A tribute to a living legend, now gone - Steve Jobs

Wednesday, October 5 2011 marks the saddest day in the lives of many people. Steve Jobs the man who brought Apple to it's shiniest and brightest moments left the world at the age of 56. Details of his long battle with pancreatic cancer - a disease that ultimately claimed him remains unknown.

He was more than just the man behind the Mac and iPhone. Even in Malaysia now, one cannot help but hear the tributes on radio and coffee shop chit chats. Even Twitter at the time of this posting remains inaccessible, possible due to overwhelming tweet traffic.

He believed in himself. Despite having the odds against him, he believed in himself. He believed in his vision. He believed that he could change the way we communicate. He believed he could make a difference. And he did.

 This past week we said goodbye to Steve Jobs - the co-founder of Apple who revolutionized the way we communicate, work and play. But life was never easy for him and the only reason Jobs succeeded is because he believed in himself.

 He didn't let the naysayers stop him. He didn't let the doubters hold him back.

 He dropped out of school because he couldn't afford the tuition. He collected used soda cans and returned them to collect the deposit money. He walked 7 miles just so he could get a hot meal from a shelter. But all along he believed in himself and his vision. He never gave up. When he slept on a cold hard floor with only a blanket he didn't give up.

 Through all those years of struggle, Steve Jobs directed his mind, his subconscious mind and his powers to follow his vision. That vision and belief was planted on his subconscious mind, success was sure to follow. And did it ever.

When he passed away on Wednesday - Steve Jobs was a billionaire, surrounded by his family. He built one of the most valuable companies in the world and he made a big difference.

 Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco on February 24, 1955. He was adopted shortly after his birth and reared near Mountain View, California by a couple named Clara and Paul Jobs. His adoptive father was a machinist for a laser company and his mother worked as an accountant.

 He leaves behind three children from his marriage to Laurene Jobs (Reed, Erin, and Eve), as well as his first daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs.

 Rest in eternal peace Steve Jobs... there will be no other like you...

The Perfect Out-of-Office Autoreply

I am currently out of the office on vacation.

I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email and won’t be able to respond until I return — but that’s not true. My blackberry will be with me and I can respond if I need to. And I recognize that I’ll probably need to interrupt my vacation from time to time to deal with something urgent.

That said, I promised my wife that I am going to try to disconnect, get away and enjoy our vacation as much as possible. So, I’m going to experiment with something new. I’m going to leave the decision in your hands:

• If your email truly is urgent and you need a response while I’m on vacation, please resend it to interruptyourvacation@[redacted].com and I’ll try to respond to it promptly.
• If you think someone else at [the company] might be able to help you, feel free to email my assistant, and she’ll try to point you in the right direction.

· Otherwise, I’ll respond when I return…

Warm regards,

Josh

Josh Kopelman, hat's off man!

Intuition, use it or lose it!

"Where is that darn sheet of paper?" I kept asking myself.I looked everywhere (or so I thought) but couldn't find it anywhere.A few days ago I got an important phone call and had to write down some crucial information and follow up within a few days.

I jotted everything down on a piece of paper and left it beside my computer on my desk (or so I thought).But I went looking for it and it wasn't there. "Where is that darn sheet of paper?"

I kept asking myself.I looked and looked and couldn't find it.Was it in the trash?Actually it was right in front of me all along and had I listened to my intuition I could have saved myself a lot of time.

Everyday our intuition guides us, helps us, tries to save us some time, sends little messages that will make life better for us if we listened and followed. But most of us (myself included) don't always listen to that little voice. We don't always follow what it says.It will say something, we may hear or recognize the message, but then we get distracted and we forget about it, only to realize later "should have listened to that voice. "That voice is our intuition. It's like our best friend; it only says and does things to help you.

It only wants to make your life easier and more enjoyable.Once you know how to ask your intuition for guidance you'll get the right responses and the right instructions.Then you have to listen and follow, which is where most people fail. That only happens because your conscious mind, that rational thinking part of you, doesn't always agree with your intuition and will often put up a fight, give some resistance and try to get you to do the exact opposite of what your intuition wants you to do.

But once you know how to respond, life gets easier and you get more of what you want.How do you tap into your intuition? How do you get the right answers so that you get more of what you want? And how do you follow your intuition so that things work out?

