Welcome To My World!!!

How to Become Successful in Any Business You Start

2007-11-24T15:39:00.000+05:30

Starting a business can always be something confusing to enter into. With the proper information and goals set in place in can be a lot easier to achieve.

The key to being successful with any business is dedication. You must love the business your in that way you actually have a drive to want to wake up and work hard at whatever you want to do. In order to have success with any business, I feel that one needs to have all of these types of qualities:

1. Focused

You must stay focused on your business in order to have success. Make sure that you set up a daily plan as to what you will be doing everyday to stay on schedule. Make sure that you write out in your schedule book exaclty what you want to accomplish for the day.

2. Honesty

Everything that you put into your business must be honest. You will never gain credibility or success if you are unhonest to your customers. Without honestly youll never gain trust.

3. Customer Centric

Make sure that you are commited to your customers needs and are willing to go out of your way for them to make that sale. The greater you are commited to your customer the better chance you will know what people are looing for.

4. Balance

Make sure that you balance all of the above and keep orgainzed. In order to be successful you must stay calm and know exactly what step to take next. Like I said early, you can keep a schedule book with you wherever you go that way you will know what to do next.

How To Never Have A Grudge Against Someone

2007-11-24T15:25:00.000+05:30

"Nursing a grudge is like arguing with a policeman. The more you do it, the worse things get." It won't just get worse with the relationship you are having with the person you're holding a grudge with. It will also negatively affect your well being. Bearing a grudge is a stress and it will affect your physical and mental health status.

Put yourself in this kind of situation. You work in an office and you have a co-worker there who is your friend. The two of you have the same position in the company ladder. One day, your boss announced that one of you will be promoted depending on your performance. So you worked your ass off. Everyone in the company loved you. You have become a "model employee" so to speak. The day of the promotion arrived and you were expecting to be promoted. But to your dismay, it was your friend who was promoted. You got angry with him. You never spoke to him again. You talk about him, bad mouthing him with co-workers. You are bearing a grudge on somebody and you like it. You like it that you hate him - that you are angry with him.

Such feelings of hatred and anger would be normal reactions for people in those kinds of situation. But if that feeling stays for a long time, it will burden you. Bearing a grudge will leave you carrying a very heavy luggage. And just like carrying a real luggage, if you have been carrying it for so long, there will come a time that you won't be able to carry it anymore. The burden is just too great and you will give up. In this case, give up on life.

By bearing a grudge on somebody, you are in pain. But you are the one who is giving yourself pain. By holding a grudge, you're depriving yourself of enjoying life. By doing this, you are giving yourself stress which will affect your health. You can't help yourself from starting to feel bad against someone especially if they have wronged you. But if you let this feeling linger for too long then you are already bearing a grudge on that someone. So how do stop bearing a grudge? The answer is forgiveness.

Forgiving someone is not an easy task. It takes a lot of understanding of the other person on why he or she has done you wrong. You may agree or disagree with the reason but the main idea here is you forgive not because for that person or your relationship, but you forgive for your own benefit - To live a happier and healthier life.

When you forgive, you replace the feeling of anger with feelings of good will. You will stop thinking about the situation in the context of anger. By letting go of your anger, you also stop bearing a grudge. This will immensely affect your physical and mental health status in a positive way. You'll be able to live a happier and healthier life.

When You Should Hire A Coach

2007-11-24T15:22:00.000+05:30

Here are some of the situations that a coach can help you with:

You have been going around and around the hamster wheel with a decision or problem, and just not getting anywhere with it.

You have become dissatisfied with some aspect of your work, your job, or your work-life balance and aren't quite sure what to do about it.

There's nothing really wrong, but you're just not feeling the energy and commitment you used to feel.

You are longing to spend more time with your children and can't figure out how to deal with this.

You are less successful (by your definition) in some way than you know you could be, and you just don't get what's holding you back.

For one reason or another, there is no one right now that you can bounce ideas off of, talk things through with, or get a reality check from, and it's holding you back.

You suspect you've outgrown your job or your career and can't imagine starting over somewhere.

How To Accomplish Anything

2007-11-24T14:53:00.000+05:30

Whether we can or cannot envision a life that we would like to be living is really elementary because what we do need to have is the real unadulterated vision to mobilize the eventual concept into maturing. Is that simplistic or is it really what the sages have been saying for eons? Tough measures are needed at this stage of conscious thinking to assist one in reaching the desired objective. There are elements askew within all of us that disable the capable functioning of any brain and as a result we are unable to realize the full potential awaiting our attention.

This is not a matter to grieve over as there are far worse happenings in the history of mankind deserving sorrowful tears and outright emotional outbursts. As I scratch my head in wonder at some of these I have to ponder the truth that maybe the elements within many heads were askew throughout history and that may be why events followed to their doubtful conclusion when another possibility was within reach. There is not a country on earth that escaped these elements it seems. So not to worry, one is not alone in the askew market and greener pastures await us, just keep on grazing.

Oh to be a horse with head held high looking over the hedges and with the talent to jump them to check out the inviting vision ahead. In the eyes of a horse it must be interesting to see fields and fields with great jumps to anticipate leaping over. Unlike a horse though we cannot leap over jumps or obstacles we come across, but we can make detours which horses do too when the jump is beyond their ability.

This is where teamwork comes in, with pulling loads two horses can pull a load easier than one, and that is also applicable to us too. Being independent obstinate beings with a contrary nature to think of being helped by someone is a weakness, but in actual fact it is a sign of strength to ask and accept help with loads. The heavier loads require more horses and likewise we may require the accumulative help of many to overcome some obstacles. And so we have mastermind groups.

Imagine a sequence of photographs in ascending order of a horse taking off to landing on the opposite side of the jump and envision that accomplishment being you ready to accept the accolades of success for every little accomplishment on your path through life. Sometimes horses are unable to jump and make a sudden stop instead of jumping, other times they may hit the jump during the event and sometimes they fall, but they always get up and go to the next one. Think of yourself as a first class horse as fit as a fiddle and eager for life. In order to reach that level requires a lot of training and practice.

The horse did not wake up one day and decide it was going to jump like no other horse before it, preparation and practice, exercise and nutrition with a good trainer and rider to assist it.

Everything takes practice, when you first started eating, you made a terrible mess and spilled food and drinks with the over enthusiasm of an unskilled human. Not a disaster to be fed more disasters, no it was the first of many steps towards eating properly without making a mess. Now it is second nature to you, one hopes anyway. Likewise the path to success will require many and repeated sessions of practicing. In every large multinational organization there are filing cabinets full of failed projects, but with every failed cabinet there are many cabinets filled with successful projects.

Now scale it down to your situation and you can visualize the journey of hills and valleys, and how green your valley will be depends on the preparation that you have put into it. When John F. Kennedy suggested that America should have an astronaut land on the moon, he was met with a lot of skepticism and doubting fellows. But when he instructed them to break it down into measurable segments divided into managed proportions it became a reality.

When you look at the moon you cannot see it in its entirety, but when displayed in parts you get the full picture and realize the scope of it. It is not as daunting then to visualize accomplishing the final result.

How To Be The Best In Your Field

2007-11-24T14:50:00.000+05:30

Here are five strategies to help you advance your career in a way that is satisfying and meaningful without losing your mind, your family or your health.

1. Define ambition
Write your own definition of ambition. What does it mean specifically to you? Explore your fears around reaching for what you "really" want. Are you afraid you'll lose your family to your work? Alternatively, if you want to work less to be with your family more, do you worry that you'll miss out on a great promotion? Can your ambition ebb and flow with the changing tides of your family life? Finish this statement: Ambition for me means ...

2. Align your goals
Establish goals and strategies that will allow you to live the life you want. Get clear on what is important to you and align your professional goals with your strengths, your interests, and the age/stage(s) of your children. For instance, to advance your career, you may need to further your education. Consider what will be the best time to incorporate studies into family life, keeping in mind that online learning offers great flexibility. By being strategic about your goals and dreams, you can help to make them your reality.

3. Consider personal priorities when making important decisions
Each of us has our own beliefs on what really matters in life. And what matters most can shift with passing time. Whether it is you, your family or your career advancement, there isn't a right or a wrong answer. There is just what makes the most sense in that moment. If you want your career and life going in the right direction, always take your personal priorities into consideration when you have a decision to make. Ask yourself, "Will this enhance what is important in my life right now?"

