Attitude is everything

Birds and Animals need you!

2010-04-13T04:13:00.000-07:00

At 120 degrees in Australia, it was so hot for a week that Koalas were asking people for water. It's never been seen before.

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

Sent by: Mubina

The Dilemma

2010-03-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

"To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk rejection.
To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love.

Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave.

He has forfeited his freedom.

Only a person who takes risks is free."

- Author Unknown

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T03:01:00.001-08:00

Esteemed Readers,

"Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new,

Lets cherish each moment it beholds,

Lets celebrate this blissful New year."

Here is wishing you all and your family a very Happy and Prosperous New Year – 2010 and Good times ahead…

Have an absolutely rocking year ahead!

P.S
New Year Resolutions:
http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm

http://www.123newyear.com/resolutions.html

Tech Trends: What Lies Ahead

2009-12-30T22:39:00.001-08:00

Shivani Shinde & Priyanka Joshi, Mumbai
Business Standard

A look at the top five trends that will stand out in 2010.

This decade has been one of the most crucial for the technology sector. It was feared that the start of the new millennium would be blighted by computers all over the world blanking out. Reason: computers were programmed to understand the binary database, which meant they would not recognise 2000. But it proved to be much ado about nothing and everything went well when the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000.

Instead, now we have a thriving $60 billion (Rs 280,000 crore) Indian outsourcing industry, which got a big boost due to the Y2K problem. The industry registered a growth rate of 40-50 percent in the first half of the decade.

Both Y2K and the global economic slowdown (that started in 2008) highlighted that technology has moved away from the purview of a select team of IT managers to the core of business.

In terms of technology, 2009 has been a crucial period for India, even as we wait for some of the regulatory hurdles to be cleared — such as 3G. It was a year when not only form factors morphed but also boundaries between gadgets blurred. As global warming hit the headlines, IT made its presence felt with Green IT initiatives kicking in. 2009 also saw tech jargon like cloud computing make business sense. Social networking sites impacted consumers and enterprises alike.

2010 will further enhance the usage of some of these technologies many of which will define the next decade. Business Standard talks about five top technology trends.

Wireless technologies: The wait continues
The wait for 3G continues with batted breath into 2010 as well, with the news coming in that the auction process has been delayed by a month. The auction is likely to happen in February. Meanwhile the reserve price for 3G spectrum has been fixed at Rs 3,500 crore, while that for WiMax services at Rs 1,750 crore .

So far, 3G services have already been launched by state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL), although neither has yet developed a major 3G customer base.

The delay has led to a debate within the industry that operators might just want to skip 3G and wait for 4G. Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G seems better equipped to quench the bandwidth and user experience thirst of the emerging breed of wireless applications. Along with 3G, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) also got delayed. Experts hope that 2010 will be the year when these doubts would be laid to rest.

But despite the delay, with 500 million users the mobile subscriber base continues to grow and the telecom sector is briskly marching towards robust growth in 2010. According to a Morgan Stanley report, mobile internet users are set to outnumber those going online via desktop technology in the next five years.

Convergence: All in one
Carrying multiple gadgets for different purposes is so last decade. Today, a mobile phone can do the work of a computer, a computer can double up as a TV and a TV can be used to play out digital content from a gaming console or videos from a digital camera. In short, every gadget is pumped up to do more than what it is supposed to do.

But the biggest change in 2009 was that, in place of separate devices for information processing (computers), communication (telephones) and audio/visual reproduction (cameras, recorders, TVs and radios), we began using handheld devices that combine all of these functions and dwarf the capabilities of computers.

In the coming year get ready to experience smartphones with built-in projectors, cameras of 12 or more megapixel resolution, more storage memory on devices and a battery back-up of over 16 hours. Players that are positioning themselves as suppliers of converged devices include Samsung, Acer, Toshiba and Asus.

Green IT: Colour for 2010
Green IT, until now preached more than practised, will be a keen area of focus. Springboard Research in a recent survey pointed out that fewer than 10 percent of enterprises in Asia have formally implemented a Green IT strategy.

However, a majority of enterprises including IT majors — TCS, Infosys, Wipro — have taken steps to implement Green IT at their end. Wipro, for instance, is planning to reduce its carbon footprint from the present 3.96 tonnes per employee to 2.5 tonnes in the next five to seven years. Global firms like IBM, Cisco and HP have already initiated steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Analysts also say that the initial uptake for Green IT would be from a cost efficiency point. The study’s findings also indicate that the market also needs aggressive education as nearly 15 percent of respondents claimed that they did not know how or where to begin with regard to Green IT.

Cloud Computing: Finally gets formed
Cloud Computing saw some good on-ground activity from many IT players and hence continued to be a buzz-word during 2009. Recession just gave it the desired push, with cost-saving features as the biggest agenda on CIOs’ lists.

Over the next five years, IDC expects spending on IT cloud services to grow almost threefold, reaching $42 billion by 2012. Spending on cloud computing will accelerate throughout the forecast period, capturing 25 percent of IT spending growth in 2012.

Some of the concepts of cloud computing that saw momentum in terms of adoption in India were software-as-a-services (SaaS), Platform-as-a-services (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

Adoption among enterprises is still very low. But clearly a few IT services players are pegging this as the best approach to cater to small and medium enterprises (SME). TCS, which announced its foray into the SME segment with ITaaS over a year ago, has close to 60 customers. Bangalore-based Wipro has clearly chosen this route to increase its footprint among SMEs.

Social networking: Tweet your company status
Blame the recession or the need to cut costs, but Indian companies are latching on to social media to engage with end-users and clients. Social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are no longer just the purview of GenX. 2009 saw baby steps being taken in the adoption of these sites by companies.

2010 could see the increased use of these sites for branding and marketing. The two joint CEOs of Wipro Technologies, Girish Paranjpe and Suresh Vaswani, are expected to become active on Twitter. S Ramadorai, vice-chairman of TCS, is already on Facebook, and a majority of IT firms including MindTree are on the professional networking site Linkedin.

This despite the fact that, as per a recent Assocham survey, social networking sites cause 12.5 percent loss of employee productivity in the corporate sector.

Information Technology: The Wonder Decade

2009-12-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

Courtesy: The Economic Times

What started as an industry riding the demand from global customers seeking to make their IT and business systems Y2K compliant is today almost a $60-billion industry, contributing nearly 4% to India’s GDP.

1999 - The biggest inflection point was the role Indian companies played in combating the so-called millennium bug. TCS, Wipro and others become trusted partners for companies worldwide seeking to achieve Y2K compliance

Infosys achieves $100 million in revenues, lists on Nasdaq.

India’s outsourcing industry grows to $4 billion 2000-2001 - Indian IT industry moves from Y2K to complex e-business projects

Dewang Mehta, who helped Indian IT industry grow in its early years, dies.

Kiran Karnik takes over as Nasscom head

US increases H1B visa limit to 1,95,000, the highest ever

Wipro lists on NYSE

2002-2003 - NR Narayana Murthy steps down from Infosys and Nandan Nilekani takes over

Post the dotcom bust, companies such as DSQ Software, Pentafour and Silverline perish

2004-2005 - TCS lists on BSE

Large customers start offshoring ERP-based projects.

Infosys becomes a $1-billion company, Wipro too crosses $1 billion in revenues

GE sells 60% in GECIS — the back office pioneer — to private equity firms.

The Indian BPO industry starts growing rapidly

IBM, Accenture and HP start developing their Indian offshore presence to make them their largest operations outside the US

2006-2007 - Indian IT becomes a $31-billion industry

Protectionism in top export markets forces Indian IT companies to start hiring locals

2008-2009 - Infosys’ revenues cross $4 billion. Nilekani joins the government as chairman of the Unique Identity Authority of India

HCL acquires UK’s Axon for £441.1 million, the biggest ever acquisition for Indian IT

Satyam founder Ramalinga Raju admits to over $1-billion fraud. Tech Mahindra acquires Satyam

TCS’ annual revenues cross $6 billion. N Chandrasekaran takes over from S Ramadorai as chief executive

The big bang

Newer rivals such as Salesforce.com, apart from new business models such as software-as-a-service will force Indian information technology companies to shift gears. While the past decade has been driven primarily by demand for lower-cost offshore services, the decade ahead will challenge the Indian outsourcing industry to think of the ‘next big disruption’.

Globalisation will be another big challenge, wherein the Indian IT industry will need to address political sentiments and protectionism by hiring more local professionals in the top export markets of US and Europe. Over the next 5-10 years, India’s top tech firms aim to have at least 20% of their workforce of non-Indian origin.

This is life - words of Alexander the great

2009-12-10T02:03:00.000-08:00

The great Greek king, Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and he was bedridden for months. With death drawing close, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no use.

He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon. But I have three wishes. Please fulfill my wishes without fail." With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last wishes.

“My first desire is that,” Alexander said, “my physicians alone must carry my coffin.” “Secondly, when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard should be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury. My third wish is that both my hands should be kept dangling out of my coffin.”

The people who gathered there wondered at the king’s strange wishes. But no one dared to question. Alexander’s favourite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “O king, we assure that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?”

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said, “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.

The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a fraction of gold can be taken by me. Let people realize that it is sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I want people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world.”

Alexander’s last words: “Bury my body, do not build any monument, keep my hands outside so that the world knows the person who won the world had nothing in his hands when dying.”

Sent by: T.S.Divya

Be honest, be the best!

2009-12-08T02:35:00.001-08:00

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”

- W. Clement Stone

The following story best illustrates this…

A successful business man was growing old and it was the time to choose a successor to take over the business. He could have chosen someone from the board of directors or from his own family, rather, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young executives of his company and said, “It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I will choose one of you.” All the executives were shocked to hear that.

The CEO then gave a seed to all the executives and said, “This is a very special seed. Plant this seed and water it daily. Come back a year later with what you have grown from this seed. I will judge all that you bring and based on that I will choose the next CEO of this company.”

Among the executives was a person named Jim. Even he received a seed. Excited, Jim went home that day and told the whole story to his wife. She then helped him to get a pot, soil and compost and they planted the seed. Everyday Jim watered the seed and watched to see if it had grown.

Days passed by but still there was nothing in Jim’s pot. The other executives in the office talked about little green leaves that had started to show from the seed. Jim kept checking his pot but nothing ever grew. This didn’t stop him and he continued to fertilize and water the seed but felt like a failure.

A year went by and the big day was announced. All the executives were called for the inspection. Jim felt sick to even face the CEO but his wife encouraged him to be honest and tell his boss about what had happened. Jim’s pot was empty compared to the variety of plants his colleagues had brought. They were beautiful- of all shapes and sizes.

The CEO arrived and was enthralled to see the range of plants. He said, “Today, one of you must be announced the CEO of this company.” Eyes sparkled as they keenly waited to hear the fortunate name.

All of a sudden, the CEO located Jim standing in the corner of the room with his empty pot. He called him in the front. Jim was terrified.

“Why is this pot empty and where is your plant?” asked the CEO. Jim told him the whole story.

The CEO asked all others to sit except Jim. He looked at Jim and then announced to the others, “Behold your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!

Jim was shocked as were the other executives.

The CEO said, “A year ago, I had given you all a seed and asked you to plant it and water it daily. All of you have brought me stunning plants except Jim. The seed, which I had given you was boiled, a dead seed, which was not possible to grow. You all replaced my seed with another one but Jim was true to his heart and had the courage and honesty to bring me an empty pot with my seed in it.” He is the one who deserves to be the next CEO of this company!

What people do at work and how they handle their job determine their aspirations and outlook towards work. Without honesty and courage, a business can never be successful. Have the courage to speak up and speak the truth. A person needs to have strong work ethics and integrity to rise high.

International Men's Day

2009-11-19T02:27:00.000-08:00

Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.

The above is a quote of Henry David Thoreau, who observed that most men are enslaved to their work and to those for whom they work. True to his words, everyday,

• Men protect and provide for families.
• Men render many services that make the society comfortable for everyone.
• Men make many contributions to science, technology and health of all.
• Men perform the most dangerous and difficult jobs in the world.
• Men take risks and die to save other lives during calamities and war.

Every day and everywhere, as we are busy idolizing movie stars, athletes and other celebrities as role models, the common men around us - the academic achievers, social leaders, champions of the environment, artists, comedians, soldiers, farmers, fishermen, fire fighters, and those more humble males who, on a daily basis, clean our streets, build our houses, fix our vehicles, police our streets, deliver newspapers and milk, and care for children – dedicate themselves to their work and continue to serve everyone.

CELEBRATE BEING MALE!

On International Men’s Day, all men and women should recognize and honor men for the numerous services they render and the innumerable sacrifices they make for the health and well-being of our families and society.

Celebrate the men in our lives – our fathers, brothers, sons, and friends.

SAY “NO” TO MALE BASHING!
SAY “NO” TO STEROTYPING OF MEN!
REALIZE MAN IS NOT AN ATM!
STOP TREATING MEN AS UNPAID BODYGUARDS!
STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN!
UNDERSTAND MEN TOO NEED LOVE AND CARE!
UNDERSTAND MEN TOO NEED PROTECTION!
DEMAND TRUE GENDER EQUALITY!
DEMAND GENDER-NEUTRAL LAWS!
DEMAND MEN’S WELFARE MINISTRY!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY!!!

International Men's Day is an international event celebrated on November 19 every year.

Be Proud to be a Male!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Books for Business Men

2009-11-19T02:15:00.000-08:00

All the books in the 100 best, separated by chapter.

You
Improving your life, your person and your strengths.

Flow by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi
Getting Things Done by David Allen (also available in CD and audio)
The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
How to Be a Star at Work by Robert E. Kelley
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (also available in audio)
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie (also available in audio)
Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey B. Mackay
The Power of Intuition by Gary Klein
What Should I Do with My Life? by Po Bronson (also available in audio)
Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss/Theodore Geisel (also available in audio)
Chasing Daylight by Eugene O'Kelly

- - - - - - - - -

Leadership
Inspiration. Challenge. Courage. Change.

On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis
The Leadership Moment by Michael Useem
The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (also available in CD)
Leadership Is an Art by Max De Pree (also available in CD and audio)
The Radical Leap by Steve Farber
Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will by Tichy and Sherman (also available in CD)
Leading Change by John P. Kotter (also available in CD and audio)
Questions of Character by Joseph L. Badaracco, Jr.
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
Never Give In! Speeches by Winston Churchill (also available in audio)

- - - - - - - - -

Strategy
Eight organizational blueprints from which to draft your own.

In Search of Excellence by Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman, Jr.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen (also available in audio)
Only the Paranoid Survive by Andrew S. Grove
Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance? by Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. (also available in audio)
Discovering the Soul of Service by Leonard Berry
Execution by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan (also available in CD and audio)
Competing for the Future by Gary Hamel and C. K. Prahalad

- - - - - - - - -

Sales and Marketing
Approaches and pitfalls in the ongoing process of creating customers.

Influence by Robert B. Cialdini, PhD
Positioning by Al Ries and Jack Trout
A New Brand World by Scott Bedbury with Stephen Fenichell
Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith (also available in CD and audio)
Zag by Marty Neumeier
Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar (also available in CD and audio)
How to Become a Rainmaker by Jeffrey J. Fox (also available in CD and audio)
Why We Buy by Paco Underhill (also available in audio)
The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore (also available in audio)
Purple Cow by Seth Godin (also available in audio)
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (also available in CD and audio)

- - - - - - - - -

Rules and Scorekeeping
The all-important numbers behind the game.

Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan
Financial Intelligence by Karen Berman and Joe Knight
The Balanced Scorecard by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton

- - - - - - - - -

Management
Guiding and directing the people around you.

The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker
Out of the Crisis by W. Edwards Deming
Toyota Production System by Taiichi Ohno (also available in CD)
Reengineering the Corporation by Michael Hammer and James Champy
The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox (also available in CD and audio)
The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack with Bo Burlingham
First, Break all the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman (also available in CD)
Now, Discover Your Strengths by Buckingham and Clifton (also available in CD)
The Knowing-Doing Gap by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni (also available in audio)
Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono

- - - - - - - - -

Biographies
Seven lives. Unlimited lessons.

Titan by Ron Chernow
My Years with General Motors by Alfred P. Sloan, Jr.
The HP Way by David Packard
Personal History by Katharine Graham
Moments of Truth by Jan Carlzon
Sam Walton: Made in America by Sam Walton with John Huey
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

- - - - - - - - -

Entrepreneurship
Seven guides to the passion and practicality necessary for any new venture.

The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki (also available in CD and audio)
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber (also available in CD and audio)
The Republic of Tea ** by Mel Ziegler, Patricia Ziegler, and Bill Rosenzweig
The Partnership Charter by David Gage
Growing a Business by Paul Hawken
Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson (also available audio)
The Monk and the Riddle Randy Komisar with Kent Lineback

- - - - - - - - -

Narratives
Six industry tales of both fortune and failure.

McDonald’s: Behind the Arches by John F. Love
American Steel ** by Richard Preston
The Force by David Dorsey
The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind
When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein
Moneyball by Michael Lewis (also available in audio)

- - - - - - - - -

Innovation & Creativity
Insight into the process of developing new ideas.

Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie
The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley with Jonathan Littman (also available in audio)
Jump Start Your Business Brain by Doug Hall
A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger Von Oech
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

- - - - - - - - -

Big Ideas
The future of business books lies here.

The Age of Unreason by Charles Handy
Out of Control by Kevin Kelly
The Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (also available in CD and audio)
Driven by Paul R. Lawrence and Nitin Nohria
To Engineer is Human by Henry Petroski
The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki (also available in audio)
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (also available in CD and audio)

- - - - - - - - -

Takeaways
What everyone is looking for.

The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins (also available in CD and audio)
Up the Organization by Robert Townsend
Beyond the Core by Chris Zook
Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer (also available in CD and audio)
What the CEO Wants You to Know by Ram Charan
The Team Handbook by Peter Scholtes, Brian Joiner, and Barbara Streibel
A Business and Its Belief by Thomas J. Watson, Jr.
Lucky or Smart? by Bo Peabody (also available in audio)
The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L. Friedman (also available in CD and audio)
Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko
More Than You Know by Michael J. Mauboussin

- - - - - - - - -
** To buy The Republic of Tea, visit their site.
** American Steel is presently out-of-print. Your best bet is to head to your local library.

Source: http://100bestbiz.com/more-on-the-100-best/

7 Ways To Make A Good Impression

2009-10-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

Impressions are important: They leave an initial taste in people's mouths that can remain prevalent for the entire relationship. If you are paranoid about what kind of impression you make, run through these seven list items and see if you are consistent with them; if you are, then you will probably expose the best of yourself. If not, then work to meet these standards.

1. Dress: The absolute first impression you will make on someone will be through your clothing, because that is what is seen from a distance, and cannot change throughout your meeting. Make sure to dress according to the situation-don' t over or under dress-and maintain within the limits of good taste. If you aren't sure if what you're wearing looks good, ask people for an honest opinion. One last thought: always, and I mean always, pull up your pants

2. Hygiene: Take a shower! Shave! Brush your teeth! You must be fully bathed and groomed before you meet with someone for the first time, because scruffy looking people generally don't seem as neat and mature. Pay attention to the little elements like breath: keep a pack of mint gum with you wherever you go, and periodically check to make sure you aren't killing bugs every time you breathe out. If you sweat heavily, keep a small stick of deodorant/anti- perspirant close, and if you notice you're stinking you can freshen up. People notice the minutiae!

3. Manners: At the table and with other people be civilized, polite and respectful: keep your elbows off of the table, open doors for people and address everyone-initially, at least-by their formal title. This will make an especially good impression on senior citizens, because you will prove that you aren't one of those "new fangled punks."

4. Speech: Have clean, clear diction and speak sans "like" or "you know." It is important to be articulate because that inspires a feeling of intelligence and education in the person you are meeting with. Always leave out profanity, and whatever you do, make sure to speak loud enough for all to hear, because conversationalists are easily agitated if you force them say "excuse me?" more than a few times.

5. Discretion: Choose what to share about yourself: forget to tell everyone about that time you went camping and ruptured your appendix, then fell face first into a pile of bug infested leaves-it is rude and will alienate you from the group. Try to withhold from conversations on personal subjects like religion or more disgusting topics like personal medical care. Before you speak, think about the possible impact of what you might say, then imagine its implications in the long run.

6. Humor: Humor can be your most powerful tool or your doom, because everyone has a slightly different sense of humor. What might be hilarious to you might seem disgusting to another, or vice versa. Try to withhold from any jokes that aren't family or dinner table friendly; you can tell those later.

7. Start and End with a Bang: Whoever you are meeting with will remember how you greet them, and then in what manner you left them. If you feel you have trouble with this, practice a few different phrases in the mirror, and introduce elements like: "pleased to meet you," or "honored to make your acquaintance. " Ignore the antiquity of these phrases; it often makes them more memorable.

Making a good impression will set any relationship off on a good foot. If you are in a situation where you need to be judged at face value-such as a job interview or date-then make sure to go through this list and make sure you are within bounds of reason and good taste on all of your decisions.

20 Great Ways to Find More Free TIME

2009-10-28T00:35:00.000-07:00

The real problem of leisure time is how to keep others from using yours.

- Arthur Lacey

Are there a hundred different things you wish you could do with your life someday — anything from exercising to meditation or yoga to writing that novel you always wished you could write to reading more to relaxing and watching the sunrise? But perhaps you never have the time, like most people.

The truth is, we all have the same amount of time, and its finite and in great demand. But some of us have made the time for doing the things we love doing, and others have allowed the constant demands and pressures and responsibilities of life to dictate their days.

Its time to move from the second group back into the first. Reclaim your time. Create the life you want and make the most of the free time you lay claim to. Its not hard, though it does take a little bit of effort and diligence.

Not all of these will be applicable to your life choose the ones you can apply and give them a try:

1. Take a time out. Freeing up your time starts with taking a step back to take a good look at your life. You need to block off at least an hour. Several hours or half a day is better. A whole day would be awesome. A weekend would be even more ideal, though not necessary practical for many folks. With this block of time, take a look at your life with some perspective. Is it what youve always wanted? How would you get to where youve always wanted to be? What do you enjoy doing, but dont have enough time to do? What things actually fill up your day? Are there things you could drop or minimize to make more time? Well look at some of these things in the following items, but it starts with taking a time out to think and plan.

2. Find your essentials. What is it that you love to do? Make a short list of 4-5 things. These are the things you want to make room for.

3. Find your time-wasters. What do you spend a lot of your time on that isnt on your essential list? Take a close look at these things and really think about whether theyre necessary, or if there are ways to reduce, minimize or eliminate these things. Sometimes you do things because you assume theyre necessary, but if you give it some thought you can find ways to drop them from your life. Figure out what you do simply to waste time maybe surfing certain sites, watching TV, talking a lot at the water cooler, etc. Youre going to want to minimize these time-wasters to make room for the more important stuff, the stuff that makes you happy and that you love to do.

4. Schedule the time. As you sit down and think about your life and what you want to do, versus what you actually do, you will be looking at ways to free up time. Its crucial that you take a blank weekly schedule (you can just write it out on a piece of paper, or use your calendar) and assign blocks for the things you love the stuff on your essentials list. If you want to exercise, for example, when will you do it? Put the blocks of time on your schedule, and make these blocks the most important appointments of your week. Schedule the rest of your life around these blocks.

5. Consolidate. There are many things you do, scattered throughout your day or your week, that you might be able to consolidate in order to save time. A good example is errands instead of running one or two a day, do them all in one day to save time and gas. Another example is email, or any kind of communication batch process your email instead of checking and reading and responding throughout the day. Same thing with meetings, paperwork, anything that you do regularly.

6. Cut out meetings. This isnt possible for everyone, but in my experience meetings take up a lot of time to get across a little information, or to make easy decisions that could be made via email or phone. As much as you can, minimize the number of meetings you hold and attend. In some cases this might mean talking to your boss and telling her that you have other priorities, and asking to be excused. In other cases this might mean asking the people holding the meeting if you can get the info in other ways. If so, youve saved yourself an hour or so per meeting (sometimes more).

7. De clutter your schedule. If you have a heavily packed schedule, full of meetings and errands and tasks and projects and appointments, youre going to want to weed it out so that its not so jam-packed. Find the stuff thats not so essential and cancel them. Postpone other stuff. Leave big blank spaces in your schedule.

8. Re-think your routine. Often we get stuck in a routine thats anything but what we really want our days to be like. Is there a better way of doing things? Youre the creator of your life make a new routine thats more pleasant, more optimal, more filled with things you love.

9. Cut back on email. I mentioned email in an earlier point above, regarding consolidating, but its such a major part of most peoples lives that it deserves special attention. How often do you check email? How much time do you spend composing emails? If you spend a major part of your work day on email, as many people do (and as I once did), you can free up a lot of time by reducing the time you spend in email. Now, this wont work for everyone, but it can work for many people: choose 2-3 key times during the day to process your inbox to empty, and keep your responses to 5 sentences.

10. Learn to say "NO". If you say yes to every request, you will never have any free time. Get super protective about your time, and say no to everything but the essential requests.

11. Keep your list to 3. When you make out your daily to-do list, just list the three Most Important Tasks you want to accomplish today. Dont make a laundry list of tasks, or youll fill up all your free time. By keeping your task list small, but populated only by important tasks, you ensure that you are getting the important stuff done but not overloading yourself.

12. Do your Biggest Rock first. Of the three Most Important Tasks you choose for the day, pick the biggest one, or the one youre dreading most, and do that first. Otherwise youll put that off as much as possible and fill your day with less important things. Dont allow yourself to check email until that Big Rock is taken care of. It starts your day with a sense of major accomplishment, and leaves you with a lot of free time the rest of the day, because the most important thing is already done.

13. Delegate. If you have subordinates or coworkers who can do a task or project, try to delegate it. Dont feel like you need to do everything yourself. If necessary, spend a little time training the person to whom youre delegating the task, but that little time spent training will pay off in a lot of time saved later. Delegating allows you to focus on the core tasks and projects you should be focusing on.

14. Cut out distractions. What is there around your workspace that distracts you from the task at hand? Sometimes its visual clutter, or papers lying around that call for your attention and action, or email or IM notifiers on your computer that pop up at the wrong time, or the phone, or coworkers. See if you can eliminate as many of these as possible the more you can focus, the more effective youll be and the less time youll waste. That equals time saved for the good stuff.

15. Disconnect. The biggest of distractions, for most people, is the Internet. My most productive times are when Im disconnected from the grid. Now, Im not saying you need to be disconnected all the time, but if you really want to be able to effectively complete tasks, disconnect your Internet so you can really focus. Set certain times of the day for connectivity, and only connect during those periods.

16. Outsource. If you cant delegate, see if you can outsource. With the Internet, we can connect with people from all over the world. Ive outsourced many things, from small tasks to checking email to legal work to design and editing work and more. That allows me to focus on the things Im best at, the things I love doing, and saves me a lot of time.

17. Make use of your mornings. I find that mornings are the absolute best times to schedule the things I really want to do. I run, read and write in the mornings — three of the four things on my Essentials List (spending time with family is the other thing on the list). Mornings are great because your day hasnt been filled with a bunch of unscheduled, demanding, last-minute tasks that will push back those Essentials. For example, if you schedule something for late afternoon, by the time late afternoon rolls around, you might have a dozen other things newly added to your to-do list, and youll put off that late-afternoon Essential. Instead, schedule it for the morning, and itll rarely (if ever) get pushed back.

18. The Golden Right-after- work Time. Other than mornings, I find the time just after work to be an incredible time for doing Essential things. Exercise, for example, is great in the 5-oclock hour, as is spending time with family, or doing anything else relaxing.

19. Your evenings. The time before you go to bed is also golden, as it exists every single day, and its usually completely yours to schedule. What do you want to do with this time? Read? Spend time with your kids? Work on a hobby youre passionate about? Take advantage of this time.

20. Lunch breaks. If the three golden times mentioned above dont work for you, lunch breaks are another good opportunity to schedule things. Some people like to exercise, or to take quiet times, during their lunch breaks. Others use this time to work on an important personal goal or project.

Sent by: Rajeesh

Someone & Something

2009-10-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

Sent by: Mubina

The Other Side

2009-10-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

A father was reading a magazine and his little daughter every now and then distracted him. To keep her busy, he tore one page on which was printed the map of the world. He tore it into pieces and asked her to go to her room and put them together to make the map again. He was sure she would take the whole day to get it done. But the little one came back within minutes with perfect map.

When he asked how she could do it so quickly, she said, “Oh… Dad, there is a man's face on the other side of the paper. I made the face perfect to get the map right.” she ran outside to play leaving the father surprised

Friends, there is always the other side to whatever we experience in this world. This story indirectly teaches a lesson. That is, whenever we come across a challenge or a puzzling situation, look at the other side...You will be surprised to see an easy way to tackle the problem...

Sent by: T.S. Divya

No Limitations For Helping !!!

2009-09-18T05:36:00.001-07:00

A Picture Can Speak Thousands Of Words...

Sent by: Anusha Nair

You Can Win!

2009-09-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

Why are Goals Important?

On the best sunny day, the most powerful magnifying glass will not light paper if you keep moving the glass. But if you focus and hold it, the paper will light up. That is the power of concentration.

A man was traveling and stopped at an intersection. He asked an elderly man, "Where does this road take me?" The elderly person asked, "Where do you want to go?" The man replied, "I don't know." The elderly person said, "Then take any road. What difference does it make?"

How true. When we don't know where we are going, any road will take us there.

Supposing you have the football eleven enthusiastically ready to play the game, all charged up, and then someone took the goal post away. What would happen to the game? There is nothing left. How do you keep score? How do you know you have arrived?

Enthusiasm without direction is like wildfire and leads to frustration. Goals give a sense of direction. Would you sit in a train or a plane without knowing where it was going? The obvious answer is no. Then why do people go through life without having any goals?

Sent by: Ajeeth

Dining Etiquette - UK

2009-09-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

In Britain, people are very polite and reserved. They pay a lot of attention to manners and are extremely punctual. Knowledge about British culture and their etiquette plays a vital role in creating a good impression while doing business in Britain.

Greeting hosts/guests: The usual way of greeting your hosts is shaking hands with them. But the one little gesture that many of us miss out while shaking hands is the opening statement like 'Thank you for taking out time and joining me for lunch' or 'Hello, I am so and so.'

Using cutlery: Fork is always held on the left hand and the knife on the right. The prongs of the fork must always point downwards. While eating dessert, a dessert spoon is used in place of a knife and one must never try putting food in the mouth with the help of a knife. Cutleries are always placed according to the usage on both sides of the plate. Always start from the outside set.

