remote control freaks a.k.a couch potato

Check out these remote devices, from the TV clicker to the fridge.
By Stephen F. Milioti

It's a remote-control kinda world out there. Busy folks, whether at work or at home, are choosing more and more often to point and click. From the kitchen to the office to a quiet evening watching television in bed, here are the hottest new things out there in Remote Land.

Starting from the top: The Samsung HomePAD refrigerator ($8,000; www.samsungusa.com) transforms the kitchen into the most interactive area of the house—which makes sense, as it is often the place people gravitate to. A Web tablet of sorts right on the fridge's front surface, controlled by a series of color-coded buttons, offers many of the functions your fancy laptop does, including Internet access, television and digital photo-album capabilities, an alarm, and a datebook. You can even change the refrigerator's interior temperature remotely, should you be vacationing in Paris and wondering if the ice cream might be going soft. Oh, and, like other refrigerators, it also holds food!

Moving from the kitchen to the family room: If you're suffering from Scattered Remote Control Syndrome—whereby all your remotes, including the one from your old 1979 Panasonic TV that's now landfill, are strewn around your living room—you might want to toss them out and get a Sony AV3000 Universal Remote Control ($199.99; www.sonystyle.com). It directs a wide range of devices, from televisions to stereos, at the touch of a button. (Its large, easy-to-read LCD touch keys are an added bonus.) It also boasts a clock and timer function, programmable menu control, and—a personal favorite (thanks to how it's listed on the Sony Web site)—"non-volatile memory backup."

Those who prefer their technology to be positively tiny will absolutely love this: The Bose family of Acoustic Wave music products, including the Bose Acoustic Wave music system and the Bose Wave radio/CD (www.bose.com), all come with a thin, credit-card-size remote control—one of the smallest on the market. It's also one of the easiest to use; you can pump up the volume or change stations from clear across the room, with a light touch.

If you're used to having all these remotes at your disposal at home, you might want to persuade your office manager to order you one at work, namely Interlink Electronics' new RemotePoint Presenter ($199; 800-340-1331; www.interlinkelectronics.com). Its slick, shiny metal surface looks great, and its patented ClickTrigger button provides "mouse" control for on-screen presentations involving the Internet, spreadsheets, and many other types of software. But what really sets it apart from the wireless pack is its ability to save your presentation—with 32 megabytes of built-in storage—so it's handy and ready to go when you're traveling on business.

Women... top 10 best fashion stuff..

Ten Best Fashion Splurges
By Lisa Kovalovich

Even if you keep to a strict clothing budget, you can (and should!) justify spending more on certain items, for their quality and timeless style. Investing in a few quality pieces could actually save you money over the long haul. Here, ten pieces that are worth every penny:

1. A sturdy leather tote. Pick one in a wearable shade (black, tan, gray, red, or orange) that works with your whole wardrobe. A tote can be used for work, weekends -- even the gym.



2. Basic black loafers. A classic style, loafers always look polished and go with both skirts and pants.

3. A cashmere sweater. Think of it as a blanket you can curl up in on cold winter days. Look for a high-ply cashmere (it's the thickest and warmest).


4. Diamond studs. Cubic zirconias can look great, but real diamonds -- even when small -- sparkle best.


5. A cashmere or wool coat. If properly taken care of, a cashmere or wool coat can last countless seasons. Buy a mid-length one that falls between mid-thigh and knees. It's the most versatile.


6. Seamless bras. No matter how expensive your clothes, they'll look lumpy and too-small if worn with the wrong bra. Shop around for a seamless version that gives you the support you need, then stock up.

7. Great jeans. There's a reason celebrities spend over $100 on a pair of jeans: They know that the pair that makes your derriere look terrific is worth it! Spend a Saturday trying different pairs until you find one that works for your body.

8. A leather jacket. This season, bombers are in style; a more classic, belted version is a wise buy, too.


9. One great dress. It doesn't have to be black, it just has to make you feel confident and look stunning. Choose one that's appropriate for work, but can also be dressed up for nighttime.


10. A professional suit. It makes you look instantly polished and requires nearly zero thought on a busy morning

haiz.. have to wait long long to have this suit... haiz

Oh another thing.. nowadays pple would like to make quick money and resort to anything... one such person is that guy in catch me if you can. there were loopholes here and there to allow theft to be done. so pple... be smart, here are some tips to prevent theft

10 ways to stop identity theft cold

The reformed thief who wrote 'Catch Me If You Can' offers insights into the prevention of a crime that’s easier to commit than you would think. One tip: Don’t think it can’t happen to you.

Identity theft again tops the list of consumer complaints, according to a new report from the Federal Trade Commission. Frank W. Abagnale, a reformed thief, is a respected authority on identity theft and other forms of fraud. His book, "Catch Me If You Can," which details his criminal escapades, is the latest Steven Spielberg movie and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale. Frank Abagnale wrote this commentary for Bankrate.com.

Identity theft is one of those things you're probably not very concerned about if it hasn't happened to you. But, in my career, I don't know of any crime that's easier -- and easier to get away with -- than identity theft

In 2001, there were approximately 500,000 identity theft victims; that's people who actually filed a police report. It cost banks and credit-card companies about $5 billion because they ultimately pick up the tab.

But the consumer doesn't get away scot-free. The average victims will spend $1,374 and 175 hours cleaning up their credit reports. That's a great deal of time and money out of their own pockets.

It's so simple to assume someone's identity today. If you go to the grocery store and write a check for $52, the check has your full name and address, and maybe your phone number. It also has the full name and address of the bank where the check is drawn, as well as your account number. Maybe the clerk asks for your driver's license number, which in 19 states is your Social Security number.

So, they write your Social Security number on the face of the check, then they ask for a date of birth and a work phone number. Now they can call and find out where you're employed.

Hundreds of eyes
Hundreds of people can see this check: people at the grocery store and the check-clearing house. Then it goes back to the payee bank, and if you don't get your checks in your statement, it goes to a company that shreds them. (We hope they get shredded and don't make copies.) So much information on just that little piece of paper, and that's just one way.

ID theft started years ago with, "If I can get enough information, I can apply for a Visa. I'll use the card for two weeks and throw it away." But now it's, "If I can get enough information, I can get a cell phone, I can get a car, a mortgage, I can go to work for a company under contract labor and have somebody else pay the taxes."

Criminals realize it's the simplest scam in the world. No one has to see your face or know who you are.

Only amateurs hack into computers; pros hack into people. If I want a database in a bank, I'm not going to break into their database when all I have to do is sit in front of a bank where people are smoking, walk up to someone and ask where they work in the bank. Then I say, "How would you like to make a lot of money? Give me this information off the screen and I'll give you $5,000."

If you did that to 10 people 25 years ago, two would say yes and eight would report you. People had more ethics and character then. Now, if I can do it and get away with it, it's OK. It's a lot easier to approach someone and get the information than break into the database.

We live in a time when if you make it easy to steal from you, chances are someone will.
Consumers have to be much smarter.

10 tips to prevent identity theft
Identity thieves rob more than 500,000 Americans every year. These steps will help you reduce your risk of identity theft.

1. Guard that Social Security number
The most important step is to guard your Social Security number -- it is the key to your credit report and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals. Do not print your Social Security number on your checks. After applying for a loan, credit card, rental or anything else that requires a credit report, request that your Social Security number on the application be truncated or completely obliterated and your original credit report be shredded before your eyes or returned to you once a decision has been made. A lender or rental manager needs to retain only your name and credit score to justify a decision.

