While my updates on this site may be sporadic and not always on the topic of photography there is always more going on in the background.  More reading, more studying, more list making, and more planning, all in the name of my future in photography.  There is also a lot of frustration, confusion, worry, and me generally wondering “WTF!?”

I previously wrote about a great book called the Photographer’s Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business. I liked the book the first time I wrote about it and I like it even more now.

What I most definitely do NOT like is how the more I learn the longer this path feels. This isn’t a yellow brick road I’m walking down, this sucker is lined with cash. Cash that I do not have. Whereas so many people my age spent all their credit buying random electronics and clothes while not worrying about the consequences I spent mine on camera gear, paper, film, and tuition. Sounds pretty reasonable doesn’t it? Well, it wasn’t. “What’s this? More film for one class and memory cards for another? SURE! WHY NOT!? I don’t really need to print all 300 of these photos but I’m going to do it anyways because I want to see how pretty they are! YAY ME!!!” Little by little my wasteful spending built up, hidden behind the thin veil of necessity.  And now here it is, biting me in the ass. To get this photo venture off the ground in a real way I need money. To get this money I need to be out of debt. A debt that I really dug myself into finishing the photo degree which I wanted so I could make money from my images. Hell of a circle isn’t it?

I’m not giving up; this post isn’t about that at all. I just want to look back on these words in the future and know that without a doubt this was when one of the big realities of what I’m trying to do hit me. Here, in debt, with the national economy falling apart, with everyone I know hurting for cash, I was spending hours researching, reading, planning for and working towards something which will never get where I want without funding. It sounds a bit stupid, I’ll admit. But where’s the joy in life if you don’t do something stupid every now and then?

LinkedIn is hoping to let its users tap into their professional network across the Web.

On Monday, LinkedIn will make its technology available to software developers who want to use it in their own sites and applications. By incorporating information about someone’s professional profile and connections, LinkedIn can make those sites more useful, said Adam Nash, LinkedIn’s vice president of search and platform products.

Jeff Weiner, LinkedIn’s chief executive, has said he wants the site to be the hub of all conversations about business on the Web. LinkedIn’s recent partnership with Twitter was one step in that direction, and this is another. As more businesses use Web-based applications for professional communication, LinkedIn wants to be there, Mr. Nash said.

A few developers have already been experimenting with LinkedIn’s new platform. Microsoft is integrating LinkedIn into its 2010 version of Outlook e-mail. TweetDeck, the Web-based Twitter application, will let people do things like view other Twitter users’ LinkedIn profiles and post and reply to LinkedIn updates from TweetDeck.

LinkedIn has let some companies build applications on its Web site. Amazon.com, for example, shows LinkedIn users which books others in their professional network are reading and lets users post a list of recommended books.

LinkedIn has also let some developers create applications for other Web sites using its technology on a case-by-case basis. Xobni, the Outlook e-mail plug-in, pulls photos and titles from LinkedIn, for example. The New York Times Web site offers readers who are also LinkedIn members a list of articles that pertain to their industry.

“We tried to use each of those partnerships to figure out, where can LinkedIn add the most value to how you use business applications?” Mr. Nash said. “What we see happening is an increasing demand for business applications, and we think that LinkedIn uniquely has the right quality of content.”

There comes a time when enough is enough especially for my industry. I have been in this lovely profession for twenty-three years plus! I am tired of the manufacturer’s depleting the industry, distributorships being bought up by manufacturer’s. Salon owners not treating their employee’s as employee’s. Salons not holding up to the standards of education. And also hairdresser’s not SPEAKING UP!. When the time comes you will be quite surprised at the non participation of the professionals, and then it will be too late. Change must come and the change must come from you also. I can make all the Films I possibly want to but not having the participation of the industry for added support the gain will be futile. Crazy as it may sound the industry is taking away from the professional. And the “CIRCLE MUST BE BROKE”. Website’s that started as informational are now online stores.

Hard times are upon us and I also feel the constraints of this era, no longer will it be affordable for you to open up a salon and progress as a small business owner. Distributorship will increase their costs, you will also have to. Schools will just manufacture students, and some industry schools tuitions are as high as $19.000 dollars. Now hairdressing is not rocket science it is an art, $19,000 is way to much. And these large manufacturers are spitting out these schools at a rate of 2-3 a month and also worldwide!.

The laws of Cosmetology renewals are a laugh a booklet for nothing, 30-40 questions of imbecilic knowledge will not keep our cosmetologists on a path of higher education.  It only defeats the purpose and insults the professional. This is done on a state-wide level to meet a very short detailed requirement of generalship. THATS ALL!!

