Shellydgreat

How to take care of your eyes?

2011-09-08T20:52:00.002+05:30

It is said that a person’s eyes are the window to their soul. If this is the case then taking care of your eyes couldn’t be any more important.
There is a vast majority of people who take care of their skin, hair and other parts of the body, but eye care tends to be neglected until there is an issue.

There are easy solutions to the common problems pertaining to the eye, here are few that you should try:
• You should eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables like spinach, carrots, mangoes and papayas. These types of food have beta carotene which is helpful for good vision.
• Get the right amount of sleep. Proper sleep refreshes the eyes and helps them work appropriately.
• When you exercise on a regular basis, you will improve blood circulation. When you have a better circulation that means your eyes will have enough oxygen to work adequately.
• If you drink at least 12 glasses of water you will avoid your eyes getting puffy.
• Do not rub your eyes. Blinking is better for your eyes as it gives them a massage and keeps them healthy.
• Milk is good to use to clean your eyes. You can use a cotton ball that has been dipped in milk to clean the eyes.
• Use 2 drops of rose water in your eyes. It will give your eyes a lift and cause your eyes to have a glow.
• Sunglasses need to be worn in the middle of the day. Direct sunlight can cause massive damage to your eyes.

These above mentioned tips will help improve and protect your eyes. Eyes are one of the most valuable parts of our anatomy so anything we can do to protect it should be done.

Steps to happiness

2011-09-07T22:25:00.001+05:30

Connect
Developing relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours will enrich your life and bring you support

Be active
Sports, hobbies such as gardening or dancing, or just a daily stroll will make you feel good and maintain mobility and fitness

Be curious
Noting the beauty of everyday moments as well as the unusual and reflecting on them helps you to appreciate what matters to you

Learn
Fixing a bike, learning an instrument, cooking – the challenge and satisfaction brings fun and confidence

Give
Helping friends and strangers links your happiness to a wider community and is very rewarding

Stay Focused at Work

2011-06-15T15:08:00.003+05:30

1. Write out a daily task list and plan your day
There’s nothing like a task list sitting next to you to keep you focused. When you have a list of the things you need to accomplish in a day, having that close to you constantly reminding you of what needs to be done is a great way of keeping on track.

2. Allocate time slots colleagues can interrupt you
In a busy work place, people are moving and talking all the time. If you play a role in a team where others need to interact with you, try allocating a time slot they can interrupt you. Instead of having people stop by your desk every 10 mins and asking you questions, let them know of a time in the day, say between 2-4pm you can be interrupted. At all other times, you can really get some work done.

3. Apply time boxing
Instead of working at something till it is done, try working on it for a limited period, say 30 mins. By that time, the task is either completed or you allocate another time slot, perhaps in another day, to pick it up again. This way, you keep your work fresh and engaging throughout the entire working day.

4. Setup filters in your email
If you spend a lot of your time communicating and planning in front of your computer, chances are you deal with emails on a frequent basis. Setting up filters in your email client can be a great way of sorting out what’s important and urgent from personal stuff which can wait. Instead of dealing with a single Inbox with hundreds of unread email, you only need to deal with smaller folders categorised by project, priority and context.

5. Do not check personal email in the morning
Checking personal emails can be very distracting even with filters setup. This is especially true when your friends send you links to interesting articles, jokes or videos on YouTube. If you’re not careful, you can get side tracked for hours. Instead of checking your personal email as soon as you get in, try starting work straight away. This will build up some momentum as you ease into your work day. You should check your personal email only after you have a few tasks completed or underway. Also, if you don’t want to perpetuate a particular distracting email thread, just don’t reply to it until after work

6. Fill up a water bottle
Keeping yourself hydrated is pretty important for all sorts of health reasons. Instead of going to the water cooler with your glass every hour, try filling up a water bottle at the start of the day. This does a couple of things – firstly, it limits the starts/stops associated every time you get up for water and secondly, it avoids being sucked into lengthy discussions around the water cooler.

7. Find the best time to do repetitive and boring tasks
No matter how much you try to avoid it, you’re going to have to face doing things which are either repetitive or boring. For these tasks, I find it is best to choose a time in the day to work on them. For example, I’m more alert at the start of the day, so it’s better to work on things which require brain power early. Working on boring tasks that can be done via auto-pilot are better left towards the end of the day when I’m usually tired.

8. Don’t make long personal calls
Most of us have a good separation between our working and personal lives (or a least try to). I think we can all agree we should avoid having work intrude on our personal time as much as possible. The reverse of this also applies. Try limiting the time you spend doing personal things during work as they can be distracting and draining on your motivation. For example, you do not really want to be thinking about your weekend away with your spouse when you really need to get things done.

9. Clean up your desk
Some of you may have desks which can only be described as ordered chaos. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as long as you can find what you need without too much digging around. However, if you can’t, I suggest cleaning up your desk. That doesn’t mean having an empty desk, it just means having neat stacks of paper, all filed in the correct location. It also helps tremendously having all the things you need easily within arms reach. For example, if you need a place to write, having your pen and notepad close by and easily accessible is incredibly useful.

10.Get a good chair
If you sit for long hours at your desk and I’m sure some of you do, you might find it helpful to get a good chair. I find it’s pretty hard to stay focused when my neck and back are sore because I have a bad setup at my desk. A good chair can eliminate this, allowing you to work for long stretches without breaks and physical distractions.

11. Use shortcuts on your computer
If you find you do the same thing with your computer more than once throughout the day, you might find it helpful to look for ways in which you can do them without too much manual repetition. For example, if there’s a project folder you access all the time, try adding a shortcut to your Explorer or Finder so you can get access to it with a single click, instead of expanding folder after folder in the tree panel.

12. Close programs you’re not using
As a software engineer, I use a lot of programs important to my work. However, in most cases, I only need a few applications open at the same time. Instead of Alt-Tabbing constantly and fighting the computer to locate the program you need, try only having the applications you need open. Close everything else. For example, if you have already located a file and no longer need a particular Explorer or Finder instance open, close it. There’s no reason to leave it around at all.

13. Change your mindset and make work fun
For me, I find it difficult to stay focused on doing things I’m not by nature interested in doing. In most cases, there’s probably nothing I can do about it. However, be mindful of the fact that your perception of work is something you can control. For my last tip here, I suggest you try changing your mindset or turning work into a game. An unfocused mind, is an unchallenged mind. So make things fun!

I hope these tips will take you closer to more focused and productive work days

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T01:02:00.005+05:30

Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young women who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. The girl's name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.

The angel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was very surprised by this and wondered what the angel meant. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end.' Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' She replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.

Mary said goodbye to her family and friends and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Elizabeth was very happy to see Mary. She knew that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. An angel had already told Zechariah that Elizabeth's baby would prepare people to welcome Jesus. He was to be called John. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home to Nazareth.

Joseph was worried when he found out that Mary was expecting a baby before their marriage had taken place. He wondered if he should put off the wedding altogether. Then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Saviour' because he would save people. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had told him to do and took Mary as his wife.

At this time, the land where Mary and Joseph lived was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor Augustus wanted to have a list of all the people in the empire, to make sure they paid their taxes. He ordered everyone to return to the town where their families originally came from, and enter their names in a register (or census) there. Mary and Joseph travelled a long way (about 70 miles) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, because that is where Joseph's family came from. Most people walked but some lucky people had a donkey to help carry the goods needed for the journey. Joseph and Mary travelled very slowly because Mary's baby was due to be born soon.

When they reached Bethlehem they had problems finding somewhere to stay. So many people had come to register their names in the census, that every house was full and every bed was taken in all of the Inns. The only shelter that they could was a stable or cave with the animals. In this poor place Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. In those days it was the custom to wrap newborn babies tightly in a long cloth called 'swaddling clothes'. Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from.

In the hills and fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their sheep through the long night. As the new day began, suddenly an angel appeared before them and the glory of God shone around them. The shepherds were very, very scared, but the angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Saviour has been born for you. You will find the baby lying in a manger.

Then many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The shepherds heard them praising God singing: 'Glory to God in highest, and peace to everyone on earth.' When the angels had gone the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem to see what has happened.' So the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was lying in a manger as they had been told. When they saw him, they told everyone what the angel had said and everyone who heard the story were astonished. Then the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for sending his Son to be their Saviour.

When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in sky. Some Wise Men in faraway countries saw the star and guessed what it meant. They were very clever men that studied the stars and had read in very old writings that a new star would appear when a great king was born. They set out to find the new king and bring him gifts.

The Wise Men followed the star towards the country of Judea and when they got to the capital called Jerusalem they began to ask people: 'Where is the child who is born to be king of the Jews?' Herod, the king of Judea, heard this and it made him very angry to think that someone might be going to take his place as king. Herod sent for the Wise Men to come to him. He told them to go on following the star until they had found the baby king. He said: 'When you have found him, let me know where he is, so that I can go and worship him.'. But Herod did not tell them that he really had an evil plan in mind to kill the new king.

The Wise Men followed the star towards Bethlehem (where it said that the king would be born in the old writings). It seemed to stop and shine directly down upon the place where Jesus was.

The Wise Men entered the house where they now lived and found Jesus with Mary, they bowed down and worshipped him. The Wise Men spread the the gifts they had brought before Jesus. The gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Wise Men were warned in a dream, by God, not to go back to Herod. So they returned home to their countries in the East by a different way.

When the Wise Men had gone, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' the angel said, 'take Jesus and Mary and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for Jesus to kill him.' So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary during the night they left for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod died.

When Herod realized that he had been tricked by the Wise Men, he was furious and he gave orders to kill all the boys aged two or younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. This was to try and kill the new King, as his plan to find the location of the new king from the Wise Men had failed.

After Herod had died, Joseph had another dream in which an angel appeared to him. The angel said, 'Get up, take Jesus and Mary and go back to Israel, for those who were trying kill Jesus are dead.

So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary and they went back to Israel. But when he heard that Herod's son was now king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. So instead they went to Galilee, and lived in their old town of Nazareth.

5 Steps to Begin a Positive Change in Your Stressful Life

2010-12-03T03:29:00.005+05:30

Life became a complicated affair. There are too much clutter and commotion that brought about the anxiety, stress and dissatisfaction for many. A lot of us are being caught up by our own time schedule that having 24-hours in a day is not enough to fulfil all the things we need to accomplish, may it be at work, at home, for our personal and social self or our finances.

This information age and productive generation is the reason for this stressful lifestyle that most of us lived in. Now, you can do anything in an instant and be wherever you want to be in just a few click of the button. That’s thanks to the marvel of technological advancement. But isn’t technology was supposed to eliminate the work and stress for humans? Technological advancement have created a more stressful environment and busy lifestyle because of your own mindset and choices. Instead of seeing these technology as tools to make your life much easier, you’ve used it to accept more obligations beyond your own ability. And that’s what most of us are unaware of. We become too attracted to have self-fulfilment and prestige in accepting a busy and fully-loaded responsibility, but then we complain on how stressful and unhappy our life is. Like time for relaxation and inner peace is too far from reality.

The question now is how can you stop surviving the cycle of your stressful and busy lifestyle to achieve a more balanced and stress-free lifestyle? How can you achieve a life that’s lived to the fullest?

This post will give you a five quick steps for you to start changing the stressful life you have now to change in a more positive way of life that can eventually lead you to find your inner piece, happiness and success in life.

1. TODAY IS YOURS, LIVE IT FULLY

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. – Dale Carnegie

It’s time you stop running too fast to get ahead. Life is not about the past or the future, it’s about today. In a busy and cluttered world, we tend to be too much preoccupied with the material things and demands that we forget that life is temporary and short. The only guaranteed day that you are alive is today, so live it.

2. UNDERSTAND WHAT COMPRISES A BALANCED LIFE

Everyone is a house with four rooms: Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.

For most, life became a routine of a long list of similar tedious tasks to be done over and over again like it will never end. Life became only about work or one aspect of life. We do not know how ever that stress and unhappiness is mostly blamed to lack of balance in life. When we tend to focus only on one aspects of our life, such as work, we tend to neglect all the other aspect and when it happens, damages occur. To change this and prevent future damages, make a renewal and try your best to meet with the four areas of your life.

3. ACCEPT CHANGE AS PART OF LIFE

The only constant in life is change. Do not be scared for change to happen. Anticipate and accept change.

One of the biggest trap that unhappy people are faced in is change. Because we are too busy and too preoccupied we neglect to see what’s happening around us and what are the things that change or about to change. And when change happens, we are hit big time and become paralyzed. Once you start doing the first two steps above, I’m sure it will be easier for you to observe change before it begins/happens. When you learned to live today and understand how balance life works, it is much easier for you to smell a change to happen and faster for you to accept it.

4. LEARN TO FORGIVE, FORGET AND MOVE FORWARD

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. – Walt Disney

Failures, pains and disappointment happens either caused by our own decisions and actions or by someone else. When ‘caused by our own decisions and actions, be kind to yourself, take it as a learning process for you to do better in the future. And when it caused by someone else, do not push it hard and blame the other person, you cannot control other’s decision/action, you can only accept them and move forward in your life.

5. KEEP EXPANDING YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

The problem with our busy lifestyle and doing the same things over and over again is we get to comfortable with things and let ourselves become ordinary. We settle for less and accept that what we currently are is the best we can become. Most of us stop learning after graduating college. However, if we want to achieve success and happiness in what we do in our day to day life, our learning should start after graduation and ends only when we die. Start learning things other than what you do. Learn ways on how to improve yourself in other areas of your life, who knows you will be able to discover a hidden talent that you can be the best of. Don’t be surprised to discover that you can more than the profession/career/course you’ve took in college.

Life is neither hard or complicated, it’s imperfect, but you too can make a big positive change in your life despite life’s imperfection. Remember, like attracts like.

Happy journey to your Life!

5 Tips for Working Nightshift and Leading a Normal Life

2010-12-03T03:14:00.003+05:30

If you work in a business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, chances are that you have to adapt to the business hours of another country. This may leave you working night shifts in a call center more often than not. Working nights can be difficult for BPO employees, but there are ways to make it an enjoyable experience. Here are five tips for working nightshift in the BPO industry and leading a normal life:

1. Don’t forget to eat and drink.

When you are working in the outsourcing industry, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to the essential fuels that your body needs. Carry healthy snacks to work with you during your night shifts at the call center.

2. If you rotate shifts, rotate forward.

In the event that your call center allows you to rotate shifts, always rotate forward. Move from nights to day shift and finally afternoons if at all possible. This will help to keep your body and mind more in synch through the shift change.

3. Plan time to spend with friends and family.

Relationships with others are also an important part of your physical and mental health. You might be missing out on nightlife because of your work schedule, but that does not mean you cannot build and maintain personal relationships. During your time off, you can certainly find time to meet a friend for breakfast or lunch or even take a vacation. If you make a set plan with friends and family, it is easier to make sure that you get enough quality time with them. Planning ahead will also ease your feelings of isolation and give you fun things to look forward to enjoying.

4. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it.

When you are away from your outsourcing job, you need to follow a set schedule just like you would if you were working the day shift. Choose a time of day that you want to sleep and stick to it. If you go right to sleep when you get off, there will still be time to take care of errands during business hours when you wake up. Likewise, if you stay awake when you get off, you can run errands and take care of business before you go to sleep in the afternoon. The important thing is to be consistent. Consistency will help you get a full eight hours of sleep before you return to the call center.

5. Be conscious about fitness.

Working night shift tends can take a toll on BPO employees’ physical and mental wellbeing – unless you take measures to incorporate healthy living into your lifestyle. Just because you are working nights in a call center does not mean that your physical and mental wellbeing should be neglected. There are many 24-hour fitness centers that will allow you to exercise and stay in shape.

3 Steps How To Be More Successful In Your Life

2010-11-27T03:35:00.002+05:30

Step 1 - Take Full Responsibility For Your Life

Do you believe that life happens on you because it is fate? Or do you believe that whatever happens to you because you choose to? The main difference between a successful person with an ordinary person who is struggling with life is that a successful person will never blame on what had happened to him. Successful people are strong believer in themselves.

Successful people believe that everything happens on them because they choose to. It is because of their decision and action that lead them to the kind of lifestyle they are living today.

On the other hand, if you are struggling through life today, it is because you’re not in control of your life. Instead, you let all the circumstances around you take control of you. People will only struggle through life because they are not in control of what happens to them.

Which means, if you’re in control, you’ll feel happy, you’ll feel satisfy and as a result, you’ll be more successful.

To sum it all, if you want to be successful in your life, you must first learn to be responsible. You have to take the responsibility that whatever happened to your life, happens for a reason.

Step 2 - Follow Your Instinct And Do What You Love

Where do you think that successful people find their motivation to keep going on even if they failed 100 times? It is from doing what they love. When you do something that you love, you’ll automatically come up with the motivation to keep going on. And this is the number one motivational source of every successful person.

If you think that successful people are all workaholic and they don’t have the time to enjoy their life, then you’re wrong. To them, they’re not working, they’re enjoying simply because they’re doing something that they love so much. They’re willing to do it even if they’re not making any profit or getting any pay. If you’re willing to do this, you’re definitely doing something that you love to do.

So focus in doing what you love, and then only try to make money from it. Most people thought that they should work hard and then make money from their hard work and so they can enjoy their life with the money they have.

But this is not what a successful person would think. For a successful person, he’ll do something he loves, he’s enjoying what he is doing while making money from the process and keep enjoying what he is doing. This is the real mindset of a successful person.

You’re struggling in life because you’re trying to profit from something that you hate to do. When you dislike to do something, you’ll never put in 100% commitment into doing it better. So find out what you love to do today and keep doing it.

Step 3 - Commit To Life-Long Learning

Constant learning and never-ending improvement are vital in ensuring your success in your field. I know that if you’re going to be a millionaire, you must be the top 5% in your field. When you become the top 5% in your field, you’ll definitely make more money than those who are in your field.

And the only way you can become the top 5% in your field is through committing to life-long learning in your field and apply the knowledge into your life.

Think about it, can you commit yourself and spend 30 to 60 minutes everyday to read a book? If you can, you’ll probably finish a book in a week. This means that you’ll finish 50 books in a year. Compare to others, how many books do you think most people will read? The answer is none. Most people are not going to read any books right after they leave their school.

Therefore, if you can commit yourself to this self-improvement habit, you’ll definitely transform yourself into the top 5% in your field. Some people might say that it takes 1 year to finish 50 books, which is a long time. However, you must remember that no matter you spend the 60 minutes into reading or you spend it to watch television, you’re going to lose that 60 minutes as well.

You cannot stop time, you can only benefit from it by doing something constructive. And this is what you’re going to do with it, use the time to learn and improve. Wake up 30 minutes early each day and use that time wisely to improve yourself.

You can also attend seminars and workshop to improve your knowledge in your field. Don’t wait for seminars to come to you, instead, go for those seminars. And listen to audio when you’re travelling, this will leverage the most from your time.

These are the 3 steps that you’ll need to be more successful in your life. To be successful is not an overnight process, you must go through all the process first before you can see the results. Success is a process, it is all about getting things done. So follow through these 3 steps today and start to transform yourself into a super achiever.

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-26T03:18:00.003+05:30

Thanksgiving Day is a joyous family festival celebrated with lot of enthusiasm in US, Canada and several other countries. Thanksgiving Day Festival commemorates the feast held by the Pilgrim colonists and members of the Wampanoag people at Plymouth in 1621. On this day people express gratitude to God for his blessings and give thanks to dear ones for their love & support. Feasting with family is an integral & most delightful part of Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

About Thanksgiving Day:

Origin of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is America's preeminent day. It is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. It has a very interesting history. Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century when the first thanksgiving dinner is said to have taken place.

Journey of Pilgrims

The legendary pilgrims, crossed the Atlantic in the year 1620 in Mayflower-A 17th Century sailing vessel. About 102 people traveled for nearly two months with extreme difficulty. This was so because they were kept in the cargo space of the sailing vessel. No one was allowed to go on the deck due to terrible storms. The pilgrims comforted themselves by singing Psalms- a sacred song.

