The Importance Of Positive Values

What is a value?
A value is generally understood to be something that society has a strong belief in its goodness or otherwise. Examples of positive values are:

• Freedom
• Education
• Generosity etc.

Examples of negative values are:

• Cruelty
• Crime
• Injustice etc.

The criteria used to determine the value effect on society i.e, whether a value is positive or negative depends on the norms or the standards acceptable to that society. For example, killling someone for an unjustifiable verdict is strongly unacceptable to any civilized society. However, we know of some tribal societies who would be willing to take someone else's life for a trivial reason.

Now let us look at the business sector. In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s the Japanese have surpassed the western economies through use of Quality Control Circles (QCC) and Total Quality Management(TQM). The Japanese economic model of development puts emphasis on worker attitudes, his loyalty and his service to the customer. The west has been engrossed in personal accomplishments through their innovative management techniques.

Since the advent of the internet and modern means of tranportation, every economic model focuses to satisfy the customer or consumer. The result is that these economies have produced a super rich class of individuals whilst the lower tier in some of these societies live homeless on the streets pounded by the rich and powerful.

A cursory look closer to our hearts at home in Maldives reveals a disturbing situation. Prior to 1970s, we were largely living a life of subsistence dependent on fishing. We lived in a close-knit society where extended families often living under one roof contributed to each other. Community spirit of caring and giving was high. Communal harmony, social justice, love and respect for parents and for each other were distinguishing charcteristics of our society. Most of us were poor but we lived honourable lives.

After the 1970s, tourism has become our lifeline. The tourist dollar has brought prosperity with an unequitable distribution of wealth, not only creating a wider gap between the rich and the not so rich`but also harbouring deep resentment between the "haves" and the "have nots." We have given up our traditional sarongs to wear the western dress of trouser and shirt. We have given in to the urge to spend our last cent to wear the latest fashion. The number of shops packed with consumer goods is testamony of how good we are at it.

We are proud to wear "a 100 muslim nation" as a badge of convenience, though we have managed to suit a liberal lifestyle that is now under pressure to change. Sadly, a large chunk of our younger generation is caught up with addiction to substance abuse and we have not shown the resolve and the will to deal with this deadly problem through suitable medical treatment and firm legislative action.

Unknown to the present generation, Male' used to be a clean and green island with plenty of living space, beautiful gardens and homes. We have even scavanged the burial grounds of mosques disturbing the dead, before the living woke up to reclaim land for a growing society. Our ancestral homes in Male' have been divided up creating a mini urban jungle resembling sardines packed into a can.

How we ended up in this situation, the debate is raging all around us with ferocity and venom, at times unbecoming of the "100 percent muslim" tag that all of us so proudly wear.

Avoid This Kind Of Kiss For It Can Kill.

A teenage girl from from Saguenay, 155 miles north of Quebec City, died a few days after kissing her boyfriend who had eaten a peanut butter sandwich.

The official cause of death has not been released but it is believed that remnants of peanuts on the tongue could be fatal to an allergic person.

For anyone who has such an allergy, hold back your urge and get the partner to clean up the nuts or better convince the partner to avoid eating the peanuts; a small price to pay for the dear life.

When Fear Runs The Economy And Your Life

For those of you interested to know about the effects of soaring oil prices, indecisive policies affecting markets etc. read this article through the headline link.

Investors drive stockmarkets forward or backward by their greed and fear. Polticians will manipulate and create uncertainity which is so vital to run the markets. China and India are booming and some economic experts predict that we are coming to a golden era for the Asia Pacific Region. Whether you believe the pundits or not, do your ownwork to ride the crest of the advancing wave and laugh off counting your wealth.

Do You Eat To Relieve Stress

Eating good food is a necessity to maintain the metabolisms of our body. It is also one of the most pleasure giving experiences. Unfortunately, it also has a negative side.

Some people crave for food when they are not just hungry, but when they are angry as well. They load themselves up when they are under stress or face tensions. They bloat their bodies or bulge in the wrong places. They may mistakenly believe that they have a sweet tooth. They think it is cool to indulge in daily rituals of chocolate and ice creams.

For more information please click on the link on my headline.

Why Do Good People Do Bad Things?

This is a question that is posed when sometimes you can't explain the behaviour of people who you consider are generally good.

The question takes you through a subjective analysis of several words. Who is a "good" person? Why do they do "bad things?" In order to delve further, you'll want to determine what motivates these individuals to do what they do.

Let us take an example, if someone lies to you and if doesn't harm anyone, would you say that he is a bad person or that he did a bad thing. Many would argue that it depends on what the person lied about or even why he lied about it.

Taking a religious perspective, many would say that the Original Sin is a doctrine of Chrsitian Theology that accepts the universal sinfulness of the human race.

The muslim would declare an outright 'no' to lying as his scripture forbids such action.

Lesser mortals, for behaviour that is unexplained go down the path of doing "things" you can consider are bad.

In business, most would agree that cheating is bad but many do it. Let me throw in an example. Duty has to be paid for most goods that are imported into the country. Many would readily reduce the invoice value of their goods so that they can pay less duty therby increasing the prospect of selling their goods and making a higher profit? Is this good or bad. Some people see nothing wrong in it. Some can't even think of surviving in retail trade unless they engage in such action. Some would even exend the argument stating that you don't owe such duty to a callous state and therfore underdeclaring of invoice value is perfectly ok. Most of these people are generally good and do not wish to engage in doing anything bad.

When I wrote in this piece, I knew I don't have the simple answers. But we all need to reflect and adopt a value driven approach in our life so that we do not corrupt our soul and society.

Live Your Best Life

In the past family unity used to be taken for granted when families and extended families used to live together. This is especially true in the Asian culture with a strong tradition that puts the interests of society over individual. Well, these norms are changing fast. Now the emphasis is on individual development with capitalism as the model of development. Some countries use it as the broader political system for common good while others use it in the narrower sense of operating a free market.

The implications for the individual is far reaching. It is everyone's dream and goal to do well in life and climb up the economic ladder. In so doing the emphasis is now on the self. Family values are changing. The term "family rituals" not commonly heard before is being used frequently to refer to family gatherings such as birthday parties or other informal events.

We now have to find the time to meet our older parents, siblings or other relatives who live independent lifestyles. The intesity of these relationships is becoming weak, with individuals looking for materialistic and economic benifits as the the only accepted measure of social progress. Family unity is on the decline and ultimately the society will suffer.

Tehnologically we have developed by leaps and bounds, but the human beings and what makes a person happy, sad or other deeper emotions remain unchanged. We need each other in companionship and in relationships. The virtual generation has more tools availabe to make this happen but we have to recoginze this fact first, before we can begin to work to connect with each other in meaningful ways and nurture relationships for the longer term.

Football Legend George Best Dies

The world mourns the passing of a football legend. The sad news was confirmed at 12:55 GMT on Friday in a statement from the Cromwell Hospital in United Kingdom.

Arguably he was the most gifted British footballer of all time. He was charismatic on and off the field. He belonged to the generation of the 60s that was free-spirited and rebellious experimenting with drugs and alchohol. Tragically his over dependence on alchohol has taken a heavy toll on his life which eventually brought about this very sad end. He was a football genius. Fans of Manchester United and the football fraternity, will always remember him for his silky football skills and the magic and sheer joy of George Best, truly the BEST.

RIP George.

Theme Parks: Big Business In The Digital Age

Digital Theme Parks are offering interactive features and a customised user experience based on the taste of the person who enters the park. The big guns of the industry like the Disney World, Universal Studios and others are taking the illusionary entertainment sky high. Digital artists, 3D modelers and animators and gaming professionals are smiling like never before.

You'll enjoy the fun of this amazing experience by just a click at home. If your interest is in any of these field you can do more yourself. Why not create an indigenous character and market it yourself. Take a virtual tour of the famous studios here

Annual Thanksgiving

Every year millions of Americans clog the roads to travel to someone else's home for Thanksgiving Turkey. This demonstrates the American spirit of generosity. The same spirit can can be extended across the the globe and in our daily lives. Let us share the resources of this planet equitably, for we came here with none and shall carry none with us when we leave.

A Dictator At His Life's End Is About To Face Trial

Former Chilean dictator, 90 years old general Pinochet has been put under house arrest for charges of tax evasion and corruption. Pinochet has been indicted twice in the past for human rights abuses but the courts blocked the trial on health grounds .

Tyrants and dictators can take note that the ghosts of their past evils will haunt them every step of the journey of their life. Pinochet's example shows that they can run but they can't hide.

Liberty Quotes From My Gmail In Box

"Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous.They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive."
-- Henry Steele Commager(1902-1998) Historian and authorSource: Freedom and Order, 1966http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Henry.Commager.Quote.38DB

"Who are a free people? Not those over whom government is exercised,but those who live under a government so constitutionally checked andcontrolled that proper provision is made against its being otherwiseexercised."
-- John Dickenson(1732-1808)Source: Farmer’s Letters, 1767http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/John.Dickenson.Quote.38FF

"Freedom includes the right to say what others may object to and resent...The essence of citizenship is to be tolerantof strong and provocative words."
-- John G. Diefenbaker(1895-1979) Prime Minister of CanadaSource: Hansard, 9 April 1970http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/John.Diefenbaker.Quote.3901= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WHAT DO YOU THINK? Rate these quotes!http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/DailyQuotes Click open the quote you wish to rate, and enter your comments.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
\r\n\r\nShare these quotes -- spread them around!\r\nMany have sacrificed their lives for our Liberty.\r\nLet us renew our commitment to Freedom.\r\n\r\nLiberty Quotes - http://www.blogger.com/\r\n\r\n= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =\r\nTo receive a daily Liberty Quote, click link below:\r\nhttp://www.blogger.com/\r\nOr send an email to http://www.blogger.com/\r\nwith \'Subscribe\' as the Subject.\r\n\r\nTo stop receiving Liberty Quotes, click link below:\r\nhttp://www.blogger.com/\r\nOr send an email to http://www.blogger.com/\r\nwith \'Unsubscribe\' as the Subject.\r\n\r\nBut don\'t go away mad, RANT on these quotes!\r\nhttp://www.blogger.com/\r\n\r\nNOTE: If you are subscribed under a different email address than this one,\r\nthen please make sure you include it in the body of the message.\r\n= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =\r\n\r\n"Life is a gift, Freedom is a responsibility."\r\n\r\nLiberty-Tree.ca (c) Copyright 2005\r\n",0]
);
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Share these quotes -- spread them around!Many have sacrificed their lives for our Liberty.Let us renew our commitment to Freedom.Liberty Quotes - http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =To receive a daily Liberty Quote, click link below:mailto:liberty.quotes@telemanage.ca?Subject=SubscribeOr send an email to liberty.quotes@telemanage.cawith 'Subscribe' as the Subject.To stop receiving Liberty Quotes, click link below:mailto:liberty.quotes@telemanage.ca?Subject=UnsubscribeOr send an email to liberty.quotes@telemanage.cawith 'Unsubscribe' as the Subject.But don't go away mad, RANT on these quotes!http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/DailyQuotesNOTE: If you are subscribed under a different email address than this one,then please make sure you include it in the body of the message.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="Life is a gift, Freedom is a responsibility."

Email Therapy Is Just As Good

If you are down and having a panic attack the internet may help you just as much or better than your tradional thrapist. That's according to a study coducted by Monash University. So, hopefully more guys will get hooked on to the internet, the psychiatrists can put websites and offer internet-based therapy.

This Year's Worst Worm Is Out

Virus writers are out in force and making money. Sober-Y is the new version of an earlier virus. It piggybacks on the earlier virus that has already affected thousands of computers. Experts are calling it the most widespread outbreak this year.

Take note this. "To become infected, recipients must click on the attachment, which is zipped, then unpack the zipped file, and then agree to run the executable file that appears. That provides several chances for a consumer to realize something is suspicious."
Use an anti-virus program to protect your computer. It seems this is a cat and mouse game. Just when anti-virus experts think they have defeated the virus, a new wave of super virus is released.

Moderate Muslims Fight Back ... Against Terror

• Who is a moderate muslim anyway?
  Fundamentally, a muslim who is true to his faith could be considered a fundamentalist, ie. a good practising muslim. Such a muslim shoul d be tolerant of other religions and willing to live in peace and harmony with everyone else regardless of race, religion or creed.
  
  So, where does the "moderate muslim" fit?
  At best the label is misleading, at worst it allows mortals to cloak in robes and preach divinity as though they are the only ones who know how to live according to tenets of Islam.
  
  Let me make it very clear before the religious zealots are out to sharpen their swords.
  
  I condemn all acts of terrorism, whether they are committed by individuals with twisted logic or by desparate souls brainwashed by ideolgical fanatics or by state sponsored terrorism wanting to maintain power or achieve unjust ends. In short, I condemn violence in all its forms.
  
  I also believe that every human being deserves and must be allowed the right to live and prosper in honour and dignity.
  
  After 9/11 attacks in the US, muslims are facing social and political pressures to take a stand against terrorism. This is understandable and appropriate.
  
  If you care to look at the present problems in the hotspots of terrorism in the world these will stand out as glaring facts.
• Osama Bin Laden would never have become the mastermind of a terror organization if the US did not support him in the mountains of Afghanistan to fight against the Soviet troops
• The US conveniently used the Pakistani Madrassahs who turned out a radical brand of Islam and sent their recruits to Afghanistan to fight the occupying Soviets.
• Sadam Hussain was supported by US, when he waged a seven year war aginst Iran, killing more than a million people on both sides. The US wanted stop Ayotollah Khomeni from spreading his brand of Islam across the Arabian Pensiula, to protect Saudi Arabian Oil and its kingdom.

But such paternalistic protection saw some countries sytematically abusing human rights and enslaving their citizens who did not succumb to dictatorial tyranny. Desparate and diehard alienated groups formed undergroung movements and started what they believed a holy war against despotic regimes supported by the US and the West.

The muslim clerics preaching tolerance and harmony from the pulpits of their mosques ,while necessary is not going to wipe out terrorism by itself. The US and the West must step up to the play and stop supporting regimes that violate their citizens right to live, work and prosper in peace and harmony.

We've Come A Full Circle

The years before industrialization saw tensions between employers and employees explode into conflicts, street battles and work stoppages. Subsequently legal protection, minimum wages, unionised work ethics and collective bargaining guidelines were introduced.

All these concepts are changing now. Up till a few deades ago, large -scale production drove the economy forward. Now technology is the driving force. Innovation is the buzzword, not just done once but continuosly.

In order to allow the internet and e-commerce to realize the maximum potential and profits, companies are given unlimited and unrestrained freedom to hire, engage and promote workers. Read the article about Indian Call Centres which has been compared to ancient Roman Slave Ships, in order understand this emerging trend.
Pricing of commodities and services has gone deyond "supply and demand" to suit the tastes of a consumer who requires instant gratification.

Geeks To Don ' Real Clothes'

Otto Stern's "CEO's should follow NBA and make geeks wear real clothes" makes interesting reading, though I feel he goes over the top in trying to convince his arguement.

I don't accept the idea that an NBA commisioner can turn a moronic thug into a respectable athlete merely by getting him to follow a particular dress code. It is even more idiotic to insist that IT professionals should wear business clothes to stay in their business. Software engineers and developers are perfectly fine and respectable with jeans and sweaters. What we should look for is the output of their work.

It is not Otto Stern's perceived 'sloppy' dress in the IT industry that will see China sweep off the IT jobs from the US market. It will be low productivity and lack of innovation that will allow China and others to reduce the US lead in the IT sector. For the IT professionals- just maintain your energy and enthusiasm and do your job well. Consign the men of grey suits to the archives of history. It is time to forget about the dumb comformity and take on the sometimes criminally manipulative tactics of self-serving leaders head on.

Loyalty Is Obsolete

Innovation is the name of the game now. Anyone who does anything for pay that is repetitive can expect to lose his job to a machine or to a computer software or even to someone elsewhere in the world. Loyalty is no longer an economic high value.

Companies that were previously loyal to hometowns have outsourced part or all of their operations to other venues for more profitable outcomes. Even in tradion-bound communities like Japan which use to offer lifelong employment are swiftly changing to survive the ruthless capitalistic competition. Workers are hired or fired to suit a bottom line. It may be tempting to conclude that the enterprises engaging in such practices are cold-hearted with unbridled greed for corporate profits.

Be that as it may, the capitalistic system is the only one that has has survived and and achieved greater success in the world; albeit even with their shortcomings.

The present virtually connected generation increasingly has a singular focus on earnings. Thus, todays entrepreneurs and investors are steadily becoming more powerful than their political bigwigs who used to command and control or divide and and rule.

A person's economic value no longer depends on his or her loyalty to a cause or place but rather to the value of what such a person can contribute. No longer are companies responsible to employees, communities, or even the public at large. They view their duty as maximizing the value of their investors shares- which they accomplish bu furiously cutting costs and adding value.

The mantra for companies today is " try not to become all things to all people, businessses are created to meet econominc needs and they can only succeed by focusing on their core duty."

With this radical change in thinking the employee can and should demand equal rights and appropriate compensation without ever feeling guilty of being disloyal, so long as he keeps adding value to the companys's core business.

Power

Real power is who you are at your inner core. It's your inner man. It's your capacity to believe and take focused action to accomplish a specific task.

Cold and Flu guide

With the threat of Bird Flu looming large across the globe, here are the symptons of what flu is. Just click on the headline link and learn more so that you can be aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautions.

Cast Off Knitting Club

What caught my attention to write this piece was my recollection of the glorious film 'Cast Away" in which Tom Hanks takes you through an amazing adventure of a person stranded on an island.

Well, this post here is about Knitorama and everything about knitting. Check it out and become part of a great network if that suits your interest.

Patriot Act: What An Act!!!

After the barbaric attack on US twin towers, the George W. Bush Government moved swiftly to introduce "The Patriot Act" which civil libertarians argue curbs individual rights. This Act encroaches on individual liberty in the name of national security. The Act allows FBI to monitor which books the US citizens read or borrow from libraries. Such tactics are viewed with suspicion by sceptics of this administration. Everyone agrees that terrorism must be dealt with firmly but it should not be taken as an excuse to render individual rights invalid. No doubt this arguement will keep raging on whilst the The US Congress and Senate debate to extend this act with sufficient checks and balances to rein in an an FBI, who many believe may use this act unjudiciously.

Start going the extra mile and opportunity will follow you.

Going the extra mile can give you insight and a good reputation. Many obvious opportunities are found in places no one else has bothered to venture. If you put in the extra effort to make a good project and even better one, or you get to know your equipment better than anyone else on your shift, you will see things that others overlook. You are then in position to make use of them and you have created an opportunity for you.

Intuition: A Powerful Force

Intuition isn't mystical. It is a natural ability that we all have. Every one of us is born with the capacity for intuition. Every moment of the day we are receiving information intuitively.

Information is all round us. Our bodies are powerfu receivers and transmitters. We transmit through the choice of our words, facial expressions, actions and body language. Likewise our physical senses retrieve immense amount of information.

Intuition is now recognized as a business decision-making management tool. It is part of our everyday life. It is also important to help us improve and advance in our career. If we have the confidence and know how to trust our own intuition, this is indeed a very powerful tool. Such intuitive moments may just flash through our brain. We can decipher its value and take advantage of it or simply dismiss it as nonsense and forget about it.
To do the latter is not the best judgment and we can enrich our life if we accept that this is a powerful force availabe to be freely used by us. Today it is taught as a subject in schools and it is widely used in the corporate and business sectors.

Digital Rights and Challenges For Print Media

Digital Rights is under scrutiny. California consumers have filed a suit in a Los Angeles Supreme Court to stop Sony BMG from selling any additional CD's protected by anti-piracy software. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this case and the financial awards that may be given out.

A new trend is emerging in that the big electronic giants- IBM, Sony and Philips- have joined forces to distribute Linux patents royalty-free.

The digital media is making advances by leaps and bounds into what is considered the stronghold of the print media. Even the mainstream news papers are facing a decline in their paid circulation. Mainstream newspapers are offering an online version of their paper in order to counter this trend. This also means that customers are hungry for instant information. Politics and social changes are influenced by the speed and quality of the content that is provided in the digital medium, often free.

Your Brain Is A Super Computer

The human brain is a marvel, many times more powerful than a computer made by a man. The man made computer has a control panel that operates on electrical connections and the output of the computer is dependent on the experience and skill of the programmer.

The humanbrain too, needs a control panel and a programmer. The human mind acts as the control panel of the brain. It does the thinking for the brain. Our life is controlled by what we think, i.e, our thoughts. Our thoughts can be organized and our efforts can be directed to achieve the goals we st for ourselves.

Left Brain and Right Brain: The brain is divided into two parts. The left brain is analytical, rational, critical and does the work of step by step thinking. The right brain is creative and keeps in contact with our feelings and emotions. The right brain brings out flashes of inspiration. To be successful, we must use both sides of the brain.

Inside your head reside a super computer, the made equivalent of which cost around $10,000. This is good value waiting to be tapped by you. You may ask, How will I do it? Take a clue from Isaac Newton. When someone asked him as to how he discovered the law of gravity, his reply was:

"By thinking about it all the time."

Make your list!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do? If you were absolutely certain of success, what activities would you pursue, what actions would you like to take?

Put your pen to paper.

You could be amazed at how focused you are or surprised at your lack of direction. You may even find yourself at the middle of either end of the spectrum just living one day at a time as it comes.

Tea Tourism Is Virgin In India

Long before commercial tea was produced in India, Assam's jungles were home to a wild variety of tea. Assam accounts for 55 percent of India's total annual tea production. India is the world's largest tea producer. Now it is payback time for Assam and it is organizing a tourist attraction campaign around the tea industry. Assam is organizing a annual Tea Carnival. Tourists can explore exotic wild life and be entertained to the refreshing varieties of tea while reliving history amidst the lust green tea plantations. This is a great idea.

A Fictional Debate

Here's an interesting way to take on the real issues in the real world. Well, Go for a fictional debate as NBC did on the "West Wing." Presidential debates have been popular since John F. Kennedy squared off with Richard Nixon in 1960. NBC took another Kennedy, senator Edward Kennedy's
Medicare for All proposal on which a popular TV Show has been brought out. It is entertaining and brings to the public conscience issues that are important. This is a fun way to trash out serious issues without bruising egos of larger than life characters.

Breathing

Breathing is vital to our life. But do we breathe effectively? Here is simple exercise.

• One count inhale
• Four counts hold
• Two counts exhale

Learn more about effective breathing

Freedom And Money: Tech Companies Urged To Press For Freedom

An alliance of investors representing about $21 billion in assets in the United States, Europe and Australia is walking the talk. They have signed a statement on "Freedom Of Expression ," a human rights initiative spearheaded by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

This will be an effective step to put pressure on governments who curb their citizens right to freedom of expression. Governments will have to weigh out security against freedom and do what is is right. Human rights abuses and unnecessary censorship will not be the way to achieve those aims.

Summit To Control The Internet

The United Nations sponsored world summit later this month in Tunisia will set the stage for some confrontational arguements beween different countries.

The US wants to maintain some control and maintain the present status quo while countries like China and Brazil are calling for a international body to govern the internet. People who are used to the unrestricted freedoms of the internet will no doubt keep an eye on this summit.

The Cheeseburger comes under attack

The battle to fight obesity has been taken to a higher level in UK. The British Heart Foundation(BHF) is rolling out gory images of burgers in order to get children to think about the food they eat.

Celebrities are also joining in to show that it is "cool" to make healthy eating chioces.

But the obesity is not going to go away as long as the Mcdonalds, Burger Kings and others continue their aggressive marketing and a whole generation of youngsters who have grown up on these fast foods will simply not kick the habit. When everyone is rushing to meet a deadline in this frantic and fast-paced life, the burgers remain the fast and ready made meal of popular choice.

If business is your calling...

If business is your calling don't sell your soul to it instead find there and make your best contribution to society. A free market economic system does allow incentives for individuals to work smart ,hard and prosper but unbridled human greed has always brought pain and anguish to many other people. Get yourself into a business that you can grow and develop in order that you and others can benefit.

Iraq's Oil- For- Food Program Takes A political Casualty

U.N independent inquiry revealed massive corruption going around the globe in the humanitarian program that was meant to help sanctions-hit Iraq in the aftermath of the first Gulf War in 1991.

The independent inquiry, headed by former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, has accused more than 2,200 companies and prominent politicians worldwide of colluding with Saddam Hussein's regime to milk the oil-for-food program of $1.8 billion (1.5 billion euros) in kickbacks and illicit surcharges.

Indian Congress Party was named as a "non-contractual- Beneficiary." Following this revelation the the foreign minister Natwar Singh has been sacked.

What this report also shows is that Iraq had a dictator who did not have a conscience and was prepared to spend millions on acquiring weapons while thousands of children died due to shortage of medicine. It is such a shame that an oragnization like the U.N was callous in the proper implementation of the program. A community of the business world that has sold its soul for profits is criminally negligent and an utter disgrace.

A Cafe That Offers Sex On The Beach

Zack's Restaurant in Umhlanga, South Africa offers a unique dish "Sex On The Beach", a popular cocktail that wets your appetite and sexes the mind. The caption on the Independent Online which caught my eye was even more intriguing.

"Prince Harry has Sex On The Beach in Durban"
No, the prince was not involved in any sex or kissing but entertained to a fabulous lunch with his girlfriend and the sex on the beach is good for marketing.

Food That Looks Good But Unsafe To Eat

Check out your fridge. How do yo know the food in yout fridge is safe to eat?
"Good Morning America" asked an expert to check a fridge in one household and they offer some useful advice, how you should store food and when you should throw them away.

Beware of bacteria lurking around on foods that are good to look at and sometimes doesn't taste too bad either. Beware of the risks.

You can find more about food safety on: http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/

Don't criticise, condemn, or complain!

When dealing with people let us remeber that people are not driven only by logic. People are driven by emotions and they have their own prejudices, often motivated either to do good or fulfil their pride and vanity.

Your Online Library

A few years back, with the boom of the dot.com mania, some people had believed that the digital media would suck the oxygen out of the traditional print media. Now it looks like that this would never happen. Big tech companies; Google,Amazon, Microsoft and Yahoo have jumped on the online bandwagon, bringing thousands of the print volumes to your fingertips.

As book lovers, we can enjoy the fun of the big portals offering incentives to catch our attention. Google is offering a searchable database of book extracts and Amazon makes it possible to view parts of pages or chapters before you buy them. Microsoft and Yahoo will soon launch their campaigns to entice our interest. So, let us keep on reading.

Girl Pop Culture: Japanse Traditions are Eroding

A true- to- tradition woman in Japan used to get married, was devoted to raising children, looking after the household and gave unquestioning loyalty to her busy husband. Well, times have changed.

Designer brands have modelled the young urban woman on the types of values that you are accustomed to seeing in the Western World. Young and independent woman wearing the latest fashion and influenced by the hip culture demanding equal rights and opportunity are as liberated as their more outspoken and vocal Western counterparts. From the article in Japanese Times, you get the impression that this is unfamiliar turf in Japan and the men appear slow to catch up with the sweeping social change.

Do You Have To Put Up With An Idiot Boss?

There are many idiot bosses around. They exist to manipulate, control and often stifle the creativity of their more intellectually superior subordinates.

If your idiot boss is dumber than a fence post, it would be time for you to go and find another job.

If that is not the case, read this article in Forbes and learn how to overpower the idiot so that you are able achieve what you deserve while allowing the benefit of idiocy to your boss.

It Is Fat On The Belly That Is Unhealthy

It has long been thought that fat people are more prone to heart disease and heart attacks, but doctors now say it is not so simple as that.

Skinny people with a beer belly may pose a greater problem and higher risk than does a fat person. What is needed is to check the calculation between the waist and hip size.

So reduce the fat on the stomach, enjoy exercising and stay in shape.

Manchester United's woes continue

Manchester United finished the 2004/2005 campaign without any silverware and was determined to get back on the winning track this season. It is not showing promising signs of this happening so far.

Chelsea has overtaken United as the least popular club in the premiership over the past year, its bottomless pit of transfer money courtesy of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich and the arrogance that too often comes with such riches earning the Premiership champion an ignominious image.

The past week could not have come at a worse time. The 4-1 thrashing by Middlesborough and the 1-0 defeat by Lille leaves United perilously close to conceding their dreams midway in the season. The outburst by Captain Keane publicly against the unperforming superstar players may have have further wounded egos.

Credit must be given to Sir Alex Fergusion for having resurrected this club and bringing the good old glory days for more than a decade. But his young squad of David Bechkam, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, the Neville Brothers, and Paul Scoles who helped him achieve fame have passed their prime and a younger team has not gelled into place. The manner in which David Bechkam was despatched to Real Madrid shows the might of a manager who is bigger than his team.

Critics of Sir Alex Fergusion say that he should have retired two seaons back as he wanted. Both the fans and his team are critical of his assistant manger Carlos Queiroz's tactics. Certainly the injuries and defeats have not helped players moral either.

Whatever the reasons for poor performance, in order to turnaround and bring glory back, it calls for leadership, good management and a team willing to play at its best. They may even need a super coach.

Go ahead, Get Angry

Anger is good for you, as long as it doesn't boil over, says a psychological research on face reading.

Whatever the merit of the case, keep the anger in check. Don't let it get the better of you.

Chronic, explosive anger or a hostile outlook on the world is still bad for you, contributing to heart disease and high blood pressure, research shows.

Amazon to sell parts of books

If you are a book lover, here is an opportunity to grin. Online Retailer Amazon.com has unveilled two innovative programmes. First you can buy part or chapter of a book uder the Amazon Page scheme. Senond scheme allows, called Amazon Upgrade allows online access to those buying a hard copy of a book.

The Tone Of Your Voice...

REMEMBER THAT THE TONE OF YOUR VOICE OFTEN CONVEYS MORE ACCURATELY WHAT IS IN YOUR MIND THAN DO YOUR WORDS.


In a moment of conflict, a suggestion or compromise can salvage a threatened working relationship. A discouraged employee can be motivated again through a few carefully chosen words. In situations like these, a good manager is looking beyond an immediate situation and acting to preserve a future benefit. But if your voice betrays your own anger, fear, or despair, that emotion, not the wisdom you offer, will be what others remember. Those who rise to the top in any organization are those who have learned to control their emotions. When you have a leadership position, others will watch you closely for the signals you send. You must learn to manage yourself and all the ways in which you convey messages to others if you want to inspire them and demonstrate that you care about all the members of your team.


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Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

"Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven?
Would you feel the same if I saw you in Heaven?
I must be strong and carry on,'
Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven ......

Would you hold my hand if I saw you in Heaven?
Would you help me stand if I saw you in Heaven?
I'll find my way, through night and day,'
Cause I know I just can't stay here in Heaven .....

Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart, have you begging .... please ...
Beyond the door, there's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more tears in Heaven .......

Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven?
Would you feel the same if I saw you in Heaven?
I must be strong and carry on,'
Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven ....... "

This is probably one of the greatest songs of all time. It touches a raw nerve, of love, tragedy, grief and sorrow. "Tears in Heaven" is a tribute to Eric Clapton's pre-school son Conor Clapton, who died in an accident in 1991.

The death of his son had a deep and lasting impact on the legendary singer. After nine months of grieving, when he came back to the stage, his music had changed becoming softer, more powerful and reflective.

In "Tears In Heaven" composed by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings you will hear and feel Eric Clapton's pain and grief.

At the 1993 Grammy Awards, Clapton's recording of "Tears in Heaven" won the award for Best Pop Vocal Performance (Male Category), garnered Song of the Year honors for Clapton, and helped propel his "Unplugged" album into the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance spot and the winner's circle for the coveted Album of the Year prize.

Sociopaths: These Are Dangerous People

Who are these people? According to Dr. Martha Stout's " THE SOCIOPATH NEXT DOOR", they do not suffer the burden of a conscience, they are not blind to social mores or emotions of others. They cannot feel but they can imitate. They have an outstanding abililty to charm and seduce their followers. They do not recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible.

According to Dr. Stout, US has 11.7 million Sociopaths and New York City is home to 320,000 of them. These are alarming figures. Not all Sociopaths are violent criminals. These people have an undetected mental disorder. They have no ability whatsover to feel guilt, shame or remorse. They are all around us. They are fake characters.

Quotation from The Age Of Reason

"I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his own opinion,however different that opinion might be to mine.He who denies another this right makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."

-- Thomas Paine(1737-1809)Source: The Age of Reason, 1783
http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Thomas.Paine.Quote.3051

The Bills take on TIME Global Health Summit

Bill Clinton and Bill Gates took the stage in the TIMES Global Health Summit and discussed wide ranging topics from humanitarian aid to the governments role. The former president charged the audience to "Demand that your government pays more attention. It's immoral that people in Africa die like flies of diseases that no one dies of in the United States. And the more disease there is, the more political unrest there will be, leading to more Darfurs, which the U.S. will have to pay to fix."

Sudoku mania

Sudoku fever has caught up with Queensland, Australia and the passion and frustration is sweeping across the nation. One group of people will swear to live by it, while others want to have nothing to do with it. What is annoying to many is that what appears to be simple logic to fill in the numbers from 1 to 9 is not so simple when they attempt to do it. For the frustrated souls with mounting paper trash, some help has come from a senior lecturer at Ballarat University.