2. Monitor your credit report
Credit reports can alert you to activity in your financial records. A monitoring service, such as Privacy Guard, will notify you whenever someone applies for credit in your name or checks your credit history. You then can be proactive; call the person and ask, "Why are you checking my credit?" It might be a landlord or employer; it might be legitimate.

3. Buy a shredder and use it
Indentity thieves may use your garbage to obtain personal information. Shred all old bank and credit statements, as well as "junk mail" credit-card offers, before trashing them. Use a crosscut shredder -- they cost more than regular shredders but are superior.

4. Remove your name from marketing lists
The three credit-reporting bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- all maintain marketing lists that may contain your information. Contact the agencies to remove your name from the lists. You also should add your name to the name-deletion lists of the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service used by banks and other marketers. Removing your name from these lists reduces the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive.

5. Watch what you carry in your wallet
Do not keep your Social Security card in your wallet or carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents except when needed. These documents can give thieves ready access to your accounts.

6. Keep duplicate records
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of your license and credit cards so you have all the account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers if your wallet or purse is stolen.

7. Mail payments from a safe location
Do not mail bill payments and checks from home. They can be stolen from your mailbox and washed clean in chemicals. Take them to the post office.

8. Monitor your Social Security activity
Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement once a year to check for fraud.

9. Monitor your credit-card activity
Carefully examine your credit-card statements for fraudulent charges before paying them. If you don't need or use department-store or bank-issued credit cards, close the accounts.

10. Know who you are talking to
Never give your credit-card number or personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust that business.

pple who are currently in the service line..i'm so sorry that customers sometimes scream at you demanding their things.. but dun worry.. there are some things that they should not be saying

The 'flip' side: 7 things a customer shouldn't say
Home Office / Jeff Wuorio
Verbal missteps — indeed, outright attacks — certainly cut both ways in the world of small business.

Recently, I was standing behind a woman in a pet store. When a young clerk asked if she wanted her dog chews in a bag, the customer snapped like a stale Milk-Bone: "Should I carry them in my hands?" she shrieked, trilling her fingers in the clerk's face. She then somehow managed to segue to accusing the clerk of drinking and sexual promiscuity. The scene melted with the woman storming out and the clerk in tears.

Recently, I wrote an article titled "7 things never to tell your customers." These were common employee remarks and whinings that I feel customers should never have to hear. Hundreds of readers responded with their own additions to my list. (Most popular addition: "That's not my job/department.") But many others urged me to go get a job in retailing, or to walk in their shoes as the owner of a business who deals face-to-face with often-hard-to-please customers.

Thanks to your feedback, and inspired by incidents such as the one I've recounted above, I'm putting the shoe on the other foot. Here's the flip side — seven things small-business people should never have to hear from customers, and what, if anything, you can do to cope, short of felonious assault.

1. "Whaddaya mean it's not in stock?" I overheard this several days ago in a sporting goods store, when a customer brushed aside inferno-like heat to ask about a snowboard. If it's you as a customer doing the asking, stop and think — no, for the most part, means no. If you're on the other end, no matter how incredulous or rude, it's always best for you or your salespeople to calmly repeat that the item isn't available. If the customer has somehow gone deaf in the past 20 seconds, suggest that a manager or supervisor might help restore his hearing.

2. "I cannot believe how much this costs!" Heard this one in a convenience store in relation to a Snickers bar. (Amid the slime left behind by Enron and WorldCom, here's a vile instance of corporate piracy.) Granted, many items can be rather steep, but last I looked it isn't the woman with the name tag setting the going rate. If you hear such a comment, politely remind the consumer about that particular dynamic of our economy. And if, by chance, you do decide on prices, simply say you're sorry they find it's high but that's what you're charging. It's a nice way of saying take it or leave it, Diamond Jim.

2."Let me finish this call first." This has never happened to me, but it's one with which I surely sympathize — the clerk patiently waiting for a customer to end a cell-phone call before paying. Not merely rude, but, I suspect, an exercise in pure narcissism. ("Look at me, everyone! I'm talking to the video rental store while I'm buying a box of Count Chocula!") If you're talking with a salesperson, become acquainted with your phone's off switch. And if you're dealing with someone whose phone seems every bit attached as an oversized earring, politely remind them that others are waiting.

3."Could you hurry it up?" I've caught this remark more times than I care to remember. It's rude, brusque and inherently insulting. If you're pressed for time, try rephrasing it. (Such as, "It would really help me out if I could finish up here as quickly as possible.") If you happen to be the one who's accused of moving with the speed of erosion, simply remind your customer you're doing the very best you can.

4."Just what is your problem?" Variants to add on to this global accusation include references to stupidity, lack of mental and emotional development, and other derision. There's no cause for this — if nothing else, who's going to suddenly going to snap to and offer exemplary service after you've just questioned their lineage? If you've just taken one of these in the face, immediately suggest that they chat with a manager or someone else — such as their own mother. You shouldn't have to deal with it, and trying to reply in any fashion may only sour things even more.

5."I'm not leaving until I get what I want!" This is usually sputtered loudly in the hopes of attracting attention. Unfortunately, on the scale of lame ultimatums, this ranks right alongside Khrushchev's promise to bury the West. Try to remember that stores do, in fact, run out of stock — you can't simply embarrass someone into making that Martha Stewart action figure appear out of thin air. Faced with such a comment, tell a customer you're sorry they're dissatisfied (remembering, as one reader pointed out, that they are on private property and can, if need be, be removed).

A bonus bundle for No. 7. To conclude, I have a laundry list of quickie favorites as suggested by readers (some of which belie any sort of reasonable response):

6."Can you get my money out? I just had my nails done."
Said to a child: "Johnny, be quiet or this salesperson will yell at you."
"Can you look after my child while I try this on?" Of course, madam, right after I finish chewing him out.
"Here!" (followed by money or credit card being tossed onto a counter).
"Do you work here?" Often said to a uniformed employee with a name tag who's been hammering a cash register for the better part of an hour. If you're the employee, answer with due politeness and you'll likely be up for a Nobel Prize. If you're the one asking this archetype of pure density, well, you'll probably get what's coming to you. But don't forget to ask the gray-suited manager at the insurance agency if they've sold out of copies of the new Barry Manilow CD.



Thinking of owning a gym membership just to exercise..dun worry.. there are some tips to exercise on a budget.

Getting fit on a budget
Exercise these 12 cheap options!By Kimberly Flynn, from Lifetimetv.com

Sometimes it seems as if the world wants us to be unhealthy and unfit. After all, salads cost considerably more than cheeseburgers, and a gym membership can set you back more than a week in Vegas would. But, believe it or not, you can get a great body without breaking the bank. You don't need an expensive health club, tons of fancy gear or specialty foods to get in shape. We've listed 12 healthful habits that are either inexpensive or cost nothing. Adopt them and you might be able to save enough money to afford a new bikini and a tropical vacation to show off your slimmer self!

1. Enjoy the deeply discounted outdoors!
Treadmills, stationary bikes and StairMasters were, of course, all modeled on outdoor activities. You don't need a fancy machine to walk, run, ride a bike or climb stairs. The low-budget, outdoor alternatives provide an equivalent workout to their indoor cousins, says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

2. Say yes to salad bars.
Forgo the hassle of cleaning and chopping produce and get the most bang for your money by visiting the supermarket salad bar, says Heidi Reichenberger, M.S., R.D., a Boston-based nutritionist and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Load up on prewashed, precut, nutrient-packed goodies such as lettuce, broccoli, grapes and cantaloupe. By shopping for fruits and veggies this way, you won't end up paying for unusable bits such as grapevines or the too-green outer leaves of romaine lettuce.

