Aim high

Four Detroit public high schools are embarking on a bold new plan to instill the drive for success in their students by guaranteeing them glitter, Riches and SECURITY in return for hard work and superachievery study habits!

HAHAHAHA!!!!!
Nooooo.

But they can help you get a job at Wal-Mart.

A new partnership between the daytime youth warehouses and the megagiant retail competition-crusher gives students future Made in China peddlers 10 shiny credits toward graduation, 11 superfun weeks of job-readiness training during the schoolday and *PAYDIRT* an after-school entry-level job at the store.
::: Cha … klink … :::

The Detroit Free Press talked to the principal of one of the schools who sounded positively giddy at the idea of trading his students’ future for finite financial gain.
“The program will allow students an opportunity to earn money and to be exposed to people from different cultures — since all of the stores are in the suburbs.”

Oh yes.
Because we all know how enlightening, elegant and all-around educational the People of Wal-Mart really are! —>

Not so giddy about the plan was Donna Stern, the Midwest coordinator for the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights And Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN).
“They’re going to train students to be subservient workers,” she said. “This is not why parents send them to school.”

Now, it’s true that Detroit has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, so helping anyone get a job there is a true mitzvah.
And it’s also true that the school system has been run into the ground harder than ValuJet Flight 592, with frightful financials leading to layoffs and the closing of nearly 30 schools … and there’s about a hundredmilliongozillion percentage points of absolute certainty that there’s more where that came from.

So, you can close schools and you can layoff teachers but those pesky kids are gonna keep on comin’ – which begs the question: What DO you do with them?

Well? What?

Wait …You think I have a plan?!

HAHAHAHA!!!!!
Nooooo.

It’s Detroit!
They’re all fucked as far as I can see!

All I know is that if I’m one of those students, I’m taking ‘How to be a Wal-Mart Greeter 101′ and gettin’ my sweet ass an easy A!

SOURCE

[Via http://lifeisacookie.wordpress.com]

If you want to hear God laugh...

The best thing about life after college (and yes, I realize how pathetic it is that this is my highlight) is getting to read whatever I want and whenever I want. I love it. Today I even made a list of books I want to read and books I want to re-read. Is that genuis or am I completely lame?

Books to read:

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (He wrote my FAVORITE short story ever–A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings–so I feel like I wouldn’t be a true Marquez-lover until I sample one of his novels.)

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Ok. I tried reading this a few times when I was younger. Specifically, it was when I was in 4th grade. And I don’t think my little 9-year-old brain could appreciate it.)

Little Bee by Chris Cleave (My friend just told me about this book. It’s a pretty recent release, so I may hold off on it until it hits the library.)

What is the What by Dave Eggers (Um, yeah. After reading A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius I am dying to read more by Eggers.)

7 Types of Ambiguity by Elliot Perlman (It sounds fascinating. And depressing. It’s just a massive book and a bit daunting.)

The Princess Bride by William Goldman (Saw the movie a long time ago. Figured I should give the book a shot too.)

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (Saw this movie last weekend. Must, absolutely read the book as soon as possible.)

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (I’m a huge Dan Brown fan.)

Lucky by Alice Sebold (Her memoir. I must figure out why she writes about the things she writes about and I figure her memoir might give some clues.)

Rage Against the Meshugenah by Danny Evans (Hehe. This man is the author of the Dad Gone Mad blog that I follow. He’s hilarious. And if his blog can make me giggle for three hours at a time I figure his memoir must be entertaining.)

Books to Re-read (This list is a lot shorter. But I’m sure I can come up with more at a later time.)

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (I remember reading this in junior high and loving it.)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (I remember this book from my English class my junior year of high school. I think the entire class boycotted reading it because we hated our teacher so much. Oops. But everyone always says it’s a fantastic book.)

I think that’s all for right now, on the books front.

Anyway. It’s been a week since the whole job implosion. And it’s amazing how much better I feel about it. Everything truly is going to be fine, and I came out of the whole thing more determined than ever. So that’s a plus. I was amazed at how kind everyone has been.

I’ve decided one of the keys to making it in a city is to never get cocky. Never think you’ve got everything under control. Because I feel like the rug can get ripped out from you at any time.

It’s like that quote: If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.

Just don’t even try. Maybe it’s all about simply learning to go with the flow.

[Via http://cb930.wordpress.com]

buy a men's electric razors

Most guys are impulse buyers unlike women. They hardly spend time in shopping for their personal things. But if you're planning to pay for a men's electric shavers, you ought to be extra careful in choosing the right device due to the fact it may not suit your shaving needs. Lots of men think that shavers are all the same but you see, electric shavers come in distinct kinds.

You need to get the right electrical shaver to perform the proper task. Don't look at the price of shavers inside the market. The first thing which you should do is to identify the facial hair that you're trying to get rid of. Do you have short facial hair or longer ones? Once you discover out, it will be easier to uncover the ideal shaver.

For good and sparse beards, you are able to obtain a single head or single foil shavers. This kind of shaver can already supply excellent close shave. Fine facial hairs are easier to eliminate and so you won't suffer from any skin irritation.

Some adult males have coarser beards which can be a bit hard to shave applying the single foil shavers. In this case, you'll need dual action or dual foil shavers. The blades can thoroughly run through the corners of the face and it shaves faster. Now, you can shave with no much frustration as well as the result is smoother shave.

You will discover also those who are quite problematic with their extremely coarse hairs. Well, don't be concerned because electrical shavers are also accessible in triple-head shavers. If you opt for this sort of men's electric shaver, it is possible to also deal with good and coarser hairs. You do not need trimmers with this shaver type.

You can very easily minimize irritation by employing the suitable form of shaver rather than the normal shavers or razors. Use this acquiring guide to get a good deal.

1. Choose a shaver that offers ease of use. You need to decide on a device that isn't fussy and can finish the job in less time. The shaver must follow the facial contours with out making regular adjustments. The shaver have to ensure flexibility as well.

2. Waterproof features. Make certain that the shaver may be utilized even when you're inside shower. Some guys wish to shave dry but there are also those who prefer wet-shave. Waterproof shavers could be a bit expensive but it's a wonderful deal so you do not need to worry just in situation it gets wet accidentally.

3. Recharge time. Some models of
Wahl 9765-302 RM6000 Clipper Kit
are rechargeable. You must look into the recharge time. Most models should be charged for 8-16 hours and you can use it for 30-40 minutes.

Buy your electric shaver after carefully considering this getting guide. Make sure that you simply get the men's electrical shavers that you can afford.

[Via http://rodgabhart.wordpress.com]

300 Miles to Go, Part I

Man, it’s been a long journey.

We started in August, talking about the idea of launching back out into full-time ministry. It’s been three years and I got really hurt last time. But we both knew the timing was right. I remember sitting on the couch at our house one evening and Kelley asking, “When do we consider this a real possibility?” I couldn’t believe she’d just said that. I’d been resistant before but the timing of her question couldn’t have been more divine.

For awhile I’d been feeling the tug to rejoin the path I’d left a few years back. I knew this could be a big risk. I kept thinking, “Not only is there the pain of past experiences but now I have a family that I’ll cast into this and only God knows where we’ll have to move.”

