Idea Café

Thought of the day

2011-06-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Thought of the day

2011-06-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist.

-- Eleanor Roosevelt

Thought of the day

2011-05-31T10:36:00.001-07:00

Thoughts, a photo by Suraj Deo on Flickr.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.
It will never fail you.

--Frank Lloyd Wright

Thought of the day

2011-05-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

image_1, a photo by Suraj Deo on Flickr.

A strong man and a waterfall always channel their own path.

Thought of the day

2011-05-26T09:46:00.001-07:00

Thoughts, a photo by Suraj Deo on Flickr.

Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Thought of the day

2011-05-24T19:48:00.001-07:00

Thoughts, a photo by Suraj Deo on Flickr.

To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.

-- Mark Twain

Thought of the day

2011-05-23T12:31:00.001-07:00

Thoughts, a photo by Suraj Deo on Flickr.

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.

-- Vincent van Gogh

Thought of the day

2011-05-22T11:16:00.001-07:00

Thoughts, a photo by Suraj Deo on Flickr.

Thought of the day

2011-05-20T10:17:00.001-07:00

Thoughts, a photo by My Image on Flickr.

Thought of the day

2011-05-19T09:52:00.001-07:00

Thought, a photo by My Image on Flickr.

Thought of the day

2011-05-18T11:49:00.001-07:00

Thought_2-1, a photo by My Image on Flickr.

Thought of the day

2011-05-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Thought of the day

2011-05-18T09:18:00.001-07:00

Experience is not what happens to a man, but what a man does with what happens to him.

-- Aldous Huxley

Thought of the day

2011-05-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Shoot for the Moon, if you fail you'll still land among the Stars!!

Thought of the day

2011-05-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

The first step to becoming is to will it.

-- Mother Teresa.

Thought of the day

2011-05-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.

—- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thought of the day

2011-05-13T18:44:00.001-07:00

You become what you think about.

-- Earl Nightingale

Thought of the day

2011-05-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

It doesn't mater if you're a slow walker, so long as you dont walk backwards.

-- Abraham lincoln

Thought of the day

2011-05-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Whatever the mind can conceive and belive, the mind can achieve.

-- Napoleon Hill

Thought of the day

2011-05-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

If you can Dream it, You can Do it.

-- Walt Disney

Thought of the day

2011-05-07T07:49:00.001-07:00

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.

-- Mother Teresa

Thought of the day

2011-05-06T09:08:00.001-07:00

Arrows are shot by dragging the bow back similarly, if life is dragging you back with problems, be patient. It's getting ready to shoot you to new heights.

-- Anon

Thought of the day

2011-05-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.

-- Alan Saporta

Thought of the day

2011-04-30T11:02:00.001-07:00

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

-- Denis Waitley

Thought of the day

2011-04-29T11:40:00.001-07:00

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

-- Johann von Goethe

Thought of the day

2011-04-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

This one step - choosing a goal and sticking to it - changes everything.
-- Scott Reed

Thought of the day

2011-04-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.

-- Calvin Coolidge

Thought of the day

2011-04-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Problems only exist in the human mind.

-- Anthony de Mello

Thought of the day

2011-04-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.

-- Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Thought of the day

2010-02-04T04:31:00.001-08:00

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In
practice there is.
-- Yogi Berra

Thought of the day

2010-01-14T05:14:00.001-08:00

The most powerful element in advertising is the truth.

--William Bernbach

Thought of the day

2010-01-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time."

--Anna Freud

Thought of the day

2010-01-14T05:05:00.001-08:00

Gratitude is the open door to abundance.

Thought of the Day

2009-10-20T16:43:00.001-07:00

A single day is enough to make us a little larger.

-- Paul Klee

Thought of the Day

2009-10-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

A man can do all things if he but wills them.

-- Leon Battista Alberti

Thought of the Day

2009-10-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

"If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative."

--Woody Allen

Thought of the Day

2009-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

"We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are."

--Jim Rohn

Thought of the Day

2009-10-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Life is like an ever-shifting kaleidoscope - a slight change, and all patterns alter.

-- Sharon Salzberg

Thought of the Day

2009-10-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

One man practicing sportsmanship is better than a hundred teaching it.

-- Knute Rockne

Thought of the Day

2009-10-10T09:55:00.001-07:00

"You can't have a better tomorrow if you're thinking about yesterday."

--Charles Kettering

Thought of the Day

2009-10-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

"Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was."

--Richard Evans

Thought of the Day

2009-10-08T19:29:00.001-07:00

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps."

--Confucius

Thought of the Day

2009-10-04T14:32:00.001-07:00

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success."
--Joyce Brothers

Thought of the Day

2009-10-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

"Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says, 'I'm Possible'!"

--Audrey Hepburn

The Hare & The Tortoise: Old story New Learning

2009-09-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time a tortoise & a hare had an argument about who was faster. They decided to settle the argument with a race. They agreed on a route and started off the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race.

He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise plodding on overtook him & soon finished the race, emerging as the undisputed champ.

The hare woke up and realized that he'd lost the race.

The moral of the story is that slow and steady wins the race.

This is the version of the story that we've all grown up with!!

But then recently, someone told me a more interesting version of this
story. It continues............

The hare was disappointed at losing the race & he did some soul-searching. He realized that he'd lost the race only because he had been overconfident, careless and lax. If he had not taken things for granted, there's no way the tortoise could have beaten him. So he challenged the tortoise to another race. The tortoise agreed.

This time, the hare went all out and ran without stopping from start
to finish. He won by several miles.

The moral of the story? Fast and consistent will always beat the slow
and steady. If you have two people in your organization, one slow,
methodical and reliable, and the other fast and still reliable at what
he does, the fast and reliable chap will consistently climb the
organizational ladder faster than the slow, methodical chap.

It's good to be slow and steady; but it's better to be fast and
reliable.

But the story doesn't end here.

The tortoise did some thinking this time & realized that there's no
way he can beat the hare
in a race the way it was currently formatted. He thought for awhile,
and then challenged the hare to another race, but on a slightly
different route.

The hare agreed. They started off. In keeping with his self-made
commitment to be consistently fast, the hare took off and ran at top
speed until he came to a broad river. The finishing line was a couple
of kilometers on the other side of the river.

The hare sat there wondering what to do. In the meantime the tortoise
trundled along, got into the river, swam to the opposite bank,
continued walking and finished the race.

The moral of the story? First identify your core competency and then
change the playing field to suit your core competency.

In an organisation, if you are a good speaker, make sure you create
opportunities to give presentations that enable the senior management
to notice you.

If your strength is analysis, make sure you do some sort of research,
make a report and send it upstairs. Working to your strengths will not only get you noticed, but will also create opportunities for growth &
advancement?



The story still hasn't ended.

The hare & the tortoise, by this time, had become pretty good friends
and they did some thinking together. Both realized that the last race
could have been run much better.

So they decided to do the last race again, but to run as a team this
time.

They started off & this time the hare carried the tortoise till the
riverbank. There, the tortoise took over and swam across with the hare
on his back. On the opposite bank, the hare again carried the tortoise and they reached the finishing line together. They both felt a greater
sense of satisfaction than they'd felt earlier.

The moral of the story? It's good to be individually brilliant and to
have strong core competencies; but unless you're able to work in a team
and harness each other's core competencies, you'll always perform
below par because there will always be situations at which you'll do
poorly and someone else does well.

Teamwork is mainly about situational leadership, letting the person
with the relevant core competency for a situation take leadership.



There are more lessons to be learnt from this story.

Note that neither the hare nor the tortoise gave up after failures.
The hare decided to work harder and put in more effort after his
failure.

The tortoise changed his strategy because he was already working as
hard as he could.


In life, when faced with failure, sometimes it is appropriate to work
harder and put in more effort. Sometimes it is appropriate to change
strategy and try something different. And sometimes it is appropriate
to do both.

The hare & the tortoise also learnt another vital lesson. When we stop
competing against a rival and instead start competing against the
situation, we perform far better.

When Roberto Goizueta took over as CEO of Coca-Cola in the 1980s, he
was faced with intense competition from Pepsi that was eating into
Coke's growth. His executives were Pepsi-focussed and intent on
increasing market share 0.1 per cent a time.

Goizueta decided to stop competing against Pepsi and instead compete
against the situation of 0.1 per cent growth. He asked his executives
what was the average fluid intake of an American per day? The answer
was 14 ounces. What was Coke's share of that? Two ounces. Goizueta
said Coke needed a larger share of that market. The competition wasn't Pepsi. It was the water, tea, coffee, milk and fruit juices that went
into the remaining 12 ounces. The public should reach for a Coke
whenever they felt like drinking something.