Let's go back to my sheet of paper that I just couldn't find. I needed that piece of paper. It had some important information. Earlier in the day I was playing with my 3-year old son who was making me chase him around the house, he gets a big laugh out of that.

I spotted him in a room where he was holding a piece of paper. At the time I wasn't looking for that piece of paper but wanted to see what he had. Something told me it might be important (that was my intuition trying to save me some time). I tried to get the piece of paper from him but he thought it was part of the fun and ran off.

I later spotted him stuffing the piece of paper into a box and when I went towards him he laughed and ran off again.

I got caught up in his game (and the fun) and kept chasing him.Something told me (that intuition again) to go back and see what that piece of paper was (we don't leave too many thing lying around with a set of 3-year old twins and a one year old reaching and grabbing anything). But I got distracted, kept playing with him and forgot about it.

Later that day I was looking for that important piece of paper, the one I had left on my desk next to my computer (you know where this is going).I knew that paper existed. I had seen it a day earlier. But it wasn't there.I kept asking: "Where is that darn piece of paper?"It had to be in the house or in the garbage.I searched the house (so I thought) and couldn't find it. Now it was time to check the trash (oh, how I hate doing that), which was just like giving up since I knew it wasn't in the trash, but I had to check anyway. Just as I was opening the garbage bag my wife said:"Hey wait a minute. Was it a lined piece of paper?". "Yes it was.""I thought I saw something in a box, let me take a look. "Then it hit me.

My son had stuffed a piece of paper in the box that I was supposed to check to see if it was anything important only I got distracted and forgot about it (that was my intuition guiding me again). My wife checked the piece of paper and sure enough..."Here it is..."My son had grabbed the piece of paper off my desk and stuffed it in a box. Those of you who have kids are probably laughing at this because something similar has probably happened in the past. But that's not my point.

My point is that earlier in the day, while I was playing with my son, my intuition
showed me the piece of paper that I would need later in the day.I even got a feeling/message to go back and check that piece of paper to see what it was; but I didn't follow up and I didn't follow the intuitive message.So now I needed that paper, and had to get my intuition to help me. I knew the paper existed.

I kept asking for it when I said: "where's that darn piece of paper?"I trusted and let go when I decided to check the garbage (the last spot to check) even though I knew it could never be in the garbage. While I was heading outside check the trash I said to myself: "Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait until they call me back and ask why I didn't follow up. I'll simply tell them the truth and deal with the consequences, that's all I can do. "What happened is a clear example of how our intuition is always communicating with us and guiding us. It also shows how we can communicate with our intuition to get help when we need it.

Here's how it works:

First realize that what you want already exists. It's here, its in this world, you're within reach of it all you have to do is find it. So decide what guidance or information you want. Realize that the answers already exist.If you want something in particular like a better job, a new relationship, a new home or trying to find an important document, realize that what you want already exists.

This is very important. Because if you don't believe it exists you'll never see it, even if it stands up and slaps you in the face. Next, ask for what you want.I kept saying where is that darn sheet of paper?

I also kept saying what did I do with it? Where did I put it? What happened to it?If you want the right job, ask for it. Say: I want the right job, where is the right job for me?

I know it exists so where is it? I want the right job.Then let go. Tell yourself you've found what you want and leave it alone.I let go when I accepted that I couldn't find that piece of paper, but decided to check the trash anyway.

I also said to myself: "I guess I'll just have to wait until they call me back and ask why I never followed up. I'll simply tell them I misplaced the information and deal with the consequences."

That's when I let go of it.Within a few minutes of letting go, my wife called out to me when she found a piece of paper with some notes on it. The paper was found.You need to let go and you do that by realizing that your happiness does not depend
on something happening in your life and that you'll find a solution.

Your happiness doesn't depend on whether you have a job or not.

Your happiness does not depend on whether you are in a relationship or not.If you want to be happy, be happy.

Focus on positive things and let go of what you want. Then it will flow to you easily.So think about what you want.

Know that what you want exists already.

Ask for what you want.

Let go of it by accepting that your happiness doesn't depend on you having what you want. Get your intuition working for you today.

Develop your intuition, this is a powerful partner who can make your life easier and guide you to success.

Your subconscious mind and your intuition work together, always bringing you what you want.

Your intuition is your powerful partner. It is always guiding you and bringing you answers everyday. You just need to see them and recognize the guidance you're getting.

You ask your intuition by using your thoughts. It brings you what you want based on what you think about. So think about what you want. Believe in yourself. Believe in your ability.

