A pot belly... love handles... the spare tire... call it what you will. It seems to be the area of your body that you'd really like to do something about.Read on, and I'll explain why belly fat is so bad, and what you can do to get rid of it.
Not only is a firm, flat stomach the ultimate symbol of sex appeal, researchers have found that losing abdominal fat is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy for life.Most people realize that excess fat is unhealthy, but the key is where the fat is distributed. People with apple-shaped bodies (fattest in the abdomen) have a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes than those with pear shapes (fattest in the hips, buttocks, and thighs).
There are two main types of fat in the stomach area. Visceral (pronounced viss-er-al) fat is stored deep inside your body. It surrounds and protects your internal organs. Subcutaneous (pronounced sub-cue-tain-ee-us) fat, on the other hand, is stored just under your skin. It's the stuff that wobbles when you jump up and down.
What's the best way to lose belly fat?
It won't surprise you to learn that the best way to lose abdominal fat is to eat right and exercise regularly. And there's a growing body of research to show that the fastest way to burn off the fat from your belly is with a combination of weight training and aerobic exercise.
A good example comes from research published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism [4]. For the study, researchers compared the effectiveness of two exercise and diet programs. Subjects taking part in the study were assigned to one of two groups.
Group one followed a diet based on the traditional food guide pyramid (50-55% carbohydrate; 15-20% protein; less than 30% fat). They also did cardiovascular exercise 4-6 days per week at 50-75% of their maximal heart rate. Each workout lasted 30-60 minutes.
Group two followed a diet that was higher in protein and lower in carbohydrate and fat. Their exercise program consisted of alternating days of resistance and cardiovascular interval training six days per week.
Body composition was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before and after the 12-week training program. DEXA is an extremely accurate way to measure changes in body fat. It’s far more reliable than the skin fold calipers or body fat scales often used in health clubs.
And the result?
Subjects in group two (remember, these were the people who lifted weights, did more intense cardio, and ate more protein) lost more fat overall (-20.6%) than the normal group (-10.1%). They also gained 2 pounds of muscle (0.9 kilograms) while the cardio-only group, not surprisingly, lost muscle.
More interesting still, abdominal fat dropped by 26% in group two, but by just 13.5% in group one. In other words, subjects in group two lost almost twice as much belly fat as those in group one.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
REPLACING SATURATED FATS WITH POLYUNSATURATED FATS IS NOT JUST ENOUGH TO REDUCE WEIGHT AND PREVENT HEART DISEASE
In most advanced nations especially in America, doctors have always advised their patients to reduce their consumption of saturated fats such as butter in order to reduce weight and prevent heart disease. Patients are counseled to replace their diets containing saturated fats with diets rich in polyunsaturated fats as to reduce their risk of heart disease.
This is commendable as Harvard School of Public Health Researchers reviewed eight studies with a total of 13,614 participants and found that those who replaced saturated fats in their diet with polyunsaturated fats had a 19 per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who did not make the switch. These studies provide conclusive evidence from randomized clinical trials that there is a benefit in switching from saturated fats to polyunsaturated fats. And moreover, according to the study published online in March 23 on the journal PLoS Medicine “for every five per cent increase in polyunsaturated fat consumption found in most vegetable oils, coronary heart disease risk was reduced by 10 per cent”.
Is it enough to just switch to polyunsaturated fats?
Even though researchers have proved beyond reasonable doubt that it is worth switching from diets with saturated fats to polyunsaturated fats but that is not enough to result to a significant weight loss.
"in the midst of America’s obesity epidemic, physicians frequently advise their patients to reduce the number of calories they are consuming on a daily basis. This research shows that simply dieting will not likely cause substantial weight loss. Instead, diet and exercise must be combined to achieve this goal," explained Judy Cameron PH.D., a senior scientist at OHSU`s Oregon National Primate Research Center, and a professor of behavioral neuroscience and obstetrics & gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine, as well as a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.
There is no specific number of hours somebody should exercise in a day but it is advisable to work out at least 45minutes daily. There are so many exercises one can engage in but it is always better to ascertain one’s state of health before making choice(s).Kindly visit your physician for more details and recommendation.
Consuming 1-2 gallons of water a day is also advisable. It is very easy to get rid of water weight fast. Water helps to flush out harmful toxins and parasites in the system and it enhances body metabolism. It is advisable to take good quantity of water in the morning before taking your breakfast. It is a therapy that has been helpful to millions of people world wide.
Dieting combined with exercise helps faster to lose excess pounds in the belly and body. So, why not combine both now and smile for ever. http://loseabdominalfattips.blogspot.com/
This is commendable as Harvard School of Public Health Researchers reviewed eight studies with a total of 13,614 participants and found that those who replaced saturated fats in their diet with polyunsaturated fats had a 19 per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who did not make the switch. These studies provide conclusive evidence from randomized clinical trials that there is a benefit in switching from saturated fats to polyunsaturated fats. And moreover, according to the study published online in March 23 on the journal PLoS Medicine “for every five per cent increase in polyunsaturated fat consumption found in most vegetable oils, coronary heart disease risk was reduced by 10 per cent”.
Is it enough to just switch to polyunsaturated fats?
Even though researchers have proved beyond reasonable doubt that it is worth switching from diets with saturated fats to polyunsaturated fats but that is not enough to result to a significant weight loss.
"in the midst of America’s obesity epidemic, physicians frequently advise their patients to reduce the number of calories they are consuming on a daily basis. This research shows that simply dieting will not likely cause substantial weight loss. Instead, diet and exercise must be combined to achieve this goal," explained Judy Cameron PH.D., a senior scientist at OHSU`s Oregon National Primate Research Center, and a professor of behavioral neuroscience and obstetrics & gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine, as well as a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.
There is no specific number of hours somebody should exercise in a day but it is advisable to work out at least 45minutes daily. There are so many exercises one can engage in but it is always better to ascertain one’s state of health before making choice(s).Kindly visit your physician for more details and recommendation.
Consuming 1-2 gallons of water a day is also advisable. It is very easy to get rid of water weight fast. Water helps to flush out harmful toxins and parasites in the system and it enhances body metabolism. It is advisable to take good quantity of water in the morning before taking your breakfast. It is a therapy that has been helpful to millions of people world wide.
Dieting combined with exercise helps faster to lose excess pounds in the belly and body. So, why not combine both now and smile for ever. http://loseabdominalfattips.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 12, 2010
Exercise your body
Be aware of the risks associated with belly fat.
Belly fat is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Particularly, it's the deepest layer of belly fat that poses health risks. That's because these fat cells actually produce hormones and other substances that can affect your health. It can increase insulin resistance and breast cancer risk.
Weight loss program – Is it necessary?
• With the growing problem in overweight, people look out for diets that are effective in as less time as possible. Many factors are considered, like how much weight you will lose and how long are you going to indulge yourself in such activity or medication. That is why it is important that you are aware of what you are doing in order to have successful results.