To this end, Coke put up vending machines at every street corner.
Sales took a quantum jump and Pepsi has never quite caught up since.

-!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!

To sum up, the story of the hare and tortoise teaches us many things.
Chief among them are;

Fast and Consistent will always beat Slow & Steady;
Work to your competencies; pooling resources and working as a team will always beat individual performers;
Never give up when faced with failure; and finally,
Compete against the situation - not against a rival.

Thought of the Day

2009-09-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

"If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory."

--William Hazlitt

Thought of the Day

2009-09-28T19:40:00.001-07:00

"If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people. It is easier to protect yourself with slippers than to carpet the whole earth."

--Anthony De Mello

Thought of the Day

2009-09-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

"Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities -- always see them, for they're always there."

--Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Thought of the Day

2009-09-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

A person's abilities are tested best when defending rather than attacking.

-- Takayuki Ikkaku

A to Z of Motivation

2009-09-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Avoid Negative Thoughts, People, Things and Habits.

Believe in yourself.

Consider things from every angle and others points of view.

Dare to Dream and Dream Big

Energy, Excitement and Enthusiaism is in your blood.

Family and Friends are hidden treasures ; enjoy these riches.

Give more than you planned to.

Have a good sense of humour.

Ignore Critisism, Ridicule and Discouragement from others.

Jump on Problems because they are Opportunities in disguise.

Keep up the good work however hard it may seem.

Love yourself, just as you are.

Make Impossibility a Possibility.

Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal...

Open your eyes and see things as they really are.

Prefect Practice makes you perfect.

Quitters never Win and Winners never Quit.

Reward yourself for every small success and achievement.

Stop Wasting your Time and Procrastinating important Goals.

Take control of your Life and your Goals.

Understand so that you could Understood.

Visualize your Goals and Dreams everyday.

Win over your own weaknesses and make them as your Strengths.

Xccelerate your efforts

Yes Yes Yes, Yes you Can and You Will

Zap your Stress and Enjoy your Life..

Thought of the Day

2009-09-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.

-- Henry Miller

Thought of the Day

2009-09-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.

--James Dean (American motion picture actor, symbol of rebellion, 1931-1955)

Thought of the Day

2009-09-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

No one can arrive from being talented alone. God gives talent; work transforms talent into genius.

--Anna Pavlova.(1881-1931), Russian ballerina

Thought of the Day

2009-09-18T17:21:00.001-07:00

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him.

--Sidney Greenberg

Thought of the Day

2009-09-16T20:24:00.001-07:00

Dare to be remarkable.

--Jane Gentry

Thought of the Day

2009-09-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.

--Robert Collier

Thought of the Day

2009-09-14T16:41:00.001-07:00

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.

--George Halas

Thought of the Day

2009-09-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.

-William Faulkner

Thought of the Day

2009-09-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.

--William James (1842-1910), American Philosopher

Thought of the Day

2009-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.

-- William Frederick Halsey Jr.

Thought of the Day

2009-09-09T15:11:00.001-07:00

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

--Max Depree

Thought of the Day

2009-09-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.

-- Dale Carnegie

Thought of the Day

2009-09-07T21:03:00.001-07:00

A minute's success pays the failure of years.

-- Robert Browning

Thought of the Day

2009-09-07T00:17:00.001-07:00

Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a different way to stand.

-- Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine, October 2002

Thought of the Day

2009-09-05T19:51:00.001-07:00

If better is possible, Good is not enough.

Thought of the Day

2009-09-05T01:07:00.001-07:00

No one can arrive from being talented alone. God gives talent; work transforms talent into genius.

--Anna Pavlova.(1881-1931), Russian ballerina

Thought of the Day

2009-09-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

He who hesitates is lost.

--Proverb

Thought of the Day

2009-09-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.

--St. Clement of Alexandra

Thought of the Day

2009-09-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.

--Confucius

Thought of the Day

2009-08-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Thought of the Day

2009-08-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are."

--Muhammad Ali

Thought of the Day

2009-08-27T22:27:00.001-07:00

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning."

-- Ivy Baker Priest, in Parade, 1958

Nice Thoughts

2009-08-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Thought of the Day

2009-08-26T18:35:00.001-07:00

"The activist is not the man
who says the river is dirty.
The activist is the man

who cleans up the river."

~ Ross Perot

Thought of the Day

2009-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow."

Robert H. Goddard

Thought of the Day

2009-08-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

"The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly."
-- Corra Harris

Thought of the Day

2009-08-23T18:57:00.001-07:00

"Be changed and the world around you begins to change."

Gerald Epstein

Thought of the Day

2009-08-22T18:40:00.001-07:00

"I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it."

Jonathan Winters

Thought of the Day

2009-08-20T19:06:00.001-07:00

"Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be."

Karen Ravn

Thought of the Day

2009-08-18T23:56:00.000-07:00

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.
-- Og Mandino

Thought of the Day

2009-08-17T20:29:00.001-07:00

"The only place where your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking."

Robert H. Schuller

The Secret : Law of Attraction

2009-08-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Thought of the Day

2009-08-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

"Mistakes are the portals of discovery."

James Joyce

Thought of the Day

2009-08-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they're supposed to help you discover who you are."

Bernice Johnson Reagon

Thought of the Day

2009-08-12T18:25:00.001-07:00

"The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it."

Alan Saporta

Thought of the Day

2009-08-11T21:17:00.001-07:00

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great."

John D. Rockefeller

Thought of the Day

2009-08-10T16:12:00.001-07:00

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

Thought of the Day

2009-08-09T10:29:00.001-07:00

"Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can."

Mary Frances Berry

Thought of the Day

2009-08-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

"It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not."

James Gordon

Have u thought ...

2007-07-12T02:25:00.000-07:00

Did u know letter A B C D do not appear anywhere in the spelling of 1 to 99.

Word D comes first time in hundred.

A B C does not come from 1 to 999.

A comes first time in thousand.

B, C does not appear till 999999999.B comes first time in billion.

STORY OF FATHER AND SON

2007-05-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 years old highly educated son.

Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

The Father asked his Son, "What is this?"

The Son replied "It is a crow".

After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, "What is this?"

The Son said "Father, I have just now told you "It's a crow".

After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time, What is this?"

At this time some ex-pression of irritation was felt in the Son's tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff. "It's a crow, a crow"

A little after, the Father again asked his Son the 4th time, "What is this?"

This time the Son shouted at his Father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times 'IT

IS A CROW'. Are you not able to understand this?"

A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary

"Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child".

While the little child asked him 23 times "What is this", the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.

Lesson to learn from This Story:

If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient, humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents.

From today say this aloud,

"I want to see my parents Happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their selfless love on me.

They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the society today".

Say a prayer to God "I will serve my old parents in the BEST way. I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave

Who is Warren Buffet ?

2007-03-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity.

Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

1) He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late !

2) He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.

3) He still lives in the same small 3 bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, which he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house.

His house does not have a wall or a fence.

4) He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.

5) He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.

6) His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.

7) He has given his CEO's only two rules.
Rule number 1: do not lose any of your share holder's money.
Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.

8) He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch television.

9) Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

10) Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

11) His advice to young people: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself.

Easy and Difficult

2007-02-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

EASY	DIFFICULT
Easy is to judge the mistakes of others	Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes
Easy is to talk without thinking	Difficult is to refrain the tongue
Easy is to hurt someone who loves us.	Difficult is to heal the wound...
Easy is to forgive others	Difficult is to ask for forgiveness
Easy is to set rules.	Difficult is to follow them...
Easy is to dream every night.	Difficult is to fight for a dream...
Easy is to show victory.	Difficult is to assume defeat with dignity...
Easy is to admire a full moon.	Difficult to see the other side...
Easy is to stumble with a stone.	Difficult is to get up...
Easy is to enjoy life every day.	Difficult to give its real value...
Easy is to promise something to someone.	Difficult is to fulfill that promise...
Easy is to say we love.	Difficult is to show it every day...
Easy is to criticize others.	Difficult is to improve oneself...
Easy is to make mistakes.	Difficult is to learn from them...
Easy is to weep for a lost love.	Difficult is to take care of it so not to lose it.
Easy is to think about improving.	Difficult is to stop thinking it and put it into action...
Easy is to think bad of others	Difficult is to give them the benefit of the doubt...
Easy is to receive	Difficult is to give
Easy to read this	Difficult to follow
Easy is keep the friendship with words	Difficult is to keep it with meanings

Business is Buniness!!

2006-08-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

One day many years ago at a school in South London a teacher
said to the class of 5-year-olds, "I'll give $20 to the child who can tell
me who was the most famous man who ever lived."

An Irish boy put his hand up and said, "It was St. Patrick." The
teacher said, "Sorry Alan, that's not correct."