You are a powerful human being, capable of creating what ever you want in life. You can achieve your goals. You can succeed. You can live your dreams. You can enjoy a better life. Get your intuition and your subconscious mind to help you create more of what you want.

Everything you want already exists.

[courtesy of Karim Hajee]

Keep the Peace for Your Own Sake

A tiny little thing sets you off. You know you're being totally unreasonable, but at the moment, you don't care. You rant you rave and behave like a child throwing a tantrum...

You have to put things in perspective.

Otherwise...think about waking up alone. Permanently.

In support of keeping the peace!

Google+ by Google, Inc.

Google+ is in limited Field Trial still since it's launch on June 28th, 2011... (I should know, I'm waiting patiently as you are)...

Seen now (no longer a rumor) as a great replacement to Facebook, Google+, a social network operated by Google, Inc., allows great integration across a number of Google products that include Buzz and Profiles.

One key element of Google+ is it's focus on targeted sharing within subsets of your social group, which Google calls Circles. Circles are simply smaller groups of people that you can share to, each with names like friends, family, classmates and co-workers.

In Google+, there's a section specifically for viewing, managing and editing multimedia. The photo tab takes a user to all of the photos he or she has shared, as well as the ones he or she is tagged in. It’s not just about photo tagging. An image editor (complete with Instagram-like photo effects), privacy options and sharing features is incorporated too.

And here's how I think Google+ beats Facebook -- the super cool “Hangouts,” Google’s new group chat feature. Un"like" Facebook (pardon the pun) where you normally would directly ask a friend to join a group chat, Google-plusers click “start a hangout” and they’re instantly in a video chatroom alone. At the same time, a message goes out to their social circles, letting them know that their friend is “hanging out.” Friends can then join the hangout as long as they have been placed in a circle that was invited by the person who created the Hangout.

At the moment, Google+ is testing with a small number of people, but it won't be long before the Google+ project is ready for everyone.

Interested? Leave your email address at the link above (title) so that you'll be the first to know when Google+ is ready for you.

Malaysia Government Petrol Subsidy

Shown here in a picture taken over the weekend is Malaysia's subsidy which includes tax exemption for Petrol RON 95 and Diesel. Can we ask for more and by the way -- does this "notice" makeup for the way in which everything else is more pricey?

What the Server Market Will Look Like in 5 Years

Today, the enterprise requires the data center to handle top business workloads, run broad hardware options, and operate stable product roadmaps.

In order to increase performance and lower cost, CIOs are looking to consolidate their mission-critical applications on fewer, faster servers and to virtualize those applications to make more efficient utilization of their data center resources, both human and natural.

All the best in your plan for a high-performance, low-cost application solution that fits your data center needs.

Focus on the Positive

Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, think about what might go right.

Think about how things could work out for you.

Think about how you can improve your life, or try to find solutions.

When you do this you direct your mind and subconscious mind
to regularly focus on the positive things in your life.

Pay attention to your thoughts. How?

Observe them - and analyze them.

Ask yourself: "Does this thought or belief work for me?

Does it help me?

Does it make me feel better?"

If the answer is no, then you have to change it.

You can change the thought by simply thinking of the opposite or creating a new thought that
helps you create what you want.

For example: If you're constantly thinking about why you're not good enough or why you can't achieve something - change those thoughts.

Think about why you are good enough and why you can achieve something.

As you regularly think about why you can do something you'll start to believe that you can achieve that goal.

The minute you begin to believe that you can do something your subconscious mind goes out and
creates the situations to help you achieve that goal.

Start changing your thoughts today. Live Life, Love Life people.

Pay your Electrical Bill on time, or Else

The following account bears no reference to any person, dead or alive...

Mr. Sharma comes home one night and his wife throws her arms around his neck: I have great news... I'm a month overdue. I think we're going to have a baby!!! The doctor gave me a test today but until we find out for sure, we can't tell anybody."

The next day, Mrs. Sharma receives a telephone call from AEC (Ahmedabad Electric Company) because the electricity bill has not been paid.

"Am I speaking to Mrs. Sharma?"

"Yes... Speaking"

AEC guy, "You're a month overdue, you know!!!"

"How do YOU know?" stammers the young woman.

"Well, ma'am, it's in our files!" says the AEC guy.

"What are you saying? It's in your files... HOW???"