It is up to the license professional to take matters in there own hands and lift their industry out of the nickel and dime era we are in. To stop the political enviroment plaguing our hair show, and professional organizations. Is any professional cosmetology organizations doing anything for you, I went on a well known site and the links did’nt even work.  I don’t see anything. Is the online industry website’s providing you with information that is New! That is a big NADA, only trying to sell you crap, crap. And emailing you constantly will holiday bargains, or promoting there “CIRCLE” It is all to comforting for them to stay in this, since they are getting your money. And to show off anything NEW would be a financial, and risky endeavor for them. So don’t expect anything to change with them. They play it safe. But enclose themselves in a hollow shell. SAD! But let me give them a word of advice. Its all about ART,  and CONTENT!

Is the price of your salon supplys decreasing and is the distributorships offering you anything other than product knowledge class’s. I use Goldwell hair color and since last May I have not even received a brochure from the distributorship (EVOLUTION SALON SUPPLYS - JACKONSVILLE, FLORIDA).  Not one form of educational venue  is offered in a structured  form from my distributor. I have not seen my sales consultant in over 6 months. And when I do its to sell me something, a bargain package of goods. Or to let me know someone from the “CIRCLE” has just started there own retail line.

Look I have been there and I know what it is to be a salon Employee, Salon owner, Booth renter. I know how hard it is to scrimp and save, to train someone and see them go out the door, to rent a booth and see the salon owner abuse my space and also work around alcoholics, drug users, etc/ I HAVE BEEN THERE. But I cannot change or try to implement change without the help of the community. It is not hard to speak up for yourself and defend you craft. I love my work and my profession, I have had many, many ups and downs. Highs and lows and I must accept then with a grain of salt. But if you are bothered by what is happening in our community of hairdressing then you must WAKE UP! And speak you mind. Let people know your beliefs, and also take the responsiblity of your professional success. Nothing will come to you easily. You will learn to embrace the quality of hard times and the successions of perseverance. That is how you will succeed. But you will not change the industry with your own success singularly. It must be done as a whole and as a simple step towards the cleansing of the profession that it  needs. To stand-alone will gain you defeat but to instil a facet of unity and togetherness then the ball will roll.

AND ROLL IT WILL !!!!

Joseph Kellner

If you are moving your home or office, there are considered not only a lot to organize, there are also pay lots of money, as well!

One of the most common things that will be skipped until the last minute to the left or even the moving van and crew. With so many other things will be easy to overlook until it's too late and the money was spent on lawyers, estate agents, surveys, builders and decorators and new carpets and curtains, etc.

Formost people, the actual physical moving day is the last thing on your mind, until you will begin to firm completion dates and the whole is very real. Unfortunately, this is too late.

Will sell with just a few days or weeks before the property, there is not much time to save on moving companies in your property for disposal survey, let alone, or the money for the costs. These can then turn into an expensive affair, not only in financial terms, but in the administration of yourmove forward.

What usually happens in this situation if you have found the stress is removed from the company that you recognize that you can not afford either rent or professionals, they are full, if you want to move. You then decide, as a rule either, or are forced into a position where the motion itself, that is DIY.

What you should do, in fact, the removal is at the beginning of the process is to obtain, at the same time, as always, the agency feesAttorneys and costs so that you have enough time to make sure that you can afford everything. This is usually a good few months before anything happens in the great chain, and you can then plan and organize properly.

This allows you to be prepared for it when things can get under way, and you are there just a few days to organize everything. Moving companies are pretty understanding, as a rule, if it is listed for your removal some time ago, and you have no date forExchange and to compliance. But if you do not touch until it's too late and your completion date is only a few days away, your move will probably go wrong and will probably cost more money.

This is because they probably have a lot of other work, so they are not relying on your booking and also fill in their diaries, because it harder to organize for them what the short term.

Booking a move is not like booking a taxi! There is much to think about,also how many employees are needed, what size van you need, it means stopping the suspension must be booked, they can fit in the packaging, or you do it yourself. If you're packing, it's time to get the fields that you receive, etc, etc.

In fact, planning a movement from beginning to end takes a few weeks. You need a sales estimator to visit your property and most businesses booking an appointment 1-2 weeks. When was the Surveyor, to see what you move, it hascan be before a week later you get the quotes. If you have your residence abroad, this could even a few weeks, because they may be the costs of their agents at their destination request, which may be a different time zone.

And you're just a customer, they are much more customers are demanding their time and attention and to have.

So it's all about money. Can I afford it? We can save so and so, if we we do not. It is easy enoughor?

My advice to whether you should move a DIY is on various factors.

First, consider how much you have to move. Not more than a transit van load, and they are looking at a lot of hard work. Do not forget that the professionals do this everyday, so what seems like hard work for you, should not a problem for them.

Second, consider the access and distribution of the properties that you are moving to and fro. Some larger pieces of furniture can not be easyRoom for maneuver through doors and up the stairs. Professional removal men can fight for, but they have the experience and knowledge, something out of this mess, if necessary.