If anyone is experiencing the same agony, read and apply the tips offered by him.

Saving One Life At A Time

" Six million children--and even more adults--die unnecessarily every year. Good people all over the world are doing their best to save them. You can too." This is Times Cover Story.

The year 2005 has hit hard on American psyche of generosity. The tsunami that hit Asia saw 240,000 lives lost and $ 1.3 billion raised in US alone. 80,000 people lost their lives to an earthquake in Pakistan. Hurricane Katrina brought home this destruction and loss brutally hard to the US, giving a live crash course about charities , relief work and reconstruction both to the governemnt and private sector who were taken off guard.

You can't stop an earthquake. But you can stop malaria that kills 80,000 people a month.

Bill Gates has said that it is a disgrace that the world has allowed malaria deaths to double in the last 20 years. Gates has commited $258.3 million to fight the bug. But philanthropy and the brilliant ideas of Bill Gates and other leaders who are spending huge amounts of money and their time can achieve the desired result if the countries most affected by the disease actively pursue unrelenting efforts to wipe out the disease.

Are you successful?

Here is what one person said.

"It's so easy. All I have to do is get up in the morning. Look down, and see that I am above ground. Every day that I am above ground is a great Day."

To this person every day he lives is a success. There are many others whose expectations are unrealistically higher and may find their success only in dreams. The important point to note is that it is your attitude that will ultimately determine your success. Your attitude will determine the way you work, the way you interact with other people or how you resolve conflicts. While you may think that attitude is an emotion only felt by you, remember that it is visible to other people through your behavior.

Be realistic about your expectations and make every day a success.

Binge Drinking: Where's the Social responsibility?

In Finland it seems they start drinking beer at 6am. Finns know the fine art of drinking. Finns binge drink. They don't drink during the week but come Friday night, they start drinking. They drink in the parks , on the streets and they drink before they go out to parties.

Binge drinking is harmful to health and contributes to increases in health and social cost due to alcohol misuse. Bingeing and under-aged drinking is becoming a problem in some of the European Countries. Drinking to get drunk is a dangerous trend seen among the youth in many Western Countries. Violent crimes and road accident deaths are common stories attributed to drunken behaviour.

In order to combat this problem, the UK governement is considering a ban on passengers drinking alcohol on public transport including trains and buses. Critics of this arguement say that alcohol related problems and violence come from persons who are drunk and on their way home from pubs and clubs.

Clearly there is a social responsibilty to manage this problem. Nobody denies about the impact alcohol has on young people leading to to a culture of crimes, violent behaviour and disruption in family lives. The dependency of alcohol to some people and its effect and cost on society is a harrowing nightmare.

Robots To Teach Students English In South Korea

The Korea Advanced Intelligent Robot Association under the auspices of The Ministry of Information and Communication has begun , on a test basis, to use robots that will teach students how to pronouce English words.

As the demand for such robots rise, more features will be included for advanced teaching.

So now your teacher comes in. It's Good Morning Sir or Madam or Good Morning Mr./Ms. Robot. Its a very interesting development. The Robots will soon teach us how to use and benifit from Artificial Intelligence. They'll push us to use them more in our everyday life, our work and our play. Their quest to lead us has begun.

Heroes who save lives

Kabiti Ishaya( in the picture) of Nigeria is not afraid to talk about her HIV-positive condition and her name is on top of the Heroes list of Times current edition with the cover package" Saving one life at a time." Kabiti was raped by an uncle and at the age of 24 tested positive for HIV. All hell broke loose when she went public with the news. She is ostracized and is an outcast in her own village by her own people. Undaunted she is determined to help others. She has formed "Hope For The Living" organization, a volunteer group that goes out to schools talking about HIV-Aids. Inspite of her own plight, she has opened up her home for the sick and dying giving them unselfishly what little she has.

Bravo Kabiti. Your work inspires many but there are many lessons to be learnt. Society needs to be educated to avoid the pitfalls of turning against their own kind, when they need love, understanding and care. The world has got to step up to its collective responsibilty to provide the financial means for those in need of drugs and treatmnet. People affected by HIV-Aids deserve the dignity of humanity.

Are Indian BPO's heading for turbulence?

Business Process Outsourcing or BPO industry has been the pride of India upto now. The attraction for this industry has been the immediate availability of jobs, good perks and money.

All of a sudden the industry is going through rough waters. The National Institute of Labor has compared the BPO industry to 19th Century prisons or
Roman Slave Ships.

Several states have exempted these Call Centres from labour laws including the Industrial Disputes Act. The report by The National Institute of Labour has highlighted the apalling working conditions.

Instead of the industry or the governemnt becoming defensive, the alleged conditions must be looked into and proactive action taken, so that BPO business can continue to flourish without negative repercussions. It's time to do a reality check and put the house in order.