4. Leverage your skills and become an expert
Know your unique talents and skills (what you naturally excel at and what people tell you you are good at), then create a plan that leverages your talents. Discover and focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses, so your skills become specialized and valued in the marketplace. If you're a great organizer, go organize. Whether you're a strategic thinker, a creative wiz or a patient teacher, do what comes easily and naturally. Position yourself accordingly and you will become the go-to person in your field.

5. Be confident
Marrying your ambition with your family life can mean you choose to turn your career volume up and down. Believing in you through this process is crucial. If you don't, no one else will. Self-confidence is key to getting what you want. Pay attention to any doubts or doubters and stay away from thoughts or people who weaken your confidence. Choose to surround yourself with ideas and people that support and encourage you to reach your dream.

Who said "ambition" had to be a dirty word? How you feel about ambition will change over time. So it's important to keep checking in and making adjustments, as your family situation changes. And remember, you are the boss of you. Enjoy being in charge of your life and career.

How To Start Winning Instead Of Quitting

2007-11-24T14:45:00.000+05:30

Did you ever feel like quitting?

When your keep on keeping on wants to quit and your ability is not that strong; When your life is a mess; you want something that's the best, yet you don't know how to walk out the rest; What to do/what to do, this is the question that arises up in me and you!

How do you pull yourself up from a quitter's mentality?

If you want to get from here to there, you need a vehicle that takes the wear and tear. To drive that vehicle you'll need some keys, the rest will come very easy. Now you know, driving a car for the first time takes some practice and some skill. There are many things that you must do to get your driver's license and pass. But I can tell you this, you can't get it by sitting on your gluteus-max.

You need some motivation; you need to believe. Yes, this is in everyone of us. It's your gasoline. Maybe your tank is on low, maybe it's half-full, maybe today you have a full tank. Your mind is the engine that enables your car to go. In retrospect, your mind is the battlefield that keeps us in our current state or gives us a breakthrough to help us to go to the next phase. It can propel us into our future or keep us where we are in life today. The past has to go. Let me encourage you to push down the pedal of hope today. Your life is more than what you see it to be.

What if you find your motivational tank is out of gas and you have no more money to refuel?

Ok, you've done all that you can think to do. You tried changing your mental attitude. Crazy thoughts still run rampant in your own mind. Where is the stop sign? No matter how much you try, these thoughts keep pulling you down leaving you on the roadside. Put a red flag upon your car, people will come to your aid. You say, what do you mean? What are you talking about? I'm talking about get around some encouraging people. If you know none, this is your first assignment. Start to look for some. Find some new friends that will boost you up when your down.

I'm not talking about the people that want to find all the answers for you or solve all your problems. Nor am I talking about the people that have so much advice that it just confuses you. Did I mention the ones that are more negative than you, and it just feels like their comments on life keep slapping you. Stay out of the misery loves company highways and byways. The train of self-pity will get you no where, so please, don't buy the ticket. Ok, that should have knocked out a big percentage of the population. So, who am I talking about?

I'm talking about true people who will love and encourage you no matter where you are in your walk in life. These people will have extra fuel to give to you. Get around them. They know how to fuel up, and they know how to give fuel out. Now don't be offended when the trust you have built between your relationship gets challenged. They just might have to step on your toes a little bit to get you to see something a little bit clearer. Constructive critism is like water to clay. If you can't take any constructive critism, your clay will be so hard that no matter what anyone says or does it really just won't matter.

Congratulations, your tank is now full.

A job well-done. Now, you'll need to do what someone did for you. Reach in your pocket and grab some spare keys. You might just have to hand them out to a friend or two. Do you have any gasoline to give to take them to enable them on their road for life? Maybe, they are broken down, busted, and disgusted. By stopping, you could aid them in their final destiny in life. Remember the more that you pour out, the more someone will keep pouring into you. No gasoline shortage in this realm. It's an endless supply. Encouragement is the fumes that keep propelling me and you. Take a deep breath, and breathe some in today.

Once your tank is full, put your eyes on the road. Keep your hands on the wheel. Don't take your foot off the gas pedal. Now, drive. Remember to keep your eyes off yourself and your situation. Let your mind see beyond where you are today. Focus on your destination, your destiny, and your purpose of life. Keep your eyes on the signs. Follow the directions. You'll arrive just fine. Keep looking ahead. There are many promises waiting for you and me. Your destiny waits for you to grab the keys.

How To Make Stuff Up

2007-11-24T14:38:00.001+05:30

What do you do when you don't have all the information or communication with someone? Something feels "off", AND you haven't spoken directly about it. Maybe THEY didn't return a call or respond to an email, plans to get together never materialized, or were canceled unexpectedly. Or suddenly all communication has disappeared. Maybe THEY haven't reminded you lately that they "love you", or responded in the manner you had hoped or expected. What do you do?

"make stuff up..."

Definition of "making stuff up" - Attaching a meaning or interpretation to the action or non-action without investigating the "made up" thought.

Isn't this reasonable? We've all watched enough TV and movies to know that "sometimes" in the absence of information "horrible things happen".....they stopped loving us, you're no longer important in their life, they're secretly upset with you, torturing you purposely, or worse yet they fell in love with someone else. I admit it. I've found myself "making stuff up" in the absence of truth and full communication. Have you?

"When we attach to a thought that is not grounded in reality, we are literally giving ourselves a "head-trip" and creating "stress" in our lives for no good reason."

For the most part "making stuff up" is ludicrous, and only creates drama. Not to pick on women, but I believe our gender tends to "make up" that we're "not loved" or "no longer important", more quickly and often than men do. Although, I've known men to "make stuff up" too. This is silly. And, it drives others crazy. You've probably experienced this phenomena both ways.

Why do we "make stuff up" about "not being loved or important"? It stems largely from "insecurity", doubting oneself, and expecting the worse. And, it's simply a bad habit formed through conditioning. Unfortunately, it often elicits the opposite result we desire. So, the less we "make up", the better. In other situations, the simple reality is "we don't know...YET". Quit hypothesizing and brainstorming the 10 most likely best and worst-case scenarios and just ASK. The answer can often be had in ONE

SIMPLE QUESTION.

Are you "making stuff up"?

Here's a simple formula.

A + B = C

Look at the FACTS...that's "A". A fact is just that, a fact. It's an event. It's what happened. Without any emotional element or meaning attached to it, it's neutral. It just IS. All of these are simply facts...
Examples of Facts or Events:

"no returned call"
"didn't respond to email"
"someone asked a deep personal question"
"cancelled plans"
"request to spend time together"
"someone is not paying full attention to you"
"someone is indecisive"
"a stranger smiles at you"
"they didn't follow through on their word or were late"

B is what the meaning we "make up", or attach to A, the fact or event. The B isn't grounded in reality. It comes out of out mind. What we "make up" ranges from "good to bad". Sometimes we'll "logically deduce" this HAS to be the meaning. Don't be so quick to assume.

Examples of "Made Up Stuff":

"I'm not important to them"
"They don't love me anymore"
"They do/don't want to be in a relationship with me"
"They aren't interested in what I'm saying or offering"
"They are trying to manipulate me"
"They aren't listening to me"
"I need to protect myself from them"
"They are trying to get back at me"
"They don't respect me"

C is the SUM of A (the fact) + B (the made up stuff). It's the FACT, now distorted by "whatever you made up". Simple mathematics reveals that "anything" (A) + "something" (B) is now = SOMETHING NEW (C).

4 TIPS: What to do when you are "making stuff up"

1. ASK and CLARIFY the facts, when another person is involved; Useful when you're lacking information or are unclear about another's intentions, thoughts or feelings. Usually one simple question does it. (And, while you're waiting for the response, don't fall in the trap of "making up more stuff" about WHY they haven't responded instantaneously.)

2. Look at the fact or event for WHAT IT IS. It's neutral. Pull the emotion out of it. Don't take it personally. Imagine a stranger "not calling back". It's ALWAYS the meaning we "make up" that distorts everything. Remember this.

3. Inquiry. In "the work" of Byron Katie called "Loving What Is", Katie's four questions allow you to examine the "made up" thought. Which 100% of the time reveals it is, in fact, "made up" and silly to hang on to.

4. "Make up" the opposite. If you're going to "make up" something, why not try on the opposite, especially when it feels better. "He doesn't love me anymore" turns into "He still loves me, maybe even more". It could be as true or truer. And, until you KNOW differently, it feels better and supports you in getting more of what you want.

SOULFUL CHALLENGE: Monitor yourself for one week. Notice what you're "making stuff up". Ask for clarification when needed. View the fact or event as neutral. Let go of the "made up" stuff. How would your life be if you didn't "make up" stuff??

How To Find Your Purpose In Life

2007-11-24T14:35:00.000+05:30

1) Put your "Ego-filter" on and don't allow Ego to interfere with any of the next steps. Engage your Spirit-voice by saying things like "anything is possible, life is easy, I can make a great living doing what I love!"

2) Write down everything you can think of that brings you joy, no matter what it is (hobby, talent, luxury, etc.).

3) When the list is complete, focus on each thing and highlight the one that appeals to you the most. The one that pulls at your heart when you think about it. It may take a while to determine, but if you keep looking at the list, it will almost pop off the page for you. (We'll call this one your "heart string").

4) Now take a poster board or a very large piece of paper.

5) In the center of the poster board, write the one you determined as your heart string in your favorite color marker and circle it leaving plenty of room on the rest of the board to write.

6) Now allow your mind to brainstorm for you - think of everything that you could possibly do with this heart string that would make you a living. You may even want to include your friends or family (only positive minded ones) to help you in a brainstorming session.

7) Write every word or thought that comes up anywhere outside the circle. You may end up with 20 words, or you may end up with 100 words. There is no write or wrong. Just keep writing until you can't think of anything else to add. Use the internet to come up with ideas you may have overlooked.

8) Take time to evaluate all the words or phrases you've written on the board outside of the circle with your heart string in it. Circle the words or phrases that appeal to you the most in regards to your heart string.

9) Connect the dots - draw lines from the circle in the middle to all the other circles you've made on the board. All circles on the board should be connected with lines. You will begin to see a theme or plan come to the surface.

10) This plan becomes a blueprint to your purpose. As you focus on this plan, steps will naturally occur. You will be inspired with new ideas that align with your purpose; you will start to connect with others that can help; you will see doors open miraculously. And the next thing you know, you will be telling others that you are finally living on purpose.

Remember to keep your Ego-filter on because the closer you get to living on purpose, the more the Ego tries to undermine the process. I provide my clients with many creative ways to stifle the Ego throughout their goal setting process.

So let's go through this process using an example: You write down everything you can think of that you enjoy on a piece of paper. Things like planting flowers, going to the movies, getting a massage, cooking, reading novels, etc. You look over the list a few times and realize the thing that pulls at your heart the most is getting a massage so you call that your "heart string" and write it in a circle on a poster board. Now using the key word "massage" and you gather ideas from the internet and you have a few positive minded peers come over to brainstorm and write down everything regarding "massage" on the board. You write things like "training; teaching; coaching, environment; music; candles; tables; techniques; tools; rating, etc. You've written every associated idea you can think of. You then evaluate all the phrases and begin to circle the one or ones that stand out the most and then connect all circles with a line. The circles you connect to "massage" are "rating; environments; techniques". No other words on the board appeal to you. These connected circles become your blue print.

Through focus, meditation, keeping an open mind and keeping your Ego-filter on, you begin to be inspired to continue to move in this direction. Doors start to open, more ideas get spurred, and the next thing you know you are not only making a healthy living, but getting free massages from hundreds of therapists as you rate the technique and the environment for a journal you've created that will be published in "the best of" columns in newspapers throughout the country. A win for you and a win for the therapist that gets a top rating in each city. And you realize how perfect this is for you because it also incorporates your love of travel.

Next thing you know you are telling everyone how you are living on purpose and making money doing what you love the most in life. So, what is your purpose?

The Power of Association

2007-11-24T14:21:00.000+05:30

Many of us are oblivious to how associating ourselves to a particular person, group or identity can determine how successful we are in life. More often than not, we tend to adapt ourselves to the people surrounding us whether at the workplace or at home. We do this out of habit, to be accepted, to follow the norms of our culture or environment we are being tossed into.

How often do you find yourself in a situation where you are forced into being someone you're not or behaving in a way you don't normally would, just for the sake of pleasing the person/group of people you're with? At times we have to adhere to the fact that we are unable to avoid all the people who are detrimental to our personal development. No matter how hard we try, one of these appalling characters are bound to pop up in the corners of our lives. When this happens, we have to choose to limit our associations with them should we be unable to get away from them altogether.

Again as intellectual beings, we often have selective memory patterns whereby we choose to only remember what we want to remember. This could be disadvantages in certain circumstances, eg. when attending lectures or meetings that require our full attention. However, when it comes to disassociating ourselves with negative personalities, selective memory is a good thing and will prove to be useful.

So when it it comes to choosing the people we should associate ourselves with, how can we tell the good from the bad? It's pretty easy really. Parasitic people tend to drain the energy out of us and make us feel hopeless and irrelevant. Positive people on the other hand are inspiring and full of life. They talk about being successful. They believe and have faith in us. They allow us to be who we chose to be. They give us just the push we need to be on the right path to success. These are the people we always want to be around and make friends with.

With friends or allies like these, our journey to achieve our heart's desire becomes more smooth-sailing. There are no obstacles that we can't overcome. With the right support system, lost hopes can be found and dreams can be realised, provided we allow ourselves to.

How To Build Your Dream Home

2007-11-24T14:14:00.000+05:30

Hire a Local Architect
IN ALMOST EVERY TOWN, city, county and state in America, the rules for building houses are different--and for good reason. A house built in Phoenix, where the weather is mild and snowfall practically unheard of, requires different roofing, insulation, windows and heating than one in Flagstaff, where snowy winters are common. Because building codes vary so, and because each plot of land is unique, readers who want to build a LIFE Dream House will need to hire an architect.

"This is an unusual situation," says Gary Lapera, project architect of the LIFE Dream House designed last year by Michael Graves. "You're going to go to an architect and tell him you've got a design, and you don't want him to impose his ideas on it, but you do want him to figure out mechanical systems like heating and cooling, draw a framing diagram, decide what sort of foundation is required and accommodate the package to your specific site."

For this reason, Dennis Wedlick, LIFE Dream House architect, suggests seeking out architects who have worked on renovations or have restored old homes. "They are used to keeping the integrity of the design they're presented with," says Wedlick. And both Lapera and Gary Brewer, the project architect on Robert A.M. Stern's 1994 LIFE Dream House, agree that it is best to find an architect whose expertise is in residential construction, not commercial buildings.

But how to find that person? Contacting your local office of the American Institute of Architects and asking for a list of residential architects is a good start. You can talk to area builders to learn which architects they prefer working with. You can ask a prominent commercial architect in your area to speak with you about whom he or she might favor for a residential job. Be prepared to interview several architects (most will not charge for an initial in-office consultation)--and to contact their clients. Your research should address the following:

1.) Is the architect willing to adapt the plans to incorporate your needs and your site without changing the nature of the design? "You don't want a modern architect if your plans are for a traditional house, and vice versa," says Brewer.

2.)How long should the work take and what is the fee? Although most of the designing is done, much of an architect's job is in making sure the plans are followed correctly. Bill Chapin, former president of the AIA, says up to 10 percent of construction costs is considered a fair price. A skilled architect, he notes, will save you more money than his fee by properly bidding out the work, advising how to keep costs down and helping to find the builder who will do the job right.

3.) Ask the architect to tell you about something that went wrong on a recent project, and how it was resolved. "A good architect," says Wedlick, "is all about solutions to problems."

Finding the right architect is hard. "It's very personal," says Lapera. "You are making a new friend. You're starting a long-term relationship--and you'll be living with the results."--STEPHEN PETRANEK

Hiring a Builder
Let's say the LIFE Dream House is the house of your dreams. You have the land to put it on, and an architect has adapted the design to your needs, site and local building codes. Now the hard part: finding a builder who'll do the job right--and within your budget.

