Happy New Year 2008!

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All I have

love is life
And life is living
It's very special

Oooh
Baby dont go
Baby dont go
Yeahhh
Baby dont go
Baby dont go
Yeahhh
Baby dont go
Baby dont go
Yeah yeah

It's such a shame but I'm leaving
Cant take the way you're mistreating me
And its crazy but oh baby
It don't matta whatever dont phase me

I don't believe you wanna leave like this
I don't believe I just had my last real kiss
I do believe we'll laugh and reminise
Wait a minute don't bounce baby
Lets talk about this

Well im bouncing and I'm out son
I gotta leave you alone

(Bridge)
Cuz im good
Holding down my spot
And I'm good
Reppin the girls on the block
And I'm good
I got this thing on lock
So without me you'll be fine, right?

(Chorus)
All my pride is all I have
Pride is what you had, baby girl I'm what you have
You'll be needing me but too bad
Be easy, dont make decisions when you're mad
The path you chose to run alone
I know you're independent you can make it on you're own
Here with me you have a home
Time is of the essence, why spend it alone?

The nights I've waited up for you, promises you made about
Coming through, so much time you wasted, that's why I had to replace you

It makes a cat nervous the thought of settling down,
Especially with me i was creeping all over town. i thought my tender
Touch could lock ya down, I knew I had you as cocky as it sounds
The way u used to giggle right before i put it down, its better when you're
Angry come here I'll prove it now (come here)

Stop playing, you gaming, I got to leave you alone

(Bridge)
Cuz im good
Holding down my spot
And im good
Reppin the girls on the block
And im good
I got this thing on lock
So without me you'll be fine, right?

(Chorus)
All my pride is all Ihave
Pride is what you had, baby girl I'm what you have
You'll be needing me but too bad
Be easy, dont make decisions when you're mad
The path you chose to run alone
I know you're independent you can make it on you're own
Here with me you have a home
Time is of the essence, why spend it alone?

People make mistakes, to make up, to break up, to wake up
Cold and lonely, and chill baby u kno me, u love me, im like ur homie,
Insteada beefing come hold me, i promise im not a phony, dont bounce
Baby, consol me, come here

Ain't nothin' you can say to me that can change my mind, i gotta let you go
Now, and nothin will ever be the same, so just be on ur way, go ahead and do
Your thing now, and theres no more to explain to me ya kno, i know ya game
I'm not feelin' what you do(and im good) so I'm bouncing and
I'm out son (I'm good) I gotta leave you alone yeah yeah

(Chorus) (repeat 2x)
All my pride is all I have
Pride is what you had, baby girl I'm what you have
You'll be needing me but too bad
Be easy, dont make decisions when you're mad
The path you chose to run alone
I know you're independent you can make it on you're own
Here with me you have a home
Time is of the essence, why spend it alone?

(i promise u, im sad)

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jennifer Lopez

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Do you know where you're going to?

Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you
Where are you going to?
Do you know...?

Do you get
What you're hoping for
When you look behind you
There's no open door
What are you hoping for?
Do you know...?

Once we were standing still in time
Chasing the fantasies
That filled our minds
You knew how I loved you
But my spirit was free
Laughin' at the questions
That you once asked of me

Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you
Where are you going to?
Do you know...?

Now looking back at all we've planned
We let so many dreams
Just slip through our hands
Why must we wait so long
Before we'll see
How sad the answers
To those questions can be

Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you
Where are you going to?
Do you know...?

Do you get
What you're hoping for
When you look behind you
There's no open door
What are you hoping for?
Do you know...?

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HOW TO SLEEP WELL

CAN'T SLEEP?

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to sleep. Tossing and turning. Your mind is racing, going over everything that happened today. Night noises keep you awake. What can you do? There ARE things you can do! Read on and learn some new tricks to sleep well. These tips are also known as "Sleep Hygiene."

• Sleep only when sleepy

This reduces the time you are awake in bed.

• If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy

Sit quietly in the dark or read the warranty on your refrigerator. Don't expose yourself to bright light while you are up. The light gives cues to your brain that it is time to wake up.

• Don't take naps

This will ensure you are tired at bedtime. If you just can't make it through the day without a nap, sleep less than one hour, before 3 pm.

• Get up and go to bed the same time every day

Even on weekends! When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm, you will feel better.

• Refrain from exercise at least 4 hours before bedtime

Regular exercise is recommended to help you sleep well, but the timing of the workout is important. Exercising in the morning or early afternoon will not interfere with sleep.

• Develop sleep rituals

It is important to give your body cues that it is time to slow down and sleep. Listen to relaxing music, read something soothing for 15 minutes, have a cup of caffeine free tea, do relaxation exercises.