Arrival in Plymouth

The pilgrims reached Plymouth rock on December 11th 1620, after a sea journey of 66 days. Though the original destination was somewhere in the northern part of Virginia, they could not reach the place owing to winds blowing them off course. Nearly46 pilgrims died due to extreme cold in winter. However, in the spring of 1621, Squanto, a native Indian taught the pilgrims to survive by growing food.

Day of Fasting and Prayer

In the summer of 1621, owing to severe drought, pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to please God and ask for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained at the end of the day. It saved the corn crops.

First Thanksgiving Feast

It is said that Pilgrims learnt to grow corn, beans and pumpkins from the Indians, which helped all of them survive . In the autumn of 1621, they held a grand celebration where 90 people were invited including Indians. The grand feast was organized to thank god for his favors. This communal dinner is popularly known as “The first thanksgiving feast”. There is however, no evidence to prove if the dinner actually took place.

While some historians believe pilgrims were quite religious so, their thanksgiving would've included a day of fasting and praying, others say that the Thanksgiving dinner did take place.

Turkey and First Thanksgiving Feast

There is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the first hand account written by the leader of the colony, the food included, ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc.

Pumpkin and Thanksgiving Feast

Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin. Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.

The feast continued for three days and was eaten outside due to lack of space. It was not repeated till 1623, which again witnessed a severe drought. Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of thanksgiving in the year 1676. October of 1777 witnessed a time when all the 13 colonies joined in a communal celebration. It also marked the victory over the British.

After a number of events and changes, President Lincoln proclaimed last Thursday in November of thanksgiving in the year 1863. This was due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor. She wrote a number of articles for the cause.

When is Thanksgiving Day?

Date of Thanksgiving Day varies every year and several countries celebrate it in different time of the year. Given here is information on Thanksgiving Day date in US and Canada for the past, present and coming years.

When is Thanksgiving Day in US?

Thanksgiving Day finds its roots in America. It is celebrated with lot of fervor and euphoria on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. For the people in US Thanksgiving is a time for merrymaking, shopping, family reunion, feasts and family dinners. People also take time to thank God for his constant grace and for all the material possessions man enjoys. For many Thanksgiving is also the time to thank near and dear ones and being grateful for their kindness.

Thanksgiving Day in 2010 - November 25
Thanksgiving Day in 2009 - November 26
Thanksgiving Day in 2008 - November 27
Thanksgiving Day in 2007 - November 22
Thanksgiving Day in 2006 - November 23

When is Thanksgiving Day in Canada?

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is, however, celebrated on the second Monday in the month of October every year. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day a month earlier because autumn season starts early in Canada than in America.

Thanksgiving Day in 2010- October 11
Thanksgiving Day in 2009 - October 12
Thanksgiving Day in 2008 - October 13
Thanksgiving Day in 2007 - October 8
Thanksgiving Day in 2006 - October 9

5 Facts About Goal Setting

2010-11-17T04:16:00.002+05:30

These practical tips on goal setting can help make it easier to set and reach goals:

1. Specific, realistic goals work best.

When it comes to making a change, the people who succeed are those who set realistic, specific goals. "I'm going to recycle all my plastic bottles, soda cans, and magazines" is a much more doable goal than "I'm going to do more for the environment." And that makes it easier to stick with.

2. It takes time for a change to become an established habit.

It will probably take a couple of months before any changes — like getting up half an hour early to exercise — become a routine part of your life. That's because your brain needs time to get used to the idea that this new thing you're doing is part of your regular routine.

3. Repeating a goal makes it stick.

Say your goal out loud each morning to remind yourself of what you want and what you're working for. (Writing it down works too.) Every time you remind yourself of your goal, you're training your brain to make it happen.

4. Pleasing other people doesn't work.

The key to making any change is to find the desire within yourself — you have to do it because you want it, not because a girlfriend, boyfriend, coach, parent, or someone else wants you to. It will be harder to stay on track and motivated if you're doing something out of obligation to another person.

5. Roadblocks don't mean failure.

Slip-ups are actually part of the learning process as you retrain your brain into a new way of thinking. It may take a few tries to reach a goal. But that's OK — it's normal to mess up or give up a few times when trying to make a change. So remember that everyone slips up and don't beat yourself up about it. Just remind yourself to get back on track.

Qualities of a Good Employee

2010-11-12T03:05:00.002+05:30

The Traits of a good employee- What makes a good employee?Here are the top employee qualities:

1. Communicator: Employers love to hire employees who have the ability to communicate well and express themselves in a clear manner, whether in writing or speaking. Inaccurate/inappropriate communication between employees can cause many problems to the company.

2. Self-Motivated: A good employee never hesitates of taking responsibility or a more responsible position. She also ready to work beyond the call of duty in order to meet goals or to solve problems, even if the job in discussion is not one of the regular works she is usually assigned.

3. Hard worker: There is no substitute to hard work. Although everyone seems to say that they work hard not many keep on working after being at the job for a while. So, one has to keep reminding oneself about the importance and significance of working hard as an employee.

4. Adaptable/decisive and effective learner: Employees who know how to adjust themselves to new environment, willing to learn new things (quick learners) and perform their best in changes are likely to be the best performers in any organization.

5. Team Player: Many companies consist of teams. Any company requires an effective team effort. An employer who can contribute is an ideal worker. Someone who is like a fish in the water (of the organization), who can perform well in a team will become a factor sooner or later.

6. Helping others: everyone appreciates a helping hand every now and then. Do not hesitate in helping out others. This make the person establish friendly relations with the coworkers and keeps the office running smoothly which in turn is appreciated by the employers.

7. Honesty: A good employee is honest about his/her work and qualifications. Self criticism and willing to receive feedback (bad as good) is essential to become a good learner.

8. Ethical: Work rules are made to be followed. There is decorum of every place that ought to be kept. A good employee follows the policies of the company and inspires others to do so too.

9. Give credit where it is due: One of the most prevalent practices doing the rounds in offices today is stealing the credit of a job well done. A good employee will not only truthfully let the right co-worker have her credit but also share her own accolades with his team.

10. Polite: Being friendly and approachable will never harm. a good employee greets her co workers a ‘good morning’, says little courteous things like ‘thank you’ and ‘you are welcome’. These things may appear insignificant but go a long way in establishing the person as favorite employee.

11. Disciplined and punctual: Every boss loves a punctual, disciplined and conscientious employee. Time is money. Coming late to office, taking unnecessary breaks, procrastinating and leaving earlier than the usual hours cost money to the company. No employer will ever appreciate this.

12. Avoid gossip: The person should always remember that she came to the office to work, to make a career. Do not spread office gossip or rumors. Respect the privacy of the co workers. Safeguard and protect the confidential nature of office business
and transactions.

5 Tips To Become More Valuable At Work

2010-11-12T02:54:00.002+05:30

1. Show up 5 minutes early

If your boss shows up at 9 am like clockwork, then getting to work at 8:59, yourself, is a very worthwhile 1-minute investment. Even if you have to arrive 5 minutes early, it is well worth it to be there before your boss if at all possible. Think about it this way: If your boss has to cut one employee and all other factors are equal, do you think he will cut the person who he sees come in a few minutes late or the one that is always there already working by the time he gets to the office and he isn’t sure how early they actually get there?

The amount of time you put into work isn’t directly related to your output, but most bosses don’t have any really good measurements of your output, so time becomes the de facto standard to measure how much you are doing. It may not be fair, but it is a game you can win by investing a few extra minutes each day.

2. Don’t gossip

In most cases, gossip isn’t going to do anything helpful for you. Most gossip is just going to waste your time. There may be some benefit in keeping track of people’s moods and events that will impact their jobs. For example, if one of your coworkers is fed up and getting ready to quit, it might not be bad to know that ahead of time. But you definitely don’t want to be the person sharing. If you share gossip about others, people won’t trust you with their own information.

3. Be the peacemaker

The ability to help people work through different views is very valuable. Work isn’t going to get done when people disagree, and efficiency is going to suffer when people are forced to do something against their will. If you can help bring about consensus and compromise, you help make everyone more efficient.

4. Share information freely

People often try to increase their own importance by not giving others information. This is a short-sighted strategy and will usually make people dislike you. If you want to be valuable, people need to enjoy working with you. Furthermore, if you only give people the bare minimum information that they ask for, they may feel like you are trying to make them fail.

One of the most annoying people I have ever worked with will spend 10 minutes explaining what he isn’t going to tell you (because he is too busy). If he would just tell you in the first place, it would have only taken five minutes. In his mind, he feels more important being “too busy” to talk to you.

You want to be known as an information hub–not an information dam.

5. Make other people look good

A lot of people operate with the idea that anything they do to make someone else look good must make them look bad. Giving kudos isn’t a zero sum game. Helping other people look good doesn’t necessarily hurt you. In fact, people who you’ve gone out of your way to help promote are more likely to give you credit for your work and help you when you need it. Working with a group of people who are actively trying to help you succeed is a much better condition than working with a bunch of people who think you are trying to take advantage of them.

You can make other people look good in a variety of different ways. Giving them credit is a great way to start. If your boss compliments you on a report you did and one of your co-workers helped, go ahead and tell your boss that your co-worker was a great help. Then tell your co-worker. “I told the boss that the report wouldn’t have been nearly as good without your input.”

Tips on Retaining Employees

2010-11-12T02:42:00.002+05:30

•Your employees need more than monetary compensation to feel happy and satisfied at work. Workers who feel fulfilled are not only more productive, but they also stay with you longer. The cost of unwanted turnover can be 1.5 times the employee's annual salary and can harm both morale and production. By implementing the following tips, you can keep your employees satisfied and build lasting loyalty.

Start Smart

•You can reduce employee turnover if you begin by hiring the right person for the job. Choose someone with not only the correct skill set to fulfill the duties for the position, but also the right values and personality for your company culture.

Share Expectations

•Share your expectations of your employee's job duties and how their responsibilities support your company's mission and goals. Employees who understand the importance of their job work more effectively and feel more fulfilled.

Be Consistent

•After you establish your expectations, apply your policies consistently. Equality and fairness result in employee respect and better retention. Your pay system should be equitable as well and competitive for all employees.

Feedback

•Employees respond to regular and constructive feedback. Periodic evaluations give workers an opportunity to respond to any challenges and build on their successes. Workers who receive recognition for a job well done feel that their contributions are valued.

Growth Opportunities

•Offer your employees ways to grow beyond their current position. Develop the people in your organization as you grow your business by providing ongoing education and training, and by providing incentives, new opportunities or promotions. If you provide ongoing professional development, you demonstrate your organization's willingness to develop your people.

Empower

•As much as possible, empower your employees to make decisions that concern their job. Workers respond negatively when management makes a decision that impacts their job responsibilities without consulting them. By getting an employee's input, you send her the message that you trust her and her decision-making abilities. Work toward creating a more collaborative environment. Employees will feel like an integral part of the team if they are involved in the decision-making process.

Culture

•Create a we-are-in-this-together company culture. Motivate your staff members to support each other. Also, get to know your employees, their hobbies and outside interests. If your staff feels more like a family, then a staff member is less likely to seek other employment.

Five Stages of Team Development

2010-11-11T02:06:00.001+05:30

Most experts in team development agree that teams will go through five different stages. How fast a team moves through each stage will depend on the team members, their individual skills, the work they are expected to do, and the type of leadership available to the team.

Bruce Tuckman deemed the four main stages of team development in order as Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. Later, as self-managed teams became common in business, he added a fifth stage of Adjourning/Transforming. Thomas Quick called the five stages for teams: Searching, Defining, Identifying, Processing, and Assimilating/Reforming. Whatever term is used for the stages, teams will go through all five during their developmental and working processes.

Stage 1 - The first stage is when the team is formed and members meet. They learn what the team opportunities and challenge will be. Individual members may be confused about their role or not understand the need for the team. Members will agree on goals and assign actions for work, often working independently. Ground rules or team guidelines are established. At the start, the team leader may be a member of the group, a supervisor, a manager, or a consultant who will facilitate the team-building process. Leadership will help the team to define their processes. At this stage, the leader needs to be directive and understand the requirements for team training to move through each stage.

Stage 2 - During the second stage, individual expression of ideas occurs and there is open conflict between members. Members tend to focus on details rather than the issues and compete for influence. Low trust among team members is an evident indicator of this stage. The team needs to select their desired leadership style and decision methodology. The team leader can help by stressing tolerance and patience between members. The leader should guide the team process towards clear goals, defined roles, acceptable team behavior, and a mutual feedback process for team communication.

Stage 3 - In the third stage, the team develops work habits that support group rules and values. They use established tools and methods; exhibit good behaviors; mutual trust, motivation, and open communication increase; positive teamwork and group focus are apparent. The team relationships grow and individual characteristics are understood and appropriately utilized. The team leader continues to encourage participation and professionalism among the team members.

Stage 4 - The fourth stage shows high levels of loyalty, participation, motivation, and group decision-making. Knowledge sharing, cross-training, and interdependence increases. Team is self-directing in development of plans and strategy to meet their goals and carry out work. Personal growth and sharing is encouraged throughout membership. The leader becomes a facilitator aiding the team in communication processes and helping if they revert to a prior stage.

Stage 5 - For project teams, temporary committees, or task forces coming to an end, there will be a finalizing stage as they .celebrate and recognize group achievement. Then some mourning over the dissolving of the team relationship and begin planning for the change in individual work requirements. During this stage, leadership needs to emphasize organization gratitude and both team and individual recognition. For continuous work teams, there may be a higher performance level as they develop and transform as individuals and reform into revised teams. It is important to note that continuous work teams may revert to prior stages when new people are added to the team.

Time and effort are required to move through the various team development stages. Every team will go through all the stages. However the timeline of each stage may be different for each team depending on the individual members and their skill levels, the work the team is expected to accomplish, and team leadership during each stage.

5 Steps to Building a Successful Team

2010-11-11T01:55:00.006+05:30

Before we start, it's important to remember that teams exist for one reason: to achieve results! However, it's also important to remember that teams must be sustainable in order to continue producing those results, so that's why we look at the inter-relationships among the team members -- to ensure that those relationships are working at the level needed for the team to continue producing results without getting burned out. Let's look at this process of building a successful team so that your team can get to the next level and be not only effective, but sustainable, in achieving its desired results.

1. Measure the current effectiveness of your team

In order to help your team be more successful, it's important to first look at how successful the team is currently. Measuring your team can serve as a benchmark for team development, as it gives you a current evaluation of your team as it exists today. The best way to do this is to measure your team's effectiveness, which can be done in several different ways:

- Personal interviews: Asking each team member a specific set of questions designed to measure their effectiveness is a great way to learn about what's really going on within your team. The disadvantage of this method is that some team members will not be forthcoming with information during face-to-face interviews because they are not anonymous. Results are best yielded when the interviews are done by an external facilitator who will maintain individual confidentiality.

- Simple measurement: A very simple method to use is to ask your team members "on a scale of 1 to 10, how effective is this team"? And see what their responses are so that you can ask some follow up questions to learn more about their perceptions.

- Assessment tool: In our opinion, this is the best method to measure the current state of your team because it is anonymous, unbiased and team members are generally very candid and open in their responses. The assessment results are then shared with your team in a specially-designed team development process that includes exercises to help the team improve in areas needed.

2. Create your vision of a highly successful team

This is where you can use the "begin with the end in mind" concept that Stephen Covey and others have used for years. This step is about using your imagination to create the most successful, productive, cohesive team that you desire! The vision of your team can include the following components:

- Team's values, priorities and desired results

- Organization's values, priorities and desired results for this team

- Your own values, priorities and desired results for this team

- Productivity factors: these are factors defined by Team Diagnostic International as the factors that support the team in achieving results, accomplishing tasks, staying on course to reach goals and objectives. They include strengths such as accountability, decision making, goal setting, etc.

- Positivity factors: these are factors defined by Team Diagnostic International as the factors that focus on the inter-relationships between team members and the spirit or tone of the team as a system. They include strengths such as trust, respect, clear communication, handling conflict, camaraderie, etc.

I encourage you to create your "desired team" vision with your team. Schedule a time to meet with them to allow for everyone to participate in this creative process! And, remember to think out of the box -- what would it look like to have a team that was achieving results beyond what you think is possible today?

3. Communicate effectively

This is a huge topic that I will only be able to scratch the surface in this article! However, here are the most important tips to remember in my experience of working with teams:

- Everyone receives information differently. Some people have to see it, others have to hear it, etc. How do you like to receive information? Remember that just because one way works for you, that same way doesn't work for all of your team members.

- Find out how each person needs to receive information in order to process it. Ask your team members "how do you like to receive information?" so that they can tell you whether they are visual learners, auditory learners, etc.

- Remember to communicate important information using several different methods so that all of your team members will receive the information you are trying to convey.

- Check in with your team regarding your communications and ask them how you can improve.

4. Develop a plan to turn your team vision into reality

Now that you've measure your team's current effectiveness, you've created a vision of your desired team and you've determined how to best communicate with them, it's time to create an action plan!

This step is about creating goals that support you in growing your team to the next level. We do complete workshops on effective goal setting and don't have space here to go into all of the details, but here are the basics:

Remember to set goals that are

- Specific

- Measurable

- Attainable

- Realistic

- Time oriented (make sure each goal has a deadline!)

5. Take a stand for your team!

Whether you see yourself as "the leader" of your team or "a leader" of your team or "a member" of your team, you are in a position to influence your team. Take a stand for the improvement of your team! Here are a couple of ways that you can do that:

- Remind your team members of the vision you see for your team and what you see as being possible for your team. Remind them that it IS possible to grow to the next level! And, ask them what they need to grow to the next possible.

- Look for ways to build and develop your team. When was the last time your team had a meeting that was dedicated to enhancing your team's relationships? When was the last time that your team went out to lunch together, or did another fun activity? If you aren't familiar with the types of team development that be effective for your team, or if you don't have the time or expertise to develop a program, call in an expert to help you create a program for your team.

Investing time, energy and financial resources in your team can be simple -- it doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. The important thing is that you do something on a regular basis to keep your team motivated, engaged and productive so that they can produce the results that you and your organization desire!

Five Simple Rules for Healthy Life

2010-10-27T01:23:00.006+05:30

Rule # 1: Breathe Properly

Breathing is the most basic condition for survival. If we breathe in a right manner, we give ourselves more prana (life-force). Always breathe deeply, slowly and smoothly. This way you relieve stress and send more oxygen to the blood, brain and muscles increasing your energy levels and mental performance. Never breathe through mouth. If possible, learn ayurvedic therapies like “Pranayam” which is a traditional series of breathing exercises. Even if you do not learn it, always pay attention to how you breathe. Gradually, you will develop the habit of breathing deeper and slower. Set aside some time in your daily schedule for aware breathing. When stressed, sit down for a while in a relaxing position and breathe deeply before you react.

Rule # 2: Drink Plenty of Water

Water is not only essential for rehydration but also leads to purified blood, glowing skin and healthy body tissues. Thus, you look beautiful, the natural way, when you drink plentiful water. Ayurveda suggests observing urine as a guide to know how much water you need to drink daily. If your urine is not clear or it looks too concentrated, you should increase your daily intake of water. Inadequate water leads to headaches and fatigue as also to dehydration which has serious health consequences. Sip water over time rather than gulping it down in large quantities. Do not have too much water just before or during meals. Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol do not substitute water. Fruits and vegetables with high water content can be taken but plain and pure water is essential.

Rule # 3: Eat the Right Food

Ayurveda recommends right kind and right quantity of food planned according to one's own body constitution. Inappropriate foods and poor eating habits can result in many diseases like diabetes, obesity etc. If you want to reduce weight by natural ways, you should control your eating habits and exercise regularly. Food needs are unique to one's body. So, be attentive to what you eat and how these affect your overall health. Avoid those foods which do not suit you. Eat pure, fresh, whole, natural foods. Make an eating routine and follow it. Make eating your meals an important activity and don't neglect it for other works.

Rule # 4: Exercise Regularly

Adequate physical and mental activity are significant for health and longevity. As food should be taken according to one's body needs, exercise should also be structured in a way that is ideal to your needs. Walking and yoga are beneficial for all as they can be adapted according to individual needs. Exercising early in the day is best. Do not exercise on an empty stomach or immediately after meals.
Do not pain or exhaust yourself while exercising, do it moderately. Mental exercise should also be followed. Anything that keeps our minds engaged or where you can learn something new, such as traveling, reading, solving puzzles, taking up a new hobby or project etc. will give your mind the much needed exercise. Such activities like gardening, music, teaching and volunteering are examples of activities that enrich you mentally as well as emotionally and spiritually.

Rule # 5: Sleep Adequately

All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy- Ayurveda too believe this. Learn to relax and take adequate sleep as it recharges mind and body for the next day. Sleep deprivation leads to high blood pressure, obesity and depression. How much sleep do you need should be determined by yourself- eight hours sleep theory doesn't fit for all. Quality sleep is what refreshes you. It is when your mind completely disengages from other senses. 'Early to bed and early to rise' is not only a phrase- it's a universal fact for getting sound sleep because the sleep that you get in the earlier hours of night is the most productive sleep. You can adopt many techniques for getting better sleep like a cup of lukewarm milk, deep breathing and a bedtime lower limb massage. So, follow these simple five rules and stay healthy for ever!

5 Steps to Start your Career in Social Media [Guide]

2010-10-23T03:43:00.002+05:30

Are you a social media addict, you think it’s the best you can do, have a wish to start career in this profession. Not to worry then! It’s not that difficult, how those so-called marketing GURUS could make you feel. If you can write well and think well then you can join the RACE.

This guide is short but fruitful if you follow it accordingly.

These are the 5 simple steps including questions to get you hired and start career in social media.

1) Are you super active on Social media?

It’s important to be an active user on all the popular social media platforms, it creates the awareness of your name prominently b/w different group of people. Being a super active user means daily interaction and keeping people involved in something interesting.

People take more interest in those users who update their social networks more often than those who login to their accounts once in a week.

Step 1 – Become Active on Social media:

* Interact with your friends and followers on a regular basis
* Always post the content of their interest
* Create and insert information on all the popular social web properties even if you don’t use them, there are tools to update them without signing in. there are many reasons to do it which you will learn by time.

2) How many people are following you?

Another crucial point in starting your career in social media business is your overall following. How many friends do you have, how many people are following you on different social networks, pages, groups, lists, directories etc does matter.

Your numbers of followers is a great way to demonstrate your power to targeted company or employer, that how you could be very beneficial for them by reaching mass audience easily and accomplishing their goals.

Step 2 – Increase your number of followers

* Increase your friends and followers on different social networks
* Make use of social properties like groups, lists, fan pages etc

3) Are you a trend setter or part of a trend?

There are two types of people on social networks. First category is for those who follows or join others conversation and trends. Lies in the second category are those who set trends and start conversations.

You got to be a trend setter to mark your name in a social media industry.

Step 3 – Break News and be a trend setter

* Be the first one to post and something and make it viral, something like breaking news, interesting videos, images etc
* Post something arguable or debatable which can pull in lot of people to speak.
* Ask questions about peoples interests or concerns.

4) Do you have your personal brand?

Personal branding on social media mainly includes your profile pictures, your Bio, your style of communication and your professionalism.

Like people create an individual’s image about their nature, life style and income in their minds, in online world it’s all same like it does in our real world or offline life. Your pictures, your words, your BIO, the stuff you post, the way you talk to them will create specific imageabout you in their minds; now it’s up to you how do you want to make them feel about yourself.

Step 4 – Create Personal Brand

* Select one profile picture for all your networks, and avoid changing them very often especially with micro blogging networks like twitter. People assess you by your profile picture then your name.
* Create and save BIO on your hard drive, and use it on all your social networks.
* Apply the style of communication your followers are satisfied with. For Example: if your targeted readers are happy with slang, casual or misspelled type of communication then you should do it else avoid this at any cost.

5) Do you Blog?

If not then start doing it now, NO! Don’t run to buy yourself new domain, hosting, design, dev. And stuff, you are good to go with even free hosted blog like WordPress (example.wordpress.com) Al though if you think you can easily get domain, hosting, design, dev then you should go for as it is much better for many reasons.

Writing a good blog will increase your readership and your value; this will also increase your importance than ever.

Step 5 – Start your Blog

* Start your blog using free third party service like wordpress.com or self-hosted blog.
* Start writing about your interests and use social media to drive traffic.
* You can add snippets and source URL from other blogs to get more traffic.

There is a lot more to learn, we will cover more topics in the future. Your comments are precious, feel to express your thoughts.

5 steps to loving your life

2010-10-23T03:38:00.002+05:30

However much your boss may have stressed you out last week. Refresh yourself with these tips to enjoy the week ahead.

Do what really makes you happy
Mounting obligations and hectic schedules can make it all too easy to lose track. But whether it's the little things in life that make you smile, or the joy of working toward a larger goal, focusing on your happiness each day can help protect your emotional wellbeing and your physical health.

1. Enjoy distractions

When you're adding items to your to-do list, don't forget the good stuff. If you look forward to reading in bed, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside, make time for at least one of your favourite diversions every day.

Consider crossing out pesky items on your list that you keep saying you're going to do but haven't gotten to in over a year, like alphabetizing your bills or organizing your sock drawer. Or get rid of a time-consuming chore that isn't enhancing your life one bit.

2. Be kind to yourself

We all have low-energy days, but if you can resist the urge to skip your daily workout when you're feeling low, you'll be rewarded both now and later. Try this trick: Tell yourself that you need to do only 10 minutes of exercise. Once you're up and moving (and feeling better) you'll most likely want to finish your workout. Even if you can't push past the 10-minute mark on the occasional bad day, you'll feel good about doing at least a little something. Sticking with an exercise plan helps you feel good about yourself, strengthens your immune system, and enhances production of mood-boosting hormones.

3. Bust that stress

Defuse daily hassles by practicing stress-reduction strategies. Try taking deep-breathing breaks throughout the day, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.

Repeating this action three or four times allows more oxygen to get into your bloodstream, creating a feeling of calm. Progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation also are effective ways of reducing tension, stress, depression, and anxiety. And a brisk 10-minute walk will do far more to dissipate your stress and lift your spirits than eating the bad-for-you snacks you might crave when feeling frantic.

4. Share your skills for happiness

Volunteer at a local school, club, or community organization. Not only will sharing your unique talents and expertise benefit others, but research shows that volunteering can make you happier and improve your wellbeing, too. Feeling engaged and involved in your local community is good for your emotional health. It's also an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Win-win.

5. Connect with loved ones

Unwind and share a few laughs with your family or friends at least once or twice each month. The openness and trust you share with the important people in your life can help give you the perspective you need to cope with everyday challenges. These regular connections will also have a positive impact on your health, especially when you share a good laugh. Laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins that can ease pain.

Also, don't neglect relationships at work. Colleagues and coworkers can provide valuable support and keep your blood pressure under control during stressful situations. .

Feeling satisfied and fulfilled with your life is an essential part of your emotional and physical well-being. As you grow to appreciate your time, independence, self-assurance, skills, and relationships, you will be amazed at just how good you feel, both in body and in spirit.

11 Time Management Tips

2010-10-23T03:10:00.002+05:30

Do you feel the need to be more organized and/or more productive? Do you spend your day in a frenzy of activity and then wonder why you haven't accomplished much?

Time management skills are especially important for small business people, who often find themselves performing many different jobs during the course of a single day. These time management tips will help you increase your productivity and stay cool and collected.

1) Realize that time management is a myth.

No matter how organized we are, there are always only 24 hours in a day. Time doesn't change. All we can actually manage is ourselves and what we do with the time that we have.

2) Find out where you're wasting time.

Many of us are prey to time-wasters that steal time we could be using much more productively. What are your time-bandits? Do you spend too much time 'Net surfing, reading email, or making personal calls? Tracking Daily Activities explains how to track your activities so you can form a accurate picture of what you actually do, the first step to effective time management.

3) Create time management goals.

Remember, the focus of time management is actually changing your behaviors, not changing time. A good place to start is by eliminating your personal time-wasters. For one week, for example, set a goal that you're not going to take personal phone calls while you're working. (See Set Specific Goals for help with goal setting.) For a fun look at behaviors that can interfere with successful time management, see my article Time Management Personality Types. Find out if you're a Fireman, an Aquarian or a Chatty Kathy!

4) Implement a time management plan.

Think of this as an extension of time management tip # 3. The objective is to change your behaviors over time to achieve whatever general goal you've set for yourself, such as increasing your productivity or decreasing your stress. So you need to not only set your specific goals, but track them over time to see whether or not you're accomplishing them.

5) Use time management tools.

Whether it's a Day-Timer or a software program, the first step to physically managing your time is to know where it's going now and planning how you're going to spend your time in the future. A software program such as Outlook, for instance, lets you schedule events easily and can be set to remind you of events in advance, making your time management easier.

6) Prioritize ruthlessly.

You should start each day with a time management session prioritizing the tasks for that day and setting your performance benchmark. If you have 20 tasks for a given day, how many of them do you truly need to accomplish? For more on daily planning and prioritizing daily tasks, see Start The Day Right With Daily Planning.

7) Learn to delegate and/or outsource.

No matter how small your business is, there's no need for you to be a one-person show. For effective time management, you need to let other people carry some of the load. Determining Your Personal ROI explains two ways to pinpoint which tasks you'd be better off delegating or outsourcing, while Decide To Delegate provides tips for actually getting on with the job of delegating.

8) Establish routines and stick to them as much as possible.

While crises will arise, you'll be much more productive if you can follow routines most of the time.

9) Get in the habit of setting time limits for tasks.

For instance, reading and answering email can consume your whole day if you let it. Instead, set a limit of one hour a day for this task and stick to it.

10) Be sure your systems are organized.

Are you wasting a lot of time looking for files on your computer? Take the time to organize a file management system. Is your filing system slowing you down? Redo it, so it's organized to the point that you can quickly lay your hands on what you need. You'll find more information about setting up filing systems and handling data efficiently in my Data Management library.

11) Don't waste time waiting.

From client meetings to dentist appointments, it's impossible to avoid waiting for someone or something. But you don't need to just sit there and twiddle your thumbs. Always take something to do with you, such as a report you need to read, a checkbook that needs to be balanced, or just a blank pad of paper that you can use to plan your next marketing campaign. Technology makes it easy to work wherever you are; your PDA and/or cell phone will help you stay connected.

25 Interesting Facts

2010-10-22T03:38:00.001+05:30

1. A vulture will never attack a human or animal that is moving.

2. About 75% of the people in the U.S. live on 2% land.

3. According to a recent survey, more Americans lose their virginity in June than any other month.

4. Adult Northwestern American Grizzly Bears can bite through steel as thick as one half inch.

5. After spending hours working at a computer display, look at a blank piece of white paper. It will probably appear pink.

6. All polar bears are left-handed.

7. Almonds are the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used nuts in the world.

8. Al Capone's business card said he was a furniture dealer.

9. Americans are responsible for about 1/5 of the world's garbage annually. On average, that's 3 pounds a day per person.

10. An ant's sense of smell is as good as a Dog's.

11. Abe Lincoln's mother died when the family dairy cow ate poisonous mushrooms and Ms. Lincoln drank the milk.

12. According to Playboy, more women talk dirty during sex than men.

13. Americans drink over a billion pounds of coffee every year and around five million bottles of soda.

14. After they are roasted, and when the coffee beans begin to cool, they release about 700 chemical substances that make up the vaporizing aromas.

15. Americans, on average, eat 18 acres of pizza in one day.

16. An eagle can kill a young deer and fly away with it.

17. An elephant's trunk contains more than 50,000 muscles.

18. An eyelash lives about 5 months.

19. Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the death of their cats.

20. According to Hammurabi's Code, the penalty for medical malpractice was to cut off the doctor's hands.

21. An Octopus has 3 hearts!

22. According to Playboy, more women talk dirty during sex than men.

23. A whale's penis is called a dork.

24. An ear of corn always has an even number of rows because of the genetic formula which divides the cells.

25. Americans eat more bananas than any other fruit: a total of 11 billion a year.

Zidane

2010-10-21T21:55:00.004+05:30

Five Advantages Of Working Night Shift

2010-09-21T23:43:00.002+05:30

1. More Money
Night shifts are mostly given 10 percent more money per hour as compared to the day-shift. This 10 percent bonus is given in most industries and if you work as a writer or journalist for media, you can earn up to 15 percent more than daytime writers. Nighttime childcare workers also get much more than daytime ones.

2. Fewer Meetings
Working in the night shift will save you from the unnecessary long meetings with the boss. You will usually be exempted from majority of the meetings, as you will be sleeping during the regular business hours in order to perform your job duties well at night time.

3. Little Traffic
You can avoid all the traffic by going to office in late hours, when the roads are generally clear, offering a nice and easy ride with just a few interruptions.

4. Promotions
There is usually less competition in night shift jobs. This means that there are brighter chances for you when a higher position opens up. You will thus be able to get a promotion and pay raise more easily as compared to your daytime colleagues.

5. Greater Flexibility
Night time shifts can be very useful for working moms, or if you have to look after your children as well. You can easily manage your house, save money on a babysitter or daycare; pick your children up from school when needed; and get enough time to spend with the children before you go out to work at night.

10 rules to manage your boss

2010-08-07T03:18:00.002+05:30

The relationship with your boss is probably the most important relationship you have at work.

Boss management can stimulate better performance, improve your working life, job satisfaction, and workload. Give your boss a hand and reap the rewards.

When we think of managing someone, we usually think of managing our team members or subordinates. The above title appeared for the first time a few years ago in a Harvard Business Review article written by two well known socio-psychologists.

Their argument was that in modern companies, subordinates are not solely dependent on their bosses, but that today's complexity requires interdependence: the boss needs her team as well.

I have the vantage point of being an adviser to top management, a CEO, and now as Co-Director of the PED program at IMD. In addition, I have been involved in the restructuring of a major international company, which involves some 12,000 people and 12 hierarchical levels.

In order to unleash the energies and get closer to customers, we divided the group into 250 'small companies' of some 50 people each and of three hierarchical levels. To change the mindset, we organised a 20-day management seminar, during which we discussed the challenge of how to deal with bosses, who in the old structure, tended to hamper change.

The whole process forced me to crystallize my observations and previous experience and test them with the 250 managers. I have grouped the results into ten rules that try to answer some common questions asked by managers with respect to managing their bosses, with the aim of helping the relationship become more effective, foster faster decisions, better decisions and more trust.

1. Decisions: If you do not want a 'no' or procrastination, give him/her a hand

Your boss has other subordinates, other decisions to make. Thus, her (for simplicity, we use 'her' from now on in this article) best bet, if she is pressed for a decision, will be to say no. No, it is too risky; no, we do not have enough evidence; no, it is the wrong timing; no, it is off strategy, et cetera.

* To avoid the 'no' that will ruin your and your team's enthusiasm, give her a hand.

Remind her of where you left it last time you met;
* Remind her of the objective rather than rushing to the 'what' and 'how';
* Remind her of past problems encountered because a decision was not made;
* Quickly summarize the options considered, your criteria for selecting one option -- the one you are presenting;
* Tell her what you expect from her: simply to inform, to decide jointly, to share the risk, to add one criterion, to re-examine the option;
* Focus on the points where you need her help;
*
Be prepared with facts/data for potential disagreements. Help her out with graphics and visuals so that the situation is grasped faster;
*
After your meeting, summarize for her the decision in writing to make sure of the understanding;
*
And finally, once a decision has been made, your way, her way or no way, do not criticize it externally. You have become the best defender; the best ambassador of what was decided.

2. Manage her time: You may represent only 1% of her problems, don't make it as if it is 100%.

Yes, you have preoccupations, problems to solve and issues to tackle. However, while your time is entirely devoted to them, do not expect your boss's time to be also.

* The more simple the problem or issue at hand is, the less time you should have her spend on it: prepare, summarize, and synthesize information and options. Do not confuse your more frequent problems with the most important ones.
*
Book her for several meetings in advance. Nothing is more frustrating than to have to wait days, weeks or months for that extra new meeting needed in order to finalize a decision or a project.

3. An opinion: If you ask for her opinion, she will always have one.

Rare are the bosses who, when asked for their advice or their decision, will use the psychological ping-pong approach of retuning the question to the person who asked.

And their opinion may not always be that of a genius or a visionary. However, once given, the opinion becomes a constraint: was it an order? So, if you don't want your boss's opinion to thwart your achievements, to slow the speed of decision-making, or cloud the viewpoint, then don't ask for it. Best of all, don't ask if you don't need her opinion.

* Choose the right moment to avoid procrastination: not only save her time by focusing on big issues, but choose the right moment to do so. If you present an issue at the wrong moment, the chances are she will procrastinate.
*
Prepare for your meeting: first because the advantage is to the one who is prepared, second because the preparation helps you reduce the time taken to come to the central issue.
*
Show the forest before the trees in a discussion: if you want to avoid spending a lot of time on going back to basics before she is at full speed with you, start with the basics yourself. Remind her of the objective, where you stand today, and what you want her opinion on.

4. Information: It is not data.
Turn grapes into wine: you are supposed to analyze the results of a market survey, and not be the mailman who passes the thick document full of statistics to your boss. So be selective; be visual; group the data; bring out what is essential. Data overload creates stress, which in turn can create denial, rejection, and numbness. As a manager, you are paid to collect the grapes (data), and turn them into wine, i.e. useful information.

*
Don't give her only the bad news: give her also the good news. If you keep bringing only bad news, little by little you become the bad news yourself. Don't minimize good news, because you want to focus on the problems. By doing that you contribute to creating a bad atmosphere.
*
Make sure she does not get the information from others too often: sometimes by being shy about what we should give or because we think it is not relevant, we don't feed our boss with key elements. However, other people could do it before you. And then the hassle starts. "I heard that…", "Why didn't you tell me that…"
*
And then you need to justify yourself; you may need to modify incorrect information. The trade off is between too little information leading to starvation, frustration, and/or restlessness vs too much information leading to overload.
*
Round off: what helps more to give sense to an amount or a size: 886,262.11 or 890K? What makes the decision-making process faster: 79.27% vs 21.73% or simply 80% vs 20%. Look back at all the tables you sent to your boss in the last twelve months.
*
Participate in and contribute to her informal network: every manager, hopefully, does not rely solely for managing on formal information given in internal documents and reports. Some people use internal informal networks. Some others also have an informal outside network of experts, friends, business connections that help them shape their vision of the world and how to act. You have yours; your boss has too. Why not volunteer part of yours, so that you do not always have to react and be defensive about information fed by people you do not necessarily think are the best sources?

5. Problems: Don't just come with problems, come also with solutions.

Good bosses hate two kinds of behavior. The courtesan who always comes to tell you how great you are and the pyromaniac/fireman who comes to tell you "There is a huge problem" and then says "but don't worry, I will solve it!"

There is also a third kind, the monkey transferor. She has a problem and she puts it on your shoulders, rather than bringing a solution or at least some options.

Problems usually have several aspects. It is usually a gap between an objective and the result; there are options to close the gap; there is a choice of one option to be made; key tasks, dates, people and resources needed must be defined.

On which of those steps in problem solving do you want your boss's input? Just be clear on what input you want rather than come with the stressful -- "I have a problem…" and throw the monkey.

6. Assumptions: Do not assume she knows as much as you do, but assume she can understand; so educate her. Please help, you are the expert. You spend all of your time and that of your team on the issue. You live with data, pressure points and levers; your boss does not. She does not know more than you do.

Most senior executives are even dangerous when they get involved in making micro-decisions, as their point of reference is often not the current one but rather the situation they knew when they were junior managers.

If you need her perspective, it is because it is broader; she has a better sense for inter-relationships with other parts of the organisation. You have two options.

