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Connected to our Health

karenconnect — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:33:27 +0000

I have a cold. Or should I say, all three of us in this house, have the same exact cold. We’re congested. It’s become a cough with the boys. Mine’s in my face. We’re tired. We’re not complaining though. We all feel a bit crummy and know it. I’m remembering how great I felt a few days ago when preparing for Thanksgiving. Connected to our health.

The brightside? We don’t have the piggy flu. We don’t have upset tummies. Kev is well enough to play at the park. We’re well enough to put together two fake trees. Oops….one arranged wrong for a day. But not quite motivated to find the dead light on the tree that’s keeping the rest from turning on. I bought a few gifts this morning at Target. Starting to connect to Xmas.

Thanksgiving is over, but we’re still thankful. We’re thankful for our health, even if it means a cold every now and then. I’m thankful that Kev will only have a sniffle by the time he returns to school on Monday. Mike’s thankful the cold hit him over the holiday and he’s not having to work with it. Although he’s put in two round of golf in three days. I’m thankful I have the luxury to sit down and rest when I get pooped out. Connected to our blessings.

Connections for Business Growth and Personal Growth

centerforsocialconnections1 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:40:16 +0000

December/January

Events/Programs

Radio Shows on Tuesdays 11:30 EST : Dr Avila, Maria Forbes, Farah Mihoubi
“Social Networking for Professionals who Happen to be Single” December 2
Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs starting January 8th
Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs who Happen to be Single starting January 14th

Hosting “Understand and Apply the Power of Compatibility to Grow Your Business & Your Personal Life” by Dr. Alexander Avila. Tuesday, December 1st 11:30 AM EST http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-power-connection

New economy, new rules…no leeway for ineffectiveness. To effectively compete and grow, incorporate the impending discussion and applications as part of your 2010 strategy:

* Increase understanding and development of others * Identify and enhance the motivation of others * Develop effective teams to make sure all relevant capabilities are represented * Ensure tasks & project responsibilities are understood and implemented * Apply these actions as it relates to peers, team members, and clients

Less time, Increased pressure…no leeway for an ineffective or non-existent support team. To have increased fulfillment and success, enhance or attract your positive personal support team. Your personal relationships help support your business success & life fulfillment.

To enhance personal relationships: * Create a division of labor that works for both of you * Communicate with one another in an effective way based on individual differences

To attract personal relationships: * Drill down to your authentic * Use a guided approach to locate: best candidates for long term relationships & where these candidates can be found

Dr. Avila is an author of two best selling books, a nationally syndicated columnist, TV and radio personality, and acclaimed personal speaker and coach. Additionally, he is a respected educator and prize-winning researcher and holds 4 graduate degrees including one in law and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He has been featured and interviewed on CNN, ABC, and CBS news; People, Latina, the Los Angeles Times, and many others.

“Social Networking Celebration for Business Professionals who Happen to be Single” Wednesday, December 2nd 6:30-8:30 pm

Complimentary celebration of you & what’s to come, the holiday season & my one year anniversary as a solopreneur! Abundant complimentary appetizer buffet, synergistic people and live piano bar entertainment. Investment: Canned goods for The Food Bank. Brookwood Grill Restaurant 880 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell 30076 Limited spots. Please RSVP ASAP!

“Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs for All”

New Sessions start January 8th and run thru March 19th

Mastermind is one of the most powerful things you can do to realize your vision, your goals and your dreams. The Mastermind Principle is & has been practiced by the most successful people: Napoleon Hill, Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Bill Gates & thousands of others!

Surround yourself by people who want you to succeed, who will provide constructive feedback for you, who will provide you with resources to help you grow in POWER & give you the edge not only to achieve your goals, but to far surpass them. Prior and current groups have said it’s the best group they ever joined and has exceeded their expectations.

Various days & times available: Fridays early/mid morning, 1-3 pm, Tuesdays 1-3 pm, possibly 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm

Locations available including satellites ATL/Vinings – Copeland’s Cumberland 3131 Cobb Parkway SE, Suite 200, Atlanta, 30339, Sandy Springs TBD, John’s Creek TBD, Copeland’s Buckhead 3365 Piedmont Rd NE, Suite 1350 Atlanta 30305, Perimeter TBD

Investment: $297 includes plated meal at each meeting. Options: $267 Early bird rate by 12/15/09 or paid in full rate $267; Two payments of $141- First payment 12/29. Second payment 1/22

For further information, Marie Pijanowski marie@centerforsocialconnections.com 678.689.7859

“Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs who Happen to be Single”

New Sessions start January 8th and run thru March 19th

Ours is a cutting edge program that is all about being PROACTIVE in the marketplace as well as in your life. Team and further synergy are developed through brainstorming, sharing connections, encouragement, resources, strategy, goal accountability, enhancing core capabilities, achieving break through experiences and much, much more. Surround yourself by people who want you to succeed, who will provide constructive feedback for you, who will provide you with resources to help you grow in POWER & give you the edge not only to achieve your goals, but to far surpass them. Prior and current groups have said it’s the best group they ever joined and has exceeded their expectations.