• Starting a diet, for most people, results in a considerably large amount of weight loss within two weeks. This usually happens when the diet requires discipline to oneself and the person follows it religiously.
• Losing Weight faster depends also on the person participating and the diet itself. We can say that considerable amount may be relative depending on the person's initial weight before taking on a diet. It is observed that heavier people lose weight faster, and men lose weight faster than women too.
• It is established that men who weigh over 300 lbs might actually shed off 15-20 lbs in the first two weeks. For women though, 2-5 lbs weight is lost when over the normal range for her height with the same exact time and diet. After the proceeding week, it is expected that the weight loss starts to slow down. Some observe that in this stage almost no weight is lost.
• To achieve good result within a short period, it is advisable to stick to your routine and follow your diet. Perseverance and motivation will be needed. As you go on to your routine, you will notice that the phase of losing weight slows down. When this happens, don't lose hope yet. This is normal reaction of the body adjusting to the weight and water loss and compensates it by losing a little weight than the usual.
• In the process of losing weight, you will experience unstable weight loss. You'll lose different amounts for 2-4 weeks and there will be a week that you don't lose at all. It is also possible that instead of losing you gain a little weight. This is just a matter of moving two steps forward and half step backward.
• After the period of instability, weight starts to drop again. Everything that is gained will be lost and more weight will be shred off.
Check the weight gained and lost
• It is good to note that the weight gained and lost are with respect to time. Always calculate the weight lost and gained on weekly basis. Compare the result with the previous results. In this way you can monitor precisely the activities of weight lost.
Always stick to the program and diet you are taking. If unwanted results occur, don't lose hope. Those changes are perfectly normal. Do not adjust your routine and diet, stick to them. In the end you will definitely achieve a positive result.
Belly fat is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Particularly, it's the deepest layer of belly fat that poses health risks. That's because these fat cells actually produce hormones and other substances that can affect your health. It can increase insulin resistance and breast cancer risk.
Weight loss program – Is it necessary?
• With the growing problem in overweight, people look out for diets that are effective in as less time as possible. Many factors are considered, like how much weight you will lose and how long are you going to indulge yourself in such activity or medication. That is why it is important that you are aware of what you are doing in order to have successful results.
• Starting a diet, for most people, results in a considerably large amount of weight loss within two weeks. This usually happens when the diet requires discipline to oneself and the person follows it religiously.
• Losing Weight faster depends also on the person participating and the diet itself. We can say that considerable amount may be relative depending on the person's initial weight before taking on a diet. It is observed that heavier people lose weight faster, and men lose weight faster than women too.
• It is established that men who weigh over 300 lbs might actually shed off 15-20 lbs in the first two weeks. For women though, 2-5 lbs weight is lost when over the normal range for her height with the same exact time and diet. After the proceeding week, it is expected that the weight loss starts to slow down. Some observe that in this stage almost no weight is lost.
• To achieve good result within a short period, it is advisable to stick to your routine and follow your diet. Perseverance and motivation will be needed. As you go on to your routine, you will notice that the phase of losing weight slows down. When this happens, don't lose hope yet. This is normal reaction of the body adjusting to the weight and water loss and compensates it by losing a little weight than the usual.
• In the process of losing weight, you will experience unstable weight loss. You'll lose different amounts for 2-4 weeks and there will be a week that you don't lose at all. It is also possible that instead of losing you gain a little weight. This is just a matter of moving two steps forward and half step backward.
• After the period of instability, weight starts to drop again. Everything that is gained will be lost and more weight will be shred off.
Check the weight gained and lost
• It is good to note that the weight gained and lost are with respect to time. Always calculate the weight lost and gained on weekly basis. Compare the result with the previous results. In this way you can monitor precisely the activities of weight lost.
Always stick to the program and diet you are taking. If unwanted results occur, don't lose hope. Those changes are perfectly normal. Do not adjust your routine and diet, stick to them. In the end you will definitely achieve a positive result.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Onions can be helpful!
In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died. The doctor came upon this farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then).
The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy. Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.) The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case. with this most interesting experience about onions:
Weldon, thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.
LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS
Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion. It's not even safe even if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!).If you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down. Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions.
Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates Toxic bacteria which may cause Adverse Stomach infections because of excess Bile secretions and even Food poisoning. Proof: when you have paint fumes in a room, peeled and cut onions in a bowl of water neutralizes the fumes, so, it does the same for germs and bugs.
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied
The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy. Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.) The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case. with this most interesting experience about onions:
Weldon, thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.
LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS
Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion. It's not even safe even if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!).If you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down. Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions.
Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates Toxic bacteria which may cause Adverse Stomach infections because of excess Bile secretions and even Food poisoning. Proof: when you have paint fumes in a room, peeled and cut onions in a bowl of water neutralizes the fumes, so, it does the same for germs and bugs.
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied
Thursday, March 25, 2010
THIS IS MEN`S WORLD OR....
If he calls you and your phone is off, he thinks you’re cheating….then he sends an SMS saying “don’t tell me the battery story coz I know that line”
If u TREATS him nicely, he says u are TOO IN LOVE, moving too fast;
If u doesn’t, he says u are PROUD.
If u DRESS NICELY, he says u are trying to LURE other men;
If u DON,T, he says u are RURAL.
If u ARGUES with him, he says u are STUBBORN, too manly;
If u keep QUIET, he says u have no BRAINS, a walkover
If u are SMARTER than him, you’re a SHOW-OFF;
If he's SMARTER than u, he is GREAT.
If u doesn’t LOVE him, he tries to POSSESS u;
If u LOVES him, He takes you FOR GRANTED. (Very true huh?)
If u doesn’t MAKE LOVE to him, he says u DON, T LOVE him;
If u DO, he says u are CHEAP.
If u tell him your PROBLEMS, he says u are TROUBLE;
If u DON,T, he says u don't TRUST him.
If u SCOLDS at him, u are treating him like a CHILD;
If he SCOLDS at u, it’s because he CARES for u.
If u BREAKS your promise, u cannot be TRUSTED;
If he BREAKS his, it is circumstances beyond his CONTROL.
If u SMOKES, u are a BAD girl;
If he SMOKES, he is a GENTLEMAN.
If u do WELL in your career, it's LUCK;
If he does WELL, it’s definitely BRAINS.
If u HURT him, u are CRUEL;
If he HURTS you, you are too SENSITIVE!!
If u TREATS him nicely, he says u are TOO IN LOVE, moving too fast;
If u doesn’t, he says u are PROUD.
If u DRESS NICELY, he says u are trying to LURE other men;
If u DON,T, he says u are RURAL.
If u ARGUES with him, he says u are STUBBORN, too manly;
If u keep QUIET, he says u have no BRAINS, a walkover
If u are SMARTER than him, you’re a SHOW-OFF;
If he's SMARTER than u, he is GREAT.
If u doesn’t LOVE him, he tries to POSSESS u;
If u LOVES him, He takes you FOR GRANTED. (Very true huh?)