After the meal is over, the cutlery must be kept at the six o' clock position; the fork on the left hand side with the tines facing up and the knife on the right hand side with the blade facing in.

Never try to eat with fingers, however there are few food items such as asparagus and gull's egg that must be eaten with the help of your fingers.

Basic table manners: Food and drinks are always served from the right side. While eating, never lean towards your plate. Sit straight. For a serving from a food bowl kept away from you, ask someone closest to pass it for you. Never pick from your neighbor's plate or allow anyone to pick from yours. If extra food is there on the table, offer others first and then serve yourself.

Always, chew with your mouth closed and swallow before eating more. Never talk while eating. Don't rest your elbows on the table when you are having your food. Your other hand should always be on your lap.

It is always suggested to excuse yourself and attend telephone calls and it is best to put your mobile phone on a silent mode when you are lunching with your clients/colleagues.
Drinks: If pouring a drink for yourself, always offer to pour it for others first and then serve yourself.

If white wine is served, hold the glass with its stem whereas in case of red wine, hold the glass by cupping the bowl.

If port wine is served after the meal, then the decanter must be passed to the person sitting on the left and not to the right.

For English, it is not a courteous manner to toast for people who are elder to you.
Using a napkin: Napkins are meant to prevent your attire from greasy food and to dab your lips while eating. Never use it to blow your nose. It must be placed on your lap as soon as you take your seat. After the meal, it must not be placed back on the table neatly folded. Just leave it neatly but loosely on the table.

Social and Gifting Etiquette - UK

2009-09-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

In Britain, people are very polite and reserved. They pay a lot of attention to manners and are extremely punctual. Knowledge about British culture and their etiquette plays a vital role in creating a good impression while doing business in Britain

Giving gifts is not part of British business culture. The British consider it embarrassing while receiving gifts from someone. They only exchange gifts after a successful deal. They mark this occasion by giving gold, silver or porcelain with a suitable inscription. The gift shouldn't be exceptionally expensive.

Tasteful and small gifts such as a pen or a book with a suitable inscription are much liked by the British. To thank the junior colleagues for their service, a bunch of flowers or champagne/wine will be well accepted.

It is often well acknowledged, if you invite your guests to opera, theater or a dinner as a thanking gesture.

Gifts are never exchanged during Christmas. However, cards can be sent as an expression of thanks to your business associates.

If you are invited to a British home, it is advised to carry a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine or flowers. If the host does not open the wine bottle in front of you, do not feel offended as he will keep it in his cellar for later use. He must have already opened another bottle for you.

While giving flowers to a British, never choose red roses, white lilies or chrysanthemums.

If you are going to stay with a British family, always gift them something from your own country, such as a coffee table book or an artifact. They have invited you as a guest; you must also let them know about your country.

When in Britain, be polite. Always say 'please' and 'thank you', when in a shopping complex or while asking help from someone. It is also very rude if you bump into someone and don't say a 'sorry'.

Beware of kissing, holding hands/arms or embracing publicly unless you know each other very well. British people avoid physical contact in public.

Office Etiquette - UK

2009-09-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

The British pays a lot of attention to their office attire. It is conservative for both men and women. Dark suits, usually black, blue and grey are well accepted. Men's shirts should not have a pocket. If shirts have pockets, it must be empty. Single colored or pattered ties must be worn. Striped ties are not well received. For women, a color doesn't matter, however their attire must maintain a conservative image.

English are slow decision makers. Hence, they must be given time to think and decide.

Punctuality is very important for the English. Hence, reaching early or late is not well accepted.

While greeting someone, a firm and confident handshake is a must.

Privacy is very important for the English. Hence, never delve in asking personal questions.

Never make an intense eye contact or physically touch a person in public. It is considered inappropriate. Even during conversations, seldom have eye contacts.

To signal that something must be kept a secret or confidential, always tap your nose.

Gift giving is generally not part of English business.

Dining Etiquette - US/Canada

2009-09-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

With more and more business corporations emphasizing on the need to entertain the clients, the right dining etiquette goes a long way in reinforcing your organizations' and your image. Here are some dining etiquette points to remember while you are in the US and Canada.

• It is common to conduct business dinners at homes in American business culture. This doesn't mean that it's meant to be casual. Make it a point to arrive on time if invited for dinner, no more than 10 minutes later than invited. Invitations to homes are rare in Canada and traditionally business is not discussed during the meal. This rule, however, is slowly changing. If it is a business lunch or dinner it is safe to wait for your host to start the business conversation.

• Always wait to be shown to your seat. Helping yourself before the host starts, resting your elbows on the table, fiddling with the cutlery and chewing with your mouth open are seen as disrespectful in almost every country, including the the US.

• Don't jump into "business conversations" as soon as you are seated. If you are an invitee, wait for the host to begin. If you are hosting the business dinner, pace time for the conversation properly. It's ideal to start after ordering so that, you can have the discussion uninterrupted till the food arrives. Starting the conversation too early will mean that your are only bothered about business while keeping the guests waiting will make them wonder, the purpose of the meeting.

• In Canadian table manners, fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. In American dining etiquette it is alright to switch hands while using a knife. Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally acceptable in the Canadian dining etiquette. Table manners are more informal in both the US and in Canada. You can refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation, but do so politely.

• While small talk after a business discussion is allowed, never be the one to initiate by commenting about weather or other general topics. It is advisable to steer away from topics like religion, politics and other controversial subjects at the table.

Source: Internet

Social and Gifting Etiquette - US/Canada

2009-09-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Gifting and social etiquette can get extremely tricky at times. The right and wrong of gifting and social etiquette can make or break a deal. Here are some right gifting and entertaining etiquette clues to make that impression!

• Corporate gifting is not regarded a necessity in American business culture. If you want to gift, be careful to choose an appropriate business gift. Very expensive gifts are to be avoided for valuable gifts could be misinterpreted. In Canadian business culture, gifts are not routinely given. If you do, make sure it is a modest one and probably given when the deal is finalized.

• It is customary to carry a small gift, like a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine, or a bunch of flowers if you are invited to someone's home for lunch or dinner. It is advisable not to give not give cash or money as a present in Canada. It is absolutely necessary to acknowledge gifts. Always send in a thank you note within two weeks of receiving the gift.

• Americans tend to refrain from hugging and other close physical contact except with family and friends. The same applies to Canadians. Touching, backslapping, hugging are reserved for the inner circle and are considered socially unacceptable.

• Never drop in unannounced; it's common courtesy to call ahead even if you are visiting your best friend.

• Tipping is customary for restaurant visits and taxi travel in Canada. The commonly accepted practice in Canada is to tip between 10%-15% of the entire cost of the bill. While in the US, the general rule for a restaurant or cafe is to tip 15 to 20 per cent of your bill total.

• Always wait for your turn in queues and never cut in ahead of others. If you have many items to be billed, let a person go ahead if they only have one or two items. A person who reaches the doorway first, regardless of gender is responsible for opening the door.

• It is customary to remove your hat when entering a home, restaurant, classroom, theatre, church, etc. in both the US and Canada.

• One should not point in public as pointing is considered rude in the West. Avoid using phrases like "you look tired" or questions like "Are you okay? You don't look well".

• Do not start smoking in someone's car or home without asking first.

• Littering with ashes, butts, matches, empty lighters and packages on pathways, sidewalks, streets, parking lots, beaches, etc. is considered extremely rude.

Source: Internet

Office Etiquette - US/Canada

2009-09-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Office etiquette varies from country to country. Get to know some office do's and don'ts you need to follow in the US and Canada

• The first office etiquette mistake that you can make in the US is not to say "Good Morning and Good Bye." While the rule is to work as quietly and constructively as possible, being friendly matters and it starts with wishing your fellow workers a pleasant "Good Morning."

• In both American and Canadian business culture "time is money." Punctuality is considered sacred and people are expected to attend meetings and appointments on time. However, in Canada, in the French areas, time is more relaxed.

• In U.S. business culture, business dressing tends to vary. While in the east most people wear business suits in the west coast, a more relaxed approach to dressing is the norm. Executives in most regions of the country, however, usually dress formally. When in doubt, dress conservatively; you cannot go wrong with it.

• While addressing a stranger, one could use Sir, Ma'am, or Miss. And, when responding, it is polite to answer "Yes, Ma'am", "Yes, Sir" or "Yes, Miss" as a sign of respect - especially if the person is older than you or if it is a formal conversation. This rule applies to both American and Canadian business etiquette.

• It is advisable to stand at an approximate distance of one arm's length from an individual when introducing yourself. Offer a firm handshake, lasting 3-5 seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Never address people with their first names. Unless they ask you, always stick to Mr., Mrs., Miss, and Ms. If you don't know the marital status of a woman, the rule is not to assume, always use Ms.

• Personal space or gestures differ slightly with the Canadians. In a formal gathering, there is minimal body movement in American business culture. French Canadians stand closer and are more demonstrative and expressive. Though a hand shake is expected in Canadian business etiquette, it is better for men to wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake.

• The basic rule of introduction to follow is to introduce lower ranking individuals to higher ranking individuals. And yes always include titles (e.g., Dr., Judge, etc.) and name prefix (e.g., Mr., Mrs. Ms.).

• Americans often ask, "What do you do?" to start a conversation. This kind of question is not regarded presumptuous, but is rather a way to show interest in the individual by showing interest in his or her job.

• Unlike in Japan or in China, exchanging business card is viewed as an ordinary or casual activity and follows no formal rules in both American and Canadian business etiquette.

Source: Internet

52 Proven Stress Reducers

2009-09-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

1. Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning.

The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.

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2. Prepare for the morning the evening before.. Set the breakfast table, make lunches, put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.

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3. Don't rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc.

("The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory" -)

Old Chinese Proverb

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4. Do nothing which, after being done, leads you to tell a lie.

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5.Make duplicates of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden and carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring.

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6. Practice preventive maintenance. . Your car,appliances, home, and relationships will be less likely to break down/fall apart "at the worst possible moment."

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7. Be prepared to wait. A paperback can make a wait in a post office line almost pleasant.

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8. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.

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9... Plan ahead. Don't let the gas tank get below one-quarter full; keep a well-stocked "emergency shelf" of home staples; don't wait until you're down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more; etc.

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10. Don't put up with something that doesn't work right. If your alarm clock, wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers? whatever? are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.

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11. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments.

Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures.

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12. Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet.

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13. Always set up contingency plans, "just in case." ("If for some reason either of us is delayed, here's what we'll do" kind of thing. Or, "If we get split up in the shopping center, here's where we'll meet.")

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14. Relax your standards.The world will not end if the grass doesn't get mowed this weekend.

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15. Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count them!

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16. Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back directions, what someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old "the hurried I go, the beholder I get, " idea.)

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17. Say "No!" Saying "no" to extra projects, social activities, and invitations you know you don't have the time or energy
for takes practice,self- respect, and a belief that everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to relax and be alone.

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18. Unplug your phone. Want to take a long bath, meditate, sleep, or read without interruption? Drum up the courage to temporarily disconnect. (The possibility of there being a terrible emergency in the next hour or so is almost nil.) Or use an answering machine.

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19. Turn "needs" into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and keeping warm. Everything else is a preference. Don't get attached to preferences.

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20. Simplify, simplify, simplify?

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21. Make friends with non-worriers. Nothing can get you into the habit of worrying faster than associating with chronic worrywarts.

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22. Get up and stretch periodically if your job requires that you sit for extended periods.

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23. Wear earplugs. If you need to find quiet at home, pop in some earplugs.

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24. Get enough sleep. If necessary, use an alarm clock to remind you to go to bed.

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25. Create order out of chaos. Organize your home and workspace so that you always know exactly where things are. Put things away where they belong and you won't have to go through the stress of losing things.

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26. When feeling stressed, most people tend to breathe in short, shallow breaths. When you breathe like this, stale air is not expelled, oxidation of the tissues is incomplete, and muscle tension frequently results. Check your breathing throughout the day, and before, during, and after high-pressure situations. If you find your stomach muscles are knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax all your muscles and take several deep, slow breaths.

Note how, when you're relaxed, both your abdomen and chest expand when you breathe.

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27. Writing your thoughts and feelings down (in a journal, or on paper to be thrown away) can help you clarify things and can give you a renewed perspective.

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28. Try the following yoga technique whenever you feel the need to relax. Inhale deeply through you nose to the count of eight. Then, with lips puckered, exhale very slowly through your mouth to the count of 16, or for as long as you can. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.

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29. Inoculate yourself against a feared event. Example: before speaking in public, take time to go over every part of the experience in your mind. Imagine what you'll wear, what the audience will look like, how you will present your talk, what the questions will be and how you will answer them, etc. Visualize the experience the way you would have it be. You'll likely find that when the time comes to make the actual presentation, it will be "old hat" and much of your anxiety will have fled.

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30. When the stress of having to get a job done gets in the way of getting the job done, diversion ? a voluntary change in activity and/or environment ? may be just what you need.

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31. Talk it out. Discussing your problems with a trusted friend can help your mind of confusion so you can concentrate on problem solving.

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32. One of the most obvious ways to avoid unnecessary stress is to select an environment (work, home, leisure) which is in line with your personal needs and desires. If you hate desk jobs, don't accept a job which requires that you sit at a desk all day. If you hate to talk politics, don't associate with people who love to talk politics, etc.

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33. Learn to live one day at a time.

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34. Every day, do something you really enjoy.

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35. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.

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36. Take a hot bath or shower (or a cool one in summertime) to relieve tension.

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37. Do something for somebody else.

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38. Focus on understanding rather than on being understood; on loving rather than on being loved.

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39. Do something that will improve your appearance. Looking better can help you feel better.

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40. Schedule a realistic day. Avoid the tendency to schedule back-to-back appointments; allow time between appointments for a breathing spell.

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41. Become more flexible. Some things are worth not doing perfectly and some issues are well to compromise upon.

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42. Eliminate destructive self-talk: "I m too old to?," "I m too fat to?," etc.

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43. Use your weekend time for a change of pace. If you work week is slow and patterned, make sure there is action and time for spontaneity built into your weekends. If your work week is fast-paced and full of people and deadlines, seek peace and solitude during your days off. Feel as if you aren't accomplishing anything at work? Tackle a job on the weekend which you can finish to your satisfaction.

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44. "Worry about the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves." That's another way of saying: take care of the today's as best you can and the yesterdays and the tomorrows will take care of themselves.

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45. Do one thing at a time. When you are with someone, be with that person and with no one or nothing else. When you are busy with a project, concentrate on doing that project and forget about everything else you have to do.

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46. Allow yourself time ? everyday ? for privacy, quiet, and introspection.

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47. If an especially unpleasant task faces you, do it early in the day and get it over with; then the rest of your day will be free of anxiety.

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48.Learn to delegate responsibility to capable others.

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49. Don't forget to take a lunch break. Try to get away from your desk or work area in body and mind, even if it's just for 15 or 20 minutes.

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50. Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before doing something or saying anything that could make matters worse.

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51. Have a forgiving view of events and people. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world.

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52. Have an optimistic view of the world.. Believe that most people are doing the best they can.