Yes... We have a system of finding out who's overdue"

"GOD!!!... this is too much..."

"Madam, I am sorry... I am following orders, I have to inform you are overdue"

"I know that... let me talk to my husband about this tonight, he will speak to your company tomorrow"

That night, she tells her husband about the call and he, mad as a bull, rushes to AEC office the next day morning.

"What's going on??? You have it on file that my wife is a month overdue??? What business is that of yours?" the husband shouts.

"Just calm down," says the lady at the reception at AEC, "it's nothing serious. All you have to do is pay us."

"PAY you? and if I refuse?"

"Well, in that case, Sir, we'd have no option but to cut yours off."

"And what would my wife do then?" the husband asks.

"I don't know. I guess she'd have to use a candle."

Rupert Murdoch's Text Apology

Under a large headline "We are sorry," the piece will contain the following message, according to the text obtained by Reuters. It is signed at the bottom by Murdoch himself.

"The News of the World was in the business of holding others to account. It failed when it came to itself.

"We are sorry for the serious wrongdoing that occurred. We are deeply sorry for the hurt suffered by the individuals affected.

"We regret not acting faster to sort things out. I realize that simply apologizing is not enough.

"Our business was founded on the idea that a free and open press should be a positive force in society. We need to live up to this.

"In the coming days, as we take further concrete steps to resolve these issues and make amends for the damage they have caused, you will hear more from us.

"Sincerely, Rupert Murdoch"

My e-mail from News of the World

Dear .....

It is with great regret that we write to inform you that after 168 years we will publish the final edition of the News of the World this Sunday.

You will know that the paper has a proud history of fighting crime, exposing wrong-doing and regularly setting the news agenda for the nation.

However, in recent times the good things that the News of the World have done have been sullied by behaviour that was wrong and inexcusable.

As a result, the very difficult decision to close down the paper and notw.co.uk has been made.

Advertising space in this last edition of the paper will be donated to good causes and charities and all revenues will go to organisations that improve life in Britain and are devoted to treating others with dignity.

As a result of this decision, notw.co.uk will be open to the public for free for our final edition on Sunday 10th July. If you have already paid for access to the sites for this weekend and have outstanding credit on your account, we will contact you shortly and arrange a refund within the next 28 days.

If you have any other questions please email help@notw.co.uk

Thank you for reading the News of the World.

Yours sincerely,

The News of the World

Dearer Air Ticket Prices for Europe

Air travelers to Europe may soon pay more -- ticket prices for flights to and from Europe are likely to go up January 2012 when Europe's move to "cut" airline emissions is enforced. The EU has set a cap on carbon dioxide emissions, with airlines having to pay for emissions that exceed those limits (and the ultimate payee will of course be the passengers of these flights...). Other regions/countries are expected to follow suit in retaliation.

Just goes to prove how affordable travel is nowadays so much so that the EU decides to limit the number of flights in the name of Going Green, but then again when flight prices are driven higher with people still traveling -- are they trying to say that it's ok and alright to CONTRIBUTE to these emissions when payment is made?

Malaysia Snap Elections 2011

13th general election in 2011? Prime Minister Najib does not have to call an election until 2013, but there’s speculation that he may call for one as early as this year. Najib has not confirmed these rumors, saying only that the election will take place “soon”.

When asked whether the meeting was a prelude to the 13th General Election, Najib said: “Everything is geared towards the General Election. We want to be re-elected. We want to serve the people. First of all, we have to serve the people and let the people decide.”

With prices of commodities on the rise there may be delay on election date.

Whatever that day and date will be -- all Malaysians should firstly feel privileged with their right to vote and know that while the past can never be revisited it is the present (and future) that can be changed. Don't vote with your feet by walking away...

Live Life Today

Stop blaming yourself for everything that went wrong; instead, start taking charge of your life and make some better decisions.

It's all about energy. Our life, our success, our happiness... everything is all about energy. We're all made of energy... tiny molecules vibrating at a certain frequency... this vibrating energy makes up our existence. Everything is made of energy... and it's that same energy that we constantly direct that attracts everything into our life. Now there are different kinds of energy... or different levels... and that's what makes everything so interesting.

Positive energy attracts positive situation.
Negative energy attracts negative situations.
Positive energy repels negative situations.
And negative energy repels positive situations.

If you're negative you'll attract more negative people, and more negative situations. You'll also push away positive people and positive situations.