We talked off and on for the next few days about our options. I pulled out my resume. Added some new experiences to it and posted it to a couple of church job websites. Within a week we had half a dozen promising prospects.

Not a single one of them in Birmingham.

Before too long, three job options began to emerge that we wanted to pursue.

Seattle. Huntsville. North Carolina.

The one in Seattle seemed so exciting and we were convinced we’d be moving our family across the continent. That was a hard idea to stomach but it was a very electrifying prospect. They are a very large Christian resource publisher and I was being considered to write their training curriculum. A couple of interviews later and I received a gracious letter from them to let me know they had chosen another candidate.

We’d been talking (really emailing) the churches in Huntsville and North Carolina to try and setup conversations, possibly even visits if/when the timing was right. These emails and conversations went at a slow but rhythmically predictable pace. We had been at this with a goal of knowing where we’d be placed by Thanksgiving 2009. We had a couple of opportunities to visit with one church and spend an extended amount of time on the phone with the other and started to really get the sense that both of these places were involved in some really spectacular work.

All the while, we knew we needed to get our houses ready to sell (remember, Kelley bought a townhouse before we started dating and after we were married we began renting out). We’d asked a real estate agent we knew to help us sell the townhouse.

We got nowhere.

So, for our house we turned to our good friend, Social Networking. We posted on Craigslist, facebook, Oodle and our own personal website and by the afternoon we had record-interested buyers. We had the pitfalls of some scammers, too, causing us a little bit of chaos and aggravation. Thankfully, we were quickly able to squash them and keep moving ahead. We just knew that with the housing sales still in the crapper, we had to generate some quick interest that would stand out from the other houses on the market in our neighborhood and turn our house around fast.

As most of you may remember, during this time Rosie had been admitted to Children’s Hospital for more than a week, Christmas was only days away and the new year was quickly approaching. This was not a calm stretch of weeks for us. This Holiday season was a little bit busier than others in the past had been. Add to that the stress of not knowing where we’d live once we finally sold – or rented – or leased – our house.

Our plan was to move into the townhouse and live out of our luggage until we knew what direction we’d be heading with these job prospects. Sometime mid-January just before we were heading up for another visit with one of the prospective churches, we signed the lease to our house with the new family moving in February 1. As we were traveling, our agent called to tell us that someone was interested in purchasing our townhouse.

Guess when she wanted to close…

Yep. February 1.

There goes our plan for living at the townhouse. Looks like we’re piling in with Kelley’s folks. Gonna be a tight fit. But hey, saves us lots of money. Still living out of a suitcase, though.

In light of the way God seemed to be working things out, I laughingly told Kelley that I expected to hear from one or both of the churches on February 1.

Meanwhile, we ordered a POD to begin packing up our things to make room for the new family moving into our house. We submitted the order to have it delivered on Thursday. But sovereignly, early Tuesday morning, we were awakened to repeated rings of the doorbell. I threw on clothes and went to the door to find a large 16’ container being dropped off in our driveway. Earlier than we were prepared for but it would turn out in our favor, having two extra days for packing. It’s amazing how our 1500 square foot house fit into such a small space; and humbling to realize that all our earthly possessions are in a little box that is half the size of our garage.

After the final walk-through we said goodbye to the house of all our family memories to date. We were married at this house. We brought our babies home to this house. We celebrated Eli’s adoption here.

Birthdays. Baptisms. Lots of firsts.

It was hard to now see this house so empty after leaving us so full.

We said our farewells, recalled some fond memories and drove away. We needed some rest anyway. “There’s too much limbo in our lives right now. It’d be nice just to have some direction,” we constantly thought. A couple of days later we headed up to West Virginia for a few days of skiing.

Kelley and I finally got a chance to ski together. As we were taking the lift she said, “I wish we just had something concrete. Wish we could make some plans.” And I wished I could give her some answers.

But for now, there’s a long blue run down a snowy mountain calling our names.

We’d only been back to the condo a few minutes when the phone rang. This was it. Could this be the call we were waiting on? Could this be the answer to all our searching? After the conversation played out, we couldn’t have been more excited.

A little scared but really excited.

[Via http://randallnichols.wordpress.com]

LOSING OUR CHOICE IN SUPPLEMENTATION!?

THIS IS PRETTY SICK, but the BIG pharmacuetical companies are pushing a bill (Dietary Supplement Safety Act, S. 3002) that would potentially get rid of ALL supplementation offered in the United States.  Europe has already been “jailed” in their choices of health care.

Think about it, if the FDA gets this power, our ability to use something other than prescription medication, will be non existent.  It is all about the cash and the cash is going to the legislators that are pushing the bill.  Go to the link; http://capwiz.com/saveoursupplements/issues/alert/?alertid=14705421 and sign a petition against this CRAP!

If a new bill, the Dietary Supplement Safety Act, S. 3002, passes, it will amend the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and have severe consequences for both suppliers and retailers.

If you manufacture, distribute or broker dietary supplements or, if you supply dietary ingredients, this is how this new legislation could affect you:

• All dietary supplements, whether vitamins, minerals, herbal products and others that were previously allowed under DSHEA, could be removed from the market under S. 3002. This legislation would mandate that every dietary supplement would have to go through a brand new process of government review (yet to be defined) in order to remain on store shelves.

• For the first time in the history of food or drug law, retail establishments would need to register with the FDA.Failing to register could result in severe monetary penalties, up to two times your gross profit. Not complying with even minimal technical requirements, such as minor errors in registration, recordkeeping or reporting could be considered a criminal offense.

• Retailers would also be required to obtain “adequate written evidence”  from suppliers that each dietary supplement product meets all regulatory requirements.Again, failure to do so could result in severe monetary penalties.

• The bill introduces severe monetary penalties for all involved in the supply chain including ingredient suppliers and manufacturers, up to two times their gross profit for failing to comply even with minimal technical requirements. These include oversights in registration, recordkeeping or reporting that have no effect on the safety of a product.

• Suppliers would be required to report all adverse events, not just those that are “serious.” Reporting of all adverse events, including even minor complaints, would provide no additional consumer safety. However, it will add a significant burden to manufacturers in recordkeeping and reporting, as well as exposure to potential product liability lawsuits.

• Introducing new or innovative dietary supplements or dietary ingredients will be subjected to a much more rigorous approval process.

STAND UP AND FIGHT THE MONEY and FOR OUR OWN HEALTH CHOICES!

Doubleapenny

[Via http://doubleapenny.wordpress.com]

How do I prepare for interview questions that come out of left field?

Q: I know there are job interview questions that are commonly asked (“Where do you see yourself in five years?”, “What’s your greatest weakness?” and so forth). But how do I ready myself for queries that come way out of left field? I want to be able to score with every answer I give.

A: In general, “scoring” during an interview depends on more than simply having an answer ready for every question. Interviewers are interested in your attitude and maturity, your work ethic, your professionalism and how well you communicate. Regardless of the job, they’re also evaluating you as a problem solver, a team player and someone who wants to learn and grow.

When you get an unexpected question, the most important thing to do is take a moment to ponder, “What can I say that is authentic and professional?”

