve your work into 30 minute chunks.
5. Take care of yourself - get plenty of rest.

find out more by reading Mark Kennedy’s column.

1. Go to bed on time
2. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
3. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
4. Delegate tasks to capable others.
5. Simplify and unclutter your life.
6. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
7. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
8. Pray
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Eat a hearty breakfast, healthy lunch and light dinner.
11. Take one day at a time.
12. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
13. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
    Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to something while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Make friends with Godly people.
24. Keep favorite scriptures on hand.
25. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you Jesus .”
26. Laugh.
27. Laugh some more!
28. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
29. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
30. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
31. Sit on your ego.
32. Talk less; listen more.
33. Slow down.
34. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

Bonus: Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.

What other suggestions do you have?  Send them to jason@thelunas.com 

Wow, what did this kid eat?!?

1. Avoid the worst triggers of acne; pasteurized dairy products, fried and deep-fried foods, hydrogenated oils, sugar, salty snacks, preservatives like sulphates, and highly processed foods that contain gluten.
2. Eat mainly whole, unprocessed foods, with vegetables making up at least 50% of the total volume of your diet. Specifics of your ideal diet depend on a variety of factors, including your body type, ethnic background, health history, and current health status.
3. Get enough sleep to feel refreshed when you wake up. It is during deep, restful sleep that your body is able to most efficiently repair damaged skin.
4. Do not rub your acne with abrasive towels or loofahs. Aggressively rubbing your acne can cause the underlying infection to spread, which can result in new spots. Sometimes, abrasive rubbing can create enough irritation to cause an infection that leads to acne. Instead of rubbing your face dry after washing, make it a habit to pat dry or even air dry.
5. Use as little soap and make-up as possible. Using soap on a daily basis is only necessary if you work with gas, coal, or oil. For most people who don’t wear make up, washing with cold water is enough to have clean and healthy skin. Washing with only cold water is what people have done through most of world history.
6. If your weather allows, expose your skin to sunshine each day, even if it’s for a few minutes. Just be sure not to burn yourself. Natural sunlight has remarkable healing and recuperative powers for your skin.
7. Consider taking a high quality probiotic. Having lots of good bacteria living in your intestines will provide protection against toxins that can contribute to acne formation. Lots of good bacteria in your intestines is also helpful for your immune system, which plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin.