Career Uplifting

P K Kothari wants to keep up with you on Twitter

2009-06-20T06:22:00.001-07:00

P K Kothari wants to keep up with you on Twitter

To find out more about Twitter visit http://twitter.com/i/16ee9c3fa5cc47d45c928dd8700637108061ff29

Thanks,
— The Twitter Team

About Twitter

Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status. What are you doing? What are your friends doing—right now? With Twitter, you may answer this question over SMS or the Web and the responses are shared between contacts.

This message was sent by a Twitter user who entered your email address. If you'd prefer not to receive emails when other people invite you to Twitter you can opt-out

P K Kothari wants to keep up with you on Twitter

2009-06-20T06:20:00.001-07:00

P K Kothari wants to keep up with you on Twitter

To find out more about Twitter visit http://twitter.com/i/2a1bf95ee99de0b03aab6c04382a33741e961b0e

Thanks,
— The Twitter Team

About Twitter

This message was sent by a Twitter user who entered your email address. If you'd prefer not to receive emails when other people invite you to Twitter you can opt-out

P K Kothari wants to keep up with you on Twitter

2009-06-20T06:05:00.001-07:00

P K Kothari wants to keep up with you on Twitter

To find out more about Twitter visit http://twitter.com/i/8df58bf09c3043238f6cf42e1646341ed9cabdad

Thanks,
— The Twitter Team

About Twitter

This message was sent by a Twitter user who entered your email address. If you'd prefer not to receive emails when other people invite you to Twitter you can opt-out

LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER

2008-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Prime minister
I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which
has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. Mouse at
least squeak but we don't even do that.
Today I heard your speech. In which you said 'NO BODY WOULD BE
SPARED'. I would like to remind you that fourteen years has passed
since serial bomb blast in Mumbai took place. Dawood was the main
conspirator. Till today he is not caught. All our bolywood actors, our
builders, our Gutka king meets him but your Government can not catch
him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him.
If any attempt is made to catch him everybody will be exposed. Your
statement 'NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED' is nothing but a cruel joke on this
unfortunate people of India.

Enough is enough. As such after seeing terrorist attack carried out by
about a dozen young boys I realize that if same thing continues days
are not away when terrorist will attack by air, destroy our nuclear
reactor and there will be one more Hiroshima.

We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You
promised Mumbaikar Shanghai what you have given us is Jalianwala Baug.

Today only your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick
out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to Gandhi family.
Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent
people, isn't it?

I am born and bought up in Mumbai for last fifty eight years. Believe
me corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar. Look at all
the politician, Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal
Thackray , Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are
rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief minister
I have seen. His only business is to increase the FSI every other day,
make money and send it to Delhi so Congress can fight next election.
Now the clown has found new way and will increase FSI for fisherman so
they can build concrete house right on sea shore. Next time terrorist
can comfortably live in those house , enjoy the beauty of sea and then
attack the Mumbai at their will.

Recently I had to purchase house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen
builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me
knows this and with all your intelligent agency & CBI you and your
finance minister are not aware of it. Where all the black money goes?
To the underworld isn't it? Our politicians take help of these goondas
to vacate people by force. I myself was victim of it. If you have time
please come to me, I will tell you everything.

If this has been land of fools, idiots then I would not have ever
cared to write you this letter. Just see the tragedy, on one side we
are reaching moon, people are so intelligent and on other side you
politician has converted nectar into deadly poison. I am everything
Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian
Schedule caste, Creamy Schedule caste only what I am not is INDIAN.
You politician have raped every part of mother India by your policy of
divide and rule.

Take example of former president Abdul Kalam. Such a intelligent
person, such a fine human being. You politician didn't even spare him.
Your party along with opposition joined the hands, because politician
feels they are supreme and there is no place for good person.

Dear Mr Prime minister you are one of the most intelligent person,
most learned person. Just wake up. First and foremost expose all
selfish politician. Ask Swiss bank to give name of all Indian account
holder. Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolf
among us. There will be political upheaval but that will better than
dance of death which we are witnessing every day. Just give us ambient
where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law.
Everything else will be taken care of.

Choice is yours Mr. Prime Minister. Do you want to be lead by one
person or you want to lead the nation of 100 Crore people?

Surf the Web via Email - Read Web Pages in your Inbox

2008-11-27T19:13:00.001-08:00

If you work in an office where employees have no access to Internet but are allowed to send and receive email, the new Web-In-Mail service from Rediff will come very handy.

“Web In Mail” lets you fetch full web pages to your inbox by simple email commands. You may even perform searches on Google Web and Google Image through email.

Full HTML Web Pages Delivered to your Inbox

To browse a web page, send a blank email message to browse@webinmail.com with the page URL as the subject. If you like to search google, send an email to the same address but the subject should say google:query (e.g. google: how to impress your boss).

Also see: Most Useful Email Addresses

You can read emails in Outlook, Blackberry or any email client that understands HTML.

And there’s something smart about Web in Mail as noted by Allen Stern – it rewrites all the links in the web page as mailto. That means you’ll automatically launch a blank email message when you click any of the hyperlinks in the existing email.

To get started, why don’t you just send a blank email to browse@webinmail.com.

15 Tips to Improve Your Memory and Exercise Your Brain

2008-11-19T18:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone can take steps to improve their memory, and with time and practice most people can gain the ability to memorize seemingly impossible amounts of information. Whether you want to win the World Memory Championships, ace your history test, or simply remember where you put your keys, this article can get you started. Scientists believe that exercising your brain can create a 'cognitive reserve' that will help you stay sharp as you age.

1. Convince yourself that you do have a good memory that will improve.

Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements it's hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.

2. Keep your brain active.

The brain is not a muscle, but regularly "exercising" the brain actually does keep it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skillsespecially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrumentand challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning.

3. Exercise daily.

Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental "pictures."

4. Reduce stress.

Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. Even temporary stresses can make it more difficult to effectively focus on concepts and observe things. Try to relax, regularly practice yoga or other stretching exercises, and see a doctor if you have severe chronic stress.

5. Eat well and eat right.

There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market that claim to improve memory, but none have yet been shown to be effective in clinical tests (although small studies have shown some promising results for ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine). A healthy diet, however, contributes to a healthy brain, and foods containing antioxidantsbroccoli, blueberries, spinach, and berries, for exampleand Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote healthy brain functioning. Feed your brain with such supplements as Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B-6. Grazing, eating 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals, also seems to improve mental functioning (including memory) by limiting dips in blood sugar, which may negatively affect the brain.

6. Take better pictures.

Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don't really learn people's names at first because we aren't really concentrating on remembering them. You'll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you'll do much better. One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you're able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.

7. Give yourself time to form a memory.

Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you're trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.

8. Create vivid, memorable images.

You remember information more easily if you can visualize it. If you want to associate a child with a book, try not to visualize the child reading the book that's too simple and forgettable. Instead, come up with something more jarring, something that sticks, like the book chasing the child, or the child eating the book. It's your mind make the images as shocking and emotional as possible to keep the associations strong.

9. Repeat things you need to learn.

The more times you hear, see, or think about something, the more surely you'll remember it, right? It's a no-brainer. When you want to remember something, be it your new coworker's name or your best friend's birthday, repeat it, either out loud or silently. Try writing it down; think about it.

10. Group things you need to remember.

Random lists of things (a shopping list, for example) can be especially difficult to remember. To make it easier, try categorizing the individual things from the list. If you can remember that, among other things, you wanted to buy four different kinds of vegetables, you'll find it easier to remember all four.

11. Organize your life.

Keep items that you frequently need, such as keys and eyeglasses, in the same place every time. Use an electronic organizer or daily planner to keep track of appointments, due dates for bills, and other tasks. Keep phone numbers and addresses in an address book or enter them into your computer or cell phone. Improved organization can help free up your powers of concentration so that you can remember less routine things. Even if being organized doesn't improve your memory, you'll receive a lot of the same benefits (i.e. you won't have to search for your keys anymore).

12. Try meditation.

Research now suggests that people who regularly practice "mindfulness" meditation are able to focus better and may have better memories. Mindfulness (also known as awareness or insight meditation) is the type commonly practiced in Western countries and is easy to learn. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show that regular meditation thickens the cerebral cortex in the brain by increasing the blood flow to that region. Some researchers believe this can enhance attention span, focus, and memory.

13. Sleep well.

The amount of sleep we get affects the brain's ability to recall recently learned information. Getting a good night's sleep a minimum of seven hours a night may improve your short-term memory and long-term relational memory, according to recent studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School.

14. Build your memorization arsenal.

Learn pegs, memory palaces, and the Dominic System. These techniques form the foundation for mnemonic techniques, and will visibly improve your memory.

15. Venture out and learn from your mistakes.

Go ahead and take a stab at memorizing the first one hundred digits of pi, or, if you've done that already, the first one thousand. Memorize the monarchs of England through your memory palaces, or your grocery list through visualization. Through diligent effort you will eventually master the art of memorization.

Twenty One Things To Remember

2008-11-08T09:14:00.001-08:00

1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be

3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.

5. Success stops when you do.

6. When your ship comes in.... make sure you are willing to unload it.

7. You will never have it all together.

8. Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

9. The biggest lie on the planet When I get what I want I will be happy.

10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

11. I've learned that ultimately , 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.

12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.

13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.

14. We often fear the thing we want the most.

15. He or she who laughs......lasts.

16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.

17. Look for opportunities..not guarantees.

18. Life is what's coming....not what was.

19. Success is getting up one more time.

20. Now is the most interesting time of all.

21. When things go wrong.....don't go with them.

Difficult Behaviours in the Classroom

2008-11-06T09:19:00.001-08:00

BEHAVIOR:

· Rambling -- wandering around and off the subject. Using far-fetched examples or analogies.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Refocus attention by restating relevant point.

· Direct questions to group that is back on the subject

· Ask how topic relates to current topic being discussed.

· Use visual aids, begin to write on board, turn on overhead projector.

· Say: "Would you summarize your main point please?" or "Are you asking...?"

BEHAVIOR:

· Shyness or Silence -- lack of participation.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Change teaching strategies from group discussion to individual written exercises or a videotape

· Give strong positive reinforcement for any contribution.

· Involve by directly asking him/her a question.

· Make eye contact.

· Appoint to be small group leader.

BEHAVIOR:

· Talkativeness -- knowing everything, manipulation, chronic whining.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Acknowledge comments made.

· Give limited time to express viewpoint or feelings, and then move on.

· Make eye contact with another participant and move toward that person.

· Give the person individual attention during breaks.

· Say: "That's an interesting point. Now let's see what other other people think."

BEHAVIOR:

· Sharpshooting -- trying to shoot you down or trip you up.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Admit that you do not know the answer and redirect the question the group or the individual who asked it.