*
You inundate her with technical stuff she does not understand, hoping that the amount of technical jargon will knock her down and force her to agree with you. It may work, but it may become a barrier in communication leading to lack of trust.
*
You educate him by simplifying, using easy to understand language, feeding him with articles, examples, best practices, summaries that help him see a perspective. By creating understanding, you relieve tensions; create trust that can lead to better decision-making.

7. Delegations: Constantly test the waters.

It is not always easy to define ex ante what is delegated to a person. Some companies prefer to use the principle of subsidiary rather than the principle of delegation: the principle of subsidiary stipulates that you can do everything except the following list, whereas in the principle of delegation you stipulate, "you cannot do anything except…"

Whichever is used, there will always be some doubt whether you have or do not have the delegation. You have two options: either you play it safe by always asking your boss's opinion. This can lead to paralysis, bottlenecks and your own demise, as your boss will think you are unable to take responsibility.

Or you assume too much, take decisions and learn after the fact that it was not yours to decide. In between, there is the 'test the waters' strategy especially for things or areas, domains or steps that are unprecedented.

8. Promises: Do not promise what you cannot deliver, and avoid surprises, trust is at stake.

Trust does not develop overnight and depends a lot on the predictability of the other person: what she says and does, how often she is living up to or not living up to her statements. In the same way, you will not fully trust your boss if she changes her mind too often or says things contrary to what you were told the last time.

You also want to avoid being seen as unreliable by not delivering on what you promise or surprising her with bad news without forewarning.

Do not promise dates for finishing projects you cannot handle. If you see that too much is asked of you, sit down and re-discuss priorities before proceeding, rather than becoming yourself a bottleneck. Involve your boss in the process, so it becomes a common priority.

Avoid bad surprises. If your job is to be in charge of a particular area, then it is also to be in charge of bad results and improving them.

Involve your boss in discussing and evaluating the risks, agreeing on key lead indicators that you will both share, so that neither you nor he will be surprised. For instance, whereas sales are not a good lead indicator, future orders or bookings can be. Cash in the bank is not, whereas good cash flow three months in advance is.

9. Differences: Manage differences in culture.

Sometimes at IMD we use a questionnaire called the Power Map to help participants identify their own culture (i.e. values they cherish, leading to certain behaviors), to identify other executives' profiles and discuss consequences on communication and leadership in a team.

To simplify, the four main types of profiles that our survey identified are:

*
People who like to 'control things' and introduce processes, develop more the 'now';
*
People who are more concerned with people, develop more the impact on people;
*
People who are more concerned with getting things done, start with key actions;
*
People who are more concerned with ideas, frame proposals in concepts.

Of course, in managing your boss you should know her personal inclination, as well as your personal bias. If you are process oriented, you will tend to present issues in a systematic and orderly fashion, with pros and cons, chronology of tasks, etc.

If your boss is the action type, she could be bored. So in that case an executive summary, emphasizing the key actions and results would be a handy starting point.

10. Trust: Don't be sloppy in your documentation. It undermines trust.

By making the assumption that she will check what we write or say anyway, and that she will make changes, we sometimes tend to be sloppy in our writing. Tables are not finished, text is not re-read, places we are going to are not visited beforehand, spelling is not checked, and information is missing...

By not finalizing your facts, arguments, memos, spelling, supporting documents, etc., you can be sure some things will get changed, mistakes corrected. And soon you will be asked to show more facts and figures, and you will see more changes, more amendments. Soon all the delegation you had will be gone.

Conclusion

Better work between a boss and his subordinate is not just a matter of leadership. It also has to do with boss 'management', which can stimulate better performance, faster decision making and accomplishment of more … by both parties.

Five Rules of Style for the Business-Casual Workplace

2010-08-06T03:02:00.001+05:30

Dressing for work used to be pretty easy: a suit and tie for men, and a skirt suit or pantsuit for women. Then came casual Fridays and “Hawaiian shirt day.” Today’s business-casual workplace (where, according to Gallup, just 6 percent of American men bother to wear a necktie) would seem to be a world without rules.

Of course, there are rules, they’re just more subtle — which makes them even harder to follow. If you think a “jeans OK” dress code means that no one’s judging your appearance, think again. There’s a big difference between dark jeans with a belt and faded jeans that hang a little too low — and it could mean the difference between being taken seriously and being taken for granted. Here are five rules for making “business casual” work for you — not against you.

1. Give Details Their Due
As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Matt Eversmann, whose heroics inspired the book and movie Black Hawk Down, had to instill in his men unquestioned faith in his leadership. His first step? Making sure he always looked just a little better than they did. “It was always incumbent upon me to have my shoes better shined than any one of my subordinates would ever dream of,” says Eversmann, who is retired from the army and now runs Freeman-Phillips, an organizational development consulting firm. “For leaders and larger-than-life people we follow into battle, you have to look the part.”

Companies that understand this principle often send newly promoted managers to places like the Bixler Consulting Group for an extreme office makeover. The Atlanta-based company specializes in turning office schmucks into boardroom heavyweights.

Take Harry, for example: an extreme case who was sent to Bixler after a promotion put him just two steps below the company president. Harry’s unique “style” included a belt held together with duct tape, holes in his badly scuffed shoes, pattern balding combined with long and unruly hair, shirts that were yellowed and frayed, and a mustache that “gave him a negative appearance,” says senior consultant Shelley Hammell. With a new wardrobe, haircut, and clean shave, Harry was less of a liability when talking to the board of directors. What’s more, Hammel says, they paid attention to his words rather than his appearance.

2. Dress One Step Up
“If you want to know how to dress at work, look at the top,” says corporate style consultant Anthea Tolomei, whose clients range from buttoned-up Accenture to dressed-down employees from Google. While executives at your firm may be casual, you’re unlikely to see one of them in a Guitar Hero T-shirt (unless he’s Sergey Brin). More likely, the men will be in a collared shirt worn underneath a sport coat, blazer, or other low-key jacket. The women will probably wear slacks, designer jeans, or a skirt with a modest top and jacket.

But remember: it’s one step up, not two, advises Kristen Harper, of Wing Woman, a style consultancy. “If you’re working every day in a three-piece suit and everyone else is in jeans,” she says, “it’s going to give off a stuffy odor.” That said, Harper notes, “You can’t really overdress for an interview. If you’re dressed to the nines, all it should say to your prospective employer is that you’re taking it seriously.”

3. Know Business Casual from Weekend Casual
One of Tolomei’s favorite quotes comes from the late couturier Bill Blass: “Style is synonymous with the appropriate.” But with today’s lack of clearly defined standards, many people don’t know what’s appropriate when. Men may come in on Monday morning still in their weekend-warrior gear of cargo pants and Tevas. Women can err on the skimpy side, wearing outfits more suited to the beach than to the boardroom. On a recent hot day, Tolomei was stunned by the fashion choices at a consulting firm: “We had belly buttons showing. We had short-shorts. We had flip-flops. We had not-enough-fabric all over the place. I had to say, ‘Be careful—your clients could show up. The rules don’t change just because it’s 110 degrees outside.’”

Of course, there’s business casual and then there’s business casual. Bechtel’s casual Friday is going to look a bit dressier than, say, Yahoo’s. If you work in one of the more conservative business-casual environments, Tolomei offers a simple litmus test to tell at a glance if a garment is really work-worthy: the detergent test. If you wash it at home, it’s probably not business wear. If it’s professionally dry cleaned, however, it’s almost certainly appropriate for business. There are indeed exceptions, and Tolomei admits that they include jeans. One way to make a pair of jeans more businesslike, she says, is to take them to your dry cleaner once a month and have them pressed. The creases should hold through several machine washings.

“Remember: There’s the weekend you, and there’s the you that has to fit inside the rulebook, because you’re going to suffer if you don’t,” Tolomei warns. “People are going to raise eyebrows at you. Why test it? It’s only clothing.”

4. Temper Trends with Classics
One perk of the casual-dress workplace is the chance to ditch yawn-inducing business classics and embrace contemporary styles. But trendy clothing poses a problem in itself. If your look changes too often, you’ll appear as if you don’t know who you are. “Head-to-toe trend is real fickle,” says Tolomei, “and head-to-toe time-honored classic is real boring.” The trick is to find the right middle ground for you — depending on your workplace, age, and position. Tolomei suggests blending the classic with the contemporary. For men, that might mean wearing more daring shirts and a pair of hipper shoes. For women, it can translate to accenting a classic wardrobe with a few fashionable accessories. Take a Bixler Group client named Ida. She preferred loose, unstructured clothes to uptight suits, but the look diluted her authority. The consultants recommended tailored clothes with bolder colors instead of bland and muted shades, and helped her find a pair of glasses “with a little flair to them,” Hammell says.

The important thing, says Tolomei, is never to look dated. “It makes you look older and, more important, makes your credentials appear to have expired. People will assume that your philosophy is as dated as your clothes.”

5. Use Pictures to Shape Your Style
People naturally want to express themselves and their interests through what they wear. But in most business environments, even the more casual ones, it’s just not OK to show up in your favorite Rolling Stones T-shirt or square-dancing outfit. Being true to yourself in a business context means something else entirely. It’s not just about who you are but who, and what, you want to be.

What you should look for in a business-casual wardrobe, says Tolomei, is not an idiosyncratic or eccentric you but “an enhanced you.” She suggests forming a clear mental picture of what that person looks like. In her practice, she has all her clients clip or copy images of ensembles they like from magazines and books. This clarifies things greatly. Figuring out what you want to look like before going shopping can save time and money and help you achieve your stylistic goals. Bring your images with you to show the salesperson and say, “Something along these lines.” Just don’t expect to look like a Meryl Streep or Cary Grant after one shopping spree.

Customized Mini Motorcycle Computer Case

2010-08-06T02:57:00.002+05:30

We probably seen lots of custom-made chassis for computers, but most likely this one was ahead few laps to them, yes, its a mini race motorcycles turned into a computer case. What makes this casemod a little more special is that this a real functioning motorcycle who used to hit 70mph on streets was now turned into computer that is sure to hit new mileage in a different way as a powerful rig. How awesome and cool that TRON-like glow, we bet envy-eyes when you let this run on your home.

How far can this moto-computer can get you computing track, apparently with Intel Core i7 920 CPU planted on an ASUS PST motherboard alongside with EVGA 9800 GTX+ graphics card, 3GB of DDR3-1333 RAM, and 1TB of storage, this rig can get you more than when it used to run on streets.

The awesome power of Niagara Falls

2010-08-06T02:55:00.005+05:30

Even if you've never been here, you almost certainly can recognize Niagara Falls with just a glance. At once massive, majestic, awe-inspiring, and thunderously loud--not to mention the "wettest place on Earth"--this famous waterfall is also one of the largest power generators on the planet.

As part of Road Trip 2010, CNET reporter Daniel Terdiman crossed the Rainbow Bridge and took in the falls from the Canadian side. What he saw, and what millions of others see every year, is truly one of Earth's most impressive natural features and among the most productive.

Horseshoe Falls, which is seen here with steam rising high above it like an ash cloud from a volcano, is 170 feet high, 2,200 feet wide, and responsible for 90 percent of the flow of Niagara Falls. Between April and October each year, 100,000 cubic feet of water flow over Horseshoe Falls per second. During the rest of the year, the flow is about half that.

Its partner in crime, American Falls, is 180 feet tall but just 1,060 feet wide. It is responsible for the other 10 percent of the total flow.

Health and Physical Fitness

2010-07-30T23:17:00.001+05:30

Here are the top twenty time-tested healthy habits that have survived for centuries to increase the quantity and quality of our life.

1. Eat mostly plants.

(Have meat as a side dish instead of the main dish)

2. Put family first.

(Time with family is priceless)

3. Take a walk.

(Our legs are meant to move us, so move)

4. Drink a glass of red wine daily.

(It's been a practice for centuries, it must be good)

5. Reduce and manage stress.

(Stress kills, so avoid it or deal with it)

6. Have a purpose.

(Be excited when you wake up each morning)

7. Get outdoors.

(We came from nature, go back for a visit)

8. Be grateful.

(Appreciate what you got and you will get more)

9. Have fun.

(Do things that you enjoy)

10. Maintain a healthy body weight

(Move more, eat less)

11. Get regular exercise.

(Push and pull heavy things)

12. Love and laugh

(Preferably both at the same time)

13. Snack on nuts

(The most nutrient dense food in the world)

14. Give something back.

(If you want to get, you have to give)

15. Eat a large breakfast.

(Your mother was right...again)

16. Eat a medium lunch

(It's a lunch break, not a lunch buffet)

17. Eat a small dinner

(Enough eating already)

18. Drink plenty of water.

(It's the basis of all living things)

19. Sleep when it's dark.

(There is a reason why we can't see in the dark)

20. Learn new things.

(You live, you learn)

Facebook security fears after 'private details of 100m users leaked to web'

2010-07-30T04:08:00.003+05:30

The personal details of more than a fifth of Facebook’s estimated 500 million users have been “leaked” to the internet by campaigners highlighting its “terrifying” privacy fears.

The list, which has been published in a downloadable file, contains the URL of every searchable Facebook user’s profiles, their names and unique ID.

Campaigners warned the list, published on “Pirate Bay”, the world's biggest filesharing website, affected more than 100 million users on the social networking site.

On Wednesday, the list was rapidly spreading across the internet being distributed and downloaded by more than 1,000 users, the BBC reported. One user described the list as "awesome and a little terrifying".

But its publication provoked concern from privacy experts who said it proved Facebook’s “confusing” privacy settings were still apparent.

But the company defended its privacy settings and denied any “private data” had been made available or comprised, saying the information was already available.

Last week Facebook reached 500 million members – the equivalent of connecting with eight per cent of the world’s population. If it were a country, its 500 million members would make it the third-largest country in the world.

The list was “leaked” to the site by Ron Bowles, an online security consultant, who reportedly used a simple piece of code to collect the data from the site.

He told the broadcaster that he published the data to highlight privacy issues.

Simon Davies, of Privacy International, a campaign group, said:"Facebook should have anticipated this attack and put measures in place to prevent it," he said.

"It is inconceivable that a firm with hundreds of engineers couldn't have imagined a trawl of this magnitude and there's an argument to be heard that Facebook have acted with negligence.”

He added: "This highlights the argument for a higher level of privacy and proves the case for default nondisclosure.

"There are going to be a lot of angry and concerned people right now who be wondering who has their data and what they should do."

In a statement to the BBC, Facebook said the list’s information was already freely available online.

"People who use Facebook own their information and have the right to share only what they want, with whom they want, and when they want," a spokesman said.

"In this case, information that people have agreed to make public was collected by a single researcher and already exists in Google, Bing, other search engines, as well as on Facebook.

"No private data is available or has been compromised.”

He added: “It is similar to the white pages of the phone book, this is the information available to enable people to find each other, which is the reason people join Facebook.

"If someone does not want to be found, we also offer a number of controls to enable people not to appear in search on Facebook, in search engines, or share any information with applications."

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and chief executive, has said he believes the company has got its privacy settings right “on the whole”.

The site recently faced a storm of international protest over its over-complicated privacy settings, which users said led them unwittingly to make personal information public.

It forced the social networking site to announced last month that it would “drastically simplify” the controls that let users set how much of their personal information is visible to other users.

5 things to avoid when wanting the 'ex' back

2010-07-23T01:00:00.001+05:30

Trying to get back with your ex-lover and wondering why s/he is keeping a distance? We list out some mistakes you may be making

Ok, so you’re still passionately in love with your ex even though you’ll have decided to end things. And despite all your efforts to get him or her back into your life, it feels like you’re pushing them further away? You may just be making some of the classic ‘getting back’ errors.

Here are five things you should avoid doing:

1. Beg to be taken back:
Pleading for another chance is not going to earn you any brownie points, we can assure you. Incase your ex is still carrying a grudge against something that you may have said or done, excessive begging is only going to irritate him/her even further. We must warn you here that calling or messaging excessively, keeping a tab on the other persons moves, turning up at the most unexpected places and making a scene to be taken back and making everyone know that you want to get back is not going to help your cause in any way. Instead, your ex will actually start looking for ways and means to keep away from you and that’s not something your want happening.

2. Apologise profusely for everything :
Saying sorry for the mistakes that you’ve made is a good way to start making amends. But do not go overboard. Taking all the blame on yourself and profusely apologising for anything and everything may be mis-interpreted as a sign of weakness — that you are willing to go to any extent whatsoever. Hence, incase an apology is called for, give a heartfelt one and keep it short and to the point. Do not go on whining about the same thing for days on end, more than helping you patch up, it may end up irritating the other person even more. Instead, once you’re done apologising, take time out to remember the good times you’ve spent together.

3. Try to convince them that you are the love of their life :
Okay you were once the most-talked-about couple, but remember, you have broken up. S/he may have met or may be getting close to someone else. Calling up your ex-flame constantly and desperately trying to convince them that you, and only you, are the love of their life may make him/her resent you even further. What you need to do instead is talk and explore all the possibilities of getting back together. Discuss what it is that you loved about each other and what were the irritating habits.

4. Try to get them to see that it ‘wasn’t really your fault’ :
Unless it’s a mutual decision, when a relationship breaks up, there’s always one person who takes the rap for it. Ironically, in some cases, it may not even be that person’s fault. Sounds familiar? If the answer is yes and if you are making all efforts to get your ex-lover to see the reality and s/he refuses to, stop right there. As mentioned earlier, instead of making him/her see reason, you may end up angering them even more.

5. Promise to change (what he/she didn’t like about you) for good :
Unless you promise to break a bad habit, be aware and careful about what you’re promising your ex that you are going to change about yourself. Change is not easy and keeping a promise, especially when you’re trying to get back in a relationship, can be a tough commitment. If broken, it could indeed spell the end of your efforts.

10 Reasons Women Need Their Girlfriends

2010-07-22T04:37:00.003+05:30

Every woman has done it, and every woman has had it done to her—the minute you start a new relationship, your girlfriends are pushed to the back burner. But no matter how wonderful the man, it's unlikely he'll ever replace that much-needed time with friends, whether it's bonding over the season finale of The Bachelorette or a heart-to-heart over coffee. After all, says Carmen Renee Berry, MSW, coauthor of Girlfriends: Invisible Bonds, Enduring Ties, women (much like men) speak their own language. But more than that, our girlfriends are the family we choose for ourselves. Below, a few reasons—some silly, some serious—why we'll always need one another.

1. Shopping
If you want to share the experience of shopping with someone, says Berry, rather than have someone follow you around, bring a girlfriend. Plus, no matter how wonderful your partner is, he will never grasp why the choice between red alligator and red patent leather pumps is oh-so-important. Photo by Shutterstock.

2. Group Therapy
Whatever issue you're facing (relationship, work, general breakdown), there's no better fix than the unique perspectives of your friends. Plus, Berry says, "You don't have to explain much for a group of girlfriends to know exactly what you mean." Photo by Shutterstock.

3. Bethenny Getting Married—or Any Reality TV Show
No matter how hard we try to change their minds, men have long deemed our guilty pleasure intolerable. But that's OK. Your man doesn't have to have all the same interests as you. Instead, use it as the perfect excuse to get together with your friends on a regular basis. Photo by iStockphoto.

4. Girls Night Out (or In)
Whatever the evening's events, sometimes even just the pre-party can ignite the insightful, rejuvenating conversation you didn't even know you longed for. Plus, just being in the presence of a group of people who love, support and complement you can give you a sense of playful freedom, often bringing out a side of you that you forgot was there. Photo by Shutterstock.

5. Venting
Boys will be boys, and sometimes their can't-read-your-mind responses prompt the need to commiserate. On the other hand, sometimes they deserve a round of applause—and nothing serves as a better reminder of how lucky in love you are than a sigh from your girlfriends as you recap his most recent romantic gesture. Photo by Shutterstock.

6. Sex and Body Talk
You may have a question your boyfriend or husband wouldn't know the answer to, Berry explains. Not to mention, somewhere deep inside, you want your love interest to continue seeing you as the goddess he did when you first met, which might make discussing your most recent yeast infection a bad idea. Photo by Shutterstock.

