Implicit Associations Test

In the highly 'politically-correct' world in the US, we have many trainings here for 'diversity' and 'inclusiveness' issues. My firm does this, not just for compliance with regulations, but also the management recognizes that in our evolving world, our workplace IS becoming more diverse, especially in the melting pot of California.

At the latest firm-sponsored training I attended, Dr. Tony Greenwald, the creator of the Implicit Associations Tests (IATs) spoke to us. Check out the Harvard website to do the IATs!! The results may surprise you.

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Quoted from website:
It is well known that people don't always 'speak their minds', and it is suspected that people don't always 'know their minds'. Understanding such divergences is important to scientific psychology.

This web site presents a method that demonstrates the conscious-unconscious divergences much more convincingly than has been possible with previous methods. This new method is called the Implicit Association Test, or IAT for short.
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Metrosexual experiences

Hmm, have been trying new experiences recently...

I got a haircut on Monday. Back in KL, it was always Toni & Guy for me, since I've got cousins working there. In the US, it was a challenge to find a suitable place, since I did not want to go to a quick-chop-shop like Super*Cuts or something. Too spoilt for too long.

Found this place online called American Male! Well, this is actually my 3rd visit there, and given that I have been here for about 6 months now. Generally, my hair has been too long for too long. Making up in advance for the inevitable genetically-programmed thinning pate in the future.

I had signed up for the 'Quality Grooming Experience'
From their 'menu':
Custom Hair Services
Men’s Quality Grooming Experience ........................$49
Series of 5 QGEs’ (Save $20) ..................................$225
Our hair services are performed by master hair stylist & colorists.
Included in your 45 minute custom haircut are several free grooming
treatments to ensure you leave looking and feeling GREAT!
• Energizing Shampoo • Warm Paraffin Hand Dip • Mini Face Massage
• Warm Towel Face Wrap • Mini Scalp Massage • Haircut
• Re-Shampoo • Conditioning • Splash • Styling

Eh, I know, not cheap if converted to RM, but in US$ terms, it's alright, I think. RM for US$, I pay more back in KL!

Ever tried a paraffin hand dip? Well, I tried it here! Interesting, dipping your hands 5-6 times into a warm liquid wax container and have it dry up and peeled off later. Supposed to 'smooth' the hands. Nice feelings, but not sure if it really works. The mini face massage is ok, given that they use massage oil, which adds to my already oily face. The warm towel face-wrap is great though. Hard to keep awake with that on! The haircut is quite good as they only use the electric trimmers towards the end of the session to clean up. I dislike those chop-shops that uses the trimmer for most of the cutting.

Oh, we just had a firm-sponsored training event, after which we had social activities. Real fun! All free! Had my shoes shined, got a back massage, played Daytona with colleagues, ate loads of fresh oysters and cocktail jumbo shrimps, and guess what? I made some sterling silver jewelry for Wan (to score brownie points, you know?) AND for the first time in my life, got a manicure!! How about that? Apparently, the manicurists told me that for this particular event, HALF of those in line were MEN!!!

Getting too vain here, people....

Jinxed

I've met my jinx. A real life jinx...

Ever got one of those moments? I've met mine in Scrabble. Purple hair, purple glasses, full of hand and ankle bangles, one bad attitude, rude and irritating, all packaged into a old lady who will look just right as one of Macbeth's witches brewing their potion.....

Yes, I've met my Scrabble jinx. When I am paired to play, I feel drained. Drained of enthusiasm. If you see the tiles I get, you'll know why... Just lost another game this weekend to her. My last three tiles? I, I and I....

Johari and Nohari: Self-reflection

Got this cool website from sonic. Must be brave to try....

Ya, since I just turned a year older recently, I wonder what the world thinks of me, and what I can do to be a better person.

I would appreciate if you could look into my Johari and Nohari windows: my good and bad.

It will help me accentuate my good, and work on my bad...