· Acknowledge that this is a joint learning experience.

· Ignore the behavior.

BEHAVIOR:

· Heckling/Arguing -- disagreeing with everything you say; making personal attacks.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Redirect question to group or supportive individuals.

· Recognize participant's feelings and move one.

· Acknowledge positive points.

· Say: "I appreciate your comments, but I'd like to hear from others," or "It looks like we disagree."

BEHAVIOR:

· Grandstanding -- getting caught up in one's own agenda or thoughts to the detriment of other learners.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Say: "You are entitled to your opinion, belief or feelings, but now it's time we moved on to the next subject," or "Can you restate that as a question?" or "We'd like to hear more about that if there is time after the presentation."

BEHAVIOR:

· Overt Hostility/Resistance -- angry, belligerent, combative behavior.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Hostility can be a mask for fear. Reframe hostility as fear to depersonalize it.

· Respond to fear, not hostility.

· Remain calm and polite. Keep your temper in check.

· Don't disagree, but build on or around what has been said.

· Move closer to the hostile person, maintain eye contact.

· Always allow him or her a way to gracefully retreat from the confrontation.

· Say: "You seem really angry. Does anyone else feel this way?" Solicit peer pressure.

· Do not accept the premise or underlying assumption, if it is false or prejudicial, e.g., "If by "queer" you mean homosexual..."

· Allow individual to solve the problem being addressed. He or she may not be able to offer solutions and will sometimes undermine his or her own position.

· Ignore behavior.

· Talk to him or her privately during a break.

· As a last resort, privately ask the individual to leave class for the good of the group.

BEHAVIOR:

· Griping -- maybe legitimate complaining.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Point out that we can't change policy here.

· Validate his/her point.

· Indicate you'll discuss the problem with the participant privately.

· Indicate time pressure.

BEHAVIOR:

· Side Conversations -- may be related to subject or personal. Distracts group members and you.

POSSIBLE RESPONSES:

· Don't embarrass talkers.

· Ask their opinion on topic being discussed.

· Ask talkers if they would like to share their ideas.

· Casually move toward those talking.

· Make eye contact with them.

· Comment on the group (but don't look at them "one-at-a-time").

· Standing near the talkers, ask a nea-by participant a question so that the new discussion is near the talkers.

· As a last resort, stop and wait.

KEYS FOR MANAGING CHALLENGING STUDENT BEHAVIORS

· Instead of holding your students with an iron grip, allow them to be themselves until (and unless) their behavior distracts you or others in the class.

· When you notice unproductive behavior, nip it in the bud. Otherwise, you send a clear message to the students that it's OK for them to talk while you are talking, etc.

· Use classroom management techniques before you become irritated, impatient or upset. We are much more powerful when we are centered, when we like out students, and when we view our students with fondness rather than impatience.

· Allow students to save face. When we put students down in front of others, the entire class of students will turn against us.

· Do all you can to feel good about yourself and others on a daily basis. Your attitude will come across to your students, so it is important to be in good mental and physical shape.

· If, by chance, you feel that you have spoken sharply in an attempt to manager your students, own up to it. "Wow, that sounded harsh. Forgive me!"

· Remind yourself: "If teaching were easy, everyone would be doing it." Teaching in front of a classroom full of students can be challenging, but on the other hand, very rewarding!

The Advantages of Day Dreaming

2008-11-06T09:18:00.001-08:00

When you are young ,you have many dreams and you sometimes dream at night and even daydream when you are free and relax. There are times when your dreams can come true while other times they remain unfulfilled.

For some , life is hard enough and daydreaming is the only avenue which they can escape from realism.We dream of success, of being rich and enjoying everything this world can offer us.

It maybe wishful thinking or useless or unproductive activity to some but taken as a whole , it has it's advantages. According to some experts , it is good for your health. When you daydream , you will be thinking of those positive events which can uplift your spirits .

You would dream of a brighter future and this would make you feel happier even though you have not attain that status yet. To have positive thoughts can relieve stress as your mind is taken off over those negative events which have afflicted your everyday life. Stress is bad for your health.

Daydreaming would also refocus your mind on your objective rather than what is happening around you.It would be easier to accept things around you as they are when you know those things are only temporary .

In daydreaming , there are no physical or mental barriers and you could wish anything or fantasize anything you like. There are two types of people , those who are only dreamers and those who work hard to make their dreams come true.

Everything in moderations is good but if taken into extremes can be bad. We should not overindulge in daydreaming or we will become disconnected and out of touch with reality. There should be a right place and time for daydreaming to get the benefits.

You do not want to start daydreaming while you are driving on the road or cooking a meal or while having sex. That would have disastrous consequences. Sometimes , it does happen that way when you lose control of your senses. It is just too good and your mind gets carried away.

When you get nervous or feel stressed it is a high time to start daydreaming, experts recommend. Dream all you want because it will not cost you anything

With today's rat race where everyone is rushing here and there, many do not have the luxury to dream.These people should get off the super highways and slow down to enjoy the simple way of life and live longer.

Like the song," Dream! Dream! Dream!All you have to do is dream.!

Firefox & IE Prompt You To Remember Passwords - Do You Say Yes ?

2008-10-31T20:15:00.001-07:00

When you type a password into any web form, both Internet Explorer and Firefox prompt whether you would like them to remember your password.

If that’s a personal computer, chances are high that you will click Yes and the password is then saved in the web browser.

This “Remember Me” option in web browsers is useful but it actually puts your login credentials at serious risk especially in Firefox.

View stored passwords in Internet Explorer:

Though IE stores your passwords in encrypted form in the Windows Registry database, anyone can easily view your passwords using a free 35kb tool called IE PassView.

The tool automatically displays a list all auto-complete entries saved inside IE. See screenshot.

View stored passwords in Firefox:

With Firefox, it gets much simpler and anyone who knows how to use a mouse can see all your passwords stored inside Firefox.

The route is Tools -> Options -> Security -> Show Passwords. And there you have all the passwords that you ever asked Firefox to remember for you.

Even that short visit to a nearby coffee vending machine could leak your identity as all it takes is few seconds for anyone to view your secret passwords.

To keep yourself safe, uncheck “Prompt me to save passwords” in Internet Explorer and “Set Master Password” in Firefox.

The Power of Commitment

2008-10-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

Was our failure to succeed really due to a lack of time, some
unlearned skill, or a much deeper self-esteem issue? Well, we could
probably get a great conversation going as to why so many people have
such a difficult time keeping their commitments. However, I would
prefer to offer a simpler solution—a step-by-step approach that will,
in effect, allow you to set, keep, and ultimately achieve any
worthwhile goal you desire...

"Commitment is doing the thing you said you'd do,
long after the feeling you said it in has passed." Now that's what
keeping your word is all about!

So if "committing to...and then following through" is what you'd like
to do more often, the following five step plan will help you set your
goals and keep your promises, thereby allowing you to ultimately
achieve what's truly important to you...

1) Decide What You Want
Achievers realize some people join the business because they want to
drive a new car; some because they want to earn more money; and some
because they want the extra time needed to enjoy a more rewarding
life. What about you? To stay the course you'll need to be moving
towards something you actually want! After all, part of your journey
is discovering your real why...

2) Know Your "Why?"
True, deciding what you want is your first step, and yet it's only
part of the solution! Therefore, if you really want to set, keep, and
ultimately achieve every worthwhile goal, you'll need to become clear
on why you want what you want. The best part is you'll know when
you've found your "Why" because from that moment on you will do
whatever it takes!

3) Follow A Proven Plan
You either have a proven plan (system or daily method of operation)
you follow, or you don't. If you do, continue moving forward. If you
don't, find someone who has already achieved what you want. Find out
what they did. Do that. And then continue until you achieve the same
result they've already proven was possible. Because it's easier to
keep going when you get results—and it's easier to get results when
you follow a proven plan.

4) Commit Yourself Publicly
After you've decided what you want, discovered why that is important
to you, and are diligently following a proven plan to achieve it,
you're ready for step four: public commitment! Decide in writing that
you will be here, still actively involved, a year from now! On 3" x 5"
cards write out what you want (your goal), followed by a sentence or
two explaining your desire to have this (your "Why?"), and then
include the steps you're taking (your proven plan) to accomplish it...
Give these hand-written cards to 10 people you know, like, and trust,
and would not want to disappoint. Believe me, if you'll do this, you
will follow through.

5) Get Better Every Day
Leaders understand that wherever they are, and wherever they're going,
the journey will be easier if they incorporate a daily personal
development program. So what should yours include? Books, CDs, and
classes. Because when you get better "it" gets easier...

Use this information—all five steps—to guide you and you will be well
on your way to keeping your word and achieving all your dreams. And
that's the real power of commitment!

Gmail's Limitations for Sending Messages

2008-10-28T00:21:00.001-07:00

It's likely that a normal Gmail users didn't notice that Gmail has a lot of limitations for sending messages. Here are some of them, as mentioned in a mail from Google:

- 500 messages per day (i.e., you can hit 'Send' a maximum of 500 times)
- 500 unique recipients per message
- 2000 total emails per day (for example, you could send one message to a group of 500 people four times)

In addition to these limitations, "Google will temporarily disable your account if you send a message to more than 500 recipients or if you send a large number of undeliverable messages". According to the help center, you can only send a message to up to 100 people at a time if you use POP or IMAP.

Google explains that these restrictions were created to fight against spam and to prevent abuse. The same rules are enforced for Google Apps users, as well.

Om Malik thinks that "500 messages are nothing in this day and age, especially if you are in the information business as I am" and wonders why Google doesn't list all these restrictions.

Never Save Something for a Special Occasion

2008-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Please do read this ... do not be too busy Earning a Living and in the process Forget to Live. Here is a hair raising story which shows the importance of Time Management and understanding what Life and Priorities are all about.

Trust you will enjoy the read and start Living each day.. each moment...!!!

A friend of mine opened his wife's saree drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:

"This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package." He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.

"She got this the first time we went to New York, 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on. Was saving it for a special occasion.
Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothings he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said:

"Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion".

I still think those words changed my life.

Now I read more and clean less.

I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.

I spend more time with my family, and less at work.

I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.

I no longer keep anything.

I use crystal glasses every day.

I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if i feel like it.

I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to.

The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary.

If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now.

I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.

She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.

I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favourite food.

It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come.

I would regret it, because I would no longer see the friends I would meet, letters... letters that i wanted to write "One of this days".

I would regret and feel sad, because I didn't say to my brothers and sons, not times enough at least, how much I love them.

Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives.

And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day.

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.

If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because, probably, there's someone you care about.

If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it "One of these days", remember that

"One day" is far away... or might never come...

Live everyday .. every moment as if it is your last day... last moment....!!!!