7. Dance Therapy
When there's no holding back, dancing takes on a whole new realm of possibilities. And, while there are plenty of perks to getting down with a group of super-fun guys, there's nothing like getting your groove on with ladies who won't care how sweaty you've gotten by the end of the night. Photo by Shutterstock.

8. For the Truth…When Nobody Else Will Give It to You
Ultimately you want friends who make you feel good about yourself, but it's nice to be able to ask a question and receive an honest response—whether it’s regarding those unflattering low-rise pants or that boy who will never fit in with your family. But Berry warns, "The point of constructive criticism is to improve the life of your girlfriend—not to be a ruse for trying to make her change." Photo by B2M Productions/Getty Images.

9. Because They Can Relate To You
You need people who, for better or worse, have been through what you've been through. After all, wisdom derives from experience. But either way, ladies tend to listen, explains Berry, while men feel the need to solve a problem. When her garbage disposal broke, Berry says, "My girlfriend listened while I lamented, and I felt much better; my male friend showed up at my door with a new garbage disposal, which he promptly installed." Photo by iStockphoto.

10. To Be a Better Girlfriend
It’s important to do things separately—whether vacations, dinners, etc.—because you'll be a better woman, girlfriend or wife for it. A woman with her own network of friends will naturally be less codependent on her partner, which helps nurture a positive relationship. Plus, it's unrealistic to expect to get everything you need from one person all the time, explains Berry. Photo by Shutterstock.

Ten Smartest Tips to a Successful Life

2010-06-22T00:47:00.001+05:30

These top 10 hints are a refresher course and work as well for starting your own business as they do for living a life in a soul-filled and valued way. Read, printout, activate and enjoy!

1. PURSUE THE DREAM IN YOUR HEART. Without something to strive for, helplessness and hopelessness become your compass. God gave you a dream. Remember it and go for it.

2. CREATE NEW WAYS TO GENERATE POSITIVE ENERGY. Stop waiting for others to make you happy or give you permission to follow your dream. The dream is yours and it's your Life's Work to bring it into reality.

3. KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY. These are your values. As Malcolm X said, "If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." In the book, DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE'S WORK - HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS, readers learn that what they believe in becomes their Life Works.

4. WHERE YOU ARE TODAY IS FOUNDED IN THE CHOICES YOU MADE YESTERDAY. It's simple. If you don't like the life you have today, make different choices.

5. BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE MORE THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. What kind of life would you have if you found and made use of all your potential? Believe author Bo Bennett when he says, "everyday people settle for less than they deserve. They are only partially living, or at best, living a partial life. Every human being has the potential for greatness."

6. NURTURE YOURSELF AS THE PRECIOUS CHILD OF SPIRIT THAT YOU ARE. This means honoring the body mind and spirit you were given as well as eating well, exercising, sleeping well and keeping a positive mental attitude. It also means taking a luxurious bubble bath and catnap once in a while.

7. SEEK THE LESSONS OF LIFE HIDDEN IN EVERY MOMENT. This is the development of wisdom. Without it you'll find that you keep making the same mistakes over and over and wonder why nothing has changed. Every interaction holds a lesson for the evolution of your soul. Learn the lesson and move on.

8. CELEBRATE AND USE YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS OF SKILLS, VALUES & INTERESTS. If you want to discover and achieve your Life's Work and a successful life, you must first uncover the unique gifts God gave you to work with and then develop them into a business and lifestyle.

9. VIEW CONFUSION AS A CLUE THAT YOU ARE TEMPORARILY ON THE WRONG LIFE PATH. "In the greatest confusion there is still an open channel to the soul. It may be difficult to find because by midlife it is overgrown..." Saul Bellow. Your job is to go within and redirect yourself back onto your unique path.

10. CHERISH YOUR LIFE & EACH BREATH YOU TAKE. A person lost in resentment will never achieve his or her Life's Work. Forgive, let it go and achieve the dream God put in your heart.

If you are thinking of starting your own business, or jump starting the one you already have, post these 10 tips to a successful life and live them everyday. Pass them forward and share your gifts with others. One person can make a difference in the quality of life, and you are just such a person.

Nine Tips for Healthy Hair

2010-06-19T02:37:00.001+05:30

No matter what type of hair nature blessed you with, there are things you can do to keep it healthy, lustrous, looking its best. Here are some tips for a healthy head of hair from the tradition of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year old healing tradition that originated in India:

1.Like everything else about true, lasting beauty, healthy hair begins within your body. Start with your diet. Include lots of green leafy vegetables and sweet juicy fruits. Dairy products such as milk and fresh yogurt will also help. Fresh coconut is also considered excellent "hair food" - sprinkle grated coconut over salads, diced fresh fruit, or rice.

2.Cut down on refined, processed and canned foods. Ayurveda considers foods with artificial preservatives and chemical additives stripped of their inherent "intelligence" and therefore not helpful in supplying nutrition to your body and mind. Ice-cold beverages also hamper the process of digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

3.Cooking with certain spices adds flavor to your food and provides nourishment for your hair. Cumin, turmeric and black pepper are some "hair-friendly" spices. Add a healthy pinch of each to single-portion soups and stews as they are cooking. Saut - 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon each of the three spices in a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil and add to cooked veggies. Roasted ground cumin and ground black pepper can be sprinkled over fresh yogurt.

4.Stress can be seriously injurious to long-term health and color of hair. Try and manage your time and tasks to minimize time-related pressures. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation. Seek out tranquil sights in nature to help restore balance to your mind. Relaxing or uplifting music can be therapeutic. Get adequate, good quality sleep to help the natural process of rejuvenation.

5.Ayurvedic herbs that help hair health include Eclipta alba and Gotu Kola. Eclipta alba is called "Bhringaraj" - literally, king of tresses. It nourishes the hair and helps resistance to stress as well. Brahmi, sometimes called Gotu Kola, also helps balance the mind and nourishes the hair and scalp. Since Ayurveda considers the health, color and luster of hair so dependent on overall mind/body health, synergistic Ayurvedic herbal preparations for hair can also include herbs such as Country Mallow, which is supposed to strengthen the physiology, and Winter Cherry, which aids resistance to stress.

6.Stay away from harsh chemical topical products that can damage hair over time. Look for gentle, natural cleansers and conditioners, especially if you wash your hair more than three times a week. Shampoos and conditioners that contain nourishing botanicals are even better. Read labels carefully - sometimes, products that say "herbal" or "natural" can include no-no chemicals.

7.A warm oil scalp massage two or three times a week will help stimulate and moisturize the scalp. You can use good quality coconut, almond or olive oil Ayurvedic hair oils also contain some of the herbs mentioned earlier. Apply some mildly warmed oil to your hair and gently massage into your scalp evenly with your fingertips. Leave on overnight if you can, if not, leave on for at least an hour or two, then get it out by shampooing your hair. The scalp massage helps you relax and aids sound sleep as well.

8.Never attack wet hair with a brush, no matter how rushed for time you are. Tangles in wet hair are best removed with a wide-toothed comb. Use a wooden comb if you can find one; it won't generate static electricity. Excessive blow-drying can damage hair in the long-term, making it brittle and causing split ends. If you can, let your hair dry naturally, then brush into place.

9.Last, but not least, brushing your hair regularly to stimulate the scalp will keep it looking healthy and lustrous. Brush each night in all directions in turn - left to right, right to left, front to back and back to front Use smooth long strokes from scalp to hair-tips.
Your hair can indeed be your crowning glory if you treat it right!

How to Build Muscle Fast

2010-06-19T02:34:00.001+05:30

You have to give special attention and effort to finish any task and bodybuilding is no different. To build your muscles, you should follow a special routine and diet. Without relevant determination, commitment and information, muscle building cannot be achieved within few days. As it takes considerable time frame, the person's patience is of paramount importance, as being impatient can spoil the exercise agenda as well as the dietary system.

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Brooke Greenberg - Girl frozen in time may hold key to ageing

2010-06-19T02:31:00.001+05:30

Brooke Greenberg (born January 8, 1993), is a now 17 year old girl from Reisterstown, Maryland, who has remained physically and cognitively similar to a toddler, despite her increasing age. She is about 30 inches (76 cm) tall, weighs about 16 pounds (7.3 kg), and has an estimated mental age of 9 months to 1 year.
Brooke's doctors have termed her condition Syndrome X.
American scientists are keenly studying the DNA of a 17-year-old girl who still has the body and behaviour of a baby

Brooke - 17 years (left) and sister Carly - 14 years (right)
Scientists are hoping to gain new insights into the mysteries of ageing by sequencing the genome of a 17-year-old girl who has the body and behaviour of a tiny toddler.

Brooke Greenberg is old enough to drive a car and next year will be old enough to vote — but at 16lb in weight and just 30in tall, she is still the size of a one-year-old.

Until recently she had been regarded as a medical oddity but a preliminary study of her DNA has suggested her failure to grow could be linked to defects in the genes that make the rest of humanity grow old.

If confirmed, the research could give scientists a fresh understanding of ageing and even suggest new therapies for diseases linked to old age.

“We think that Brooke’s condition presents us with a unique opportunity to understand the process of ageing,” said Richard Walker, a professor at the University of South Florida School of Medicine, who is leading the research team.

“We think that she has a mutation in the genes that control her ageing and development so that she appears to have been frozen in time.

“If we can compare her genome to the normal version then we might be able to find those genes and see exactly what they do and how to control them.”

Such research will be the focus of a conference at the Royal Society in London this week to be attended by some of the world’s leading age researchers.

It follows a series of scientific breakthroughs showing that the life span of many animals can be dramatically extended by making minute changes in single genes.

The work began with tiny worms known as C elegans, which normally live for only about a fortnight. Researchers have been able to extend their life span by up to 10 weeks by making small changes in certain genes.

Scientists have gone on to discover that mutating the same genes in mice had the same effect.

“Mice are genetically very close to humans,” said Cynthia Kenyon, professor of biochemistry at the University of California, San Francisco, who is a key speaker at the Royal Society.

“The implication is that ageing is controlled by a relatively small number of genes and that we might be able to target these with new therapies that would improve the quality and length of human life.”

The laboratory findings have been supported by research into humans, focusing on families whose members are long-lived. In one recent study Eline Slagboom, professor of molecular epidemiology at Leiden University, Holland, collected data on 30,500 people in 500 long-lived families to find the metabolic and genetic factors that make them special.

“Such people simply age slower than the rest of us,” she said. “Their skin is better, they have less risk of diseases of old age like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension and their ability to metabolise lipids and other nutrients is better. The question is: what is controlling all these different manifestations of slow ageing?

“So far, the evidence suggests that there could be just a few key genes in charge of it all. If we can find out where they are and how they work, it opens the way to new therapies against the diseases of ageing that could work in all of us.”

Walker and other researchers, including Kenyon, believe that finding the cause of Brooke Greenberg’s condition could be one way to pinpoint some of those genes.

Superficially, Brooke, who lives with her parents Howard and Melanie Greenberg and her three sisters in Reisterstown, a Baltimore suburb, is frozen in time. She looks and acts as if she were a small toddler — for 17 years her family has changed her nappies, rocked her to sleep and given her cuddles.

Brooke has shown some development, including crawling, smiling and giggling when tickled but she has never learnt to speak and still has her infant teeth.

But she has also suffered a succession of life-threatening health problems, including strokes, seizures, ulcers and breathing difficulties — almost as if she were growing old despite not growing up.

Howard Greenberg, Brooke's father, said he wanted the genome research carried out in the hope it might help others.

He said: "Brooke is just a wonderful child. She is very pure. She still babbles just like a 6 month old baby but she still communicates and we always know just what she means."

Walker and his colleagues, who are working with Brooke’s parents to ensure she benefits from any research findings, have just published a research paper which suggests that in reality some parts of her body have indeed aged — but slowly and all at different rates.

“Our hypothesis is that she is suffering from damage in the gene or genes that co-ordinate the way the body develops and ages,” he said.

“If we can use her DNA to find that mutant gene then we can test it in laboratory animals to see if we can switch if off and slow down the ageing process at will.

“Just possibly it could give us an opportunity to answer the question of why we are mortal.”

Rahul Dravid - The Wall

2010-03-11T01:22:00.004+05:30

Welcome to Rahul Dravid biography section of our site. Here you will get personal and professional Rahul Dravid profile, Rahul Dravid height, career, trivia and a deep insight into profile and biography of Rahul Dravid. Batting experts say that Rahul Dravid height is just the perfect for a batsman. Due to Rahul Dravid height, he has managed to pull the fast bowlers well; also, he is able to cope with a rising delivery with much ease than other batsmen.

Dravid is a modern-day cricketing legend. Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2000 and the latest member of the 10,000 run club, Dravid’s brilliance has steered him to some amazing feats in the cricket world. He is the only batsman in Test history to score a century in every Test-playing nation in the world, the only Indian to score five double hundreds in Tests (three of them in the same season - 2003-04), the only Indian to score three Test double hundreds on foreign soil and the only Indian to score hundreds in four consecutive Test innings. Having played over 100 Tests and more than 300 ODIs, Dravid is ready game for yet another battle - the IPL Twenty-20 Championship.

Complete Rahul Dravid biography:

Born: January 11 1973
Birthplace: Indore , Madhya Pradesh
Nickname: ‘Jammy’ “The Wall’
Father Name: Sharad Dravid
Mother Name: Pushpa Dravid
Spouse: Vijeta Pendharkar
Education: Bangalore , Karnataka
Rahul Dravid height : 5 ft 11 in
Major teams: India , Scotland , ACC Asian XI, Bangalore Royal Challengers, ICC World XI, Karnataka , Kent.
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm off-break
Fielding: Slip, Occasional Wicketkeeper

Rahul Dravid profile: Rahul Dravid profile has changed over the years. He has done from opening the innings to wicket-keeping, bowling South Africa with his bowling to make India win 18 consecutive One Day internationals while chasing, under his captaincy. He started his international cricketing career back in 1996, against England at Lord’s. Biography of Rahul Dravid involves many roles played by Rahul Dravid. Dravid has splendidly mixed class of traditional batting with modern demands of cricket. Rahul Dravid biography begins with his debut against England back in 1996. Rahul Dravid profile in One Day internationals starts with his debut against Sri Lanka in 1996 in Singer Cup, in Sri Lanka . Though, he failed in that match but whole biography of Rahul Dravid tells that he is indeed a class act. Two things, which are an indispensable part of Rahul Dravid biography is that memorable partnership with VVS Laxman against Australia in second Test, in Kolkata in the year 2001. It was one of the most memorable events of Rahul’s career and Rahul Dravid profile. Other than being an inseparable part of Rahul Dravid biography, it was the greatest comeback for any team after being asked to follow on their innings in a Test match. After this innings of 180, Rahul Dravid height in world cricket rose to new heights.

One more thing for which biography of Rahul Dravid becomes special is his tremendous record in chasing down a total in ODIs. Under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, India won 18 consecutive ODIs while chasing a total to make a new World Record.

Sachin Tendulkar

2010-03-11T01:07:00.002+05:30

Name: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (AKA: SR. Tendulkar)
Nick Name: The Master Blaster, The Little Champion, The Bombay Bomber
DOB: 24-04-1973
Test Debut: Pakistan at Karachi, 1st Test, 1989/90
ODI Debut: Pakistan at Gujranwala,
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Off Break, Leg Break, Right Arm Medium, Leg Break Googly

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (born 24 April 1973) is an Indian cricketer. He holds several batting records, including the most Test centuries and the most one-day international centuries, and was rated in 2002 by Wisden as the second greatest Test batsman ever, after Sir Don Bradman. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour, for 1997-1998, and the civilian award Padma Shri in 1999. Tendulkar was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997. Early daysBorn in Mumbai (then Bombay) into a middle-class family.
Sachin Tendulkar was named after his family’s favourite music director Sachin Dev Burman.
He went to Sharadashram Vidyamandir School where he started his cricketing career under coach Ramakant Achrekar. While at school, he was involved in a mammoth 664 run partnership in a Harris Shield game with friend and team mate Vinod Kambli. In 1988/1989, he scored 100 not-out in his first first-class match, for Bombay against Gujarat. At 15 years and 232 days he was the youngest to score a century on debut. International career Sachin played his first international match against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989, facing the likes of Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Abdul Qadir, and Waqar Younis. He made just 15 runs, being bowled by Waqar Younis, who also made his debut in that match. It was an inauspicious start, but Tendulkar followed it up with his maiden Test fifty a few days later at Faisalabad. His One-day International (ODI) debut on December 18 was equally disappointing, where he was dismissed without scoring a run, again by Waqar Younis. The series was followed by a non-descript tour of New Zealand in which he fell for 88 in a Test match, John Wright, who would later coach India, pouching the catch that prevented Tendulkar from becoming the youngest centurion in Test cricket. The long anticipated maiden Test century came in England’s tour in 1990 but the other scores were not remarkable. Tendulkar truly came into his own in the 1991-1992 tour of Australia that included a brilliant century on the fast and bouncy track at Perth. He has been Man of the Match 11 times in Test matches and Man of the Series twice, both times in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
His first ODI century came on September 9, 1994 against Australia in Sri Lanka at Colombo. It had taken Tendulkar 79 ODIs to score a century.Sachin Tendulkar is the only player to score a century while making his Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy debut.

Wisden named Tendulkar one of the Cricketers of the Year in 1997, the first calendar year in which he scored 1,000 Test runs. He repeated the feat in 1999, 2001, and 2002.

Tendulkar also holds the record for scoring 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year. He has done it six times - 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003. In 1998 he made 1,894 ODI runs, still the record for ODI runs by any batsman in any given calendar year.

While not a regular bowler, Tendulkar has 37 wickets in 132 tests.

Highlights of Tendulkar’s Test career include:

Rated as the second best batsman of all time (next to Don Bradman) by Wisden.
Highest number of Test centuries (35), overtaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record (34) on 10 December 2005 vs Sri Lanka in Delhi.
Played in the highest number of Cricket Grounds - he has played Test Cricket on 52 different grounds, ahead of Azharuddin (48), Kapil Dev (47), Inzamam-ul-Haq (46) and Wasim Akram (45).
He is the fastest to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket history. He holds this record along with Brian Lara. Both of them achieved this feat in 195 innings.
4th highest tally of runs in Test cricket (10,323)
Career Average 55.79 - Has the highest average among those who have scored over 10,000 Test runs
Second Indian to make over 10,000 runs in Test matches.
Has 37 Test wickets (14 Dec 2005)
Second fastest player to reach 9000 runs (Brian Lara made 9000 in 177 innings, Sachin in 179.)
Highlights of Tendulkar’s ODI career include:

Played more matches than any other cricketer
Most Man of the Match (50) awards
Appeared on the most grounds (89 different grounds)
Most runs (14,146 as of 15th February, 2006)
Most centuries (39)
Most centuries vs. Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
First cricketer to cross 10,000-run mark in ODIs
Only cricketer to cross 14,000-run mark in ODIs
Only player to have over 100 innings of 50+ runs as of February, 2006
Over 100 wickets (141 as of 15th February, 2006)
Highest batting average among batsmen with over 10,000 ODI runs (as of March 17, 2006)
Highest individual score among Indian batsmen (186* against New Zealand at Hyderabad in 1999)
Holds the record for scoring 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year. He has done it six times - 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003.
In 1998 he made 1,894 ODI runs, still the record for ODI runs by any batsman in any given calendar year.
In 1998 he hit 9 ODI centuries, the highest by any player in an year.
World Cup
Most runs (1732 at an average of 59.72) in World Cup Cricket History.
Player Of The Tournament in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
673 runs in 2003 World Cup, highest by any one in a single Cricket World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar, a renowned professional Indian batsman, was born on April 24, 1973 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is the son of Ramesh Tendulkar, a Marathi novelist, and has two brothers, Ajit, Nitin and a sister, Savitai. He was inspired by his brother Ajit to become a cricketer. He married Anjali in 1995 and they have a daughter, Sara and a son, Arjun. He is ambidextrous because he uses his right hand for batting, bowling and throwing, but writes with his left hand. Sachin Tendulkar is well known for his unique punch style of hitting and his picture-perfect straight drive that made him earn comparisons to Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman of all time. He is popularly known as “Little Master”, “Master Blaster”, “Maestro” and “Tendlya” in the cricket world.