1) Ask your architect and town building office for the names of reputable builders (a.k.a. general contractors); also, scout your area for new-home construction and for houses undergoing major renovation, to learn which builders other homeowners are hiring.

2) Price out the project by giving your blueprints and materials list to several builders; set a due date for their bids. (Builders shouldn't charge for bids.) Collect at least four written proposals.

3) When the bids come in, toss out the highest and, perhaps, the lowest: "If the bid is really low, the builder might not be covering his costs enough," says Robert Algarin, an architect in Westfield, N.J. "He might try to make it up later by skimping on materials or workmanship." Judge the middle proposals by visiting each contractor's past jobs, checking his references and insurance coverage, and evaluating how his schedule and personality jibe with yours.

4) Your signed contract with the builder must include the following: the total cost and a payment schedule; a statement that the bid is based on the architect's drawings; a list itemizing any labor and materials not reflected in those drawings and noting whether they are--or aren't--included in the price; an explanation of the builder's warranty; and start and end dates for the project, barring changes or unforeseen circumstances.--MELISSA STANTON

Tip #1: Determine your wants and needs

Before you breakout in a cold sweat after being thrown in the vast market filled with a myriad of choices, sit down and put your thinking cap on. Determine the type of home, location, size and price.

Ask yourself questions: What type of home am I looking for? How many rooms do I need? Which location will best suit my purpose? You should also identify the additional features you would enjoy in a home. What are your expectations about the property and how long you plan to live in?

Location plays a very important role in the price of a home as well as the re-sale value. Make the list of possible locations you would like to buy a home. After looking at the houses in all the locations of your choice, you will have a better understanding of the price range, type of property available, school, public transport system, offices, shopping complexes and other factors that are important to you. The bottom line is that you should be clear about the location in which you want to buy a home.

Secondly, no matter what people say, size does matter! If you have a big family, you need a home with a bigger built-up area and one with more rooms. Or if you're a car enthusiast and are lucky enough to own a few, you might want to find a home with a generous car porch. Take into consideration your lifestyle and make a decision that will fit you perfectly.

Lastly, you should find a home that fits your budget. But if you can't seem to manage numbers, find the expertise of a real estate agent of a loan broker and from the personal and income information you have provided, they are able to calculate your affordable price range and monthly installment.

Tip #2: Get pre-approved for a home loan

Once you have determined your budget, you might want to obtain a pre-approved home loan, even before you even go out to hunt for your dream home. Simply because you would not want to get caught committing to buy a home at a certain price but later down the road discover that you have problems obtaining a loan, especially if you have paid an earnest deposit. You might face the risk of your earnest deposit being forfeited by the seller.

Tip #3: Ways to find your dream home

There are many ways and channels for you to find your dream home. However, it isn't as easy as it looks as a first-time homebuyer. Due to a lack o experience in property transactions, you might find it difficult even at the starting stage.

But if you are still adamant to go it on your own, try driving around neighbourhoods you're interested in and search for "For Sale" signs. Or if you can't seem to find the time, you might want to peruse the local newspaper or go online to get to know properties that will suite you.

Or you can chose to call on the expertise of a real estate agent. Based on the criteria you provide to them, agents are able to find sellers that meet your criteria.

Tip #4: Search the Home for Buying

After selecting several properties of your interest and meeting with a bank officer, the real fun begins - its time to see your potential home. Not just one, make sure to visit a variety of homes that fit your criteria and budget so you can compare what' on the market. You should analyze the homes you have visited and rank them according to your need. Decide which will serve your purpose and which will be more than your expectations.

Check out the neighborhoods, schools, crime rate, traffic, zoning, and work commutes. Visit properties you are seriously interested in at various times of the day to check traffic and congestion, parking availability, noise levels and general activities.

What may seem like a peaceful neighborhood at lunch can become a loud shortcut during rush hour, and you would never know it if you drove by only once.

Shop aggressively. Unless you are under the gun time-wise, look at as many homes as possible to get a sense of what's available. Don't rush into buying if you don't have to, some expert's say you need to look at 100 homes before you can decide on one.

Tip #5: Negotiation process

Once you have found a home that meets your needs and standards, it's time to make an offer. You will already know the most you can spend from the pre-approval process, and since you have seen so many properties, you probably will have your own ideas on what the property is actually worth.

If the seller accepts your first offer, congratulations! However if the seller rejects your offer, come back with a counter-offer. This negotiation process can go on for a short or long period of time, depending on factors such as the motivation of the seller, the local real estate market, and a host of other factors.

Tip #6: Get a good lawyer

Once your offer is accepted by the seller, you need to find a good lawyer to prepare the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA). Normally, you need to sign the SPA within a stipulated time (i.e. 14 days).

In the event of unforeseen circumstances and the 14 day period is not sufficient, ask your lawyer to write to the seller's lawyer to request for an extension. If you keep quiet, the seller might exercise his or her right to forfeit your deposit money.

Prior to the signing of SPA, make sure to have a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified and certified home inspector. A home inspection will protect you from flaws in the construction and condition of the home that are not obvious to the naked eye.

Home inspections can uncover things like foundation cracks, termite infestation and other home quality issues, this will eliminate any surprises after you move into your new home and if the above problems were discovered prior to the signing of the SPA, you may want to re-negotiate or withdraw from deal and demand a refund for all the money you had paid (depending on terms agreed).

If the home is furnished, ask the seller to give you an inventory list and attach it to the SPA. This list is useful during the handling over stage. It serves as a checklist for the stuffs that the seller has promised to give you.

Tip #7: Loan closing

Once the SPA is signed, the next thing to do is to present your SPA and other documents to the bank to secure your loan, your lawyer should be able to assist you on this. And normally, you will be given three to four months to settle the balance sum. Make sure you check all the terms and conditions in the loan agreement carefully before you sign. This is to ensure that you are getting the kind of loan package you intended to get in the first place.

Tip #8: Handling over

Once your bank has released the balance sum to the seller, its time for you to collect the keys and move in. However, you might want to perform a joint inspection with the seller or the seller's agent to ensure the home is what you expected and paid for. Use the inventory list to check the items in the home, if there are any discrepancies found, you may ask the seller to rectify the problems or compensate you. Although the process may seem intimidating at first - take a deep breath and jump in, not blindly but take the plunge prepared! In the end all the homework you did will pay off as you enjoy the atmosphere and lifestyle you have chosen - a reward well deserved! And you'll find yourself knowing a bit more about property in the process.
By doing this, you'll learn things you never realized. Over time, your 'ideal' home will evolve and change. If you are like most people, you will probably buy a home that is different from what you thought you wanted. Don't quickly discard houses. You will have a better understanding of what you want by taking a close look at many houses.

Tip 9: Exteriors Are Easy to Change
Some people will only look at a house if they like its appearance. However, usually the house's exterior can easily be changed. The changes to an exterior can be so dramatic that you won't realize you are looking at the same house. To change the exterior, you can use different windows, modify roof lines, and change exterior details. Don't judge a home by its appearance. It's the inside that really counts. After all, you'll spend 90% of your time on the inside of your home.

Tip 10: Hidden Potential
You might discard the right home because you don't see its hidden potential. For example, say you don't like living rooms and you avoid houses that have living rooms. However, a living room could serve another purpose. It could become a den, a nursery, or an additional bedroom. It could also be an excellent dining room. Changing the location of a doorway or adding a wall may convert a room into something you would really love. Sometimes all you need to do is rename a room. When looking at houses, look for the hidden potential.

Tip 11: Perfect Homes Don't Exist
Some people spend years searching for the perfect home. However, they never find it because their perfect home is a fantasy. It doesn't really exist. Be realistic when shopping for a home. Ask yourself what are features you must have and what are features you want to have. When you find a house that meets your requirements, it may not have all of your wants. However, if you hold on to your dream of a perfect home, you might pass up the right house and regret it later.

Design Tips

Interior Doorknobs - Make sure that the backset hole is drilled 2 and 3/4 inches NOT the standard 2 and 3/8 inches. Your knuckles will thank you.

Second Sink - We have a regular double bowl sink and a second small bar sink next to our refrigerator. The second sink has come in handy on many occasions!