Latest Population Ranking: 2008

2008-10-24T07:14:00.001-07:00

$ .,.,. Countries and Areas Ranked by Population: 2008 .,.,. $

 --------------------------------------------------------

 Rank Country or Area                          Population

 --------------------------------------------------------

    1 China                                 1,330,044,605

    2 India                                 1,147,995,898

    3 United States                           303,824,646

    4 Indonesia                               237,512,355

    5 Brazil                                  196,342,587

    6 Pakistan                                172,800,051

    7 Bangladesh                              153,546,901

    8 Nigeria                                 146,255,306

    9 Russia                                  140,702,094

   10 Japan                                   127,288,419

   11 Mexico                                  109,955,400

   12 Philippines                              96,061,683

   13 Vietnam                                  86,116,559

   14 Ethiopia                                 82,544,838

   15 Germany                                  82,369,548

   16 Egypt                                    81,713,517

   17 Turkey                                   71,892,807

   18 Congo (Kinshasa)                         66,514,506

   19 Iran                                     65,875,223

   20 Thailand                                 65,493,298

   21 France                                   64,057,790

   22 United Kingdom                           60,943,912

   23 Italy                                    58,145,321

   24 South Africa                             48,782,755

   25 Korea, South                             48,379,392

   26 Burma                                    47,758,181

   27 Ukraine                                  45,994,287

   28 Colombia                                 45,013,674

   29 Spain                                    40,491,051

   30 Argentina                                40,481,998

   31 Sudan                                    40,218,455

   32 Tanzania                                 40,213,162

   33 Poland                                   38,500,696

   34 Kenya                                    37,953,838

   35 Morocco                                  34,343,219

   36 Algeria                                  33,769,669

   37 Canada                                   33,212,696

   38 Afghanistan                              32,738,376

   39 Uganda                                   31,367,972

   40 Nepal                                    29,519,114

   41 Peru                                     29,180,899

   42 Iraq                                     28,221,181

   43 Saudi Arabia                             28,146,657

   44 Uzbekistan                               27,345,026

   45 Venezuela                                26,414,815

   46 Malaysia                                 25,274,133

   47 Korea, North                             23,479,089

   48 Ghana                                    23,382,848

   49 Yemen                                    23,013,376

   50 Taiwan                                   22,920,946

   51 Romania                                  22,246,862

   52 Mozambique                               21,284,701

   53 Sri Lanka                                21,128,773

   54 Australia                                21,007,310

   55 Cote d'Ivoire                            20,179,602

   56 Madagascar                               20,042,551

   57 Syria                                    19,747,586

   58 Cameroon                                 18,467,692

   59 Netherlands                              16,645,313

   60 Chile                                    16,454,143

   61 Kazakhstan                               15,340,533

   62 Burkina Faso                             15,264,735

   63 Cambodia                                 14,241,640

   64 Malawi                                   13,931,831

   65 Ecuador                                  13,927,650

   66 Niger                                    13,272,679

   67 Guatemala                                13,002,206

   68 Senegal                                  12,853,259

   69 Angola                                   12,531,357

   70 Mali                                     12,324,029

   71 Zambia                                   11,669,534

   72 Cuba                                     11,423,952

   73 Zimbabwe                                 11,350,111

   74 Greece                                   10,722,816

   75 Portugal                                 10,676,910

   76 Belgium                                  10,403,951

   77 Tunisia                                  10,383,577

   78 Czech Republic                           10,220,911

   79 Rwanda                                   10,186,063

   80 Serbia                                   10,159,046

   81 Chad                                     10,111,337

   82 Hungary                                   9,930,915

   83 Guinea                                    9,806,509

   84 Belarus                                   9,685,768

   85 Somalia                                   9,558,666

   86 Dominican Republic                        9,507,133

   87 Bolivia                                   9,247,816

   88 Sweden                                    9,045,389

   89 Haiti                                     8,924,553

   90 Burundi                                   8,691,005

   91 Benin                                     8,532,547

   92 Austria                                   8,205,533

   93 Azerbaijan                                8,177,717

   94 Honduras                                  7,639,327

   95 Switzerland                               7,581,520

   96 Bulgaria                                  7,262,675

   97 Tajikistan                                7,211,884

   98 Israel                                    7,112,359

   99 El Salvador                               7,066,403

  100 Hong Kong S.A.R.                          7,018,636

  101 Paraguay                                  6,831,306

  102 Laos                                      6,677,534

  103 Sierra Leone                              6,294,774

  104 Jordan                                    6,198,677

  105 Libya                                     6,173,579

  106 Papua New Guinea                          5,931,769

  107 Togo                                      5,858,673

  108 Nicaragua                                 5,785,846

  109 Eritrea                                   5,502,026

  110 Denmark                                   5,484,723

  111 Slovakia                                  5,455,407

  112 Kyrgyzstan                                5,356,869

  113 Finland                                   5,244,749

  114 Turkmenistan                              5,179,571

  115 Norway                                    4,644,457

  116 Georgia                                   4,630,841

  117 United Arab Emirates                      4,621,399

  118 Singapore                                 4,608,167

  119 Bosnia and Herzegovina                    4,590,310

  120 Croatia                                   4,491,543

  121 Central African Republic                  4,444,330

  122 Moldova                                   4,324,450

  123 Costa Rica                                4,195,914

  124 New Zealand                               4,173,460

  125 Ireland                                   4,156,119

  126 Lebanon                                   3,971,941

  127 Puerto Rico                               3,958,128

  128 Congo (Brazzaville)                       3,903,318

  129 Albania                                   3,619,778

  130 Lithuania                                 3,565,205

  131 Uruguay                                   3,477,778

  132 Mauritania                                3,364,940

  133 Liberia                                   3,334,587

  134 Oman                                      3,311,640

  135 Panama                                    3,309,679

  136 Mongolia                                  2,996,081

  137 Armenia                                   2,968,586

  138 Jamaica                                   2,804,332

  139 Kuwait                                    2,596,799

  140 West Bank                                 2,407,681

  141 Latvia                                    2,245,423

  142 Lesotho                                   2,128,180

  143 Namibia                                   2,088,669

  144 Macedonia                                 2,061,315

  145 Slovenia                                  2,007,711

  146 Botswana                                  1,842,323

  147 Gambia, The                               1,735,464

  148 Guinea-Bissau                             1,503,182

  149 Gaza Strip                                1,500,202

  150 Gabon                                     1,485,832

  151 Estonia                                   1,307,605

  152 Mauritius                                 1,274,189

  153 Swaziland                                 1,128,814

  154 Timor-Leste                               1,108,777

  155 Trinidad and Tobago                       1,047,366

  156 Fiji                                        931,741

  157 Qatar                                       824,789

  158 Cyprus                                      792,604

  159 Guyana                                      770,794

  160 Comoros                                     731,775

  161 Bahrain                                     718,306

  162 Bhutan                                      682,321

  163 Montenegro                                  678,177

  164 Equatorial Guinea                           616,459

  165 Solomon Islands                             581,318

  166 Macau S.A.R.                                545,674

  167 Djibouti                                    506,221

  168 Luxembourg                                  486,006

  169 Suriname                                    475,996

  170 Cape Verde                                  426,998

  171 Malta                                       403,532

  172 Western Sahara                              393,831

  173 Maldives                                    385,925

  174 Brunei                                      381,371

  175 Bahamas, The                                307,451

  176 Iceland                                     304,367

  177 Belize                                      301,270

  178 French Polynesia                            283,019

  179 Barbados                                    281,968

  180 Netherlands Antilles                        225,369

  181 New Caledonia                               224,824

  182 Samoa                                       217,083

  183 Mayotte                                     216,306

  184 Vanuatu                                     215,446

  185 Sao Tome and Principe                       206,178

  186 Guam                                        175,877

  187 Saint Lucia                                 159,585

  188 Tonga                                       119,009

  189 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines            118,432

  190 Kiribati                                    110,356

  191 Virgin Islands, U.S.                        109,840

  192 Micronesia, Federated States of             107,665

  193 Aruba                                       101,541

  194 Jersey                                       91,533

  195 Grenada                                      90,343

  196 Northern Mariana Islands                     86,616

  197 Antigua and Barbuda                          84,522

  198 Andorra                                      82,627

  199 Seychelles                                   82,247

  200 Isle of Man                                  76,220

  201 Dominica                                     72,514

  202 Bermuda                                      66,536

  203 Guernsey                                     65,726

  204 American Samoa                               64,827

  205 Marshall Islands                             63,174

  206 Greenland                                    57,564

  207 Faroe Islands                                48,668

  208 Cayman Islands                               47,862

  209 Saint Kitts and Nevis                        39,817

  210 Liechtenstein                                34,498

  211 Monaco                                       32,796

  212 San Marino                                   29,973

  213 Saint Martin                                 29,376

  214 Gibraltar                                    28,002

  215 Virgin Islands, British                      24,041

  216 Turks and Caicos Islands                     22,352

  217 Palau                                        21,093

  218 Wallis and Futuna                            15,237

  219 Anguilla                                     14,108

  220 Nauru                                        13,770

  221 Cook Islands                                 12,271

  222 Tuvalu                                       12,177

  223 Saint Helena                                  7,601

  224 Saint Barthelemy                              7,492

  225 Saint Pierre and Miquelon                     7,044

  226 Montserrat                                    5,079

Shortcuts to Success

2008-10-22T08:51:00.001-07:00

PLAN while others are playing.

STUDY while others are sleeping.

DECIDE while others are delaying.

PREPARE while others are daydreaming.

BEGIN while others are procrastinating.

WORK while others are wishing.

SAVE while others are wasting.

LISTEN while others are talking.

SMILE while others are frowning.

COMMEND while others are criticizing.

PERSIST while others are quitting.

Dealing With Failure

2008-10-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

All of us want to be successful. All of us have big dreams. We all try very hard to achieve them. But on our way to achieving those dreams, if we face a failure, we just break down totally. Sometimes we don't even feel like trying the same job again just because of the failure we faced in the previous attempt. And if we get up and start doing it, we are not able to put our 100% in it. Consciously or unconsciously, the fear of failure affects our performance. Students put so much effort in studying for exams, and if they end up getting a B or C, then they hardly look forward to next semester. If we stop doing everything just because of the fear of failing, then the world will come to an end. Then, what exactly should we do to overcome it? Let's take some moments and see if we are able to conquer the failure or if failure would be able to conquer us

Changing Point of View

First of all, we have to stop looking at failure in a negative way. People tend to link failure with weakness, stupidity, and dumbness. I totally disagree with that. If you are doing something, and you think you are just perfect in it that means something seriously is going wrong with it. When a person thinks he is perfect, he has closed all doors for any growth or improvement. Whenever there is imperfection, there are million chances of improvement. A person keeps on growing, but a so called 'perfect person' just stops growing. He is in this illusion of being perfect which hinders his growth forever. Look at failure as another step toward success. Make yourself positive enough to see the good sides of failure.