3. Give your VCR a workout.
Invest in a $20 low-impact aerobics tape -- it's perfect for bad-weather days. "Look for a video with the endorsement of a reputable organization such as the American Council on Exercise or the American College of Sports Medicine," advises Dr. Bryant. Lifetime's own fitness guru, Denise Austin, produces a wide variety of videos, from Pilates to cardio dance.

4. Pretend you're a kid.
To pump up your fitness routine, spring for a $5 jump rope. "Start with only a minute or two of jumping a few times a week. You'll definitely feel the effects," says CC Cunningham, M.D., a spokesperson for ACE, which is based in Evanston, Illinois.

5. Put the free back in free weights.
You don't need expensive equipment to strength-train. Lift cans of food or empty jars filled with sand, says Bryant. Even carrying the groceries is a workout.

6. Look for sporty sales.
Last year's line of athletic shoes will work just as well as the newest styles. Shop the manufacturers' outlet stores and check out the clearance section of a reputable online sports equipment store, such as Road Runner Sports.

7. Avoid exercise foods.
You don't need to bookend your workout with special sports drinks and foods, says Reichenberger. Common pantry items, such as peanut butter on crackers or a banana, are just as good as a $1.50 Powerbar. "Anything with carbohydrates and maybe a little bit of protein will give you the energy you need," says Reichenberger. After your workout, skip the Gatorade and drink water or juice.

8. Consult an expert — once.
Regular sessions with a personal trainer might be beyond your budget, but paying for a single one-on-one session can boost your fitness regimen tremendously. "A trainer can design an entire exercise program and make sure you're doing everything properly," says Dr. Cunningham. Be sure to take notes so you can refer to the pro advice later.

9. Stock up on cans.
Contrary to popular opinion, canned fruits and veggies are just as good for you as fresh produce, says Edith H. Hogan, R.D., L.D., a nutrition consultant in Washington, DC, and an ADA spokesperson. So clip coupons and watch for sales. (Added bonus: See #5.)

10. Find a community.
If you want the advantages of a gym but not the hefty price tag, visit your local community center. "Most have modest gyms, and they're relatively inexpensive," says Bryant, who also notes that centers often offer fun group fitness classes.

11. Make a deal.
If you do want to join a health club, learn how to haggle. "Most gyms run specials around January 1 to take advantage of all those New Year's resolutions," says Bryant. "But any [other] time of year, the competition is fierce, so shop around." Tell each gym the deal you were offered by another establishment; it might be willing to beat the price. Also, ask about discounts for couples or families, says Cunningham.

12. Shop seasonal.
Pick fruits and vegetables that are in season, says Hogan, since out-of-season produce can cost you an arm and a leg.

Hey pple . i totally recommend you this book.. Just friends, Robyn Sisman. Read this and you might like this book.



Freya Penrose, an energetic, trendy British transplant working in a Manhattan art gallery, believes she is on the verge of becoming engaged to longtime boyfriend and apartment-mate Michael Petersen, a lawyer whose stodgy outlook on life contrasts with Freya's more spontaneous approach. When their "romantic" dinner turns out to be a cool brush-off, a stunned Freya is forced to find a new home. Jack Madison, a promising writer and poker buddy whom Freya has known for 10 years, offers to share his apartment until Freya finds a new place. Freya's best friend Cat advises against it, declaring, "All men are pigs," but Freya insists she and Jack are like brother and sister. Jack, who has been stuck writing his novel for three years, ekes out a living teaching creative writing and subsists on an allowance from his wealthy, womanizing father. The two old friends take separate paths to loveAJack dates one of his students, Freya turns to the personals adsAand each finds themselves sabotaging the others' romantic efforts. When Jack volunteers to accompany Freya to her stepsister's wedding in the U.K., the nuptials bring up emotions that challenge the characters' integrity. Even Cat weighs in with a surprise of her own that forces Freya to reassess her life.

Hey gurls if a guy say this to you in a club.. just dun bother. its the worst pick up line.. he has no sense of creativity... so read

Top 10 worst pick-up lines
Devastatingly beautiful dates, sumptuous excursions and scintillating conversations are all benefits of the single life but contrary to popular belief, there is a downside to being relationship-free: The torture of being subjected to stale, decades-old, pick-up lines is penance for all that fun. In a survey taken across a range of age groups, geographical borders and lifestyles, we have compiled the top 10 worst pick-up lines that have sullied the ears of singles everywhere:

1. "What's your sign?"
The epitome of cheese, this line, which has been around since the Beatles came to America, ranks as the very worst line in dating history. The fact that it's still in use says a lot about the decay of our society's standards and the glaring desperation of some singles.

2. "Pardon me, I seem to have lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?"
Maybe this was funny around 1910 or 1915 — back when the telephone was a novel appliance. It does not inspire smiles now, only scared and doomed looks.

3. "You must be a broom because you're sweeping me off my feet."
Maybe your dad used this one on your mom and for nostalgia's sake, you're bringing it out again. Nostalgia does not get you dates, only pity. "I actually had a guy say this to me during happy hour," says Kim, a vivacious flight attendant who gets her share of pick-up lines. "I didn't hold it against him because I don't know how much he'd had to drink and he was cute. But if he hadn't been cute, I would have dodged him."

4. "Do you have a licence? Because you're driving me crazy."
Caution! Watching too many stupid teen movies impairs your judgement. This probably sounded clever to the person who swiped it from an Annette and Frankie beach party flick.

5. "I gotta thirst and baby, you look like my Gatorade."
Generally, comparing potential dates to food or drinks is not a winning move. " I had a guy use this one on me and I rolled my eyes and walked way," says Susan, a marketing representative who doesn't usually go for lines. "But a couple of weeks later, I saw this hot guy at the gym and I used that same line and it worked! I guess there are gender preferences when it comes to lines. He was really flattered, where I was insulted when it was used on me."

6. "Are you lost? Because heaven's a long way from here."
Maybe angels like this one, real women don't.

7. "Are you religious? Because you're the answer to all my prayers."
Prayer is something that anyone who uses this tacky line desperately needs.

8. "Can I take your picture? I want Santa to know exactly what I want for Christmas."
This line is popular with both men and women who think references to Santa are cute and charming, which are qualities that they never possess personally.

9. "Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?"
"A stunning woman I had been staring at used this on me," says Mark, a tawny-haired, gregarious copywriter. "I know it's an old one but it took guts to say it. I'm afraid I happily fell for it."

10. "Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?"
A personal favorite, this one takes a certain amount of arrogance as well as delusion, to pull off.

Getting a job is not that easy nowadays... especially when times are bad....Sometimes you need skills to make you employable... so.. listen out pple.. before looking for a job: read this :

Ten In-Demand Job Skillsby James C. Gonyea

As everyone who has held a job eventually learns, your future career prospects depend on the skills you have to offer an employer. And those workers with skills that are in demand are the ones who get the job.

The skills you should develop depend upon your interests, abilities and aptitudes, resources and career goals. But, with uncertain economic times ahead, it's important to look at the skills that will be useful in advancing your career. Here are 10 skills that the US Department of Labor says are on employers' wish lists.


Problem-Solving Skills
Many of the tasks we face each day in our personal and business lives are complex in nature. People who can identify problems, research solutions and make effective decisions are increasingly desired in such fields as business administration, management consulting, public administration, science, medicine and engineering.

Vocational-Technical Skills
Today, technology is advanced in all areas of human endeavor. Installation, testing and repair of most electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment in fields such as engineering, telecommunications, automotive, transportation and aerospace requires people with advanced vocational-technical skills.


Human Relations Skills
All companies with more than one employee face inevitable problems dealing with how people interact with each other. Often, the success of a company depends upon how well people can work together. It is the job of human resource managers, personnel officers, department managers and administrators to understand the needs of workers and how best to meet those needs within the confines of the employment environment.


Computer Programming Skills
Understanding how to harness a computer's power and program it to meet the specific needs of a particular company can dramatically increase your employment opportunities. Specific languages most in demand today include C++, Java, HTML, Visual Basic, Unix and SQL Server.


Teaching-Training Skill
Our modern society develops and collects more new data in a day than our ancestors did in a year. As a result, there will continue to be a demand for people with teaching and training skills in the fields of education, social services, management consulting and commerce.


Science and Math Skills
Great advances are being made daily in the fields of science, medicine and engineering. Bright minds skilled in the sciences and math are needed to meet the challenges of these fields.


Money Management Skills
With Americans enjoying a longer life span, it's essential today to carefully plan one's finances to ensure a comfortable life and retirement. Investment brokers and security officers, retirement planners, accountants and CPAs are in continual demand to meet this need.


Information Management Skills
In the Age of Information, America now produces information as the basis of its economic system, and individuals who possess the ability to manage information are critical to most businesses. Systems analysts, information technologists, database administrators and telecommunication engineers are examples of people with highly developed information management skills.


Foreign Language Skills
America depends upon many nations for raw materials and goods, as well as for global markets for our own goods and services. The ability to speak a foreign language -- today's hot ones include Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and German -- can enhance your employment opportunities and compensation.


Business Management Skills
The business of America is business! Understanding of how to run a successful company is highly in demand. At the core of these skills is the ability to manage people, systems, resources and finances; to understand the needs of consumers and how to translate those needs into business opportunities.




Hey pple.. you know the grass is always greener on the other side... and then you're thinking to go overseas to work and everything.. sometimes you have to compete with the locals. dun fret. because here are some tips to get that job.

Five Strategies for Finding Work Abroad
by Allan Hoffman

One quality often characterizes people who work abroad: Determination, in this case, to make it to another country. If you're going to move to France, Thailand or some other far-off land, this quality is often a prerequisite. Searching for work in the US alone can be a challenge, and now you're dealing with the additional hurdles of a foreign language and unfamiliar customs.

But determination is not enough. Typically, those who succeed in finding work abroad have a strategy to make it happen. How do you turn your determination into results? Here are five strategies for finding international jobs.

Just Go
This isn't the strategy for everyone, given the risks, but it's one time-tested, adventurous way to jump-start an international career. The idea is simple: Choose your country, move there and hope for the best. Actually, those who subscribe to the "just do it" mentality often incorporate an extensive amount of planning into the process. They research the job market in a particular region, make contacts and assess how long they'll be able to make it on their allocated funds. If all goes well, they reason, they'll find a job. If not, they've had an adventurous experience.

Move up the Ladder

A more conservative approach is to find a company known for sending its employees abroad. There's no guarantee you'll be among those chosen for an international stint, but setting this as a goal, and letting your managers know of you interest, is one way to work an overseas job into your long-term career plan. If your employer knows you're interested in an international assignment, you'll be able to use periodic reviews as a way to discuss the possibility of achieving this goal. Companies need to match the right people for overseas assignments, but they also want those with a strong desire to work abroad.

Make Connections

In these days of global communications, it's often possible to make contacts in other countries. To get started, join online discussion groups related to your profession. Whether you're a Java coder or a marketing guru, you will be able to find email lists and other forums devoted to your profession, often with members from other countries. Get to know them, seek advice and offer some to learn about opportunities in other countries. Online forums unrelated to work may be valuable meeting spots, too, but those connected with a specific field or area of expertise are often best for making the sort of contacts helpful in finding international work.

Go to School
You may think you've had enough of education, but learning opportunities abound in other countries, from immersion language courses to archaeology programs connected with ongoing digs. Once you're in a country, you'll be in a much better position to make the local connections needed to find paid work. Of course, you should be aware of the rules for work permits. Taking a full-time job may be prohibited under the terms of a student visa.

Start a Business or Freelance

Again, this isn't for everyone, but it is one way to make it to another country. Gain experience abroad, learn the language and start making local contacts. Those able to freelance from another country, such as technical writers or graphic artists, may be able to support themselves on US work as they establish themselves elsewhere. Starting a business abroad, whether it's as a bed-and-breakfast in Mexico or a tour operation in Russia, is another route. Ambitious, yes, but it can be done.

so people.. want to pack up and say au revior et A BIENTOT?

Well.... there are signs that tell you whether you should quit your job or not.

Knowing When It's Time to Go
by Roberta Chinsky Matuson

Change is difficult for many of us, so we often ignore the signs that indicate it is time to move on. Often, it isn't until a work situation becomes unbearable that we finally decide it's time to change jobs. By the time we reach this point, we feel desperate and are willing to take the next thing that comes along, which might not be any better than the situation we left. If you learn how to recognize the signs that indicate it is time to leave a job, you will be able to plan your next step rather than be forced to make a quick move just to get out. So what are some of these signs you should watch for?

1. Key personnel no longer ask for your opinion.

If you used to be invited to participate in meetings where important decisions were made and you are no longer invited, it may be time to think about your other options. Management may have lost confidence in you. If your opinion is no longer valued, how effective can you be in your role?

2. You have been passed up for a promotion.
Your company has been grooming you for a better position and has assured you that you are next in line. But they fill the job with an outside candidate. Somewhere along the line, someone has not been totally honest with you. Is this really the type of organization you want to work for? Can you be guaranteed this won't happen again?

3. You have gone from being a stellar performer to doing nothing right.

You have always been praised for your work. Now every time you complete a project, you are told you are not meeting expectations. Has there been a change in management lately? Perhaps the new team would like to bring in its own people? Why wait to go out on a bad note? You might want to start putting your feelers out now.

4. The plum assignments keep going to other people.
You are in your job because you want to learn. Yet every time an opportunity comes up for a challenging assignment, it goes to someone else. It is clear that you are the one in the department who will be doing the lower-level work. If you have already mastered those skills and it looks like your situation won't be changing, it may be time to find a position where there is actually room to grow in your job.

5. Your boss tells the staff he is open to suggestions. But is he open to suggestions from you?
You are constantly suggesting how to improve your department. Your suggestions are ignored. It is obvious that your opinion is not being valued. Ask yourself again, why are you still in this job?

6. A larger company is buying out your company.

Although management insists there will be not be any staff reductions, you will need to look at the reality. Do they really need two of you? Remember, you are much more employable if you are currently working. If you are not willing to move to the new corporate office, then perhaps you should see what other opportunities are available close by.

7. Everyone in management seems to be bailing.

Do they know something you don't? Do your best to find out what is really going on and then decide if you should start looking.

8. Work is not fun anymore.
This is perhaps the best sign that it is time to move on. After all, you spend most of your waking hours at work. If you no longer enjoy what you are doing, then why are you still there?