High Vanities - Who says you have to use low cabinets in a bathroom? Are you tired of bending over to brush your teeth? Use kitchen cabinets in a bath or see if your cabinet company makes a 34.5 inch high cabinet instead of the usual 30 or 31 inch high bath cabinet.

Sit in the Shower - Shower seats are luxurious. Make sure it is at least 16 inches deep and anywhere from 14 to 17 inches tall.

Dual Shower Heads - Forget about all those fancy shower devices. Just install two faucets! The shower heads hit you from opposite directions. You may need an extra large water heater, so plan ahead!

Tall Garage Ceilings - The average garage has lots of wasted space. If you raise the ceiling to 12 feet, you can install a useful loft that will give you all sorts of wonderful storage opportunities.

Large Entry with Closet - Many entry halls are too small to comfortably greet 2 or more people. Make yours spacious if possible. Be sure to have a large coat closet somewhere in the space.

9 Foot Ceilings - You would be surprised what a difference rooms feel like with tall ceilings. If the rooms are really oversized, then you better consider 10 foot ceilings.

Kitchen Space - The distance between rows of cabinets or an island should be at least 42 inches. You will love this roomy feel.

Indirect Lighting - Indirect lighting can really set the mood in a room. It is not hard to achieve this goal. It is an excellent idea in a family room for night time TV viewing. Have you flown on an airplane at night? They use the soft indirect lighting technique above the windows.

Electrical Outlets - You need to think this one out by doing a furniture layout plan early in the job. Who wants outlets BEHIND a couch or a bed? They are useless! Place outlets exactly where lamps, radios, appliances are going to be. Place the outlets at a correct height so you don't have to bend over or see the cords under furniture.

Multi-Level Decks and Patios - A two or three tiered deck or patio with large areas at each level makes for a dramatic outdoor jewel. Plant colorful vegetation or place it in planters between each level.

Cooking Out - If you have natural gas or propane, be sure that it is extended outdoors for your grill.

Garage Outlets - Be sure there are electrical outlets on all four walls of your garage. Have the electrician place an outdoor outlet near the garage doors for easy access if you are working outside.

Wide Garage - Most garages are not wide enough. Be sure each garage door opening starts at least four feet away from a corner. Five feet is even better.

Window Seats - These items are charming and functional.

Laundry Room Counters - Where do you fold your clothes? A countertop in a laundry room is nice.

Slop Sink - Every house needs one. They used to be in basements. Put it near or in the laundry room.

Hot Water Loop - Do you wait for hot water at your plumbing fixtures? Install a simple re-circulating loop.

Storage Shelves - You simply can't have enough storage shelves. If you live in a slab home area, then make your garage extra large to house these shelves.

Attic Storage - Many modern houses have steep roofs. Even if you don't you can order cost effective attic or storage trusses. Not all of the roof has to be made from these! That will save money as well!

Paper Cutouts - You must do scale cutouts of furniture to make sure room sizes are correct and that you don't block interior pathways within rooms.

Wide Driveways - Plan for a 12 foot width for single driveways and at least 20 feet for double driveways.

Garage Doors - Double doors should be 18 feet wide and single doors should be 10 feet wide.

Technology Wiring - You must install CAT5 wiring to each room. Put it where you think a computer, TV, or appliance might be. Some rooms may need multiple cable drops. All cable runs must be home runs. Do not loop wire through the house!

Central Vacuums - They are a real treat. I love mine. Get one that is fully cyclonic.

Outdoor Conduits - Put multiple 3 inch PVC pipes under sidewalks, drives and patios. This will allow you to get wires to remote locations in the future.

Hidden Safe - You can buy affordable safes that can be hidden while you build. Buy a fireproof one!

Access Panels - Old homes had nice access panels to get to the back of tubs and other critical plumbing areas.

Shower Stalls - Minimum width should be 36 inches. Bigger is better here.

Fans, Dryers, etc. Outdoors - Vent all fans, dryers, etc. to the exterior of the home. Never dump this air into a crawlspace or attic.

Combustion Air - The code requires this but make sure it is not forgotten. It is a life safety issue.

Return Air Vents - If you have forced air heating and cooling each room, except for baths and kitchens, you must have return air vents!

Hidden Hallways - Each room has these. This is were you walk within a room. Make sure they are big enough and that you don't have too many entrances into a room. More entrances means more hallways which means less space for furniture.

Dual Staircases - Old homes often had a main and rear staircase. My house has two staircases into the basement. One leads directly to the garage. They are a treat.

Hillside Foundations - Who wants to see an ugly triangular shaped slab of concrete on the side wall of a house? Progressive foundation companies can install treated wood strips for siding or brick ledges so the foundation can be hidden. Ask about these.

Door Covers - Porches - Builders years ago knew it was nearly impossible to stop wind driven rain from getting into doors. That is one reason large covered porches are common on old homes. Put covered porches over all your exterior doors.

Overhangs - While on the same subject, roof overhangs help protect widows and the sides of the house. They work like umbrellas. Make sure they are at least 2 feet deep.

Laundry Chute - If your bedrooms are far away from the laundry room, you will love an old fashioned chute. Make sure it is smooth inside and at least 8 inches in diameter or 8 inches square.

Soundproofing - This is a hidden design feature. You must do everything possible to minimize sound transmission. Read my past column and Bulletin about this!

Creature Comfort - Consider radiant heating if possible. Go one step further if you have the right conditions and do geothermal. The best heating system is a mixture of radiant heating and forced air. The forced air system allows you to move air and filter it.

Built-in Speakers - Consider wall speakers for the dynamic new TV's, DVD's, etc. Wait till you see what you will be able to watch from the Internet in just 5 years or less!

Heated Garage Floor - Do you work on your own cars? Does it get cold? Part of your garage floor could have a radiant loop in it connected to a small water heater. Fire up the heater the day before you intend to work!

Wine Storage - Many people are starting to acquire and admire wine. You need a place to store it to maximize its flavor.

Low E Glass - Window Films - These invisible features will save you money and keep your possessions in good shape.

Plan for Future Expansion - Do you think you might do a room addition? If so, plan for it now to make sure a perfectly good room doesn't become a wasted space as it is transformed into the entrance into the room addition.

First Floor Bath - Every house needs a full first floor bath. Someone might get hurt or sick and can't go upstairs if you have a two story home.

Blocking - These hidden framing materials allow you to securely fasten grab bars, large pictures, holiday wreaths, etc. with comfort that they won't fall. You need to simply plan where to hang things. Use large 2 x 10 or 2 x 12 blocks to provide a large target area. Take photos before the drywall goes up to be able to locate them.

How To Avoid Getting Bit Buy Mosquitoes And Remidies For The Unlucky Ones

2007-11-24T13:45:00.000+05:30

Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Avoid bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes.

They are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

Many species of mosquito prefer biting from dusk until dawn. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. Avoid playing outdoors during the peak biting times in your area.

Citronella candles may be useful when your children are playing outside.

Try to stay away from still water.

People who are highly allergic should avoid vacationing in the Everglades.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an insect repellent on exposed areas of skin. The most effective compound is DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide), an ingredient in most insect repellents. However, insect repellents containing DEET should be used sparingly on children.

Don't apply insect repellent under clothes, or too much of the toxic substance may be absorbed. Also, avoid applying repellent to portions of the hands that are likely to come in contact with the eyes and mouth.

Pediatric insect repellents with only 6-10% DEET are available.

For greater protection, clothing and mosquito nets can be soaked in or sprayed with permethrin, which is an insect repellent licensed for use on clothing. If applied according to the directions, permethrin will repel insects from clothing for several weeks.

Skedaddle and Avon's Skin So Soft both work well for some kids. Neither these nor the stronger repellents stop mosquitoes from landing -- only from biting.

Some studies suggest that taking thiamine (vitamin B1) 25mg to 50 mg three times per day is effective in reducing mosquito bites. This safe vitamin apparently produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes (Pediatric Clinics of North America, 16:191, 1969). It seems to be especially effective for those people with large allergic reactions. Thiamine takes about 2 weeks before the odor fully saturates the skin.