Unless you have to pack a very small amount of products and move, always get two or three different moving companies quote for your move. If you decide to do it, that after, then good luck. What is a moving company to pack only one days to transport and deliver will be at least two to three timeslonger, if not more.

Even if you decide to give it DIY, usually moving companies a free quotation and advice so that you can always see how much hard work they think it is before deciding to rent a van and do it yourself.

Talk to your insurance company back home to see if they insure your household contents in your relocation. Professional moving companies offer insurance or liability cover to break down when something is damaged or stolen. You will be sure to insure against the insurer;Damage if you move, make everything ourselves. Most insurance companies will only make sure the impact of a move when they are packaged and transferred from a professional mover.

If you decide to move, Be prepared! Be sure to help provide sufficient cartons, paper and adhesive tape for packaging and many friends. Your household can be deceiving in size. Never leave packing until the last minute. If you do, you run the risk of damages due to be sent to you for everythingcompleted in time, and that could have been easily avoided.

Make sure that you wear rental van the entire contents of your property into account. If you need to go back and collect the last items on your move day, you can expect costly penalties for delaying the buyers from moving into your old house.

Most moving companies are "waiting period" clauses. This means that if you do not even say that the ownership of 12 clock noon on the day of completion, but you are still in motion from a 2 or 3 clock, youcould get paid for the delay, if they still sit there waiting for you to vacate the property!

Remember always moving, so your options before a fun DIY. Although it can appear on the bottom line on a distance offering steep, you may find that you save a lot of time and trouble later. Consider how much time and effort it really, the move personally.

Sometimes you may be able to get the move to its lower price. This will depend onbusy as they are and how complicated your movement. However, if you move during the school holidays, Christmas or at the end of the month do not expect, then, a large discount, if at all. This move is the busiest time and, if possible, should be avoided if you want a successful relocation.

Always choose a moving company that is a member of the British Association of Removers or the Guild of Removers and stockholders. Associations to help. So see if you know that you have one,Problem with the company that have used you to talk to them. They offer you advice and may be able to take control of the situation if it gets out of control because they offer both an independent arbitration board.

Finally, go with your gut feeling. If you really like the services offered by a certain distance companies, but they are too expensive, talk to them! They are only human and they may be able to easily either by reducing costs, or by to help you de-clutter, thewill reduce the amount that should be moved.

If you believe everything that the transition is even too much work, it is likely! Trust your instincts. Do not forget, if you do not move too much physical work, will not be easy. Therefore, you will not hurt, and / or a muscle strain. Even the best packers hurt sometimes, even though they have built up their stamina to withstand the physical stress of the ongoing implementation of your boxes and furniturethroughout the day.

diy-homesecurity.blogs.thaihealth.net

As I was reading the PAS debates, I decided to take another look at Gardner’s (2002) article, Denial of the Parental Alienation Syndrome Also Harms Women. He was correct, it has harmed women, but is has also harmed hurting individuals.  Today this entails both women and men. Many groups, specialists, and anti-PAS individuals recall one notion– that mothers are alienators. Clearly, some remain stuck in the past. Gardner (2002) pointed out that when he first started to identify PAS “about 85% to 90% of the cases the mother was the alienating parent and the fathers the targeted parent.” However, he clarified that, “starting in the late 1990s, there has been a gender shift.” He pointed out that the ratio is now about 50/50, with fathers being as likely as mothers to indoctrinate children into PAS. 

PAS is not gender related. The target parent can be male or female. In addition, the target parent may also  be the custodial parent. Many forget that every other weekend visits, the non-custodial parent may induce guilt, participate in overindulgence, and play the victim. Moreover, as Warshak (2000) noted, “remarriage can provoke or exacerbate PAS.” This is a noteworthy point. Let us read again: Warshak (2002) noted that remarriage can provoke or exacerbate, but it is not the cause of PAS. He points out that underlying dynamics include, “jealously, narcissistic injury, desire for revenge, the wish to erase the ex- spouse from the children to make room for the step parent …”   In the same way, it is also probable that a good loving step parent can become the target. Some ex -spouses are filled with intense jealousy over a remarriage. It is possible, that the ex-spouse wishes to erase the step parent out the child’s life. The non custodial parent desires to wreak havoc in the home. By teaching a child to constantly be rude and disrespectful indeed makes a blended family bleed. What possibly could an ex -spouse gain? Simple but sad: they hope to cause a divorce. It works too.  We all know the statistics on second marriages.

My point is that target parents can be moms, dads, and yes step parents too.  Surprisingly, the dynamics of PAS continues to bewilder some professionals. The problem is too many are searching for the etiology. Common sense tells us that some ex spouses are not over the divorce, others have unresolved childhood issues, yet some may have a serious mental illness. The reality is that children suffer regardless of the alienator’s origin of problems. The reality is some professionals cannot stomach the idea that a rejected parent may be an innocent victim. They insist that they had to contribute in some way to the dysfunction. Is it not possible that the victim’s contribution is a lack of not knowing how to respond?