Don't Label Yourself a 'Failure'

If you fail in something, don't think of yourself as a failure. It just means that you haven't succeeded in doing the work you were doing. It means that you are only some steps away from achieving your goal. By labeling yourself as a failure you close the door for all possibilities of achieving success. A beautiful example is mentioned below.

There was a man who

failed in business at the age of 21
was defeated in a legislative race at the age of 22
failed again in business at 24
over come the death of his girlfriend at 26
had a nervous breakdown at 27
lost a congressional race at age of 34
lost a senatorial race at age 45
failed to become Vice President at the age 47
lost a senatorial race at 49

and was elected as the President of the United States at the age of 52! He was none other than Abraham Lincoln. He could have labeled himself a failure and ruin his whole life. Instead, he decided to ignore failure and fight against all odds.

Don't Behave Like a Machine

Always remember that only highly intelligent people face big failures. They are the ones who cannot get things done in a right manner in first attempt. The reason for this is very simple. A person who follows orders and fulfills them right away, without thinking, is like a machine. There is no difference between that person and a machine. You tell him something and he will do it. However, a successful person is very different. If you tell him to do something in a certain way, he will ask you why he can't do it in other way. He will not follow your order blindly. He always say, "Why not the other way?" He always thinks different from crowd and that's where he succeeds.

An average student will follow what his professor has to say. He will learn the whole book and his professor's lecture word to word. But a genius-minded student would ask the professor so many questions about the whys and the wherefores. His questions will be beyond the coursework.

That average student might end up getting a better grade than that genius student. But in long term, it will be that genius student whose name will be remembered for a long time. However, that average student remains average forever his life. So, stop thinking that you are a weak or dumb student if you end up getting a low grade in spite of asking so many questions in every class. Rather be proud of yourself that your mind is much more polished than other students in the class.

See What You Have Learned

When you fail to do something, look back and see how much you have learned. You will be surprised to see that you have learned so much that you would not have learnt if you succeeded in the first attempt. Thomas Edison failed approximately 10,000 times while he was practicing on the light bulb! When people asked him to quit this project, his reply was, "I have gotten lots of results! If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is often a step forward...."
If you have this kind of attitude, there is no way why you won't be successful. Every failure teaches you something. You just have to see what mistakes you made and learn from them. The more mistakes you make, the smarter you will become. Just don't make the same mistake twice because that will make you stupid. Learn from your first mistake and don't repeat it.

Never Give Up

No matter how people react to your failure, you should never ever give up. If you start giving up after your every failure, you will see that you will accomplish literally nothing in life. You will start doing something and will quit it forever after you fail in it. In this way, your skills will never be polished. Your dreams will never see the light of day.

Every success story is also a story of a great failure. The only difference is that the successful people never gave up. Instead, they bounced back with a much more energy and enthusiasm every time they failed. There was a partially deaf child who was expelled from school because his teachers considered him too stupid to learn. His mother decided to teach him and show everyone how intelligent her son is. Her son was none other than the great Thomas Edison. Edison had only three years of formal schooling.

Be Patient

Don't get discouraged if it is taking a little longer than you expected. The more time it will take the better performance it will give. Don't think that you will never achieve your goal or you will never get you want. Failure might cause your goals a little delay but it doesn't mean that you will never achieve them. It simply means that it will take just little longer. When Beethoven was young, everybody used to tell him that he has no talent for music. He knew that he will be the best composer after a considerable time. Today everyone knows that he gave the world some of the best music.

We need to update our dictionaries. We have to remove some of the words and change the meaning of some of them. 'Failure' is one of those words whose meaning needs to be changed. Today onwards, see failure as a chance to bounce back with full of energy. Look at failure as an opportunity to improve more and polish your skills. View your failure as a road to success. I am sure if you follow the above suggestions sincerely, then you will be one of those rare people who make it big no matter what circumstances are. All the best!

Move from one job to another, but only for the right reasons

2008-10-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

Go through the following, It is really nice piece of an article I found, WORTH READING!

There are never better pastures - only other pastures!

"Move from one job to another, but only for the right reasons"

It's yet another day at office. As I logged on to the marketing and advertising sites for the latest updates, as usual, I found the headlines dominated by 'who's moving from one company to another after a short stint', and I wondered, why are so many people leaving one job for another? Is it past now to work with just one company for a sufficiently long period?

Whenever I ask this question to people who leave a company, the answers I get are: "Oh, I am getting a 200% hike in salary"; "Well, I am jumping three levels in my designation"; "Well, they are going to send me abroad in six months".

Then, I look around at all the people who are considered successful today and who have reached the top - be it a media agency, an advertising agency or a company. I find that most of these people are the ones who have stuck to the company, ground their heels and worked their way to the top.

And, as I look around for people who changed their jobs constantly, I find they have stagnated at some level, in obscurity!

In this absolutely ruthless, dynamic and competitive environment, there are still no short cuts to success or to making money. The only thing that continues to pay, as earlier, is loyalty and hard work. Yes, it pays! Sometimes, immediately, sometimes after a lot of time. But, it does pay.

Does this mean that one should stick to an organization and wait for that golden moment? Of course not. After a long stint, there always comes a time for moving in most organizations, but it is important to move for the right reasons, rather than superficial ones, like money, designation or an overseas trip. Remember, no company recruits for charity.

More often than not, when you are offered an unseemly hike in salary or designation that is disproportionate to what that company offers it current employees, there is always unseen bait attached.

The result? You will, in the long-term, have reached exactly the same levels or maybe lower levels than what you would have in your current company.

A lot of people leave an organization because they are "unhappy". What is this so-called-unhappiness? I have been working for donkey's years and there has never been a day when I am not unhappy about something in my work environment-boss, rude colleague, fussy clients etc.

Unhappiness in a workplace, to a large extent, is transient. If you look hard enough, there is always something to be unhappy about. But, more importantly, do I come to work to be "happy" in the truest sense? If I think hard, the answer is "No". Happiness is something you find with family, friends, may be a close circle of colleagues who have become friends.

What you come to work for is to earn, build a reputation, satisfy your ambitions, be appreciated for your work ethics, face challenges and get the job done.

So, the next time you are tempted to move, ask yourself why are you moving and what are you moving into?

Some questions are:

Am I ready and capable of handling the new responsibility? If yes, what could be the possible reasons my current company has not offered me the same responsibility?
Who are the people who currently handle this responsibility in the current and new company? Am I as good as the best among them?
As the new job offer has a different profile, why have I not given the current company the option to offer me this profile?
Why is the new company offering me the job? Do they want me for my skills, or is there an ulterior motive?

An honest answer to these will eventually decide where you go in your career- to the top of the pile in the long term(at the cost of short-term blips) or to become another average employee who gets lost with time in the wilderness?

"DESERVE BEFORE YOU DESIRE" - Dr. Gopalkrishnan, Chairman TATA Sons.

Sharpen Your AXE

2008-10-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

A young man who graduated yesterday and stops learning today will become uneducated tomorrow.

John, a woodcutter, worked for a Company for five years but never got a raise. The Company hired Bill and within a year he got a promotion. This caused resentment in John and he went to his Boss to talk about it. The Boss said, "You are still cutting the same number of trees you were cutting five years ago. We are a result-oriented company and would be happy to give you a raise if your productivity goes up."

John went back started hitting harder and putting in longer hours but he still wasn't able to cut more trees. He went back to his Boss and told him his dilemma. The Boss asked John to go and talk to Bill. "Maybe there is something Bill knows that you and I don't."

John asked Bill how he managed to cut more trees. Bill answered, "After every tree I cut, I take a break for two minutes and 'sharpen my axe'. When was the last time you sharpened your axe?"

This question hit like a bullet and John got his answer.

"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" If you want to progress in life, you cannot rest on your past laurels. You must continuously sharpen your axe of knowledge, skill and expertise, in whatever field of activity you may be!

By sharpening your axe appropriately, I wish you to attain your goals.

During the Interview

2008-10-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

Start the interview with a pleasant smile.
Always remember to give a firm handshake. If there are women in your interview panel, wait for the other person to extend the hand while shaking hands.
Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying
Stress on what you can contribute to the organization.
Remember that the employer is in control of the interview
Don't be too long-winded – say what you want to convey in crisp sentences and use terms that would convey your job & achievements.
Complete your sentences - don't answer just yes or no
What you don't know can be learned – tell them if you don't know something. But give instances of how quick a learner you are.
Do not boast. People on the other side are shrewd and can generally see through you. At the same time talk about achievements giving due credit to others.
When talking about yourself and your aspirations, do not sound vague or do not say that you don't know something. You should be very clear and precise about what you want to do, where you want to go etc.
If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification, don't answer vaguely.
Don't talk about your personal problems, why you need the job etc
Don't get personal – even if you know the interviewer personally
Don't be overconfident or too nervous
Don't badmouth your previous employer - you could do the same in the case of the prospective customer
Don't complain about politics, a bad boss or a poor salary - your reasons for change should be higher responsibilities, location etc.
If the interviewer is interrupted during the course of the interview, don't pick up papers on his/her desk and read them
Don't ask about salary before the offer is made
Strike a balance between what you actually are and what you want to be – don't paint a picture of yourself as somebody who is not concerned about money, social status etc.
Don't be in a hurry to complete the interview
Ask questions at the end of the interview – it could be about the company, the job or the next stage of the interview process. It will be an indicator of your interest in the position
Send a thank-you letter – outlining your interest in the job and why you are qualified for it.

Suggestions for Facing Interview

2008-10-21T09:46:00.001-07:00

Here are some tips for facing the Interview in Good Manner.

Prepare for the interview

Dress appropriately in simple, comfortable clothes that reflect your personality.
Avoid wearing new shoes (squeaking noises) and do practice wearing your tie.
Be punctual – don't be late or even too early.
Read up about the company, what business they are into, growth trends, diversification etc
Read your own resume - be sure that you don't have to look into your resume to recall details during the interview
Carry extra copies of your resume and testimonials – you never know when you may need them.
Make sure you know the full name and designation of the person interviewing you
Keep your references ready
Remember to make a note of your previous or current salary with all its components.

Make a Good First Impression

Wish the interviewer(s) cheerfully and with a smile.
A firm handshake is an indicator of how you are feeling. If you are a lady, then some male employers might not make the first move, but go ahead and initiate the handshake.
Wait till you are asked to sit down.
Look the person in the eye.
Do not appear too nervous or overconfident. Your body language usually conveys more than what you are saying. Don't slouch or lean forward too much.
Try to curb nervous mannerisms e.g. fidgeting or biting your finger.
Appear comfortable, confident and interested in securing the job.