Meeting format particulars include: regular two hour meetings: 1st & 3rd week of each month, conference calls 2nd & 4th week of each month, new topic discussions each meeting, fantastic expert facilitators, a group limit of 12, participant synergy application process & 18 hours+ of group coaching! Various days & times available: Fridays early/mid morning, 1-3 pm, Tuesdays 1-3 pm, possibly 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm

Locations available including satellites: ATL/Vinings – Copeland’s Cumberland 3131 Cobb Parkway SE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30339, Sandy Springs TBD, John’s Creek TBD, Copeland’s Buckhead 3365 Piedmont Rd NE, Suite 1350 Atlanta 30305, Perimeter TBD

Investment: $297 includes plated meal at each meeting. Options: $267 Early bird rate by 12/15/09 or paid in full rate $267; Two payments of $141- First payment 12/29. Second payment 1/22

For further information, Marie Pijanowski marie@centerforsocialconnections.com 678.689.7859

Connections for Business Growth and Personal Growth

centerforsocialconnections1 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:37:56 +0000

December/January

Events/Programs

Radio Shows on Tuesdays 11:30 EST : Dr Avila, Maria Forbes, Farah Mihoubi
“Social Networking for Professionals who Happen to be Single” December 2
Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs starting January 8th
Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs who Happen to be Single starting January 14th

New economy, new rules…no leeway for ineffectiveness. To effectively compete and grow, incorporate the impending discussion and applications as part of your 2010 strategy:

To enhance personal relationships: * Create a division of labor that works for both of you * Communicate with one another in an effective way based on individual differences

To attract personal relationships: * Drill down to your authentic * Use a guided approach to locate: best candidates for long term relationships & where these candidates can be found

“Social Networking Celebration for Business Professionals who Happen to be Single” Wednesday, December 2nd 6:30-8:30 pm

“Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs for All”

New Sessions start January 8th and run thru March 19th

Various days & times available: Fridays early/mid morning, 1-3 pm, Tuesdays 1-3 pm, possibly 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm

Investment: $297 includes plated meal at each meeting. Options: $267 Early bird rate by 12/15/09 or paid in full rate $267; Two payments of $141- First payment 12/29. Second payment 1/22

For further information, Marie Pijanowski marie@centerforsocialconnections.com 678.689.7859

“Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs who Happen to be Single”

New Sessions start January 8th and run thru March 19th

Investment: $297 includes plated meal at each meeting. Options: $267 Early bird rate by 12/15/09 or paid in full rate $267; Two payments of $141- First payment 12/29. Second payment 1/22

For further information, Marie Pijanowski marie@centerforsocialconnections.com 678.689.7859

Connections for Business Growth and Personal Growth

centerforsocialconnections1 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:33:08 +0000

December/January

Events/Programs

Radio Shows on Tuesdays 11:30 EST : Dr Avila, Maria Forbes, Farah Mihoubi
“Social Networking for Professionals who Happen to be Single” December 2
Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs starting January 8th
Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs who Happen to be Single starting January 14th

New economy, new rules…no leeway for ineffectiveness. To effectively compete and grow, incorporate the impending discussion and applications as part of your 2010 strategy:

To enhance personal relationships: * Create a division of labor that works for both of you * Communicate with one another in an effective way based on individual differences

To attract personal relationships: * Drill down to your authentic * Use a guided approach to locate: best candidates for long term relationships & where these candidates can be found

“Social Networking Celebration for Business Professionals who Happen to be Single” Wednesday, December 2nd 6:30-8:30 pm

“Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs for All”

New Sessions start January 8th and run thru March 19th

Various days & times available: Fridays early/mid morning, 1-3 pm, Tuesdays 1-3 pm, possibly 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm

Investment: $297 includes plated meal at each meeting. Options: $267 Early bird rate by 12/15/09 or paid in full rate $267; Two payments of $141- First payment 12/29. Second payment 1/22

For further information, Marie Pijanowski marie@centerforsocialconnections.com 678.689.7859

“Mastermind Power Connection for Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs who Happen to be Single”