In the end, honesty is best. This might include saying that you don’t have an exact answer or even admitting that it’s a challenging question. What doesn’t work is posturing, sugarcoating or pretending you know something you don’t. Gaining the interviewer’s respect will always be more important than having a “perfect” answer.
In general, “scoring” during an interview depends on more than simply having an answer ready for every question. Interviewers are interested in your attitude and maturity, your work ethic, your professionalism and how well you communicate. Regardless of the job, they’re also evaluating you as a problem solver, a team player and someone who wants to learn and grow.

When you get an unexpected question, the most important thing to do is take a moment to ponder, “What can I say that is authentic and professional?”

In the end, honesty is best. This might include saying that you don’t have an exact answer or even admitting that it’s a challenging question. What doesn’t work is posturing, sugarcoating or pretending you know something you don’t. Gaining the interviewer’s respect will always be more important than having a “perfect” answer.

Source: KIVITV.com

[Via http://blog.localjobs.com]

Blog:Schwarzenegger says Obama's stimulus created jobs

At a conservative gathering in Washington discount Mbt shoes this week, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney blasted the $787 billion stimulus bill and asserted it did not create any new jobs.

The California governor, asked about the comments on the ABC news program “This Week,” said many Republican Mbt politicians were railing against the program while seeking stimulus funds for their own districts.

“You have a lot of the MBT Shoes Republicans running around and pushing back on the stimulus money and saying this doesn’t create any new jobs,” Schwarzenegger said.

“Then they go out and they do the photo ops and they are posing with the big check and they say ‘Isn’t this great?’”

The Obama administration says the stimulus has saved or created as many as 2 million jobs. Private economists mbt sale widely agree that it staved off a far deeper economic contraction.

State governors are in Washington this week for their annual gathering and will meet Obama on Monday as both parties gear up for congressional elections in November.

“It’s kind of politics,” Schwarzenegger said of the claims by Republicans that no jobs flowed from the stimulus program.

He said teaching and Mbt shoes infrastructure-related jobs were among those created in California.

[Via http://mbtsale.wordpress.com]

Learning new skills

It’s been a little while since I last updated my blog. I have been a busy boy though!

I have been getting more involved with the online community I have been a member of since last February, I have been made a moderator of the forums, as well as being the regular “go to” member for anything graphics design related. As a result I have created a new logos for the community and new banners for the site, which still need updating! I keep pestering but the guy who is the person with the ability to make the changes is a very hard man to get hold of! Grrrr!

I have added the stuff I created for the site to my work examples of here so do have a look, and tell me what you think. Hopefully you like!

To add to this I have also been weighing up my options with regards of getting back in to work. As you can probably tell I enjoy all areas of design, but as of late have been more interested in getting into Graphics Design more, but there is a big stumbling block I need to get over with most Graphics Design jobs being posted up, and that is web design. Many Graphics Design jobs like to be more focused on designing for the world of the web. This is totally understandable as I can’t see a bigger platform for advertising and graphics work than the interwebs. With this in mind I have started learning HTML and CSS. So far things are going well, and I now have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS.

Next step for me s to build on this, and to find an employer that is willing to give me a chance to get that vital opportunity to take my first steps into building a career around web and graphic design. It’s going to be hard, but hard work is what it takes, and I’m willing to give 150% to achieve this.

Keeping my fingers massively crossed, though it makes typing that bit more difficult! (A poor attempt at being funny I know, but hey, you have to try, right? :-S)

Adam

[Via http://adamdell.wordpress.com]

Bible Study Thursday!

Well tonight was the second meeting of my bible study. It went really well. The Freeway Cafe was actually open this week, so that was a great start. I felt a lot more comfortable, whereas last week I was really nervous. This week we look a lot deeper into the human dialogue of the book of Job. We were able to learn what each of Job’s friends were saying, and Job’s response to each. I thought it was really important to take the time to go through it properly. Job is one of those stories where most people just say “Oh yea, I know that one”; but in reality they don’t know any details to the story. So now we can confidently say we know Job and his friends. Next week we will look at the Divine dialogue found in Job and finish up the book. I love that I am learning new things, even though I’m teaching. It’s fun to discover the Bible. I suggest everyone to discover/rediscover that greatness of God’s Word!!

Laura didn't want in the photo, but she says peace anyhow!

[Via http://camerawinks.wordpress.com]

Another Banner Week

Gosh, there was more exciting news at this week’s meeting of Seacoast Peers for Careers! AR, who had been offered a job last week, met with HR to discuss salary and benefits which ended up being better than expected. No negotiation was needed! And Tim, who had two interviews last week as a result of his Hidden Gems article, was offered a sales manager position at a branch of a company he had worked for early in his career. He told us, between smiles, that it felt like he was “coming home.” Both start March 1.

While there was much cheering, it is also bittersweet knowing that these two folks who have become dear to us are off on new adventures. And as much as we earnestly wished them ‘God speed,” there was a momentary sadness that we weren’t the ones sharing the good news. But such is the ebb and flow of life.

[Via http://deeschuman.wordpress.com]

Anxiety & Depression

Question for anyone knowledgable in the following: Anxiety and/or Depression.

How do you know when you’re suffering from one or both? Lately (since beginning this new job) I have been feeling a tightness in my chest, not sleeping well, and a continuing feeling of sadness, loneliness, and helplessness.

I went to WebMD to look up some information and discovered that those symptoms are linked to pretty much every ailment.

A big thing is that I just don’t enjoy this new job. I don’t enjoy driving forty-some miles to get there, and I think I just miss my friends too much.

But I’m trying hard. I’m really trying to find the bright spot; I keep telling myself I’m doing this for my child(family) so that we can live. As opposed to not having a job. I try to think positively and maybe, once we move closer, things will get better.

In the back of my mind I’m focusing on the posibility of being promoted to the branch where I used to work and be the boss there. I think seven years of service and being exposed to the executive duties therein have given me a great chance of stepping into that role. Plus I have built solid relationships with the other customers.

I pray to God every day – every hour of the day – that this current job is only temporary before I move back to where I desire to live.

[Via http://paretsam.wordpress.com]

need a job? jamz got you az.

Hey, I got the word today and wanted to make sure I got this information to everyone today.

At 101.5 jamz we know how tough it is in our town for jobs,  so we keep up with our town because we live here.

We work here and we keep  up with our community jamz represent the city.

The U.S. Census Bureau needs crew leaders, census takers, to prepares for Maricopa County.

Must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and Security number.

Get  going and get a job.

www.2010 censusjobs.gov

[Via http://1015jamz.radio.com]

MOSAIC SIGNAGE FOR 2010 SOCCER WORLD CUP WELCOME VILLAGE – Part 1

Badec Bros Mosaic has created many beautiful mosaic art pieces both indoors and outdoors and continues to grow from strength to strength, with trend-setting designs and professional installations.

The creative and professional team at Badec Bros Mosaic was approached to design and create signage, created from multi-coloured mosaic tiles for the welcome village, which was constructed by Ekurhuleni for the 2010 Soccer World Cup spectacular.

No job is too big or too small for the Badec Bros Mosaic group. The mosaic signage panels measure 5,6 meters in diameter. Our mosaic specialists are currently installing the panels on site. This job should be finished within the week. We will show you the photographs of the end result on next week’s blog. Stay posted…

Should you be interested in having Talita Badenhorst design and quote you on a unique mosaic for a wall in your home, office or garden, you can contact her on her e-mail address at talita@badecbros.com

She will gladly arrange an appointment with you to stun you with her creative ideas.