Calomine lotion, or any lotion/cream on the market. It's used for many different itchy bites (and for poison ivy contact too, I think). Some contains stuff that counteracts allergic reactions to a point, too. There are some you can buy that contain antibiotics as well, to help prevent infection.

Home Remidies To Treat Mosquito Bites
Garlic may work in the same way (except, of course, the odor is detectable by humans), but I have seen no scientific studies supporting this.

Toothpaste. A little bit of toothpaste smeared over the bite will stop the itchy feeling quite well for most people.

Things You'll Need
1 regular aspirin
1 tsp. baking soda
8 oz. water
Washcloth
Steps
1
Step One
Dissolve the baking soda in water.
2
Step Two
Soak washcloth in baking soda solution.
3
Step Three
Ring out approximately half the solution out of the washcloth.
4
Step Four
Allow the wet washcloth to sit on the bites undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes.
5
Step Five
Dip one regular aspirin in the baking soda solution to moisten it. Do not allow it to dissolve.
6
Step Six
Rub the wet aspirin on the bites. This may deposit a white residue on the bites.
7
Step Seven
Remove the aspirin residue when dry with a soft cloth.
Tips & Warnings
For maximum effectiveness, use this remedy as soon as possible after the bite.
The best way to stop mosquito bites from itching is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

This remedy works, in part, by dissolving the enzyme the mosquito sprays on your skin to soften it enough to allow the bug to penetrate your skin. If you don't have baking soda, a drop of ammonia or nail polish remover will also work. Follow up with the aspirin treatment to reduce swelling.

Do not apply this or any other home remedy to broken skin. If the bites have been scratched to the point of bleeding, treat the bites as wounds prone to infection. Cleanse, disinfect and wrap the bites in bandages until healed.

Smart Way To Never Forget Anything

2007-11-24T13:31:00.000+05:30

The Best Way To Give Your Clothes Of Without The Slightest Pain

2007-11-24T10:26:00.000+05:30

After you’ve done a major purge of your closet, remove all the remaining clothes that live on hangers, and put them back in backwards, such that the open end of each hanger now faces you. Got it?

Then, mark your calendar for six months (or whatever) from today, and go back to your business as usual. Except that after every time you wear a shirt or a jacket or a skirt or what have you, when you replace the item, make sure the hanger faces the opposite/usual way (with the opening in the back).

When your n months have passed, and your calendar reminds you that it’s time, open your closet and remove every piece of clothing on a backward hanger; the chances are good you can give it away without the slightest pain, because you just clearly demonstrated that you don’t wear it.

How To Be The Best Mom In The World

2007-11-13T22:13:00.000+05:30

Being a good mother isn’t always about the kids. A “stressed-out” mother will find it very hard to be a good mother. No matter how much you love your kids, when you are stressed, it is difficult to be the best mother you can be. So, what can you do?

TIP ONE: Start your morning off with inspiration. Keep an inspirational book at your bedside, and before you get out of bed in the morning take a few minutes to read from it. Any amount of time is fine, if you only have two minutes, then just take two minutes, if you have longer, take longer.

One of my favorites is, “The Woman’s Book of Courage” - by Sue Patton Thoele

Any book that gives you inspiration and hope is fine, I actually like to keep a few different ones at my bedside, so I can switch it up.

Some other authors that are good for this purpose are; Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Louise L. Hay, Gary Zukav, Shakiti Gawain, or any book of meditations, thoughts, or affirmations.

TIP TWO: Practice patience throughout your day. You will never be perfect at this, but try to catch yourself when you are being impatient. You might be in line at the grocery store or stuck in traffic, but when you feel you are losing your patience, try and get it back. Remind yourself, that these moments can be a time for reflection, in slowing down and being “in the moment”. Rather than getting sucked into the negative aspects of being impatient, choose to be patient. Just try it, even if it just works half the time, that’s half the time that you’re not letting yourself get all stressed out.

TIP THREE: At the end of your day, take a few minutes again, to read from your books of inspiration and hope. Also, start a journal on the things and people in your life that you are grateful for. These two things will help you end your day on a positive note.

TIP FOUR:Keep a good sense of humor. When your day is going all wrong, there are two ways that you can handle it. You can either stress and be miserable or laugh it off and make the best of it. The latter will keep you and your child in good spirits.

TIP FIVE:Go with the flow. There are some things that cannot be planned or controlled. When a baby cries or has a dirty diaper or decides to wake up early from a nap are a few of these things. If you are used to having complete control of your life, you may want to reconsider your strategy. When it comes to having children, you must be flexible and willing to adjust and adapt.

TIP FOUR:Find your inner strength. You were once used to receiving eight hours of sleep at night and now you are functioning on three to five hours each night. You will complete tasks that you once thought as being impossible.

TIP SIX:Be prepared. Always be ready when things do not go as planned. Keep a back-up pacifier, extra change of clothes, and plenty of occupiers. When your baby gets sick in the car or traffic is jammed, move to plan two instead of getting yourself worked-up.

TIP SEVEN:Be clever. When it comes to keeping children asleep, busy, or quite, moms rate number one. Moms are the best at finding the least disruptive paths when moving a sleeping child from one location to another.

TIP EIGHT:Take advantage of down times. You will spend much of your day caring for, cleaning up after, and occupying your children. However, most days will have bouts of down time. Be able to let go and relax during these times. They may be the only things that will keep you going for the next hours to come.

TIP NINEDevelop your independence. If you are staying at home alone with your baby, chances are that you will be required to take care of some situation on your own. Make sure that you have your own set of tools (screwdriver, hammer, etc). In the early years, toys and baby equipment will need assembling. Later, science and art projects will need your attention.

TIP TEN:Get in touch with your physic powers. You never knew that you had it but chances are that you do. When you sense that something is not right, go with your gut. You are usually right. Never go against your best judgment when it comes to your children.

As a mother of teenagers, do you know how many times I picked up the phone to apologize to my own mother?
- Christy Borgeld

Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.
- Virginia Satir

We should never permit ourselves to do anything that we are not willing to see our children do.
- Brigham Young

Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.
- Kim Rohn

Motherhood qualified me to let the child within come out and play.
- Christy Borgeld

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.
- Richard Bach

It is better to bind your children to you by a feeling of respect and by gentleness, than by fear.
- Terence
Level with your child by being honest. Nobody spots a phony quicker than a child.
- Mary MacCracken

If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.
- Abigail Van Buren

Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be.
- David Bly

Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.
- Harold Hulbert

Fathers are like a lighthouse… when there is fog his children can always depend on seeing the light.
- Christy Borgeld

To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself.
- Chinese Proverb

Instill great values in your children today and your grandchildren will prosper tomorrow.
- Christy Borgeld

Children are the reward of life.
- Congolese Proverb

My fathers planted for me, and I planted for my children.
- Hebrew Proverb

The foundation my parents laid down with our faith continues to be my core.
- Christy Borgeld

A child becomes an adult when he realizes that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong.
- Thomas Szasz

It takes a whole village to raise a child.
- African Proverb

Adults are dead children
- Michael Brown

Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction - Anne Sullivan

Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home.
- Bill Cosby

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him ‘father.’
- Lydia Maria Child

How To Be A Powerful World Leader

2007-11-13T22:09:00.000+05:30

There are many books on leadership. They can have lots of great examples and in-depth explanations, but sometimes you just need something simple to help you focus on the essentials. This article intends to do just that. These are the habits that will help you and your team achieve great things if you focus on them.

1. Goals. Make it simple and easy for your team to understand the mission and to understand their part in achieving it.
Concise Goals. Keep them simple and easy to understand.
Focus your team on as few goals as possible.
Communicate the team's goals Often and through Various Means (team meetings, individual meetings, emails, posters, slogans). And then do it some more.
Track progress on goals.
Involve team players in tracking the goals so that they own the results.

2. Motivating People. What you reward gets done. It's that simple.
Incent team players to do the tasks that are most critical for reaching the team's goals. Make sure the rewards are meaningful to people. Understand each player and what they want from their job and in life. That's how you'll know how to reward them.
Praise, Thank, and Recognize big and small contributions by individuals. Do this often and then do it some more.
Set High Expectations. People will live UP to or DOWN to the expectations you set. Set them high and you're saying, "I believe in your ability to do great things!"
Empower people by delegating responsibility.
Celebrate team accomplishments often.
Encourage Fun. Make the work place a fun place to be. Yes, work needs to get done but short fun breaks can make all the difference in the culture of your team.
Pride. Foster a sense of pride in your team. As a team you could establish a mascot, create a team chant, and have a meeting that is focused solely on each individual's strengths and the team's overall strengths.