New Sessions start January 8th and run thru March 19th

Investment: $297 includes plated meal at each meeting. Options: $267 Early bird rate by 12/15/09 or paid in full rate $267; Two payments of $141- First payment 12/29. Second payment 1/22

For further information, Marie Pijanowski marie@centerforsocialconnections.com 678.689.7859

these strange steps trace us back trace us back

protovietic — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:22:51 +0000

Reading: Latour, Bruno. 1999. Pandora’s hope: essays on the reality of science studies. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.

p. 21

“When we talk about hybrids and imbroglios, mediatios, practice, networks, relativism, relations, provisional answers, partial connections, humans and non humans, ‘disorderly messes,’ it may sound as if we, too, are marching along the same path, in a hurried flight from truth and reason, fragmenting into ever smaller pieces the categories that keep the human mind forever removed from the presence of reality.”

Holidays are Great for Networking

Sandra Parks — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:03:22 +0000

The approaching holiday season is a networking paradise. The timing is perfect for arranging introductions to those you want to know you. More importantly, it’s a time to be focused on how you can give to others rather than viewing connections as the solution to meeting just your needs. In fact, successful networkers make it a point to seek out ways to help others. Often, they generously suggest assistance and support even before it is requested.

The most reliable networking strategy promotes good relationships by concentrating on giving more and expecting less. First, think about how you can offer help rather than what you stand to gain. Seek out ways to surprise people by offering assistance before they ask. This generosity not only demonstrates good intentions, but is sure to delight the recipient, create good interpersonal chemistry and generate desire to return the favor.

Yes, it is better to give than to receive.

Relationships are cemented and continue to thrive (and keep delivering exponentially increasing referrals) when both sides recognize benefits and value. Productive networking is relationship-driven not transaction-oriented. This time of year offers many occasions to nurture relationships, create lasting positive impressions, get on the radar and be remembered for your remarkable assistance. It’s a wonderland of fresh prospects and a harvest of contact renewals. The many corporate events, social occasions, and community celebrations offer a myriad of giving opportunities to establish connections, strengthen ties, invigorate relationships and share ideas. Don’t be hesitant to extend invitations – whether or not they are accepted, it is a way to connect and let others know that you are thinking of them.

Almost any neighborhood, family or business gathering may produce a conversation with someone who has information you can mine unobtrusively for leads to new career challenges for yourself and those you know. With so many venues to choose from, select ones where you are most likely to reach your networking goals: a high probability for face time with individuals you want to show your potential value proposition, unique talents and interests to.

These encounters could be your big break to:

Chat with current or former employees at your target companies
Exchange business cards with an industry leader
Arrange a future meeting with someone difficult to reach.

Brief interactions can be springboards to great relationships if you find ways to provide support and thereby sustain the connection. In the future, you will be one of the lucky few with critical inside information, access and support because you are recognized as a giver, not just a taker.

Want to enhance your networking efficiency to generate even better results? Prepare thoroughly in advance, anticipate questions and have well thought out and concise responses prepared. Be ready to make clear, compelling points to attract attention, pique curiosity and put you top of mind. Your delivery has to be attention grabbing to overcome interruptions and compensate for a lack of privacy. Listen actively so you are apt to pick up on a need you can address and keep up your end of the discussion. Don’t forget to come armed with business cards with your contact information. To stand out, add a few bullet points depicting your interests and areas of expertise or other memorable data on the reverse side of the card.

To further increase your networking effectiveness, attend gatherings where you will feel comfortable and put your best foot forward. Avoid situations where you might be stressed, rushed or distracted from your networking mission: meaningful conversations that leave a strong, positive impression. Picking up insider-only knowledge, connecting those you know to each other and optimizing purposeful networking contacts all ladder up to your goal. One of the best ways to be a helper is to connect people. It is often more enjoyable as well as more effective if you partner with a buddy. You can introduce each other as an icebreaker to start new relationships and keep a conversation flowing.

In conclusion, remember to stay focused. To reap the full benefits of networking purposefully, you must be alert and stay sharp. Don’t overindulge in food or beverages. Conduct yourself professionally at all times. Dress conservatively. The ROI is simple. Just one meaningful dialogue creates measurable value from every networking event. It’s the quality not the quantity of relationships developed, pursued or renewed. Holiday networking targeted to giving and helping is good career management that produces networking benefits throughout the New Year. Remember that it is not just what you know and who you know, but who knows what you know that produces new opportunities in today’s job market.