************ *******

Source: Nidokidos

BE THANKFUL

2009-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

By Author Unknown

> Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
> If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
> Be thankful when you don't know something,
> For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
> Be thankful for the difficult times.
> During those times you grow.
> Be thankful for your limitations,
> Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
> Be thankful for each new challenge,
> Because it will build your strength and character.
> Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
> Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
> Because it means you've made a difference.
> It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
> A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
> Are also thankful for the setbacks.
> Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
> Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
> And they can become your blessings

Source: Internet

Degree of Utilization

2009-08-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

Buddha, one day, was on deep thought about the worldly activities and the ways of instilling goodness in human. The following is the text of conversation between him and his disciple.

One of the disciples approached him and said humbly “Oh my teacher! While you are so much concerned about the world and others, why don’t you look into the welfare and needs of your own disciples also”.

Buddha: OK…Tell me how I can help you?

Disciple: Master, My attire is worn out and is beyond the decency to wear the same. Can I get a new one please?

Buddha found the robe indeed was in a bad condition which needed replacement. He asked the store keeper to give the disciple a new robe to wear on. The disciple thanked Buddha and retired to his room. Though he met his disciple’s requirement, Buddha was not all that contended on his decision. He realized he missed out some point. A while after, he realized, what he should have asked the disciple? He went to his disciple’s place and asked him “Is your new attire comfortable? Do you need anything more?”

Disciple: Thank you my Master. The attire is indeed very comfortable. I need nothing more.
Buddha: Having got the new one, what did you do with your old attire?
Disciple: I am using it as my bedspread.
Buddha: Then…hope you have disposed off your bed spread.
Disciple: No…no…Master. I am using my old bedspread as my window curtain.
Buddha: What about your old curtain?
Disciple: Being used to handle hot utensils in the kitchen.
Buddha: Oh…I see…Can you tell me what they did with the old cloth they used in Kitchen?
Disciple: They are being used to wash the floor.
Buddha: Then, the old rug being used to wash the floor…????
Disciple: Master, since they were torn off so much, we could not find any better use, but to use as a twig in the oil lamp, which is right now lit in your study room….

Buddha smiled in contentment and left for his room.

Moral:

If not to this degree of utilization, can we at least attempt to find the best use of all our resources at home and at office….?? It becomes imperative in the critical time of Recession…..

Sent by: Prem Kumar

Two Fishermen

2009-08-27T06:15:00.001-07:00

Two men went fishing. One was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it fresh... Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back..

The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing the man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked.

The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan."

Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throwback the big plans, big dreams, big jobs, big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small.

We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan, yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith?

Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way.

You can do all things through God. Nothing is too big for God.

REMEMBER:

Stop telling God you've got big problems.
Tell your problems you've got a BIG GOD!

MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING IN LIFE

2009-08-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

An elderly man in Mumbai calls his son in New York and says, 'I hate to ruin your day son, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting a divorce; 35 years of marriage.... And that much misery is enough!'

'Dad, what are you talking about?' the son screams.'We can't stand the sight of each other any longer,' the old man says.'We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Hong Kong and tell her!'

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone.

'Like heck they're getting divorced,' she shouts, 'I'll take care of this.'She calls Mumbai immediately, and screams at the old man, 'You are not getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then , don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR??' and she hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife.. 'Okay', he says, 'It's all set. They're both coming for our anniversary and paying their own airfare!!

'MORAL:

No man / woman is busy in this world all 365 days.The sky is not going to fall down if you take few days LEAVE and meet your dear ones.

OFFICE WORK IS NOT EVERYTHING IN LIFE and MONEY MAKING IS NOT EVERYTHING IN LIFE.

Sent by: Prem

The flock of birds

2009-08-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

“Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. It is the ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” - Andrew Carnegie

During the winter, geese migrate to a warmer place to fight the cold. These large groups of migrating birds fly for long hours to reach their destination. The flock is focused and flies in a ‘V’ formation, which increases their flight efficiency by 71%.

Geese are one of the best examples of excellent teamwork.

Lesson 1: Working as a team and sharing the same direction helps to reach the destination faster. By helping each other, the triumph is greater.

If a goose leaves the ‘V’ formation, it feels the resistance of the air. Hence, rather than flying alone, it comes back to the formation and continues with the flock.

Lesson 2: Always stay in tune with those who are going in a certain direction. This will not only help you to reach the goal with less effort, but you will always be guided by people around you.

When the leader is tired of flying, it drops out of the lead position and fall back into one of the lines of the V. Another bird from the rear rapidly takes the leading position.

Lesson 3: Never miss opportunities to empower others in the team. Always take responsibility and build trust. Respect others in the team. Share difficult problems and tasks with the team.

The geese flying behind the ‘V’ formation quack continuously to encourage the ones leading the flock. This way they maintain the same speed.

Lesson 4: Always appreciate an individual team player’s work. Encouragement helps to motivate the team and, strengthen the bond among the members and this in turn brings positive results.

When a goose falls sick and tired, it leaves the flock. But the flock doesn’t desert it. Some of the geese leave the flock to escort and protect it, till it is well enough to fly again. Then they either catch up with the flock or they form their own ‘V’ formation.

Lessson 5: Always stand beside your team mates, especially at the time of challenges and difficulties.

Bonding together brings up the spirit in the team and it boosts up courage to meet the challenges.

Dining Etiquette - India

2009-08-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

A melting pot of cultures and religions, business in India is an amalgamation of influences from both within the sub continent as well as from the West and the Middle East. Indian business culture tends to be polite and bordering on formal.

Most Indians literally live out the belief - Atithi Devo Bhava, which literally translated into 'guest is God and should be treated like a deity'. This extends into the business realm as well.
Business lunches are common in India, and it is acceptable to discuss business at lunch.
Do not be more than half an hour late when invited to an Indian associates' home.
Eating with the hands is the most common and accepted practice, but no one would raise eyebrows if you used cutlery.
Both beef and pork have religious sentiments attached to it, so be careful if you are ordering meat dishes.
Almost always the host would foot the bill, if you are dining at a restaurant on business related issues or at an informal gathering. If you have plans on going dutch, do inform the host when you accept the invitation.

Source: Internet

Social and Gifting Etiquette - India

2009-08-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Casual clothes are acceptable to social gatherings. However, if a foreigner makes an effort to wear traditional India garb, it would be well received and seen as a sign of friendship.

If you are visiting the home of an Indian business associate during a festival, a box of sweets would be an appropriate gift.

Be cautious in giving a leather item as a gift, as it has religious connotations. So does alcohol.

Flowers, a box of chocolates, a curio from a foreign country or a piece of art would be well received. A bouquet of roses or orchids would be a safe choice. Do be aware that frangipanis are associated with funerals.

Don't wrap gifts in black or white, which are considered unlucky colors. Instead, use green, red, and yellow, since they are thought to be lucky colors.

In the Indian sub continent, gifts are not usually opened in the presence of the giver. If you receive a wrapped gift, set it aside until the giver leaves or insists that you open the gift.

Source: Internet

Office Etiquette - India

2009-08-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

A short handshake is the customary start to most business meeting. The important rule is to shake hands with a woman only if she has put out her hand. Else a greeting would suffice.

Punctuality is vital to doing business in India, though occasional lapses are accepted. Most meetings indulge in the introductory small talk and then moves on to business issues. In fact, it is quite possible that no business will be discussed at the first meeting.

It is advisable to address Indian colleagues with the title that signifies their status especially in the initial meetings. "Professor ..." or "Mr. ..." or Ms ..." with the name that follows the title being the surname and not a first name.

Formal clothing is the accepted business attire. Men mostly dress in a suit and tie. Women could be dressed in conservative dresses or pantsuits.

Business cards should be exchanged at the beginning of a business meeting. Be prepared with enough cards to be passed on to everyone at the meeting table. Always accept the card with your right hand, as the left hand is thought to be unclean.

Body language is closely watched in business scenarios. Do avoid aggressive stances like standing with your hands on your hip or talking in loud voices or with angry gestures.

Business etiquette in India urges cell phones to be put on the silent mode and calls not be answered or made during a meeting, except in case of an emergency.

Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and other data as well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the material prior to the meeting.

Source: Internet

He gave up a 5-star job to feed the mentally ill

2009-08-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

A Ganesh Nadar in Madurai

'I don't feed beggars. They can look after themselves. The mentally ill won't ask anyone for food or money,' says N Krishnan who has been feeding them thrice a day for the past seven years.

N Krishnan feeds 400 mentally ill people on the streets of Madurai three times a day, every day, all 365 days of the year.

The 28 year old has been doing this for seven years via a charity called the Akshaya Trust.

A look into the kitchen reveals a spotlessly clean room. Sparkling vessels stacked neatly, groceries and provisions all lined up in rows -- rice, dal, vegetables, spices -- all of the best quality. One would think this was the kitchen of a five star hotel. Maybe Krishnan achieves that effect because he was once a chef at a five star hotel in Bengaluru."Today's lunch is curd rice, with home made pickle, please taste it," he says, serving me on a plate made of dried leaves.The food is excellent."I change the menu for different days of the week. They will get bored if I serve the same food every day," he says with an enthusiastic and infectious smile.

Image: N Krishnan feeds a mentally ill person on a Madurai street

Photographs: A Ganesh Nadar

For more information on N Krishnan's trust, log on to: http://www.akshayatrust.org/

Source: http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/aug/12/slide-show-1-he-gave-up-a-5-star-job-to-feed-the-mentally-ill.htm

Embracing Imperfection

2009-08-10T01:06:00.000-07:00

Story by a girl

When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said. 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night, and I asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone! You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook.'

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. Burnt toast should never be a deal breaker. We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!!"

Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - but into your own.

People will always forget what you do, and they will always forget what you say, but they will never, ever forget the way you make them feel

Management Lesson

2009-08-06T00:54:00.000-07:00

One fine day, a bus driver went to the bus garage, started his bus, and drove off along the route. No problems for the first few stops - a few people got on, a few got off, and things went generally well.

At the next stop, however, a big hulk of a guy got on. Six feet eight, built like a wrestler, arms hanging down to the ground. He glared at the driver and said, "Big John doesn't pay!" and sat down at the back.

Did I mention that the driver was five feet three, thin, and basically week? Well, he was. Naturally, he didn't argue with Big John, but he wasn't happy about it. The next day the same thing happened - Big John got on again, made a show of refusing to pay, and sat down. And the next day, and the next.

This grated on the bus driver, who started losing sleep over the way Big John was taking advantage of him. Finally he could stand it no longer. He signed up for body building courses, karate, judo, and all that good stuff.

By the end of the summer, he had become quite strong; what's more, he felt really good about himself. So on the next Monday, when Big John once again got on the bus and said, "Big John doesn't pay!"

The driver stood up, glared back at the passenger, and screamed, "And why not?"

With a surprised look on his face, Big John replied, "Big John has a bus pass."

Management Lesson:

"Be sure there is a problem in the first place before working hard to solve one."

10 principles for Peace of Mind

2009-07-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile . Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time.. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?

Think Positive

Source: Nidokidos

Monkey and the Dolphin

2009-07-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

One day long ago, some sailors set out to sea in their sailing ship. One of them brought his pet monkey along for the long journey.

When they were far out at sea, a terrible storm overturned their ship. Everyone fell into the sea, and the monkey was sure that he would drown. Suddenly a dolphin appeared and picked him up.

They soon reached the island and the monkey came down from the dolphin's back. The dolphin asked the monkey, "Do you know this place?"

The monkey replied, "Yes, I do. In fact, the king of the island is my best friend. Do you know that I am actually a prince?"

Knowing that no one lived on the island, the dolphin said, "Well, well, so you are a prince! Now you can be a king!"

The monkey asked, "How can I be a king?"

As the dolphin started swimming away, he answered, "That is easy.. As you are the only creature on this island, you will naturally be the king!"

MORAL: Those who lie and Boast may end up in trouble.

Travel etiquette

2009-07-16T00:26:00.000-07:00

While some local customs and laws might at times seem absurd to the foreign traveller, understanding other cultures in terms of what is acceptable behaviour and what might be illegal or taboo is of great importance when travelling.

According to Expedia.co.in operated by Expedia, Inc., knowing the local rules and customs of a travel destination will not only help you stay out of trouble when travelling, and avoid potential embarrassment or offence, but it can also open doors to unique and rewarding travel experiences.

With destinations across the Far East, Middle East, Europe, Middle East and Africa becoming more popular with Indian travellers -- and with customs and laws in these countries often being considerably different from those in India -- being aware of local practices and mores is increasingly important.

Arthur Hoffman, Managing Director, Expedia Asia Pacific, says: "While Indian travellers are generally respectful of the cultures and laws of the countries they travel to, be mindful that what may be polite and normal in one culture may shock and offend another. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable and savvy about the local laws and cultural practices of the location one is travelling to."

Hoffman also advises that, when travelling abroad, Indians should also be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear severe by Indian standards, do apply to foreigners. For instance, in some countries, penalties for drug offences and homosexual acts may incur lengthy prison sentences, corporal punishment or even carry the death penalty. He pointed out that it was important to bear in mind that Sharia (Islamic) law is still heavily enforced in some Islamic countries, while taking photographs of local people, particularly women and children, is also illegal in some countries.

"Remember the proverb: 'Forewarned is fore-armed'. Travellers should take time to research the destinations they are travelling to, consult traveller review sites such as TripAdvisor for helpful tips on how to behave, and be particularly mindful of advice relating to local customs. At the very least, it will prevent you from causing offence to the locals and bringing embarrassment on yourself; at the most, it could save you from a very unpleasant brush with the law," Hoffman concluded.

Avoiding offence

Here some of the more intriguing local customs to be mindful of:

In many Muslim countries, in particular those in the Arabian Gulf, public displays of affection, including holding hands, cuddling and kissing can be punishable by law. Women, including foreign visitors, are also required to dress modestly, including covering their head with a scarf. It is also considered rude showing the soles of your shoes or feet to others, and is advisable to accept something with your right hand. Be particularly observant of the local practice regarding drinking and eating during the holy month of Ramadan.

In Bali, touching someone on the head is taboo, as it is regarded by locals as the abode of the soul and is therefore sacred.

In Singapore, failure to flush a public toilet after use may result in very hefty fines of up to US$150. This also applies to littering, smoking or spitting in the street.

In Egypt, expect to be offered coffee or tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality. Even if you do not take a sip, always accept the beverage, as declining the offer is viewed as rejecting the person.

In Fiji, entry into many traditional villages will require the permission of the village chief. Should permission be granted, you will be welcomed in a small traditional ceremony, which usually involves speaking with the Chief.

In Iran, the 'thumbs up' gesture is considered an offensive insult.

In Italy, travellers should be aware that no shorts or sleeveless dresses or shirts are allowed when visiting significant holy places, like the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

In Indonesia, it is illegal to carry the pungent smelling Durian fruit on any public transport or in hotels.

Source: http://getahead.rediff.com/report/2009/jun/24/travel-etiquette.htm

Chanakya's Quotes

2009-07-12T20:28:00.001-07:00

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"A person should not be too honest.
Straight trees are cut first and Honest people are victimised first."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC 75 BC)
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"Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
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"The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. ! It will destroy you."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship.
There is no Friendship without self-interests.
This is a bitter truth."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
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"Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind.
But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"A man is great by deeds, not by birth."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years.
For the next five years, scold them..
By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend.
Your grown up children are your best friends."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

"Education is the best friend.
An educated person is respected everywhere.
Education beats the beauty and the youth.."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***

Celebrate Your Uniqueness. Be original

2009-07-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

A plum once said, just because a banana lover came by, I converted myself into a banana. Unfortunately, his taste changed after a few months and so I became an orange. When he said I was bitter I became an apple, but he went in search of grapes. Yielding to the opinions of so many people, I have changed so many times that I no more know who I am. How I wish I had remained a plum and waited for a plum lover.