• Only use your bed for sleeping

Refrain from using your bed to watch TV, pay bills, do work or reading. So when you go to bed your body knows it is time to sleep. Sex is the only exception.

• Stay away from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at least 4-6 hours before bed

Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, chocolate and some prescription and non-prescription drugs contain caffeine. Cigarettes and some drugs contain nicotine. Alcohol may seem to help you sleep in the beginning as it slows brain activity, but you will end end up having fragmented sleep.

• Have a light snack before bed

If your stomach is too empty, that can interfere with sleep. However, if you eat a heavy meal before bedtime, that can interfere as well. Dairy products and turkey contain tryptophan, which acts as a natural sleep inducer. Tryptophan is probably why a warm glass of milk is sometimes recommended.

• Take a hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime

A hot bath will raise your body temperature, but it is the drop in body temperature that may leave you feeling sleepy. Read about the study done on body temperature below.

Trouble Sleeping? Chill Out! - A press release from the journal Sleep about the significance in body temperature before sleep

• Make sure your bed and bedroom are quiet and comfortable

A hot room can be uncomfortable. A cooler room along with enough blankets to stay warm is recommended. If light in the early morning bothers you, get a blackout shade or wear a slumber mask. If noise bothers you, wear earplugs or get a "white noise" machine.

• Use sunlight to set your biological clock

As soon as you get up in the morning, go outside and turn your face to the sun for 15 minutes.

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Happy Christmas

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LENE MARLIN

A Place Nearby

I entered the room
Sat by your bed all through the night
I watched your daily fight
I hardly knew
The pain was almost more than I could bear
And still I hear
Your last words to me.

Heaven is a place nearby
So I won't be so far away.
And if you try and look for me
Maybe you'll find me someday.
Heaven is a place nearby
So there's no need to say goodbye
I wanna ask you not to cry
I'll always be by your side.
You just faded away
You spread your wings you had flown
Away to something unknown
Wish I could bring you back.
You're always on my mind
About to tear myself apart.
You have your special place in my heart.

Always heaven is a place nearby
So I won't be so far away.
And if you try and look for me
Maybe you'll find me someday.
Heaven is a place nearby
So there's no need to say goodbye
I wanna ask you not to cry
I'll always be by your side.

And even when I go to sleep
I still can hear your voice
And those words
I never will forget

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True Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.



"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .

"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!

Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."

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Back pain

This factsheet is for people who have back pain or would like to know more about it.

Back pain is extremely common - about eight in ten people in the UK are affected at some time in their lives. Each year, close to five million working days are lost due to back pain.

Acute and chronic back pain
Back pain can affect anyone at any age, although people are most likely to get it between the ages of 35 and 55.

If the pain lasts for less than three months, it's called acute back pain. Acute refers to how long it's lasted for rather than how severe it is. If the problem goes on for longer, it's known as chronic back pain.

How the back worksThe spine is made up of many small bones called vertebrae. These are separated by discs, which allow the spine to bend. This structure of vertebrae and discs is supported along its length by muscles and ligaments. The spine threads through the centre of each vertebra, carrying nerves from the brain to the rest of the body.

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Simple back pain

Back pain in 19 out of 20 people is linked to the way the bones, ligaments and muscles of the back work together. This is called simple back pain. The pain can begin suddenly but can also come on gradually due to strain over time. Usually nothing abnormal shows up in tests such as X-rays and nothing is permanently damaged.

Simple back pain is most common in adults aged 35 to 55 who are otherwise healthy. The pain is often in the lower back (lumbar region), and may also spread to the buttocks and thighs. It will come and go at different times, and depending on your level of activity.

Triggers for simple back pain include:

*poor posture
*standing or bending down for long periods
*sitting in a chair that doesn't provide enough back support
*lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads that are simply too heavy, or going
about these tasks in the wrong way
*a trip or a fall
Your spine is a very strong part of your body and is not easily damaged. If you have back pain, it's important that you stay physically active. This is good for your back because keeping active will help speed up your recovery from simple back pain. Nine out of ten people with back pain recover completely within six weeks.

Nerve root pain
Nerve root pain is rare - it's the cause in less than 1 in 20 cases of back pain. It is usually caused by one of the discs in the spine bulging out from its normal position. This is called a slipped disc.

Nerve root pain is normally felt in the lower part of the back. You may have pain down one or both of your legs to the calves, feet or toes. The pain is also called sciatica because the nerve that runs down each leg is called the sciatic nerve.

Other causes
In rare cases, there may be a more serious underlying cause of back pain, such as an abnormality of the spine, an infection or collapse of the vertebrae, tuberculosis or cancer.

These are more likely to be the case if your back pain starts gradually, gets worse over time and seems unrelated to your level of activity.

When to see a doctor
Most simple back pain only lasts a few days and gets better on its own. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if, as well as back pain, you have:

*fever
*redness or swelling on your back
*pain down your legs and below your knees
*numbness or weakness in one or both legs or around your anus
*loss of bladder or bowel control

You should also see your doctor about back pain if:

*pain is the result of an injury
*pain lasts for more than a few days in someone aged under 20 or over 55
*you have had cancer in any part of your body
*you have HIV/AIDS
*you have been prescribed steroid medicines for more than a few months

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I miss U a LoT

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Why do we use the third finger of the left hand?

But even in these days of cardiothoracic science, it's not easy to put a ring around the heart. So in the old days they had a simple answer: they put the ring on the third finger which they believed had a vein, artery or nerve (a sort of a USB cable) running directly to the heart. And as the left hand is a bit closer to the heart than the right, they placed engagement and wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand. (In some period of the past, the ring was worn on the right hand; a practice that continues to this day in some cultures, since the right hand is considered more righteous.)

In chiromancy (a combination of astrology and palmistry) the third (Apollo) finger relates to the heart. Wearing a ring on that finger would not only protect the heart from evil spirits, but also enhance the life of the wearer by transmitting energy to the heart.

Following this line of quacky reasoning, it was the custom for physicians, herbalists and other healers, to use their third finger when applying medicinal ointment or powder to their patients, Using this finger strengthened the effectiveness of the cure.

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Stick with you

I don't want to go another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind
Seems like everybody is breaking up
Throwing their love away
I know I got a good thing right here
That's why I say

Nobody's going to love me better
I must stick with you forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I must stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I must stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I must stick with you

I don't want to go another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind
See the way we ride
In our private lives
Ain't nobody getting in between
I want you to know that you're the only one for me
And I say

Nobody's going to love me better
I must stick with you forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I must stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I must stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I must stick with you

And now
Ain't nothing else I can need
And now
I'm singing 'cause you're so, so into me
I got you
We'll be making love endlessly
I'm with you
Baby, you're with me

So don't you worry about
People hanging around
They ain't bringing us down
I know you and you know me
And that's all that counts
So don't you worry about
People hanging around
They ain't bringing us down
I know you and you know me
And that's why I say

Nobody's going to love me better
I must stick with you forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I must stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I must stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I must stick with you

Nobody's going to love me better
I must stick with you forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I must stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I must stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I must stick with you


~ The Pussycat Dolls ~

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What seem to Bee the problem?

A man was driving down the road and ran out of gas. Just at that moment, a bee flew in his window. The bee said, “What seems to be the problem?” “I’m out of gas,” the man replied.
The bee told the man to wait right there and flew away. Minutes later, the man watched as an entire swarm of bees flew to his car and into his gas tank. After a few minutes, the bees flew out. “Try it now,” said one bee.
The man turned the ignition key and the car started right up. “Wow!” the man exclaimed, “what did you put in my gas tank”?

The Bee answer,



I see you smiling.

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A Blind Bunny and...

A blind bunny rabbit and a blind snake were born into this world. Fate being what it was, the two crossed paths one day in a vegetable garden.
"You know, all my life, I've wondered what I was", said the snake. "I don't know since I can't see anything."
"I've wondered the same thing", said the rabbit. "Maybe together we can figure out who we are."
"Ok", said the snake. So he curled up around the bunny rabbit and began to sniff and prod and stroke the bunny.
"Hmmm, you're small, and soft, and warm and furry", said the snake, "and you have big ears and a bushy tail." The snake thought for a moment. "I know, you must be a rabbit!"
"Oh thank you thank you!" said the bunny, "Now let me help you." So the bunny rabbit started sniffing at the snake, pausing to stroke him with his paws. "Well let's see. You're long and cold and slimy and have a forked tongue. You have scales.... I know, you must be a lawyer!"

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A Rabbi, a Hindu and a...

A Rabbi, a Hindu and a lawyer were driving late at night in the country when their car expired. They set out to find help, and came to a farmhouse. When they knocked at the door, the farmer explained that he had only two beds, and one of the three had to sleep in the barn with the animals. The three quickly agreed.
The Rabbi said he would sleep in the barn and let the other two have the beds. Ten minutes after the Rabbi left, there was a knock on the bedroom door. The Rabbi entered exclaiming "I can't sleep in the barn; there is a pig in there. It's against my religion to sleep in the same room with a pig!"
The Hindu said HE would sleep in the barn, as he had no religious problem with pigs. However, about five minutes later,the Hindu burst through the bedroom door saying "There's a COWin the barn! I can't sleep in the same room as a cow! It's against my religion!"
The lawyer, anxious to get to sleep, said he'd go to the barn,as he had no problem sleeping with animals.
In two minutes, the bedroom door burst open and the pig and the cow entered...

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Friendship

Be a secrete admirer of your friend:- If your friend is good at something then do not praise him/her in his/her presence. Praising a person for what he/she is good, does not improve his/her qualities, but can cause over-confidence to be induced in him/her, which surely will be harmful for your friend. A good friend should never miss an opportunity to praise his/her friend in front of others when he/she is not around.

Don't proved him/her wrong in public:- As it is important not to praise a friend openly in his/her presence, it is also very much important to abstain from proving him/her wrong in front of other people. Take him/her away from the crowd and let him/her know where he/she is wrong. There is no point in proving your friend wrong in other's presence; it will spoil your friend's image in other's view. And additionally your friendship will be in danger.

Try to understand your friend:- It is always important to understand what your friend is worried about or what problems he/she is facing. Always try to understand the situation your friend is in and try to soothe him/her. It is evident that if people are undergoing some problems, they will not speak up their problems to their brothers or sisters, they will instead tell everything to their friends. Let your friend speak up, just listen to him/her and be with him/her until your friend does not come out of frustration.



Pull Your Friend Away From Making Mistakes:- If your friend is doing something wrong, it is your duty to let him/her know it at earliest. Keep in mind; best friend has to play a role of critic if he/she wants his/her friend to stop doing wrong things. But again keep in mind not to show your friends mistakes in front of other people. Sometimes it is important to understand your friend's intentions behind his/her actions and try to analyze situation, then only you should give your opinion.

The Ego Problem:- Never let ego spoil your friendship. It is no reason to be jealous if your friend is not at all able to speak to you and is with someone else, you have to be his/her friend, do not expect word of gratitude from the person you think is your friend. Sometimes there could be a clash between you and your friend, and you both stop talking to each other for some time, it is not at all wrong to speak first and say sorry to your friend, no matter what happens.

Try to Teach Good Things:- If you are a true friend, you should never give your hungry friend a fish, instead, you should teach him/her how to fish, this will give your friend food for lifetime. A good friend will never wish his/her friend to be dependent on someone.

Do Not Interfere:- Most important point that one should take care of is that your friend has his/her own life and you should not interfere in his/her life. You have a right to tell your friend what is good and what is bad, but you do not have a right to make someone do what you wish.

Hope this will help you out solve some of your problems you are facing in friendship.

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The garden of Komyozeniji

Maruyama Park in Tokyo




A foggy visit to Okunoin's cemetery



Mount Fuji




Korakuen Garden in Okayama






700 series trains on the Tokaido Shinkasen



Cycling through the wooded hills

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Customer Service

Customer service seems to be a hot topic in the business world these days as more and more corporations are beginning to realize that in order to succeed and have a sustainable business, the customer's needs and wants must take precedence over the "bottom line". Providing exceptional customer service is easier said than done, but if you follow these three important tips, you'll be on your way to creating a great customer service culture for your company. These tips are actually very basic and really don't have anything to do with direct contact with the customer, but trust me, they work!

First, let me give you an equation to keep in mind as you read this article. Here's the equation:

Happy Customer = Happy You + Happy Work Environment


1) On your way to work, listen to happy music. What type of music puts you in a good mood? Commuting to work is often tough and if you sometimes get road rage like me, it can instantly start your day off in a harried way. Music sets the tone for the rest of your day. When you listen to soothing and happy music, this affects how you deal with co-workers and customers.

2) If your desk or work area is cluttered and disorganized, take a few minutes to clear it.
When you come to work with a cluttered work area, your mind tends to become cluttered with all the things you need to do, thus putting you in a stressed mental state. This has a direct affect on your problem solving skills when you are communicating with customers.

3) Stay away from co-workers that sap your energy.
You know the ones... They come into work complaining about one thing or another. The just love spreading that negative energy around and fish around for pity from others. Simply give them a smile of encouragement and then run to the other side of the building! You don't need that negative energy to affect your mood and pass on to your customer.

Your overall state of mind and well-being affects how you interact with people. Your emotions, your work environment, and even the people you interact with at work can influence your actions and thoughts when you are dealing with customers. People can sense when you're happy. When you're happy, your customers are happy, right?

What are you doing to create a happy you, to create a happy work environment, and ultimately, to create happy customers?

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Why I am so Sad?

Feeling down? Got the blues? You're not alone. Everyone gets sad. Yes, everyone you've ever met. Some people have sad feelings just once in a while, and others may have sad feelings pretty often. More than half of teenagers go through a sad period at least once a month and plenty of younger kids do, too.
When you're in a sad mood, it may feel like it will last forever, but usually feelings of sadness don't last very long - a few hours or maybe a day or 2. A deeper, more intense kind of sadness that lasts a lot longer is called depression (say: dih-preh-shun).

What Is Sadness?

Sadness is a feeling - it's one of the many normal human emotions, or moods, we all have. Sadness is the emotion people feel when they've lost something important, or when they have been disappointed about something, or when something sad has happened to them or to someone else. When they're lonely, people often feel sad.
When you're sad, the world may seem dark and unfriendly. You might feel like you have nothing to look forward to. The hurt deep inside may crush your usually good mood.
Sadness makes you feel like crying, and sometimes the tears are hard to stop. Crying often makes you feel better.
Sometimes when your mood is sad, you just feel like being alone for a little while. Or you might want someone to comfort you or just keep you company while you go through the sad feeling. Talking about what has made you sad usually helps the sad feeling melt away.
When sadness starts to go away, it can feel like a heavy blanket is being lifted from your shoulders.

When Is It Natural to Feel Sad?

Feeling sad every once in a while is natural. Maybe you didn't get something you really wanted. Maybe you miss somebody. Maybe somebody you really like doesn't want to be friends, and you don't feel so great about yourself. Maybe an illness or condition gets in the way of doing some things you want to do or makes you different from your friends. There are lots of reasons that people feel sadness.
Most of the time, sadness is because of a loss or separation, a difficult change or disappointment about something, or relationship problems.

Loss and Separation

This is the most common cause of sadness. It's a very sad thing to lose someone or something that you care about. There are many kinds of loss. The death of a relative, friend, or pet can bring weeks or months of sad feelings. The kind of sadness you feel from the death of a loved one has a special name - grief.
Other kinds of loss or separation from important people can also bring sadness, like people close to you getting a divorce. Sometimes it is hard to think straight because you cannot get your mind off your loss. Usually, the load of sadness you carry after a loss will lighten over time, although for a really big loss, there may always be a little bit of sadness left.

Changes

Changes that involve leaving something (or someone) behind, like moving to a new town or changing schools and leaving old friends can make you feel sad, too. The arrival of a new brother or sister may make you feel sad even though everyone thinks you should be happy to have a new sibling.

Disappointments

Disappointments like losing a game you hoped to win, getting a poor grade, or not being invited to a party can cause sadness. Sadness is a natural reaction to those things. How sad a person feels is usually related to how big or small the loss or disappointment is.

Relationships

Relationships bring happiness and fun most of the time. But tension or conflict in important relationships, or relationships that break up, can cause sadness, too. Many kids fight with family members, especially their parents, in the struggle to grow up and gain independence.
People often feel sad when all is not right between them and their loved ones, or when they get criticized or yelled at a lot. They fight about things like money, clothing, haircuts, school, and friends. In school, problems with teachers and grades may cause some sadness as well.


More Stuff That Makes Kids Sad

Other kids, both friends and enemies, can cause hurt feelings and sadness through fighting, teasing, peer pressure, not giving you support, or leaving you out of group activities. Feeling misunderstood by people close to you can lead to feelings of sadness.
Sometimes with sadness, there are other feelings mixed in, too. When you're sad, you might also feel angry or guilty. You might feel like blaming others or blaming yourself. Some kids mistakenly think that sad events like death, illness, or divorce are all their fault - but this isn't true. Kids don't cause these things to happen.

When Is Sadness a Problem?

If a sad feeling goes on for too long, hurts too deeply, and makes it hard for you to enjoy the good things about your life, it's called depression.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of depression:
• feeling empty or numb
• feeling hopeless (like there's nothing to look forward to)
• feeling guilty or worthless
• feeling lonely or unloved
• feeling irritable and annoyed a lot (every little thing gets on your nerves)
• feeling like things are not fun anymore
• having trouble keeping your mind on schoolwork or homework or getting bad grades
• having trouble keeping your mind on things like reading or watching TV or not remembering what a book or a TV show was about
• having less energy and feeling tired all the time
• sleeping too much or not enough
• not eating enough and weight loss or eating too much and weight gain
• thinking about death or thinking about suicide
• spending less time with friends and more time alone
• crying a lot, often for no reason
• feeling restless (being unable to sit still or relax)
• having certain body feelings, like lots of stomachaches, headaches, or chest pain
People who have depression may not know it. Often it's a parent or teacher who notices behavior changes like the ones in the list above. Depression can run in families. Having a parent who gets depressed makes it more likely for a kid to become depressed.
When children have depression it is usually coming from a long period of sadness after the loss of someone really close, such as a parent; long-lasting problems at home, including violence, illness, divorce, or alcohol or drug use; child abuse or neglect; rape; and long-term illness, burns, or accidents. But sometimes kids may be depressed for no apparent reason.