Many parents would agree that having the door slammed in ones face for a couple of months can be tolerated. Some parents may allow their child to kick them or spit in their face. However, most parents can only tolerate prolonged rejection and hatred for so long. The time frame indeed varies based on individuals’ psychological make up.  This is the point in which some professional fields turn and wonder in what way did this parent contribute to this thing called PAS? Is PAS dysfunctional? Absolutely! But, does the target parent have to be a guilty party? No! Most importantly does the child suffer? Yes!

 I am amazed at the quest for cause and fault-finding. As an example, hostages during a bank robbery did not cause the robbery. The robber could have robbed the bank solely for money, maybe for a thrill, or perhaps a combination of mental illness and a thrill. Who knows why. Yet, no reasonable person, for even one minute would wonder in what way the hostage contributed to the robbery. It is possible; the bank could have had a better plan for such an unfortunate event. Likewise, target parents of PAS could have a plan for a quick response. Wretchedly, some are still in denial that their life has been robbed and their child is becoming warped. For some professionals to deny that one parent cannot be the perpetrator is a slap in the face to the other parent (the alienated parent). It is possible that he or she  did the best they could in a one sided war, especially when there is little guidance on how he or she should respond to the sickness of his or her ex spouse.

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I am astonished by the wide-spread misuse and misunderstandings of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) held by professionals, individuals, and some organizations. The conceptualization of PAS is deceptively depicted. Unfortunately, this deception stems from personal attacks to Gardner, who coined the term, and extends to a war between genders. One well-known group reports that, “one of the most damaging trends in custody cases is the use of non-scientific theories such as “Parental Alienation Syndrome” which are used to remove custody from fit parents, usually mothers.” What they fail to realize is that the tender years presumption no longer reigns in court. PAS victims include both women and men. They also fail to define what their version of a scientific theory entails. On the contrary, PAS has been studied extensively. Currently, there are over 213 articles in peer reviewed journals. I deem that their version of a scientific theory may be defined as diversion tactic.

Another recent statement I came across (not cited or named) was “because the etiology of PAS is not known, it should be excluded from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).” In reality, the cause of PAS is one parent. The problem with this assertion is that many cannot believe that one parent could be the problem. Most adhere to the common adage that it “takes to two tango.” With PAS, this is not necessarily the case. One parent, out of his or her own unresolved issues, many use his or her child as a pawn. Obviously, there are many reasons a person would participate in alienation. One example coming to mind is the ex-spouse that did not want the divorce. Or, as another example, the adult may be enmeshed; it may produce warm fuzzy feelings to get the admiration that was never granted as a child.

Determining the cause of PAS is not what is important nor is it what is necessary, although it would be ideal. What is vital is that PAS receive diagnostic legitimacy. PAS may or may not make it into the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. However as a caveat, “The DSM is not a test of whether a disorder exists” (Warshak, 2006). Indeed, PAS will continue to be real to families that have lost a child to an unwarranted hate crime. Agreeably, the DSM is not a test of whether a disorder exists. Still, listing PAS in the DSM would allow treatment options. Not only would it allow treatment options, it would encourage additional research. Warshak (2006) brilliantly points out that, “There is no requirement that a syndrome include definitive statements about causes, prognosis, incidence, or treatment.” This is true; today, many DSM diagnoses have unknown etiologies and treatment modalities are debated. Clearly, therapists vary on treatment options, ranging from REBT, CBT, or EMDR, just to name a few. The point is that diagnoses listed in the DSM provides families with options. They have somewhere to go for their presenting problem. If the client desires he or she may obtain a second opinion. Stated another way, hurting people can get help and seek it from more than one provider. Currently, PAS victims are left without many options. Undeniably victims more often have opinions that are distorted and detrimental.

It is vital for children and families that PAS, PA, or PAD, be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Unfortunately, some professionals appear to be more worried about the stigmatization of such a diagnosis and less concerned about treatment. I propose that establishing diagnostic criteria is possible, and that the stigmatization will be about as “stigmatizing” as other common disorders. Given the rate of divorce, many families will endure PAS. Unfortunately, interests are focused elsewhere. Some focus on the etiology of PAD. Yet, as with many disorders, the etiology is not known. Adding Parental Alienation Disorder (PAD) to the DSM would allow treatment. Currently, I have found that many counselors and psychologists do not treat PAD. To my dismay, when I contacted counselors most had not heard of PAS. Others denied that it is a” syndrome”. What a tragedy as many parents are requesting help.