3. Walk Your Talk. You need to practice what you preach. This is how you establish trust and credibility.
Model the Way by participating in the team's tasks as much as your position allows.
Be Honest. Deliver on your promises. Actions speak louder than words.
Challenge Yourself. Do your best (and then some) just like you ask your team to do their best.
Speak Up. Just like your team members sometimes need to let you know what they've done in order for you to be able to recognize and praise them. They, in turn, need to know what you've been working on and what you've accomplished. So find ways to communicate this, modeling this key behavior.
Stay Sharp. You need to be competent for others to follow you. If you're not improving, you're falling behind. Always be learning and keep on top of the latest skills, technology, and knowledge in your field.

4. Inspire through a combination of
Unwavering Positive Future Vision
Commitment to Improve things along the way that will make that positive vision a reality.
Ability to Bootstrap as necessary when resources are tight.

5. Process Power. Good process is like having a high performance machine. Sloppy process makes things fall apart. So be sure to establish these key habits with your team.
Establish Routines. Do this for the team and also work with each individual to come up with their own high productivity routines. These are routines that dictate what work is done when.
Establish Processes for all the tasks that are done repeatedly. It takes time to set up at first, but after that it will pay off in saved time and less errors. Processes describe how work is done and might involve systems for doing the work.
Task Assignment. As much as possible, assign tasks according to the strengths of each teammate.

6. Change. Embrace change by seeking it out. This will tread a path for your teammates to follow.
Change Routines Quarterly. Look for better ways to achieve the team's goals.
Take Risks. Don't be afraid of failure. No one ever reaches great heights without a few failures.
Learn. Learn as a team from failures. "How can we improve it the next time?"
Encourage team members to take smart risks too by making it safe to fail. Focus on learning from past experiences and building upon them to find better solutions.

7. Advocacy. Support your team and they'll support you.
Promote your team members. Make sure others outside your team know about the individual team members' successes. You want your team members to excel and even graduate away from your team possibly. Don't worry. If your team is great there will be plenty of others who will want to join! This natural turnover of team members is like the renewal of cells in your body. It is necessary and healthy.
Promote your team. It's your job to market the great accomplishments of your team in order to get the rewards, recognition, and resources that your team deserves.
Fight for the most important resources and changes that will benefit your team and the organization overall. Remember to pick your battles wisely.
What else do you think is essential for a good leader? Got a good story? Please Share in the comments. We'd love to hear from you!

How To Stop Cooking Uncooked Food

2007-11-13T22:04:00.000+05:30

Are you sure you are using the correct cooking method to cook your foods? Do you even know the difference? Find out below.

Braising
It is a cooking method usually used for meat and tough vegetables. First the ingredients are browned, and then slowly cooked in a tightly covered pot with some cooking liquid over low heat for a long period of time. The cooking liquid can be water, wine or stock.

Tips
The ingredients should be cut uniformly; same size.

If you don't like bones, no need to struggle to remove them while chopping them. Just cook it with the bone. It will be easier to separate the flesh and the bone after cooking.

Always turn off the heat before all the cooking fluid is over. The remaining fluid will be absorbed by the ingredients making them juicier and meltingly tender.

Braising vegetables and fruits takes less time. It takes less than 30 minutes for vegetables and fruits to cook. So add them midway while cooking your meat.

If you like some sauce to your curry, then uncover the cooking ware for the last 30-15 minutes. The excess fluid will evaporate leaving quite a thick sauce.

Suitable for: Meat, chicken, fish, vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, beet, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, etc) and fruits (pineapples, pears, apples).

Grilling and broiling
Both techniques use intense direct heat to cook foods. The cook needs to be very cautious to avoid burning. They provide a similar charring and caramelization that give food that distinct flavor.

Tips
Try remove the maximum of grease from the meat you are going to cook. Fats that drip on the hot heating element or charcoal produce cancer causing emissions.
.
It is very difficult to remove all the fats from your meat. In this case just wrap your meat in aluminum foil before grilling.

If you don't appreciate red meat, cut the meat in thin slices. They will be thoroughly and homogenously cooked faster.

A good marinade will give a good flavor to your food. Use lemon juice, herbs and spices and allow your meat to marinate for at least 2 hours.

If you are grilling chicken, it is best to remove its skin.

Never let your food unattended when grilling or broiling. The food cooks so fast that it can be spoilt by burning for the slightest delay on your behalf.

Always do grilling in open spaces or in well ventilated areas.

The food often catches fire. Do not throw water directly. The grease may splash and burn you as well as your surrounding. I usually use a mixture of beer and soda to extinguish the fire. Or you can simply turn off the heater if you are using electrical grills or broilers.

Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case things get out of control.

Suitable for: Sliced ham, bacon, fish, calf's liver and all tender meat in general.

Poaching
Poaching is the process of gently simmering food in liquid, generally water, stock or wine. In poaching the cooking liquid maintains a constant temperature. It is a fast method of cooking tender food and the food is moved as little as possible minimizing the effect of break up or fall apart.

Tips
Avoid a too high temperature to prevent agitation of the liquid. The liquid should not form bubbles inside.

Make sure to have enough liquid in the pan for both deep and shallow poaching.

Poaching keeps flavors of food well and does not add fats/oils.

Suitable for : Eggs in water, fish in white wine, poultry in stock, fruit in red wine, duck in fat.

Baking
Baking is more known to be used for dessert and bread. It is similar to roasting except that the temperature is much lower.

Tips
It does not require fat. A small amount can be added for taste.

To prevent the food from drying, baste it from time to time.

Suitable for: Seafood, poultry, lean meat, and vegetables and fruits

Roasting
Roasting is a cooking method that utilizes dry heat, whether an open flame, oven, or other heat sources. Roasting usually causes caramelization of the surface of the food, which is considered a flavor enhancement.

Tips
Marinate the meat or chicken to be roasted. Use spices and herbs as well as lemon juice.

So that the marinate penetrates the meat better, prick it or make cut across it. Allow to stand for a minimum of 2 hours.

Do not add any fat. The fat from the meat is more than enough.

Place the food on a tray to collect the excess fat during the cooking process.

Turn the meat twice or thrice for a homogenous cooking.

Suitable for: Meats and most root and bulb vegetables.

Sautéing
Sautéing is one of the easiest and quickest methods of cooking. It is a technique of browning foods quickly over high heat in a small amount of hot fat.

Tips
The fat is very hot so that the food browns well and doesn't absorb the fat.

The pan is low sided and large enough to hold the food without crowding so that the food browns quickly rather than stewing in its own juices.

The food to be cooked is completely dry to prevent it from stewing (this parts is particularly important when sautéing foods that have been marinated).

It is recommended to use a thick pan. a thin pan will not dissipate a uniform heat thus burning the food in the middle of the pan.

Use a high temperature in the beginning and while coming to the end, gradually lower it. This will help to produce consistent sauce in case you are preparing one.

Use butter rather than oil. It will give your food the best taste and a wonderful golden crust. But precautions must be taken as butter burns more easily.

Suitable for: Meat, potatoes , onions, bacons.

Stir-frying
Do you like Asian foods? Stir-frying is an Asian technique for cooking meat and vegetables quickly, so that they retain texture and flavor. Stir-frying typically involves a quick sauté over high heat, occasionally followed by a brief steam in a flavored sauce.

Tips
A marinade for the meat or seafood before the stir-frying helps to enhance the flavor and seal in the moisture. Cornstarch is often called for, along with a small amount of liquid like soy sauce or rice wine

To enjoy the health benefits of stir frying, you need to quickly remove the food from the heater. The food especially the vegetables will preserve most of their nutritive contents.

Cut your food in small pieces. This will allow you to use a larger variety of ingredients and yet in smaller portions. Different types of food imply a range of health benefiting nutrients.