Tips to write a good resume

2008-10-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of resume tips available for the applicant all over the net to help him generate a killer resume or an effective resume. There are so plenty of resume tips provided by the professionals & by the resume writing services that not all can be followed & adhered to, but the applicant can always pick the resume tips which would suit him the best. The next resume tip would be to get information about the prospective or potential hirer, so that the resume can be tailor made according to the information gathered to make the resume a right fit for the job.

The first plus foremost resume tip would be to generate a tailor made resume targeting the employer plus the position the applicant is seeking for. This is very important because if the resume does not match the particular position, there's high chances of getting discarded. Hence, the key is to generate plus use various kinds of resumes for various positions plus career goals. This resume tip is known as the multi resume approach, ideal for applicants without any experience, plus very little work experience.

Other resume tips include, identifying the applicant's skills acquired in every job plus labeling them using appropriate headings. Since most of the hiring personnel look for the abilities they need in the person in the resume, providing the necessary details would be very effective. The information provided in the resume needs to be very concise as it would be very much appreciated by the busy hiring managers

Even though other resume tips are important, this resume tip of making the resume appear stylish, in the current or requested format, with a positive tone & with a dynamic & sharp look is much important to get the first impression of the hirer. The applicant should be satisfied not only with the appearance of the resume, but also with the contents or information that would determine in getting the job for the applicant.

It should be kept in mind that a resume containing descriptive & generalized pointers regarding the positions held by the applicant, size of the previous employer or without any achievements in it may not be impressive to the hirer. The resume should have specifications in the form of percentages or numbers, details regarding the performance in the previous employment, under whom they worked for instance they would have directly reported to the managing director, which makes a great impact on the prospective hirer, large size of the department, say the applicant would have managed an entire warehouse & so on.

Next resume tip would be to write a powerful aim or profile of the candidate applying for the job. It is the qualification summary or the profile of the candidate a prospective hirer goes through first normally. If it is not powerful, it might not make it to the interview level. Also when writing a resume, the applicant should take time without rushing to carefully include all the important facts & figures that his chances of getting an interview & a job are improved considerably

Start Out Strong in a Resume : Improve Your Business Writing

2008-10-20T08:01:00.001-07:00

My friend Sadie asked for help with a resume (also known as a curriculum vitae), and I was happy to oblige.

Sadie's resume began with her name, email and street addresses, and phone numbers. So far, so good.

Sadie's first heading was Objective, which read:

Objective: A full-time sales or customer service position in horticulture.

It is great that she is clear about what she wants. The problem is that hundreds of people in our geographical area are looking for such a position. How can Sadie stand out? How can she get her resume into the "strong candidate" pile?

She can start out strong by replacing her objective with a summary or professional profile, like this:

Summary: A degreed, experienced horticulturist with skills in plant identification, green roof plant specifications, sustainable practices, and cultural care, seeking a full-time sales or customer service position in horticulture.

That summary tells readers immediately that Sadie is educated and experienced in horticulture. She has specific skills and interests. Her resume is worth a close look.

Another approach would be to retain the objective she wrote but to add a separate professional profile. This profile would include the beginning of her summary (above). It might include another sentence like this one:

Experienced in green roof consultations, plant inventory, contract grows, telephone and in-person customer service, and retail and trade sales.

If you, like Sadie, are looking for a job, be sure your resume, CV, or data sheet starts out strong. Try to grab your reader's attention in the first few lines. Sure, readers will scan one or two pages to find the highlights, but summarizing your qualifications at the top makes an instant positive impression.

How to write a resume?

2008-10-14T08:03:00.001-07:00

How to write a resume? - Basics

Why is writing a good resume important?

If you want a job, the first thing you have to do is prepare a resume.

India is growing. The population is growing. There are more and more educated people everywhere. There are thousands and thousands of engineers, doctors etc. being created all over the country at a very fast rate. Because of all this it has become much harder to get a job.

Most of the companies want you to send them your resume as the first step of the job selection process. Now days, a good job offer attracts 1000’s of resumes. If you want to get selected for a job, you have to make your resume stand out from the rest. You have to get your resume read among the heap of other resumes. So, writing a good resume is a very very important first step when you want a job.

What is the purpose of a resume?

When preparing your resume, keep in mind that employers use resumes for several purposes:

Screen Applicants – Most employers will only look at a resume for about 30 seconds to determine whether or not an applicant is a good fit for their organization.

Develop Interview Questions – Statements on your resume can be used to formulate questions they may ask during an interview.

Communication Skills – Employers want to see how well you express yourself.

Qualifications – Employers will reference your resume when making hiring decisions based on how closely your qualifications match their needs.

Basically: Your resume should answer the employer's question, "Why should I hire you?" in 20 seconds or less. Because 20 seconds all the time your resume is going to get. The employer does not have too much time. He is not going to read though each and every resume in detail.

However, when writing a resume, the main purpose of a resume is to “get your self an interview” or reach the next step of the selection process.

The “key” to a good resume: Targeting!

A resume basically does what a good advertisement does. A good advertisement is always “targeted” for a particular part of the audience. For example, the soft drink companies know that their biggest consumers are the youth. So in all the soft drink adds you will see young “cool” people drinking the soft drink. These adds are designed so that they will appeal to the youth. These adds are targeted to the youth.

Note: To really understand targeting, check this article out. It is part of our “How to market?” article.

A good resume is also very similar. It is like a targeted ad. The only difference is here “you are the product” and the “target audience is the employer”. You have to appeal to the employer and his needs. You have to show the employer though the different parts of the resume that you and your qualifications are what he needs to satisfy the needs of his organization.

Simply put, a successful resume is not written only keeping you and your qualifications in mind. When writing the resume you have to keep, the employer, his needs and how you can satisfy those needs in mind.

Basic Do’s & Don’t of writing a resume!

Avoid any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

Use simple fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.

Use 12 or 14 as the font size..

You must have a typed or computer printed resume instead of a handwritten one.

Always highlight your qualification and achievements so that they attract the attention of the reader. Highlight them by marking them bold or italics wherever necessary.

Don’t mark the complete sentence in bold or italics.

If you have no experience or have an experience of only 5 to 6 years make sure you have a resume of only “one page”. Let it not look like a thesis on you.

Do not use "I", "me" or "my" statements; use the telegraphic method and drop the pronoun to make it more active. Instead of "I wrote the 40-page employee manual", say "Wrote 40-page employee manual"

Do not include photographs unless you are a model or actor.

Using a “table” to state your achievements is a good idea.

Use power words.

What are power words? How to use them?

Power Words, also called Action Verbs, provide better emphasis in a resume. They create a more assertive and memorable statement. Words like “accomplished”, “developed”, “led” and “persuaded” show your employer that you are confident in your abilities.

Rather than making a bland statement (for example, “I was District Sales Manager of the Information Technology Division”), you let your experiences shine (“Increased sales 39% in 18 months as the District Sales Manager ). Use these words to show confidence and control.

Writing the perfect resume! - In detail!

The different parts of the resume:

Here we have given a part-by-part break up of the complete resume.

Part 1: Personal Details

Write your:

· Name

· Address

· Phone number

· E-mail address

Part 2: The Objective

This is an important part of your resume….

Here you state what you would like to achieve out of working in the particular organization. Like, you may want to really learn how to be a good salesman and master the art of door-to-door selling. If you state this in your objective, it is conveyed to the employer that if he/she heirs you, he/she will get a master door-to-door salesperson or at least someone who is working to be a master salesperson. This tells them that hiring you might really help to increase sales.

You have state the objective in terms of what you would like to do for the organization once you are appointed. It should be clear and straight to the point. The objective should just be two or three lines.

Here is a sample objective:
Sales position in an organization seeking an extraordinary record of generating new accounts, exceeding sales targets and ensure close relationship with the customers.

What is the point of writing an objective?

If you don’t have an objective on your resume, you will just have a general resume. Your resume will not be targeted. Your resume will just talk about you and all your “great” accomplishments.

A resume without an objective will not be able to convey to the employer what you will be able to do for the employer. Such a resume, since it is not “targeted” to meeting the employers needs will not produce results.

Employers generally do not like to hire people who are working just for money. Employers like to hire people who are charged and motivated. Employers like people who have aims and want to accomplish or learn something.

If you don’t talk about your objective, you look like as if you want a job just for the sake of money. You will look like the kind of person who will not really work hard for the organization and give their fullest participation. So, it is very important that you have a “Objective” on your resume.

Also make sure you do not put in an objective just because it sounds good. You must understand your objective. You will probably be asked about your objective when you go for the interview if your resume gets selected.

Part 3: Educational Qualifications

Education qualification should be in a descending order i.e. on the top you would have your recent qualification.

Many and almost all of us have studied class I, V, VI etc ... so we don’t need to mention these classes but we start with the first board exam we had given or Class 10th results.

If you stood up with good marks, mention them along with the name of the school and the year you passed. If you had average score and you do not wish to include the same, leave it out (But remember the percentage you scored, the interviewer may ask you!).

Then your Class 12th marks, your graduation, post graduation, and any other qualification you have achieved.

Use bullets to mark your qualification, but remember not to use very stylish and fancy bullets, they might create a negative impact on the person reading your resume.

Part 4: Experience

Now, it’s turn for the experience you have. If you don’t have any work experience, don’t worry, companies do hunt for freshers!

If you have any, remember to write them in descending order (the most recent place you have worked first and so on…) just like your qualification.

When mentioning your work experience, make sure you mention:

· The name of the company you worked for.

· Time OR duration you worked there.

· The designation you were appointed for.

Part 5: Achievements

As stated earlier, using a table to state your achievements is a good idea.

What does the achievements section include?

If you played any sport at state, national or international level, any competitions you took part in and won etc. then they will all come here.

Try to mention those achievements that the employer would care about right on top. Like, if you are applying for a marketing post then it would be a good idea to mention that you won a marketing competition.

A long list of unrelated achievements would be of little value.

Not all achievements have to be big, but they have to show that you got results as you carried out your responsibilities. Many of your routine activities can be quantified and written as achievements that demonstrate your experience and knowledge. They can be proof of how you’ve HELPED the company! They should show the employer how he will be able to fulfill the needs of his organization by hiring you.

Here are some things to consider when naming achievements. (Quantify whenever possible.) For instance, did you:

· Save the company money? How much and how?

· Help improve sales? By how much?

· Improve productivity and efficiency?

· Implement any new systems or processes?

· Help launch any new products or services?

· Achieve more with (same or fewer) resources?

· Resolve a major problem with little investment?

· Participate in any technical/operational improvements?