If u doesn’t MAKE LOVE to him, he says u DON, T LOVE him;
If u DO, he says u are CHEAP.
If u tell him your PROBLEMS, he says u are TROUBLE;
If u DON,T, he says u don't TRUST him.
If u SCOLDS at him, u are treating him like a CHILD;
If he SCOLDS at u, it’s because he CARES for u.
If u BREAKS your promise, u cannot be TRUSTED;
If he BREAKS his, it is circumstances beyond his CONTROL.
If u SMOKES, u are a BAD girl;
If he SMOKES, he is a GENTLEMAN.
If u do WELL in your career, it's LUCK;
If he does WELL, it’s definitely BRAINS.
If u HURT him, u are CRUEL;
If he HURTS you, you are too SENSITIVE!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
LUCK FAVORS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES
A flood was threatening a small town and everyone was leaving for safe ground except for one man
who said, “God will save me. I have faith.” As the water level rose a jeep came to rescue him, the man
refused, saying “God will save me. I have faith.”
As the water level rose further, he went up to the second story of his house, and a boat came to help him.
Again he refused to go, saying, “God will save me. I have faith.” The water kept rising and the man climbed
On to the roof. A helicopter came to rescue him, but he said , “God will save me. I have faith.” Well, finally
He drowned. When he reached his Maker he angrily questioned, “I had complete faith in you. Why did you
Ignore my prayers and let me down? ”The Lord replied, “Who do you think sent you the jeep, the boat and the
Helicopter?
The only way to overcome a fatalistic attitude is to accept responsibility and believe in the law of cause and effect
rather than luck. It takes action, preparation and planning rather than waiting, wondering and wishing to accomplish
any goal in life
who said, “God will save me. I have faith.” As the water level rose a jeep came to rescue him, the man
refused, saying “God will save me. I have faith.”
As the water level rose further, he went up to the second story of his house, and a boat came to help him.
Again he refused to go, saying, “God will save me. I have faith.” The water kept rising and the man climbed
On to the roof. A helicopter came to rescue him, but he said , “God will save me. I have faith.” Well, finally
He drowned. When he reached his Maker he angrily questioned, “I had complete faith in you. Why did you
Ignore my prayers and let me down? ”The Lord replied, “Who do you think sent you the jeep, the boat and the
Helicopter?
The only way to overcome a fatalistic attitude is to accept responsibility and believe in the law of cause and effect
rather than luck. It takes action, preparation and planning rather than waiting, wondering and wishing to accomplish
any goal in life
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Did the Priest lie or not? Have a go
A distinguished young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her:
Woman: "Father, may I ask a favour?"
Priest: "Of course. What may I do for you?"
Woman: "Well, I bought an expensive woman's electronic hair dryer for my mother's birthday that is unopened and well over the Customs limits, and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through Customs for me.......... Under your robe perhaps?"
Priest: "I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie."
Woman: "With your honest face, Father, no one will question you." When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her.
Custom Officer: "Father, do you have anything to declare?"
Priest: "From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare." The official thought this answer strange, so asked,
Custom Officer: "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"
Priest: "I have a marvellous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused."
Custom Officer: (Roaring with laughter, said) "Go ahead, Father." Next!!
Now............................................. TRULY, DID THE PRIEST LIE?
Woman: "Father, may I ask a favour?"
Priest: "Of course. What may I do for you?"
Woman: "Well, I bought an expensive woman's electronic hair dryer for my mother's birthday that is unopened and well over the Customs limits, and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through Customs for me.......... Under your robe perhaps?"
Priest: "I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie."
Woman: "With your honest face, Father, no one will question you." When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her.
Custom Officer: "Father, do you have anything to declare?"
Priest: "From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare." The official thought this answer strange, so asked,
Custom Officer: "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"
Priest: "I have a marvellous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused."
Custom Officer: (Roaring with laughter, said) "Go ahead, Father." Next!!
Now............................................. TRULY, DID THE PRIEST LIE?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Mean Moms
Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent,I will tell them, as my Mean Mom told me: I loved you enough to ask where you were going,with whom, and what time you would be home.I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep. I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room,a job that should have taken 15 minutes. I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect..
I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.
Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to
understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them Was your Mom mean?
I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in the whole world!While other kids ate candy for breakfast,we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.
When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch,we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison.
She had to know who our friends were and what we were doing with them.
She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work.
We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash and all sorts of crueljobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth,the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds
and had eyes in the back of her head.Then, life was really tough!
Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up
They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced.
None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults.We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was.
I think that is what's wrong with the world today.
It just doesn't have enough mean moms!
I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.
Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to
understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them Was your Mom mean?
I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in the whole world!While other kids ate candy for breakfast,we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.
When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch,we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison.
She had to know who our friends were and what we were doing with them.
She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work.
We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash and all sorts of crueljobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth,the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds
and had eyes in the back of her head.Then, life was really tough!
Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up
They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced.
None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults.We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was.
I think that is what's wrong with the world today.
It just doesn't have enough mean moms!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ways to Turn Down Strange Men
Man: Haven’t I seen you some place before?
Woman: Yes, that’s why I don’t go there anymore.
Man: Is this seat empty?
Woman: Yes and this one will be if you sit down.
Man: Hey baby, what’s your sign?
Woman: Do not enter.
Man: Can I buy you a drink?
Woman: Actually, I’d rather have the money.
Man: How did you get to be so beautiful?
Woman: I must have been given your share.
Man: Your face must turn a few heads.
Woman: And your face must turn a few stomachs.
Man: Go on, don’t be shy. Ask me out.
Woman: Okay, get out.
Man: I think I could make you very happy.
Woman: how? Are you leaving?
Man: What would you say if I asked you to marry me?
Woman: Nothing. I can’t talk and laugh at the same time.
Man: Can I have your name?
Woman: Why? Don’t you already have one?
Man: Shall we go see a movie?
Woman: I’ve already seen one.
Man: Where have you been all my life?
Woman: Hiding from you.
Woman: Yes, that’s why I don’t go there anymore.
Man: Is this seat empty?
Woman: Yes and this one will be if you sit down.
Man: Hey baby, what’s your sign?
Woman: Do not enter.
Man: Can I buy you a drink?
Woman: Actually, I’d rather have the money.
Man: How did you get to be so beautiful?
Woman: I must have been given your share.
Man: Your face must turn a few heads.
Woman: And your face must turn a few stomachs.
Man: Go on, don’t be shy. Ask me out.
Woman: Okay, get out.
Man: I think I could make you very happy.
Woman: how? Are you leaving?
Man: What would you say if I asked you to marry me?
Woman: Nothing. I can’t talk and laugh at the same time.
Man: Can I have your name?
Woman: Why? Don’t you already have one?
Man: Shall we go see a movie?
Woman: I’ve already seen one.
Man: Where have you been all my life?
Woman: Hiding from you.