Linda Poultney ©

[Via http://badecbrosmosaic.wordpress.com]

Has it already been 10 years?

Cakes were held on Wednesday for people celebrating their birthday, so the big boss decided to hand out “Congratulations” and gifts to the people who have now been with the company for 10 years – my boss and… me!

I cannot believe that I have been working for this company for 10 years now – 10 years and 8 days to be exact! :S

I don’t know if I should mark this as an occasion or if I should cry!

Why cry? Does anyone really stay in a company for that many years anymore? Back in the good ol’ days people used to stay in the same company well up until they retire – my dad worked for the same company since I was in my primary school days, but even he had a few other jobs under his belt before settling on his final company.

For years I have been saying that I should move on to something new. But I have also followed up that comment with “to what?” I still have no idea what I want to do. Sure, I like photography and I like making jewellery (whenever I do get the time to move away from my computer editing photos, which seems to be never ending!), but the creative world is ridiculously competitive and I know that it’s not something I would be able to survive on. Oh, how I would just love to win the lotto!

So what have I been doing for the last 10 years in this company. Definitely not the same thing I started out in. Maybe if I were then I definitely wouldn’t have been here for this long. I’ve moved from general administration in the Support area to being a team leader for the Quality Assurance team – yeah, it did take me a few years to get here. I do enjoy what I’m doing, even though it can get quite stressful at times and I wish I were out there taking photos instead of being behind my computer desk! Also, there’s still so many things that I want to set up and learn, where I haven’t had the time to actually make a start on because of the amount of work that is constantly on my plate of things to do. The people I work with are great as well. So I really wouldn’t be surprised if I’m still here for a few more years.

[Via http://jacquibarreto.wordpress.com]

Ok, I got a job....Now what?

A real Olympic torch, a real author....

So, that went well. Interview number three, that is. I actually got to feel like a genuine, caring parent, because I made sure Moose got walked before the school run and drove the Weasels to school so I could read to Tiniest Weasel in “Parent Reading Time”. Having rushed through “The Cat in the Hat” (I love the classics) I leapt back in the car and made it to the prospective employment zone in time to meet the Store Manager.

Now, as a point of policy (and not to bore people beyond belief) I’m not going to write about the people or the place where I work unless A: They give me explicit permission to do so or B: It becomes clear that no one there knows or cares about this blog. Since B seems to be the prevailing attitude of the entire world, you may get to hear about it all anyway. But not today.

One of the things I love about being in Canada is the National Pride. Folks love being Canadian. You see it in the advertisements, the fact that the McDonalds arches have a Maple Leaf in the middle, and you can’t miss it right now anywhere in BC. Vancouver is hosting the Winter Olympic games and you can’t move for people in Canada tops, hats, scarves or Olympic mittens. The cars are all festooned with snapping Canada flags, and flags drape the houses, fill the windows, are in every aisle of your favourite Home Improvement Retailer…

It so happens that a couple of our favourite television programmes are on a channel called CTV, and they just happen to be the channel that is screening the principal Olympic coverage. Naturally, their adverts have been saturated with Olympic imagery in the last few weeks, but it’s not just “Watch CTV for the Olympics”, it’s almost all “Support Team Canada” and “Go Canada Go!”. They did a brilliant series of introductions to Canadian Olympians, which made me think – how many members of the British Olympic team could you name? The only one I could really remember was the snotty fourteen year old kid in the posh diving competition*, who blew it at the last minute. What was his name? Exactly. But now we hear about different Canadian Olympians every day. they’re in the papers, on posters in the bus stops, everywhere. I watched the theme song to the Winter Games “I believe”, sung by Nikki Yanovsky and found it very moving. I think I’ve mentioned before, Canadian Pride is a very interesting and non-threatening thing. It’s not about being better than everyone else, not about putting anyone down because they’re NOT Canadian, it’s celebrating the fact that WE ARE Canadian, eh? There are some dreadful commercials by the food suppliers President’s Choice, saying how they supplied some of the food the Canadian Olympians have eaten, and it ends with this “So if they win gold, we’ll take a little of the credit…But not much. After all, we ARE Canadian.”

So tonight, I won’t be celebrating getting a job. Yes,  I’m pleased, it’s a relief and the start of a new phase of life (again!). I’ve noticed how much more I’ve got done in the last few days when I thought I was losing all the time I’ve had at my disposal since we arrived, and I hope I can maintain that momentum when the pace really does pick up. But tonight we’re gathering together as a family and watching the opening ceremony, with popcorn, hot dogs and probably ice cream too. It feels like there’s a great big party here in our adopted hometown and whether there’s any snow up those mountains or not, the world is looking at Vancouver and it would be churlish not to smile and wave. Well, it would be un-Canadian.

*I realise that this may not be the correct name for the event.

[Via http://dtrasler.wordpress.com]

Advice - Pick up the Phone during the Academic Job Search

Over the past 20+ years in academia I have chaired and served on over 12 academic search committees.  These search committees have included positions for deans, department heads, professors, assistant professors and non-tenure track faculty.

During that time, how many applicants were too aggressive? How many annoyed the department head or search committee chair because they called on the telephone and asked to talk about the job?  How many search committees discarded academic applicants because they were too eager?

ZERO.  That’s right – I have yet to encounter a single academic applicant who was too aggressive in the job search process.

What is the lesson here?  If you are searching for an academic position, it is not difficult to get a closer, second look.  Simply give the search committee chair or the department head a phone call and discuss the job.  Let them know why you are interested.

This past semester our school had a tenure track job opening.  We had over 160 applicants for the position.  How many applicants picked up the phone (or asked for a phone interview via email) and proactively asked to talk with the department head about the position?  Two.  Two applicants out of 160.  Guess what – both applicants got a close look.  One of these applicants was ultimately our hire.  The entire department is positive about this hire because we feel certain about his desire to be at our university.

I am convinced that I got my first job by picking up the phone.  I had been on a school visit that did not go particularly well.  I really liked the school but I wasn’t in top form during the interview process.  I was told two weeks later that they had made an offer to another candidate.  After a few days of being miserable, I picked up the phone and called the department head and we talked.  A few days later the other candidate turned down the job and I was offered the position.  The department head knew that I wanted to be there.  It was a good hire for the school.  It was a good hire for me.

Moral of the story: If you see a job in academia that you really like, pick up the phone and call the search committee chair and/or department head.  Each phone conversation is a learning experience which will hone your interviewing skills.  Be sincere.  Be yourself.  Who knows – maybe you will land the big job.

