Ten Bad Work Habits - Part 1

A list of ten most common habitual workplace offenses shoes how even the most amiable worker can be driven into becoming an office tyrant.

1) First on the list is whining. people who keep on whining every chance they get, keeps colleagues from taking them seriously.

2) Second is low hygiene. These are the people who, when departing a toilet cubicle, leave an intolerable mess. They don't clean up a meeting room when they finish, and they are, in one word filthy.

3) Poor email etiquette takes the third place. This includes the habit of unnecessarily scream in capital letters, and using worlds like ur and gr8, send endless emails instead of using the phone, who disregard apostrophes, and who incorrectly spell words.

4) Next on the list is office gossip. If a rumor doesn't exist, one will be created, anything to aid in the private belittling of a colleague.

5) Then there are those who waste time. These people are either incredibly efficient or very good at doing nothing, and they will come to your cubicle for a chat, a futile chat that lingers longer than is comfortable.

To Be Continued....

Source : TOI

5 Things to Know about SKIING ...

1.   Clothing and gear :

First of all, start out warm. If you get into the cold and are feeling chilled yourself, you may not be able to move flexibly. Feet should not lose circulation. Gloves, glares, and sweaters are a must-among other woolies.

2.   You will Fall

That's the first rule of skiing. So, overcome that fear. It is crucial to take things a step at a time and start on a flat or very gentle slop first. You can also experiment with small turns at this level. Learning to fall properly can help prevent serious injury. Remember, try and fall towards the mountain.

3.   Get used to the equipment

Skiing may be a new activity for you so you will have to get used to the equipment and allow it to adapt to your movement and body. Also wax the skis before you use them.

4.   Choose a level wisely

Don't get carried away with watching others skiing; it may be a while before you are adept on the slopes. So, listen to your instructor and take practice lessons first. And smaller, gentle slopes are best even a fourth or fifth time out on the snow.

5.   Rope it

Look out for the rope tow. most beginners slopes have it. A ski rope tow will help you pull yourself up the slope while on your skis.

5 Steps To Prevent Your USB From Virus

You have a USB and I’m sure that you had problem with it more than 1 time. The main reason is because of virus. And you will use antivirus software to delete these damn viruses, or might format it. But it is said that ‘Prevention is better than cure.’

Here are some simples step to prevent your beloved USB from virus - tongue.gif

So how can you know that your USB is infected? When you right click your USB, you will see “Autoplay” in Bold in the first line. It means that your USB has been infected with virus, 90% possibility! Because the first line should be Open or Expore instead of Autoplay Virus can be communicated to USB because it copies itself to USB and create a file autorun.inf to activate virus itself. And it is so smart to be in hidden form.

When you insert a USB to your computer, it takes advantage of your habit of double-click on USB symbol in My Computer to break into your computer. There, it duplicates and disperses to everywhere. Their next patients are other USB inserting to the computer.

You may follow these 5 steps to make a shell for your USB:

Step 1: Check your USB’s name. For ex, your USB drive is E: and label is THANHNGOC

Step 2: Convert file system of USB into NTFS: Start > Run, type: “convert : /FS:NTFS”. For ex, with your USB in drive E, you type: “convert E: /FS:NTFS”. Note: if your USB has function of MP3 and sound record, you should skip this step, because your multimedia player can not run MP3 files in your USB.

Step 3: Create an autorun.inf with whatever content you want; even let it empty is okay. Copy that autorun file to your USB. (You may create file autorun.inf by: Click Tools on menu > > Folder Option> Ch?n View > Remove Tick in square Hide Extentions for known file types> OK. Then make a new folder and name its autorun.inf. After that, you have to come back to select Hide Extentions for known file types. Otherwise, all file names are so frustrated.)

Step 4: Right-click on the autorun file > Property > Tick Read Only, you may choose Hidden

Step 5: Prevented all access to file autorun.inf: Click Start > Run > type: “cacls \autorun.inf /D Everyone”. For ex, you type “cacls E:\autorun.inf /D Everyone” A black window will appear and it may require you to type USB label. Type its name (THANHNGOC) and Enter. It takes about 5 seconds to complete.

This will not prevent your USB from all viruses, but this way partly help your USB be safe to most virus infecting via USB. The last recommend is to install a reliable antivirus software with automatic update.

Source : DSDG Email

Tips to Improve Fuel Economy - Part 3

Air Filter

One of the most common reasons for a drop in fuel efficiency is a dirty intake filter. This will decrease the amount of air entering the cylinders of the engine resulting in incomplete combustion. Check the filter regularly to ensure that it is clean.

Spark Plugs

Ensure your spark plugs are in good condition. Renew the plugs and wires at intervals specified by the owners’ manual. This will keep all cylinders firing properly resulting in higher efficiency.