Just because a group of people do not accept us as we are, there is no necessity for us to strip our self of our originality. We need to think good of our self, for the world takes us at our own estimate. Never stoop down in order to gain recognition. Never let go of our true self to win a relationship. In the long run, we will regret that we traded our greatest glory - our uniqueness, for momentary validation. Even Gandhi was not accepted by many people. The group that does not accept us as we are is not our world.

There is a world for each one of us, where we shall reign as king/ queen by just being our self. Find that world... in fact, that world will find us. What water can do, gasoline cannot and what copper can, gold cannot. The fragility of the ant enables it to move and the rigidity of the tree enables it to stay rooted. Everything and everybody has been designed with a proportion of uniqueness to serve a purpose that we can fulfil only by being our unique self. We as we alone can serve our purpose and I as I alone can serve my purpose. I
am here to be me... just me.

There was a time in this world when a Gandhi was required and he was sent. There was a time in this world when a J.R.D. Tata was required and he was sent. There came a time when I was required on this planet and hence I was sent. Let us be the best we can be. Let us not miss our self and let the world not miss us.

In the history of the universe, there has been nobody like me and to the infinite of time to come; there will be no one like me. Existence should have loved me so much that it broke the mould after making me, so that another of my kind will never get repeated.

We are original. We are rare. We are unique. We are a wonder.

We are a masterpiece... Let us celebrate our Uniqueness…

Sent by: Maghizhan

20 Ways to Get Mentally Tough

2009-07-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

1. When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to
a future accomplishment.

2. When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don't just face
adversity; they embrace it, knowing it's not a dead end but a detour to something greater and better.

3. When you face negative people, know that the key to life is to stay positive in the face of negativity, not in the absence of it. After all, everyone will have to overcome negativity to define themselves and create their success.

4. When you face the nay-sayer's, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words to you.

5. When you face critics, remember to tune them out and focus only on being the best you can be.

6. When you wake up in the morning, take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

7. When you fear, trust. Let your faith be greater than your doubt.

8. When you fail, find the lesson in it, and then recall a time when you have succeeded.

9. When you head into battle, visualize success.

10. When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.

11. When you want to complain, instead identify a solution.

12. When your own self-doubt crowds your mind, weed it and replace it with positive thoughts and positive self-talk.

13. When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your
surroundings, clear your mind, and get into The Zone. The Zone is not a random event. It can be created.

14. When you feel all is impossible, know that with God all things are
possible.

15. When you feel alone, think of all the people who have helped you along
the way and who love and support you now.

16. When you feel lost, pray for guidance.

17. When you are tired and drained, remember to never, never, never give
up. Finish Strong in everything you do.

18. When you feel like you can't do it, know that you can do all things
through Him who gives you strength.

19. When you feel like your situation is beyond your control, pray and
surrender. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't.

20. When you're in a high-pressure situation and the game is on the line, and
everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy it. Life is
short; you only live once. You have nothing to lose. Seize the moment.

Sent by: Prem

THE MASTER'S LESSON ON GRATITUDE

2009-07-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

According to legend, a young man while roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water. The water was so sweet he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been his teacher.

After a four-day journey he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart.

Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. It apparently had become stale because of the old leather container.

The student challenged his teacher: "Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?"

The teacher replied, "You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of loving-kindness and nothing could be sweeter."!!!

SPIRITUAL COMMENTARY

We may understand this lesson best when we receive innocent gifts of love from young children. Whether it's a crushed paper painting or a clay figure, the natural and proper response is appreciation and expressed thankfulness because we love the idea within the gift.

Gratitude doesn't always come naturally. Unfortunately, most children and many adults value only the thing given rather than the feeling embodied in it. We should remind ourselves and teach our children about the beauty and purity of feelings and expressions of gratitude. After all, gifts from the heart are really gifts of the heart!! Also, when we express our gratitude,we must never forget that the highest of appreciation is not to utter mere words, but to live by them.

The essence of all beautiful art, all great art is gratitude! Gratitude is the sign of noble souls and the memory of it is stored in the heart and not the mind!

The next time you receive any gifts from anyone, no matter however small it may be, remember the love behind and don't judge the gift with its appearance! Have a deep sense of gratitude for whatever you receive in life in whatever form it may be!

Sent by: Prem

Living One Day At A Time

2009-07-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

Our lives are made up of a million moments, spent in a million different ways. Some are spent searching for love, peace, and harmony. Others are spent surviving day by day.

But there is no greater moment than when we find that life, with all it's joys and sorrows, is meant to be lived one day at a time. It's in this knowledge that we discover the most wonderful truth of all.

Whether we live in a forty-room mansion, surrounded by servants and wealth, or find it a struggle to manage the rent month to month, we have it within our power to be fully satisfied and live a life with true meaning.

One day at a time - we have the abilty, through cherishing each moment and rejoicing in each dream. We can experience each day a new and with this fresh start we have what it takes to make all our dreams come true.

Each day is new, and living one day at a time enables us to truly enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Sent by: Prem

Second Opinion

2009-06-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

The doctor said, 'Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration.

You have a very rare condition, which causes your testicles to press on your spine and the pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles.'

Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He had no choice but to go under the knife. When he left the hospital, he was without a headache for the first time in 20 years, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life.

He saw a men's clothing store and thought, 'That's what I need... A new suit.'

He entered the shop and told the salesman, 'I'd like a new suit.'

The elderly tailor eye d him briefly and said, 'Let's see... Size 44 long.'

Joe laughed, 'That's right, how did you know?'

'Been in the business 60 years!' the tailor said.

Joe tried on the suit it fit perfectly.

As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, 'How about a new shirt?'

Joe thought for a moment and then said, 'Sure.'

The salesman eyed Joe and said, 'Let's see, 34 sleeves and 16-1/2 neck.'

Joe was surprised, 'That's right, how did you know?'

'Been in the business 60 years.'

Joe tried on the shirt and it fit perfectly.

Joe walked comfortably around the shop and the salesman asked, 'How about some new underwear?'

Joe thought for a moment and said, 'Sure.'

The salesman said, 'Let's see... Size 36.

Joe laughed, 'Ah ha! I got you! I've worn a size 34 since I was 18 years old.'

The salesman shook his head, 'You can't wear a size 34. A size 34 would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache.'

New suit - $400
New shirt - $36
New underwear - $6
Second Opinion - PRICELESS

Sent by: Prem

How To Build Your Self Confidence

2009-06-23T02:48:00.000-07:00

One of the most important steps to achieving your goals in life is to develop a strong sense of self confidence. This does not however involve becoming loud or arrogant. On the contrary, people with genuine self confidence are usually calm and self assured and do not need to 'big note' themselves.

Here are my top ten tips for building your self confidence:

1. Visualise Yourself As The Person You Want To Be

Each morning spend a few minutes visualising yourself as the person you want to be. Think about the way you dress, the way you carry yourself and the way you interact with other people. Seeing yourself as the person you want to become is the first step towards building self confidence.

2. Self Confidence Statement

After visualising yourself as the person you want to be, read the following statement out loud:

"I know I have the ability to achieve my major goal in life. Therefore today,
I demand of myself persistent and continuous action towards achieving my goal"

Reading this statement out loud is a great way to start your day in a confident state of mind.

3. Dress Well

One of the most effective ways to instantly improve your level of self confidence is to dress well and to make the decision to always be well groomed. This does not mean you have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Instead, just focus on gradually building up a small collection of good quality clothes. Also remember that simple accessories such as a tie clip or necklace can make a big difference to the way you look and feel.

4. Positive Posture

Another powerful way to build your sense of self confidence is to stand up straight and lose the slouch that many of us have acquired over the years. While you may be able to make a change to your posture by simply becoming aware of it, the best way to make a long lasting change to your posture is to practice yoga or pilates.

5. Move With Purpose

A simple but effective tip for increasing your levels of self confidence is to always move with a sense of purpose. In his book 'The Magic of Thinking Big', David Schwartz recommends walking 25% faster than normal. Having a spring in your step lets people know that you have important things to do and actually makes you feel more confident as you go about your daily business.

6. Become A Participant

Have you ever noticed that in most meetings or groups, people immediately head towards the back of the room so that they can remain as inconspicuous as possible? A great way to increase your visibility and sense of self confidence is to make the decision to always sit towards the front of the room and be a participant. When you have something to say - don't be afraid to say it.

7. Connect With Confidence

Another way to quickly improve your self confidence is to practice making a strong first impression. When you meet someone face-to-face, look them directly in the eye, smile broadly, shake hands firmly and say, "Hi Jim, nice to meet you".

Similarly, you can sound more confident on the phone by answering, "Good morning Carol Jones speaking" instead of simply saying "Hello"

8. Build Your Success File

Occasionally your self confidence will take a hit when something doesn't work out the way you hoped. One of the best ways to repair your self confidence in this situation is to keep a folder outlining your past achievements and successes. You should also include any positive feedback that you've received from others.

As you review your success file and fill your mind with positive comments, your doubts and insecurities will quickly disappear and your self confidence will be restored.

9. Preparation

The BIG secret to being self confident that people rarely talk about is - preparation. The more you prepare and practice for an event, the more self confident you will become.

If you are worried about an upcoming event, use your apprehension as a stimulus to take action and practice, practice, practice. The simple but powerful truth is that self confidence grows through repetition and experience.

10. Toastmasters

My final tip for developing self confidence is to join a Toastmasters group.

Toastmasters is a non-profit organisation that helps people from all walks of life to develop their public speaking and leadership skills. In my experience Toastmasters offers a safe and relaxed environment to step out of your comfort zone and develop the invaluable skills of being able to think on your feet and speak in public.

So there you have it!

If you implement some or all of these 10 techniques you'll gradually develop a greater sense of self confidence which in turn will help you to pursue and achieve your most important life goals.

Sent by: Kamlesh

Source: Nidokidos

A good point

2009-06-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Smooth roads never make good drivers
Smooth Sea never makes good sailors
Clear Skies never makes good Pilots.

Problem and hassle free Life NEVER makes a strong person
Be Strong enough to accept the challenges of Life

Don't ask Life, 'Why Me? .
Instead say 'try Me!'

The story of Brooklyn Bridge

2009-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

An engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea of building a magnificent suspension bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. He had put forward his idea to the bridge building experts throughout the world but no one was interested even to think about it further and asked John to forget about it. According to them, it was a very difficult task, something, which had never been attempted before and is not practical.

Roebling however was determined and would not think of ignoring his dream. He thought about it day and night and wanted to share it with someone who would believe in his idea. John’s son Washington was a naïve engineer then. He trusted his father’s vision and believed that the bridge could be built.

John and Washington, working together for the first time, developed concepts of how the bridge could be built. A big challenge lay before them, but they were ready to face it as they had excitement and inspiration deep in their heart. They hired their crew and the construction of their dream bridge began on January 3, 1870.

The project started well, but after a year, a tragic accident at the site took John Roebling’s life. Hence, Washington took over and was in charge of the bridge. However, after few months Washington too suffered a paralyzing injury, which left him with certain amount of brain damage. He was not able to walk or talk. With no one to supervise, the construction stopped.

Everyone around the world was negative about the future of the project and felt that it should be taken off as only the Roeblings knew about the plans of construction of the bridge. These remarks hurt and shocked Washington, who lay still on the bed of his hospital. His desire and enthusiasm was still alive. He wanted to get up and continue his work, but his physical condition did not allow him to.

Washington could move only one finger and this gave him an idea. He called his wife Emily and tapped on her arm indicating her to call back the crew and the engineers. This worked well as Emily started understanding Washington’s indications by just the tapping of his finger. She conveyed his instructions to the engineers and soon the construction of the bridge was back at full swing.

For next 11 years, Washington gave instructions by tapping on Emily’s arm and she patiently decoded his messages and relayed them to the crew. The bridge was finally completed and opened with a big celebration in May 1883.

Today, the 5,989 feet Brooklyn Bridge stands over the East River as a tribute to the victory of John and Washington’s strong spirit, will power and determination. It is also a tribute to the engineers who had faith and trust in a man who was half paralyzed and was considered silly by half of the world. The bridge also reflects the love and affection of Emily towards her husband.

The story of Brooklyn Bridge portrays a very good example of having a vision, believing in it and then pursuing it with a never-say-die attitude. No matter what obstacles you face, if you have a dream then go ahead and fulfill it. Have strength of mind and be determined in life.

The names of John Roebling, Washington Roebling and Emily Warren Roebling are inscribed on the bridge as its builders.

Top seven most common investing mistakes

2009-06-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

PV Subramanyam

EVER watched any saas bahu sagas on television? How many blunders the protagonists in these serials make! And for their howlers, they are beaten up, jailed and even murdered (only to miraculously become alive again!).

But, alas, life is not an Ekta Kapoor soap where you can make umpteen blunders and get away with it.

For your investments, you might have to pay a heavy price for even small mistakes that you do. Here are the seven most common blunders that investors make.

1. Believing that trading is the same as investing
When you buy and sell stocks and mutual funds at the drop of a hat (read – without any research or planning), you are essentially ‘trading’. This will not help you to build long-term wealth. Yes, this is a fantastic way to make money, but for your broker, not you!

2. Being too conservative with your money
‘Real returns’ is the keyword here. These are returns post inflation. Putting away money in safe options such as bank deposits, Public Provident Fund (PPF) and so on might give you a negative real return. This is true especially in times of high inflation, such as now.

3. Being too aggressive with your money
This is just another way to lose money. Pumping money into high risk avenues, such as equities, without understanding can prove dangerous. A Warren Buffet saying sums it all up -- To finish first, you have to first finish!

4. Keeping the ‘duds’
I know of a person who had invested in unheard companies such as Patheja Forging, Shaan interval and Silverline. He refused to sell on the belief that he would earn good returns over the long term. Now, all the promoters of these companies are absconding!

It is important to invest in good quality stocks, choose a good fund manager, invest small amounts at regular intervals through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and hold for a long term. That will make money for you.

5. Incorrect asset allocation
Too much of debt for the long term or too much of equity for the next quarter, is a sure fire way to leave you with little returns. It is wise to build a portfolio based on your risk capacity and financial goals.

6. Timing the market
Even experts cannot time the markets, leave alone investors. No one knows where the markets are headed in the short to medium term. Hence, it is foolhardy to time the markets. Instead, a disciplined investing, irrespective of market levels, pays off in the long run.

7. Overconfidence
If you hit a couple of ‘home runs’ (as the Americans say), you start to believe that you will continue to hit home runs regularly. This is true for most of us -- we attribute our recent success as our creation and therefore we think we can repeat it. This overconfidence can lead to a big portfolio disaster.

So, the next time you see the vamp taking over the good guy in the serial, think of your investments and promise yourself not to fall prey to these mistakes.

Happy investing!

Source: http://wealth.moneycontrol.com/columns/equity-investing/top-seven-most-common-investing-mistakes-/11001/1

Revisiting Sir John Templeton's 16 rules of investment success

2009-06-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

SIR John Templeton, the founder of Templeton Funds was a multi-faceted personality, a legendary investor, fund manager and an astute philanthropist. He wrote 16 rules of investment success, which can be found here. They are the crux of his investment ideas and philosophy. Let us examine their relevance in the Indian context.