If you're positive you'll attract positive people and positive situations. You'll also push away negative people and negative situations.

So if you're not getting what you want - then you're likely not sending out the right energy.

You see other people pick up on your energy vibrations on a subconscious level. They don't really know it - they just get a sense about you - a feeling or a vibe about you. They don't consciously say: "This is someone positive, lets get to know him or her."

It all happens on a subconscious level. But it starts in the conscious mind.

Your thoughts, and beliefs shape your energy level... they create that vibrating energy.

Your thoughts and beliefs are sent to your subconscious mind which radiates
your energy level (the very energy that others pick up on).

Positive thoughts and positive beliefs create positive energy.

Those with positive energy attract positive situations, good things happen to them, they meet terrific people and enjoy life. As they continue doing this they naturally become more optimistic. They take positive actions, and they continue to attract more and more positive situations, people and events into their lives.

If your filled with negative thoughts, self-doubt, worry, uncertainty, and if you
generally feel that things will never work out or get better then you're sending out
the energy that will only attract more of what you don't want... or more worry,
self-doubt, and uncertainty... all of which will only cause you to feel that
things will never work out.

It's a vicious cycle and if it isn't broken will only lead to more and more negative situations.

So how do you change your energy?

How do you create positive energy so that you enjoy positive situations? Think about what you want and then write down your immediate thoughts and beliefs. See if they're positive or negative. If there's any self doubt, or any negative thought - then you probably have a negative belief tied to the thought. Both need to be changed ASAP.

Then track your thoughts throughout the week. Are they generally negative or positive. Change as many negative thoughts as you can. You won't be able to change all of them, just change as many as you can.

You should also track what you say to people in every day conversations. You might be surprised at what you discover. If you find yourself saying negative things - change those words. This is part of the process.

To change your energy send a new message to your subconscious mind. Create positive thoughts and positive beliefs. Begin developing positive energy. Attract positive people and positive situations. Changing your energy can be done. It's a lot easier than you think. You have the power to shift your energy and attract the people, situations and circumstances that will catapult you to success.

The more positive and optimistic you are the sooner you'll create positive energy.

Believe in yourself.
Believe in your ability.
You can do anything you want.
Don't let negative thinking hold you back.
Don't let those negative thoughts destroy your success.

Change the negative beliefs and create more positive situations in life - stop blaming yourself for everything that went wrong; instead, start taking charge of your life and make some better decisions. Start Living Your Life Today!

Most Bizarre Questions and Requests from Air Travelers

As an Air Traveler Do You..in reply to How May I Help You?


Virgin Atlantic recently rounded up over 3,000 of its cabin crew and compiled a list of the most bizarre questions and requests put forth by its passengers.

Have you ever asked...

"Please can you open the window? It's stuffy in here."
"Can you stop the turbulence? I'm trying to sleep here!"
"Please turn the engines down because they're too noisy!"
"Please shut the crying baby up!"

Among many others include the classics as follows,

"Where's the shower?"
"Where's the kid's room?"

Believe it or not...

Reality versus Dream -- Careers are Made not Born

Imagine a company that hires staff to obviously run, handle and/or manage "specific" roles and take on the associated responsibilities. Candidates undergo a rigorous application and training process to ensure that they are well prepared to meet the demands of the job. Once hired, the staff undergoes six months of on-the-job training. Staff are subjected to intense classroom and physical education that prepares them for their careers.

Reality? Most people hired today are virtually "thrown into the sea" to survive on their own. An attractive salary & retirement plan and benefits? That's a dream too.

A Great Hilarious Way to Say Goodbye

Dear Co-Workers and Managers,

As many of you probably know, today is my last day. But before I leave, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what a great and distinct pleasure it has been to type “Today is my last day.”

For nearly as long as I’ve worked here, I’ve hoped that I might one day leave this company. And now that this dream has become a reality, please know that I could not have reached this goal without your unending lack of support. Words cannot express my gratitude for the words of gratitude you did not express.

I would especially like to thank all of my managers both past and present but with the exception of the wonderful Mr. ABC: in an age where miscommunication is all too common, you consistently impressed and inspired me with the sheer magnitude of your misinformation, ignorance and intolerance for true talent. It takes a strong man to admit his mistake – it takes a stronger man to attribute his mistake to me.

