This folktale is from Wales, and tells the story of how water lilies came to grow in a lake in the Welsh mountains.

Folktale Friday

HOW WATER LILIES BEGAN

What is Pink Noise and How To Use It For Concentration?

Pink noise is a type of sound that contains equal energy per octave.

In simple terms, it is a type of noise with more low-frequency energy than high-frequency energy. 

The term "pink noise" comes from the analogy with the color spectrum, where pink light has lower frequencies than white light.

Pink noise is different from white noise, which has equal energy per frequency. White noise sounds like static and has equal intensity across all frequencies, making it sound somewhat harsh and flat to the human ear.

The benefit of pink noise lies in its balanced frequency distribution, which makes it useful for various applications:

Sound masking: Pink noise can be used to mask background sounds, making it easier to concentrate, relax, or sleep. Its balanced energy across different frequencies helps to cover a wide range of ambient noises without being overly distracting.

Testing and calibration: In audio and acoustic testing, pink noise is often used to analyze and calibrate audio equipment and speakers. Its balanced frequency distribution ensures that each frequency band is adequately tested and adjusted.

Tinnitus relief: Some studies have suggested that pink noise might help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) by reducing the perception of the ringing sound.

Sleep aid: Pink noise has been linked to improving sleep quality and enhancing deep sleep stages. Listening to pink noise during sleep may help some individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Cognitive benefits: There is ongoing research into whether pink noise can improve cognitive functions such as memory and focus. Some studies have indicated that it might have a positive impact on brain activity.

Relaxation and meditation: Pink noise is often used in relaxation and meditation practices due to its soothing and calming properties.

Try for yourself and let me know how it feels.

Job Interview Preparation | CEO Interview Strategies From Diverse Business Sectors!

What is Pink Noise and How To Use It For Concentration?

zuò jǐnɡ ɡuān tiān 
坐井观天
qīnɡ wā zuò zài jǐnɡ li。
青蛙坐在井里。
xiǎo niǎo fēi lái le，luò zài jǐnɡ yán shɑnɡ。
小鸟飞来了，落在井沿上。
qīnɡ wā wèn xiǎo niǎo：“nǐ cónɡ nǎr lái yɑ？”
青蛙问小鸟：“你从哪儿来呀？”
xiǎo niǎo huí dá shuō：“wǒ cónɡ tiān shànɡ lái，
小鸟回答说：“我从天上来，
fēi le yì bǎi duō lǐ，kǒu kě le，
飞了一百多里，口渴了，
xià lái zhǎo diǎnr shuǐ hē。” 
下来找点儿水喝。”
qīnɡ wā shuō：“pénɡ you，bié shuō dà huà le！ 
青蛙说：“朋友，别说大话了！
tiān bú ɡuò jǐnɡ kǒu nà me dà， 
天不过井口那么大，
hái yònɡ fēi nà me yuǎn mɑ？” 
还用飞那么远吗？”
xiǎo niǎo shuō：“nǐ nònɡ cuò le。 
小鸟说：“你弄错了。
tiān wú biān wú jì，dà dé hěn na！”
天无边无际，大得很哪！”
qīnɡ wā xiào le，shuō： 
青蛙笑了，说：
“pénɡ you，wǒ tiān tiān zuò zài jǐnɡ li， 
“朋友，我天天坐在井里，
yì tái tóu jiù nénɡ kàn jiàn tiān。 
一抬头就能看见天。
wǒ bú huì nònɡ cuò de。”
我不会弄错的。”
xiǎo niǎo yě xiào le，shuō： 
小鸟也笑了，说：
“pénɡ you，nǐ shì nònɡ cuò le。 
“朋友，你是弄错了。
bú xìn，nǐ tiào chū jǐnɡ lái kàn yí kàn bɑ。”
不信，你跳出井来看一看吧。”

CHINESE STORY中文故事

坐井观天

Begin by explaining what cross-functional collaboration is. It involves working together across different departments or teams to achieve a common goal. Emphasize that it requires effective communication, flexibility, and an understanding of different perspectives and expertise.

Identify specific examples of cross functional projects or tasks where you’ve worked with people from different departments. 
Describe your role in these projects and the outcomes achieved by the cross-functional teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Cross-functional teams rely on communication. Discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Share instances when you actively sought input from others, listened to their perspectives, and built consensus. Highlight your adaptability in adjusting your communication style to suit different team members.

Address how you handle conflicts that arise during collaboration. Explain how you’ve resolved disagreements or differing opinions.
Showcase your ability to find common ground, mediate, and maintain positive relationships even when faced with conflicting priorities.

Cross-functional work environments can be dynamic. Discuss how you’ve adapted to changing circumstances or unexpected challenges.
Share examples of how you’ve adjusted your approach, learned new skills, or embraced different viewpoints to achieve common goals.

Demonstrate your ability to understand the organization’s overall objectives. Explain how your cross-functional work contributes to the company’s success.
Discuss how you’ve aligned your efforts with broader strategic goals and how you’ve helped bridge gaps between different functions.

Highlight instances when you’ve collaborated with colleagues from various departments. Describe how you’ve leveraged their expertise to enhance outcomes.
Discuss your role in bringing teams together and fostering a collaborative culture.

The Global Professional Podcast

Answer Job Interview Questions about Cross Functional Teams - Episode 47 

"I practice and practice but I can't see any improvement! I feel stuck at the same level since a long time!" 
Are you currently asking yourself why you can't seem to move beyond your English level? Has this happened to you in the past?

In this episode, I provide you with 4 main strategies to overcome the "glass ceiling" or the challenge of feeling stuck at the same English level. 

Share what you think in the comments below!

I Just Wanna Be Fluent in English!

ep4. I'm Stuck at the Same English Level. What to Do?

If you learn to play with your accent, you can be taken for an American in very little time.

English for IT Pros

Why Not Speak English Without a Foreign Accent?

我们来看看道德经的第三章。

不上贤，使民不争；不贵难得之货，使民不为盗；不见可欲，使民不乱。是以圣人之治也，虚其心，实其腹，弱其志，强其骨，恒使民无知、无欲也。使夫知不敢、弗为而已，则无不治矣。

第三章的内容，对许多人来说都是有争议的。Some people may not understand this chapter, because we tend to think intellects are good. 然而，老子看到了有才德的人的问题。In my understanding of this chapter, it means intellects bring about ego, which is not align with Tao. 表面上突出的事物会带来争斗。老子追求的是顺其自然，无为而治。竞争和欲望可以导致战乱，When I said the sage weakens people’s ambition, you may disagree, because our time is the age of ambition and everyone want to become better. But this also makes people anxious and overload. Lao Tzu advocates letting go and non-doing, go with how things are. 当所有人都满足于自己的生活，天下就会太平，不会有争斗。

感谢收听，我们下次见~

Wisdom From the Past 古典智慧拾贝

古典智慧拾贝之道德经第三章 Tao Te Ching Chapter Three

En este nuevo episodio de nuestro podcast hablaremos sobre los beneficios para la salud asociados a la sonrisa, aprovechando que en el mes de octubre se celebra precisamente el día internacional de la sonrisa. 

¡Hablemos de salud!

¡A sonreír, los beneficios de una sonrisa!

BBC World Service - Does it have a future?