Then a Scottish boy put his hand up and said, "It was St.
Andrew." The teacher replied, "I'm sorry, Hamish, that's not right either.

Finally, a Gujarati boy raised his hand and said, "It was Jesus
Christ." The teacher said, "That's absolutely right, Jayant, come up here
and I'll give you the $20."

As the teacher was giving Jayant his money, she said, "You know
Jayant, since you are Gujarati, I was very surprised you said Jesus Christ."
Jayant replied, "Yes, in my heart I knew it was Lord Krishna, but business
is business!"

For all the negative things, God has a positive answer!!

2006-01-22T00:47:00.000-08:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.

The worst had happened ~everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was wakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It's easy to get discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

HOROSCOPE - 2006

2006-01-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

ARIES

OVERVIEW: In matters of the heart, you've always preferred the chase to the capture. In fact, hard as it might be to believe, once the courtship dance is over -- especially if it doesn't last long enough or prove interesting enough -- you've actually been known to lose interest entirely. You won't have that problem this year though. From early January through early March, someone who absolutely demands your respect will attract a healthy portion of your attention. Suddenly, you'll be willing to suspend all rules, clean up your act and go out of your way to prove how honorable your intentions are -- just to ensure that you end up with the pleasure of their long-term company.

Love won't be your only focus this year, however. You may need to make a major decision regarding your job, thanks to two eclipses, classic harbingers of change. The first, in mid-March, will get the show on the road and probably make you restless enough to start looking for other options. By the time the second eclipse arrives in late September, you'll be more than ready to clear out your desk. Giving two weeks notice may not be first and foremost on your mind, especially if a better offer is already waiting impatiently in the wings. Just be sure your next step is set in stone before you burn any bridges.

Burning bridges will come easily to you by December, however, and you won't have to worry about any repercussions either. By New Year's Day 2007, you'll be amazed at how many great big changes you've made, possibly even including a long-distance move. Regardless of where you end up -- or with whom -- rest assured that this will be a year to remember and that everything will be just fine in the end. So don't worry if things aren't completely fine right now. All that means is that you're not at the end of this process just yet. Relax and do what feels right. You're reinventing yourself, and if you're smart, you'll allow yourself to enjoy the journey -- and to take your sweet time.

LOVE: For some time now, your love life has been in a holding pattern. It hasn't been dull -- you get the same endorphins from jogging in place that you do on a cross-country run over varied terrain -- but you're feeling restless. At the beginning of the year, you'll sense the opportunity to deepen a friendship or reignite a relationship that you'd begun to take for granted. Pay attention to the cues that indicate your partner is ready to take your connection to a more intense level. From January through March, give yourself plenty of time and opportunity to ease into this exciting change. Weekend getaways to unusual destinations, like a natural hot springs or a quirky amusement park, will help you two focus on each other's hopes, however outlandish or potentially embarrassing.

Around the middle of March, your ability to concentrate on the softer side of life will be somewhat diminished. Two eclipses, one in the spring and the other at the beginning of fall, suggests that major changes in your day-to-day life are coming, and your focus will be needed in other areas. You can keep your sympathies supple through all this upheaval by lavishing attention on yourself. Massages and daytrips to the spa will help you relax. Classic novels with passionate, inward-focused characters will remind you of your emotional needs, even while your ambition is being prodded by more pragmatic challenges.

By the time the winter holidays arrive, you will begin to feel more confident with the path your life is taking. And perhaps to your surprise, your clear-eyed vision of the future may not include a certain romantic partner. Think deeply about the situation, but if you feel like cleaning out your closet to make way for something new, don't second-guess your preference. You're coming into contact with new people every day, and if someone else is better aligned with your inner self, you won't rest until your lives run parallel in all the best ways.

CAREER: Your powerful, restless energy generally means that if you're not moving up, you're itching to move on. That can be frustrating, as it might often seem that you're packing up (or wishing you were packing up) just as you finally get settled into a new position. Raw ambition can only get you so far, though, and early this year you will find yourself inspired to take a new look at your current position -- or maybe the next one in line -- as worthwhile on its own merits. You won't be shedding your ambition so much as fulfilling your desire to see longer-term plans come to fruition. Expect a two-month period of solid, deeply satisfying personal growth.

After all that, you will find substantial new territories to explore in the spring. The lunar eclipse just before the Ides of March brings subtle changes to your core mission. If your timing is just right and circumstances favor you, it will be a time of explosive growth. Your competitors don't stand much of a chance -- unless, that is, you let yourself get too distracted by the sheer volume of opportunities to pick a few and focus on them. The end of summer brings a more intense solar eclipse and a slower, quieter time for you and your clients. Spend the early autumn working on negotiations or other interpersonal interactions -- your strengths will lie in that domain.

Toward the end of the year, you might feel the urge to move on yet again. Try to channel that energy into something different -- jettison some of the less profitable or interesting components of your work, for example, or restructure your current approach. When you reflect on the changes 2006 has brought to your working life, you will see the deeper pattern that you likely missed while it was developing all around you. And you're still trending upward, even if it feels like you've stalled out. In the end, you will have found the stability necessary for true growth.

TAURUS

OVERVIEW: During the early part of the year -- say, from January through March -- you may be bitten by the travel bug. This isn't customary for you, and you don't often have an irrepressible urge to leave everyone and everything you love. Once you've got the fever, though, chances are good you won't want to settle for anything less than a major tour, featuring every spot you've always wanted to visit. Don't deprive yourself. This is your moment to pack lightly (yes, really -- you can do it if you try) and go shopping for experiences rather than objects. Go get 'em!

If you're attached, you'll take your partner along for the adventure, of course. And not just because you'll have lots more fun with your beloved by your side. You'll also want to travel as a pair because you're big on seeing the results of your investments -- and that goes double for the investment of your time. This will be another experience to add to the collection you two have already amassed, and it stands to bring you even closer. If you're single, don't be surprised if you meet someone on the road who has a wonderful accent. In fact, this someone may not be averse to the idea of a long-distance move -- or of taking in a roommate from a far-off place. Either way, between the movements of the planets and the influence of eclipses in mid-March and late September, you're likely to be a lot more focused on romance than you have been in quite some time.

Career matters will also move along quite well for you during the early part of the year, most likely due to the influence, support or advice of a female authority figure or elder. In fact, regardless of the areas of your life that need sorting out, this holds true: Trust the loving, experienced people all around you. They won't lead you astray.

The last months of the year will arrive with some big changes for you, most likely involving the improvement of joint finances and new developments in your intimate partnerships. If you're feeling optimistic around New Year's Eve, it's not by accident. This roll you're on won't be going anywhere for quite some time.

LOVE: You've been stricken by wanderlust, and during the first few months of the year, you'll be happiest if you feed your hunger for new scenery and best of all, new experiences. Whether you're exchanging sympathetic looks with a Sherpa in the Himalayas or comparing iridescent seashells with a child in Fiji, you'll discover things about yourself that you had never considered before. But perhaps best of all, you'll unearth new dimensions in your friendships or your relationship with a special someone.

If you have to leave a loved one behind on your travel adventures, your thoughts will turn repeatedly to the small gestures that make your relationship different from any other you've ever had before. You'll realize you truly miss the way your sweetie refolds the newspaper to put your favorite section or puzzle on top, or the way a quick squeeze of your hand can communicate exactly what you're both thinking. Write long letters on hotel stationery or stretched out over multiple postcards. If you can take a loved one with you, you'll fall for those endearing habits all over again, and instead of writing letters, you can whisper passionate phrases directly in their ear.

Meanwhile, if you're single, you won't be able to hide in your solitary lair for long. From March through September, romantic opportunities will fly into your orbit like a moth toward light. Perhaps you'll even meet a candidate for romance on your travels to distant destinations. Work up an appetite for delightful surprises -- your spontaneous new friend is likely to sweep you into an unplanned midnight trip to the sea or suddenly present you with an unasked-for (but secretly coveted) gift.

At the end of the year, be prepared for significant -- and welcome -- changes in your romantic partnership. Is it time to open a joint checking account or to renew your vows? By New Year's Eve, you'll be ready to usher in 2007 with a strong, beautiful partner at your side.

CAREER: The first few months of the year will almost certainly see you looking for a change of venue. It might not be a new workplace, though -- you'd be happy with a relocation or even just an extended business trip to a part of the world you've never seen. Don't let your desire for stability and security keep you from branching out. You've got to explore this avenue, and you shouldn't let anyone or anything get in your way. If you've ever felt the itch to go freelance, now is the time to start. Simplicity will be important in all your endeavors.

As you move through these changes or travels, expect a lot of long-buried personal feelings about work and money to pop up and say hello. If you know for certain that you're committed to your job or profession, that knowledge will strengthen considerably, and you'll most likely find the inspiration to take your career to the next level. If you have any serious doubts, though, they will be magnified -- especially in the middle of March, when the Moon lets feelings run wild. The upside of these doubts is that they will open you up to the new possibilities and opportunities surrounding you at that time.

Saturn teaches Venus a little lesson about responsibility in late August, and you won't be able to help but learn right along with it, so strong is your connection to the planet of love and money. You will be grounded and ready for it -- and it might just help build your credibility with your supervisors and important clients. Pay close attention to what long-timers in your workplace have to say about developing situations and you won't go wrong. Accounts and budgets will be on the agenda for the last couple of months of 2006, and you might need to finesse your relationships with partners and peers in order to move forward. Once that's settled, you'll be golden for some time to come.

GEMINI

OVERVIEW: While it's always been just about impossible to keep you from expressing yourself, you've probably been a bit quieter over the past year. Perhaps you've even felt downright hesitant to say what you're thinking -- especially if you're not absolutely sure of the potential repercussions of your words. That's not a bad thing; it's the wisdom of experience and age, and the universe will be tossing a bit more of it your way throughout 2006. If your friends continue to scratch their heads and ask what's wrong, reassure them with the very thing they've come to expect from you: interesting, chatty evenings over at your place, complete with the whole gang. You may be thinking more seriously lately, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in some fun!

Speaking of serious thoughts, though, the period from early January through the beginning of March may demand some very careful consideration of joint finances -- that goes for both investments and any shared resources. If you're not happy with the way someone is handling a credit card that you're responsible for, if you're asked to cosign a loan and the thought just doesn't sit well with you, or if taxes have been a problem, this is definitely the time to resolve the situation, once and for all. And don't be shy about taking back that plastic! Remember, if your name is on the contract, you're responsible. Think of the future, and not lightly. This also wouldn't be a bad time to put a few pennies aside for a rainy day.

You may need to make some serious decisions in the romance department over the course of 2006. Changes to a friendship in April may get that show on the road -- but if you're thinking of turning this relationship romantic, be very sure that you can go back to being friends if it doesn't work out. Oh, and don't ignore a family member's efforts to introduce you to someone they think would be 'just perfect' for you -- no matter what happened last time. They could actually be right.

LOVE: Your romantic outlook for the months of January through March is likely to match the weather you're used to seeing around that time: overcast, with scattered sun breaks. You have plenty going on -- so it's not that. The fact is, you're having trouble explaining to yourself what a certain relationship means to you, and it's worrisome. Your inability to predict where the relationship is headed will send you into fogs of ambiguity that may even confuse other aspects of your life. Hold up an umbrella against the inclement psychological weather and soldier on.

By the time spring rolls around, you'll experience an emotional breakthrough. You'll either figure out how to fix the relationship or you'll move on. It's perfect timing, because in April you're likely to start seeing a close friendship in an exciting new light. A smile held a moment too long, an absentminded brush of a hand -- you'll notice signs at the beginning of the month that may blossom into a real romance by month's end, as long as you're willing. It's a good time to try something fresh, like taking a romantic weekend trip to that mineral lake the locals claim has healing powers. Let your shared skepticism and -- could it be? -- a tiny spark of belief bind the two of you together. Just be sure to take things slow and nurture your friendship alongside this potential flame.

2006 will bring other big developments on the romance front as well. It's a perfect year to put tempests behind you, because you have so many sunnier options on the horizon. Be careful not to dismiss suggestions from relatives out of hand. If your parents or siblings want to introduce you to someone they're sure you'll love, don't mock the idea immediately. Your family might know you better than you think, and as long as you make it clear that you're just trying the date on a lark, no one's feelings will get hurt. Stay open to any option that floats your way.

CAREER: You might have a workplace reputation -- deserved or not -- for being more focused on talk than action. The last year has seen you struggle intensely with that issue in one way or another, and the good news is that 2006 will bring you new credibility and a boost to your reputation, just as you had hoped. Your behind-the-scenes efforts have not gone unnoticed, and as your increasingly vital role starts to get more attention, you will see the rewards accrue commensurately. It might be a good time to start loosening up and reinvigorating your informal work relationships -- you'll need friends as well as admirers.

But first, take plenty of time in January and February getting serious about business finance. You need to make sure that you have a firm grasp on any budgets and assets that are under your control. It could be that a peer or underling is not giving due diligence its due, and it will be up to you to set things right -- quickly and firmly. Act from a place of certainty and don't let them tell you that they know better. This time you're right for sure, and you have to do what it takes to get your way. Consider investments carefully, but don't say no just because you think a better opportunity is coming. Decisive action will be rewarded.

As your star begins to shine more brightly, you won't be surprised to see recruitment offers start to come your way. The first hint will likely come in April, but you can expect to see others, so don't jump on it unless it's one of those life-changers that you just can't pass up. It is quite likely that you'll pick up a job or career tip from an unlikely source later in the year. Take pains to follow up on it, as it will yield some surprising and potentially quite profitable connections. You could set the stage for an exciting 2007.

CANCER

OVERVIEW: Relationships, relationships, relationships. That's going to be your focus during the first half of 2006, particularly during January and February. If you're single, prepare to be approached by someone you've been seeing on an extremely casual basis -- someone who's ready to commit, and who hopes you're willing to do the same. If you're not quite ready, though, don't allow yourself to feel forced, manipulated or talked into it. If you're attached, expect to be proud of your choice and to end up even closer to your partner by the time summer rolls around. During the first three weeks of November, an old flame will reappear in your life, most likely asking for another shot. If you think you two really can come up with new solutions to those old problems, and you're interested, go for it. If not, bow out gracefully and see if you can't simply remain friends.

Throughout 2006, you'll need to keep an extra careful eye on your finances. Overspending will come easily to you, but if you give in to temptation, you'll have plenty of time to regret it -- especially if you overextend via plastic. In addition to keeping track of what you need to pay back and when, you should also put a bit of cash aside. You may need it for professional reasons around the end of March or the beginning of April. You should also keep an eye out for the possibility of turning a hobby into a part-time source of income -- at least part-time. The universe may be trying to nudge you into a whole new profession, and this could be just the beginning.

By early winter, if someone from out of town comes to you with an offer (and this someone happens to be quite interesting, exotic and influential), think hard before you automatically refuse it. This could be the one you've been waiting for. Above all else -- and in all departments -- trust your instinct. After all, when has it ever let you down?

LOVE: If nothing else, the first half of 2006 will be fantastic for your self-esteem. And it won't cost you a thing. There's no need for expensive counseling or self-help books when it seems like everyone around you is singing your praises. Revel in the unexpected recognition of your attributes and talents, and don't be surprised if romantic overture accompany the hearty compliments.

In the relationship department, this situation could be exactly what you've been looking for -- or it might turn you off a certain overly enthusiastic individual forever. If you're single, you're likely to be approached by someone you'd never quite thought of as a serious prospect. The other person may feel far more passionately than you do. If you're not prepared for the exclusive relationship they propose, then respect your own instincts and don't allow yourself to be persuaded. The sweet talk can only last so long. If you've already got a special someone, showers of praise and material signs of affection from your partner certainly aren't going to hurt your relationship. Just make sure to accept the flattery with grace, and you'll feel incredibly close to your partner as the year progresses.

Later in the year, you may have to wean yourself from the unsolicited accolades. But don't worry -- you won't need verbal signs of affection when people's actions make their respect abundantly clear. You'll rack up admirers like other people collect fine bottles of wine. During the first three weeks of November, a blast from the past may surface. Even if this person isn't begging for another chance, they're probably testing the waters to see if you'd be willing to give it another go. Honestly ask yourself if you think things would be appreciably different; if the answer's no, retreat before any damage is done. In the early winter, look for a new face or even a foreigner to make an entrance into your life. You'll instantly recognize this person as friend or foe, so go with your gut when it comes to making decisions about the future.

CAREER: If you were in a shell for any part of 2005, the New Year brings the opportunity (and the obligation) to bust out and start schmoozing. The first couple of months will be pretty intense as you find yourself drawn into massive bouts of networking despite your usual proclivities -- you might even be the object of more than one recruiter. Use that common sense you are so famous for in evaluating all promises and claims, as at least one of these connections will offer more than they can deliver. Toward the end of the year, probably around mid-autumn, you will experience a wave of nostalgia for a long-ago work situation that you know deep down is irreplaceable.

As important as your work relationships will be throughout the year, you will find your relationship with money to be just as important to your career. Focus on spending, budgeting and cost-cutting as much as possible -- the more you save early on, the better off you and your organization will be at the end of the year. Remember the evils of the penny-wise/pound-foolish combination and try to avoid them when possible. Surpluses accrued in January and February can be safely spent by spring, as long as you don't rack up enormous deficits.