Healing Family Bounds

Nicole Rousselle — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:06:09 +0000

This past week I’ve been focusing my full attention on my family and have dropped what I needed to do to create this time. To me, nothing else matters much if my family is not feeling loved and feeling cared for. This reminded me of a poem titled To My Child.
So… here’s my 2 cents on healing family bounds.
To My Child

Come back into the fold
of my protective wings.
Let not your spirit be restless,
For you are here with me.
I will always be
your one on which to lean,
your rock, your number one fan.
Fear not child
to speak your mind.
Undo the wrongs of the day,
And together we’ll make them right.
Speak of heartaches,
so that they may be subdued.
Share your joys,
so that they may be my joys too.
Always know that I am with you,
For you are my precious gift
from God.
I will always love you,
And keep you safe from life’s hardships.
I will cushion your bumps,
And tend to your scrapes.
I will guide you tenderly;
Your brilliant eyes
will always be my sun;
Share with me your heart,
And I with you.
I love you.
Mom
© Elizabeth M. PIllari
To My Child by Elizabeth M. PIllari @FamilyFriendPoems

Until next time… Make each day count!
Be Loving,
Nicole

The "Trust" Factor of LinkedIn Connections

susan — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:03:26 +0000

Jan Vermeiren wrote in his recent book How to Really Use LinkedIn about the “Know, Like, and Trust” Factor. He discussed how important it is to raise you “Know” factor (what do your connections know about you), your “Like” factor (are your connections helpful and kind), and your “Trust” factor (do your connections trust that you are an expert and trust that you will behave in a decent way) with your LinkedIn connections. I encourage you to read this (Vermeiren, 25) and the rest of his excellent book on LinkedIn; however today I wish to focus on the issue of the “Trust” factor.

I recently received the following LinkedIn message. LinkedIn stated that “You and *** share a network or group.”

Dear sister

I am setting up a christian counselling , and christian for jobless / depressed youths, giving christ centerd counselling, career counselling , provide free placement assitance, impart them discipleship training in practical way at free of cost .

pl help me to more about christ centered counselling / in biblical way and christian library and share your knowledge christian books / counselling materials for this ministryand give prayer support for this ministry

pl add me in your linkedin net work for mutual infomation sharing and networking for the advancement of God’s kingdom

pl let me know your email id to send you invitation through linledin. regards

In christ
Bro.chandramohan
Manager-HR/IR-HYUNDAI MOTOR INDIA LTD, CHENNAI,INDIA
EMAIL ID. ***@yahoo.com

This writer knew enough about me to include both libraries and Christianity in his note. But I don’t know this person, and it would be very unwise to allow him into my circle of connections. He may be 100% authentic – but then again he may not.

According to Vermeiren the “real power of the network is in the second degree” (Vermeiren, 21). If I were to allow someone that I didn’t know to join my set of connections, I would be allowing him to be in a very powerful place. He would be a second degree connection to the rest of my connections. If he were to contact one of my connections and use my name, any abusive or spam-type behavior would reflect on me. And if one of my connections were to ask me about him and I were to say “well I really don’t know him,” that would significantly reduce my credibility. My credibility should be guarded vehemently.

Remember, in social networking, and especially professional social networking, be very careful who you connect to. Ensure that your connections fit the criteria of “Know, Like, and Trust.” Ensure that your connections are professional in every way.

Vermeiren, Jan. How to really use LinkedIn. Charleston, SC: Booksurge, 2009.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit and how one company saved my life!

30somethingmom — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:17:18 +0000

We Build Solutions Inc.

With the new tax credit available for Canadians I thought I might have to jump on the band wagon. So far, 2 of my girlfriends have taken advantage of this credit and then I thought, well why shouldn’t I? They gave me a business card for We Build Solutions Inc. I spoke to one of the employees and he explained to me how they could help me. Basically, they would do everything for me as far as contacting contractors, finding resources and making sure that my vision comes to reality. I guess you could call them the middlemen or like a wedding planner’s role in helping to plan a wedding. However, this has to do with house renovations.

Well, I’m happy to say that they did a wonderful job with my bathroom reno. AMAZING!!! And I managed to stay on budget which is even more amazing.

Their office is based out of Vancouver. And I just wanted to rave about this company as they saved me time from googling random contractors from the internet.
Check out my before and after pics:

Before & After Washroom

11-27 toons

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:28:29 +0000

Good Morning God

amomentwithgod — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:01:25 +0000

Mid day, good heavens, I so rarely pause once the day gets going.
Odd how the flow of trivia carries me along.
Not that time with friends is trivial.
Not at all.

Still, I would like it if there were a CALL to STOP and focus on YOU.
I remember hearing the call to prayer when we were in Istanbul.
Wouldn’t it be nice, God, if we borrowed good ideas from others?
Instead we judge and worse. . . sometimes, much worse.