· Exceed accepted standards for quality or quantity?

· Identify the need for a program or service?

· Prepare any original reports, studies or documents?

· Serve on any committees? What was the outcome?

· Get elected to any boards, teams or task forces?

· Resolve customer problems?

· Get rated as outstanding in performance reviews?

Part 6: Concluding section

Strength and Hobbies:
Mention your strengths and hobbies here. When talking about your strengths, again it would be good if you can show the employer how your strengths would benefit his/her organization. If the strengths are related to the job you are applying for they will have a better effect.

Finally mention:

· Your date of birth

· Father’s name

· Your name

· E-mail id

· Telephone number

You could also take the help of pre-defined templates in or use the Resume wizard in MS-Word or Open Office software’s to make your resume. Once you build your resume you can format your resume using the appropriate font and font size.

Checklist for the perfect resume...

Is your resume well laid out? Is it pleasing to the eye?

Is your resume less than one page if you are a student or new to the workforce? Is it less than three pages if you are an experienced professional?

Have you chosen legible fonts throughout your resume or do the fonts detract from the context of the resume?

Have you used spell check and/or dictionary to ensure that there are no spelling errors?

Has someone else (outside of yourself) read your resume for grammatical errors?

Does your resume use proper English?

Is your resume memorable? Does it stand out in a crowd (but in a positive way)?

Is your resume “targeted” to the type of position you are seeking?

How do you come across when your resume is read? What will an employee think of you?

Are you pleased with your resume? Does it do a good job of telling an employer who you are and why you are a good candidate?

Do you have your name, address, and contact information clearly displayed on your resume?

Objective:

Did you limit your objective to just one or two short sentences?

Is your objective clear and concise? Or is it ambiguous?

Is your objective focused? Does it make sense?

Is it targeted?

Education:

Is it clear from a quick look at your resume that you have obtained a college degree, if you graduated?

If you did not graduate, is it clear that you do not yet have a degree?

Are all the educational requirements of the job fulfilled and clearly shown?

Professional Experience:

Is your work experience presented logically?

Have you limited your work experience to no more than 4-5 previous positions?

Have you accounted for any gaps in your work history that an employer might question?

Do the name of the company, your job title, and dates of employment for each position stand out for easy identification?

Have you limited the information in each position to those that are the most relevant and targeted to the position to which you are applying?

Is your professional experience accurately and honestly conveyed?

Strengths and hobbies:

Are the strengths & hobbies you have listed relevant and targeted to the position to which you are applying?

Do the skills listed accurately convey your experience and knowledge in each area?

Other Sections:

Do any other sections included in your resume enhance your presentation? Are they relevant to the position to which you are applying?

After writing the resume..

Review, edit, and proofread like a maniac. One of the biggest resume mistakes is typos or grammatical errors. These errors may seem trivial, but they can cost you the interview, and ultimately the job. After all, if you can’t be bothered to make sure that your resume is 100% accurate, what guarantee is there that your job performance will be high caliber?

Final important note:

Though out this article we have talked about targeting targeting targeting! We have said and said again that your resume should be targeted. Your resume should show the employer how you will be able to satisfy his organizations specific needs. It should not be a general resume. It should not just talk about you and your accomplishments. It should be TARGETED!!!

All this means that you cannot just send one resume to 100’s of employers. Usually, though the internet job sites etc. that becomes possible. You are able to send the same resume to 1000’s of employers.

But, ach employer has different needs. If you send the same resume to everyone, it will NOT be targeted. It will just be a general resume. Your resume will not stand out and you might not get the job. The more targeted and to the point your resume is the more the possibility is that your resume will stand out and that you will get the job.

It will be much more work, but don’t just send the same resume to everyone. Target the resume. Send a targeted resume to each employer!!

Telephone Directory

2008-10-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

State-wise Telephone Directory

In different states, online directory services is provided by the respective Telecom Circle. In case of any difficulty, errors or suggestions regarding this service please contact webmaster of the concerned Telecom Circle.

	Andman & Nicobar
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	Gujarat
	Goa
	Jammu and Kashmir
	Jharkhand
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	Himachal Pradesh
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	Maharashtra
	Manipur
	Meghalaya
	Mizoram
	Nagaland
	Tripura
	Orissa
	Punjab
	Rajasthan
	Tamilnadu
	Uttar Pradesh East
	Uttar Pradesh West
	Uttaranchal
	West Bengal
	Sikkim

Click here for Directory Search on India Map

Metro cities Telephone Directory

	Chennai
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All India National Subscriber Dialing (NSD) Codes

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How to Say Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary _ Improve Your Business Writing

2008-10-09T06:51:00.001-07:00

I received this message from Jen:

As a service-oriented company, we send out birthday and anniversary cards to our clients and close business associates. The last thing we want is to be cookie-cutter, so can you please consider providing some tips to personalize these types of notes without the use of platitudes?

Interesting question! But first, for my global readers, cookie-cutter means "very similar" or "identical." Platitudes, of course, are trite remarks, ones with no originality.

As for tips on birthday and anniversary greetings, here are a few:

"Happy birthday" and "Happy Anniversary" can stand alone on an attractive card. The messages are simple and sincere.
Individual signatures rather than "From your friends at Syntax Training" (for example) are more personalized. Two of my clients, NetSpeed Learning Solutions and Nintendo, circulate their greeting cards around the office so people who know the recipient can sign--and write an extra note if they want to do so.
For a wedding anniversary, it is essential that you name both people. "You and Jamie" sounds 10 times more sincere than "You and your wife."
If you know something about how the event is being celebrated, mention that in the card; for example, "We wish you and Tim a magical time at Disney World."
Be on time. A card is always welcome, but a delayed card conveys disorganization.
Unless you know they will be appreciated, avoid references to drinking or other birthday excesses.

It is difficult to avoid triteness in birthday and anniversary messages unless you personalize them with details about the person, the occasion, or your relationship. I recommend brevity rather than working hard on each message. The card itself is a caring gesture.

Here are a few simple messages to include in a card. They would also be acceptable in an email.

Congratulations! All of us wish you a very happy birthday and another year filled with adventure [or joy, wonder, all good things, success, pleasure, bliss, delights, abundance].

We are thinking of you on this important day and hoping it is filled with joy. Happy birthday!

Hurray, Micah! Happy birthday! We are cheering for you on this, your special day.

Happy birthday, Susan! We hope you have a grand celebration and an extraordinary day.

We send you our sincerest wishes for a happy birthday. Congratulations on another fine year!

Dear Chris and Ella,

Happy anniversary! We congratulate you on another year of love and marriage. Have a delightful anniversary.

Happy anniversary, Mark and Dana! We are thinking of you two on this momentous day and wishing you a joyful celebration.

We hope you and Reshmi have a lovely anniversary celebration. You are a wonderful couple, and we are honored to be among your friends. Happy anniversary!

All of us at XYZ Company are pleased to wish you and Nigel a very happy anniversary. We wish you continued joy and happiness.

We are delighted to wish you a happy anniversary and a perfect day. Your love and commitment continue to inspire all of us.

When you can personalize a message, do so:

Happy birthday, Sarvar! We are so pleased you moved to Atlanta and have become a trusted consulting partner. We wish you another year of accomplishments, opportunity, and personal growth.

I hope these suggestions and examples help. If you have ideas to share, please comment.

Informative mail :All you need to know about a BPO career.........

2008-10-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

Even in the face of the ongoing US meltdown (see end of article for more details) the BPO industry provides some of the most lucrative job opportunities on the market today. But how do you get into this market? And, once there, what do you need to do to make the big bucks that people keep promising? We take a look at some of the answers.

Entry:
One of the most attractive things about some processes in the BPO industry is that they need only a basic 10+2 to enter. No international BPO unit hires an employee who is less than 18 years old, although domestic BPO outfits do (this isn't a problem if you have a sneaky headhunter).

What is definitely required from a candidate is good communication skills and a willingness to learn. Many BPO companies hire candidates with basic qualifications and then train them. A company will pay a candidate more if s/he already possesses the necessary skills. Few companies will only hire employees who have had some kind of previous work experience.

High Attrition Industry:
Even after years of experience, the HR departments of BPO companies have to deal with huge attrition levels.

"Despite the fact that we offer starting salaries of Rs 12,000-15,000, much higher than the market rate for a job demanding the same qualifications, we're experiencing annual attrition rates of 40-50 per cent," says Bipin Chauhan, an HR manager at Pangea3, "It's one of the biggest problems facing the industry."

One of the reasons is the fact that many view the BPO industry as a short-term, lucrative careers option. The odd hours, routine nature of the work and the stress of constantly dealing with irate customers also take their toll on the workforce. These aren't the only reasons though.

"Among those committed to the BPO industry, there are many reasons to leave a job," says Lokesh Manu, who worked as a third person collection executive at 24/7. "A major one is that BPOs frequently poach each other's employees, so you may get a better -- that is, higher paying -- job elsewhere. Also, many BPO employees move to Knowledge Process Outsourcing companies, which pay better and are also more interesting. And of course, some people, who enter the industry with the intention of staying, leave because they're turned off by the hard partying lifestyle."

Kinds of Work:
Other than the well-known call centres (called voice-based processes), there are many higher-end BPOs which handle value added functions like invoice processing and research.

Another trend which promises to prove to be huge is the emergence of Knowledge Process Outsourcing. These are companies that handle high-end back office transactions like data analysis, planning etc. Legal Process Outsourcing is an example of this trend. Such companies hire skilled workers: MBAs, lawyers etc and have attrition rates in single digits. They also pay much better than BPOs, since they require employees with CAs, PhDs etc.

Levels of Work:
An entry-level employee in a BPO unit is known, among other things, as an 'agent', 'associate' or 'executive'. The entry-level positions exist for those with under two years of experience. At a voice-based BPO unit, the salary at entry level is roughly Rs 12,000-20,000 per month, depending on a person's educational qualifications, experience and whether or not he or she has had any previous training, relieving the company of the need to train him or her.

At a non-voice based BPO unit, entry-level salaries vary from Rs 15,000-25,000. KPO units, requiring the high-level talent and qualifications that they do, pay Rs 18,000-30,000 per month.

BPO companies tend to have a relatively flat hierarchy. After three or four years of experience, an agent may be promoted to team leader. "We promote roughly a quarter of our employees in a given year," says Bipin "This is because the industry -- and the company -- are expanding at breakneck speed, so there is plenty of space for an employee to take on new roles."

A team leader in a voice-based BPO makes Rs 24,000-32,000 per month. A team leader in a non-voice BPO makes Rs 27,000-35,000 per month. A team leader in a KPO can rake in Rs 40,000+ a month.