I regard to stigmatization, as an example, most parents and professionals do not like diagnoses or labels. I have experience in the field of autism and mental retardation. The fact is, to receive services; one has to be diagnosed with autism, PDD, or mental retardation. Nevertheless, many will continue to fear the word “mental illness.” When one hears the term mental illness, most envision locked gates, unkempt hair, and white coats. This is far from the truth. The DSM contains a lot of diagnoses; many of them are inflictions that millions of Americans endure, such as anxiety. Yet, if one has an anxiety disorder, they can obtain treatment. There is not a treatment plan for PAS. Worse, yet no one will belive the client.

The fact is if PAS /PA or PAD is not included in the DSM, it will not be taken seriously. Currently there are many concerns about labeling PAS as a mental disorder. What they fail to realize is that children currently do suffer from mental illnesses as a result of PAD, as does the adult that is the “alienator.” Participating in alienation is indeed not a sign of good mental health. I have also found that some professionals deem that adequate research is lacking; if it is not adequate research, they insist the etiology of PAS should be known. Yet, as with most other disorders, the etiology is not known. I am surprised as most do not debate the origination of anxiety, social anxiety, depression, or sexual aversion. Clearly, the debate of etiology will expand into infinity and it is a futile debate. What counts is obtaining help. Sure, we realize that knowing the source of an issue can rid the problem. However, the fact is for many disorders the cause is simply not known. If our status quo remains, PAS be should diagnosed as an Adjustment Disorder, categorized as perpetual.

Surface is partially correct that, “clinicians are not trained to deal with the courts.” What he fails to point out is that due to the debate over PAS, clinicians are also not trained to support the adult male or female client that reports that their child has “suddenly turned against them.” The article twists PAS by stating that a lot of focus is placed on the “wronged parent”, and that the emphasis should be on the children. Good job, our sympathy is noted. As a warning, this is indeed is faulty thinking. The wronged parent should grab clinician’s attention, as the wronged parent has lost contact with a child, or at the least has a damaged relationship. Without a doubt, the most important thing to remember is what is happening to these children. Children who day in and day out, are listening to “what a jerk dad has become” or how mom “is irresponsible with the child support money.” Attention needs to be guided to the ongoing conflict. It is absurd to claim that the focus need only be on the children. How mom or dad behaves, feels, and thinks post divorce, indeed impacts the children.

There appears to be some recognition that alienation is not the depiction of good mental health. As one article notes, “ It is not a good thing if a child has bonded to an alienating parent, but disrupting that child and pulling them away from whatever sense of security they have may end up being more harmful than good in the long run.” Professionals and alienated parents should be alarmed at the word “but.” The reality is the sense of security is false. If the child shares a similar disposition and shared activities that is one thing; it is quite another if the child prefers one parent over another due to vindictive strategies.

Security is not legitimate if the parent child relationship is one-sided and is predicated on lies. It is one thing for a child to report that he or she loves mom or dad. It is another when the child reports that he or she feels sorry for them and they cannot see the other parent because “mom or dad will get lonely.” It is not the child’s job to be responsible for adult well-being. According to Baker (2007) PAS is similar to cults in that fear activates dependency needs. Cult members undeniably have a sense of security; however, the sense of security is false. Most professionals realize that leaving a cult is life alternating, difficult, and may have consequences. Yet, most rational individuals realize that the dependency on the cult leader does not promote good mental health.

As noted by Summers & Summers (2006) “one of the priorities and general view of the courts is that a child should have a meaningful and regular contact with both parents. If a child does not have contact with the target parent, this may be very harmful to the children and later in adult life.” Some debates revolve around what role the “alienated” parent plays in PAS. Clearly, PAS is not caused by the alienating parent. Some ex-spouses are malicious and remain bitter towards his or her ex spouse years after the divorce. For some, the only way “to get back” at their ex spouse is to turn their children against them. As a result of the wear and tear, some alienated parents become passive. That is, they feel defeated after years of rejection. One must keep in mind that the target parent may have had to endure years of hearing put-downs, reading odious letters, and being out right rejected. Years of rebuff towards the target parent greatly differs than a few episodes of teenage antics. Hence, it is imperative not only for target parents, but for children that PAS be recognized for the infirmity that it is. Temporary disruption is far better than years of deception.

It’s amazing how some songs are able to bring cheer to our lives, while others trigger bucket loads of tears.

By and large, the radio waves and music charts are dominated by sad love songs, of spurned feelings, of betrayal, of things gone awry and lives spiralling downhill.

That’s why I appreciate songwriters who pen uplifting songs that provide the inspiration when I ache for it, or even tickle my funnybones when I need a good laugh.

I have started collating a list of “genki songs”, to spur me on when my energy level dips or my mood swings off tangent.

One of the latest on my chart is Progress by Japanese songwriter-singer Shikao Suga (スガ シカオ).