Ah, but I don’t want to get sidetracked on our sins.
I’d rather search for ways to make my life deeper. . .

And now I hear You say
DO WHAT YOU KNOW!

Caught! Searching for better does keep me from doing the good I know.
Like reading books on fishing, instead of baiting the hook and tossing it in.
Of course, if one has never fished . . . a book would help . . .
but an experienced fisherman going with you
THE BEST!

I’m sitting here pondering performance optimization.
Is it our education that develops that? Or our nature?
In any case, I’d like to keep it from getting out of hand.

And, imagine, God, if I did STOP 5 times during my day to pray.
Not arrow prayers but a real time of connection. . . I’d like that!

SO WHY NOT?

Hey! You’re right!

AMEN

On with the Show

awakeningjourney — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:55:10 +0000

On this great earth, we all must know
that nothing is real – it’s all just a show

We all present our leading act
Together making a noble pact

Helping each other get through the day
In this game of Life which is really a play

Many an act have all come and went
The only act that matters is Now; the Present

Each of us casted in a very important part
Together we create magnificent art

We must Love and accept each and every one of our roles
Each providing a puzzle piece of the Collective Soul

Each perspective is different, each character unique
When we put them all together, we will reach the peak

When we look from above, it will appear very clear
The point is to Love; we can let go of the fear

So on with the show that together we make
A glorious show, in one magnificent take!!

from the 25th

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:39:03 +0000

Those who read my blog often find unusual anagrams that connect to something that occurs in real life. Sometimes the telling reveals names or other specific information, all coming from anagramming randomly chosen comic strips text bubbles. The comics shown in the collage below are from those gleaned over the internet on the morning of the 25th.

On the 25th of November, 2009, a beloved friend died. John Crabb, born July 10, 1953, died in the loving arms of his wife of sixteen years. Today would have been their anniversary. Theirs was a love story I hope she will pass on to others some day. The world is a better place because of their being a couple and sharing of themselves. The text which is outlined in red is that which was used for the anagram. The previous post is also connected to this one, with another anagram, the first done since July 10th of this year. This is how the coincidences of the last few days relate to my anagram.

John Crabb once told me he was a mason, so I was glad to hear he died within the walls a masonic facility rather than in a university hospital. Somehow it makes a difference. His wife of 16 years told me today would have been their 16th anniversary. People I had dinner with on Thanksgiving told me today was their 16th anniversary as well. Must have been a good day 16 years ago. Love has many coincidences.

The anagram, done from comics on the morning of the 25th, tells that John, often called by his last name only, would be gone on the 25th. According to his wife, he died at 11:45 PM. She called on the 26th to let us know.

The comics and anagrams do not necessarily go together in this blog, because conversations of sorts come together as part of the collages themselves. The anagrams are only randomly chosen text from within the collages, generally for separate context. Sometimes you can tell I am following a c ertain theme or nexus, either my own or one suggested by the comics themselves. Make of it what you will, the connections are there.

anagramming again...for a reason

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:53:36 +0000

I haven’t done anagrams since July 10th…there is a reason for that, but it isn’t something I can easily explain. Like most everything else, it figures into my anagrams and coincidences. Though I have not done any anagrams since July 10th, I have done a few in the past few days.

I did an anagram from the larger collage I posted on the 22nd. The anagram was interpreted to refer to a friend named Beth Crabb, and her husband, John, who died Wednesday evening. He had been in OUICU until he was moved a few days or so prior to his death. I asked her about him having a tooth out. She told me there was one out on his left side; it had been damaged when he went through chemo treatments. The tooth connection was my clarifier for this anagram. The comics were from those found the morning of the 22nd, the larger part of the collage is in the post, comics collective consciousness. John Crabb died on Wednesday, the 25th, about 11:45 PM. John was born on July 10th.

#12 Art Connection

organicsyes — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:11:37 +0000

I love the earthy-ness of this photo! Enjoying the beauty of the earth, feeling a part of all living things, and the joy of the cycle of life!

Hoping to enrich all of my life with the glory of the earth and her bounty.

Sharing my love for the earth through learning about the importance of maintaining a balance in the products I use.

30 Days of Blogging

SCHOOL INSPECTOR HAS LINKS TO ISLAMIC GROUP.

Maquis — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:18:46 +0000

Don’t these people get vetted properly anymore?

The school in Haringey, and a sister school in Slough, was paid £113,000 last year by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. The schools are owned by the Shakhsiyah Foundation, run at the time of the grant by members of the extremist group Hizb ut Tahrir. The Tory leader David Cameron this week attacked the use of public money to “fund extremism”. But the Schools Secretary, Ed Balls, said the schools inspectorate, Ofsted, had “satisfied themselves that there were no problems” in the schools, accusing Mr Cameron of peddling “smears and untruths” which “divide our communities.”