At some point in the fall, you might pick up a new part-time freelance gig that will take you in a wildly new direction if you let it. This new direction doesn't have to come from freelancing, nor does it have to be followed for any length of time. Listen to your gut and figure out what's really best for you in light of your long-range career goals, but don't think twice about revising those goals if you think they're off base. By the time winter is past and you're looking back on 2006, you will see that every time you said no to an opportunity, you made way for others to follow -- and that every time you said yes, you found something unexpected.

LEO

OVERVIEW: You're out for a real, honest-to-goodness emotional connection this year. That's first and foremost on your priority list. Fortunately, when it comes to prospective partners, you know what you like and, more importantly, what you don't like -- and during 2006, your perceptive abilities will be especially keen. If you're already attached, your emotions for your partner will deepen considerably as the year progresses, and from Halloween through the start of the New Year, you'll be amazed at how close you two become. There may even be cohabitation or marriage on the agenda as the year draws to a close.

If you're without a soul mate as 2006 begins, you'll be especially determined to find one this year, and you won't stop until you do. The actual 'interview' process will be quite streamlined compared to past attempts, thanks to your newfound (and almost psychic) ability to cut to the emotional chase, especially during January and February. When it comes to dating, you'll be able to tell whether you have a future with the person you're sitting across from within five minutes of the moment you say hello, smile your charming smile and unfold your napkin. And don't discount the possibility of 're-interviewing' someone you've already been involved with, by the way -- someone who seems quite different now. (And if it doesn't work out in January, they may ask to try it again in July.) If it's someone new you decide upon, the real fun will begin when you discover that they felt the same immediate connection you did. (You'll know! when you meet this person -- they're the one who puts that grin on your face, right from the get-go, whenever they're in the vicinity.)

When it comes to career matters, you'll be working hard -- really hard -- but you'll definitely see some serious rewards. The higher-ups in charge of your paycheck and your professional future will toss some 'atta boy/atta girl' sentiments your way during mid-March and late September, followed by the raise, promotion or bonus you've been aiming for. And don't be surprised if you end the year as a highly regarded authority figure yourself!

LOVE: When you plant a tree, it takes several years before it begins to bear fruit. Harvest season after harvest season passes with no sign of apples. If you've been waiting year after year for the kind of romantic connection you only read about in books, your patience is about to pay off. In other words, when apples finally appear on those boughs, there will be enough for pie -- and applesauce too.

When it comes to romantic partners, you've had plenty of time to figure out what you want. In 2006, your ability to discriminate between a bad apple and a good one -- and to tell a delicious varietal from the mealy types you grew up with -- will be especially keen. If you've already settled on someone you'd like to stay with for a long time, this will be the year you explore the permanent motivations and lasting basis for your passion. Parallels between you and your partner will be thrown into sharp relief, and the complementary differences between you two will become visible as well. You might think that finding the rational basis for a mystical connection will kill the romance, but in fact, the opposite will be true. Your emotional connection will deepen as the intellectual and instinctual aspects of your relationship begin to work in tandem.

If you haven't yet found a partner at the beginning of 2006, you're in for a very lucky year. However, you can't just expect prospective soul mates to come to you. A determined dating schedule in the winter will yield spectacular results, thanks to your ability to instantly identify the kind of partner who will suit you. It's also possible that someone you've been involved with in the past may ask to rekindle a connection that had fizzled out. Give it a try -- with your practically supernatural discernment, you'll be able to tell quickly whether the person deserves another chance. Once you find someone special, you'll be thrilled to find out that they felt the same visceral connection you did in the first moments of your meeting.

CAREER: You want to get serious about your work in a new way this year, and you should find myriad opportunities to do just that. It could be that you find a new job that meshes better with your deepest ideals or that you find a way to tweak your current responsibilities in such a way that you get more personal satisfaction from each day's work. The last two months of the year will be all about commitment -- and that's a two-way street. Give a little, get a little. The more you show your bosses you're with them for the long haul, the more latitude you'll get in return.

It's entirely possible that you will feel out of place at work as 2006 gets going though. If so, start looking for something new right away -- speed will yield more interesting possibilities for you than thoroughness. Your instincts will be sharp and almost feral as you scent out opportunities that others would miss entirely. You should be able to find something almost perfect by early March. Midsummer might bring an offer from an old employer; don't pass it up without thinking it through all the way. You might be able to get a lot out of a counterproposal, so don't be shy about asking for the Moon. Once you've made up your mind, you'll be able to settle right into your new environment as though you'd been there forever.

Through it all, you'll still have the same attitude toward day-to-day stuff: Get it done and forget about it. That's not to say you've got no long-range strategic vision, just that you won't be taking any more work home than you absolutely must. Look for props from above in spring and fall and for upward trends in your career movement all year long. If you play your cards right and feel comfortable in management, you could see a fat promotion come your way just as 2006 wraps up.

VIRGO

OVERVIEW: You've been carrying a secret around for some time now -- maybe even for months. It wasn't terribly oppressive to start with, but as the New Year begins, one of your resolutions will likely be to start fresh and let go of all emotional baggage, once and for all. Get it all out in the open by mid-January. At that point, an ex is extremely likely to call or email -- and not just to see how the cat's doing either. If you're attached now, you can expect to finally be able to make friends with that ex, even if just about everyone would have sworn it couldn't be done.

After all the clearing out you'll accomplish in early 2006, you'll be ready, willing and able to move on to more pleasant matters -- and more exciting ones too. Around mid-March, a lunar eclipse in your own sign will bring about a really big change in your love life. Not to worry: Given everything else that's on your astrological agenda, it can't help but be positive! In fact, no matter what you initiate at that time, you can expect it to bear fruit around the solar eclipse in late September. Oh, and if you're thinking about making some physical changes, plan to start a new diet or exercise program around either of those eclipses. These supercharged meetings of the Sun and Moon are famous for passing out energy, confidence and mega-determination. Invest that energy wisely, and you're pretty much guaranteed total and complete success -- mainly because you just won't stand for anything less.

When it comes to finances, things are looking good this year. Really good. Last year brought you luck and opportunities in that department, and you likely took advantage of it all. Of course, it took lots of hard work to make things happen -- but then, you've never been lazy, have you? As practical as you are, no one needed to remind you to stash a bit of last year's 'luck' away either. Now (with the possible exception of September and October, when you may be more prone to impulse-spending than usual) you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. So if you want to go a bit overboard -- just a bit! -- or if there's someone in your life you'd really love to spoil, you won't have to worry about the bills this time around. Have a great year --you've certainly earned it all

LOVE: It's a year for releasing any unnecessary burdens that are holding you back and picking up new connections that you can carry joyfully into the New Year. At the beginning of 2006, think carefully about the parts of your life that are freely accessible to your friends and family, and the parts that you've kept hidden for whatever reason. A secret that once seemed harmless may be eating away at you, and January is the time to let it go and free up your energy for fresh connections. By the middle of the month, a former lover may make a surprise attempt to get back in contact with you. If you're presently in a relationship, don't pass up the valuable opportunity to achieve a real friendship with this person.

Once you've put musty relics from your old life behind you, you'll be ready to move on to exciting new developments. During the month of March, a lunar eclipse is likely to bring dramatic change or new faces to your love life. Don't let the prospect frighten you -- with all the positive momentum you're experiencing, there's no chance this evolution will take you anywhere but good places. No matter what road you head down, you'll fully come into your own by the solar eclipse at the end of September.

By the time autumn unfurls her leaves, you'll be exercising a whole new aspect of your personality, thanks to a partner who excites your senses like no one ever has before. It's as though you've been going through your life with your eyes closed, and suddenly you're plunged into a fairy-tale forest, where streams sing constant melodies in your ear and picturesque mosses hang over every branch of every tree. This person will be your guide through a landscape of unfamiliar but wholly positive emotions. Be sure to express the gratitude you feel. Sometimes it's hard to admit you don't have exclusive control over your own happiness, but it will be a pleasure to admit you owe some of your contentment to such a compassionate source.

CAREER: That ace up your sleeve will be nearing its expiration date as 2006 begins, so play it before it's too late. Start the year thinking about fresh starts and new opportunities -- you should be able to put the past behind you like never before. At the same time, it wouldn't hurt to check back in with old references to see how things are going while you move forward. You might recycle a fond old memory into a new chapter in your career, no matter how far you've come since. Sooner is better for all of this professional housekeeping, so try to take care of it by February.