Sachin Tendulkar attended the Sharadashram Vidyamandir high school, where he started off his career in cricket with the help of Ramakant Achrekar, his coach and mentor. While studying, he went to the MRF Pace Foundation to be trained as a fast bowler by Dennis Lillee, a former Australian cricketer, who redirected his aim from becoming a fast bowler to batsman. Sachin Tendulkar had an exceptional season in 1988 when he scored a century in all the innings he played. In 1988, he, along with Vinod Kambli, his friend and team mate, set up an unbeaten 644-run partnership, at a Lord Harris Shield inter-school game, which remained as a record partnership in any form of cricket till 2006. In 1988-1989, at the age of 15, he scored 100 not-out in his debut first-class match for Mumbai against Gujarat. His first double century was for Mumbai playing against the visiting Australian team at the Brabourne Stadium in 1998. Sachin Tendulkar is the only player to score a century in all three of his Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy debuts.

Sachin Tendulkar played his first international Test match against Pakistan in Karachi on November15, 1989 and in August 1990, he made his first Test century in a match against England at Old Trafford. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2007-08, Sachin Tendulkar showed exceptional form, becoming the leading run scorer with 493 runs in four Tests. As of 2008, he has featured in 150 Test matches and has secured 11,877 runs becoming the second highest run scorer. In his Test career, Sachin Tendulkar has been named the Man of the Match eleven times and the Man of the Series four times.

Sachin Tendulkar made his One Day International (ODI) debut on December 18, 1989 against Pakistan and has played 417 ODIs. He has performed well in almost all Cricket World Cups and was the highest run scorer at the 1996 and the 2003 Cricket World Cup. In ODIs, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for scoring more than 1000 runs in a calendar year for seven times, that includes a year in which he scored 1894 runs from ODIs, which is the record for the highest number of runs scored by any player. In the One-Day International Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series involving Sri Lanka and Australia, he became the first and only batsman to complete 16,000 runs in ODIs. As of 2008, Sachin Tendulkar has made 16,361 runs from the ODI matches making him the most prolific run scorer in the ODIs.

In 1996, Sachin Tendulkar took over as the captain of the Indian cricket team and served as a captain for two terms. He gives constant suggestions and building strategies to the Indian captain and still remains a fundamental part of the Indian team. Sachin Tendulkar is ranked by the objective scoring method of the Wisden 100 as the second best test batsman and best ODI batsman of all time and also holds the record of securing the highest number of centuries in Test (39) and ODI cricket (42). He is also one of the few players who are still playing international cricket from the 1980s.

Sachin Tendulkar was bought as the icon and most expensive player for the Mumbai Indians team at the 2008 Indian Premier League (IPL) for US$1,121,250. He was the captain of the Mumbai Indians team and featured in seven matches, scoring 188 runs, his highest being 65.

In recognition to his contribution to the field of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar was conferred with the Arjuna Award, by the Government of India in 1994. He was named as the 1997 Wisden Cricketer of the Year and was also the recipient of the 1997-98 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest honour given for achievement in sports. In 1999, Sachin Tendulkar was awarded with Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award and was named as the Player of the tournament at the 2003 Cricket World Cup. He was also named in the ICC World ODI XI for two years, 2004 and 2007 and in September 2007 Sachin Tendulkar secured the first place in the list of 50 greatest cricketers by Shane Warne, a former international Australian cricketer. In 2008, he was presented with Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award and was suggested for an honorary knighthood by Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister.

How to Start Being a Good Employee

2010-02-13T00:54:00.000+05:30

You’ve sent a thousand copies of your resumé for the past months and finally it has paid off. You’ve been hired for a kick-ass job, and you’re dying to show everyone just how amazing you are at work. Well, there’s only one way to do it and that is to do it. Sure, you have your high grades, but when it comes to the office, your transcript is the least of the requirements. Learn the basics and be the next employee of the month!

1. Know your job description. What were you hired for? What are the tasks and responsibilities given to you by the person who hired you? What does your boss expect from you? Know the answers to these simple questions and you will grasp the full essence of your job. Some people are unable to do their jobs very well because they don’t really know what they’re doing. If you are hired as a sales person then it means you are expected to be highly capable in selling your products. If you are hired as a customer service representative then it means you should be able to assist your clients satisfactorily. Knowing your basic responsibilities will help you achieve your goals in your job.

2. Be professional. You always hear it, and everyone in the office says it. But what does it really mean? It simply means you have to do your job…regardless! Sometimes your work can be too exhausting, sometimes scenes in the office can be emotional like when your boss shouts at you, and sometimes days can just be traumatic for some reason. But whatever happens, the most important thing is to remember that other thing you always hear from other people: Nothing personal.

3. Be optimistic. The office is not the place to be all shy and unsure of oneself. Be confident and help your team perform to its full potential by being supportive and optimistic. Determine your targets and work hard to achieve them instead of complaining that there’s just so much to do. Your pessimism might affect your team’s over-all effectiveness.

4. Be Miss/Mister Congeniality. Try to be a generally happy person. A more cheerful mood will make you more approachable so your officemates will come to you without hesitation. You will be more likable if you are always in good spirits. People will want to be around you and you can get along with everyone.

On top of it all, the most important thing to remember is always learn from your mistakes. Even the most efficient worker has made mistakes in the past; but what’s important is never to repeat the same mistake twice.

Top 5 Tips to Retain Good Employees

2010-02-13T00:50:00.001+05:30

Valued employees leave the company for many reasons. They may leave the job because of higher pay else where but more often than not the push factors within the company compel them to leave for greener pasture. They are no longer happy to work in the same company. Here are some of the reasons:

• Lack of appreciation for excellent performance: Top performers, like any other staff, need a pat on their shoulders from time to time to keep them motivated.

• Insufficient meaningful and challenging work: The work may not be as varied and interesting as expected. Moreover there isn't enough work and responsibility to keep them meaningfully occupied.

• Little autonomy: Every now and then they have to refer to you to get a job done. It frustrates and demoralizes them to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

• Limited career advancement: Positions at the top are limited or virtually nonexistent.

• Poor communication: Top performers are result oriented. They want to know the visions and goals of the company. They may leave when the future outlook of the company is blur.

Her are the top tips to retain valued people:

1. Create opportunities for them to excel and develop.

2. Appreciate and reward more of top performers.

3. Allow good people to make their own decisions and encourage them to take on more initiative.

4. Create rooms at the top for top performers.

5. Open up more communication channels.

It is a good practice to do exit interview. When someone leaves the company there is always a reason. Find out why.

10 tips to improve the way you speak English

2010-02-12T01:43:00.001+05:30

i. Observe the mouth movements of those who speak
English well and try to imitate them.

When you are watching television, observe the mouth
movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are
saying, while imitating the intonation and rhythm of
their speech.

ii. Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm
of English, slow your speech down.

If you speak too quickly, and with the wrong
intonation and rhythm, native speakers will have a
hard time understanding you.

Don't worry about your listener getting impatient with
your slow speech -- it is more important that
everything you say be understood.

iii. Listen to the 'music' of English.

Do not use the 'music' of your native language when
you speak English. Each language has its own way of
'singing'.

iv. Use the dictionary.

Try and familiarise yourself with the phonetic symbols
of your dictionary. Look up the correct pronunciation
of words that are hard for you to say.

v. Make a list of frequently used words that you find
difficult to pronounce and ask someone who speaks the
language well to pronounce them for you.

Record these words, listen to them and practice saying
them. Listen and read at the same time.

vi. Buy books on tape.

Record yourself reading some sections of the book.
Compare the sound of your English with that of the
person reading the book on the tape.

vii. Pronounce the ending of each word.

Pay special attention to 'S' and 'ED' endings. This
will help you strengthen the mouth muscles that you
use when you speak English.

viii. Read aloud in English for 15-20 minutes every
day.

Research has shown it takes about three months of
daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for
speaking a new language.

ix. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation
mistakes.

Many people hate to hear the sound of their voice and
avoid listening to themselves speak. However, this is
a very important exercise because doing it will help
you become conscious of the mistakes you are making.

x. Be patient.

You can change the way you speak but it won't happen
overnight. People often expect instant results and
give up too soon. You can change the way you sound if
you are willing to put some effort into it.

Fast Facts on the Bible

2010-02-11T03:39:00.002+05:30

The Bible Is Our Standard

1. How many books are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books, divided among the Old and New Testaments.

2. How many books are in the Old Testament?
There are 39 books in the Old Testament.

3. How many books are in the New Testament?
There are 27 books in the New Testament.

4. What does "testament" mean?
Testament means "covenant" or "contract."

5. Who wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by over 40 different authors from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, tent-makers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings. Despite these differences in occupation and the span of years it took to write it, the Bible is an extremely cohesive and unified book.

6. Which single author contributed the most books to the Old Testament?
Moses. He wrote the first five books of the Bible, referred to as the Pentateuch; the foundation of the Bible.

7. Which single author contributed the most books to the New Testament?
The Apostle Paul, who wrote 14 books (over half) of the New Testament.

8. When was the Bible written?
It was written over a period of some 1,500 years, from around 1450 B.C. (the time of Moses) to about 100 A.D. (following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ).

9. What is the oldest book in the Old Testament?
Many scholars agree that Job is the oldest book in the Bible, written by an unknown Israelite about 1500 B.C. Others hold that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) are the oldest books in the Bible, written between 1446 and 1406 B.C.

10. What is the youngest book in the Old Testament?
The book of Malachi, written about 400 B.C.

11. What is the oldest book of the New Testament?
Probably the book of James, written as early as A.D. 45.

12. What is the youngest book in the New Testament?
The Book of Revelation is the youngest book of the New Testament, written about 95 A.D.

13. What languages was the Bible written in?
The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.

14. When was the Bible canonized?
The entire New Testament as we know it today, was canonized before the year 375 A.D. The Old Testament had previously been canonized long before the advent of Christ.

15. What does "canon" mean?
"Canon" is derived front the Greek word "Kanon," signifying a measuring rod. Thus, to have the Bible "canonized" meant that it had been measured by the standard or test of divine inspiration and authority. It became the collection of books or writings accepted by the apostles and leadership of the early Christian church as a basis for Christian belief. It is the standard by which all Christians throughout the ages live and worship.

16. When was the first translation of the Bible made into English?
1382 A.D., by John Wycliffe.

17. When was the Bible printed?
The Bible was printed in 1454 A.D. by Johannes Gutenberg who invented the "type mold" for the printing press. It was the first book ever printed.

18. What is the oldest almost-complete manuscript of the Bible now in existence?
The Codex Vaticanus, which dates from the first half of the fourth Century. It is located in the library of the Vatican in Rome. There are older fragments of the Bible that are still preserved however-- the oldest being a tiny scrap of the Gospel of John was found in Egypt, dating back to the beginning of the second century. (It is currently in the Rayland's Library in Manchester, England).

19. What is the longest book in the Bible?
The book of Psalms.

20. What is the shortest book in the Bible?
2 John.

21. What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
Psalm 119

22. What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
Psalm 117

23. What is the longest verse in the Bible?
Esther 8:9

24. What is the shortest verse in the Bible?
John 11:35

25. Which book in the Bible does not mention the word "God?"
The book of Esther.

26. Who was the oldest man that ever lived?
Methuselah who lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27).

27. Who were the two men in the Bible who never died but were caught up to heaven?
Enoch, who walked with God and was no more (Genesis 5:22-24). Elijah, who was caught up by a whirlwind into heaven (II Kings 2:11).

28. Who does the Bible say was the meekest man in the Bible (not including Jesus)?
Moses (Numbers 12:3).

29. How many languages has the Bible been translated into?
The Holy Bible has been translated into 2,018 languages, with countless more partial translations, and audio translations (for unwritten languages). (This is an enormous amount of translations. In comparison, Shakespeare, considered by many to be the master writer of the English language, has only been translated into 50 languages.)

30. Is the Bible still the best-selling book in the world?
Yes, indeed!

History of the Authority and Infallibility of the Bible

2010-02-11T03:36:00.000+05:30

The Bible Is Our Standard

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16,17

The Holy Bible was written by more than 40 human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit over a period of about 14 to 18 centuries. According to the above scripture all of the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit. The word "inspired" in Greek is theopneustos, which means "God-breathed." The Apostle Peter wrote that holy men composed the books of the Bible as they were "moved" by the Holy Spirit. Also the Apostle Paul wrote to his student Timothy that all Scripture was given by inspiration of God. The authors of the Bible wrote spontaneously using their own minds and experiences while influenced and directed by God.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:20,21).

The Two Parts of the Bible

The Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament with 39 books and the New Testament with 27 books. It was written in two different time periods. The New Testament was written over a period of about 60 years, following the death and resurrection of Christ. The Old Testament was written from the time of Moses up to about four hundred years before Jesus was born, when the "book" (scroll) of Malachi was written. Malachi was the last book to be written in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament was written in the original Hebrew language, with some chapters in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek with a few additional phrases from Aramaic, the commonly spoken Judean language of the day.

The word "testament" is the King James-era English word for "covenant," or today what we might call a "contract." Therefore, the books of the Bible are divided according to the two blood covenants God has made with mankind. The Old Covenant was made between Abraham and God (Genesis 15) and covered Abraham's descendants through Isaac and Jacob, the natural race of Israel. The New Covenant was made with Jesus as both parties, God and man; the sacrifice; and the mediator. A mediator is someone like an attorney who works out the clauses to a contract with both parties.

The new covenant covers members of all races who will accept Jesus as Savior and Lord by faith. The new covenant fulfilled the promise of the old (Hebrews 8:6) and, ratified by the blood of Jesus, extended God's plan for reconciling man to Himself to cover all races, nations, and cultures (Galatians 3:28,29).

"Testament" or "covenant" also can mean what we today call a will--a last will and testament. So in that sense, the new covenant is the spiritual way in which Jesus left (willed) all of the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:14) to those who become born again under the new covenant and are also children of Abraham (Galatians 7). In addition, He willed to us redemption for our (Adamic) sin natures that enables us to become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and have eternal life with God, the Father.

God always has dealt with man through relationships. Adam and Eve were in a personal relationship with God before they fell into sin. In every age afterwards down to Abraham, God had at least one man (such as Noah) who would come into a relationship with Him and through whom He could execute His plan for the redemption of man.

With Abraham, God "cut" a blood covenant to cover Abraham and his descendants until Jesus would come (Genesis 15:8-21). The ten commandments and the other health, civil, and religious statutes that were given to Israel some four hundred years after the Abrahamic covenant spelled out certain principles God laid down for them to live by and which the Israelites were to obey because of the covenant. This became known as "the Law," which actually was the details of how the covenant would work in the nation and in their lives.

The Law was God's Word for that period and the standard by which man lived in order to receive the blessings or curses of the covenant. In any covenant, there are "assets" or good things that go with keeping it. Breaking a covenant or contract, on the other hand, means trouble, which in Bible terms is called receiving curses. However, Paul made it very clear that the Law never took the place of the Promise (the covenant) to Abraham. Jesus was the "promised seed of Abraham" who was to inherit all of the promises, so through Jesus, all those who are born again also inherit these promises of blessings (Galatians 3:29).

People became a part of the old covenant by being a member of the people of Israel through faith and obedience to God, whether they were born into one of the tribes or whether they joined themselves to one of the tribes (Deuteronomy 4:6,13,34; Exodus 12:19; and Isaiah 56:3-5). Reading the Old Testament books carefully will show that, even then, the attitude of the heart was more important than legalistically keeping the Law and more important even than being born into Israel (1 Samuel 15:22).

Under the New Covenant, the Law or God's standards are "written on our hearts" (Romans 2:15), which means we have the Holy Spirit within us to remind us of right and wrong. Once we are saved, we have the power to overcome sin through the Holy Spirit and can receive the blessings of Abraham under the new covenant (Galatians 3:14). This is called "living under grace."

However, since the time of Adam and Eve, God has dealt with mankind in two ways: love and mercy (grace) when one seeks Him or wrath and judgment for those who reject Him. Grace can be defined as "undeserved favor." Also, it is the ability to keep the law, which is called "divine enablement." Grace gives us power over sin, according to Romans 6:14, because we now have the "Covenant Maker" within us.

Grace does not mean being able to break the law and get away with it. Grace does not mean that God looks the other way when we sin. It does mean that if we fail and break the law, forgiveness is immediately ours when we repent. The blood of Jesus already covers us. We can still overcome, although we may not yet perfectly be conformed to His image. We have the power or grace to become the sons of God (John 1:12).

Criticism of the Bible Has Been Proven Wrong

Some critics of the Bible say it is simply a collection of man's writings. Others believe it is a great "literary masterpiece," but not the "Word of God." Those are the people who do not believe there is a God. Others believe God's Word is in the Bible but that the entire Bible is not God's Word. However, scholars have proven that the Bible is accurate in its depiction of historical events that have been documented elsewhere, so the rest of it should be considered true as well, in spite of the critics. On the other hand, even if none of the Bible had any secular evidence, we still should believe it rather than the world's knowledge, because it is the Word of God and is reliable.

Why Should the Bible be Trusted?

Reliability depends on the accuracy of a document. There are three tests for determining the accuracy of any document. They are:

1. The Bibliographical Test (the accuracy of the copies that are compared, although there is a time span between them and the originals).

2. The Internal Test of Reliability (the author verifies or disqualifies himself by known factual inaccuracies or contradictions).

3. The External Evidence Test of Reliability (the document is authentic in regard to historical and archeological evidence or other writings).

The Bible passes all three of these tests. Research into formerly unknown languages and excavations by noted archeologists have shown over and over that historical events recorded in the Bible really happened. Westerners exploring the Middle East for the past one hundred and fifty years and Israeli archeologists since the 1950s have proved the Bible is fact, not fiction. There can be no doubt that archeology has confirmed the accuracy of the Old Testament's historical accounts, in spite of the great skepticism expressed toward the Bible by scholars of the "higher criticism" school (which began with German theologians in the 1700s).

For example, critics said no such place as Sela, the rock fortress (the capital of Seir, home of Esau and the Edomites),existed. From shortly after the time of Jesus until the early 1800s, no one except wandering Arab tribes knew where it was. Then Anglo-Swiss explorer Johann L. Burckhardt risked his very life by disguising himself as an Arab in 1812 and was taken into a hidden valley to a huge rock fortress with only one narrow way in or out. Once again, the Bible was shown to be more accurate than secular history. Today, we know this place as Petra.¹

Another example is the excavation of Shushan, which lies some 200 miles east of Babylon. It was the capital of ancient Elam (Susiana) and, later, the winter capital of the Persian kings. Sushan was the scene of many Biblical events in the time of Daniel, Nehemiah, and Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus. When archeologists uncovered the floor of the throne room, they found a pavement of red and blue and black and white marble, just as had been described in the book of Esther (Esther 1:6).²

The Bible is unique in that it has survived over the centuries with very little corruption to the text. Compared to other ancient manuscripts, the Bible is the most accurately preserved text in existence. The discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls in 1948 has shown the world that, if all of the books of the Bible are as accurate as Isaiah--the scroll they have pieced together and dated to 100 B.C.--then there have been extremely few changes since at least a hundred years before Christ. What differences exist between modern versions and the ancient manuscript found in a cave above the Dead Sea are minor ones that make no difference to the text itself and have affected no Church doctrines.

Most disputes among church scholars and theologians involve the interpretation of the words in the Bible, not the words themselves. It makes sense that if the Bible is the very Word of God, it would be the most persecuted book in history. And indeed it has!

French philosopher, Voltaire, predicted in 1778 that within a hundred years, Christianity and the Bible would be swept away! In the days of the French Revolution, the 1790s, a comprehensive effort was made to burn all of the copies of the Bible in the country (the Roman Catholic Latin translation) and thousands of Bibles were burned. However, Voltaire died and is only a name in the history books. Today, more copies of the Bible exist today worldwide than ever before.