However, the first report on the Haringey school, in November 2007, said not enough was being done “to promote cultural tolerance and harmony”. In a second report in May 2008, the inspector, Michele Messaoudi, said:“satisfactory progress” had been made. An Ofsted spokesman said:

“The second inspection was specifically designed as a follow up, to ensure that the school had undertaken the improvements required as a result of our first inspection. The report reflects that such action had been taken. “Michele Messaoudi is a respected and experienced professional and we have no reason to doubt her ability in conducting this inspection.” ( emphasis mine)

The Daily Telegraph has learned that Ms Messaoudi has links with Islamic organisations and events. Last year, she was a judge for the Global Peace and Unity awards in London. The awards and the associated conference, which Ofsted said Ms Messaoudi did not attend, are organised by the Islam Channel, whose chief executive, Mohammed Ali Harrath(above) is wanted by Interpol for alleged terrorist offences. read the TELEGRAPH

How they are related (continued)

robertdennis — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:25:54 +0000

‘Elisabeth Murdoch, her husband PR maestro Matthew Freud, and Ruth Rogers, owner of the dining room for everyone important, the River Cafe [and wife of the architect Lord (Richard) Rogers], pooled their impressive address books to organise an inauguration party yesterday afternoon.’

The Guardian, 21 Jan 2009, ‘[Richard] Curtis [screenwriter] leads Notting Hill celebrities in raising champagne glass or two’ (Obama inauguration)

‘And then, into this glossy mix came the latest addition to the west London scene: the oligarch. As the lights dimmed in anticipation of Obama’s speech, Evgeny Lebedev crept in, the son of Alexander Lebedev, the Russian billionaire and possibly the future proprietor of the London Evening Standard. At the first sight of a journalist’s notebook, Evgeny fled to the bar, accompanied by Freud.’ (from the same article)

More on Ruth Rogers and the River Café:

‘Rogers is appallingly well connected, in part because the River Café quickly established itself as a salon for the left-wing cognoscenti, with leading lights of the literary, media and political worlds turning up in droves. On a typical night you could spot a Salman Rushdie here, an Alan Rusbridger there, and, over by the bar, a Peter Mandelson. Still can, for that matter. ‘I suppose my husband brought some of that. With his connections. It did help in the beginning, but if it was just about being fashionable they wouldn’t have kept coming back. It’s true, we did overlap with the rise of New Labour in the mid 1990s, but we also coincided with a change in national taste. Now sophistication is not just knowing about paintings and the arts, it means knowing about food. When you come back from New York or London the first question used to be, “What plays did you see? What exhibitions?” Now people ask, “Where did you eat?”’’

The Daily Telegraph, 18 November 2007, Ruth Rogers: a woman for all seasons

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/3340503/Ruth-Rogers-a-woman-for-all-seasons.html

How they are related

robertdennis — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:36:29 +0000

Nicole Farhi, the French fashion designer, is married to British dramatist David Hare:

‘Ms Farhi, who lives with her husband, theatre director David Hare, at their detached period home [Hampstead] was unavailable for comment last night.’

‘ Knife robbers grab £8,000 gems from top designer Farhi’. London Evening Standard, 1 May 2008

It often seems that the number of degrees separating everyone famous, powerful or rich is surprisingly small.

Gratitude and Giving

CherylMahoney — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:00:44 +0000

By Cheryl Mahoney

I don’t expect many people to read this post the day it goes up. I don’t expect many people to be on the internet on that day either. I won’t be–I’m typing this on Wednesday, not Thursday, though thanks to delayed publishing that’s the date you’ll be seeing at the top. I don’t expect many people to be reading on Thursday because, as I likely don’t need to tell you, Thursday happens to be Thanksgiving. And I expect people will be a little too busy to be reading.

Busy with turkeys, and football games, and traditions, and long-distance calls to relatives, and arguments over drumsticks. Busy appreciating our blessings and being thankful.

Gratitude is an important theme in UniversalGiving’s culture. We believe in giving to others and changing the world. We also believe in appreciation and affirmation and being grateful for the people around us, for the accomplishments we achieve, for the blessings in our organization and in our lives. So even if no one’s here reading on Thursday, I couldn’t let the day go by without an acknowledgment.

One thing I’m grateful for: having a CEO who puts a strong emphasis on gratitude. Our founder and CEO, Pamela Hawley, has written some beautiful thoughts on gratitude for her blog, Living and Giving, in the past. It only seemed fitting to share an excerpt today.