Big changes, most of them positive, will come your way throughout the bulk of the year. The lunar eclipse in the middle of March will have an especially profound effect on your relationship with your employer (or clients, if you freelance). It is also a great time to start new projects -- including, if you're ready, a job search. Things won't move at great speed, but they will move inexorably forward until the fall, when you will start to see some serious returns on your investments. Make sure that you are engaging in due diligence regarding your body and health through this period, as it will be all too easy to forget those needs and slide into physical difficulties. If you can keep all your plates spinning through the spring and summer, you will be in great shape to reap the big rewards that will start to come in September.

You are all about the details, but this year will see you let go of some of the financial control that you are so good at -- because things are doing fine on their own. The streak of good fortune that began in 2005 continues through much of 2006, but you wouldn't dream of coasting. Building on your experience and assets, you'll be able to create something new and valuable if you apply yourself. Once things really start to pick up in the autumn, you will be tempted to invest more than you can afford. Make sure to tuck something away for the winter, just in case.

LIBRA

OVERVIEW: Home and family will keep you happily content and quite busy as the year begins -- straight through mid-March, at least. And you'll enjoy more than a bit of excitement in the romance department too, whether you're single or attached. The past few years have demanded that you learn to live with all kinds of surprises, so at this point, you're prepared to handle just about anything -- surprising you will be no easy task. Still, a set of eclipses in March could coincide with a rather startling discovery: A partner you trusted just about implicitly may not be handling their end of a joint financial situation with integrity. If that's the case, immediately take back any credit cards you're even partially responsible for -- and the checkbook too. Regardless of your financial situation at that time, you need to watch your finances like a hawk -- and that goes double for late November and December.

Just to make things even more interesting, there may be a bit of mystery and intrigue in your life around those same times, and a secret relationship could even surface. That doesn't mean you'll necessarily be involved -- not directly, anyway -- but you'll certainly be privy to quite a few tasty details, like it or not. You may quickly decide that it's time to let all parties concerned know exactly what's been going on, but it will likely take a while for you to build up the resolve to talk about the situation. Just be sure to do what you'd want others to do for you. Tell the person who's confided in you that you don't feel comfortable keeping their secret, and give them the chance to clear the air first.

Even with all these serious situations brewing around you, you'll have nothing to worry about. A pack of humorous and sociable energies will arrive in time to make November and December -- not to mention much of early 2007 -- a happy, prosperous time for you. You definitely have some cleaning house to do this year, and some of it may not be fun. But your determination to make positive changes and meet your goals (no matter how tough it is) will propel you through the process. Once it's over -- and it will fly by -- you'll have made a giant step toward a positive future, starting with a solid approach to 2007.

LOVE: You'll encourage, promote and enjoy domestic bliss for the beginning of the year, so break out the recipe books and practice some operatic arias during your vigorous cleaning sessions. Small steps toward wickedly funny or slightly offbeat decorations will keep your home a place of wonder and laughter for all who visit it. This deliciously homey aspect of your life will be matched by renewed flirtation that will have you giggling like a kid and spinning in circles. Embrace the generous goodwill between you and that friendly, good-looking flirt, and things will develop harmoniously. With looks and touches, you'll achieve impressive synergy and experience new understanding of those romance-novel cliches. Whether you're with a brand-new partner or someone familiar, January through March will spark great adv! entures, newfound devotion and shared jokes.

In March, though, a twisted little secret could explode upon you. You'll have all the information, but may need to gather up your gumption to reveal what must be told. Even when you're a trusted confidante, sometimes you must take matters into your own hands. Luckily, your sense of romantic justice will serve you well, and you'll be a role model who can dispense with the trouble and get right back to more lighthearted concerns. Nothing will get in the way of your love life this year, because you're super confident and full of charming, wacky enthusiasm.

Your openness to circumstance and to the people that surround you will get you through any troubles, and a loving relationship will spice up the home front even more, later in the year. When a flock of friends descend for the holidays in November and December, you'll be able to let your partner give the toasts and speak to you between the lines. With your domestic bent and your amour's spontaneity, life will shape up and move you toward making and achieving even the most ambitious romantic goals for next year.

CAREER: The workplace will be abuzz with new procedures and personnel -- and maybe even a reorg -- during the first two months of this year. You should enjoy it quite a bit, as you're truly in your element dealing with interpersonal relations. Something surprising might develop between you and a supervisor, especially around the middle of March, and you could find yourself filling a radically different role in the organization. Financial issues will require extra attention throughout the year, and you will find it more difficult than usual to convince others of their responsibilities. It might be necessary to seize control of spending late in the year if you want to avoid departmental ruin.

Sometime this spring, expect to get a hushed recruitment offer or to take part in secret negotiations with multiple parties. The whole cloak-and-dagger routine will start to wear on you pretty quickly, as it really just isn't your style, and after a while you might want to orchestrate a few strategic leaks to bring it all out in the open. No matter what happens, you will come out slightly ahead and will see that you were correct: The secrecy was unwarranted. Work hard to acknowledge and satisfy all parties, no matter how you feel about them going into the situation. You can indeed do well by doing good.

Your customer base should grow a fair amount late in the year and keep growing through at least spring of 2007. Workplace morale will grow along with it, and you will enjoy positive attention from above for helping to make this happen. Overall you'll see plenty of challenges this year, meet them head-on and win praise for your efforts -- even after those rare times you don't succeed. It's a great time for your career advancement, so try to always have an eye on your personal goals, even as you help your team and your clients meet theirs.

SCORPIO

OVERVIEW: You won't easily forget 2005, Scorpio, for a host of mostly positive reasons, and 2006 will be much the same. In fact, right from the start -- thanks to a burst of energy straight from Jupiter -- you'll be active, busy and amazingly passionate. The best part is that just about everyone (including and especially the powers that be) will be not only open to your ideas, but also eager and anxious to know what's on your mind and in your heart. For the first two months of the year, you'll be able to talk just about anyone into just about anything -- even if you've already tried and failed in the past. Keep that in mind, regardless of whether your aims are personal, platonic or professional. Basically, you'll be logically lethal until the middle of March; even then, the odder the situation, the easier it will be for you to present it to anyone and everyone as perfectly normal. Right around the solar eclipse a! t the end of March, you may even be able to talk someone into sponsoring a venture that will put you in charge of your own business. Needless to say, finances won't be terribly difficult for you to manage for most of 2006 -- your superiors will be practically in love with you, and even more infatuated with your work performance.

Speaking of infatuation, be careful during September and October. A 'casual' flirtation could turn into something far more serious around that time. Of course, if you're single and the feelings are mutual, forget being casual -- be intense! (It's your specialty, after all.) If you're happily attached, be even more intense. Your partner will be delighted to get closer to you, to listen to your deepest thoughts and secret emotions, and to share their own, as well.

In addition to giving of yourself, you'll want to give back in other ways toward the end of the year. If you're inclined to spoil your loved ones with material things, especially during December, think of what your mailbox may be filled with come February. Instead of objects, fill your life and the lives of everyone around you with enriching experiences.

LOVE: The past year has been stimulating and fabulous, and your momentum will carry you right into even more passionate encounters in 2006. Just as having money is the easiest way to make money, you'll discover that your excess of happiness and love will attract even more delectable events and circumstances. You'll be able to tackle odd obstacles and woo even those who may have turned you down in the past. With friends, romantic prospects and lovers, you'll find that you wield ironclad logic that will convince them to let you be the one in charge. You'll feel like you're walking through fields full of admirers, which will give you an even greater feeling of confidence and sexiness. That positive feedback loop will keep you thrilled.

But you'll have to be careful. All that power can be misused, so be attentive in the fall as a casual flirtation turns superheated. From teasing words to passionate avowals, you'll find a relationship transformed -- it could be with your partner, with someone you're infatuated with or with someone you don't even like. So if you're involved in a relationship with someone else, or just don't like the other person, end things early. If the feelings are mutual and you're not otherwise committed, take the opportunity to dive off the deep end and embrace a seriously intense bout of attention and adventure. If you're lucky enough to be re-infatuated with your existing partner, a whole new love life will result as your intensity sets you both aflame.

That confident, suave manner of yours, paired with your charmingly childish lack of pretension, will let you be goofy and playful even when you're swimming in deep waters. Your balanced relationships will be the envy of all your friends. Just rely on your knack for shaping experiences into memorable, fun adventures, and nothing will get in the way of pursuing and attaining the partner you desire.

CAREER: You will ring in the New Year on a seriously positive note, and feel more committed than ever to your work and your career. You'll receive a burst of expansive energy that will surprise you with its focused intensity but thrill you nonetheless. Your powers of persuasion will be amplified dramatically, and if you're not currently in sales, you will find yourself leaning in that direction with interesting results. Everyone you meet on the job will hear what they want to hear, and you won't even have to think too hard about it. March is a good time to solicit investments or line up board members, if that's your thing; it is also a great time for you to go freelance if you've been itching to try your hand at a new approach. Let others handle financial issues -- they won't be that important this year, and ! you will have bigger and better things on your mind.