Getting Help

Kids, teens, and adults can get depression. It's very important for people of any age who have depression to get help. When they do, they can get better quickly. Sometimes treatment involves talking to someone who knows all about depression. Sometimes medications can help depression heal. Sometimes both of these things are used.
If you think you have depression or you just have sadness that simply will not go away, it is important to talk to an adult about it: a parent, relative, doctor, teacher, guidance counselor, coach, or close adult friend. This person can help you find the right type of treatment. Many cities also have mental health hotlines or suicide hotlines that are listed in the phone book. There is always somebody to talk to when you are sad or if you are depressed - somebody who can help.


Updated and reviewed by: David V. Sheslow, PhD
Date reviewed: November 2004
Originally reviewed by: Steven J. Bachrach, MD

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How to remember names

Try this five-stage sequential technique:
1. Listen: when you are first introduced to someone, really listen to their name rather than thinking about what to say. If the name is not offered, ask for it politely.
2. Respond: immediately use the name in a suitable response, such as "It's really good to meet you, Jack" or "I'm so glad that you could visit, Jane".
3. Visualise: try to link a visual cue of that person with their name in image which is vivid and memorable. Maybe the name Jack reminds you of a lumberjack and you picture him in a Canadian forest; Jane rhymes with pane, so you might picture seeing her through a pane of glass.
4. Repeat: as you leave the gathering, say farewell to people using their names and recalling the cues. "It was good to meet you, Roger" (maybe you picture a Jolly Roger pirate flag) or "Let's do lunch, Helen" (you imagine her face launching ships).
5. Rehearse: as you sit at a dinner party or at a business meeting, mentally go around reminding yourself of each person's name and visual cue; if you are going to a meeting or other event, where you expect to come across some people you know, on the way there, think about who you might expect to see and bring to your mind the name and cue.

How to remember numbers


For short numbers, like a PIN number, try to play with the component numbers mentally and create some kind of memorable link between them or 'picture' of them. Just as an illustration of what I mean, take the easy case of 1230 which could be remembered as 'lunchtime' or of 4007 which could thought of as 'collecting money for James Bond'. Get the general idea?
For longer numbers, the best method is called 'chunking'. You break up the number into smaller and more memorizable chunks. For example, remembering the number 472627607 is easier if one remembers it as 472 627 607 or as 47 26 27 607. Play with the original number and see which chunks best help you to remember it.

How to remember meeting details

You should have a 'Future meetings' file - it can be a hanging file, a cardboard wallet or a plastic folder (whatever suits you). Then, as you fix each meeting or other event that you will be attending, put all the information - agenda, papers, time, location, travel arrangements - in the correct chronological position in the file. If between fixing the meeting and the event itself, you see an article that is relevant or have a idea that you might want to raise, cut out the article or make a note of the idea and add this to the other information on the meeting. Everything for the same meeting or event should be held together with a suitable clip.

How to remember times


If you think you might forget when you need to leave home for a meeting or when you should leave one meeting to go to another, the only sure way to remember the time is to set an alarm. But these days we have many possible devices to provide an alarm: an alarm clock, a mobile, a PDA, a lap top, and so on. You should always have a device with you that incorporates an alarm.

How to remember birthdays & anniversaries


One way is to note each date in the new pocket diary or on the new kitchen wall calendar. A better way - when you only have to make a note once - is to put each date in a computer system, preferably a personal digital assistant (so that it is always with you), and to set the system so that it reminds you of each date a set period (say a week) beforehand.

How to use physical systems

Putting things down on paper has two benefits: the very act of writing them down makes you more likely to remember them and, since they are on paper, you can easily go back and consult them.
So, when you attend a lecture or a meeting, constantly take notes in a decent-sized notebook that you have with you all the time you are studying or working. Use card index systems to file things that lend themselves to alphabetisation, such as the addresses of friends or the titles of books, films or music.

How to use electronic systems

These days many people use electronic devices to record and retrieve information - usually a computer which might be a desktop, a laptop or a handheld. Mobile devices - such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone - are especially useful because they can be with you always. The two can be synchronised such as having a PDA which can be backed up onto a PC. Always remember to back up everything at periodic intervals.

How to use lists


You can't beat the good old list for remembering things - things to do, things to buy, people to contact. As well as ensuring that you remember things, there is great satisfaction in ticking items on the list as each item is completed. But, if you make a list, make sure you have it when and where you need it; not like my friend who usually leaves her shopping list on the kitchen table when she goes to the supermarket.

How to use key letters

One of the simplest techniques to aid memory is to look for key letters that will help you to recall things. For instance, when I struggle to remember whether 'pazhalsta' or 'spaseeba' is 'please' or 'thank you'- the first two words I learned in Russian - I remember that 'pazhalsta' = 'please'. So 'spaseeba' must be 'thank you'. Or, when trying to remember 'left' and 'right' in Czech, I recall 'levý' = 'left' and 'pravý' = 'right'.