Monday, March 8, 2010
DISABITILITIES SHOULD NOT STOP YOU FROM REACHING THE TOP
"Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face." This was Helen Keller’s advice to a five-year-old blind child in 1932. It can as well be regarded as a summary of Helen’s approach to life. Helen Keller was possibly the most remarkable person ever to grace this planet. Born in 1880 she was left deaf and blind as a result of a childhood illness at the age of 19 months. Nevertheless, Helen became an articulate spokesperson for the dignity of all individuals. She fully explored all her potentials to touch lives around her. She provided solution where there were difficulties. She never subdued her potentials under the weight of physical challenges and disabilities.
She realised early in life that her potentials were not mere substance but rather that they were great ideas which convey possibility status on all things around her. Helen Keller was once quoted as saying that “When your heart and mind can look into the past, into your reserve of memory, select its most choice ideas from it and project it into the future, then you have begun the journey of exploring your potential”. Exploring your potentials will require the full participation of your heart and your mind. It would require you to cast your mind back and project into the future. It would require you to make choices- valuable and well informed choices.
Will you be rich or poor, well-educated or ignorant, loved or abandoned, alive with a new intensity and purpose or merely drifting upon the tide of circumstances, these are clear choices that depend only on your inner clarity about who you are and what you want your life to mean, both to yourself and all those who will come to know you. All men and women dream but only some have the courage of their convictions. Most, through default, float upon the sea of mediocrity, responding to biological and social needs but creating nothing new, ennobling, or in some measure liberating. Helen Keller was deaf and blind, yet she chose to make a difference. She espoused greatness and success; she did not wallow in mediocrity, neither did she succumb to the frailties of natural disabilities.
Many, unfortunately, are capable of going through their days without entertaining a single original idea, content with acquiescing to the propaganda of vested interests. A few, however, think about their potential and what they can do to explore and expand it. These are the ones who push the race forward, stretching the limits of consciousness further into the realm of new possibilities. You cannot succeed in anything alone. Your success is a wave that carries others, inviting them to examine their own potentiality. You vibrate at a higher frequency when you choose excellence; you influence others with your presence alone. The urge to be more than you are right now, to express a nobler speech, a finer mind, a more uplifting outlook, a larger reach of resources is the urge of life itself to explore its dimensions.
Helen Keller’s advice to that five year-old blind child in 1932 is still relevant to everybody today; in spite of all adversities, “Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.” Reject mediocrity, aim only for the best!
She realised early in life that her potentials were not mere substance but rather that they were great ideas which convey possibility status on all things around her. Helen Keller was once quoted as saying that “When your heart and mind can look into the past, into your reserve of memory, select its most choice ideas from it and project it into the future, then you have begun the journey of exploring your potential”. Exploring your potentials will require the full participation of your heart and your mind. It would require you to cast your mind back and project into the future. It would require you to make choices- valuable and well informed choices.
Will you be rich or poor, well-educated or ignorant, loved or abandoned, alive with a new intensity and purpose or merely drifting upon the tide of circumstances, these are clear choices that depend only on your inner clarity about who you are and what you want your life to mean, both to yourself and all those who will come to know you. All men and women dream but only some have the courage of their convictions. Most, through default, float upon the sea of mediocrity, responding to biological and social needs but creating nothing new, ennobling, or in some measure liberating. Helen Keller was deaf and blind, yet she chose to make a difference. She espoused greatness and success; she did not wallow in mediocrity, neither did she succumb to the frailties of natural disabilities.
Many, unfortunately, are capable of going through their days without entertaining a single original idea, content with acquiescing to the propaganda of vested interests. A few, however, think about their potential and what they can do to explore and expand it. These are the ones who push the race forward, stretching the limits of consciousness further into the realm of new possibilities. You cannot succeed in anything alone. Your success is a wave that carries others, inviting them to examine their own potentiality. You vibrate at a higher frequency when you choose excellence; you influence others with your presence alone. The urge to be more than you are right now, to express a nobler speech, a finer mind, a more uplifting outlook, a larger reach of resources is the urge of life itself to explore its dimensions.
Helen Keller’s advice to that five year-old blind child in 1932 is still relevant to everybody today; in spite of all adversities, “Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.” Reject mediocrity, aim only for the best!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
HOW MUCH DOES A MIRACLE COST?
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.
She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.
Three times, even. The total
had to be exactly perfect.
No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to
Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for
the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was
too busy at this moment.
Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from
her jar and banged it on the
glass counter. That did it!
'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed
tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he
said without waiting for a
reply to his question.
'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's
really, really sick...
and I want to buy a miracle.'
'I beg your pardon?'
said the pharmacist.
'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how
much does a miracle cost?'
'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said,
Softening a little.
'Listen, I have the money to
pay for it. If it isn't enough,
I will get the rest. Just tell
me how much it costs.'
The pharmacist's brother was
a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl,
'What kind of a miracle
does your brother need?'
' I don't know,' Tess replied with her
eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says
he needs an operation.
But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'
'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago.
'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.
'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'
'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a
miracle for little brothers. '
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said, 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,
specializing in neuro-surgery.
The operation was completed
free of charge and it wasn't
long until Andrew was home again and doing well.
Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had
led them to this place.
'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle’. I wonder how
much it would have cost?'
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost..
one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.
In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.
A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.
She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.
Three times, even. The total
had to be exactly perfect.
No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to
Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for
the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was
too busy at this moment.
Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from
her jar and banged it on the
glass counter. That did it!
'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed
tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he
said without waiting for a
reply to his question.
'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's
really, really sick...
and I want to buy a miracle.'
'I beg your pardon?'
said the pharmacist.
'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how
much does a miracle cost?'
'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said,
Softening a little.
'Listen, I have the money to
pay for it. If it isn't enough,
I will get the rest. Just tell
me how much it costs.'
The pharmacist's brother was
a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl,
'What kind of a miracle
does your brother need?'
' I don't know,' Tess replied with her
eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says
he needs an operation.
But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'
'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago.
'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.
'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'
'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a
miracle for little brothers. '
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said, 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,
specializing in neuro-surgery.
The operation was completed
free of charge and it wasn't
long until Andrew was home again and doing well.
Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had
led them to this place.
'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle’. I wonder how
much it would have cost?'
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost..
one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.
In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.
A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Happy Eid-El-Maulud!
I am happily wishing all our Moslem brothers and sisters around the world a happy Eid-El-Maulud celebration in advance. As you celebrate the Birth of Prophet Mohammed, born 571 C.E, we enjoin you to remember that the period calls for sober reflection – a time for supplication and giving of alms to the poor and less privileged members of our society in accordance with the tenets of the Holy Quran
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
HAVE A DEMON FREE DAY!!!!!!
A woman just returned from a trip and as soon as she stepped into the house, after the usual welcome thingies, she asked her younger child, a 6-year-old boy, if everything was alright in the two days she's been away.
"Ha, mummy, Praise God!" he said, "In fact, I want to give a testimony at Church on Sunday! A strange thing happened when u left... Alright ke, hmmn, everything was not alright o". Slightly curious, the mum asked, "so what happened sweetie?"