Keep your eyes and ears open for these signs and make sure you keep your resume updated, just in case your time to go arrives sooner than you expect. Being prepared will make the transition that much easier to make.




How does your child learn?
What teachers know about multiple intelligences that helps kids excel

Two decades after Howard Gardner identified multiple intelligences in his ground-breaking book Frames of Mind (1983), educators around the world are using the theory of multiple intelligences in their classrooms. In some ways, parents and teachers have always intuitively known that children learn in different ways and that an activity that grabs one child may not be of interest to another. But many of our traditional ideas about teaching imply that there is a certain way to learn particular skills. As parents, we've all had times when we've become frustrated by our children's apparent inability to accomplish a task the way we were taught to do it. When we have a better understanding of their individual intelligences and learning styles, we can provide experiences that speak to how our children learn best.

To understand your child's learning style, observe her as she plays. Which toys does she tend to choose? Chances are, you'll notice that her favorites have something in common. Perhaps they all have bright colors and distinct patterns or interesting textures and shapes, or make sounds. Then look at how she plays: Does she tend to look at objects intently or to hold and feel them in her hands? Perhaps she is less interested in toys than in rolling, tumbling, and moving around. As you cuddle up with your child and a favorite book, pay attention to what she is most interested in. Is it looking at the illustrations? Listening to the cadence of the words and rhymes as you read aloud? Touching the different objects pictured on the page? Or does she practically leap out of your lap and start to act out the actions in the story as you describe them?

Most children have a number of different intelligences and learning styles and can be engaged in a variety of ways. If you don't see a strong preference for particular toys or games, it means that your child has more than one primary intelligence or that she isn't old enough to have developed a strong predilection. In most cases you can begin to see a preference for particular styles at around age two. By then your child will most likely respond best to specific activities and types of experiences.

Respecting individual intelligences and learning styles means offering your child a variety of ways to learn. This doesn't mean that you should shy away from helping him master certain skills -- almost anything can be taught in a way that works well for a specific intelligence. When you identify and respond to your child's intelligence and learning style, you help him approach the world on his own terms. Playing to his strengths can make mastering new skills less frustrating -- and can help him develop a lifelong love of learning.

Many Ways to LearnOne of the benefits of the multiple intelligence theory is that it offers parents many options -- if a child isn't responding to a particular activity, there are many other approaches to try. Once you have a sense of your child's learning style, take a look at your home environment and routine to see how well they work for the way she learns. If you find that your child gravitates toward music, make sure that she has instruments available. Try playing music throughout the day and using songs as a way to encourage her enjoyment of different activities (a special song for doing the dishes or going grocery shopping can go a long way!). If she seems to have a powerful physical, or bodily-kinesthetic, intelligence, remember that creating fun hopping or jumping games to play while you're waiting on lines or at the store can help to make these tough times easier.

While understanding your child's style helps you speak to his strengths, it is also important to give him opportunities to strengthen his weaknesses: Even if you're sure your child is a linguistic learner, there is plenty to be gained from engaging him in spatial or musical experiences. Here's a look at each kind of intelligence and the types of activities and experiences children with it tend to excel at:

Alors! Fin! Un radio de francais!!! C'est tres bon! alors! Tres Bon!!!! yeah!
Finalement une chaîne française de radio.. remercie dieu son sous mediacorp... m'excuse.. je comprends quelques d'accord?! c'est tout à fait facile. ... la seule presse qui peut m'aider avec mes français. ... ouais... l'animateur semble alot comme Pascal et les gens dans francais d'Alliance.. hahaha.

People..in most interviews you can't avoid a certain question like " why do you want this job" .. etc etc.. but dun fret.. think this can answer your question

Tell Me About Yourself
It's one of the most frequently asked questions in an interview: Tell me about yourself. Your response to this request will set the tone for the rest of the interview. For some, this is the most challenging question to answer, as they wonder what the interviewer really wants to know and what information they should include.

Eleanor dreaded this question, and when it was the first one asked at her interview she fumbled her way through a vague answer, not focusing on what she could bring to the job.

"I'm happily married and originally from Denver," she began. "My husband was transferred here three months ago, and I've been getting us settled in our new home. I'm now ready to go back to work. I've worked in a variety of jobs, usually customer service-related. I'm looking for a company that offers growth opportunities."

The interview went downhill after that. She had started with personal information and gave the interviewer reason to doubt whether she was an employee who would stay for very long.

She's married, and when her husband gets transferred that means she has to leave; she did it once and can do it again.
She has some work experience with customers but didn't emphasize what she did.
She is looking to grow. What about the job she is applying for? Will she stay content for long?
The secret to successfully responding to this free-form request is to focus, script and practice. You cannot afford to wing this answer, as it will affect the rest of the interview. Begin to think about what you want the interviewer to know about you.

Focus

List five strengths you have that are pertinent to this job (experiences, traits, skills, etc.). What do you want the interviewer to know about you when you leave?

Eleanor is strong in communications and connecting with people. She has a strong background and proven success with customer relationships. Her real strength is her follow-through. She prides herself on her reputation for meeting deadlines.

Scripting

Prepare a script that includes the information you want to convey. Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success:

"I have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My most recent experience has been handling incoming calls in the high tech industry. One reason I particularly enjoy this business, and the challenges that go along with it, is the opportunity to connect with people. In my last job, I formed some significant customer relationships resulting in a 30 percent increase in sales in a matter of months."

Next, mention your strengths and abilities:

"My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to doing something, I make sure it gets done, and on time."

Conclude with a statement about your current situation:

"What I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales."

Practice

Practice with your script until you feel confident about what you want to emphasize in your statement. Your script should help you stay on track, but you shouldn't memorize it -- you don't want to sound stiff and rehearsed. It should sound natural and conversational.

Even if you are not asked this type of question to begin the interview, this preparation will help you focus on what you have to offer. You will also find that you can use the information in this exercise to assist you in answering other questions. The more you can talk about your product -- you -- the better chance you will have at selling it.



Now every now and then you receive dumb e-mails like chain mails or sometimes from your e-mail company.. or some like donations.. every mail you forward this part company will pay the person/family like $0.05? Are these really real? Je ne sais pas aussi... mais this will help you..

The top 9 e-mail hoaxes

Ever wondered if anyone makes the money promised in those work-at-home advertisements? Or if each forwarded e-mail will really mean a donation of 10 cents from Microsoft to an orphan's organ-transplant operation? The answer is no. These stories are urban legends, e-mail rumors and scams. They are but a few of what we like to call financial fiction. The following are some of the most popular and most creative examples waiting in in-boxes.

Neiman Marcus' expensive cookie recipe
Here's what happened. My Aunt Cynthia was having lunch at Neiman Marcus with my cousin. For dessert, they had these delicious cookies and my aunt asked the waitress for the recipe. The waitress said they the recipe sold for "two fifty." My Aunt thought that meant $2.50 said OK. But when she got her bill they charged her $250. She was furious but they wouldn't refund her money. So in revenge, she's giving away the recipe to anyone who wants it.

Can you believe that? You can? Sucker. It never happened. But this rumor has been circulating for decades. A similar story about a $25 red velvet cake recipe has been traced as far back as the 1940s. If you want the cookie recipe, Neiman Marcus has gotten so sick of the bad press about this false rumor that the company posted the recipe on its Web site.

Forwarded e-mail for money or donations
Microsoft and Disney are both beta-testing an e-mail tracker and will send you money if you forward this e-mail. The Gap is testing an e-mail tracker and will send you a gift certificate. The Red Cross is using its e-mail tracker and will donate money for some poor kid's operation or to raise funds for an orphan of Sept. 11.

If you believe any of these stories, I have some bad news for you. There is no such thing as an e-mail tracker. Coke won't send you free cans. Gerber won't send you savings bonds. Cracker Barrel won't send you gift certificates. A Britney Spears' video won't pop up as the result of you forwarding an e-mail. And AOL has a public relations department that gets news out a lot more efficiently than any chain mail ever could. You get nothing but the embarrassment of knowing that everyone you forward this e-mail to will think you're a fool.

Nigerian scam letter
Greetings, sir. I got your e-mail address from a very confidential source -- the Internet. I am the prince, minister and Grand Poo-ba of one of many foreign nations that you stupid Americans have never heard of. There is a billion, kazillion dollars in an account here that rightfully belongs to my family and my people. Due to some horrid-bloody military coup in which my entire family, several accountants and various goats lost their lives, I cannot reach this money. But you, an American who has never heard of my country, can march right into the corner branch of God-Forsaken-War-Torn-East-of-Nowhere-Africa and deposit this money right into your fat American bank account. For your trouble, I'll give you a few million off the top -- because what's a few million between confidential best friends who have never actually even heard of one another?

OK, let's start from the top. Do not kid yourself. You are not so important that the High Priest of Anywhere will e-mail you requesting help. Rid yourself of your delusions of grandeur -- or as we say back home, you may sing "Like a Virgin" into your hairbrush every night, but that doesn't make you Madonna.

Here's what will happen when you give strangers your bank account information: They will take your money. Period. End of story. You get nothing, but you lose a lot.

Work at home
Old scam, new format. You should immediately run from anyone who promises lots of money for little work that requires no experience. While there are companies that allow their employees to work from home, they require job skills and interviews, just like regular jobs. Work-at-home scams will ask you to purchase supplies and equipment from them to perform the "job." That's how they make their money. You will lose -- not make -- money.

You won! And you didn't even enter!
How can you take anything seriously that uses so many exclamation marks?!!!!! Guess what!!!!! You didn't win anything!!!! These people will try to finagle money out of you by saying you need to pay taxes or fees to collect your prize!!!!! Or they will give you a free trip that requires you to buy very expensive airline tickets through their agency!!!! Don't be a sucker!!!!!

You'll receive $5,000 for sending $25
Here's how it works. Send $5 to the five people on the list or to the address that will send you the "reports." In return for your money you'll get -- nothing -- because this is a scam. Well, maybe you'll get something -- a conviction for mail fraud because this is illegal.

Tricking the traffic court
The Web-watching site Truthorfiction.com reports that a rumor is currently circling e-mails accounts claiming that there's a sneaky way to keep a traffic ticket off your driving record: pay a little more than the amount on the ticket. The court will send you a refund check. If you don't cash the check, the computer won't mark your case as closed and the ticket will never show up on your record. This idea is great in theory, lousy in reality. It doesn't work. Here's a way to keep tickets off your record that does work: slow down.

Tax or long-distance charges on e-mail
You got a forwarded e-mail from your friend that says you will soon be charged for your long-distance e-mails, just like you are charged for long-distance phone calls. Oh, really? And what will the phone company use to compute your bill -- its e-mail tracker? Calm down. No one is going to charge you long distance for your e-mails. This is an e-mail myth.

Clinton got rid of the IRS -- no more taxes
That sneaky Bill Clinton -- did you know that when he wasn't gallivanting about with interns he was busy getting Congress to pass secret legislation that would forgive all debts and abolish the Internal Revenue Service? Alan Greenspan was going to announce it on Sept. 11, 2001 but didn't because of the terrorist attacks. Oh, wishful thinking -- or maybe not. A move like that is the equivalent of tossing what's left of our economy into a vast financial toilet and flushing with the combined might of the National Football League. In the plausible department, this rumor, reported by Truthorfiction.com, is right up there with alien cattle mutilations and Cameron Diaz spending a Friday night alone at home, eating Ben & Jerry's because she couldn't get a date -- completely ridiculous.

you seem to be slogging your heart out in the office .. and then you hand in your stuff to your boss..you had a scolding from your boss that there were mistakes all over, that makes your day really bad. ....when you get home you see loads of paper flying around and you get even more frustrated.... " URGH!" what is wrong?

8 common office-productivity drains


Human Resources
Do you feel about as productive as a dog that sleeps most of the day? You may have a good excuse.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Every office harbors inefficiencies — fax machines that don't work properly, files disorganized or missing, high-traffic areas that make productive work impossible. But the number of businesses that simply adapt to poor setups, rather than eliminating them, is surprising.

Look around your office for these common office-productivity drains, and follow these eight tips to address them.

Outdated technology

Computers, printers, software and other technology that have outlived their usefulness can quickly eat into productivity. For example, a graphic designer who works on an underpowered PC may have to wait 20-30 seconds each time an image loads or is saved. Employees who access the Internet with slow dial-up connections face similar problems when Web pages can't be loaded or, worse, crash their PCs.

How do you know your technology is dated? As a general rule, if your computer can't run the latest version of a key program, it is probably time for an upgrade. Your investment in new equipment may quickly be recouped in increased workflow.

Poorly designed workspace

Spend a few days monitoring work patterns to highlight inefficiencies built into the way you work. For instance, you might move to another room anytime you need to lay out papers because you lack enough desktop room. Or maybe you type up notes after finishing a conference call because your phone is too far away from your computer, preventing you from taking notes during the call.
Fixing these kinds of productivity saps is often a matter of reorganizing physical workspace. It may be as simple as transferring books away from a countertop or getting a phone extension cord.

Inefficient filing systems

Disorganized files make it harder to find the information you need when you need it, which can double the amount of time spent on a paper chase.

To fix messy filing practices, make sure you and your staffers have the necessary supplies to keep files organized. Assess whether or not you need additional file cabinets to allow all staff members to have easy access to the papers they need. Finally, consider moving inactive files to a storeroom to make it easier for workers to find active files.

Untamed information flow

The increasing availability of technology such as e-mail and cell phones has inundated the work environment with news, marketing messages, junk mail, and personal communications. These outside influences can steal attention from work and lower productivity.

Reduce the amount of distracting information you receive at work. Unsubscribe to e-mail newsletters you don't read, and create e-mail filters to separate personal from business communications. Turn off your cell phone when you're at your desk. And reduce traffic by handing out your e-mail address and/or cell phone number sparingly.

Badly run meetings

Holding unnecessary or unfocused meetings crushes productivity and morale. When employees gather to discuss a topic, it's not uncommon for sessions to run long, decisions to be postponed, or topics to shift to issues beyond the ones the meeting was meant to address.

Before holding a meeting, always consider whether or not the topic could be managed offline. If a meeting is necessary, give it a time limit and use an agenda to stay on track. Assign a meeting leader who is responsible for taking quick action if the group shows signs of getting side tracked.

Substandard research resources

Relying on information from unreliable or dated magazines, Web sites, white papers and other sources can make it necessary to extend or duplicate work.

You can encourage the use of more valuable research tools by subscribing only to those publications that you should and will actually sit down and read. That means discontinuing the newspapers and magazines that never get read — and clutter up offices, lobbies and libraries — and distributing a list of quality Web-based information sources to your staff.