How to remember in bed

I don't know about you, but I have some of my best ideas as I'm falling to sleep (as well as remembering things I need to do the next day), but I don't want to delay falling asleep by leaving the bed, switching on the light and making notes. So I lean over, grab a slipper and throw it to one side. Then, when I rise in the morning, I remember that I have to remember something and usually manage to work out what it was.
If I have a second idea, I throw aside the other slipper. If - and this is rare - I have a third idea, I move my wrist watch from its usual position on the bedside cabinet. If I have more than three thoughts, clearly I'm not tired enough for sleep and should get up.

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Dad Differences

One of my dads is a multi-millionaire. The other is a poor man. Why? Very simply, it comes down to their respective attitudes toward money and life. Take a look at the differences... and think about where you fit...

My Poor Dad Says
"My house is an asset."
"I can't afford it."
The statement "I can't afford it" shuts down your thinking. By asking the right question, you mind opens up and looks for answers.

"The reason I'm not rich is because I have you kids."
"I'm not interested in money."
"When it comes to money, play it safe - don't take risks."
"Pay myself last."
Believed that the company you worked for or the government should take care of your financial needs.
Focused only on academic literacy.
Learned only the vocabulary of academia.
"I work for my money."
Thought that making more money would solve his financial problem.

Rich dad says, "If you stop working today, an asset puts money in your pocket and a liability takes money from your pocket. Too often people call liabilities assets. It's important to know the difference between the two.

My Rich Dad Says

"My house is a liability."
"How can I afford it?"
"The reason I must be rich is because I have you kids."
"Money is power."
"Learn how to manage risk."
"Paid myself first."


Rich Dad always took a percentage off the top of any income he earned. He put this money into an investment account that went toward purchasing his assets. Poor Dad spent all his money first and never had any remaining for investments.

"Believed in financial self-reliance and financial responsibility."
"Focused on financial literacy as well as academic literacy."
Learned the vocabulary of finance – "Your words are the most valuable tools you have."
"My money works for me."
Knew that financial education was the answer to his financial problems: "It's not how much money you make that's important – it's how much money you keep and how long you keep it."

Understanding the difference in attitudes between rich dad and poor dad – is essential to taking the first steps to financial freedom.

For a comprehensive look at how to battle the Poor Dad mentality and adopt the Rich Dad state of mind, learn more about the tools we offer to help you on your journey to financial freedom.

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"Unhealthy" foods

Wrong food categories
Animal food;
White flour;
Refined Sugar;
Stimulants;

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1. ANIMAL FOOD
Animal foods are: meat, milk, yoghurt, cheese, bouillon, butter, fish, shellfish, eggs e.g.
If you look into it you'll be amazed how much products in the supermarket contain some kind of animal based product. If you want to become a strict vegan it is not easy. The food pattern of the Western civilisation is based on animal products. In fact this is very strange since we know that many modern diseases are caused by an overconsumption of animal food.
If you want to lose weight quickly it is a must to stay away from animal products. There are two reasons why you have to abstain from animal food if you want to slim down fast:

The energy animal foods contain consists of proteins. Proteins take a longer time to digest and are burnt in a different, more cumbersome way than fruits and vegetables. Burning proteins is a body polluting process so it will not contribute to a healthy functioning of the cells. For more about this subject see the burning process.
Animal products contain a lot of fattening cholesterol whereas fruits and vegetables do not contain any cholesterol.

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2. WHITE FLOUR

White flour forms a sticky substance in the intestines and cardiovascular vessels, causes constipation and deregulates the digestive system. For a proper burning process you have to stay away as much as you can from white flour.
Products that contain white flour are: white bread, pizza, buns, pancakes, crepes e.g.

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3. REFINED WHITE SUGAR

Refined white sugar is a stimulant and therefore mentioned at 4 but we treat white sugar here because allmost every product you buy at the store contains some kind of refined white sugar. Check those labels! If you consume refined white sugar your body will start craving for more. This effect is not known with the consumption of natural sugars. Try to avoid products that contain this worldly accepted stimulant. Examples: sodas, icecream, candy, ketchup, other sauces and literally thousands of other products in the supermarket. Inform yourself and check the labels.

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4. STIMULANTS

Characteristic for stimulants is that they can quickly change a mental or bodily state but that the change is never made permanently and is only a temporary solution. We use stimulants to make us feel good. If you try to control a symptom with stimulants, the cause of that symptom will remain. So try to stay away from stimulants as much as you can. The most well known stimulants are:
Refined white sugar;
Coffee,
Alcohol;
Cigarettes;
Spices;
Red meat;
Diet pills;
Drugs.

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How to Live a Life of Gratitude

The thing is, simple acts of gratitude don’t cost you much (especially once you get over the initial discomfort some people feel with thanking others). But they can make a huge difference.