You can use the same dish to do all your food since it is a very quick method

Since we use a variety of ingredients, we can prepare a balanced diet very quickly by including cuts of meat or seafood paired with large quantities of inexpensive rice, pasta and vegetables.

Suitable for: Fried rice, riz Cantonai, meat, sea foods and almost every vegetables.

Steaming
At last, my favorite technique. Steaming consists of cooking food by placing it in a perforated basket placed over a recipient of boiling water.

Tips
Cover the perforated basket to allow a uniform and high temperature around the food being cooked.

This technique requires a very low temperature to work properly. It preserves the nutritive value and integrity of the food.

There are less risks of burns compared to techniques where higher temperatures are used.

It requires no fat at all and uses only water.

Suitable for: Rice, leafy vegetables and to heat precooked foods.

Cooking technique is as important as choosing the components of a balanced diet. Choosing the correct food but not cooking it correctly can do as much or even more harm than selecting the wrong food.

Grilling Tips

2007-11-13T21:10:00.000+05:30

Try remove the maximum amount of grease possible from the meat you are going to cook. Fats that drip on the hot heating element or charcoal produce cancer causing emissions.

It is very difficult to remove all the fats from your meat. In this case just wrap your meat in aluminum foil before grilling.

If you don't appreciate red meat, cut the meat in thin slices. They will be thoroughly and homogeneously cooked faster.

A good marinade will give a good flavor to your food. Use lemon juice, herbs and spices and allow your meat to marinate for at least 2 hours.

If you are grilling chicken, it is best to remove its skin.

Never leave your food unattended when grilling or broiling. The food cooks so fast that it can be ruined quickly by burning it.

Always do grilling in open spaces or in well ventilated areas.

Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case things get out of control.

How To Repair Nokia Keypad Buttons That Stopped Working

2007-11-13T20:42:00.000+05:30

here is a little tip for nokia technicians, when you have a nokia mobile phone with stiff or buttons that do not work, open the phone to see the keypad button sheet layer and with a tweezer peel back the sheet (usually white on nokias) and you will see a silver circle round conducter you will need to clean it with cloth or just grab a broken mobile phone keypad and just peel off the silver circle conducter and replace this with other keypad silver circle conducter. now you will have a working keypad on your nokia unfortunately i do not have pictures of the proccess

Earphone lines that flash with your music

2007-11-13T20:37:00.000+05:30

This is a cool concept. Not shown is the battery box that the system needs though.

http://www.gearfuse.com/earphone-cables-flash-with-your-music/

How to Make a Duct Tape Cell Phone Case

2007-11-13T20:27:00.000+05:30

"Instead of buying a fancy, expensive cell phone case at the store, you can make your own from one of the world's most versatile materials--duct tape! With just one roll, you can create a custom-fit case that'll protect your phone from scratches."

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Duct-Tape-Cell-Phone-Case

World's Largest Helicopter -- 231,485 lb. Maximum Takeoff Weight

2007-11-13T20:17:00.000+05:30

The Soviet Union developed the Mil V-12 during the 1960s. This gigantic aircraft had a maximum takeoff weight of 231,485-pounds and featured dual rotors, mounted at the end of each wing. It was deemed a failure due to its large size and poor maneuverability -- two prototypes were built.

Money Saving Tips For Single Mothers

2007-11-13T20:09:00.000+05:30

Do you have a system for bills and account statements? This could help you to track your finances, pay bills on time, stay within budget, and alert you to questionable charges.

Do you take notes when you're on the phone with a customer service rep? This could help you to resolve discrepancies and achieve faster results on similar issues in the future.

Do you have a junk drawer or closet? Cleaning it out can help you to avoid buying what you already have.

Do you keep up with product warranties/receipts? Keeping them in a safe place will ensure mfg/store replacement, instead of buying a new one.

Disorder is the culprit of my waste. The examples above are just a few mistakes I've made this year alone. If I added them all up, I could have probably saved $1,000 or more.

Think long term and think real savings...get organized!

Another Cheap Homemade AC

2007-11-13T19:38:00.000+05:30

Materials used:

• Aluminum repair roll ($10-15)
• Nuts, bolts, and washers ($5-10)
• Waterproof silicone ($5-10)

Total cost: $20-35

The heat exchanger is made from straight sections of aluminum (cut from the repair roll) bent into a U-shape, and bolted together, as shown (Figure 1, 2, 3). Silicone was used to seal the gaps along the edges and around the bolts.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Air enters one end of the heat exchanger, cools down as it passes through the U-shaped channel, and exits the other end.

The cooling medium is ice-water (Figure 4).

Figure 4

The heat exchanger is placed inside the container (Figure 5).

Figure 5

The water level inside the container is deliberately kept low (less than half full) because a smaller amount of water gets colder for a given amount of ice. The trade-off with this is that there is less heat exchanger area in contact with the water, meaning the air doesn't cool as much as it passes through.

The balance is in using a volume of water such that you keep the water temperature as low as you can (for a fixed amount of ice), while providing sufficient heat exchanger area (in contact with the water) to obtain decent cooling of the air.

A fan is connected to the intake side of the heat exchanger via a plastic bag taped at the two interfaces. It's crude but nevertheless, it's an easy way to accommodate the transition and ensures that air enters the exchanger without leaking. See Figure 6.

Figure 6

The ice-water temperature was approximately 4.5 degrees Celsius.

The temperature drop of the exiting air was approximately 8 degrees Celsius**.

The fan speed was set on low.

If you don't have any ice available you can fill the container up completely with water and the air will be cooled very close to the water temperature. Tap water in the summer, in my area, is about 20 degrees Celsius. This will provide sufficient cooling on really hot days. Also, a larger volume of water will cool for a longer period of time. The container I used holds about 20 liters of water, enough cooling for a few hours.

Technical Notes:

• The cross-section of the heat exchanger is 1 cm x 25 cm. This yields a high wetted perimeter relative to cross-sectional area, inducing turbulence and improving heat transfer in a predictable way. To calculate this I used equations for internal flow from my heat transfer book.

• Lower fan speed results in greater cooling since the air stays in contact longer with the heat exchanger.

• The cross-sectional area of the heat exchanger is roughly 4 in2. This keeps the back-pressure reasonably low on the fan. An opening less than 1 cm wide can be used to achieve even greater cooling, but care has to be taken to keep flow (pumping) loss to a minimum. With a smaller cross-sectional area the fan can't push the air through as fast, meaning you have to set the fan speed higher, or get a stronger fan to push the air through at the same speed.

• Flow length also contributes to pumping loss, although it's not as strong an influence as cross-sectional area. It too must be balanced with the desired exit temperature and allowable fan power.

** With the heat exchanger immersed in the ice-water, I measured the exiting air temperature as 10-11 degrees Celsius. With the heat exchanger not immersed, I measured the exiting air temperature as 18-19 degrees Celsius.

How To Make The World's Coolest And Cheapest Homemade Airconditioner

2007-11-13T19:23:00.000+05:30

Here's the overall view of the unit. A high speed fan pushes the air through the perfectly sized radiator, and water flow rate is controlled by a small hand valve.

The radiator itself was horribly filthy when I first took it off, but a quick soak in some warm water and light detergent took care of it.

I placed the fan fairly close to the radiator itself, and it works great. I typically put the fan on the medium or low setting, as I notice little benefit from the high speed setting other than increased noise.

The radiator was almost perfect, it only needed to be raised by a centimeter or so to align with the fan.

To calibrate the valves, the small hand valve inside is first opened wide and the garden hose opened or closed to find an appropriate upper flowrate. Then the hand valve may be used to vary the water flow or turn it off entirely.

The nice thing about this new setup is that all control is now done from inside the room. Starting and stopping the unit is far more convenient, which leads to more efficient water usage.

The performance of the unit is drastically improved over the old design. Less water is needed, and the room cools quicker.

The water first runs through this coil, through the ice water, and then out to the fan

Here we can see the aquarium pump submerged in the ice water. The aim was to increase the power of the pump, and replace the polystyrene container with something more permanent. A small freezer with its heat vented to the outside would be ideal.

All Credit Goes To Pete And Geoff For Their Wonderfull Invention.

Homemade Car Air Coditioning

2007-11-13T19:15:00.000+05:30