The Bible is unique, and it has been proven reliable. One thing that proves it is Holy Spirit-inspired is the fact that, in spite of the diverse human authors having lived across almost two millennia, the theme of the Bible is the same. Although the writing styles vary, the unity of all of the books of the Bible taken together are as if one person wrote them. And One Person did--the Holy Spirit.

Translation of the Bible

Compared to other ancient manuscripts, the Bible is accepted as being the most accurately preserved text.³ The Jewish people preserved the Old Testament manuscripts as no other ancient written documents have been preserved. In fact, most of the other writings from Bible times have been found only in the past few hundred years on clay tablets.

About three hundred years before Jesus was born, the Jewish religious leaders authorized the first translation from the original Hebrew scrolls of the Old Testament. According to Jewish tradition, 72 rabbis and scribes made up a committee which translated the Hebrew into Greek, the common language of the Roman Empire, in 70 or 72 days. This translation is called the Septuagint, from the Greek word for "seventy."

About the year A.D. 500, a group of Jewish scribes called "Masoretes" (so named from the word masora, which means "to hand down" authoritative traditions) took upon themselves the task of ensuring the accurate transmission of the Old Testament to future generations. Located at a school near Tiberias, they established strict rules to be followed by all copyists. No word or letter could be written from memory. The scribe had to look attentively at each word and pronounce it before writing it down. Even the words and letters of each section were counted, and if these did not add up to the newly made copy, that section was discarded and copying started over.

The Jewish scribes had the responsibility for copying the old scrolls as they became cracked and not able to be used. Modern scholars have discovered several hundred copying errors, but most of those were made after the time of Jesus by monks who copied the early scrolls and codex manuscripts. The first scrolls were animal skins scraped thin and made into pages that were bound side by side and rolled up. Later, scrolls were papyrus pages. Papyrus was made out of reeds found along the Nile River and pounded to a pulp then dried in the sun. It was the first "paper." Codex manuscripts were sheets of papyrus put together in book form, instead of as scrolls.

The majority of scholars agree, however, that the mis-copied words do not involve major Bible doctrines. The biggest area of confusion, which involves history, not doctrines, seems to be in the use of numbers. For example, did the Philistines send 3,000 war chariots to one battle or 30,000?

No other book has been so scrutinized, sifted for error, criticized, and even vilified and attacked on such a massive scale as the Bible. Yet, it is still read and loved by millions.

The Purpose and Theme of the Bible

The Bible's main purpose is to reveal the plan of redemption and salvation for mankind. All Scripture should be studied in this light. Even when the judgment of God is mentioned, it is with the purpose of bringing deliverance to mankind. One of the Bible's purposes is that of warning man, individually or corporately, to avoid the consequences of judgment -- God's wrath. If he so chooses, he can escape Hell and go to Heaven.

When studied in the light of God's purpose to redeem man through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, nothing in the Bible can put us into the bondage of legalism (the keeping of laws in an effort to please God). Law is not the theme of the Bible, but redemption through the grace of God.

People are brought into the bondage of legalism when they stop studying the Word of God with the idea of redemption and salvation in mind. Many people come under bondage, not through reading the Word, but through what someone else has said "the Word says," quoting only a portion of Scripture or quoting a particular interpretation of that verse.

The law reveals our sins, but God's grace points us to Jesus and His blood to cover and atone for our sins, if we will only receive Him and be born again.

Many people want to throw out the Old Testament, except as interesting Bible stories and history. However, the Old and the New work together (1 Corinthians 10:11). The Old Testament was not erased; the New was simply built upon it. The redemption plan is told in the Old Testament by "types and shadows." People who were indirect examples of Jesus and the kinds of things He was to do when He came were used as these types and shadows. Also, literal prophecies that directly speak of Jesus fall into this category (Hebrews 10:1).

For example, the temple in the Old Testament was a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and was a literal building. Under the new covenant, the spirits of those who are born again become God's dwelling place, individually and collectively. Therefore the New Testament speaks of the bodies of Christians as "the temples of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16). So the temple that was a building to the Israelites, and later to the Jews, was a shadow, a "picture," of a time to come when man himself could become God's "house" or "temple."

Another example is the word virgin in New Testament typology, which means the holy and pure Bride of Christ (born again believers, or the Body of Christ), who has not had intercourse with the world. To those who are not Christians, things like this will not make sense. That is why Paul wrote that the natural mind cannot understand spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14).

The redemption plan is told in the New Testament through the reports of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection (Hebrews 9:15). Therefore, the Bible's main purpose is to reveal the plan of redemption and salvation for man, which also is the theme of the entire Bible (Luke 24:27,44). The Old Testament was the written preparation for His coming (Isaiah 40:3). The gospels portray the manifestation of His coming (John 1:29). The Acts of the Apostles is the propagation of His purpose (Acts 1:8). And the epistles, the letters by several of the apostles to various early churches, presented the knowledge, or explanation, of the mystery of Christ and the hope of glory to Gentiles, those formerly alienated from God.

The Revelation of Jesus to the Apostle John tells us of the consummation of God's plan, of its successful conclusion in victory, just as Genesis tells us of the beginning being marred by sin. Each part of the Bible needs the others to be complete. Therefore, the Old Testament was the preparation for the Lord's coming; the gospels were the manifestation of the Lord's coming; Acts was the propagation of the Lord's Gospel; the epistles were the explanation of the Lord's Gospel, and Revelation tells of the consummation of the Lord's Gospel. "Paradise lost" in Genesis becomes "paradise regained" in the Book of Revelation.

Health Tips for Night Shift Workers

2010-02-10T05:09:00.000+05:30

These days many youngsters and fresh graduates prefer to work in night shifts as it gives them more money. But along with money, working late nights and changing shifts gives them various health hazards.

The common problems that many night shift workers face are:

1. Stress – Irregular working hours and pressure to perform better contribute to high stress and sometimes it could be even traumatic.
2. Disorders – Various disorders like insomnia, fatigue and disorientation accompany night work
3. Obesity – Physical inactivity, excessive eating, wrong food choices and irregular eating habits make one gain weight
4. Gastrointestinal and digestive problems – Wrong eating habits contribute to indigestion, stomachache, heartburn and loss of appetite
5. Cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure — Night shift workers are more prone to cardiovascular problems
6. Behavioral and emotional disturbances – Night shift working causes many disturbances in one’s life like depression, decline in self esteem and resentment, anxiety, hopelessness, withdrawal from social interactions, strong urge to cry without specific incident, avoidance of previously enjoyed activities, phobia, fears and unwanted thoughts.
With a few essential changes, night shift workers can avoid the health complications of shift works and ease adverse symptoms. A healthy lifestyle and, most importantly, right nutrition choices help you save yourself from the adverse effects of night shift work.

Here are some healthy eating tips to stop weight gain and other health complications.

1. Drinking at least two liters of water a day helps in improving digestion. Lack of water intake results in thirst headaches and fatigue.
2. Balanced varied meals and regular meal timings keep up your health.
3. Increase fibre content in your diet. Oat bran and ragi are rich in fiber content. Take in complex carbohydrates/whole grain carbohydrates instead of refined carbohydrate.
4. Plan the time you take your meals carefully. Eat lightly throughout the night shift and take a moderate breakfast to prevent hunger while sleeping and get uninterrupted sleep and digestive discomfort.
5. Keep a check on your fat intake: Keep out red meat and organ meat as they are high in saturated fat content. Instead opt for egg white, lean meat pieces or fish in your non-veg meal option. But, it should not be fried.
6. Prefer buttermilk to aerated drink because it is a healthier and cooler option.
7. Avoid heavy meals after midnight because they make you feel drowsy.
8. Also avoid fatty, spicy and high fat foods during overnight for the same reason.
9. Relax during meals and allow time for digestion.
10. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they affect the rate of digestion.
11. Limit alcohol intake to one or two pegs once or twice a week

Apart from the above diet tips, follow these tips and techniques.

1. Always change shifts ahead and not backward. Rotate from mornings to afternoon to night and not in the reverse manner. It helps your body to cope up with the shift pattern.
2. Have a good sleep in the day by setting up proper condition for sleep. Darken your room and put your mobile on a silent mode for an undisturbed sleep. Also, tell your friends and family how important is that few hours of sleep for you.
3. Avoid excessive use of antacids, tranquilizers and sleeping pills.
4. Learn relaxation techniques that help in healthy sleep.

Night Shift Survival Hints

2010-02-10T04:54:00.001+05:30

Introduction: It often seems that some staff are "permanent night people" who
always function well; that some are "day people" who are known to "face-plant" on
the desk and function poorly at night; and that some rotate satisfactorily but
markedly prefer one particular shift.

Advantages of night shifts:
Differential pay (where available).
More "interesting" clientele (perhaps).
Pace of shift may be preferable.
Simpler and more personal bureaucracy.
Close-knit working relationships.
High level of self-reliance, cross-training, even increased autonomy among
experienced and successful staff.
Counter-commute traffic and parking.

Disadvantages of night shifts:

Career-Stall as invisibility to daytime administrators and power-brokers increases.

If you are highly effective and actually like nights, you may rise to your highest
level there and stay forever as you become so essential to avoid "daytime" administrative
problems like finding someone who could be forced to take your position!

Loss of Inner Calendrical Rhythm, as years of nights and weekends (unlike the rest
of the world) erase your sense of day, date, and lifestyle, or ultimately the ability
to function happily in a daytime world in the manner of the old phrase "I've been
upside-down so long ---it seems like right-side up to me!"

Tips:

Sleep well and eat well before the shift. ---Who knows when or if the chance will come again?

Two Words: Digital Watch! Your key to accurate charting of day, date, time (24 hour International time), and personal orientation.
How can you check orientation after loss of consciousness without looking up the answers?

Allow end-of-the-day decompression time before sleeping after work. "Day-time people" relax after work.

Eat or drink something warm during that chilly lowest ebb of circadian hormonal change.

Can't stay awake; no matter what? Excuse yourself for a minute, go outside or into the hallway, and SPRINT! for 100 yards.
---You'll be wide-awake!

Rotate shifts in a forward fashion. (Days -to-> Evenings -to-> Nights -to-> Days) if rotate you must.

Whether you nap right after work or marathon through your first off day, try to get on your family's cycle as soon as possible. I
t will feel more natural and help preserve your relationships with your family.

Live on your day shift income; don't rely on night shift differential pay to make ends meet. Plan your budget upon your basic income
in case of unexpected changes or disability. Use your differential income for specific short-term purposes: e.g., debt reduction, extra investment,
vacation funds. It is too easy to become dependent on extra money as essential for house payments, schools, etc.; ---you may never be able to go off nights!

Use mornings for business. ---While you still have your wits about you and businesses are at their freshest level of service.

When planning chores, watch out for the "day world's" lunchtime-and-early-afternoon slowdown. Or the early leaving of staff decreases
efficiency in the afternoons if you're trying to get things done before work.

When relaxing before naps: avoid time-sucking activities. Choose things that you can put down when the time comes to go to sleep.
Don't get drawn into the black hole. [N.B. from the Editor: Web-Site management can be particularly bothersome.]

Have sleep-preparation rituals that promote good sleep hygiene. Regularity of preparations, even the same go-to-sleep music,
will flip your mindswitch to "I'm going to sleep now ."

If it takes a sleep-mask, black-out curtains, ear-plugs or "white noise machine", or other sleep aid, even silencing the telephone
ringer to ensure daytime sleep, ---do it and don't feel silly. You're entitled to the best sleep that you can get!

Avoid using intoxicants or sleeping pills to get to sleep except in the most unusual circumstances: the sleep architecture is altered
thus sleep is less restful and you may be hung over with poor performance at work. ---Habit-forming, too!

Avoid excessive reliance upon caffeine. It may get you past the occasional slump o.k., but it's addicting, disrupts even your own semblance of
circadian rhythm, and is diuretic! If possible, take a break, change activities, exercise, get fresh air, find a task where your attentiveness is really needed.

Don't forget that your family is for whom you do it. Don't lose your connection with family life. Don't put career, the job,
colleagues, before your family's needs. Don't lose your spouse/significant other.

Show up, unexpectedly, at your spouse's work with flowers and go out to a special lunch when you can. Let your spouse feel
envied by coworkers and appreciative of the ways you can be available during hours that conventional workers aren't.

Make time for regular exercise (especially if you and your partner are on opposite shifts). It's easy, when lifestyle consists of long night shifts and
revolves around essential functions of work, sleep, and eating, to omit keeping the body in tune.

Meet teachers, and help with school field trips, or contribute teachers' aide time.

If you seek career-advancement and consistently work nights, you will have to find useful ways to overcome the "invisibility"
of not being frequently seen by administrators and committees. ---Tasks often tried include coordinating night scheduling, orientation and
inservices presented, liaison with EMS, projects, etc.

People will say "Good Night" to you in the morning as you leave. Insist upon saying "Good Morning" as you can deal with
astrophysical facts and maintain a good sense of personal balance.

"Twelve-Hour" shifts are now widely prevalent. Some hospitals only hire for 12s. Seemingly, this is a benefit --more "free" time,
or time for another job. However, remember that unions fought for years to achieve the "eight-hour day". Twelve-hour
shifts are often thirteen or fourteen if there is overtime or other delays. Factor in your commute time, and household chores, and
there is little time to recover your "sleep debt" or to be a "human being" to your family. Extended spells working more than one
job will sap your strength, your personality during working hours, and your joie de vivre!

If you are the Charge Nurse on your night shifts, be aware of how your colleagues pace themselves, or when they "hit the wall"
physically and emotionally. Try to ensure their breaks at appropriate points before this happens. You may be under pressure
to downsize staff during "slack periods"; avoid this on those nights when "there is no let-up." You may also find that you
are overburdened with admitted patients who have nowhere to go due to staffing by actual census upstairs.

Grocery-shopping at off-peak hours. Isn't this self-explanatory and an obvious benefit?

10 Tips to Maintain Health and Beauty

2010-02-10T04:52:00.000+05:30

Beauty, health, and nutrition are all integrated. If you eat a balanced diet you will be able to maintain your physique and glowing beauty externally and good health internally. A balanced diet is one that provides all the nutrients you need, the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.

To achieve goals you need to ensure a good balance in your diet, introduce variety into your meals, and practice moderation. The basis of nutrition lies in your height, weight, dimensions, and your daily energy needs. Once you know this you can compute what your daily calorific needs are and set goals for weight maintenance, gain, or loss. By regulating your diet you can be active as well as happy.

You must:

1. Eat sensibly. Include a variety of foods in your diet such that the 40 nutrients that are required by your body are present. Make use of a food pyramid and calorie chart to prepare tasty and nutritious meals. Follow the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” issued each year.

2. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They will supply you with essential vitamins, minerals, and protection from several diseases.

3. Maintain your weight at a healthy level. Successful weight management is one of the golden keys to good health. By doing is you will lower considerably the risk of many diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis.

4. Learn self control, eat moderate portions. The secret lies in eating everything but in small portions. Don’t give way to gluttony or greed.

5. Make a time-table for your meals and how many calories will be in each meal. Never fast, starve yourself, or skip a meal. Eat when your body demands sustenance but not huge quantities.

6. Practice moderation. Good health does not lie in eliminating carbohydrates or fats. Include all your favorite foods but balance them with the rest of your diet. If you indulge your taste buds by eating pizza one day, then try and do so at lunch time, never eat pizza late at night. Ask for low fat cheese and healthy toppings. Eat just enough to satisfy your craving not all 12 slices. Get a few friends to share you sin. The days you indulge, eat sensibly the rest of the day—salads and fruits will help you make up for the binge.

7. Be sure your meals each day include all the food groups.

8. Plan to exercise every day. Either walk or take up aerobics, dancercise, or join a gym. Exercise will not just burn calories but put a glow into your skin, tone your muscles, and strengthen your bones. Exercise also removes accumulated toxins from your body.

9. Maintain a dairy in which you record your goals, and what you eat each day. Review your week objectively and create a table that shows at a glance what you did right and what you did wrong. This will help keep you on the right track.

10. Celebrate each victory. Give yourself a present or take yourself out every time you achieve a goal.

By eating healthy, one can live a complete and rounded life without diseases, reduce stress greatly, look and feel great, be happy from within and without, age well, produce healthy progeny, and live life to the fullest

Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day?

2010-02-09T04:37:00.000+05:30

We celebrate Valentine's Day, because until 1969, it was one of the many Saint's Days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine.

Although it was removed from the Church's calendar in 1969, the religious meaning coupled with Valentine's Day's roots in Roman paganism have allowed it to continue as a holiday for everyone.

Early Christians saw Valentine's Day as a way to honor St. Valentine, of whom there were actually three. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints by that name, all who were martyred on February 14.

The St. Valentine the day is named for was, most likely, a priest in the 3rd century who performed secret marriages when the Roman Emperor Claudius II thought single soldiers were more likely to enlist in the army. That St. Valentine was imprisoned and executed on February 4, 270. It is believed he was responsible for giving the jailer's blind daughter back her eyesight, and before his execution, he sent herss a note saying, "From your Valentine." The phrase is still widely used on valentines today.

It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's day was declared an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII, known for his ways of disposing of wives, declared February 14th a holiday. It was another century and a half before religious devotional cards became non-religious cards to reflect the change in the holiday.

In 496 A.D., February 14, was declared in the name of St. Valentine by Pope Gelasius. It remained a Church holiday until 1969, when Pope Paul VI took it from the calender.

On February 14, the ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of womesn and marriage so honoring her was thought to be a fertility rite.

At the feast held the next day, the women would write love letters and stick them in a large urn. The men would pick a letter from the urn and for the next year, pursue the woman who wrote the chosen letter. This custom lasted until the 1700s when people decided their beloveds should be chosen by sight, not luck.

Decide what code is for u

2010-02-09T04:10:00.000+05:30

♥ Green- I'm free

♥ Blue- I'm waiting

♥ Orange- going to propose

♥ Pink- accepted just now!!!

♥ Black- proposal rejected

♥ White- already booked

♥ Yellow- broke up!!!

♥ Gray- not interested...

♥ Red- leave me

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

10 Quick & Quiet Steps to Hand Washing Success

2010-02-02T05:51:00.000+05:30

Step 1 Turn on the warm water.

Step 2 Put your hands under the warm water.

Step 3 One squirt of handwashing soap.

Step 4 Make bubbles using the Hand Wash Scrub. Remember the palms, backs of hands, between fingers, under finger nails, and wash your wrists.

Step 5 Rinse your hands and send the bubbles and germs down the drain.

Step 6 Take one paper towel.

Step 7 Dry your hands.

Step 8 Use the towel to close the water faucets to prevent getting germs back on your hands.

Step 9 Put towel in waste can.

Step 10 Leave no trace. Make sure the room is clean.

Do a good job, and you will be less likely to catch colds or spread germs that cause sicknesses.

5 Steps to Getting the Girl of Your Dreams

2010-01-29T05:29:00.000+05:30

Step 1 – Finding Her
You always hear weddings are the best place to find hot single women. Is it true? Of course it is. The sight of seeing two people completely in love gets women’s hormones raging. Offer her a drink at the bar, and you’re off to a good start.

Other places to find hot single women:
Dance clubs, birthday parties, supermarkets, bookstores, outlets, libraries, grocery stores, they’re everywhere… Open your eyes and use the force!

Step 2 – Stand Out
The first step is being noticed. If the girl you’re after is truly as hot as you think she is, she’s probably being chased by several guys already. It’s time to separate yourself from the pack, and be noticed. You might not be able to change your mug (without costly plastic surgery), but you can change your appearance. Here’s some easy ways to do so:

No need to drive the hottest car in the hood, but a nice ride can win you some bonus points. Remember to clean the car and vacuum the interior before your first date. Nothing kills the mood better than old smelly trash from McDonald’s.