"Soon after you left on Friday, Mark from next door came to see Sandra. We were in the sitting room watching Cartoon Network and I slept off.But when I awoke, I couldn't find them both. I searched everywhere: kitchen, toilets, garden and still I didn't find them. I became scared... and then I heard some murmur coming from your room.
"It was dark inside and I couldn't see them well at first from the door. But I guess Sandra was mad at something because her eyes were gleaming. Then I think she was feeling sick and nearly fainted and Mark started breathing in her mouth, just like we were taught in Physical Exercise Class. And then it got serious because he started having trouble getting her mouth and kept trying to hold her head in place and all that.
"She must have nearly died because he started to feel her heart! He had trouble finding it and he started feeling all over her body, inside her clothes to find it! At a point he even started using his mouth, looking for it all over: her thighs and all!
By then Sandra was so sick, she was just moaning and moving here and there. Mark too was becoming infected and he started grunting like Balu the bear in Jungle Book...!
"Then I saw it, Mummy, I saw it! I saw the demon that possessed them all the while.
A black, thick, snake-like demon came out of Mark 's pants, standing strong and rude! They paused for a second, and then Sandra got brave and decided to bite it to death.
It was a fierce battle as she struggled with it. It kept going in and out of her mouth and Mark was cursing softly all the while. Eventually, the demon surrendered and started bleeding white...
"Then, Sandra tugged it several times and slapped it...I don't know why she did something that silly, because... the demon got angry and strong again! Then Mark and Sandra joined forces and started squashing it between them. They squashed and squashed again. It was so bad! Mark was growling this time like an enraged gorilla and Sandra kept saying all sorts.
For some time she kept blaming Mark for the trouble saying, "Oh Mark, you've killed me, you've finished me, I'm finished" some times, she was begging God for more power, "Oh Lord, Oh God, give it to me, give it to me !" And truly, after a long while, the demon died, bleeding a creamier white this time. "They just lay there tired. Mark and Sandra... and were just talking in low tones.
Suddenly, I think the snake-bite became worrisome, and Sandra became sick again. Mark started to look for her heart once again and then, oh my God, the demon resurrected! This time, it was Sandra who took charge. She put it right under her and started sitting on it. It was biting her and she kept yelling and jumping and sitting and Mark was then begging for God to intervene.
He just sat there holding Sandra and calling God several times. Truly God was faithful and The Demon finally died. Sandra slumped across Mark and they both fainted there for a long time! "When they awoke, Sandra said she was concerned about something and Mark brought a rubber hood out. He said truly, they should have used it. Maybe they would have just strangled the demon instead...
"Mummy, I must give testimony in Church on Sunday! If not for God...imagine! And I must say, you have a brave daughter in Sandra!"
"Ha, mummy, Praise God!" he said, "In fact, I want to give a testimony at Church on Sunday! A strange thing happened when u left... Alright ke, hmmn, everything was not alright o". Slightly curious, the mum asked, "so what happened sweetie?"
"Soon after you left on Friday, Mark from next door came to see Sandra. We were in the sitting room watching Cartoon Network and I slept off.But when I awoke, I couldn't find them both. I searched everywhere: kitchen, toilets, garden and still I didn't find them. I became scared... and then I heard some murmur coming from your room.
"It was dark inside and I couldn't see them well at first from the door. But I guess Sandra was mad at something because her eyes were gleaming. Then I think she was feeling sick and nearly fainted and Mark started breathing in her mouth, just like we were taught in Physical Exercise Class. And then it got serious because he started having trouble getting her mouth and kept trying to hold her head in place and all that.
"She must have nearly died because he started to feel her heart! He had trouble finding it and he started feeling all over her body, inside her clothes to find it! At a point he even started using his mouth, looking for it all over: her thighs and all!
By then Sandra was so sick, she was just moaning and moving here and there. Mark too was becoming infected and he started grunting like Balu the bear in Jungle Book...!
"Then I saw it, Mummy, I saw it! I saw the demon that possessed them all the while.
A black, thick, snake-like demon came out of Mark 's pants, standing strong and rude! They paused for a second, and then Sandra got brave and decided to bite it to death.
It was a fierce battle as she struggled with it. It kept going in and out of her mouth and Mark was cursing softly all the while. Eventually, the demon surrendered and started bleeding white...
"Then, Sandra tugged it several times and slapped it...I don't know why she did something that silly, because... the demon got angry and strong again! Then Mark and Sandra joined forces and started squashing it between them. They squashed and squashed again. It was so bad! Mark was growling this time like an enraged gorilla and Sandra kept saying all sorts.
For some time she kept blaming Mark for the trouble saying, "Oh Mark, you've killed me, you've finished me, I'm finished" some times, she was begging God for more power, "Oh Lord, Oh God, give it to me, give it to me !" And truly, after a long while, the demon died, bleeding a creamier white this time. "They just lay there tired. Mark and Sandra... and were just talking in low tones.
Suddenly, I think the snake-bite became worrisome, and Sandra became sick again. Mark started to look for her heart once again and then, oh my God, the demon resurrected! This time, it was Sandra who took charge. She put it right under her and started sitting on it. It was biting her and she kept yelling and jumping and sitting and Mark was then begging for God to intervene.
He just sat there holding Sandra and calling God several times. Truly God was faithful and The Demon finally died. Sandra slumped across Mark and they both fainted there for a long time! "When they awoke, Sandra said she was concerned about something and Mark brought a rubber hood out. He said truly, they should have used it. Maybe they would have just strangled the demon instead...
"Mummy, I must give testimony in Church on Sunday! If not for God...imagine! And I must say, you have a brave daughter in Sandra!"
Our Attitude Determines our Altitude
According to Mac Anderson and Sam Parker, The 212° concept is one of the most powerful communication concepts that exist today: At 211 degrees...water is hot. At 212 degrees...it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive. And, it's that one extra degree that...makes all the difference. And, of course, so many times, in business and in life, it's that one extra degree of effort that separates the good from the great. An interesting thing about the 212° idea is that we can use it to fit both our individual and corporate needs. It may be 212° attitude we will like to reinforce, or 212°, leadership, or quality. “In many ways, we're all alike. However, one little thing makes a big difference. The little difference is...attitude!” if only it were possible for positive attitudes to be transmitted intravenously, the world would have been less rancorous and organizations would reach higher altitudes in the achievement of their corporate objectives. Unfortunately, that is not so.
One thing that has been proven many times is...a culture of excellence will not happen on its own! It takes a lot of work and a lot of continuous reinforcement. “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success”…..Pablo Picasso. No doubt, this may sound like simple, common sense stuff to some of us, but to do it right… it's anything but simple. It takes a plan, a commitment, and a call to action. .
QUOTE FOR THE DAY…….”We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.” -Jeff Bezos
One thing that has been proven many times is...a culture of excellence will not happen on its own! It takes a lot of work and a lot of continuous reinforcement. “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success”…..Pablo Picasso. No doubt, this may sound like simple, common sense stuff to some of us, but to do it right… it's anything but simple. It takes a plan, a commitment, and a call to action. .
