An Unwelcome Intruder

On October 19, 1987 a global stock exchange crashed, making Black Monday one of the most notorious days in recent financial history. The crash began in Hong Kong and spread west to Europeand consequently caused the Dow Jones to drop by a significant margin. This was only because unnerved investors began the mass exodus out of the market.

The volatile Black Monday causedLondon’s stock markets to fall 26.45%, making investors, speculators, bankers and even housewives become worried sick. Despite the economic gloom, at the Wellington Street of Manchester IKEA—a Scandinavian furniture company-- opened its new shop offering home decorations in simple and handy style at reasonable prices. In the right place at the right time, IKEA surprisingly became a fulfilling option for British consumers who earlier turned their nose up at the Scandinavian simplicity.

When do people begin a quest for a fulfilling life? For an individual it usually starts when he or she experiences suffering. For a community it happens when social norms and values are violated by external and internal factors. At this point satiability and balance is needed to reconstruct an accepted standard.

Values, tastes and trends are part of a never-ending social change either natural or man-made. Ultimately, history always leaves a trace. During their time humans never fail to create and develop things to fulfill the basic need of their community.

Of course, no one has a magic formula for keeping oneself away from any disturbance. To welcome an unwelcome intruder all we need is idea and knowledge.

In this issue

Cover Story… New Normal

Classic Item…Bicycle a perennial fascination

CreativeCity… Melbourne: Cool New Energy

Creative Entrepreneur…The Oyster Thing

The Creative…B.O.R.E.D frog andDuckUnitplant…To live is to learn and to experiment.