[Via http://academicanchor.wordpress.com]

WORK COMP. LAWYERS: KULLMANN, KLEIN AND DIONEDA, WORK-RELATED INJURY LAW FIRM/WORKERS' COMPENSATION INJURIES/HOUSEKEEPING STAFF/JANITORS/MAID SERVICE/HOUSE CLEANERS/HOUSEKEEPER/ON-THE-JOB INJURIES, INJURED AT WORK/JOB INJURIES/FREE WORKMEN'S COMPENS

KULLMANN, KLEIN AND DIONEDA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW FIRM (314) 772-0000 – ST. LOUIS OFFICE 1-800-536-8844 ST. CHARLES OFFICE AND GRANITE CITY OFFICE SERVING MISSOURI AND ILLINOIS   HOUSEKEEPERS, JANITORS: ON-THE-JOB INJURIES HEAVY PHYSICAL WORKLOAD WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION CLAIMS   WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE IS INSURANCE THAT COVRS EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT THAT THEY ARE INJURED OR EVEN KILLED WHILE PERFORMING THEIR JOB DUTIES. RETAIL STORES APARTMENT BUILDINGS OFFICES RESTAURANTS MAID SERVICES –  CLEANING SERVICES RESIDENTIAL Housekeeping staff play an important role in shaping visitors’ critical first impression of a business.  Cleaning is a strenuous job.  The duties of a housekeeper include dusting furniture, mopping floor, scrubbing bathtubs, shampooing rugs, washing walls, glass, and vacuuming carpeting.  Housekeeping staff at luxury hotels require that housekeepers clean rooms or other hotel areas, empting trash, cleaning windows, bed making, working in the laundry room, ironing, laundering tows and sheets.  Their goal is to make all hotel guest feel conformtable upon entering a room.  Other establishments such as retail stores, office buildings, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, restaurants, homes, and many other business use maid services to maintain their premises. Due to the physical nature of a housekeeper, they are at high risk for neck, shoulder , and back injuries.  This job demands bending, twisting and reaching of the upper limbs.  Forceful kneeling can result in bursitis of the knee.  Recurrent bending increases the risk of feet and leg injuries.  Reaching of the upper limbs contribute to persistent pain in hands, writst and neck.  Workers employed in a cleaning capacity also suffer from high rates of carpal tunnel syndrome.  Upscale hotels require that the cleaning staff stock clean linens, strip beds, move cots and cribs in and out of rooms all of which require heavy lifting.  Management at luxury hotels expect housekeeping staff to complete more strenuous tasks in the same amount of time.  Many hotels have resisted safety-related initiatives.  Businesses have a legal responsibility to improve work-place safety issue for housekeepers.  Work-place safety experts believe that the injuries sustained in the houskeeping industry can be prevented.  With increased work loads come increasd injury rates.  The risk of musculoskeletal disorders would be greatly decreased by implementing employee training  promoting safety in the workplace.  If you have sustained injuries in performing your duties as a housekeeper/janitor as a result of inadequate training, unsafe working conditions, and negligence on the part of your employer, please call KULLMANN, KLEIN AND DIONEDA today to schedule your free Workmen’s Compensation Consultation.  Our law firm has over twenty years of experience in handling Workers’ Compensation claims.  We believe in one-on-one personal service for our clients.  In your free legal consultation, you will meet with one of our attorneys to discuss the nature of your injuries.  KULLMANN, KLEIN AND DIONEDA is dedicated to protecting your rights and will thoroughly investigate your case.  Our law firm will aggressively pursue your claim and recover the monetary compensation you deserve. DON’T WAIT.  CALL KULLMANN, KLEIN AND DIONEDA TODAY: ST. LOUIS OFFICE:  (314) 772-0000 AND TOLL FREE AT: 1-800-536-8844 HOME AND HOSPITAL VISITS ARE AVAILABLE. WE HAVE THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI AND GRANITE CITY, ILLINOIS Gary Kullmann, Andrew Klein and Steve Dioneda WORKERS COMPENSATION LAW FIRM   FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE:  www.kkdpc.com

 

[Via http://kkdpc.wordpress.com]

Pentru prieteni

Am ajuns in Botosani in jurul pranzului.
Mi-am gasit echipa pe teren. Mai aveau vreun ceas de munca si terminau. Am stat cu ei s-apoi am venit impreuna la birou.
Acum…deja au trecut ore bune de atunci. Desi am baut vreo 4 cani mari cu vin rosu inca nu imi revin din starea pe care mi-au transmis-o.

Erau deprimati. Tare deprimati. Deprimati si infrigurati.
De ce?
Pentru ca au trecut 6 saptamani de la demararea proiectului…6 saptamani de lucru in mediu extern la temperaturi intre -10 si -15 gC, zi de zi, zi lumina.
Dupa care seara de seara urma prelucrarea datelor la birou, lucru care se termina fie la ora 22, 23 sau 24, dupa caz.
Urmatoarea zi…de la capat.
Am intrerupt lucrul doar o saptamana, cea in care au fost -20-25 gC. S-ar fi lucrat si atunci, dar deja temperatura afecta precizia de lucru a instrumentelor si nu ne mai incadram in tolerante. De altfel aparatele isi faceau turn off singure.
Ce inseamna asta?…explic indata…

Fac aici o paranteza sa precizez ca din fericire pentru mine si pentru cei din echipa sunt omul care inteleg foarte bine aceste situatii. Asta pentru ca inainte de a-i aduna in echipa am fost 4 ani pe cont propriu, 4 ani in care am tras din rasputeri.
Referitor la cazul de fata am trecut prin asa ceva cu varf si indesat in conditii mult mai vitrege in iarna anului 2001, timp de trei luni cat am lucrat la aplicarea Legii 1 pentru fond forestier.

Aparent pare simplu. Ce este mare lucru sa lucrezi afara?…
In realitate lucrurile nu stau asa.
In realitate este un test de anduranta a limtelor fizice si psihice. In primele zile corpul incepe sa se obisnuiasca cu regimul si conditiile de lucru impuse, dupa care incepe sa dea semne de oboseala. Apoi intevine psihicul care joaca un rol capital in ceea ce priveste modul cum vor evolua lucrurile.
Daca esti tare, rezistent, daca ai vointa, te trezesti si a doua zi si a treia, si o i-ei de la capat. Astfel oboseala devine rutina, depinzand doar de taria psihica sa mentii aceasta rutina la niste cote suportabile.

In primele ore ale diminetii ai cel mai mare tonus, dupa care incepi sa ingheti, mai ales cel care sta la statie, adica cel care sta pe loc toata ziua. Jalonierul, cel care se misca continuu este mai castigat, mergand se incalzeste. Parcurge intre 8-10 km zilnic, vara si peste 20 km. Dezavantajul este ca parcurge acest traseu prin zapada, pe teren accidentat, peste tot unde este nevoie. Cade, se loveste, se ridica si continua.

Dupa ce au trecut cele cateva ore incep sa ti se ude cele 3-4 perechi de ciorapi, incep sa-ti inghete mainile desi-s acoperite cu manusi, incep sa-ti lacrimeze ochii din cauza vantului, ti se inaspreste pielea felei, te ustura cand o atingi, iti crapa buzele.
Pe parcursul zilei la un moment dat simti cum iti dispare simtul tactil din varful degetelor, asa de tare iti ingheata mainile si picioarele.

Inserarea te prinde obosit, vlaguit, inghtat, infometat, cu fata congestionata rosie vinetie si cu o dorinta nespusa de a ajunge acasa. Oricare si oriunde ar fi aceasta.
Ajungi acasa, mananci ceva, dupa ce in prealabil ti-ai gatit, bei ceva si te apuci de prelucrat date.
De ce? Pentru ca in teren nu mai ai nici timp, nici disponibilitatea, nici conditiile sa iti intocmesti o schita. Tot ce lucrezi in ziua respectiva memorezi. Bagi la cap. Seara le prelucrezi, daca nu, risti in a 3-4-a zi sa uti ce ai facut in prima, lucru extrem de neplacut.