More accurately, it’s a song written by Suga, and performed and produced by a collective named “kōkua“. The group comprised Suga himself as the vocalist, and four other professional musicians – Satoshi Takebe (武部聡志), Hirokazu Ogura (小倉博和), Takamune Negishi (根岸孝旨), and Gota Yashiki (屋敷豪太).

kōkua was formed to produce the theme song for the NHK documentary programme Professionals: Ways of Work (プロフェッショナル 仕事の流儀) which went on air in January 2006. The single was released in the same year.

And the famous line that has inspired many viewers, and listeners, goes: “あと一歩だけ、前に 進もう”, which basically means “go forward, it’s just one more step”.

In fact, the beauty of Suga’s lyrics is that they speak plainly of the everyday person’s aspirations to search for the ideal self and find the courage to face the future, a world of unknowns.

I caught the song while watching the NHK programme a few months ago – yeap, it’s still running. A very belated introduction to this motivational programme and this talented songwriter and singer, I must say.

Suga is now with Office Augusta, an indie music label that has been churning out some refreshing vocalists like Chitose Hajime (元 ちとせ) and Motohiro Hata (秦 基博) .

Hopefully, there will be more great stuff from Suga and the Office Augusta stable to add to my genki playlist soon.

Greetings!

 
It’s official. Japan’s long recession has finally ended. The small but highly productive nation has suffered enormous economic set-backs over the past two decades. To pull themselves out of the downturn, the Japanese business community and its government have followed a consistent and socially responsible course to economic recovery. The Japanese business model has emerged as an important example for how to create long-term profits while maintaining a clear code of ethics and honor.
 
 
No Apeing of America
 
Japan’s new Financial Services Minister, Shizuka Kamei took office this past month and vowed that, “There would be no apeing of America.” Kamei declared the official Japanese business model would embrace “social meaning.” Mr. Kamei called for Japanese corporations to turn away from the American model of “self-interest” and return to the old spirit of “unity and cooperation” that once made Japan’s economy great. ”Japan became No 1 in the world and it is an objective and historical fact that Japan achieved that because of a typically Japanese style of corporate management…I insist that we should return to the traditional Japanese style of management.”
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Sampoh-Yoshi: Happiness Times Three
 
Sampoh-Yoshi, loosely translated as the “Trinity of Bliss…of buyers, sellers, and the general public” is a business code for Japanese merchants dating back to the 12th century. In the medieval district of Ohmi, an area near Kyoto, the ancient business model of “Sampoh-Yoshi” lasted over eight hundred years.” The code declared that Ohmi merchants were honor bound to customers and society alike to sell items of quality at a fair price. If customers were not happy, then merchants had failed in their basic responsibility. Equally important was the seller’s obligation to the community it served. A product or business service must serve the greater society or the promise of “Sampoh-Yoshi” was unfulfilled.
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Jobs for Life
 
Jobs for life are becoming as quaint and old-fashioned an idea in modern Japan as they are in the United States. For three decades, the old concept of “Jobs for Life” has eroded in the U.S. only to be replaced with a brutally harsh job-cutting culture that is corporate America. In the US, companies increase earnings by slicing staff with abandon. Long term employees are famously given 10-20 minutes to pack up years of belongings and “exit the premises.” To ensure compliance, uniformed security guards escort them to the door. Not so in socially conscientious Japanese corporate culture where dignity remains the word of the day.
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In the case of problems with the photographic equipment a service often turns out to be the best solution. Konica Minolta is one of makes of the equipment which the best services are taking care in many cities of. The popularity of apparatuses of this company is so great that by different companies, among others Kodak, Olympus, Nicon, Pentax offer services separate services for the equipment of exactly this brand. Konica service Minolta is dedicated to apparatuses, cameras and accessories of this company, but it doesn’t mean that products of different brands don’t have the “admission” for such services. The name of the service is often a being enough and telling guarantee – at units professional services are being provided where the quality of the workmanship constitutes the maximum value and an end in itself. There teams of professionals are working, there are technicians, for which no equipment is hiding secrets in itself among others. Years of experience, the work are speaking for them in the business, educating in appropriate fields. Specialists in precise mechanics, electronicses and optics are able to be able to lift  .. just with the any problem and to remedy every defect. At first a diagnosis follows – to this purpose appropriate devices and measuring-diagnostic apparatus are in services. In most cases repair is beginning right after receiving the application – to the very purpose a service exists. Minolta or the different equipment of the known company very much often constitute Konica the essential tools of the trade for photographers or different professionals. It is necessary to act quickly, so the period of keeping the badly working equipment should be the shortest most possible. It is possible thanks to the team work, the high productivity of specialists employed in the service and the big base of the spare parts which constantly is being extended. Ordering missing or untypical parts follows as far as possible as soon as possible.

In Celebration of Christmas and CSI’s thanksgiving for the year’s blessings, we invite you to join us in Celebrating an Early Christmas on December 6, 2009, 3:00 pm at The Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Hear the sounds of Christmas from a 65-piece orchestra!