QUOTE FOR THE DAY…….”We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.” -Jeff Bezos
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Laugh it off! Enjoy!
"An American lawyer and a Nigerian are sitting next to each other on a long flight. The lawyer believes that Nigerians are so dumb that he could put something over on them easily...So the lawyer asks if the Nigerian would like to play a fun game. The Nigerian is tired and just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and tries to catch a few winks. The American lawyer persists, and says that the game is a lot of fun. I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me only $5; you ask me one, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500, he says. This catches the Nigerian's attention and to keep the lawyer quiet, he agrees to play the game. The lawyer asks the first question. 'What's the distance from The Earth to the Moon?' The Nigerian doesn't say a word, reaches in his pocket pulls out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to the lawyer. Now, it's the Nigerian's turn. He asks the lawyer, 'What goes up a hill with three legs, and
comes down with four?' The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he could find on the Net. He sends e-mails to all the smart friends he knows, all to no avail. After one hour of searching he finally gives up. He wakes up the Nigerian and hands him $500. The Nigerian pockets the $500 and goes right back to sleep. The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the Nigerian up and asks, 'Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?' The Nigerian reaches in his pocket, hands the lawyer $5 and goes back to sleep.
comes down with four?' The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he could find on the Net. He sends e-mails to all the smart friends he knows, all to no avail. After one hour of searching he finally gives up. He wakes up the Nigerian and hands him $500. The Nigerian pockets the $500 and goes right back to sleep. The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the Nigerian up and asks, 'Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?' The Nigerian reaches in his pocket, hands the lawyer $5 and goes back to sleep.
Friday, February 19, 2010
WHO IS THE DADDY?
A father put his three year old daughter to bed, told her a story listened to her prayer which she ended by saying: 'God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Grandma, and good-bye Grandpa.'
The father asked, 'Why did you say good-bye grandpa?'
The little girl said, 'I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to say.'
The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence.
A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers which went like this: 'God bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and Good-bye Grandma.'
The next day the grandmother died.
'Oh my gosh' thought the father, 'this kid is in contact with the other side.'
Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say: 'God bless Mommy and good-bye Daddy.'
He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch sent in and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay.
He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally midnight arrived; he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.
When he got home his wife asked, 'I've never seen you work so late, what's the matter?'
He said, 'I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life.'
She replied, 'you think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning the gardener dropped dead in our backyard while I was watching!
WHO’S THE DADDY?
The father asked, 'Why did you say good-bye grandpa?'
The little girl said, 'I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to say.'
The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence.
A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers which went like this: 'God bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and Good-bye Grandma.'
The next day the grandmother died.
'Oh my gosh' thought the father, 'this kid is in contact with the other side.'
Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say: 'God bless Mommy and good-bye Daddy.'
He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch sent in and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay.
He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally midnight arrived; he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.
When he got home his wife asked, 'I've never seen you work so late, what's the matter?'
He said, 'I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life.'
She replied, 'you think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning the gardener dropped dead in our backyard while I was watching!
WHO’S THE DADDY?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
How do you perceive Change- a blessing or a curse?
Spencer Johnson is known for his 1998 motivational book- Who Moved my Cheese? A Motivational speaker and Medical Consultant, Spencer seeks to describe change in peoples’ work and life in that award winning book.
The story in this book is centred on four characters- two mice, "Sniff" and "Scurry", and two little people, “Hem" and "Haw" as well as their respective reactions to change. They lived in a maze, a representation of our environment, and looked for cheese, representing happiness and success. Initially without cheese, each group, the mice and humans paired off, travel the lengthy corridor searching for cheese. One day both groups chanced upon a cheese-filled corridor in "Cheese Station C". They were delighted at their discovery and soon established routines around their daily intake of cheese slowly becoming arrogant in the process.
One day Sniff and Scurry arrived at Cheese Station C to find no cheese left but they were not surprised. Noticing the cheese supply was dwindling, they had mentally prepared themselves for the arduous, but inevitable task of finding more cheese beforehand. They left Cheese Station C behind and began their hunt for new cheese together. Later that day, Hem and Haw arrived at Cheese Station C only to find the same thing, no cheese. Angered and annoyed, Hem demanded "who moved my cheese?" Unprepared, the humans had counted on the cheese supply to be constant. After verifying that the cheese was indeed gone and ranting at the unfairness of the situation, both headed home hungry. Returning the next day, Hem and Haw found the same cheeseless station. Realising the gravity of the situation at hand, Haw proposed a search for new cheese, but Hem, dead set in his victimized mindset, punctured the proposal.
In the meantime, Sniff and Scurry had found "Cheese Station N", a new supply of cheese. Back at Cheese Station C, Hem and Haw, affected by their lack of cheese; blame each other for their predicament. Hoping to change, Haw again proposes a search for new cheese. Hem however, comforted by his old routine and afraid of the unknown, again discarded the idea. After many days in denial, including a search for cheese behind the wall of Cheese Station C, the humans remained without cheese. One day, realizing his debilitating fear, Haw began laughing at the situation. Realizing he should move on, Haw entered the maze, but not before chiseling "If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct" on the wall of Cheese Station C for his friend to ponder.
Still fearful of his trek, Haw scribbled "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" on the wall and, after thinking about it, began his journey. Still with worry, perhaps he had waited too long to begin his search, Haw found some scattered cheese and continued his search. Slowly losing his denial, Haw realised that the cheese had not suddenly disappeared, but had dwindled from continual eating, and that the older cheese was not as tasty and had been moldy. After a let down, an empty cheese station, Haw began worrying about the unknown again. Brushing aside his fears, Haw's new mindset allowed him to again enjoy life; he had even begun to smile again and was realizing "when you move beyond your fear, you feel free." After another empty cheese station, Haw decided to go back for Hem with the few bits of new cheese he has managed to find.
Uncompromising, Hem turned away the new cheese to his friend's dismay. With knowledge acquired along the way, Haw headed back into the maze. Still going deeper into the maze, impelled by bits of new cheese here and there, Haw left a trail of writings on the wall, hopeful that his friend would be aided by them in his search for new cheese. Still traveling, Haw one day came across Cheese Station N abundant with cheese, some varieties strange to him; he had found what he was looking for. After eating, Haw reflected on his experience. Pondering a return to his old friend, Haw decided to let Hem find his own way. Finding the largest wall in Cheese Station N, he wrote:
Change Happens (The Cheese keeps changing position)
Anticipate Change (Get Ready For The Cheese To Move)
Monitor Change (Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old)
Adapt To Change Quickly (The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese)
Change (Move With The Cheese)
Enjoy Change! (Savour The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!)
Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again & Again (They Keep Moving The Cheese.)