Asa decurge o zi de lucru de iarna a unui topograf adevarat.
Asa i-am gasit astazi pe ai mei. Asa sta intreg proiectul in grafic…

Respect pentru voi prieteni

Ma duc sa beau si a cincea cana cu vin in cinstea voastra.

[Via http://jorjphotography.wordpress.com]

i cried at work

I don’t like my job and it frustrates me to the point of tears sometimes.  Late last year, I cried at work three times in a week.  Each time I felt the tears a-comin’, I hightailed it to my hiding spot until I calmed down.

However, this last week I cried a big, ugly, can’t breath cry.  In my manager’s office.  In front of two of my managers.

I’m not sure where it came from (I’m quick to blame PMS because it’s easy) and eventually I was just crying because I was crying in my manager’s office.  I know I didn’t explain myself nearly as well as I would have liked, so now I feel like an overly emotional little girl (hello, not helping the “little one” nickname!).

Once it was over, I had to walk from her office through a hallway of other offices that sometimes can be a ghost town, but of course at this point was crawling with managers.  All day long people were asking me if I was okay and being an overly emotional girly girl that day, it just made me want to cry again.

All I could think of was that I’m doomed at work now.  You’re just not supposed to cry at work.  Can I overcome it?  My mom tried to make me feel better saying that it showed how much I care.  Truth is I don’t, but if that’s the illusion it gives, I suppose I’ll go with it.

[Via http://megwrites.wordpress.com]

Day 34

Do you ever consider what it’d be like to jump into a new career, convince someone you know what you’re doing and just give it a whirl… just like they do in the movies? You know, they don’t always check your employment background. It’s based on trust. So say tomorrow I wanted to get a job as a cake decorator but never touched a cake in my life, could you pull it off?

PS. I did not do that for the job I just got! Just an idea… a thought… something craZy going on in the mind of Nibby…

[Via http://nibby365days.wordpress.com]

"How To Prioritize My Work" - Wake Up Productive by Eben Pagan

How do I prioritize my work? Hi, I’m Eben Pagan, creator of the Wake Up Productive time management and productivity training program. If you’d like to watch my 47-minute video on how to manage yourself and your time and become dramatically more productive, just go to WakeUpProductive.com, and enter your name and email address. You can watch this video worth $100.00 for free.

Let’s talk about how to prioritize our work to get the right things done and to become very productive. One of the things that I’ve learned in business is that there are only a few things that matter. If you only worked on those few things, you would get very, very strong, very, very profitable results. If you don’t do those few things, then you’re going to get horrible results. Now, because most of us are distracted, and we’re interrupted, and we’ve got a lot of things on our minds, and we’ve got a big list of To Dos, it’s sometimes not easy to remember to just take a minute and ask, “What are the important things?” When we do take a minute to ask, “What are the important things?” sometimes, we don’t have tools that allow us to value the different things on the list and to get the important things to the top. I’m going to give you a couple of tools right now.

The first tool is what I call my productivity pyramid. The simple way to use this tool is to start, take a blank piece of paper, and draw a triangle or a pyramid, and break it into four levels. The bottom level – inside of the bottom level, write, “Zero value or negative value.” The second level, write, “Low dollar per hour activities.” The next level up or the second level from the top, label that, “High dollar per hour activities.” Then, the top, the capstone of the pyramid, that’s, “High lifetime value activities.”

Now, zero value or negative value, these are things that you do that literally have no value or they may have negative value. These would be things like gossiping or complaining or eating junk food because you feel like you have low energy. They’re things that actually bring no value or possible they’re counterproductive. They have negative value.

The second level, which is low dollar per hour activities, this would be all of the administrative work that you do. Like if you’re mailing out several pieces of mail: if you’re writing the address and putting the stamps on the envelope and bringing them to the post office. This is low dollar per hour activity. This might be $10.00 or $20.00 per hour activities.

The next level, which is high dollar per hour activities, this is where it starts to get really interesting because this is where you’re doing things that are actually creating results very quickly that bring in money or bring in value to you and your business. A typical example might be talking to a customer who’s interested in buying something from you. That would be maybe considered a sales call or a sales conversation because if it results in a sale or a customer buying something, that brings in a lot of money right now.

Now, at the pinnacle or the capstone, this is high lifetime value activities. These are actually the most valuable activities that you can do. As it turns out, they’re the things that we usually don’t do because they’re not that urgent. Stephen Covey, in his four-quadrant time management system, he talks about these. These are really part of the Quadrant 2 – things that are important, but they’re not really urgent. Things that if you do them consistently over time, they build a lot of value. They build a big foundation for value creation and income, but because they’re long-term projects, and they require a lot of investment, we don’t get around to them.

In our personal lives, things like exercise and creating a diet plan that really works. These are high lifetime value activities. They pay dividends for life. In the business sphere, some of the high lifetime value activities would be creating a new product or a new service that’s going to be sold over and over and over again. Another high lifetime value activity might be creating a marketing piece or something that you’re going to give away to customers to entice them and get them to check out your business. This video right here is a high lifetime value activity for me because thousands and thousands of people will watch this over the coming years. They’ll learn about my products and services, and they will come and visit me. It has high lifetime value.

What I’d like you do is make a pyramid for yourself, and list out the things that you do every day, all the typical things that you do. What are the things that have zero or negative value? What are the things that have low dollar per hour value? What are the things that have high dollar per hour value? And then, what are the things that have high lifetime value? And just by looking at them, by seeing them and understanding their relationship to each other, that’ll create some awareness, and it’ll have a click, and it’ll let you know which things to prioritize at the top of the list every day because those are the things that bring you high lifetime value and high dollar per hour value.

Now, the next thing I’d like to teach you is a concept that took me a long time to realize. In business, there are only three things that really ring the cash register, increase the value of your business, create value for others and actually make you a lot of money long term. Those three things are products, marketing and relationships. Let me say them again. Products, marketing and relationships. These are big categories, and obviously, a lot more than just products fits in the products bin because it can be products, it can be services. It can be an integration of the two. Things that you’re going to sell are what I’m talking about. Marketing is all of the marketing and sales activities that you do. Things to bring in customers, and maybe you might consider good customer service in there because in a lot of ways, good customer service is good marketing.

And then relationships. Relationships with partners, people who would like to sell your stuff for you, employees, team members, people that work with you, that type of thing. Here’s what I’ll tell you. If you want to have a dramatically more successful business and dramatically more successful life and make a lot more money in a lot less time, invest 80 percent of your time working on products, marketing and relationships. Products, marketing and relationships. If you just prioritize products, marketing and relationships to the top of your list every day, you will wake up three months, six months, nine months, twelve months from now, and your productivity and your income will be skyrocketing. So those are a couple of great tools and ideas for prioritizing your work and your life.

Finally, if you’d like to learn how to really master time management and productivity, learn how to keep yourself focused, learn how to eliminate procrastination for good and learn how to create positive habits and eliminate negative ones, just go to WakeUpProductive.com right now to watch my 47-minute video on how to manage yourself and your time and how to make yourself dramatically more productive.