Over the past seven years, you have taught me more than I could ever ask for and, in most cases, ever did ask for. I have been fortunate enough to work with some absolutely interchangeable supervisors on a wide variety of seemingly identical projects – an invaluable lesson in overcoming daily tedium in overcoming daily tedium in overcoming daily tedium.

And to most of my peers: even though we barely acknowledged each other within these office walls, I hope that in the future, should we pass on the street, you will regard me the same way as I regard you: sans eye contact.
But to those few souls with whom I’ve actually interacted, here are my personalized notes of farewell:

To Mr. S, I will not miss hearing you cry over absolutely nothing while laying blame on me and my coworkers. Your racial comments about J were truly offensive and I hope that one day you might gain the strength to apologize to him.

To Mr. T whom is long gone, I hope you find a manager that treats you as poorly as you have treated us. I worked harder for you then any manager in my career and I regret every ounce of it. Watching you take credit for my work was truly demoralizing.

To Ms. U, you should learn how to keep your mouth shut sweet heart. Bad mouthing the innocent is a negative thing, especially when you’re talking about someone who knows your disgusting secrets.

To Ms. V, well, I wish you had more of a back bone. You threw me to the wolves with that witch B and I learned all too much from it. I still can’t believe that after following your instructions, I ended up getting written up, wow. Thanks for the experience buddy, lesson learned.

Mr. C, I’m happy that you were let go in the same manner that you have handed down to my dedicated coworkers. Hearing you on the phone last year brag about how great bonuses were going to be for you fellas in upper management because all of the lay offs made me nearly vomit. I never expected to see management benefit financially from the suffering of scores of people but then again, with this company’s rooted history in the slave trade it only makes sense.

To all of the executives of this company, Z and such. Despite working through countless managers that practiced unethical behavior, racism, sexism, jealousy and cronyism, I have benefited tremendously by working here and I truly thank you for that.

There was once a time where hard work was rewarded and acknowledged, it’s a pity that all of our positive output now falls on deaf ears and passes blind eyes. My advice for you is to place yourself closer to the pulse of this company and enjoy the effort and dedication of us “faceless little people” more. There are many great people that are being over worked and mistreated but yet are still loyal not to those who abuse them but to the greater mission of providing excellent customer support. Find them and embrace them as they will help battle the cancerous plague that is ravishing the moral of this company.

So, in parting, if I could pass on any word of advice to the lower salary recipient (“because it’s good for the company”) in India or Tampa who will soon be filling my position, it would be to cherish this experience because a job opportunity like this comes along only once in a lifetime.

Meaning: if I had to work here again in this lifetime, I would sooner kill myself.
To those who I have held a great relationship with, I will miss being your co-worker and will cherish our history together.

Please don’t bother responding as at this very moment I am most likely in my car doing 85 with the windows down.

Not forgetting my upline, your demands were high and your patience short, but I take great solace knowing that my work was, as stated on my annual review, “meets expectation.” That is the type of praise that sends a man home happy after a 10 hour day, smiling his way through half a bottle of meets-expectation-scotch with a meets-expectation-cigar. Thanks X@#!!

Be Happy in Life by Finding Balance

Face the facts, it's all about balance!

Don't get me wrong but it all does not boil down to percentages and statistics. C'mon how does one measure happiness? It's a feeling and feelings are felt and not measurable in terms of units. What about those common customer surveys that asks us to rate in terms of, 1 being the least and 10 being the most? Simply does not EQUATE!

If that's the case, what matters then?

Compartmentalizing doesn't work. People who are dissatisfied tend to be unhappy at home, work and "everywhere". It's in-built and "everywhere".

What gives people fun and meaning is highly variable and individualistic. Like they say, "one man's meat is another's poison". So if you’re unhappy, the reasons have as much to do with you as they do with others.

Happy people live meaningful lives!

Nobody can define meaningful for you. What matters is you must feel you are living your own values.

In other words, if you want to discover how to be more satisfied in life, look nowhere else than within. You are the key to your own happiness and meaning, no one else.

Me? I'm still on the path to self enlightenment.

Co-existing with Others, Living Life as a Fish

We humans are social animals.

We exist as part of a greater whole and like a fish the society we all live in can be accustomed to that of a school of fish. Since the school is more important than any one fish -- we must learn how to co-exist in harmony. Even then, we are also required to stand up for ourself by expressing our individuality.

Sometimes, it may feel as if you're walking a fine line between being overly flexible and stubbornly rigid. The key to current happiness is practicing moderation in everything you do.