Rule 1: Begin with a prayer
Prayer helps you think clearly and make fewer mistakes. Meditation is known to reduce anxiety and stress, helping in better decision making.

Rule 2: Invest for maximum total real return
It is important to only consider the total real return i.e. the money you make in your investment lifetime after inflation and taxes. Many investors get carried away by short-term movements. They tend to ignore the long-term opportunities. Thus, it is wise to invest for total real returns.

Rule 3: Remain flexible and open-minded
Flexibility comes from being agile. Open-mindedness is learning from new ideas and perspectives. Many old-timers missed India's IT sector growth in the early 90s, which gave multi- bagger stocks like Infosys and Wipro. Cut to early 2005, many people were enamored with IT sector. They neglected the infrastructure and banking sectors, whose stocks multiplied within a couple of years. Hence it is important to be flexible and open-minded.

Rule 4: Invest, do not trade or speculate
Almost all successful people in the stock market are investors and not traders. They invest for long-term and are patient. There are many investors who have become millionaires solely on return of one stock in their portfolio over a decade. Sure they bought lot of other stocks which went nowhere but the one or two stocks that did well made all the difference. Traders think of the market as a casino where you play daily to win, investors think of markets as a long-term wealth building exercise.

Rule 5: Search for bargains
Just as we buy garments at discount sale, we need to buy and not sell stocks when markets are crashing. In October 2008, many high dividend yielding stocks were sold for meagre amount. People who bought them have reaped huge profits.

Rule 6: Don't buy market trends or economic theories
Remember the India story told when the sensex was at 21,000 and markets dipped to 7,500 within a year. The boom gave way to gloom, economists and market experts were expecting a correction not a crash. Thus, you should not rely on economic theories and market trends while investing as they are told only after the event has occurred.

Rule 7: Diversify across assets and across markets, there is safety in numbers
Last year, when stocks dipped, gold and bond mutual funds thrived, an investor who had invested across all three assets would have got negative return in stocks but would have made good returns in bonds and gold. Thus, it is advisable not to put all eggs in one basket.

To spread risk, investments should be diversified across assets such as:

- Stocks / equity mutual funds
- Bonds/ bond mutual funds
- Gold/ gold exchange traded funds
- Real estate
- Foreign mutual funds
- Traditional assets such as fixed deposits and public provident funds

Investment opportunities come with risks. When markets are high, investors want 100 per cent equity exposure and forget the downside risk. When markets have crashed they want 100 per cent safety and ignore the upside potential.

Rule 8: Do your homework or hire experts who will do it for you
Some of us invest based on tips and rumors, that is speculating not investing. You should read and research all investment ideas well, take time to understand the upside and downside of each investment before buying. Or else, you must engage quality financial advisors before investing.

Rule 9: Aggressively monitor your investments
No investment is forever. Expect change and react to it. There are no permanent bull market and bear market.

Way back the BSE Sensex had bluechip companies like Scindia Steamship, Asian Cables, Crompton Greaves, Mukand Iron, and Premier Auto.

Today, these companies have become small or midcaps. Some are not even quoted. Indices and markets keep changing. Investors should be on guard always.

Rule 10: Don’t Panic
Many people panic and exit the market when there is a dip. It is better to sell before a crash not after. Panic and euphoria are the two facets of same investors. Both selling after a crash and buying after a huge rally make no sense.

Rule 11: Learn from your mistakes
The only way to avoid mistakes is not investing which is the biggest mistake of all. Those who didn't invest after losing money in 1994 crash wouldn't have made money in 1999 boom. Those who lost money and exited in 2000 would have missed one the best times to invest in India from 2002 - 2008.

Rule 12: Beating the markets is a difficult task
Even professional fund managers have tough time doing it. Hence, an investor should remember that getting above market returns year after year is difficult.

Rule 13: Buy low
So simple in concept, yet so difficult to practice. Humans tend to think in herds and not alone. Only a brave person would have invested in October last year when people were shell shocked and wanted to forget about stocks.

Rule 14: Anyone who has all the answers doesn’t even know the questions
Markets make even the most brilliant fund managers humble. We have seen big fund managers make wrong decisions. An investor who thinks he knows everything doesn't usually know anything. Success is a process of seeking out answers to newer questions.

Rule 15: There is no free lunch
Never invest based on a tip or rumor. Everyone talks about their profits however small and no one talks about their losses however big.

Rule 16: Do not be fearful or negative too often
There will be corrections and crashes in the markets, but markets do recover and reward diligent and patient investors. This century or next it's still buy low and sell high.

This article is based on Sir John Templeton’s 16 Rules of Investment Success, while the rules are Sir John's, the commentary has been adapted to Indian context.

Disclaimer:

All investments carry market risks, this article is not meant to be an investment advice but an educative one.

Source:http://wealth.moneycontrol.com/columns/equity-investing/revisiting-sir-john-templetons-16-rules-of-investment-success-/13132/0

Men's Fashion Tips

2009-06-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to wardrobe & fashion, many guys don't realize that clothing does indeed "make the man." What you wear is just as important to others as to yourself.To be taken seriously in today's society, a first impression does matter -- significantly. If you want to be noticed favorably by both women and men, we've got some basic fashion and style tips to help you dress up to your potential.Keep in mind, even the most expensive clothing line won't flatter you if you slouch. Stand up straight and carry yourself with pride.. If you respect yourself, others will too.

Wear Clothes that Fit

Why not look good today, instead of some unspecified day in the future, when you gain or lose a few pounds -- and will it really happen? When you're shopping, buy clothes that are comfortable. If you need something altered, visit your tailor.

Find out What Works for You

Take a good look in the mirror and you'll begin to understand what colors and styles look the best on you. It's OK to try something new, but classics outlive trends.

Maintain Your Clothing

Don't wear soiled or wrinkled clothes. Stick to fabrics that resist wrinkling or learn how to use an iron. Suits and formal wear should be taken to the dry-cleaner to be cleaned and pressed.

Stripes - Not the Best Choice

It's best to stay away from horizontal stripes, unless your tall & lean. Most stripes are unflattering, and the horizontal ones add bulk, can make you appear heavier, and shorter. Solid colors are a good choice and dark, solids will make you look slimmer.

Keep it Simple

Loud, bright colors and patterns can make you look ridiculous. You can't go wrong with basic black and navy blue for work or casual, it's classic for a reason. You can add other attractive colors for a perfect match.

Get Rid of Old Clothes

Don't be stuck in the "good old days." If it's out of style, don't wear it anymore. If you can't imagine parting with it, store it. Trends run their cycles and you may once again be able to wear your favorite garments -- but only when they're popular.

Keep Short Sleeves for Casual

Don't show up for a job interview or business meeting in a short-sleeved shirt. Formal and business attire always include long sleeves and a tie.

Men's Accessory Tips

* Your belt and shoe color should match.
* Make sure your shoes are comfortable.
* Keep your shoes in tip-top shape by polishing them regularly.
* A shoe tree will help keep less-worn shoes keep their shape.
* Only lace-up shoes are appropriate with a suit. Save the boots for leisure.
* Your socks should match your shoes..
* Your tie should reach the top of your belt.
* Wear a belt that fits. The prong should fit into one of the middle holes, not the first or last one.
* Do not wear a belt AND suspenders at the same time.
* Apply cologne before getting dressed to avoid any direct stains.
* Remember, good posture adds height and self-confidence.

Sent by: Rajesh
Source: Nidokidos

If you want happiness for a lifetime

2009-06-10T02:19:00.001-07:00

A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a professor, who was commonly called the students' friend for his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.

As they went along, they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which were supposed to belong to a poor man who was working in a field close by, and who had nearly finished his day's work . . .

Student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick:

We will hide his shoes, and hide ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them ..."

"My young friend," answered the professor, "We should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor . . . But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man.

Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him." Visit: The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes . . .

While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance.

He gazed upon the coin, turned it around and looked at it again and again.

He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin . . .

His feelings overcame him . . . He fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing . . .

The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears.

"Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"

The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. .. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."

If you want happiness... .For a lifetime - help someone . . .

Sent by: Prem Kumar

If you want happiness for a lifetime

2009-06-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

Sent by: Prem Kumar

5 interview mistakes to avoid

2009-06-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tarun Matta

So, you've decided that you want a job. You've made a high-impact resume highlighting your skills, applied for multiple jobs of your choice and got a few interview calls. The next step -- and most important -- is the interview. You will not have too much time to create an impact and show that you are the best candidate for this position. So how do you ace your interview?

That's a difficult question to answer. It depends on so many factors beyond the scope of this article. However, it is much easier to identify common mistakes and make a conscious effort to avoid them during the interview.

If you can avoid some of these mistakes, you can improve you chances of a favourable outcome:

Dressing and hygiene
Most hiring managers make the decision in first few minutes of the interview. The rest of the time is spent in validating and justifying the decision. It means that basic hygiene factors become far more important than most people think. It includes dressing appropriately, reaching the venue on time, a firm handshake, positive eye contact, etc. Err on the side of caution and dress up professionally even if the company encourages casual dressing.

It doesn't take a lot of effort to be able to do most of these things effectively. There is no upside in not getting these things right. It's just a matter of discipline and must be enforced during the interview.

Badmouthing previous employer
This is one of the most common mistakes people commit in a job interview. While justifying job switches, a vast majority of candidates say negative things about their previous managers or employers. This shows the negative attitude of the candidate and could also imply that he/she doesn't work well with colleagues and seniors.

Everybody faces issues with a bad manager/employer at some stage in their careers. Make sure you don't mention that in a job interview. The reason for job switches should always be positive -- talk about growth or better opportunities you got elsewhere.

Not preparing enough
It is your responsibility to read about the company's business -- products, competitors, opportunities, challenges, etc and make sure that you bring it up during the interview. These discussions will give the interviewer the confidence that you can hit the ground running and will start contributing much before some of the other candidates. Nothing communicates your interest in the job more than your preparation.

Not listening
Don't make it a one-way street. Your success doesn't depend upon how much you speak. A short and crisp response can show confidence and the depth of your kowledge. Try to engage the interviewer with questions based on your understanding of their business. Listen and then respond appropriately. Try not to ask too many questions either. Never interrupt an interviewer while he is speaking.

Talking money too soon
A lot of candidates start asking questions about salary and benefits during the first interview. It's never a good idea to discuss salary before intent of hiring has been communicated to you. Do not do it unless you are specifically asked your salary details. The more you delay these discussions, the easier it'll be for you to negotiate a higher salary.

The writer is the founder of iimjobs.com -- an exclusive job portal for MBAs from IIMs and other premier business schools in India. He holds a BTech in Computer Science & Engineering from Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University and MBA from Indian Institute of Management Indore.

Courtesy: http://getahead.rediff.com/report/2009/jun/10/five-interview-mistakes-to-avoid.htm

The Man who killed himelf to die

2009-06-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

There was a man who worked for the railroad. One day as he went into the freezer compartment to do his routine work, the door accidentally closed and he found himself trapped in the compartment.

He shouted for help but no one heard him since it was past midnight. He tried to break down the door but he could not. As he lay in the freezer compartment, he began to feel colder, and colder. Then he began to feel weaker, and weaker, and he wrote on the wall of the compartment, “I am feeling colder, and colder; and I am getting weaker, and weaker. I am dying, and this may be my last words”.

In the morning when the other workers opened up the compartment they found him dead. The sad twist to the above story is that the freezing apparatus in the compartment had broke down a few days earlier.

The poor worker did not know about the damaged freezing apparatus and in his mind the freezing apparatus was working perfectly. He felt cold, got weaker and literally willed himself to die.

Sent by: Prem Kumar

Good Corn

2009-06-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

There was a farmer who grew superior quality and award-winning corn.

Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won honour and prizes.

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting about how he grew it.

The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field.

If my neighbors grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn.

If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn."

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbour's corn also improves.

So it is in other dimensions! Those who choose to be at harmony must help their neighbours and colleagues to be at peace,

Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches.

And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

If we are to grow good quality corn, we must help our neighbors grow good quality corn too....

Sent by: Prem

Farmer's Attitude

2009-06-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

An old man lived alone in a village. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his situation: Dear Son, I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate to miss doing the garden, because your mother always loved planting. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren't in prison.

Love,

Dad

Shortly the old man received this telegram: "For Heaven's sake, Dad, don't dig up the garden!! That's where I buried the GUNS!!"

At 4 a.m the next morning, a dozen FBI agents and local police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the old man wrote another note to his son telling him what happened, and asked him what to do next.

His son's reply was: "Go ahead and plant your potatoes, Dad.. It's the best I could do for you from here."

Moral: "NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING DEEP FROM YOUR HEART YOU CAN DO IT. IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT MATTERS, NOT WHERE YOU ARE OR WHERE THE PERSON IS "

The Happiness

2009-05-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

The Happiness
(nice stOry)

The old man shuffled slowly into the restaurant. With head tilted, and shoulders bent forward, he leaned on his trusty cane with each unhurried step.

His tattered cloth jacket, patched trousers, worn out shoes, and warm personality made him stand out from the usual Saturday morning breakfast crowd. Unforgettable were his pale blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds, large rosy cheeks, and thin lips held in a tight, steady smile.

He stopped, turned with his whole body, and winked at a little girl seated by the door. She flashed a big grin right back at him. A young waitress named Mary watched him shuffle toward a table by the window.

Mary ran over to him, and said, “Here, Sir. Let me give you a hand with that chair.”

Without saying a word, he smiled and nodded a thank you. She pulled the chair away from the table. Steadying him with one arm, she helped him move in front of the chair, and get comfortably seated. Then she scooted the table up close to him, and leaned his cane against the table where he could reach it.

In a soft, clear voice he said, “Thank you, Miss. And bless you for your kind gestures.”

“You’re welcome, Sir.” She replied. “And my name is Mary. I’ll be back in a moment, and if you need anything at all in the mean time, just wave at me!”

After he had finished a hearty meal of pancakes, bacon, and hot lemon tea, Mary brought him the change from his ticket. He left it lay. She helped him up from his chair, and out from behind the table. She handed him his cane, and walked with him to the front door.

Holding the door open for him, she said, “Come back and see us, Sir!”

He turned with his whole body, winked a smile, and nodded a thank you. “You are very kind.” he said softly.

When Mary went to clean his table, she almost fainted. Under his plate she found a business card, and a note scribbled on a napkin. Under the napkin was a one hundred dollar bill.

The note on the napkin read...

“Dear Mary, I respect you very much, and you respect yourself too. It shows by the way you treat others. You have found the secret of happiness. Your kind gestures will shine through those who meet you.”

The man she had waited on was the owner of the restaurant where she worked. This was the first time that she, or any of his employees had ever seen him in person.

Note: This story is based on actual events experienced by a friend from St. Paul, Minnesota. The note is the exact wording on the napkin that she has kept in her scrap book for fifteen years.

Sent by: Magizhan

Are We Perfect?

2009-04-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

A man and his girlfriend were married. It was a large celebration. All of their friends and family came to see the lovely ceremony and to partake of the festivities and celebrations. A wonderful time was had by all. The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was very dashing in his black tuxedo.

Everyone could tell that the love they had for each other was true.

A few months later, the wife comes to the husband with a proposal: “I read in a magazine, a while ago, about how we can strengthen our marriage.” she offered.

“Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix them together and make our lives happier together.”

The husband agreed. So each of them went to a separate room in the house and thought of the things that annoyed them about the other. They thought about this question for the rest of the day and wrote down what they came up with. The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided that they would go over their lists..

“I’ll start,” offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many items on it. Enough to fill 3 pages, in fact. As she started reading the list of the little annoyances, she noticed that tears were starting to appear in her husband’s eyes.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing” the husband replied, “keep reading your list..”

The wife continued to read until she had read all three pages to her husband. She neatly placed her list on the table and folded her hands over top of it. “Now, you read your list and then we’ll talk about the things on both of our lists.” She said happily.

Quietly the husband stated, “I don’t have anything on my list. I think that you are perfect the way that you are. I don’t want you to change anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn’t want to try and change anything about you.”

The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth of his love for her and his acceptance of her, turned her head and wept.

IN LIFE, there are enough times when we are disappointed, depressed and annoyed. We don’t really have to go looking for them. We have a wonderful world that is full of beauty, light and promise. Why waste time in this world looking for the bad, disappointing or annoying when we can look around us, and see the wondrous things before us..?

I believe that WE ARE HAPPIEST WHEN we see and praise the good and try our best to forget the bad. Nobody’s perfect but we can find perfectness in them to change the way we see them.

- We are not trying to condone what is bad. Correction does much, but encouragement does more.

Sent by: Dhivya M

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2009-04-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Sent by: Kiruthika

How to Work Smart - Not HARD

2009-04-08T04:15:00.000-07:00

How to Work Smart, Not Hard

Working smarter, not harder, is an age-old adage, and if you master the concept, your entire working life will be easier. There are simple techniques that you can employ to save steps and tedium from almost any task.

Steps

Tips

Warnings

It's mentioned above that you should avoid taking a bad job. By that, it's meant that you know that it's a sort of thing you aren't good at, or that is not part of the usual services you offer, or that it's something you don't know much about. Instead of trying to bs your way through it, tell the truth. And if you get an "uh-oh" feeling from the client, don't take the job. If you have a sense right away that this client is not on the same page with you, either you must take steps immediately to get them there, or you must not take the job. This doesn't suggest that a difficult client is a bad client - often, a difficult client isn't really so difficult at all, once s/he knows you and trusts you to do the good job s/he requires. But one who constantly grinds for discounts, tries to get you to cut corners to save money, or changes scope of job or deadlines in the middle of everything, this is someone who will work your last nerve. You must ask yourself if the money you make on these jobs is worth the time, effort and tears.
There is one other situation you should take caution with, and that is allowing the customer to make changes mid-stream, causing you to go out of pocket much more than you originally planned. A little tweak is one thing. A big change should stop everything while you re-think - and re-bid. The client should be made aware instantly that it's not "just a little change", and that making changes in mid-job could cost significantly more. Don't allow yourself to be suckered into making "just a little adjustment" more than one time during a job. Some clients have this down to a science, asking for "small changes" several times when you're already heavily into the project. Many huge problems and disagreements (usually resulting in you not getting paid as you should have, had you bid the job this way originally) start with "small changes."

Source: Nidokidos

10 Core Values of CHARACTERS

2009-04-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Care

Attentive assistance or treatment to those in need.

Helpfulness

Friendliness evidence by a kindly and helpful disposition.

Appreciation

Recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude

of people and things. An expression of gratitude.

Respect

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem.

Attentiveness

The trait of being observant and paying attention;

the trait of being considerate and thoughtful of others.

Character

The combination of qualities distinguishing an

individual person, group of people, or place.

Trust

Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.

Enthusiasm

Great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause.

Responsibility

The social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force.

Self-control

The ability to control one's feelings, emotions, or reactions.

Sent by: Bhagyalakshmi

Source: Nidokidos

Money, Experience, Happiness etc....

2009-04-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

Money has no memory

My dear readers,

Experience has shown that:

You will never know what the total cost of your education was, but for a lifetime you will recall and relive the memories of schools and colleges. Few years from now, you will forget the amount you paid to settle the hospitalization bill, but will ever cherish having saved your mother’s life or the life you get to live with the just born. You won’t remember the cost of your honeymoon, but to the last breath remember the experiences of the bliss of togetherness. Money has no memory. Experience has.

Good times and bad times, times of prosperity and times of poverty, times when the future looked so secure and times when you didn’t know from where the tomorrow will come… life has been in one way or the other a roller-coaster ride for everyone. Beyond all that abundance and beyond all that deprivation, what remains is the memory of experiences. Sometimes the wallet was full…sometimes even the pocket was empty. There was enough and you still had reasons to frown. There wasn’t enough and you still had reasons to smile. Today, you can look back with tears of gratitude for all the times you had laughed together, and also look back with a smile at all the times you cried alone. All in all, life filled you with experiences to create a history of your own self, and you alone can remember them all.

The first time you balanced yourself on your cycle without support…..

The first time she said ‘yes’ and it was two years since you proposed…..

The first cry…the first steps…the first word…the first kiss…all of your child…

The first gift you bought for your parents and the first gift your daughter gave you….

The first award…the first public appreciation….the first stage performance….

And the list is endless… Experiences, with timeless memory….

No denying that anything that’s material cost money, but the fact remains the cost of the experience will be forgotten, but the experience never.

So, what if it’s economic recession?

Let it be, but let there not be a recession to the quality of your life. You can still take your parents, if not on pilgrimage, at least to the local temple. You can still play with your children, if not on an international holiday, at least in the local park. It doesn’t cost money to lie down or to take a loved one onto your lap.

Nice time to train the employees, create leadership availability and be ready for the wonderful times when they arrive.

Hey! Aspects like your health, knowledge development and spiritual growth are not economy dependent.

Time will pass…economy will revive… currency will soon be in current…and in all this, I don’t want you to look back and realize you did nothing but stayed in gloom.

Recession can make you lose out on money. Let it not make you lose out on experiences… If you are not happy with what you have, no matter how much more you have, you will still not be happy.

Make a statement with the way you live your life: How I feel has nothing to do with how much I have.

Sent by: Aysha

Principles of life

2009-03-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

* Winning isn't everything. But wanting to win is.

* You would achieve more, if you don't mind who gets the credit.

* When everything else is lost, the future still remains.

* Don't fight too much. Or the enemy would know your art of war.

* The only job you start at the top is when you dig a grave.

* If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for everything.

* If you do little things well, you'll do big ones better.

* Only thing that comes to you without effort is old age.

* You won't get a second chance to make the first impression.

* Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

* Never take a problem to your boss unless you have a solution.

* If you are not failing you're not taking enough risks.

* Don't try to get rid of bad temper by losing it.

* If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

* Those who don't make mistakes usually don't make anything

* There are two kinds of failures. Those who think and never do, and those who do and never think.

* Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win.

* All progress has resulted from unpopular decisions.

* Change your thoughts and you change your world.

* Understanding proves intelligence, not the speed of the learning.

* There are two kinds of fools in this world. Those who give advise and those who don't take it.

* The best way to kill an idea is to take it to a meeting.

* Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.

* Friendship founded on business is always better than business founded on friendship.

Look at the other side

2009-03-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

A man was reading a magazine and his little daughter distracted him every now and then. To keep her busy, he tore one page on which was printed map of the world. He tore it into pieces and asked her to go to her room and put them together to make the map again. He was sure she would take the whole day to get it done. But the little one came back within minutes with perfect map... When he asked how she could do it so quickly, she said, "Oh... Dad, there is a man's face on the other side of the paper... I made the face perfect to get the map right." She ran outside to play leaving the father surprised.

There is always the other side to whatever you experience in this world. Whenever you come across a challenge or a puzzling situation, look at the other side... You will be surprised to see an easy way to tackle the problem.

Sent by: Senthil Raja

10 Ways to Start Living Your Life

2009-03-13T01:52:00.000-07:00

We don't measure life in hours and minutes.

We measure life in Memories and moments.

The Top 10 Ways to Start Living Your Life

By: Liz Strauss

Life either happens to us, or we take hold of life and live it.

Here're 10 Ways to get a life and start living it.

1. Give yourself permission to claim your life. That's right ? Permission. You're the only one who can decide you are in charge of Your life. Even though it feels like you're not supposed to do so, Turn off the internal editors, the old tape recordings, the "should's, Have to's, and musts", and the rules that didn't come from you.

2. Define what living means to you. It's not as hard as it sounds. Just picture yourself at the end of your life looking back. What words Would you want to describe how you lived your life and who you are as A person?

3. Stop living in the future. Every time you think "someday" or "when I have time I will," stop. Ask yourself, "Why not now?" Think about This sentence, "I always wanted to, but never did." Start doing the Things you always planned to do. Choose your life every morning. Plan
One thing you will do that day to feel alive.

4. Surround yourself with people who enjoy living. They've obviously Discovered how to have a life and live it. Why not hang with the pros?

5. Lay down your pain and your anger. Carrying them around makes Living harder and less fun. It doesn't bring anything, and it steals a Lot.

6. Let the losers win. Don't argue about things that you don't care About. Unless there's some real threat, let the folks who have Something to prove, prove what they need to. Why waste your living Time trying to fix what's wrong with them?

7. Create energy. Jump to forgiveness and love, then figure things Out. Most conclusions we jump to are not only wrong, they're negative. Negative conclusions lead us to prepare a defence. Being on the Defensive isn't living. It's hiding from life.

8. Learn the physical symptoms of when your head and heart become Disconnected. We know when we're having a knee jerk reaction, when We're feeling sorry for ourselves, and when we're being blind to people's feelings. We can remember how it felt physically while we Were behaving badly. Get to know those symptoms, and you can stop the Behavior. Living life will feel a whole lot safer because you won't be In danger of shooting yourself in the foot.

9. Take small risks that push your boundaries in every way. The joy of Life is packed in learning that matches our skill set. When we stretch Just a bit intellectually, physically, emotionally, we grow. Living is Growing. Even your cells know that.

10. Value and protect the people and the places you care about. A job Isn't a life. It's just a part of one. Let the people you care about Come first, and let everyone know that you do. Re-read numbers 1 and 2.

We come into life with whatever we've got. It's ours to do with. It Took me a while to figure that out ? That my life isn't just what Happens to me, that I could take hold of it.

Source: Nidokidos

What is Recession?

2009-03-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

This story is about a man who once upon a time was selling Hotdogs by the roadside. He was illiterate, so he never read newspapers. He was hard of hearing, so he never listened to the radio. His eyes were weak, so he never watched television. But enthusiastically, he sold lots of hotdogs.

He was smart enough to offer some attractive schemes to increase his sales. His sales and profit went up. He ordered more a more raw material and buns and sold more. He recruited more supporting staff to serve more customers. He started offering home deliveries. Eventually he got himself a bigger and better stove. As his business was growing, the son, who had recently graduated from college, joined his father.

Then something strange happened.

The son asked, "Dad, aren't you aware of the great recession that is coming our way?" The father replied, "No, but tell me about it." The son said, "The international situation is terrible. The domestic situation is even worse. We should be prepared for the coming bad times."

The man thought that since his son had been to college, read the papers, listened to the radio and watched TV. He ought to know and his advice should not be taken lightly. So the next day onwards, the father cut down the his raw material order and buns, took down the colorful signboard, removed all the special schemes he was offering to the customers and was no longer as enthusiastic. He reduced his staff strength by giving layoffs. Very soon, fewer and fewer people bothered to stop at his Hotdog stand. And his sales started coming down rapidly and so did the profit. The father said to his son, "Son, you were right". "We are in the middle of a recession and crisis. I am glad you warned me ahead of time."

Moral of the Story:

It's all in your MIND! And we actually FUEL this recession much more than we think.

Bankruptcy Explained

2009-03-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

A bit long, but very very explanatory….Must read

Once there was a little island country. The land of this country was the tiny island itself. The total money in circulation was 2 dollars as there were only two pieces of 1 dollar coins circulating around.

1) There were 3 citizens living on this island country. A owned the land. B and C each owned 1 dollar.

2) B decided to purchase the land from A for 1 dollar. So, now A and C own 1 dollar each while B owned a piece of land that is worth 1 dollar.

* The net asset of the country now = 3 dollars.

3) Now C thought that since there is only one piece of land in the country, and land is non producible asset, its value must definitely go up. So, he borrowed 1 dollar from A, and together with his own 1 dollar, he bought the land from B for 2 dollars.

*A has a loan to C of 1 dollar, so his net asset is 1 dollar.
* B sold his land and got 2 dollars, so his net asset is 2 dollars.
* C owned the piece of land worth 2 dollars but with his 1 dollar debt to A, his net residual asset is 1 dollar.
* Thus, the net asset of the country = 4 dollars.

4) A saw that the land he once owned has risen in value. He regretted having sold it. Luckily, he has a 1 dollar loan to C. He then borrowed 2 dollars from B and acquired the land back from C for 3 dollars. The payment is by 2 dollars cash (which he borrowed) and cancellation of the 1 dollar loan to C. As a result, A now owned a piece of land that is worth 3 dollars. But since he owed B 2 dollars, his net asset is 1 dollar.

* B loaned 2 dollars to A. So his net asset is 2 dollars.
* C now has the 2 coins. His net asset is also 2 dollars.
* The net asset of the country = 5 dollars. A bubble is building up.

(5) B saw that the value of land kept rising. He also wanted to own the land. So he bought the land from A for 4 dollars. The payment is by borrowing 2 dollars from C, and cancellation of his 2 dollars loan to A.

* As a result, A has got his debt cleared and he got the 2 coins. His net asset is 2 dollars.
* B owned a piece of land that is worth 4 dollars, but since he has a debt of 2 dollars with C, his net Asset is 2 dollars.
* C loaned 2 dollars to B, so his net asset is 2 dollars.

* The net asset of the country = 6 dollars; even though, the country has only one piece of land and 2 Dollars in circulation.

(6) Everybody has made money and everybody felt happy and prosperous.

(7) One day an evil wind blew, and an evil thought came to C's mind. "Hey, what if the land price stop going up, how could B repay my loan. There is only 2 dollars in circulation, and, I think after all the land that B owns is worth at most only 1 dollar, and no more."

(8) A also thought the same way.

(9) Nobody wanted to buy land anymore.

* So, in the end, A owns the 2 dollar coins, his net asset is 2 dollars.
* B owed C 2 dollars and the land he owned which he thought worth 4 dollars is now 1 dollar. So his net asset is only 1 dollar.
* C has a loan of 2 dollars to B. But it is a bad debt. Although his net asset is still 2 dollars, his Heart is palpitating.
* The net asset of the country = 3 dollars again.

(10) So, who has stolen the 3 dollars from the country ? Of course, before the bubble burst B thought his land was worth 4 dollars. Actually, right before the collapse, the net asset of the country was 6 dollars on paper. B's net asset is still 2 dollars, his heart is palpitating.

(11) B had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. C as to relinquish his 2 dollars bad debt to B, but in return he acquired the land which is worth 1 dollar now.

* A owns the 2 coins, his net asset is 2 dollars.
* B is bankrupt, his net asset is 0 dollar. ( he lost everything )
* C got no choice but end up with a land worth only 1 dollar

* The net asset of the country = 3 dollars.

************ **End of the story; BUT ************ ********* ******

There is however a redistribution of wealth.

A is the winner, B is the loser, C is lucky that he is spared.