Money to Burn: Ferrari F430, Bugatti Veyron, Mercedes Benz SLR
On a Budget: BMW M3, Porsche 997, Lotus Elise, Audi RS4
Broke as a Joke: VW Golf R32, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, Audi A4

Get a watch. Why would you need a watch when your cellphone tells time and does a gazillion other things? Because a watch is a statement about your personal style. It also lets her know that time is important and being on time matters to you.

Money to Burn: Rolex, Cartier, Omega
On a Budget: Tag Heuer, Tumi, Movado
Broke as a Joke: Seiko, Timex, Diesel, Swiss Army

The most expensive item in your closet should be your shoes. They’re the foundation of every outfit, and she’s bound to check them out, so they better look good.

Money to Burn: Bally, Canali, Gucci
On a Budget: Cole Haan, Ecco, Ralph Lauren
Broke as a Joke: Sketchers, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Adidas, Puma

Step 3 – The Chase
Women love to be pursued. Lines are bad. The only one you should be using is “Hi, My name is…” Approach her with confidence, because women have a sixth sense for weakness. Don’t talk about your job, or how much you make. It’s the last thing she wants to hear (unless she’s a grubby leech, in which you’ve probably chosen the wrong girl). You’re trying to get the girl of your dreams, not a job at Google.

Keep the conversations relevant to the moment – the band that’s playing on stage, the clown in the funny looking hat, or a current movie that’s out. Keep the conversation less personal and she’ll feel less threatened. The is goal is to let her know you’re trying to get to know her and not into her pants.

Nice guys always complain that they can’t get the girls. Jerks get the girls. I admit they do. Jerks have a unique way of standing out, but they don’t last very long.

The key is to show her you’re confident without being arrogant. Stand up straight, and look into her eyes when she’s talking. Be a Gentleman. Help an old lady with her groceries to the car, or give up your seat on the bus to a single mother and child. Thoughtful and sweet guys give her hope that chivalry isn’t dead.

Step 4 – 9th Inning
A text message goes a long way after a date. Following a wonderful night, a simple text message to her cell phone with something as sweet as “goodnight, sweet dreams.” will have her melting in your arms. Follow up with a call two days later. Ask her how her days are going and mention something funny about the first time you saw her. This is your opportunity to ask her out on a second date.

When you see her again, compliment her, and make it something other than her looks. She’s heard a thousand times how pretty her eyes are. Tell her how funny she is, if she likes to crack jokes. If she’s trendy, tell her how hot her fashion sense is. Genuine compliments will be engraved in her memory forever.

Step 5 – Lock Down
When you’re out at the ice cream shop, prove that you’ve been paying attention by ordering her favorite flavor without asking. Drop off a cup of the Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino she likes so much on her lunch break at work. It’s the little things you notice, that show her how much you adore and want to be with her. Plus, it’ll make her putty in your hands.

Keep this up, and the girl of your dreams will be yours!

5 steps to loving your life

2010-01-29T05:17:00.000+05:30

Do what really makes you happy

Mounting obligations and hectic schedules can make it all too easy to lose track. But whether it's the little things in life that make you smile, or the joy of working toward a larger goal, focusing on your happiness each day can help protect your emotional wellbeing and your physical health.

1. Enjoy distractions

When you're adding items to your to-do list, don't forget the good stuff. If you look forward to reading in bed, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside, make time for at least one of your favourite diversions every day.

Consider crossing out pesky items on your list that you keep saying you're going to do but haven't gotten to in over a year, like alphabetizing your bills or organizing your sock drawer. Or get rid of a time-consuming chore that isn't enhancing your life one bit.

2. Be kind to yourself

We all have low-energy days, but if you can resist the urge to skip your daily workout when you’re feeling low, you'll be rewarded both now and later. Try this trick: Tell yourself that you need to do only 10 minutes of exercise. Once you're up and moving (and feeling better) you'll most likely want to finish your workout. Even if you can't push past the 10-minute mark on the occasional bad day, you’ll feel good about doing at least a little something. Sticking with an exercise plan helps you feel good about yourself, strengthens your immune system, and enhances production of mood-boosting hormones.

3. Bust that stress
Defuse daily hassles by practicing stress-reduction strategies. Try taking deep-breathing breaks throughout the day, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.

Repeating this action three or four times allows more oxygen to get into your bloodstream, creating a feeling of calm. Progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation also are effective ways of reducing tension, stress, depression, and anxiety. And a brisk 10-minute walk will do far more to dissipate your stress and lift your spirits than eating the bad-for-you snacks you might crave when feeling frantic.

4. Share your skills for happiness
Volunteer at a local school, club, or community organization. Not only will sharing your unique talents and expertise benefit others, but research shows that volunteering can make you happier and improve your wellbeing, too. Feeling engaged and involved in your local community is good for your emotional health. It's also an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Win-win.

5. Connect with loved ones
Unwind and share a few laughs with your family or friends at least once or twice each month. The openness and trust you share with the important people in your life can help give you the perspective you need to cope with everyday challenges. These regular connections will also have a positive impact on your health, especially when you share a good laugh. Laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins that can ease pain.

Also, don't neglect relationships at work. Colleagues and coworkers can provide valuable support and keep your blood pressure under control during stressful situations. .

Feeling satisfied and fulfilled with your life is an essential part of your emotional and physical well-being. As you grow to appreciate your time, independence, self-assurance, skills, and relationships, you will be amazed at just how good you feel, both in body and in spirit.

100 Healthy Food Rules to Govern Your Kitchen

2010-01-23T22:53:00.001+05:30

1. Variety

Follow these rules to keep variety in your diet.

1.Eat your colors: In order to get as many different phytochemicals as possible, you’ll need to eat different colored vegetables and other foods.
2.Variety is the spice of life: Mix things up, and be sure to eat a lot of different foods so that you can get a variety of nutrients from your diet.
3.Eat from different cultures: Eat Mediterranean, Italian, Chinese, and more.
4.Three food rule: Every time you eat, have a single portion from three different food groups, one of them protein.
5.Try it, you’ll like it: Take a small taste to find out how you really feel about a food without lots of pressure.
6.Love herbs and spices: You can add flavor without sugar or salt by using herbs and spices.

2. Shopping

These rules will help you when you’re out food shopping.

7.Shop for health: Remember that if you buy it, you’re going to end up eating it.
8.Stop off at a farmer’s market or fruit stand: Even if you don’t have specific purchases in mind, shopping in a healthy food environment can make you more focused on eating what you should.
9.Plan ahead: Go to the grocery store armed with a game plan to get the most healthy food for your money.
10.Shop the perimeter of your supermarket: Fresh food is on the outside, manufactured food tends to be toward the middle.
11.Make a realistic food budget: Get smart about the money you spend on food.

3. What to eat

Learn which foods and food groups to stick with in these rules.

12.Eat your greens: Greens and vegetables will help give you the health that you need.
13.Enjoy oily fish: Fish like salmon and mackerel are full of excellent omega-3 fatty acids.
14.Drink your milk: Give yourself the milk you need, and your kids two to three servings of dairy per day.
15.Eat wild foods: Berries, fish, and other food you can find in nature is often good for you. Just be sure to research and make sure what you’ve found is safe to eat.
16.Focus on whole grains: When eating breads and pastas, make sure what you’re eating is made of whole grains.
17.Eat in two food groups-things that move, and things that grow: If it’s not a plant or an animal, don’t eat it.
18.Eat food that doesn’t have an ingredient label: Fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods don’t often have ingredient labels.
19.Eat food your great grandmother would recognize: If your great grandmother would have no idea what it is you’re about to eat, skip it.

4. Foods to avoid

These rules will tell you which foods to stay far away from.

20.Reduce the amount of meat you eat: You can reduce the meat in your meal by adding beans.
21.Don’t eat anything you can’t buy yourself: If you can’t buy the ingredients that go in your food, you shouldn’t eat it.
22.If man made it, don’t eat it: Jack Lalanne’s advice is great for avoiding manufactured foods.
23.Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients: Eating foods closer to their natural state ensures that you get more nutrients.
24.Avoid food that makes health claims: Everyone already knows real food is healthy-it’s when packages and pushers have to explain what a food can do for you that you need to be worried.
25.Don’t eat anything you wouldn’t want to "be": Remember that you are what you eat — do you want to be a fast food burger?
26.Don’t eat plastic food: Focus on real food instead.
27.Avoid manufactured foods: Anything prepackaged is probably full of too much sugar, salt, and fat.
28.Don’t eat any ingredients you can’t pronounce: If you’re eating food that only a chemist recognizes, something is wrong.
29.Stay away from food with celebrity endorsements: Food that needs to be endorsed generally isn’t good to eat.
30.Eat nothing containing corn syrup: Medical professionals agree that foods containing corn syrup is generally not nutritious.

5. Portions

Eat realistic portions with the help of these healthy food rules.

31.Eat on a salad plate: Using a smaller plate will trick your mind into thinking that you’re eating more than you really are.
32.Eat until you are four-fifths full: This Japanese saying advises you to stop eating before you’re truly full.
33.Fill your plate with 3/4 vegetables: Make vegetables a main focus, rather than a side.
34.Your eyes are bigger than your stomach: Don’t allow yourself to take more food than you can comfortably eat.
35.Eat a teaspoon at a time: Eat more slowly by only putting a teaspoon of food or less in your mouth at once.
36.Practice moderation: Everything is good in moderation.
37.Use a salad fork: You’ll take tinier bites and feel more satisfied by using a smaller fork.
38.Fill your belly with food, air, and water: The prophet Muhammad recommended a belly with 1/3 food, 1/3 drink, and 1/3 air.
39.Balance your plate: Half of your plate should be crunchy vegetables, 1/4 starchy vegetables, and 1/4 protein.

6. Quality

Following these rules will help you improve the quality of the food you eat.

40.It’s not food if it comes to you through the window of a car: Don’t count fast food as real food.
41.Don’t eat at any restaurant of which there is more than just one: Stick with local, independent establishments to get better quality food.
42.Don’t buy food in a gas station: Gas stations are not known for their high quality food.
43.If a bug won’t eat it, neither should you: Eat food that is attractive to bugs, just be sure to keep them away from it!

7. Good Habits

Develop good eating habits by following these food rules developed by experts.

44.Eat only at the table: Don’t eat standing up, snack while you prepare food, or eat after your meal is over.
45.Eat when you’re hungry: You don’t have to eat at the time deemed as lunch time or dinner time: eat when you’re hungry.
46.Read the fine print: Check out the ingredients, nutrition facts, and other small details to learn what you’re really eating.
47.The 20 minute rule: Make your food last at least 20 minutes, and even if you can’t wait at least 20 minutes before going back for seconds.
48.Eat well 90% of the time: Allow yourself a few vices like dark chocolate and good beer.
49.Eat breakfast: A good breakfast is insurance to help you avoid overeating later in the day.
50.Savor every bite: Slow down, and enjoy the things that really satisfy you.
51.Don’t eat too late: Eating too much before bed can interfere with good sleep habits.
52.Avoid eating while reading or watching TV: Be conscious of what you’re eating — eat without distractions.
53.Don’t eat in the car: Not only is it dangerous, you’re also likely to not pay good attention to what you’re eating. Eat breakfast like a king: Your body can process large meals better earlier in the day, rather than at night, so don’t be afraid to eat a big breakfast.
54.Empty your mouth before filling your fork or spoon: Promote good digestion and slower eating by clearing your mouth before every new bite.
55.Don’t eat when you’re bored: Eating when you’re bored can lead to overeating.
56.Chew your food: Break down your food by chewing each mouthful 20-25 times.

8. Home Cooking

These rules will help you make your home cooking healthy.

57.Keep fruit handy: Leave out a bowl of fruit on your table, counter, or in the refrigerator.
58.Put vegetables in your pasta and lasagne: Sneak vegetables into your pasta and lasagne for chunkiness and better nutrition.
59.Plan your recipes: Know what you’re going to eat on Thursday night before Thursday night comes around, and you can better govern what you end up eating.
60.Grow your own food: Start a vegetable, fruit, and herb garden to eat healthy at home.
61.Make fruit accessible: Cut up fruit and refrigerate it so it will be easy to pick up later.
62.Prepare salad as your main dish: Make your main dish salad every now and then.
63.Freeze your food: Create soups, casseroles, meat, and other freezable foods in bulk, so you’ll always have an easy meal ready to go.
64.Get canned, frozen, and dried fruits: In addition to fresh fruit, you can stock up with dried, frozen, and canned fruit that will last longer.
65.Stock up on frozen vegetables: Use frozen vegetables that won’t go bad, and are easy to prepare in the mircrowave.
66.Use your crockpot: With a crockpot, you’ll be able to fill your dinner full of vegetables and simmer all day.
67.Eat a green salad with dinner every night: Get dinner started right by eating a salad packed with vegetables.
68.Eat vegetables that are easy to prepare: Get baby carrots, grape tomatoes, and salad greens, so you’re more likely to eat them.
69.Make good use of condiments: Parsley, cilantro, mint, mustard, and other condiments are a great way to add flavor and nutrients.
70.Make vegetables the main dish: Make stir fry or soup to put veggies first.

9. Nutrition

Get proper nutrition with the help of these rules.

71.A snack is not the same thing as a treat: Remember that even if you’re just snacking, you don’t need to eat junk.
72.Get equal amounts fat and protein: Make sure you’re getting enough protein by matching it to fat.
73.Eat food that can rot: Avoid eating too many preservatives-eat food that is subject to rotting. Just make sure you eat it before it gets there!

10. Eating Out

Eat well even away from home by following these rules.

74.Pay attention to preparation: Get steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of sauteed or fried ones.
75.Take food with you wherever you go: Stash a banana or other portable healthy food, and you won’t be tempted to eat unhealthy food when you’re on the go.
76.Spend more: Generally, more expensive restaurants serve food that’s healthier for you, so when you go out, visit a higher quality restaurant.
77.Get a doggy bag: Instead of cleaning your plate, bring some food home for later.
78.Substitute vegetables: Get extra vegetables instead of rice or potatoes.
79.Only make one request: Don’t switch things up so much that you drive the chef and waitstaff crazy.
80.Order drinks without added sugars: Get water, milk, or unsweetened tea.
81.Visit ethnic restaurants: You can often find excellent food at a great price by visiting Cuban, Greek, Irish and other ethnic restaurants.
82.Split your entree: Eat less and save more money by sharing your entree with someone else.
83.Ask for whole wheat bread: When you order a sandwich, ask for whole wheat bread.
84.Decide on your splurge: Allow yourself the bread basket, cocktails, or dessert, but not all three.
85.Order a salad first: Start your meal with a salad full of vegetables, and you’ll better control your portions and nutrition.
86.Order your least favorite cocktail: You’ll be less likely to go overboard if you’re drinking something that goes down less easy than your favorite.

11. Sustainability

These sustainability rules will help you ensure that your food isn’t just good for you-it’s good for the planet and your community.

87.Eat locally: Practice a 100 mile diet to get the freshest, most Earth-friendly food.
88.Tie off the sack before it’s full: By stopping before you’re full, you’ll make sure that you don’t have a bursting belly.
89.Buy in season: Eat food that’s currently being grown in season, and you’ll have fresher, more environmentally in-tune meals.
90.Buy organic: Get more nutrients out of your food by buying organic.
91.Buy animal products from humane farms: Know that the meat and animal products you’re eating are humane by purchasing them from farms with humane standards.

12. Safety

Stay safe by following these rules.

92.Keep non-food items out of the kitchen: Books, backpacks, and shopping bags should stay out of the kitchen.
93.Never eat sushi from a convenience store: Convenience stores are not known for their stringent health standards, so avoid eating raw foods from them.
94.Wash food surfaces with hot soapy water: You should wash cutting boards, counter tops, dishes, and utensils when preparing food, and in between different food items.
95.Keep your food separate: Separate raw, cooked, and ready to eat foods to avoid contamination.
96.Use paper towels to clean surfaces: Although it’s wasteful, using a new paper towel to clean surfaces is the easiest way to avoid contamination.

13. Rules to break

These are rules you’ve probably heard before, but should seriously consider breaking.

97.Clean your plate: Eat what you need to, not what’s put in front of you.
98.Five second rule: It’s been proven that five seconds is more than enough time for food to become contaminated.
99.No snacking: Snacks can be great, especially when they are fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
100.No dessert until you finish your vegetables: Don’t use dessert or any other food as a reward or punishment.

5 Steps for Fighting Stress

2010-01-23T00:38:00.000+05:30

Everybody gets stressed from time to time. Different people feel stress in different ways. Some ways of dealing with stress — like screaming, hitting someone, or punching a wall — don't solve much. But other ways, like talking to someone you trust, can start you on the road to solving your problem or at least feeling better.

Try taking these five steps the next time you are stressed:

1.

Get support. When you need help, reach out to the people who care about you. Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, other relative, a school counselor, or a coach. And don't forget about your friends. They might be worried about the same test or have had similar problems, such as dealing with a divorce or the death of a beloved pet.

2.

Don't freak out! It's easy to let your feelings go wild when you're upset. Notice your feelings, and name them — for example, "I am so angry!" And say or think about why you feel that way. Then, find a way to calm down and get past the upset feelings and find a way to express them. Do breathing exercises, listen to music, write in a journal, play with a pet, go for a walk or a bike ride, or do whatever helps you shift to a better mood.

3.

Don't take it out on yourself. Sometimes when kids are stressed and upset they take it out on themselves. Oh, dear, that's not a good idea. Remember that there are always people to help you. Don't take it out on yourself. Be kind to yourself and ask for the helping hand or pat on the back that you need — and deserve — to get you through the tough situation you're facing.

4.

Try to solve the problem. After you're calm and you have support from adults and friends, it's time to get down to business. You need to figure out what the problem is. Even if you can't solve all of it, maybe you can begin by solving a piece of it.

5.

Be positive — most stress is temporary. It may not seem like it when you're in the middle a stressful situation, but stress does go away, often when you figure out the problem and start working on solving it.

These five steps aren't magic — and you might have to do some steps more than once, but they do work. And if you can stay positive as you make your way through a tough time, you'll help yourself feel better even faster. Ah . . . it feels so good when the stress is gone!

10 Steps for Boosting Creativity

2010-01-22T22:54:00.000+05:30

1.

Listen to music by Johann Sebastian Bach. If Bach doesn't make you more creative, you should probably see your doctor - or your brain surgeon if you are also troubled by headaches, hallucinations or strange urges in the middle of the night.

2.

Brainstorm. If properly carried out, brainstorming can help you not only come up with sacks full of new ideas, but can help you decide which is best. Click here for more information on brainstorming.

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3.

Always carry a small notebook and a pen or pencil around with you. That way, if you are struck by an idea, you can quickly note it down. Upon rereading your notes, you may discover about 90% of your ideas are daft. Don't worry, that's normal. What's important are the 10% that are brilliant.

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4.

If you're stuck for an idea, open a dictionary, randomly select a word and then try to formulate ideas incorporating this word. You'd be surprised how well this works. The concept is based on a simple but little known truth: freedom inhibits creativity. There are nothing like restrictions to get you thinking.

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5.

Define your problem. Grab a sheet of paper, electronic notebook, computer or whatever you use to make notes, and define your problem in detail. You'll probably find ideas positively spewing out once you've done this.

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6.

If you can't think, go for a walk. A change of atmosphere is good for you and gentle exercise helps shake up the brain cells.

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7.

Don't watch TV. Experiments performed by the JPB Creative Laboratory show that watching TV causes your brain to slowly trickle out your ears and/or nose. It's not pretty, but it happens.

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8.

Don't do drugs. People on drugs think they are creative. To everyone else, they seem like people on drugs.

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9.

Read as much as you can about everything possible. Books exercise your brain, provide inspiration and fill you with information that allows you to make creative connections easily.

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10.

Exercise your brain. Brains, like bodies, need exercise to keep fit. If you don't exercise your brain, it will get flabby and useless. Exercise your brain by reading a lot (see above), talking to clever people and disagreeing with people - arguing can be a terrific way to give your brain cells a workout. But note, arguing about politics or film directors is good for you; bickering over who should clean the dishes is not.