Also, look for opportunities to move from printed information to searchable databases. For example, if your company relies on directories for its work, find out if they are available on CD-ROM.

Distractions

When you're operating in close quarters — as many small businesses do — noise from louder co-workers, ringing phones, clacking keyboards, office door buzzers, and other sources can lower office-wide productivity.

Pay attention to noise pollution in your work areas and take steps to reduce it. Lower the volume on ringers, turn off speakerphones and computer speakers, and talk to loud chatters about toning down conversations. Address visual noise as well by using screens, plants and other methods to create a sense of privacy in open office space.

Clutter

When you look at the desks of many successful executives, one thing stands out — they are free of clutter. Disorder often breeds disruption and eats into efficiency.

Look around your office and find places where chaos lurks. It might be an untamed phone cord that's constantly knocking over desk supplies, a box in the middle of an aisle that stands in the way of a file drawer, or broken equipment that takes up valuable desktop real estate. Move unused items out of sight, and dispose of things you no longer use.

Sometimes it doesnot really applies to the office itself. it applies to the room that you live in, the place that you study.... So pple you want better results check this out

Yum.... christmas is coming and you tend to eat alot and gained alot of weight... but how to eat and not gain weight.. pple there are some tips below.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but that doesn't mean you need to end up looking like Santa Claus. Sure, the season's a minefield of merry temptations, but with our simple, common-sense suggestions, you can whoop it up at the office party, neighborhood cookie exchange and family holiday dinners without derailing your diet. And you won't even have to shun your favorite foods. With these simple tips, you will make it through the holidays with all of the jingle, but none of the jiggle. And you can thank us when the ball drops on New Year's and you're still fitting into your "skinny" pants!

Don't go to a party hungry. You know not to grocery shop on an empty stomach, so don't hit a holiday shindig on one either. "It's way too difficult to make healthy decisions when you're that hungry," says Samantha Heller, MS, RD, senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. "Everything looks good -- even the ornaments." Take the edge off before you go with a piece of fruit or small container of yogurt so that you're not starving and tempted to storm the buffet table upon arrival, says Dawn Jackson, RD, Nutrition and Exercise Specialist for The Wellness Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Don't eat just to be polite. "I couldn't refuse the apple strudel -- Aunt Gertie spent hours slaving over it!" Sound familiar? We often fall off the wagon during the holidays for fear of crushing our hosts' fragile egos, but that's a poor excuse, says Heller: "Your thighs don't care that you didn't hurt their feelings." The next time you're being strong-armed into eating a high-calorie confection, simply say, "No thank you, it looks great but I'm trying to lose weight." If Aunt Gertie's on clean-plate patrol, that's her issue.

Get your priorities straight. Christmas comes but once a year, and so do some of the season's quintessential treats. Ask yourself which foods you won't likely see again until next year -- then savor them in moderation, says Jackson. For instance, pass over the mashed potatoes, which will likely reappear at the next family dinner, and make a beeline for the Bûche de Noël.

Keep a friendly distance from the food. Stay an arm's length away from the buffet table, says Jackson. You'll be less tempted to mindlessly nosh while you're mingling if you back up a step or two. And when you're finished eating, ditch your empty plate -- it screams for second helpings. Instead, grab a glass of club soda so you'll have something to do with your hands while you talk.

Add it up. Never leave a party without knowing how much you've eaten, says Jackson. Yes, that includes those seemingly innocent yet addictive canapés! At a cocktail party, allow yourself one pass of the hors d'oeuvres so that you can pick your favorites. Zero in on those you like best and keep count -- it's a good idea to keep a "diet diary" and log what you eat. This technique works well on baking days, too -- your diary won't let you "forget" those extra tastes.

Go easy on the drinks. Alcohol, which tends to flow freely during the holidays, packs a double whammy. It's chock-full of calories, and it lowers our inhibitions, making us dive into dishes that we'd have a fighting chance at resisting if we were sober. Try following every drink with seltzer or diet soda, Heller suggests. "You'll save yourself extra calories, a hangover and embarrassment at the office the next day."

Get moving. Sure you have a shopping list to plod through, but that's even more reason to hit the gym. After a half-hour on the treadmill, your mother-in-law's impending visit and the holiday cards you have to mail won't seem quite so overwhelming. "If there's ever a time to exercise, it's during the holidays" says Jackson. "It's one of the most stressful periods of the year!"

So girls just wanna have fun..
but how much fun you get spending money, buying things.. sometimes you buy things that you don't even need.
You don't know?
So below will just tell you what kind of buyer you are..

What How You Spend Money Reveals About You



There's no doubt about it...teenage girls today are spending more money than ever before. Because of their allowances, part-time jobs and gifts, because many parents hand out dollars regularly, because they assume greater responsibility for household shopping than the generations before them, teens are big spenders. Problems arise, however, when the extent of your knowledge about money is totally focused on how to spend it.

Statistics seem to support the theory that this is changing. More than nine out of ten teens are involved in a financial transaction (spending or earning) every week. Sixty nine percent have savings accounts. Seventeen percent own stocks or bonds. Twenty one percent have checking accounts. Nearly a third of all 18 year olds have a credit card in their own name. One hundred percent are learning that living within your means leads to contentment; debts you cannot pay lead to discouraging disheartenment.

Picture a jar with sand that represents all your financial responsibilities...your bills, your debts, the amount you owe. Then picture another jar with ping-pong balls. Imagine that represents your desires...anything you crave...those shoes, that new CD, that new moisturizer. If you try to put the ping-pong balls into the jar of sand, it won't work. Putting what we want first wouldn't always leave enough room for our responsibilities. But see what happens if you pour the sand into the jar of ping-pong balls...the sand fills the cracks and all fit together nicely. If we take care of our obligations first, we should have enough left over to have a little fun.

What kind of spender are you? See if you can find yourself in these "dysfunctional" shopping styles..

1. The impulsive buyer buys on a whim and is easily seduced into purchasing whatever catches her eye. She lacks self-control and clear priorities for spending. To deal with this problem, she must practice "out of sight, out of mind" and walk away. If that doesn't help, she should at least price the item in three places. It'll slow her down enough to rethink the purchase. Entering the store with predetermined spending priorities is also helpful.


2.The fanatical shopper spends way too much time trying to find the lowest price, regarding the whole experience as a win/lose battle. She might buy something she doesn't really want, just because it's on sale, or settle for inferior quality just to save a few dollars. She must learn to value her time and energy and not carry her frugality to such extremes.

3.The passive buyer dislikes shopping, never asks questions, never comparison shops and can be easily talked into buying by anyone. She insists she's too busy, puts a low priority on shopping wisely, and tends to blame others for her inevitable shopping mistakes. What she has to realize is that it's OK not to know everything. Drawing up a pro and con list might be helpful.

4.An avoidance shopper goes to the mall to escape from the stresses of life. She may buy items out of guilt, revenge or an attempt to show affection she can't show otherwise. What she has to do is face the facts and develop coping mechanisms, other than shopping, to handle her stress. She might find physical activities to be especially good at diffusing her stress.

5. An esteem buyer buys impressive labels at fancy stores (never discount shops), to show off. This no-no is tied with impulsive buying as the number one spending personality mistake among teens. This woman has to learn to buy for her own values. She has to want the product, not the label, the store or the charisma. One of the best ways to feel good about yourself is to take charge of your life. Buying things based on your own needs and values is a beginning.