The project manager is the highest level at which one is directly associated with processes in a company. A project manager at a voice-based BPO company makes between Rs 45,000-50,000 per month. A project manger at a non-voice BPO unit earns Rs 48,000-52,000 per month and a project manager at a KPO earns Rs 50,000 per month.

Training and Cross-Functionality:
BPO companies, on a scale and with willingness absent in other industries, encourage their employees to take up training programmes that strengthen their skills or help them develop new ones. Not only do they grant employees the leave required to take up these programmes but some even fund them.

These programmes vary from those that teach agents to communicate more effectively with customers to MBAs in certain disciplines for managers. The key to progress in a BPO is to acquire new skills. Since the structure of the organisation does not change very often, it is easy to evaluate what skills -- and, by extension, courses -- are needed and what impact they will have on your career.

BPO units reward a person who has the ability -- and will -- to acquire new skills. A crucial component of one's career is internal job rotation: swapping job roles within the company itself, thus building a skillset that cuts across functions.

"This is very important as it sends out a very strong signal about the person and his work ethic." says Lokesh, "Companies want someone who can take on new challenges. I've had many friends who have been re-hired -- at good salaries -- by companies they've left who want to use the skills that the employees have gained while working for another company."

Employees will receive performance reviews every six months -- in some company's, every three -- which serve to gauge an employees' progress. At this point, new roles are assigned and training programmes recommended. This mobility is the key to success in the BPO sector, where talent is always short and good, enterprising employees are the most sought after commodity on the market.

Recession?:
With the US economy sagging and appearing ready to go into recession, BPO units are set to take a hit. However "It's still a very high growth industry," says Lokesh, "The cost-saving power of outsourcing is so powerful -- and potential so vast -- the industry will continue to grow even through hard times. The growth will be slowed down, and raises and promotions severely hit, but it's still one of the best options available to a young professional."

20 Rules in any office

2008-10-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

20 Rules in any office

1. Rule 1. - The Boss is always right.

2. Rule 2. - If the Boss is wrong, see rule 1.

3. Those who work get more work. Others get pay, perks, and promotions.

4. Ph.D. stands for "Pull Him Down". The more intelligent a person, the more hardworking a person, the more committed a person; the more number of persons are engaged in pulling that person down.

5. If you are good, you will get all the work. If you are really good, you will get out of it.

6.. When the Bosses talk about improving productivity, they are never talking about themselves.

7. It doesn't matter what you do, it only matters what you say you've done and what you are going to do.

8. A pat on the back is only a few centimeters from a kick in the butt.

9. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

10. The more crap you put up with, the more crap you are going to get.

11. If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it...

12. When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried.

13.. Following the rules will not get the job done.

14. If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done.

15. Everything can be filed under "Miscellaneous" .

16. No matter how much you do, you never do enough.

17. You can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work you are supposed to be doing.

18. In order to get a promotion, you need not necessarily know your job.

19. In order to get a promotion, you only need to pretend that you know your job.

20. The last person that quit or was fired will be held responsible for everything that goes wrong.

How to Finesse Email Reminders : Improve your business writibg

2008-10-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

In an Email Intelligence class the other day, attendees brought up the question of reminders:

If something is due at 5 p.m., is it okay to email someone at 4 p.m. with a reminder?

What do you think? If you were working toward a 5 p.m. deadline, would you appreciate a 4 p.m. email reminder?

And if you were the person expecting the work, could you stop yourself from worrying about it before 5 p.m.?

A class participant proposed the ideal solution:

If you need something by 5 p.m., give a 4 p.m. deadline. That way, if you have not received it by 4, you can comfortably nudge the other person.

Tips to protect your WiFi from hackers

2008-10-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

Internet users could adopt the following methods to ensure that s/he is safe.

Disabling the SSID broadcast . To some extent this makes it difficult for the hacker to detect the presence of a WiFi access point.

Enable MAC address filter . Each network interface has a unique MAC address, by filtering it, one can to an extent control which machines can use the access point.

Turn on WPA/WEP encryption . This ensures that traffic between a legitimate machine and an access point is not readable.

Change default admin passwords for access points .

Ensure access points are placed securely . In the centre of a room/office etc to minimise its signal strength outside the office.

Even after following the above precautions, your WiFI account could be compromised and hence, the things to look at are :

Monitor usage of the access point . Have a clear inventory and knowledge about the position of each access point.

Monitor the usage of the Internet link , to know what traffic is going out. For example, some corporate block e-mail providers like yahoo or hotmail. Hence, even if the access point is compromised, the hacker may not be able to use public e-mail systems.

Consider a specific security policy for wireless networks. For example, most companies primarily use wired networks in the office as the primary media. Access points are used in common areas like conferences rooms etc. Hence, strict policies can be deployed on wireless networks as compared to wired networks.

Role of Digital Forensics:

Digital Forensics means the analysis of electronic media to detect forgery or manipulation . It is used to identify possible culprits and also to gather legal evidence to be used for prosecution.
Digital Forensics is a highly-specialised area and if not done using the right skills and tools could lead to evidence being deleted or not usable in the court of law. It is similar to that of criminal forensics and hence needs special skills and tools. Hence, it would be advisable for companies to understand their responsibility and the do's and don'ts during a breach.
Public e-mails systems have limited information about its users and normally provide it to law enforcement agencies on special request. This information is picked up during e-mail ID creation, usage etc.

Most usual information picked up is the source of the Internet Protocol , which can be masked using techniques like using others' WiFi networks. Hence, unless e-mail providers enable higher security mechanisms like special authentication while creating users not much can be done. It is not easy for e-mail providers to do this as, by definition, these e-mail systems are free and open for people to use.

Get Access to all Software Tutorials and Training Videos on VTC for Free

2008-10-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

Get Access to all Software Tutorials and Training Videos on VTC for Free

VTC.com [Virtual Training Company] is an online video Library having a large collection of screencast tutorials on virtually every subject related to computers.Here’s a complete list of all video tutorials available on VTC. Whether you are looking to learn a new programming language like AJAX or need a quick start guide for Photoshop or need help in getting an Ubuntu certification – it’s all there.

To get access to all these training videos for free, go to this sign-up page and enter coupon code "u5atr3alvtcfr33" (without quotes) in the field that says "FileMaker Promotional Code."

This will give you unlimited access to all training videos and screencasts available on VTC for a period of one week. Unofficially, this can be extended by re-registering.
Most videos are available in both Quicktime and Flash video format. VTC also release a new Adobe AIR player so you can may watch videos outside the browser as well.

Back to School Immune System and Fall veggies

2008-10-02T10:51:00.001-07:00

Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity

Top 5 Back-to-School Immune-Boosting Strategies

83% of users found this article helpful.

It's September, which means that it's time for the children to go back to school. Any parent that has sent their child off to school for a year of learning, growing, and exploring also knows that they're in for a year of sneezes, coughs, and other afflictions of a low immune system.

There is often a surge of the sniffles at the beginning of the school year. Whether it's because the children suddenly need to get up early every morning and are deprived of sleep, the cooling fall weather from the hot summer or they're feeling confronted by the sudden stress of the classroom's structure, September creates a need for healthy immune systems in both your children and yourself.

Below are five strategies that will help you and your children boost your immune system so that their return to school is free from trips to the nurse's office.

1. Eat cruciferous and root veggies. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain isothiocynates, which help to build the immune system, and high volumes of vitamin C and other nutrients that also boost the immune function. Root vegetables like carrots and yams contain carotenoids, which are a yellow or orange pigment that are a significant source of vitamin A and antioxidants and likewise help boost the immune system.

2. An immune-boosting broth. Cook up a broth of shitake mushrooms, any kind of seaweed, cabbage, any type of squash, carrots, fresh ginger, oregano, and onion in chicken stock. Shitake mushrooms, which if dried must first be soaked, contain polysaccharides, sterols, and coumarin, as well as vitamins and minerals that increase your immune function. Seaweed cleanses the body, cabbage has cruciferous properties, ginger supports healthy digestion, and the remaining ingredients promote general health and well-being. If you eat this broth every other day, you will benefit from a strong and healthy immune system.

3. Tap the power of herbs. Herbs are plants from nature that possess healing powers, and many can be used for prevention and relief from illnesses such as a back-to-school cold. The Chinese have traditionally used atractylodes, astragalus, and siler root-herbs in a formula called Immunity during the cold season to stay healthy. For temporary relief of symptoms after catching a cold, try honeysuckle, forsythia fruit, kudzu root, and burdock fruit, part of the traditional Chinese Cold & Flu formula. Click here for more information.

4. Avoid sugar. The processed and refined sugars found in beverages, candies, cookies, cakes, and other types of junk food take a toll on the body's ability to process and digest, taxing the immune system. Gradually work more dried fruits and natural sources of sweetness into yours and your children's daily diet to promote a more active and functional immune system.

5. Play 30 minutes of active games with your children daily. Exercise is found to promote general wellness and health, and it is essential for maintaining the immune system. Find a high-energy activity to do with your child for thirty minutes each day, whether it's going for a soccer ball kick in the backyard after school or even just wrestling downstairs in the den. This won't only promote the immune function of both you and your children, but may evolve into an enjoyable family ritual as well.

I hope you will take these tips so that your family enjoys a happy and healthy autumn. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

--Dr. Mao

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Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity

Fall Veggies: Healthy Choices in Season Now

92% of users found this article helpful.

Consider this: autumn is a time for eating white vegetables. Read on to find the many benefits in store for you this fall when you enjoy its wide selection of seasonal vegetables.

The Seasonal Food Palette
As we get into the cooler months of autumn, there is an abundance of white vegetables to enjoy. White vegetables contain isothiocynates, which support the immune system and protect us against the development of cancer. Below are four vegetables that are in season during this time of year and some of the many wonderful ways you stand to benefit from incorporating them into your diet in the coming months. Stock up!

1. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is what is known as a cruciferous vegetable, and belongs to the same family of plants as that of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Cauliflower possesses high concentrations of fiber, vitamins C and B6, and folate. Along with the presence of isothiocynates, cauliflower also has a high concentration of glucosinolates, which are key to cauliflower's anti-cancer properties and help the liver detoxify carcinogenic substances. Along with treating low immune function, it is helpful to incorporate cauliflower into the diet when treating sinus problems, constipation, and conditions of the skin such as warts.

2. Cabbage: Cabbage, like cauliflower, is a cruciferous vegetable, and therefore possesses many of the same healing and nutritional properties related to the immune system and hindering the development of cancer. Cabbage is commonly associated with its high concentrations of vitamin C. It also contains the amino acid glutamine, which has been revealed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Along with treating immune-related conditions such as cold and flu, cabbage can also help anyone looking to treat acne, allergies, hives, constipation, arthritis, bronchitis, and yeast overgrowth. That's one versatile vegetable.