Live Life. Enjoy every minute!

Marketing Simplified

When planning new products, companies often start by segmenting their markets and positioning their merchandise accordingly. This segmentation involves either dividing the market into product categories, such as function or price, or dividing the customer base into target demographics, such as age, gender, education, or income level.

Unfortunately, neither way works very well...WHY?

People usually don't go about buying by conforming to particular segments. Rather, they take life as it comes. Segmenting markets according to market demand is a good start to build products that people want to buy.

"Purpose branding names the product after the purpose it serves"

"Knowing who buys it only tells you where to sell it -- don't mix it up with knowing what to sell OR have as a product"

"Just because the Product is something you don't sell, doesn't mean that you can't sell it -- as long it doesn't take extra resources in doing so, by all means SELL it"

"Create Products that People have a Need for"

Offering Prayers to Tian-Gong

Tian-Gong a.k.a Jade Emperor has his birthday on the 9th lunar day of the Chinese New Year. It is believed that earnestly and sincerely offering prayers to Tian-Gong on his birthday brings an increase in wealth, smoothness at work, improvement in studies, promotions, good business, good health, peace and auspice for the year ahead.

When these wishes and prayers come true, one should "repay" by offering thanks with special prayers on the 25th lunar day of the 12th lunar month.

To pray to Tian-Gong, the following items must be prepared:-

1. Tian-Gong-Jin
2. Shou-Jin
3. Da-Shou-Jin
4. Xiao-tian-jin
5. Shen-Ma
6. Joss-sticks, 3 Dragon Joss-sticks and 3 1-Foot Joss-sticks
7. Candles, 2 Dragon Candles
8. Dragon Gown Set

Other items include an altar table, fa-gao, sweets, biscuits, groundnuts, lotus seeds, hong-guo, noodles, hong-bao, lettuce, mandarin oranges, apples, pineapple, bananas, tangerines, golden fungus, black fungus, mushroom, vermicelli, beancurd, beancurd-sticks and red dates.

Knowing when to pray (at what time) is important too as well as the how to pray...

Facebook Add or Act, Friend?

Ever wondered how easy it is to add someone who's a complete stranger as "Friend"? Well that prompted me to think and come out with this statement, "Act as Friend". Sure fits the bill rather than Add as Friend, right?

C'mon be truthful, just how many of our "friends" on our list do we really know on a deep level that can really be considered as a real friend? Remember the days back in school, classmates numbered around 40 at average. The max, kindergarden? 20.

Do the maths, then tell me whether its an Act or Add...

Boy' this has gotta' be the shortest blog in the world!

Cheers, love your life :)

Them that Do and Them that Don't

In this life,
there are 'them that do' and
them that don't'".
Of course 'them that do'
are the ones who keep learning and growing.
'Them that don't' are the ones
that stay stuck.

Holidays a'loomin Cops a'bloomin

Major holiday (Chinese New Year) coming up, fast approaching and I'm ready to rock and roll...so's police season!

Careful when driving, mind your stops n' turns.

See a traffic policeman, FEAR NOT! Instead if stopped, asked how you can help -- but beware! They can come in other colors besides Black and White.

Unsuspecting motorists caught unawares as camouflaged cop wearing dark jacket pretends to be a tree in hot afternoon signals buddies a stone throw away. The biggest crime you can have during cop season is beating the lights and illegal turns -- so if you do happen to be stopped, be a good samaritan and offer tea, it's hot after all.

On a serious note -- drive carefully, observe courtesy and the rules of the road.

Wishing all and sundry an early Chinese New Year Greeting (cops aside) that's gonna be full of goodness, health and prosperity! Cheers! Oops...I meant well, if you know what I mean.

Malaysia's Best Travel Company

“More Choices on Offer More Reasons than Ever”

As a reputable travel company, it is policy since 1969 to deliver responsibly, be it as a Brand, in the Product, or a Service...

HOW TO BUY:

1. Decide on the travel package of your choice;
2. Choose from any of the given dates that are convenient to you and call or visit any of our listed retail locations; and
3. Confirm your booking with payment.

As Simple As 1-2-3!

Alternatively, you may still seek further information by consulting any friendly & helpful Reliance Travel Consultants who are just a call or visit away. Look out for advertisements for an agent or location near you.

CALL OR VISIT TODAY AND BE SERVED A GREAT HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE ONLY WITH RELIANCE THAT IS WORTH YOUR TRAVEL TIME!