Workplace romance could strike sometime in the fall, thanks to a weirdly powerful solar eclipse in September that gets everyone's feelings mixed up. If you're open to it, jump in and have a good time. If you'd rather stay focused on your current partner (or anything else, for that matter), there's no harm done. Regardless, you will find yourself getting along splendidly with everyone at work, from vendors to supervisors to cubemates. One or more of those folks will single you out for formal praise in the fall, so try to look surprised.

Assets and inventory-control might poke into your consciousness a little bit toward the end of the year, but try not to let yourself be too troubled by it all. Think big, and focus on customer experience to the exclusion of almost all else. If a crisis develops (and what December doesn't bring a crisis of some sort?), you'll need to step up, of course -- but don't let your big-picture strategic goals fall by the wayside. Your vision will make 2007 even better than this year.

SAGITTARIUS

OVERVIEW: You've never been the type to stay put for long -- not literally, figuratively or any other way. And for most of 2006, you'll amaze even yourself with the changes you'll make! First of all, you'll be a veritable paragon of self-control when it comes to finances (and not as the result any threats, real or implied, from accountants, parents, authority figures or IRS agents). Don't worry, it's not symptomatic of a total personality shift. It's just one of those subtle learning experiences the universe tosses our way every now and then. So learn!

When a parade of far too 'coincidental' events and encounters begins marching by you in January, February and March, you'll instantly recognize their common denominator and their collective meaning: Your personal priority list needs to be reorganized, and by mid-2006 you can expect it to become top-heavy with loving relationships and meaningful experiences. You'll safeguard your personal integrity even more rabidly through your world-famous, up-front honesty. Things -- anything with a price tag -- will be at the bottom of that list, which doesn't mean that you'll never again whip out a charge card and feel that delightful tingle. But you'll be safe until the tail end of the year. (At that point, consider rehiring last year's chaperone to accompany you on any and all shopping trips, or to baby-sit you if you get the Home Shopping Network.)

Your second source of personal astonishment in 2006 will be even more striking. You, the most freedom-oriented of all zodiacal creatures, may want to settle down this year. Yes, really -- with one person, romantically. If you're already with that person, just keep doing what you're doing. You'll be quite content to spend most of the year in their company and in their company alone, hibernating in your comfy clothes and snuggling up on the couch, working your way through a stack of videos. This should be mandatory.

If you're single and hunting for a soul mate, step up the pace a notch or two from mid-February to mid-April, especially around the solar eclipse at the end of March. Be extra attentive again during May and June (when you'll hear a foreign accent you just can't walk past), and after late November. Needless to say, prepare to make the rounds during those end-of-year celebrations -- and get ready for a great 2007!

LOVE: You've never been what some might call 'set in your ways,' and this year, you'll be making even more dramatic changes than usual. What's truly different about your orientation toward the world in 2006, however, is that the alterations you're making will feel definitive, especially when it comes to romance. You're changing, but it's not for the sake of change itself. It's because you've finally set your sights on the person you want to be -- and perhaps even the person you want to be with too. Now that you've got your lodestar, navigating the tumultuous waters of your life will be easier.

In the first three months of the year, a series of almost fated encounters will remind you that other people are in your life for a reason, and that the health of your relationships is as crucial to your happiness as money or personal possessions. That's not to say that you'll be completely disinterested in material wealth this year. You'll continue to spend your hard-earned money, but you'll be more likely to use it to buy gifts for others.

Another shift this year may be even more shocking to the people who know you best. With your free spirit, no one ever pegged you as the type to settle down. But this year, when you follow your heartstrings, you may find that they lead to one person in particular. You'll find romance in the most mundane activities, as long as you're in this person's presence. From sharing the morning paper to turning the thermostat down at night, the smallest routines will take on added significance. Be sure to take time out for 'dates' as well, even if that just means staying at home to enjoy a roaring fire and a long cuddle on the couch.

If you're still searching for that perfect match, 2006 looks promising. Keep your eyes open from the middle of February the middle of April, especially around the eclipse in March. If those results fizzle, you have another great chance for love in early summer, and yet another in late November.

CAREER: When you make a change, it's usually quite a big one. Expect lots of those big changes throughout the year as you follow your restless heart into something new, time and again -- you could be driving a reorg or diving into a new career, but whatever happens will be thoroughly exciting. One thing that should not trouble you in the least is finance. You'll find a way to pay for whatever changes you make; in fact, your rigor with money will be a model for others to follow. Experiment with anything that interests you, and you'll close out the year on a high note. Spring and winter are the best times for making the transition into a new job or career.

You will see patterns in the first quarter of the year that nobody else seems able to discern, and this will give you a major leg up in your dealings with competitors. You might even end up so far ahead that you can coast through the rest of the year dealing with issues that used to be secondary to your job. It's a pretty good time for a sabbatical or a leave of absence -- or anything else that refocuses your attention on matters that are deeply important to you. If that's the path you follow, just be wary of overspending late in the year.

The changes you are making (and experiencing passively) will eventually start to wear you out a little, and you might look to a part of your life that you can rely on for stability. You could find this at work through personal relationships with colleagues or customers or through ongoing responsibilities that are unlikely to develop beyond their current parameters. In a change from years past, you will find this much less boring than relaxing and will experience it as something to look forward to during increasingly turbulent times. That combination of low-stress activities with big-deal transformations will yield spectacular results.

CAPRICORN

OVERVIEW: With Saturn -- heavenly purveyor of many sought-after qualities like integrity, responsibility and discipline -- as your ruler, you're an inspiration to everyone around you. So whether your current companion is by your side for platonic, professional or romantic reasons this year won't really matter. They'll just be proud to be with you. And while you're not ordinarily fond of the spotlight, you'd better try to get used to it, because it will be just about impossible to avoid. In fact, the attention, admiration and applause of the masses will be around every corner for you this year -- and it's your own darned fault.

You began working hard to achieve your professional goals (especially that reputation for fairness and benevolence) around late summer 2005. The response from coworkers and higher-ups has been terrific ever since, but don't forget that all this has happened for one reason: because you've put in the time and effort to make it happen. But 2005 was really just practice -- 2006 is your year to shine. Don't you dare try to avoid the accolades!

In other news, you'll also have plenty of romantic opportunities to pursue this year. You're due to meet someone -- or finally notice someone -- in January or February. This particular someone will be entertaining, magnetic and spontaneous enough to keep you interested for a good long time. (It's a good thing, too, because you're definitely not in the mood for games.) If you're happily attached, keeping it that way won't be tough at all, especially from April through August. You and your sweetie will probably be getting along so well, in fact, that you may temporarily disappear from your social circle's 'active' list. Oh well. It's good to hibernate every now and then -- especially when puttering around together in your PJs sounds far better than taking a chauffeured limo ride to the opera. All in all, life will be good, thanks to your number one squeeze -- and you've certainly earned it. Kick back and enjoy the fruits o! f your labor and the company of your loved ones. Then, with your unselfish motives intact, get out there and spread your blessings around!

LOVE: Even when you're not in the spotlight, the people in the know really look up to you. This year, that respect won't just be restricted to the in-crowd -- your positive reputation will precede you wherever you go. As far as romance goes, that reputation can be either a blessing or a curse. On the one hand, it's great that other people automatically believe you to be honest, and your straightforward style can be highly attractive. On the other hand, your integrity might intimidate potential lovers who feel like they can't live up to your lofty ideal. Make it a personal goal to set people around you at ease. The more you let people see the real you, the more they will be comfortable relaxing and acknowledging the foibles that come with being human.

Romantic opportunities are springing up everywhere this year, even in the winter when it seems like most people are keeping to themselves. Don't be surprised if you meet someone promising early in 2006 -- you'll be especially magnetic during the months of January or February. Keep an eye out for someone whose conversations are varied and endlessly entertaining. If you can't predict what this person is going to say next, you'll be fascinated for a very long time. Best of all, their views will have a subtle but discernable effect on your own. You're not the dull, immutable person your jealous detractors make you out to be.

If you've already chosen a romantic companion, this year will bring delightful new surprises about the person you thought you knew inside and out. From April through August, you're due for some intense mutual discoveries and a lot of face time with your loved one. Whether it's spare moments stolen from work or a weeklong romantic getaway to an isolated spot, every minute with this person will feel memorable and precious. It's okay to bid farewell to your friends for a few months -- they'll understand once they see how the two of you glow when you're in each other's presence.

