Every one of our geezers who continues to play a leadership role has one quality of overriding importance: Neoteny. The dictionary defines neoteny, a zoological term, as the “retention of youthful qualities by adults.” Neoteny is more than retaining a youthful appearance, although that is often part of it. Neoteny is the retention of all those youthful qualities that we associate with youth: curiosity, playfulness, eagerness, fearlessness, warmth, energy. Unlike those defeated by time and age, our geezers have remained much like our geeks – open, willing to take risks, hungry for knowledge and experience, courageous, eager to see what the new day brings.

-Leading For A Lifetime, Harvard Business School Press

One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
– Martin Luther King

I love the way how photographer Steve McCurry puts it across.

No matter how dire the situation, how dangerous the environment, children need to play. Whether it is splashing in puddles or climbing on abandoned tanks, their world of make believe is almost as important as food and shelter.

Credits: Steve McCurry

I’m constantly amazed by the level of selflessness as well as the selfishness exhibited by the human love.

Perhaps what confounds me most is how both of these extremes can coexist in this same concept of love.

People change. Everyone.

While Dr Jekyll cannot atone for Mr Hyde’s crimes, the presence of Mr Hyde does not erase the kind acts of Dr Jekyll.

We are all Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. Everyday.

The person I was five years ago is different from the person I am today. Even the “Zachary” of yesterday differs from the “Zachary” of today. While we are told not to compare with others, I believe it is imperative that we put ourselves up for evaluations – against our past selves.

The only question which remains: Which one is Jekyll, and which one is Hyde?

Some things can never be taken from us.

Music, passion, rhythm, love, belief, faith, hunger, desire, hope, ideas, trust, determination, drive, will, persistence, valor, chivalry, freedom, heart, dedication, desperation, integrity, vision, principle, courage, character, loyalty, curiosity, dreams, wonder, convictions, amazement, joy.

They cannot be taken away. Only we can give it up; surrender it on our own accord.

Andy Dufresne: That’s the beauty of music. They can’t get that from you… there are places in this world that aren’t made out of stone. That there’s something inside… that they can’t get to, that they can’t touch. That’s yours.

Red: What’re you talking about?

Andy Dufresne: Hope.

What cannot be taken away from you today?

Is society looking for the Renaissance man or the PhD (the hyper specialist)?

Leonardo da Vinci: The scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer.

Albert Einstien: The theoretical physicist.

The theory of comparative advantage in economics argues for specialization while the world’s rapid changes beacons for a polymath. Peter Drucker asked us to capitalize on our strengths but other leadership experts ask us to watch out for our weakness. Finance professors teach diversification; Warren Buffet believes in consolidation.

Although not all of the above examples may necessary be mutually exclusive, the paths taken by the Master and the “Jack of all trades” certainly do not cross.

What does this era call for and what path are you on?

Do state your path as well as your comments on this one – I’m genuinely curious.

Three basic survival dishes:
Rice, fried rice & pasta.

If you do not know how to cook at all.
Make fancy sandwiches.

If you do not have enough rice for a meal.
Cook fried rice. The ingredient would add to the meal.

If you do not have enough pasta sauce for a dish of pasta.
Add an egg into your sauce.

If you pasta sauce is too liquid.
Add tomato sauce.

If you do not have mince meat for your pasta sauce.
Use a can of tuna.

If you run out of pasta sauce completely
Use olive oil.

If your instant noodles are not filling.
Add an egg into the soup while cooking.

If you run out of oil.
Use butter.

If you are do not know how to tell if the food is cooked.
Overcook it – don’t burn it!

If your overnight rice is too dry.
Add a tablespoon of water before putting it into the microwave.

If you do not know how to prepare homemade soup.
Boil a pot of water, add in 2 chicken parts (Drumstick, thigh or anything), salt & pepper. Boil till the soup turns extremely cloudy. Serve.
*Amazingly simple and delicious

If you have no cream for a recipe.
Replace with milk.

If you have no toaster.
Toast your bread on a pan – no oil required.

One for the fans out there…

Check out the atmosphere

Cheerleaders

Crazy stunts from their mascot

TD Garden