Indeed, Change can be a blessing; it can also be a curse! It will be a blessing if we understand the nature of cheese and the role it plays in our lives. Like Sniff and Scurry, some of us are non-analytical and nonjudgmental. We just want cheese and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Some others are however like Hem and Haw the "little people," they have an entirely different relationship with cheese. It's not just sustenance to them; it's their self-image. Their lives and belief systems are built around the cheese they've found.
How do you perceive the “cheese”? What do you make of your job and your career path? How quickly are you adapting to change? These are mind tickling questions you alone can answer; and as you do, may I wish you a happy and more productive Labour life time.
The story in this book is centred on four characters- two mice, "Sniff" and "Scurry", and two little people, “Hem" and "Haw" as well as their respective reactions to change. They lived in a maze, a representation of our environment, and looked for cheese, representing happiness and success. Initially without cheese, each group, the mice and humans paired off, travel the lengthy corridor searching for cheese. One day both groups chanced upon a cheese-filled corridor in "Cheese Station C". They were delighted at their discovery and soon established routines around their daily intake of cheese slowly becoming arrogant in the process.
One day Sniff and Scurry arrived at Cheese Station C to find no cheese left but they were not surprised. Noticing the cheese supply was dwindling, they had mentally prepared themselves for the arduous, but inevitable task of finding more cheese beforehand. They left Cheese Station C behind and began their hunt for new cheese together. Later that day, Hem and Haw arrived at Cheese Station C only to find the same thing, no cheese. Angered and annoyed, Hem demanded "who moved my cheese?" Unprepared, the humans had counted on the cheese supply to be constant. After verifying that the cheese was indeed gone and ranting at the unfairness of the situation, both headed home hungry. Returning the next day, Hem and Haw found the same cheeseless station. Realising the gravity of the situation at hand, Haw proposed a search for new cheese, but Hem, dead set in his victimized mindset, punctured the proposal.
In the meantime, Sniff and Scurry had found "Cheese Station N", a new supply of cheese. Back at Cheese Station C, Hem and Haw, affected by their lack of cheese; blame each other for their predicament. Hoping to change, Haw again proposes a search for new cheese. Hem however, comforted by his old routine and afraid of the unknown, again discarded the idea. After many days in denial, including a search for cheese behind the wall of Cheese Station C, the humans remained without cheese. One day, realizing his debilitating fear, Haw began laughing at the situation. Realizing he should move on, Haw entered the maze, but not before chiseling "If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct" on the wall of Cheese Station C for his friend to ponder.
Still fearful of his trek, Haw scribbled "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" on the wall and, after thinking about it, began his journey. Still with worry, perhaps he had waited too long to begin his search, Haw found some scattered cheese and continued his search. Slowly losing his denial, Haw realised that the cheese had not suddenly disappeared, but had dwindled from continual eating, and that the older cheese was not as tasty and had been moldy. After a let down, an empty cheese station, Haw began worrying about the unknown again. Brushing aside his fears, Haw's new mindset allowed him to again enjoy life; he had even begun to smile again and was realizing "when you move beyond your fear, you feel free." After another empty cheese station, Haw decided to go back for Hem with the few bits of new cheese he has managed to find.
Uncompromising, Hem turned away the new cheese to his friend's dismay. With knowledge acquired along the way, Haw headed back into the maze. Still going deeper into the maze, impelled by bits of new cheese here and there, Haw left a trail of writings on the wall, hopeful that his friend would be aided by them in his search for new cheese. Still traveling, Haw one day came across Cheese Station N abundant with cheese, some varieties strange to him; he had found what he was looking for. After eating, Haw reflected on his experience. Pondering a return to his old friend, Haw decided to let Hem find his own way. Finding the largest wall in Cheese Station N, he wrote:
Change Happens (The Cheese keeps changing position)
Anticipate Change (Get Ready For The Cheese To Move)
Monitor Change (Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old)
Adapt To Change Quickly (The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese)
Change (Move With The Cheese)
Enjoy Change! (Savour The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!)
Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again & Again (They Keep Moving The Cheese.)
Indeed, Change can be a blessing; it can also be a curse! It will be a blessing if we understand the nature of cheese and the role it plays in our lives. Like Sniff and Scurry, some of us are non-analytical and nonjudgmental. We just want cheese and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Some others are however like Hem and Haw the "little people," they have an entirely different relationship with cheese. It's not just sustenance to them; it's their self-image. Their lives and belief systems are built around the cheese they've found.
How do you perceive the “cheese”? What do you make of your job and your career path? How quickly are you adapting to change? These are mind tickling questions you alone can answer; and as you do, may I wish you a happy and more productive Labour life time.
Passionately taking on added responsibilities
According to a story, an elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer contractor of his plans to leave the house building and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.
He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house a personal favor.
The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. ‘This is your house,’ he said, ‘my gift to you.’ The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into building. Then, with shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently. But we cannot go back. You are the carpenter.
Indeed, there is an uncanny recompense that life throws at every individual: to the slothful – misery, to the diligent- bounty. No wonder it is often said that people are the architect of their destinies and as one makes his bed, so will he lie on it. Never has it been said that the slothful ever rode the crest of the waves to success. To succeed in life, one needs to diligently prepare and equip oneself with the necessary skills, competencies and brawn which oftentimes, are grasped by willingly accepting to do menial and odd jobs which in the end, usually avails the individual such invaluable experiences that usually, in the end, become the treasure chest for success. Besides possessing the required skills, one needs to be equally passionate about whatever kind of work one is engaged in – for without passion, interest fast wanes – manifesting in reduced output to total unproductiveness.
No doubt, the above story is a clear testimony to the fact that whatever one sowed, that will one certainly reap. Many a times, in the course of our careers, we are assigned extra responsibilities in addition to our routine jobs - often with crushing deadlines that we grumble and whine. And because we usually have the penchant to consider such added responsibilities as burdens; not our core responsibility and therefore would not likely be held accountable if we failed, we usually do not put in our best in the discharge of such duties and in the end we produce mediocre jobs. Sadly, when we do so, we unwittingly deprive ourselves the opportunity of acquiring useful experiences and competencies accruable from performing such duties which easily can catapult us into higher and strategic positions of authority in our places of work.
As we all know, promotions to higher positions are based on many considerations amongst which are the possession of requisite skills, demonstrable and relevant job competence/experience and ability for balanced and informed decision-making etc. Whenever an opportunity to move people up the corporate ladder occurs, which often are few, the first consideration usually is the competency of the candidates being considered for the opening. Thus, discerning managers, instead of shying away, embrace such new or added challenges willingly, and passionately discharging them creditably, thus, enhancing their positions. No wonder therefore, such Managers make the promotion list every year. Such, is one of the benefits being passionate about our jobs usually yields to those who exhibit it doggedly in the daily performance of their duties.
Clearly, with the unfolding uncertainty currently pervading the banking sector, the future is sure only for those who have prepared themselves adequately and are passionate about taking on new roles and challenges. Responsibilities will no longer be handed on a platter of gold. It will belong to those who are able to prove their mettle In their respective areas. Therefore, Managers and indeed all staff should learn from the above story and bestir themselves to willingly accepting to go passionately, the extra mile, with customer satisfaction as the ultimate objective in mind.