Experience Christmas with the sounds, voices and dance performances from Filipino-American artists.

BE THERE AT 3 PM FOR THE PAROL LIGHTING AND PERFORMANCES BY

• an ALL-FILIPINO A CAPELLA CHOIR
• A PROFESSIONALLY-TRAINED DANCE GROUP
• an ETHNIC DANCE GROUP!

It’s a real Christmas treat for you and your family.

For tickets, contact us at 213-487-5059

…or are in any way dealing with food production or consumption on day to day basis:
Don’t fucking describe yourselves as ‘foodies’ you twats.
Professionals don’t call themselves ‘foodies’, only amateurs (or dicks) call themselves ‘foodies’. Let’s get it straight, if you are a professional in hospitality and you don’t love food, then you are in the wrong job. You are not a foodie, you are a professional (imagine that!).
A conversation I had recently with another manager;
Them: ‘I am such a foodie’
Me: ‘Oh yeah? What do you mean?’
Them: ‘I really love Cheddar’

Verdict: Cock

Conversation number 2;
Different Them: ‘I’m a bit of a foodie you know!’
Me: ‘Really?’
Them: ‘Well, I am really fat.’ (his fucking words…)

Nice, no?

People who call themselves ‘foodies’ who are not hospitality professionals=Great!

People who work in hospitality who call themselves ‘foodies’= Cocks.

Get a grip

Dilshad Patel is a dancer, instructor, therapist and wellness consultant. At age five, she began 12 years of education in the classical Indian dance form, Bharat Natyam. Dilshad then trained and taught at Shiamak Davar’s Institute for the Performing Arts, one of India’s foremost dance companies. Over seven years, she trained in and taught specialised styles of dance to people from varied backgrounds. While teaching children and adults with disabilities, terminally ill individuals and juvenile delinquents, Dilshad learned about the challenges and rewards of counselling those with special needs.

To help others achieve their wellness goals through dance, movement and fitness, Dilshad moved to New York to pursue her education in the field of dance and movement therapy, at the Harkness Dance Centre. She has returned to Mumbai to share her passion for dance and wellness.

Click Here to visit her website

Die OMS Solutions GmbH wurde mit dem Preis “StreamServe Networking Award 2009″ für “besondere Verdienste rund um die StreamServe Community” ausgezeichnet.

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Die StreamServe Deutschland GmbH zeichnet die OMS Solutuions GmbH bei den StreamServe Awards 2009 – am 27.11.2009 in Bad Homburg – aus.

Die OMS Solutions GmbH wird für Ihre Engagement im Bereich Networking ausgezeichnet.

Verliehen wurde dieser preis während der “StreamServe PartnerDays 2009″ im Oktober.

Die in diesem Jahr zum ersten Mal verliehenen Auszeichungen überreichte Christoph Ackermann, Partner Sales Manager CEE.

StreamServe Partner Awards 2009 All Winners

Von Links nach Rechts: Stephan Vanberg (StreamServe), Holger Rendelmann (LR Consulting), Houman Feldberger (OMS Solutions), Walter Moser (Brainworx), Christoph Ackermann (StreamServe)

Eine StreamServe-interne Jury bewertete das Engagement seiner 44 Partner aus Zentral- und Osteuropa in den folgenden Kategorien:

StreamServe Networking Award 2009
Er ging an Houman Feldberger, Geschäftsführer der OMS Solutions GmbH für seine Verdienste rund um die StreamServe Community. Feldberger gründete die Xing Gruppe StreamServe EDP-Lösungen, die derzeit über 220 Mitglieder zählt.

StreamServe Networking Award 2009 Winner Houman Feldberger OMS solutions & Christoph Ackermann StreamServe

StreamServe Demand Generation Award 2009
Ihn verlieh die Jury an Holger Rendelmann, kaufmännischer Geschäftsführer der LR Consulting GmbH. Rendelmann wurde für seine Verdienste um die aktive Gewinnung von Neukunden und seine kreative Lead-Generierung ausgezeichnet. Innerhalb weniger Wochen identifizierte Rendelmann mehr als 50 neue Kunden und Projekte.

StreamServe Collaboration Award 2009
Ihn erhielt Walter Moser, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der BRAINWORX information technology GmbH in Österreich. Moser setzt sich stark dafür ein, die interne Kommunikation und Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Partnern, Kunden und mit StreamServe zu verbessern.

Einige Bilder dieser Veranstaltung finden Sie in unserer Rubrik StreamServe/StrS Partnertage 2009.

Zu den XING-StreamServe-Foren:
zu der Gruppe “StreamServe EDP Lösungen”
zu der Gruppe “StreamServe CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS”

Die Profile der OMS Solutions GmbH-Geschäftsleitung finden Sie hier:
Zum Profil von H. Feldberger
Zum Profil von F. Wilcke

Quelle: Mehr Bilder und ausführliche Informationen finden Sie hier

Despite all evidence to the contrary, turns out, I’m not invincible.

