27 October 2013

kaizen

[kahy-zen]
noun

1. a business philosophy or system that is based on making positive changes on a regular basis, as to improve productivity.
2. an approach to one’s personal or social life that focuses on continuous improvement.

Origin:
< Japanese: literally, ‘continuous improvement’>

Today’s aphorism

You’ve got to have something to eat and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body’s sermon on how to behave.

– Billie Holiday, jazz singer and songwriter (1915-1959)

On this day

27 October 1728 – birth of Captain James Cook, British explorer. Made three major voyages in which he discovered many of the islands of the south pacific, including the east coast of Australia. Cooktown, Queensland, is named after him. The house he grew up in was relocated from Yorkshire, England, to Melbourne, Australia and is open to visits (now known as Captain Cook’s Cottage and is situated in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne). Died 14 February 1779 after being stabbed by Hawaiians who credited their Chief Kalanimanokahoowaha (Kanaina) with the kill. Captain Cook’s body was then subjected a funeral ritual that was normally reserved for a Chief.

27 October 1923 – birthday of Roy Lichtenstein, American pop artist.