Each day we accept new or added responsibilities, we plant a foot firmly on the rungs of the corporate ladder with our gaze on the top. For, accordingly to a popular axiom, - 'Life is a do-it-yourself project,' our attitudes and the choices we make today, determine the height we will climb tomorrow. Therefore, climb wisely and with passion. Remember, great service happens in a moment, moment by moment.
He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house a personal favor.
The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. ‘This is your house,’ he said, ‘my gift to you.’ The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into building. Then, with shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently. But we cannot go back. You are the carpenter.
Indeed, there is an uncanny recompense that life throws at every individual: to the slothful – misery, to the diligent- bounty. No wonder it is often said that people are the architect of their destinies and as one makes his bed, so will he lie on it. Never has it been said that the slothful ever rode the crest of the waves to success. To succeed in life, one needs to diligently prepare and equip oneself with the necessary skills, competencies and brawn which oftentimes, are grasped by willingly accepting to do menial and odd jobs which in the end, usually avails the individual such invaluable experiences that usually, in the end, become the treasure chest for success. Besides possessing the required skills, one needs to be equally passionate about whatever kind of work one is engaged in – for without passion, interest fast wanes – manifesting in reduced output to total unproductiveness.
No doubt, the above story is a clear testimony to the fact that whatever one sowed, that will one certainly reap. Many a times, in the course of our careers, we are assigned extra responsibilities in addition to our routine jobs - often with crushing deadlines that we grumble and whine. And because we usually have the penchant to consider such added responsibilities as burdens; not our core responsibility and therefore would not likely be held accountable if we failed, we usually do not put in our best in the discharge of such duties and in the end we produce mediocre jobs. Sadly, when we do so, we unwittingly deprive ourselves the opportunity of acquiring useful experiences and competencies accruable from performing such duties which easily can catapult us into higher and strategic positions of authority in our places of work.
As we all know, promotions to higher positions are based on many considerations amongst which are the possession of requisite skills, demonstrable and relevant job competence/experience and ability for balanced and informed decision-making etc. Whenever an opportunity to move people up the corporate ladder occurs, which often are few, the first consideration usually is the competency of the candidates being considered for the opening. Thus, discerning managers, instead of shying away, embrace such new or added challenges willingly, and passionately discharging them creditably, thus, enhancing their positions. No wonder therefore, such Managers make the promotion list every year. Such, is one of the benefits being passionate about our jobs usually yields to those who exhibit it doggedly in the daily performance of their duties.
Clearly, with the unfolding uncertainty currently pervading the banking sector, the future is sure only for those who have prepared themselves adequately and are passionate about taking on new roles and challenges. Responsibilities will no longer be handed on a platter of gold. It will belong to those who are able to prove their mettle In their respective areas. Therefore, Managers and indeed all staff should learn from the above story and bestir themselves to willingly accepting to go passionately, the extra mile, with customer satisfaction as the ultimate objective in mind.
Each day we accept new or added responsibilities, we plant a foot firmly on the rungs of the corporate ladder with our gaze on the top. For, accordingly to a popular axiom, - 'Life is a do-it-yourself project,' our attitudes and the choices we make today, determine the height we will climb tomorrow. Therefore, climb wisely and with passion. Remember, great service happens in a moment, moment by moment.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
SAVE FOR THE FUTURE
Savings means cutting cost or economizing. it is good for everybody including people that are not working.Savings entails preserving money for future use.It is quite different from investing money.We should always bear in mind that a day will come when one will have a need to meet but can not be earning.It is advisable to make hay now while the sun is shining. We should use the time when we can earn to raise funds for the time when we can not be earning.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Goodluck to everyone!
It is said that man proposes but God disposes.Sometime in January, 2010, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Nigeria, Vincent Ogbulafor, was said to have urged the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to wait for God’s intervention as power belongs to God.This statement was made on the heels of repeated calls by eminent Nigerians, Civil Society organizations, media chiefs and other bodies across the country, that President Umaru Yar’Adua, who has been away in Saudi Arabia on medical attention, in the last 2-3 months, should hand over power to Vice President Jonathan in acting capacity.
Ogbulafor, in a statement titled “Goodwill message from the Peoples’ Democratic Party to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCON,” said: “Furthermore, the words of the Holy Scripture in Psalm 62:11 are apt for this moment, that ‘God has spoken once, twice, I have heard this: That power belongs to God.’”
Truly, power belongs to God and His time is always the best.God has finally given Jonathan the exulted position. He was finally sworn in yesterday as the acting president of the republic of Nigeria.Goodluck to everyone!
Ogbulafor, in a statement titled “Goodwill message from the Peoples’ Democratic Party to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCON,” said: “Furthermore, the words of the Holy Scripture in Psalm 62:11 are apt for this moment, that ‘God has spoken once, twice, I have heard this: That power belongs to God.’”
Truly, power belongs to God and His time is always the best.God has finally given Jonathan the exulted position. He was finally sworn in yesterday as the acting president of the republic of Nigeria.Goodluck to everyone!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
politics in africa
Democracy is the way forward for African nations.It is a genuine means of electing leaders and all categories of government.It gives the hopeless and the less priviledged the opportunity of casting their votes to elect the candidate of their choice during election.
The western world have perfected their electoral processes while african countries are still making mockery of it. Killings and thuggery have characterised the political scene in africa.It is very disheartening that more than 50% of africans are living below poverty level and yet,their governments do not seem to give a damn. They continue to loot their treasuries and sipphoning public funds to the developed world.
Africans should wake up to fight these oppressors through a peaceful means.We cannot continue to pretend all is well when in the actually fact, most people are walking corpse.
The western world have perfected their electoral processes while african countries are still making mockery of it. Killings and thuggery have characterised the political scene in africa.It is very disheartening that more than 50% of africans are living below poverty level and yet,their governments do not seem to give a damn. They continue to loot their treasuries and sipphoning public funds to the developed world.
Africans should wake up to fight these oppressors through a peaceful means.We cannot continue to pretend all is well when in the actually fact, most people are walking corpse.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
strange things
Alot of strang things are happening around the world and that`s to prove that the end time is near. what could have made a young Nigerian graduate to shot himself dead recently is something nobody could guess. Suicide is unafrican but the rate in this part of the world is increasing to an alarming proportion.A secondary school student in Nigeria killed himself because he failed an examination.Unbelieveable!
Oh! what is happening to our youths. There is morale decadence every where and we cannot help but beckon on God to come to our rescue. There is hope!
Oh! what is happening to our youths. There is morale decadence every where and we cannot help but beckon on God to come to our rescue. There is hope!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Tips & bits
Achieving success in organisations and business ventures nowadays depend so much on teamwork and collective knowledge. Many innovative developments come from knowledge sharing. Sharing knowledge and ideas among one another could be a trigger for innovation and experience has shown that knowledgeable people do share their expertise.
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