The video is worth $100.00, but you can watch it for free by just visiting WakeUpProductive.com, entering your name and e-mail address and opting in. Of course, I’ll also send you many more valuable free video trainings, and I’ll also send you private invitations to listen to me interviewing some of the top experts in the world on business, marketing, success and productivity all for free.

Just go to WakeUpProductive.com, enter your name and e-mail address to get it all right now.

[Via http://wakeupproductive.wordpress.com]

Moonlighting as a Detective

So I recently put 2 and 5 together to sort of kind of figure out where the $17.53 went missing.

Well, on that very Sunday that I calculated my net worth, I totally forgot that I did LAUNDRY! That was exactly $7.50. It was also an 1.5 hours of my life that I will never get back. So sad. As for the $10.03, I’m thinking that I may have forgotten to include one of my church donations ($10.00) and I may have dropped 3 pennies somewhere. My wallet, even though it is cute, has a gaping hole on the top so one sudden movement and there go my coins flying all over the place.

Although this is a giant conjecture, I am glad that I can finally get some sleep at night, because it was really bothering me. I was having nightmares where a gang consisting of a $10 bill, a $5 bill and two $1 bill would chase me. And they were using quarters and pennies as ammo. Ok, ok, it wasn’t that dramatic, but isn’t that just a scary thought?

Well, I may have solved that case, but now I have other questions lingering on my mind:

1) So I bought tickets to go see Avatar in December. Except I didn’t pay the bill until February. Now, since I didn’t have a budget in January and February, I can’t say that I stored that cost in anticipation for the bill. Does this mean that this will have to deduct this from my February entertainment budget? Cuz that would be sad. Very, very sad. Or, should I create a new category called Stuff That I Bought Before but Forgot to Pay for Until Now?

2) Although I created the Misc. purchases category out of sheer laziness, should I break those costs down into their respective categories? My thinking was that if I bought food from CVS, for example, then that would be food that I wouldn’t be consuming outside, hence maintaining the balance in the universe. But now I’m slowly seeing my Misc. category grow and I’m wondering if maybe I should ixnay the laziness.

3) Why is that tracking your expenses increases instances of buyers’ remorse? Gosh I felt bad about getting a deal at CVS (buy one get one free cereal. That’s two boxes for $4.49!!). I used to get annoyed when PF bloggers would write about how they bought something and how the shame of the world descended upon them for their purchase. Then they would proceed with self-flagellation as repentance for their sins. Except now, I’m all like, omg, did I really buy something again? Newbie, you’ve GOT TO DO BETTER.

But then I walk out of the store and gorge on the pint of ice cream I just purchased and the pain just goes away. But the question still stands: why does budgeting make life feel bad?!!

I may be a detective, but I am not a one-man show. Would love to hear your thoughts/solutions on my pending questions/investigations.

[Via http://investingnewbie.wordpress.com]

Some people and approval

Some people you just can’t impress no matter how hard you try and even if you do a good job they’ll put you down no matter what. Some people may feel bad about this and some may even know people in the workplace that are this way. All you can do is just congrat yourself for doing a good job and not go by their approval especially since however good you try they just won’t approve. But just keep on trying because that’s all that you can do. Don’t just give up and fail because that would just be worse. Try and try again and maybe someday they’ll approve, but until then see how you’ve improved and done better for yourself. Maybe even make a journal to keep track so that you can tell how you improved and how you can feel better by your results even though it may never satisfy your boss. You’ll know better once this happens and it wouldn’t make you feel so bad about yourself in the end. Keep on keeping on.

[Via http://someguyinthisworld.wordpress.com]

Plan B

Hey friends, this is an amazing story that tells us to always have a plan B in mind…..i am sure you learn a lesson of life at the end of this story…Nice one!!

A pretty woman was serving a life sentence in prison. Angry and resentful about her situation, she had decided that she would rather die than to live another year in prison. Over the years she had become good friends with one of the prison caretakers. His job, among others, was to bury those prisoners who died in a graveyard just outside the prison walls. When a prisoner died, the caretaker rang a bell, which was heard by everyone. The caretaker then got the body and put it in a casket. Next, he entered his office to fill out the death certificate before returning to the casket to nail the lid shut. Finally, he put the casket on a wagon to take it to the graveyard and bury it.

Knowing this routine, the woman devised an escape plan and shared it with the caretaker. The next time the bell rang, the woman would leave her cell and sneak into the dark room where the coffins were kept. She would slip into the coffin with the dead body while the caretaker was filling out the death certificate. When the care-taker returned, he would nail the lid shut and take the coffin outside the prison with the woman in the coffin along with the dead body. He would then bury the coffin. The woman knew there would be enough air for her to breathe until later in the evening when the caretaker would return to the graveyard under the cover of darkness, dig up the coffin, open it, and set her free.The caretaker was reluctant to go along with this plan, but since he and the woman had become good friends over the years, he agreed to do it.

The woman waited several weeks before someone in the prison died. She was asleep in her cell when she heard the death bell ring. She got up and slowly walked down the hallway. She was nearly caught a couple of times. Her heart was beating fast. She opened the door to the darkened room where the coffins were kept. Quietly in the dark, she found the coffin that contained the dead body, carefully climbed into the coffin and pulled the lid shut to wait for the caretaker to come and nail the lid shut.

Soon she heard footsteps and the pounding of the hammer and nails. Even though she was very uncomfortable in the coffin with the dead body, she knew that with each nail she was one step closer to freedom. The coffin was lifted onto the wagon and taken outside to the graveyard. She could feel the coffin being lowered into the ground. She didn’t make a sound as the coffin hit the bottom of the grave with a thud. Finally she heard the dirt dropping onto the top of the wooden coffin, and she knew that it was only a matter of time until she would be free at last. After several minutes of absolute silence, she began to laugh. She was free! She was free! Feeling curious, she decided to light a match to find out the identity of the dead prisoner beside her.

To her horror, she discovered that she was lying next to the dead caretaker.

Many people believe they have life all figured out….. but sometimes it just doesn’t turn out the way they planned it.

Think of a ‘Plan B’ !

[Via http://tasneemrocks.wordpress.com]

Trusting in God

O SON OF BEING

If poverty overtake thee, be not sad; for in time the Lord of wealth shall visit thee. Fear not abasement, for glory shall one day rest on thee.

Baha’u'llah

As I am looking for a job these words from the ’Hidden Words’ of Baha’u'llah have given me great comfort and have re-energised my faith that I will find something soon – far better than any job I have ever had before! It also reminds me, given that I come from a Shia background of a Surah from the Noble Qur’an (also holy scripture, as with many other books of world religions, in the Baha’i faith):

Surah Ad-Duha (The Morning Hours)

Bismillah ar-rahman ar-Rahim

By the morning hours,

And by the night when it is stillest,

Thy Lord hath not forsaken thee nor doth He hate thee,

And very the latter portion will be better for thee than the former,

And very thy Lord will give unto Thee so that thou wilt be content,

Did He not find thee and orphan and protect thee?

Did He not find thee wandering and direct thee?

Did He not find thee destitute and enrich thee?

Therefore the orphan oppress not,

Therefore the beggar drive not away,

Therefore the bounty of thy Lord be thy discourse.