If you’re interested in living a life of gratitude, here are my suggestions:

Morning gratitude session. Take 2-3 minutes each morning to give thanks, to whoever or whatever you’re grateful for. You don’t have to do anything, other than close your eyes and silently give thanks. This one act can make a huge difference.

Say thank you. When someone does something nice for you, however small, try to remember to say thank you. And really mean it.


Call to say thanks. Sometimes you might think about something nice that someone did for you. Perhaps you remember during your gratitude session. When you do, pick up the phone and call the person, just to say thanks. Let them know what they did that you’re grateful for, and why you appreciate it. Takes a minute or two. If it’s too early to call, make a note to call later. Even better is telling them in person, if you happen to see them or if they’re on your route. Almost as good is a thank-you email — keep it short and sweet.

Give thanks for “negative” things in your life. There’s always two ways to look at something. Many times we think of something as negative — it’s stressful, harmful, sad, unfortunate, difficult. But that same thing can be looked at in a more positive way. Giving thanks for those things is a great way to remind yourself that there is good in just about everything.

Be Thankful



Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

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Public SpeaKing

IN general, whether you are a man or a lady, you should follow the following advice when you speak in public:

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Keep your clothes simple

Wear simple patterns and styles. Don’t hang ornaments, badges or accessories on your clothes. Avoid distracting clothes with big pictures, funny cartoons or written print. Avoid wearing stripes which tend to distract members of the audience.

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Dress appropriately

Your dress code is actually determined by your audience and the environment of the venue. Dress to fit the occasion-jackets, ties and long sleeves for formal occasions, casual clothing for outdoor functions, etc.

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Wear Comfortably

Avoid wearing new and untested clothes on the actual day of your speech. If you plan to wear a new outfit, test out the clothes a few times before the day of the speech to ‘break in’ the clothes. New clothes tend to be stiff and uncomfortable. Wear clothes which are comfortable for your size. If your clothes are too tight, they cut down movement and you may want to lean or bend down to retrieve fallen notes. Clothes which are too large, give the effect of drowning in your clothes or being a dwarf.

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Leave things behind

Take out things which you normally put in your shirt or trouser pockets and leave them behind. Bulging pockets are ugly and distracting.

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Footwear

Wear shoes that are suitable and comfortable. You don’t want to be seen moving your feet around during your speech because your shoes are too tight and pinching. Wobbling on high heels is also not a good idea. When you first walk onto the stage towards the lectern, do so carefully to make sure your soles are not slipping on the surface. It would be a most embarrassing start to your speech if you were to slip and fall!

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Age

If you are young and wish to look older, wear conservative clothing. Ladies who wear their hair long will need to tie it up. Men should avoid bright breezy colours but wear darker somber colours.

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Colours

The different colours that you choose may send different meanings to your audience. The following are meanings usually associated with certain colours:


Blue: This is a very popular colour. People who wear blue project an impression of being intelligent, knowledgeable, credible, powerful and strong. The different shades of blue have different effects on the audience-darker shades, heighten the formal atmosphere of your speech, lighter shades have a calming effect on your audience.

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Red: A bold colour that gives the impression of energy, dynamism, mobility and enthusiasm. It signifies movement, danger, flashing events and speed.

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Yellow: This is a bright, cheery and sunny colour. It projects a showy, loud and brash image.

Brown: This colour projects soft tones. It calms and soothes the eyes. However, different shades of brown have somewhat dull and boring effects. Far from distracting your audience, this colour may bore your audience.

Black: The colour of authority rigidity and superiority. It intimidates with its severe formality. It keeps people at a distance and does not help in establishing a rapport with the audience.

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White:This generates a clean, pure and innocent look. It projects youth, vitality and officiousness. A totally white outfit may be too glaring to your audience.

It is important to note that the different shades in colours will have a different effect on your audience. Certain colours may also not suit your complexion. Get professional advice if you need to and keep in mind that the colours you wear will make am impression on your audience and affect their response to you.

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The main thing to keep in mind is to dress neatly to give a good impression while avoiding anything which may cause your audience to be distracted. As the style of clothing depend on personal taste and changing trends, you need to exercise your own discretion and dress in the style most appropriate for you. Finally, aim to be well groomed- looking fresh and neat. Then, forget your appearance and let your personality shine through.


From : Easy steps to PUBLIC SPEAKING Book

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How to Stay Happy at Work

How often do you get the Sunday evening blues? Every now and again, or every week without fail? If it’s the latter, maybe you should think about moving on…


But lots of people find themselves in the situation where they’re not ready to move jobs just yet – perhaps because they’ve only been in the role a short time, or because they want to gain more experience. So if you find yourself in the situation where you’re in a job that is ok but not brilliant, or that you really need to see through for a period of time, what can you do to make it more interesting and - dare we say it – more fun? Here are some suggestions:

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