6.The overdone buyer pursues a hobby, a collection or an activity to the point of financial problems. Whether it's shoes or stuffed animals, this is an addiction that can be serious. Like any addiction, she must first recognize and admit the problem, then cut back and develop other interests. This is a powerful personality tendency that can do so much good if refocused.


So now you know what kind of buyer you are. ...

ok folks.. this is for those who dunno what is the smoking gun is about

the smoking gun has gossip plus they have stuff that the divas, boybands,etc REQUESTED when they are on tour.. check out Jennifer lopez, Nysnc, BSB.. etc.. some are really funny and some are really ridiculous.. haha... should compare BSB and nysnc..

nysnc = 10 pages
bsb = 6 pages..

so pple decide for yourselves

i've just added a new link . the smoking gun
interesting stuff about the music industry

Old wives' tales exposed

Old wives say: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Eating an apple is a great way to get essential nutrients into your diet, but no more so than chowing down on other fruits or vegetables, according to Sharron Coplin, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition at Ohio State University. Fresh produce contains antioxidants, which can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and other diseases. Sure, apples are good for you, but oranges, bananas and mangoes would be just as effective at keeping the doc at bay.
Final verdict: True

Old wives say: If you swallow gum, it takes seven years for your body to digest it.
Nope, says Cynthia Yoshida, M.D., director of the Women's Gastrointestinal Clinic at the University of Virginia. "If you swallow a tooth, a penny or even gum, it goes right through your system," she says. "Although it's sticky, gum does not attach itself to the well-lubricated lining of the gastrointestinal tract."
Final verdict: False

Old wives say: Sitting too close to the television is bad for your eyes.
Getting up close and personal with the tube isn't really harmful, says Anne Sumers, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "It may fatigue your eyes temporarily, but it's not bad for them," she says. "The same goes for reading without adequate light. The fact that people's eyes get worse each year is simply attributable to the aging eye."
Final verdict: False

Illegal Questions for an job interview

The female candidate was asked, "Do you plan to have children?" She was taken aback by the question and wasn't sure how to answer.

She had three choices:

To answer the question honestly even though she did not want to.
To tell the interviewer it is none of his business and the question is illegal.
To deal with the concern behind the question, ignoring the illegal question itself.
How would you answer the question if you were the female candidate?

The best answer is "C."

An appropriate answer from the candidate might have been, "Whether or not I plan to have children in the future is not really relevant to my career. I plan to work and have a career no matter what happens in my personal life."

Why is this type of question asked in an interview? Why are interviewers concerned about your plans to reproduce, your marital status and your retirement plans? It's simple; they want to make sure you are the solution to a problem, not the source of more headaches.

When the female candidate was asked her plans regarding future motherhood, the interviewer may have been trying to determine whether she was in for the long-term or just until the company could pay for the birth of her firstborn. It is clearly a discriminatory question, one that would probably never be asked of a male candidate, and it is illegal!

Technically, it is illegal for an interviewer to ask anything personal that is not directly job-related. Off-limit questions include (but are not limited to): information regarding your age, marital status, country of origin, religion, sexual preference and health status. Almost any legal information about you is illegal in the job interview.

There are some exceptions to this rule, which might be confusing. Personal questions considered to be job-related usually are allowed in the interview or on the job application.

Legal Personal Questions:

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

Depending on the type of job you are applying for, this could be critical.

Can you show proof of your eligibility to work in the US?

Every new employee, regardless of place of origin, must provide such documentation during the first days on the job.

Can you perform the job's essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation?

This question must be accompanied by a job description covering the essential functions.

The concerns behind these questions are relevant to the job's requirements and performance. As an example, if you have been convicted of embezzlement, you will probably not be considered for a job handling money. The concern is that you had a problem in your past that could be a problem again.

The interviewer wants to know if you can report to work and do the job. Any information that could be enlightening is important. But the interviewer's questions should focus on the job and your qualifications to do it.

By becoming aware of illegal questions, you will be prepared to deal with them if confronted in an interview. Pre-interview thinking and preparation can spare some embarrassing or uncomfortable moments during the interview.


this is for those who did not know who won the American Music Awards

Favorite Male Artist — Pop or Rock
Clay Aiken
WINNER: Kid Rock
John Mayer
Justin Timberlake

Favorite Female Artist — Pop or Rock
Celine Dion
Avril Lavigne
WINNER: Jennifer Lopez

Favorite Band, Duo or Group — Pop or Rock
WINNER: Fleetwood Mac
Matchbox Twenty
3 Doors Down

Favorite Album — Pop or Rock
"Fallen" (Evanescence)
"Come Away With Me" (Norah Jones)
"Cocky" (Kid Rock)
WINNER: "Justified" (Justin Timberlake)


Favorite Male Artist — Hip-Hop / Rhythm & Blues Music
Ginuwine
Jaheim
R. Kelly
WINNER: Luther Vandross

Favorite Female Artist — Hip-Hop / Rhythm & Blues Music
WINNER: Aaliyah
Ashanti
Beyonce'

Favorite Band, Duo or Group — Hip-Hop / Rhythm & Blues Music
B2K
Dru Hill
WINNER: The Isley Brothers

Favorite Album — Hip-Hop / Rhythm & Blues Music
"Chapter II" (Ashanti)
"Dangerously In Love" (Beyonce')
"Chocolate Factory" (R. Kelly)
WINNER: "Dance With My Father" (Luther Vandross)

Favorite Male Artist — Country Music
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Toby Keith
WINNER: Tim McGraw

Favorite Female Artist — Country Music
WINNER: Faith Hill
Martina McBride
Shania Twain

Favorite Band, Duo or Group — Country Music
WINNER: Alabama
Brooks & Dunn
Dixie Chicks

Favorite Album — Country Music
WINNER: "Unleashed" (Toby Keith)
"Tim McGraw & The Dancehall Doctors" (Tim McGraw)
"Melt" (Rascal Flatts)
"Up!" (Shania Twain)

Favorite Male Artist — Rap / Hip-Hop
Eminem
WINNER: 50 Cent
Nelly
Sean Paul

Favorite Female Artist — Rap / Hip-Hop
WINNER: Missy Elliott
Eve
Lil' Kim

Favorite Band, Duo or Group — Rap / Hip-Hop
Black Eyed Peas
Bone Crusher
WINNER: Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz

Favorite Album — Hip-Hop / Rap / Hip-Hop
"Under Construction" (Missy Elliott)
WINNER: "Get Rich Or Die Tryin' (50 Cent)
"Dutty Rock" (Sean Paul)
"8 Mile" (Soundtrack)

Favorite Artist — Alternative Music
Coldplay
WINNER: Linkin Park
Metallica

Favorite Artist — Adult Contemporary Music
Cher
WINNER: Celine Dion
Norah Jones

Favorite Artist — Latin Music
Kumbia Kings
WINNER: Ricky Martin
Luis Miguel

Favorite Artist — Contemporary Inspirational Music
WINNER: Steven Curtis Chapman
MercyMe
Third Day

Fan's Choice Award
50 Cent
WINNER: Clay Aiken
Beyonce
Matchbox Twenty
Tim McGraw
Justin Timberlake

Michael Jackson International Artist of the Year
Cher
WINNER: Madonna
Shania Twain
Christina Aguilera
Justin Timberlake

Coca-Cola New Music Award
Elcodrive (Boston, MA)
WINNER: The Bomb Squad (New York, NY)
Relax to Paris (Sherman Oaks, CA)

hopefully this works

Hey this is back to normale.. thank god