CAREER: 2006 is a great time for you to go public, even if you'd rather just get on with the day-to-day tasks of building your business and career. Try to absorb the lesson that the heavens will bring in March: that anyone, on any level, can benefit from a little public exposure. Your career horizons will expand quickly and dramatically if you follow up on this, and your teammates and customers will profit from their connection to you. Don't worry too much about artificially creating media opportunities -- they will create themselves when you're around.

You've got a well-deserved reputation for working hard and playing by the rules, so don't be surprised if folks at all levels of your organization take time out to praise you and ask for advice on all manner of topics. Give freely of yourself, but make sure you've got time to keep pushing on your own work. The more you interact with your colleagues, the closer you will get to your next career milestone, so don't close that door unless you're on deadline. Practice accepting compliments with aplomb, as they'll be coming whether you're ready or not.

Your personal life will realign itself for the better early in the year, and that will certainly help you get your job done during the day. Simultaneously, you will either be recruited or find a new job opportunity that might be too sweet to pass up. You won't feel like playing both sides against each other, but your sense of fairness will require that you keep things out in the open. >From late spring through the summer, you should be extremely happy with whatever decision you reach, and even after that you'll know that you did the right thing. Toward the end of the year, you'll be able to coast a little and enjoy some personal time to do whatever interests you most -- working in the community, bonding with family or even building up your job skills.

AQUARIUS:

OVERVIEW: Ever since last summer, you've noticed something rather unusual: When it comes to both finances and romance, you've become extremely disciplined -- with what feels like little or no effort on your part and virtually no prodding from your loved ones either. It's unusual because this type of behavior does not correspond to your usual 'technique,' which is to spend what you've earned (on paper, anyway) well before you actually have the check in hand. By the end of February 2006, however, you'll find that you've managed to tuck a few dollars away -- not just on paper, but in physical reality too.

That little nest egg will come in quite handy during the first few months of 2006. Even though you're being good with money lately, you'll tend to be impulsive in all categories at that time -- which makes you a veritable magnet for the unexpected. That goes for unexpected expenses too, so look for things like car repairs, home repairs or dear friends with urgent financial problems. Now that you know, start planning for these contingencies, which can be expected at the beginning or end of March, or during the first week of September. And don't be surprised when a call, email or visit announces that someone you love needs help. Just be sure you really are helping them, not enabling them to continue down an unhealthy path. You know the difference.

Now, back to romance -- and how self-sufficient you've become in that department. In July, you should expect your newfound independence to be tested by the reappearance of an ex-lover or spouse -- someone who'll quite obviously be wondering whether they might have a second shot at the title. If you're (still) interested, be sure you have new solutions to old problems, and that your potential partner is willing to try just as hard as you are to work things out. If not, just keep pursuing that sweet autonomy you've been enjoying and cruise into 2007 with your independence going strong!

LOVE: In the past year, you learned to discipline yourself and see reality for what it is. That applies to your love life in that you will suddenly find yourself living in reality instead of fantastical, bizarre and impossible imaginary worlds. Like a yogi or a dog trainer, you've acquired practical transcendence that allows you to manipulate reality (and your own perceptions) and move toward your desired results. And you find that the new, sharp edges of life have a different appeal.

Your newfound sense of personal discovery and the steps you've been taking toward living a real life with real reactions to real situations will make you feel independent. Occasionally, especially toward the beginning of the year, this may lead you to act out impulsively. Because you're so in touch with your own desires and cravings, you'll react quickly to situations that hadn't bothered you before. For instance, if someone has been flirting with you and you aren't really interested, you might just tell them to move on. Or perhaps you've been annoyed by a loved one's signature quirk, and you'll finally announce an ultimatum. This impetuousness may startle some, particularly those who have a romantic interest in you. But like most explorers, you

There are worse things in life than....

2006-01-16T05:02:00.000-08:00

A letter from daughter to dad

Father passing by his teenage daughter's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was neat and tidy. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the centre of the pillow. It was addressed "Dad". With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:-

Dear Dad,

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you, but I'm leaving home.I had to elope with my new boyfriend Randy because I wanted toavoid a scene with Mom and you. I've been finding real passion with Randy and he is so nice to me. I know when you meet him you'll like him too - even with all his piercing, tattoos, and motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion Dad, I'm pregnant and Randy said that he wants me to have the kid and that we can be very happy ! together. Even though Randy is much older than me (anyway,42 isn'tso old these days is it?),and has no money, really these things shouldn't stand in the way of our relationship,don't you agree?

Randy has a great CD collection; he already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. It's true he has other girlfriends as well but I know he'll be faithful to me in his own way. He wants to have many more children with me and that's now one of my dreams too. Randy taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone and he'll be growing it for us and we'll trade it with our friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Randy can get better; he sure deserves it!!

Don't worry Dad, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.

Your loving daughter,
Rosie.

At the ! bottom of the page were the letters "PTO".
Hands still trembling, her father turned the sheet, and read:

PS: Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at the neighbour's house.I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my desk centre drawer. Please sign it and call when it is safe for me to come home. I love you!!!

Plan to tackle stress (An article from rediff.com)

2006-01-16T04:49:00.000-08:00

In this follow-up piece, he lists an action plan to tackle stress.

Always take time for yourself, at least 30 minutes per day.

Be aware of your own stress meter: Know when to step back and cool down.

Concentrate on controlling your own situation, without controlling everybody else.

Daily exercise will burn off the stress chemicals.

Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, bread and water, give your body the best for it to perform at its best.

Forgive others, don't hold grudges and be tolerant -- not everyone is as capable as you.

Gain perspective on things, how important is the issue?

Hugs, kisses and laughter: Have fun and don't be afraid to share your feelings with others.

Identify stressors and plan to deal with them better next time.

Judge your own performance realistically; don't set goals out of your own reach.

Keep a positive attitude, your outlook will influence outcomes and the way others treat you.

Limit alcohol, drugs and other stimulants, they affect your perception and behaviour.

Manage money well, seek advice and save at least 10 per cent of what you earn.

No is a word you need to learn to use without feeling guilty.

Outdoor activities by yourself, or with friends and family, can be a great way to relax.

Play your favourite music rather than watching television.

Quit smoking: It is stressing your body daily, not to mention killing you too.

Relationships: Nurture and enjoy them, learn to listen more and talk less.

Sleep well, with a firm mattress and a supportive pillow; don't overheat yourself and allow plenty of ventilation.

Treat yourself once a week with a massage, dinner out, the movies: Moderation is the key.

Understand things from the other person's point of view.

Verify information from the source before exploding.

Worry less, it really does not get things completed better or quicker.

Xpress: Make a regular retreat to your favourite space, make holidays part of your yearly plan and budget.

Yearly goal setting: Plan what you want to achieve based on your priorities in your career, relationships, etc.

Zest for life: Each day is a gift, smile and be thankful that you are a part of the bigger picture.

The other side of coin: What can we do?

2006-01-16T03:13:00.000-08:00

Please check the following site and think what can we do...

http://www.ekincaglar.com/coin/flash.html

The Presence of Christmas

2005-12-23T03:25:00.000-08:00

"May I take your wrap?" he said
As I stepped just past the door.
His words were clear and welcoming,
But his eyes said so much more.

With arms outstretched he beckoned me;
I stepped quickly to his side.
With clasp released and belt unfurled,
My coat began to slide.

Off my shoulders strained from the day,
Away from my hungry heart.
Down my back of history,
Exposing each tender part.

"I'll set it here," he said protectively,
"In case you feel a chill."
Then he led me by the hand
And whispered, "I truly doubt you will."

Mixing with others, I soon lost sight of him,
And yet I felt his warmth all night.
I wore a cloak of threads unseen,
Woven from love and light.

"Who was that man who took my coat?" I asked,
But no one seemed to care.
"Perhaps it was my Uncle Bill," Jane said.
"Or maybe our neighbor upstairs."

He was kind and calm and so accepting.
Such non-judgment is truly rare.
I felt so loved and safe with him,
That I freely shed my cloak of fear.

"I wish that others could feel his presence,"

I thought. "I wish that I could see him again."
Suddenly I was drawn to a flickering candle
And there at its base, a small card read:

"May you find grace in the face of adversity;
And see the fear behind a critic's eye.
May you embrace love and joy as they're offered;
And give generously of your heart and time.
It is then you'll feel the presence of Christmas."

- Dr. Suzanne Zoglio

Idea Café

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Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

The Hare & The Tortoise: Old story New Learning

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

A to Z of Motivation

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Nice Thoughts

Thought of the Day

"The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty.The activist is the man who cleans up the river."

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

Thought of the Day

"The activist is not the man
who says the river is dirty.
The activist is the man

who cleans up the river."