Right now, can I think a positive thought? What is going well? No matter how tough it gets, there has to be some thing that is going well. Thank you that the sun is shining. Thank you that I have a great father, or wonderful relationship with my sister. Thank you that I have a wonderful new bed that allows me to sleep peacefully. Thank you for the rosebush on the street, that blooms so radiantly, and is free for all of us to smell and enjoy.

For the challenges that seem to keep you stuck, remember, it will pass. The mountain will pass and at some point, you get to start walking downhill. So keep climbing, keep being grateful, and…. keep going.

My 97 year old Oma and grandmother, one of my best friends once told me,” Whenever I feel down I find something to be grateful for, and I find someone else who is in a worse situation and help them. It helps me be grateful.”

Gratitude gives us a humble confidence to continue pursuing our dreams, step by step.

Gratitude brings a sense of joy, peace and then confidence so that we can maintain our course. Go for it – – and be grateful along the path!

Whatever day you’re reading this, thanks for being here. I’m grateful that you are. I hope you have much to be grateful for in your own life, and, if you feel moved to do so, I hope you’ll think about finding someone else to help too.

Gain the Advantage, Work for Your School’s Career Center!!

angelacristinanegro — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:15:54 +0000

This is the best idea EVER and not many students do it. Yes, it’s volunteer work, so if you’re look

Thanksgiving Connections....another day of baking

karenconnect — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:10:21 +0000

It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep will do. I woke up this morning ready to go. Thank goodness so much got done yesterday. Connecting yesterday to today.

Now it’s a new day and there are two disks of pie dough waiting to to be worked with the rolling pin. I love this part of cooking. In particular, I’m always amazed out how much flour I can get all over the kitchen. I’ve never been a very neat cook.

Pie dough rolling is quite a bit of work for someone not so tall. That darn phone book has to come out to give a little vertical help. It’s hard to roll dough when the countertop is almost chest level. But I manage. First up is the Pumpkin Pie requested by my very good neighbor, Matt. Nothing fancy, dancy again….just the recipe from the Libby’s Pumpkin can. Is there any other recipe so easy to find?

I’ve recently discovered a new bit of information about my son…he likes pecans. Not bad for a ten year old. I also know for a fact, he likes chocolate. Just like his mom. Off to Epicurious.com I go to find the perfect combination of pecans and chocolate. The result? Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie originally in Gourmet’s November 2007 magazine. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bittersweet-Chocolate-Pecan-Pie-240605.

I’ve been staring at the crisp Granny Smith Apples in the fruit bowl for a few days now. No sense in letting them going to waste. But I sure don’t feel like doing another pie. Cusine at Home to the rescue. My favorite edition of this magazine is from October 2006. I think everything in there has been made at least three times. (The pot roast is incredible.) But I’ve yet to make the Brown Butter Apple Tarte Tatin Cake. It’s like a pineapple upside down cake but with apples and carmel. I can’t wait to cut into it.

And now the final curtain…..just need to add tomorrow’s Gingerbread Pumpkin Mousse Trifle. Connected to the Baker in me.

Connected to Thanksgiving

Chit Chat + Relationship Building = $

Michelle Laurie — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:20:58 +0000

What does small talk have to do with Knowledge Management and getting ahead? Everything according to Canada’s national news. Small talk is a first step in networking which often helps people find jobs. Networking is a medium to create relationships, learn about people and ultimately build trust. These are the foundations for knowledge management. They are also the blocks for building one’s career.

Apparently, those who are good at small talk get more jobs, raises and move through the ranks to higher positions.

A couple examples ring true:

- Five great people applied for a job and it was difficult to choose. The one who got the job is he who spoke to the secretary in the waiting room and showed interest in learning about the company.

- Three people applied for a job teaching at a school. The one who talked to the interviewee about the photos on his wall, fishing and children got the job. He also had the lowest grades.

Success doesn’t come from good grades alone. The ability to connect, i.e. small talk, is what is moving careers. Developing a repor with colleagues, making others feel comfortable and building trust all lead to people wanting to work with you more.

In summary, the heart of Knowledge Management is connecting people, ideas and experience. Small talk is the starting point for making these connections. If you are interested in people and their lives, you are fortunate. If small talk is your weak point, start practicing!

Alex J. and Claire E. - Whale Rider and The Odyssey

odysseyreflections — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:50:34 +0000

We used a film poster from France and simplified it.