A few points worth noting -

(1) When a bubble is building up, the debt of individuals to one another in a country is also building up.

(2) This story of the island is a closed system whereby there is no other country and hence no foreign debt. The worth of the asset can only be calculated using the island's own currency. Hence, there is no net loss.

(3) An over-damped system is assumed when the bubble burst, meaning the land's value did not go down to below 1 dollar.

(4) When the bubble burst, the fellow with cash is the winner. The fellows having the land or extending loan to others are the losers. The asset could shrink or in worst case, they go bankrupt.

(5) If there is another citizen D either holding a dollar or another piece of land but refrains from taking part in the game, he will neither win nor lose. But he will see the value of his money or land go up and down like a see saw.

(6) When the bubble was in the growing phase, everybody made money.

(7) If you are smart and know that you are living in a growing bubble, it is worthwhile to borrow money (like A ) and take part in the game. But you must know when you should change everything back to cash.

(8) As in the case of land, the above phenomenon applies to stocks as well.

(9) The actual worth of land or stocks depend largely on psychology (or speculation).

This is the current market & Industry situation we are suffering from.

Sent by: Ajeeth

Winning Horse

2009-03-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

Winning Horse doesn't know why he runs in race; He runs because of beats and pains....
Life is a race; God is your rider; so if you are in pain then think, God wants you to win...

Shout in anger

2009-02-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'

'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'

Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.

Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'

Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...'

The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens?

They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'

MORAL: When you argue, do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.

ForwardSourceID:NT0001837E

 Sent by: Aysha

Performance & Position!

2009-02-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

A Priest dies & is awaiting his turn in line at the Heaven's Gates.

Ahead of him is a guy, fashionably dressed, in dark sun glasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket & jeans.

God asks him: Please tell me who are you, so that I may know whether to admit you into the kingdom of Heaven or not?

The guy replies: I am Pandi, Auto driver from Chennai!

God consults his ledger, smiles & says to Pandi: Please take this silken robe & gold scarf & enter the Kingdom of Heaven...

Now it is the priest's turn. He stands erect and speaks out in a booming voice: I am Pope's Assistant so & so, Head Priest of the so & so Church for the last 40 years.

God consults his ledger & says to the Priest: Please take this cotton robe & enter the Kingdom of Heaven ...

'Just a minute,' says the agonized Priest. 'How is it that a foul mouthed, rash driving Auto Driver is given a Silken robe & a Golden scarf and me, a Priest, who's spent his whole life preaching your Name & goodness has to make do with a Cotton robe?'

'Results my friend, results,' shrugs God.

'While you preached, people SLEPT; but when he drove his Auto, people PRAYED'

It's PERFORMANCE & not POSITION that ultimately counts...

Sent by: Kiruthika

Chetan Bhagat's speech:

2009-01-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

Speech given by Chetan Bhagat(who worte the book “3 mistakes of my life”) at Symbiosis

Life is one of those races in nursery school where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same with life, where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life.

Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.

One thing about nurturing the spark - don't take life seriously. Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up? It's ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, take leave from work, fall in love. We are people, not programmed devices.

"Don't be serious, be sincere." !

Sent by: Aysha

Relationship in few words..........

2009-01-29T01:07:00.000-08:00

A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he will give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed. The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marble aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets as she had promised.

That night, the girl slept peacefully. But the boy couldn’t sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marble.

Moral of the story:

If you don’t give your hundred percent in a relationship, you’ll always keep doubting if the other person has given his/her hundred percent. This is applicable for any relationship like love, Friendship, employer-employee relationship etc., Give your hundred percent to everything you do and sleep peacefully.

Sent by: Dhivya

Self Appraisal!

2009-01-13T01:43:00.000-08:00

A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and ask him for a Phone Call.

Shop-owner replied Sweety this is no a STD, but you can do one call.

The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation:

The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?

The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn."

"Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now." replied boy.

The woman responded that she was very satisfied with the person who was presently cutting her lawn.

The little boy found more perseverance and offered, "Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of North-Palm beach, Florida."

Again the woman answered in the negative.

With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.

The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy and said," Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."

The little boy replied, "No thanks, I was just checking my performance with the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to!"

Stress Management Techniques

2009-01-06T04:46:00.001-08:00

Stress Management Techniques for People Searching for Answers

Guide on How to Mange Stress

Stress Management is more than anger management and relaxation. It is self management. There are many different ways to manage stress. I have compiled the various stress management techniques that are simple and most effective to follow and practice. Please feel free to use as many as you can, keeping an open mind, so you can have a collection of techniques that are the most effective for you.

1. Feel Good about your Self

If you want to bring down your level of stress level in a matter of minutes, these techniques will help you. Use them as needed to feel better quickly; practice them regularly over time and gain even greater benefits.

Deep Breathing from the Abdomen
Meditation
Having a dose of Laughter
Progressive Muscular Relaxation
Listening to light music
Practicing Yoga
Aerobic Exercises
Creative Visualization

2. Take Care of Body

When we're stressed, we don't always take care of our bodies, which can lead to even more stress. Here are some important ways to take care of yourself and keep stress levels lower.

Eat Healthy low fats …#34; high protein meals
Have six to eight hours of regular sleep
Exercise regularly
Develop a Hobby
Have healthy Sex Life

3. Develop the Right Attitude

Attitude plays a great role in managing stress. Much of your experience of stress has a lot to do with your attitude and the way you perceive your life's events. Here are some resources to help you maintain a stress-relieving attitude.

Let go your Ego
Have a Optimistic approach to life
Do not react under pressure
Stop Worrying about things not in your control
Accept that everything cannot be perfect
Find an opportunity in every problem
Say good things to your self …#34; affirmations
Have a health sense of humour

4. Develop the Right Environment

Having ambiance and pleasant environment make stress management very easy. Your physical and emotional surroundings can impact your stress levels in subtle but significant ways. Here are several ways you can change your atmosphere and less your stress.

Clutter free home, office and working desk
Green and Clean surrounding
Light instrumental music
Motivational Posters
Words of Wisdom

5. Short Tips for Busy People

Busy People add a lot of stress to their already stressed life. People who may have more stressors in their lives is because they have more activity in their lives, and less time to devote to stress management. If you're a busy person, these resources can help you to manage stress efficiently in a short amount of time, and eliminate some of what's causing you stress in the first place.

Time Management Tips
Communication Skills
Listening Skills
Managing Priorities
Enhancing Team Work
Enhancing People Skills

Sent by: Anusha

Nutrition Needs for Atheletes

2008-12-29T05:43:00.001-08:00

There are probably three basic dietary prescriptions for health and fitness. These apply to athletes and non athletes alike. They are:

Maintain a healthy body weight by adjusting food intake and exercise.
Eat less fat and specifically less saturated fats, such as those fats found in animal products and tropical oils.
Increase intake of total carbohydrate, especially complex carbohydrate.

For most athletes, increased energy should come from the vegetable group and the cereal group (bread, chapatti, rice, pasta, etc). Foods in these two groups contain a lot of starch, which is an excellent source of food energy.

Food such as butter, margarine, oil, fried foods, sweets, desserts, jams and jellies, should be used sparingly. Though these foods provide energy, go easy on them and get your energy from foods that are more nutritious.

Do athletes have special nutrient needs?
Increased physical activity increases some of your food needs. You require more energy, water, and possibly salt (sodium chloride). Increased physical activity also increases requirements of other nutrients like riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and iron. These requirements are met through a well balanced diet. Supplements are no substitute to a good diet.

Water lost through sweating is not easily replaced. Low water-intake during strenuous physical activity leads to dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, heatstroke, and death. Replacement water should never be restricted during activity. Moderate amounts of water taken frequently before, during, and after the activity prevent this problem.

How much liquid should be ingested? When?
The amount of fluid required is dependent upon how much sweat will be lost during physical activity. Activity in hot, humid environments will require more liquid intake to maintain performance. Two hours prior to event drink 2 glasses of water or juice diluted by half with water. Half an hour prior to event drink 1glass of water - at this point fruit juice should probably be avoided since it contains fructose, a sugar known to increase complaints of stomach upset. During vigorous activity most people can tolerate ½ to ¾ glass of beverage every 20 minutes.

Salt needs can be met by increased use of salt on food. The use of salt tablets is not recommended. Salt tablets can cause stomach cramps. The tablets hold water in the stomach longer and can actually cause water to be pulled back into the intestinal tract and away from body tissues where the water is needed most.

What should the athlete eat before a game?
Before a game, your digestive processes may be slowed down by your keyed-up emotional state. To allow for this condition, you should eat an easily digestible meal no later than three hours before the contest. Avoid food that contain substantial amounts of fats or oils. Meals high in starches are better because they are digested more rapidly than fats or oils.

Some athletes prefer poached egg + toast + juice as a pre-game meal. Some prefer breakfast cereal + low-fat milk or a combination of rice + moong dal + juice. Avoid sugary foods such as candy or honey before a contest. Sweets can cause rapid swings in blood-sugar levels and result in low blood sugar and less energy.

Although the pre-game meal won't cause large increases in muscle glycogen, it will –

Help avoid hunger during the event
Stabilize blood-sugar levels and add some food energy to complement existing energy stores of muscle glycogen
Hydrate the body
Provide a relatively empty stomach at game time
Prevent gastrointestinal upset or other adverse reactions to food
No one pre-game meal is right for every athlete or every event, but some food choices are much smarter than others. Eat the meal at least three hours before an event to ensure digestion before the event.
Choose a meal that's high in starch. Starch is easy to digest and helps steady the levels of blood sugar.
Consume only moderate amounts of protein. Protein foods take longer to digest than starch.
Limit fats and oils. They take too long to digest.
Restrict sugary foods. Sweets can cause rapid energy swings in blood sugar levels and result in low blood sugar and less energy.
Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the body to increase urine output, which can contribute to dehydration problems, and a full bladder can be very uncomfortable.
Watch out for foods that produce gas. Certain raw vegetables, fruits, or pulses may cause problems for some athletes.
Within these guidelines, choose foods you like to eat.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids with your pre-game meal.

Foods to Avoid:
Candy, sugar, honey, sweets, chocolates, ice-creams
After an initial rise, your blood-sugar level can actually drop below normal, resulting in a sudden feeling of tiredness or fatigue.
Tea, coffee, chocolate, cola
Caffeine consumption leads to dehydration.
Fried foods, high-fat meats, fats, oils, oily gravies, sour cream, etc.
Fat digests slowly and therefore stays in the stomach longer.
Fruits, raw vegetables, popcorn, nuts, whole pulses
Some of these foods may cause gas and/or an uncomfortable feeling of fullness during the game. An athlete needs to avoid the foods that cause problems.
Any new food
Don't experiment with new foods right before an event. If you experience any adverse reactions, your body has little time to recover.
Fruit-flavored drinks
Many drinks contain little fruit juice and a lot of sugar. Read the label.

The best pre-game strategy is to eat a meal, which contains about 100 grams of carbohydrate 3-4 hours prior to event.

What should the athlete eat after the game?
Eating high carbohydrate foods after physical activity enhances glycogen storage. Since people are usually not hungry immediately following physical activity, a glass of fruit juice + a banana may be preferred. If an active person does feel hungry after an event, then foods high in carbohydrate, moderate in protein, and low in fat, fiber are the ones to choose - the same ones recommended prior to competition. Food high in protein and fat should be avoided during the first few hours after activity as these food may suppress hunger and thus limit carbohydrate intake.

Health precautions and advice

The event organizers recommend that a marathon be attempted only after a period of regular running, including three months directed toward long-distance training.
On the day of the race it is important to take adequate fluids before and after the race.
Do not wear new shoes or clothes as they will tend to cause chaffing and blisters.
If you have been unwell in the 48 hours leading up to the event or if you are recovering from a viral infection, do not attempt to run. You must retire if you feel distressed, disoriented or are asked to do so by an official.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions we strongly suggest you seek medical approval prior to running a marathon:

Do you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or asthma?
Do you smoke?
Are you 15% or more over the ideal weight for your height?
Have you been running for less than a year and are aged 35 years or over?

(DISCLAIMER : The information found in the website is of general nature only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided and at all times should obtain specific advice from professional medical practitioners should they require medical help or assistance.)

Tips for a marathon run

2008-12-29T05:42:00.001-08:00

Fitness is not about being thin, having a small waist or bulging muscles. Fitness enables us to perform vigorous physical activities like long distance running. Physical fitness involves cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance & flexibility. It also influences our mental & emotional development.

To start training for a marathon, you must have a basic level of fitness. Most healthy people can train themselves for a half marathon (21 km run). To be able to train for a half marathon, you must be able to run at least three miles, three to four times a week. If not, your first big run should be a 10 km run. A half marathon requires 12 weeks of training, a full marathon requires 18 weeks, & a smaller run like the 10 km requires at least five weeks.

Each week of training has to combine the following:

3 days of varied distance running
1 day of speed running (short distances with breaks)
1 day of strength training
1 day of rest

1 day (Sundays) for the longest distance of the week.

Pace: Run at a comfortable pace. You should be able to have a conversation while running. Else you are running too fast.

Distance: Improving distances is very important for endurance training. You must do an entire 26 km (half) or 42 km (full) once at the end of your training schedule.

Rest: This is as important as your runs. It minimizes the risk of injury.

Long Runs: These are the key to marathon running. You may miss a few of the small runs, but never cheat on the long runs on weekends.

Flexibility: Stretching is a very important element. Stretch before and after a run.

Strength training

Muscular strength can be improved mainly with strength training.
Strength training improves your lean muscle mass whilst cutting down the fat in the body.
This is important for a runner as stronger muscles lead to better muscular endurance.

Aerobic and anaerobic training

It is important to combine both forms of training for optimum fitness.
Aerobic training improves cardio respiratory fitness. This in turn increases maximal oxygen intake. For example - slow running, jogging and aerobics.
Anaerobic training is activities that involve short bursts of intense activity. For example - strength training, sprinting, running up a flight of stairs, etc

Nutrition for the runner

Concentrate on carbohydrates.
You must have a daily intake of 60-65% of carbohydrates, 15% proteins and 20% fat.
Endurance athletes benefit from complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, pasta, bread, cereals & legumes.
A runner who runs 30-35 km a week requires a daily intake of approximately 2500 calories to maintain muscle glycogen stores.

Hydration

A marathoner’s body temperature rises to 102 degrees F whilst running. Up to this point, your sweat system works as air conditioning. But, if conditions are hot & humid, the body temperature will rise further, resulting in dehydration with minimal sweat production.
During training, before & after a big run, constant hydration is required to avoid heat strokes & dizziness

To sum it up, marathon running needs a strong mind & a fit body. After long distances, when your energy tank is empty, your fuel source is negligible and the body wants to stop. But it’s your mental strength and determination that carries your through

Chandra Gopalan
Marathon Runner, and Master Franchisee of Contours Express (India’s first Women-only Gym) Hydration is equally important for a runner.

Share time with someone you love

2008-12-10T20:59:00.001-08:00

A small touching story mainly for professionals...

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"

DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.

SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"

DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.

SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"

DAD: "If you must know, I make Rs.100 an hour."

SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow Rs.50?"

The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.

"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.

"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier" said the man.

"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you.. Here's the Rs.50 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled.

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.

"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.

"Daddy, I have Rs.100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with
you."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts.

Do remember to share that Rs.100 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easilyr replace us in a matter of days. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

Sent by: Senthil