Well damn.

Though I’d like to be at the Gables Sneak Peek or a Whole Foods tour in honor of Dishola’s Dish-for-Dish (review a dish already, people!) or a happy hour birthday party at Piranha (man do I love their sushi) or Beer and Bingo at Jo’s, I am going to be on a couch, toilet paper roll nearby (don’t have Kleenex around), lemon-infused water in hand. Yes, allergies and/or a cold have knocked me down.

In my honor, YOU should please enjoy one of these fun Wednesday activities:

Drag Queen “Sapphire” will be reading the numbers, there’ll be a DJ and great prizes.

Beer is $3 and cards are $1; all money from the cards goes to Caritas.

*Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas

 

Third Base Sports Bar

1717 West 6th Street

6-8pm

$2 wells and domestics

$3 Margaritas & $2.50 All Mexican beers

Admission: New Toy or $10 donation to BBBS

This is a great opportunity to network, have fun, and make a difference!

 

Planning a party can be a lot of fun when you plan ahead, stay organised and become resourceful!  From kids parties, cocktail parties, milestone birthdays, girls spa days , golf weekends, shopping events to a romantic dinner for 2, time management and organisation is key!  You can do it too by following a few key steps and incorporating your personal styles and themes along the way:

Here are some questions you should answer before planning your next event:

1. What type of party will it be?
2. Where is the party venue?
3. What date to host the party?
4. Will there be music and entertainment?
5. How many guests are expected?

When planning any event…

• Be strict with your budget, and the number of people you invite.  Failing this, you may find yourself spiralling out of control with your cost and running out of food because you have too many guests
• When creating your guest list, try to consider a good mix of people that will make great combination for interesting conversations.
• Try to think outside the box – an outdoor tent or hosting a drinks party at a museum could give your party that extra edge of sophistication.
• Buffet style is a flexible way to host cocktail parties whilst kids parties will benefit from set meals so the children don’t make a mess.
• Dig around for creative ideas to engage the kids whilst the adults have the opportunity to mingle and chat.  This can be achieved by hiring professional entertainers (ie. magicians, puppetry, sing-alongs, and storytelling)  the possibilities are endless!

Below are some of my favourite links for planning your next party:

Party Pieces

Hummingbird Bakery

Mr Humbug

Confetti

UK Party Shop

Follow this blog for more party planning ideas!

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has just released the results of the October Licensure Examination for Teachers. According to the news 8,045 elementary teachers out of 43,086 examinees (18.67%), 26 Accelerated Teacher Education Program (A.T.E.P.) graduates out of 146 examinees (17.81%) and 10,792 secondary teachers out of 38,339 examinees (28.15%) successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T) given by the Board for Professional Teachers on October 4, 2009 in 23 testing centers all over the Philippines.

My sister Harvest, who just graduated earlier this year

(March 2009, AB-Th in Christian Education) made it!

Am simply proud of her!

Congrats te Harvie!

Work well! hehe!

Sources: http://www.pinoyboardresults.co.cc/2009/10/let-secondary-board-passers-october.html; http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/exam-results/11/16/09/prc-releases-results-licensure-examination-teachers

Tarrant County resident Lori Sahinkaya, wife of Turan Sahinkaya, received an Honorable Mention in HumorPress.com's “America's Funniest Humor” Contest, earning publication online and in print. Turan Sahinkaya states, “What an incredible honor for Lori to get selected for this prestigious publishing project.”

Humor Press TM, one of America's most popular humor sites, publishes the funniest humor columns, humor essays and real-life humor stories! Turan Sahinkaya remarks, “I am really proud of Lori to have her talented writing and hard work pay off once again.”

Lori's entry, "The Unspoken Contract," is about a piece of paper mothers and fathers must sign upon having children, stating all of the silent terms and conditions of parenting.

Here is a short excerpt from “The Unspoken Contract” written by Lori Sahinkaya, wife of Turan Sahinkaya:

Each and every one of us signed a contract upon having children. Remember that piece of paper spelling out all the terms and conditions of parenting? Recall the fierce negotiations, the lawyers making clear to us our rights and obligations?

It was the contract that you were told can never be broken. The contract that states if you don’t agree to its stipulations you have no one to sue and no judge to hear your case in court.

You remember the contract, right?

Turan Sahinkaya proudly exclaims, “What another great opportunity for Lori to get published and have the public enjoy reading her work as much as I do!”

Turan Sahinkaya’s wife, Lori Sahinkaya, will have “The Unspoken Contract” featured in HumorPress.com's online Humor Showcase. It will also appear in a print edition of "America's Funniest Humor" scheduled for publication in late fall 2009.

Read the story of great handicapped accounting professionals at here .