3. Turnips: Turnips are a root vegetable that are typically grown in temperate climates. Turnips are packed with vitamin C. And turnip greens contain vitamins A and K as well as folate, calcium, and lutein. Turnips treat immune-related conditions such as bronchitis, and other conditions such as incontinence, flatulence, and symptoms of jet lag. Lightly steam the greens for a healthy side dish. As for the bulb, cut and sauté or boil and mash.

4. Garlic: Garlic is a pungent, spicy herb that has bulbs, leaves, stems, and flowers that are edible. It is generally anti-bacterial in nature, and is used as an antiseptic and a remedy for infections. It is used for digestive disorders and as a treatment for intestinal worms. It is also used to prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, prevent diabetes-related conditions, treat allergies, reduce arthritis, counteract bone loss, and to treat ailments related to cancer. All those benefits, and it's delicious, too. Click here to view a video about the benefits of garlic.

With an abundance of white vegetables in your diet this fall, you will give your immune system the support it needs to ward off colds, the flu, and any number of other ailments associated with this time of year.

I hope you will take these tips and have a happy, healthy autumn. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

-Dr. Mao

Better scope for IPR courses

2008-10-02T01:26:00.001-07:00

Sept 9 : The World trade Organization envisages free trade of products in a transparent and competitive environment leading to smooth trading activities. Several agreements on Agriculture tariffs, subsidies, sanitary measures and intellectual property rights have come under a single roof of World Trade Organization (WTO) as GATT agreement.

More than 100 countries including India knowingly or unknowingly entered in to this global trade regime to promote economic development across the globe. WTO forces member countries to open up their economy to a free flow of imports and exports. Market access, domestic market and TRIPS are the key elements pertaining to WTO in the Agriculture sector.

Recently in the post WTO era intellectual property rights acquires more importance. United Nations has started world intellectual property organization (WIPO) at Geneva in order to address the emerging issues. UNCTAD (United nations council for trade and development) is funding projects on IPR issues for getting sustainable results. Patenting, copyrighting and trade marking should be emphasized now a days. As a sequel to growing importance given to IPR issues, there is a trend towards IPR in the educational and career sector within the country and abroad. Globally various types of courses catering the need for addressing IPR issues at different levels are available in the higher education sector. Post graduate; post diploma and certificate courses on IPR are available in the country and abroad.

Even though any graduate can join for the programme, science and engineering graduates will be given preference during admission process. Major objectives of this programmes are to disseminate information on national and international IPR issues, to create awareness on IPR among scientists, professionals, academicians, government officials, planners and entrepreneurs and to popularize the documentation and administrative procedures on IPR. These courses are very much useful to Lawyers, research students, professionals, engineers, scientists, brand managers, chartered accountants, regulatory officials and company secretaries. Courses cover wide areas like different patent laws, protection, copyrights, etc.

IPR experts can ensure rights of creators and owners of intellectual property throughout the world. They can carry out tasks like administering international treaties and assist the governments, organizations, farmers, industries and private sector in the emerging IPR issues. There is increasing career potential for IPR professionals in different domains like patent laws, trade marking, patenting, geographical patents, regulatory system, etc. which is an emerging area of research. So there is great potential for scientists and teachers and lawyers in the higher education sector. Many professionals can diversify their activities related to IPR issues. Lawyers can specialize in patent laws and can work as consultants.

Different courses on intellectual property rights are available in the country.

Indira Gandhi national Open University has recently started one-year postgraduate diploma in intellectual property rights in collaboration with WIPO. Details can be had from www.ignou.ac.in.

Rajeev Gandhi institute of Intellectual property rights based at IIT, Kharagpur has LLB, MBA and Post diploma programmes with specialisation in IPR. The programmes cover wide areas like Patent law & Practice, IP specifications & Transactions, copyright, Drafting and IP management, registration, commercialisation and technology.

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Law college, Mangalore has one year post diploma programme in IPR.

Many institutions are conducting four to six months certificate programmes in intellectual property rights.

They are

1. SVKM institute of intellectual property studies, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-56 Email- info@iips.ac.in

2.Academy of intellectual Property studies, Mumbai-104
Email- info@aips.ac.in

Post graduate Diploma programmes in IPR are available in Australia, Philippines, New Zealand, England, Ireland, The Netherlands, USA and Canada.

Collaborative programmes in IPR are available at Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai in association with University of Washington. Visit -www. Giipinfo.com
Japanese patent office and Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation is offering training and awareness programmes in intellectual property protection in India.

Canadian, Australian and UK institutions are offering advanced post graduate and post diploma programmes in IPR.

A Day in the Life of a Part-Time Blogger Who Has a Full-Time Job

2008-10-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

his is how David Armano describes a typical day of his ‘blogging + work + family’ life.

Am sure lot of people can connect with this diagram especially those who actively blog and also have a full-time job somewhere.

Too Many Tos- Improve Your Business Writing

2008-10-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

An error I am seeing constantly is the incorrect rendering of too as to. Just yesterday in an Email Intelligence class, someone wrote this phrase to describe what slows down her reading of email: "to many words." That is wrong.

People occasionally let me know they are unsubscribing from my newsletter because they get "to much email." Wrong.

Last night my daughter asked me to proofread a book report. In it, she described a character as "Caring to much about what people think of her." Again, wrong.

When I asked my daughter to find the error in her sentence, she found and corrected it immediately. She reminded me of an easy way I had taught her to recognize which word a sentence needs. Here it is:

If you can pronounce the to/too word "ta" (rhymes with the), you can spell it "to." If you cannot pronounce the word "ta" it must be too.

We live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, so our pronunciation may be different from yours, but give the "ta" method (rhymes with the) a try on these sentences:

I am going ___ the shopping mall.

Renee and Rachel are going ____.

I hope there will not be ___ many people in the car.

Of course, it is just a short distance ___ drive.

Following the pronunciation hint, I determine the correct renderings are to, too, too, to. Do you agree?

If you find definitions more reliable than pronunciations, too means "very," "excessively," or "also."

Beyond that, the word too can always be deleted without an important loss of meaning. Typically to cannot.

It takes just a moment of proofreading to catch to/too errors. And that time is an essential investment, since the grammar and spelling checker on Microsoft Office does not flag to/too errors. You have to do it yourself. Or, if you are like my daughter, just ask your mother.

Tips for a successful Interview

2008-10-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Dress Appropriately.

Pay attention to the details, the interviewer will.
Are your shoes shined?
Are your clothes pressed?
Wrinkles and smudges can indicate you are careless. All shirts must have collars; a tie is always a good move for men, and certainly, a jacket over a collared shirt. Women should basically adhere to these rules as well. Pay attention to both the top and bottom half of your attire. You may be sitting across the room from the interviewer, who will have time to examine your clothing. Keep the attention on you and your accomplishments, not on the tear in your khakis. No sneakers, extraneous jewelry, cologne, or wet hair. You don’t want to come across as too stiff, but you also don’t want to appear as if you don’t care.

Make Eye Contact.

Look at your recruiter during the conversation. Interviewers state time and again that many applicants refuse to do this simple thing, and never make it any further in the process. Establish eye contact with the initial handshake and don’t forget to focus on the recruiter during the interview. Avoid staring into space or at your feet. If you remember to raise your chin just a bit, you will automatically look at the person opposite you. Not looking at the interviewer can be interpreted as lack of interest or even lack of candor. And while you are remembering to make eye contact, don’t forget to smile occasionally. It shows confidence.

Be Prepared.

Research the company. With everything online, you have no excuse for not examining the company website and Googling articles on its plans and accomplishments, and exactly what goods and services it offers or manufactures, and its place in the community. Interviewers may ask if you are familiar with what the company does or is planning. You want to be able to discuss details and suggest some familiarity. If you have friends who work there, ask them about the work environment, and about company goals. Doing your homework can mean the recruiter will focus sooner on you. If you don’t exhibit some knowledge of the company, it can be interpreted as lack of interest.

Ask Good Questions.

Be prepared to ask smart, insightful questions. Ask about benefit plans and the company system for reviews, promotions, and career growth. You may ask to see the environment in which you will be working. Ask about community outreach and future plans. Although you shouldn’t bring it with you, a written list of questions you have brainstormed before will help you. Don’t just ask about Casual Fridays, personal parking space, or if you get every weekend off; don’t come off as what’s-in-itfor- me type.

Bring It With You.

You should carry to the interview a slim portfolio or file folder containing such items as an extra copy of your resume, contact information for your references, copies of award certificates, and reference letters, if you have any. Anticipate the recruiter’s needs, and include anything you think may be of interest or contribute to your profile, but don’t make it a cumbersome stack.

Leave It At Home.

Do not carry your cell phone, even if you have it turned off. iPods are also a no-no. Once again, you need to appear professional, and not concerned with missing a personal phone call. Recruiters have stated candidates are arriving in increasing numbers talking on the phone, answering it during an interview, or conversing with their ear buds still inserted in their ears. Some have even witnessed candidates continuing to listen to music during the interview itself. Don’t set yourself up for immediate failure. Bring to the interview only what is necessary.

Anticipate Questions.

Think like a recruiter. What would you ask? Prepare for the interview by writing down both potential questions and your answers. You may learn something. Typical questions are along the lines of, What type of salary are you looking for? Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? What interests you about our company? Why have you chosen this field?

Stay Positive.

Avoid apologies for any perceived weaknesses, and don’t confide. Don’t open any discussions with statements like, “I know you need someone with extensive network experience, but I’ve only worked in one internship where I was exposed to it.” Try instead, “I was an intern at HP, and was exposed to some aspects of networking.”
Concentrate on what you bring to the table. In fact, try keeping the conversation positive by editing anything negative. Don’t say “no” to anything without qualifying the statement. A good response might be, “While I don’t know very much about SQL, I do have working knowledge of Perl, Verilog, and Bash scripting.”

Say More.

Don’t stop at a simple “yes.” Treat every question as if it were the opening of a discussion; always elaborate and explain. You want to volunteer your skills and how you have used them. And you also want to demonstrate your willingness to communicate. While you want to provide an alternative to saying no, as suggested above, you also want to avoid a one-word response of any type. Think of answering questions as if they were short essay answers you had to provide on a test. Don’t make someone urge you to “be more specific.” At the same time, don’t ramble; Keep your answers substantive.

Avoid Overconfidence.

Be confident, but don’t overdo it. Interviewers are turned off by arrogance. Remember that candidates are expected to fit in, and play by the company’s rules, not vice versa. You should come across as well-equipped, but also willing to learn. Just because you know Kerberos protocol does not mean you necessarily have the answer for world peace. Show your willingness to learn and to share by asking questions, responding with details, and listening with interest. It’s all about the ability to work well with others.