Of course, if you love it, do share it with your friends and family because Reliance would love to serve them too! And, a lot happens every month at Reliance so be in the know...

A Short Course in Living Life

The six most important words
I admit I made a mistake.

The five most important words
You did a good job.

The four most important words
What is your opinion.

The three most important words
If you please,

The two most important words
Thank you!

The one most important word
We

The least important word
What?

A Touching Tale of Love

An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world.

It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace for over half a century.

The 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his 80-year-old wife has passed away in the cave which has been the couple's home for the last 50 years.

Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin..

In a twist worthy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, friends and relatives criticized the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children.

At that time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love an older woman.. To avoid the market gossip and the scorn of their communities, the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County in Southern ChongQing Municipality.

In the beginning, life was harsh as they had nothing, no electricity or even food. They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a kerosene lamp that they used to light up their lives.

Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, 'Are you regretful? Liu always replied, 'As long as we are industrious, life will improve.'

In the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began and continued for over 50 years, to hand-carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.

Half a century later in 2001, a group of adventurers were exploring the forest and were surprised to find the elderly couple and the over 6,000 hand-carved steps. Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, 'My parents loved each other so much, they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day. He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother's convenience, although she doesn't go down the mountain that much.'

The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years, returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as he passed away in her arms. So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had on his wife's hand even after he had passed away.

'You promised me you'll take care of me, you'll always be with me until the day I died, now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?'

Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband's black coffin with tears rolling down her cheeks.

In 2006, their story became one of the top 10 love stories from China , collected by the Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the love ladder and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever...

Smart for 2011

5 Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely goals for improvements in my business and personal life this year.

Business:
I will write my daily to-do list and plan my work day the night before
I will turn off phones and email for at least three hours per day to ‘eat that frog’
I will tidy my office to within an inch of its life (including the horrifying top drawer)

Personal:
I will do 3 x 1 hour exercise sessions this week
I will skip the evening beer for seven days. Goodbye holiday happy hour!
I will get my "quality" sleeping time

Joann the Avid Sleeper, Joke

Joann was a lazy girl in school, who loved sleep and never bothered to pay attention to anything.

One day in class, Joann was asleep at her desk as usual...during Religious Studies...

Lecturer: "Who should we respect and love?"

No one answered, so the Lecturer repeated the question. Now, sitting behind Joann was her naughty classmate, a boy by the name of Peter, and he decided to play a prank on Joann. Peter prodded Joann in the rear with the sharp point of his mechanical pencil and she screams out in pain, "Mom!!!".

Lecturer: "Absolutely correct!"

The Lecturer praises Joann, who promptly dozed off asleep at her desk again. The Lecturer proceeds to ask his 2nd question.

Lecturer: "Class, please answer this 2nd question -- quite simple -- and anyone should be able to answer. Who is the creator of Life and all that around us?"

Peter prods Joann again, who jumps up and screams, "God!!!". Once again, the Lecturer praises Joann for answering correctly and follows with another question.

Lecturer: "As a dutiful wife, what should she greet her husband every night before going to bed?"

Peter prods Joann again, but this time Joann is extremely angry and screams, "If you poke me in the rear one more time with that thing -- I swear I will break it in half!!!"

The Lecturer fainted...

Stress Free Travel, is there such a thing? Expert Tips...

The notion of holiday travel: Crowded airports and lost luggage!

Here are a few tips that might help towards reducing the stress of travel...

By air

•Book your ticket ASAP. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates. Also, consider traveling during the slow week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

•Arrive early. Airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time.

• Keep a close eye on belongings. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a close watch over tickets, wallets and purses at all times.

• Avoid getting bumped. Get an advance seat assignment; passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. Check-in online. Don't be late.

Remember 3-1-1. New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.

• Know your limits. Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines now allow only one carry-on and charge for first and second checked bags.

By car

•Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times.

• Get a tuneup. Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have the oil changed and the brakes, fluids and tire pressure checked.

• Get an early start to avoid holiday gridlock. Traveling during late night/early morning hours helps. Make sure all drivers are rested.

The number of people traveling in 2011 is expected to grow, so following some or all of these few tips may after all -- make travel more fun for you, and by what I mean by more fun is LESS STRESS! Happy & safe traveling, whatever the purpose -- business or leisure OR a combo of both, LET IT BE FUN!