Again, this is more proof that whilst we may suffer trials and difficluties in life, God is always there waiting to make your life so much better once you have came through it. It’s as the Buddhist sage Nichiren Shonin says:

‘Winter never fails to turn into Spring’

Keep the faith.

[Via http://moshescoffeehouse.wordpress.com]

SIA Blew me Away

Yo! Let me tell you SIA in Denver was bananas. No, I’m not talking about LibTech, although that was bananas. The girls from Shred Union are awesome. Karine and Sarah know how to have a good time and those girls can rip on a board. So glad the show was in Denver so we could shred afterwards in the On Snow Demo.

After the first 2 days I was exhausted every night after that but it didn’t matter. I had a blast. Its one trip I’ve had in a while where I didn’t want to leave. Even though it was work, it was fun and interesting and I learned a lot.  Another thing, I got some leads on jobs. That’s right, that’s right!

I can’t even talk about it right now. Just know that it was the shizz and if you get a chance, you should go.

[Via http://traveloutloud.net]

I'm now one of them :-) Proud to be an NHG staff!

It’s confirmed – I’m now one of them. I’m now a proud staff of the National Healthcare Group I signed the contract this afternoon, and it was very interesting to learn how the group works.

Being an NHG employee has its perks. And I get to have a Kopitiam Card free. HAHAHA! :-p Can’t wait to start work on Monday!

[Via http://docjepwi.wordpress.com]

Natural born bloggers

We are looking for the blogger of all bloggers.

Someone with journalistic spirit and storytelling skills.

Curious and adventurous.

Someone who loves words, flirts with photography and plays with video.

We will like you more if you speak more than one language. And we will absolutely love you if you can write in that other language as well.

Euro RSCG is searching an experienced blogger to travel around the world with us and blog your fingers off documenting one of the biggest brand projects ever done.

A full time job from the end of February to the end of May, but we may need you for a little more time.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, send us a link to your blog, your Twitter page, your FB and or LinkedIn profile and any other stuff you might think is relevant. We’d like to see your resume as well.

By the way, you must like to travel, hold a valid passport and have a few pages blank in it.

Thanks.

[Via http://naturalbornbloggers.wordpress.com]

Very rough day...

I sure as hell hope that tomorrow turns out to be a much better day than today.. Everything was going just fine until the parental unit came into the office and blew up at me, twice.  Apparently I had an ultimatum that I had no previous knowledge of; either go to college or get a job. This makes no sense to me at all because I need money to go to school. Not only that, but Meghan and I would like to have cars and our own place before we start college. The job situation here is pretty bad and neither of us has found any place that’s even accepting applications. I spent quite a while today comming up with different ways to make money and I was trying to have fun. Mother spoiled that for me, then proceded to be sticky sweet and super supportive for the rest of the day…I truely don’t understand her at all… She acts like everything is just perfect when my Grandfather is home, but when he’s gone, all hell breaks loose and it’s usually directed at me. The money needs to start comming in now so that Meghan and I can get the hell out of her way. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my Mom, I just can’t live with her. Our personalities conflict so much that we can only spend a day or two together before a fight breaks out. We’ve been in close quarters for almost two months now…

I guess that’s enough ranting for tonight…

Here’s to a much better day tomorrow! (cheers)

[Via http://slvr0drgn.wordpress.com]

Are You A Fitness Freak ?

Say , you’re hungry – What will you grab first out of the 2 items shown above ? You can choose only one of the above .

[Via http://tasneemrocks.wordpress.com]

Surprise Snow!

Ya gotta love how North Carolina is like the menstrual period of the earth. It is like the extremes of hot or cold for an area that should have pretty normal weather. I love it. So we got so much snow this weekend that tomorrow is no school. And that’s relieving news because last week i started 2nd semester and 3/4 of my classes are hard as heck when it comes to homework and i haven’t been able to chill at all due to the overwhelming work. There is actually a chance that Tuesday will be cancelled because of snow too, and that means that i will have had two 4-day weekend’s in a row. (MLK Day + teacher workday  last week)

In other news, my dad got laid off of his job. And he was glad. Weird huh? well not really because first of all his company’s section is obviously going down fast, in part because of the poor leadership choices. He also gets to sit around on his butt for 6 months while his servant’s package practically pays him to lie there. Which is super-spectacular considering this means I could play video games with him on a school day if i wanted to.

Also I’ve been watching a lot of Lost lately, and it’s true what they say about people that watch lost… they are sooo lost in the show. I’m almost through watching season 5 on hulu and the season 6 premier is Tuesday. CAN’T WAIT. Speaking of being lost in something that isn’t real, I had a dream about moving into a huge mansion yesterday and when I woke up I almost cried I wanted the house so bad. I can hardly believe that scientists say that dreams happen within a split second.

And, for the past 4 weeks I’ve been trying to remember to add the dark knight to our instant queue on netflix. So we watched a different movie this time, and it was called Serenity. And omg that was the best movie I’ve seen in all of 2010! Well it is only january, but still the special effects are amazing, as well as the actors, theme, plot, and the movie has a lot of unexpected good morals. Not to mention gore and explosions here and there. I’m also hyped about the upcoming movie “The Clash of the Titans” which is a remake of the 1981 version, but much much better. Check out the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpZ5D_Wc4cA&feature=channel

-Calebrentex Rantaxis out-

[Via http://calebrentex.wordpress.com]

Why I chose...

When I created my blog yesterday, wordpress gave me the option to supporting a charity on my blog. I chose “Dress for Success” which is a charity organization whose mission is, “is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

A little more about them:

Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization and was founded right here in NYC in 1997.  Each client of Dress for Success receives one suit when she has a job interview and can is welcome to return for a 2nd suit or work-appropriate separates when she finds a job.

Dress for Success has served over 500,000 women around the world. They serve their clients by referral only, and in order for women to receive a suit, they must have already schedule an interview. Clients come from all places such as homeless shelters, immigration services, job training services, domestic violence shelters and educational institutions.
While I wish that I could have placed more than one charity organization on my page, I felt that this one was especially important. I remember on my first job that my boss told me people used to come in wearing sweatpants or jeans and when asked why they weren’t dressed professionally for the interview, it was because they didn’t have the means to buy a suit to wear. So many people who desperately need work often don’t get jobs just because they can’t afford to buy something professional to wear to an interview, which is extremely saddening to me.

If posting Dress for Success on my page, can help one woman get a suit to wear to an interview, I’ll feel that my decision to use my blog to help raise money for this organization was a good one.
In order to make a difference, all you have to do is click on the banner on the side of the page, and it’ll ask you some survey questions, which are currently brought to you by the CW’s newest drama-comedy Life Unexpected. That’s it! That’s all you have to do to give. You don’t have to whip out your checkbook, or credit card, or feel guilty if you don’t have money to give to them. All you have to do is click!

Easy, right?!? So what are you waiting for?

For more information about Dress for Success, please visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org/

I may periodically change my charity on the side of my page. I promise to explain my decision and the charity’s mission each time I change it, because I feel it’s important for you to know what you’re supporting.

Thanks for reading this and start clicking!

xo, E

[Via http://shoeshirtsandothersht.wordpress.com]