The movie, Whale Rider was deeply touching. It described the growth of a young girl named Paikea, struggling against a sexist community. Her struggles can be compared to Telemachus’s struggles against the men trying to woo his mother in The Odyssey. They showed the growth of a young girl and boy into leaders, but also showed the power of change. But Telemachus and Paikea have trouble-getting recognition. Along the way getting past these struggles, Paikea and Telemachus learn a lot about themselves.

Throughout the film Whale Rider, Paikea struggled with her grandfather over the prophet that the first-born son will rise up and become the leader. During Paikea’s birth her mother and twin brother die. Her father Porourangi becomes distressed over his losses and refused to speak to his father Koro. Porourangi then decided to move away to Germany to get away from his misery and to start his art gallery. Koro who had always hoped Porourangi’s first son would be the chosen one, tries to find hope in the other first-born boys but fails. This relates to The Odyssey in many ways, such as how Paikea does not see her father for most of her life, and how other family members raise her. Telemachus does not see his father Odysseus for most practically his whole life, and is raised by his mother.

Paikea discovers she is the ‘chosen one’ who will become chief, but more importantly she learns a lot about her heritage. When a person learns about his or her heritage, they usually can’t help but identify with it. We learn about who we are, and how we became this way. Paikea learns why she is in New Zealand and her family’s connection to the ocean and because of it, she feels connected to the ocean.

Telemachus learns to become a man during his struggles. He is surrounded by his mother’s suitors and is never able to become a man while they stand over him and insult him. However, when Telemachus ventures of to find his father, he also finds his manhood. During his travels Telemachus is forced into different situations. He gets through these difficulties and learns from them. The Odyssey and Whale Rider are both books with interesting characters that travel a long way spiritually, and who take on enormous challenges that show them who they are, and what they are mad of.

Taxi Gone Wild

cindyfairris — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:35:31 +0000

Taxi gone wild…that just about describes what it’s like some days at my house. It never fails that everyone needs to be different places all at the same time. And, of course, each place is on opposite ends of town. There are days that I refuse to get in the car. Unless someone’s dying, that car is not going to move out of the garage. I can’t believe how many miles I’ve put on it. It’s something like 240,000 miles, but it’s still going strong. Dave Ramsey would be proud.

Do you ever feel like you spend at least half your life driving? I know I do. My monthly gas bill proves it, too. I budget a certain amount each month for gas, and that’s another reason why there are days that my taxi service is off-duty. Again, Dave Ramsey would be proud.

If you don’t stop your taxi service from going wild, you could easily run the roads all day long. There’s more to life that that! When’s the last time you called up one of your good friends and met her for coffee? When’s the last time you chose to spend time with some of your girlfriends just doing nothing? When’s the last time you had a girl’s night out? Every now and then, a friend and I go on a chocolate run. Yum! We get everything from chocolate covered strawberries, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate cake, and whatever else looks good at the moment. Even better, is a Krispy Kreme doughnut run. I can smell it in the air when the “hot” sign is on even if I’m miles away. Usually we try to eat healthy, and we watch our weight, but there are those times that you’ve just gotta have chocolate or Krispy Kreme doughtnuts. That’s life!

So, ladies, put your taxi in park and turn on the off-duty sign! Grab some girlfriends and check out Krispy Kreme or go on that chocolate run. You never know. That “hot” sign may be on right this very minute!

Connecting to Thanksgiving....a whirlwind of afternoon cooking

karenconnect — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:16:37 +0000

I feel like I’m making headway on this Thanksgiving Cooking Journey. I must say, as of this evening, I’m having a good time. Today’s list has everything checked off of it, except the steak part of tonights dinner. Seems to me that might be a manly dish for Mike to make.

It was quite a busy kitchen day. It started with Banana Nut Bread and Cookies. A couple of yummy fish tacos at Rubios, the purchase of almost what I wanted wine glasses at Home Goods (but they had five of them and that’s the number I needed), a second round of grocery shopping at Raleys, and I was back at home to spark up the kitchen again.

I’m pleased to say, my Pie Dough is in the refrigerator ready to be filled and baked tomorrow morning. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pastry-Dough-240606

And at this very moment, the Turkey Stock is simmering on the stove. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/printerfriendly/Homemade-Turkey-Stock-240445

Mike isn’t very fond of turkey. He’ll eat it, but would rather have ham. So tomorrow night, upon Big D’s arrival, I’m going to serve a ham. It’s pretty easy, and we can serve it again on Thanksgiving along with the Turkey. Tonight I’m making Mac and Two Cheeses with Carmelized Shallots . http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mac-and-Two-Cheeses-with-Caramelized-Shallots-350762 There’s so much, I think there’ll be enought to make it through Thursday evening.

And now time for a glass of wine. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.