Lube Oil

Change the lube oil at intervals specified by the owners’ manual. Use the recommended oil only especially in newer cars. Use of an engine flush before changing the oil will help to get rid of a lot of the dirt that collects in the engine that a normal oil change will not remove. On older engines it is advisable to use an oil treatment agent. This basically thickens the oil which creates a better seal between the piston and the liner, preventing blow past and consequent loss of combustion pressure, resulting in higher fuel efficiency.

Exhausts alter fuel efficiency

Most cars have special sizes for the exhaust. When cars are reasonably old the silencers has to be changed. The garage people always try to fit a size that they have in the garage itself, which might not be the exact size recommended for the car. The wrong size a bigger or smaller silencer size effects on the MPG of the car and the HP of the car. It may be cheaper to put another size than your recommended size for your car but on the long run it will cost you in many ways, especially on fuel consumption. Always put the recommended size of the exhaust that is indicated in your car manual because the car company knows how to optimize the performance of your car.

Concluded

Tips to Improve Fuel Economy - Part 2

Lighten your load

Think carefully about what you need on a journey. if you do not need something, do not pack it. Remove roof racks if not needed. Remember that the lighter the load, the lower the fuel consumption, and emissions, and the higher the fuel efficiency. 

Tyres effect fuel efficiency

It is estimated that about 50% of tyres on the road are under inflated. Aside from increasing the rate of wear, this wastes fuel and decreased your Fuel efficiency. Check your tyre pressures every fortnight. Worn tyres will Also decrease fuel efficiency (and your safety!), so check the tread regularly. If you are replacing tyres then consider some of the newer 'Eco' tyres that are designed specifically to increase fuel efficiency.

Car Windows

Driving with your windows open drastically reduces your fuel efficiency, far more so than putting the air conditioning on when motor way driving. So in those hot summers(?) preferably keep the windows shut, and the air conditioning on if you want to keep cool. Of course the air conditioning decreases fuel efficiency too, so try not to over use it.

Invest in a new fuel efficient car 

New cars come in all shapes and sizes, but it is possible to pick a new car that can greatly reduce your fuel bill, and your fuel emissions. Size matters. Choose an economical car - small cars use far more fuel efficient and produce lower emissions than large cars. Drive the most fuel-efficient car that meets your needs. Compare models and classes. Even similarly sized cars can vary in fuel efficiency by up to 45%. Consider diesel engines (with a particulate trap), and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuelled cars - all have lower CO2 emissions than standard petrol cars. Consider 'hybrid' vehicles - they combine a conventional engine with an electric motor and battery. These offer reduced fuel consumption and CO2 with potentially lower emissions of all pollutants.

Diesel Engines

If you are going to buy a diesel, ensure it is a new 'common rail' type, as these are approximately 10% more efficient than older diesels. Also replace (or clean if applicable) air cleaner elements as often as is required by your vehicles servicing schedule. Regular Maintenance maintains fuel efficiency

To Be Continued ....

Tips to Improve Fuel Economy - Part 1

Here are some very good tips on improving your vehicle's Fuel Economy / Increase Fuel Efficiency / Mileage. With increasing fuel prices it is becoming more and more prudent to use them.

Use your gears wisely.

Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel-efficient way of driving. A vehicle travelling at 60kmph in third gear uses 25 percent more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear.

Drive smoothly

Think ahead! By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear. Try to predict traffic at junctions and when in queuing to avoid accelerating and then braking. Research suggests driving techniques can influence car fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

Switch off your engine

There are two schools of thought on this one. Switching your engine off for short periods of time can actually increase fuel consumption, as it requires more fuel to get the engine started. Also your catalytic converter will no longer be running at full temperature and so your car will be less efficient, increasing the amount of pollution you cause. However if you are stopped for more than a few minutes then your car will simply burn less fuel with the engine stopped.

Drive off promptly to prevent wasting fuel 

Don't leave your engine running when you first start up. Drive off straight away if you can, but drive gently until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. This doesn't increase fuel efficiency as such, but it does mean your engine is switched on for less time.

To Be Continued....

The Six Pillars of CHARACTER !

The CHARACTER COUNTS! approach to character education doesn't exclude anyone. That's why we base our programs and materials on six ethical values that everyone can agree on — values that are not political, religious, or culturally biased. Use the points below to help young people understand the Six Pillars, and use the mnemonic devices at right to help them remember.

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

Source : Making Ethical Decisions

The 8 “L’s” of Parenting !

The 8 “L’s” of Parenting

1.  LOVE your child. For your child to be successful, he or she must feel valued. Your gentle touches, smiles and hugs communicate love. Giving your undivided attention, especially at the end of each day, demonstrates caring.

2.  LOOK for the good in your child and make specific comments on what he or she does well. You must believe in your child's worth before he or she can believe it. If you want your child to have self-confidence and motivation, watch for positive behaviors and comment on them.

3.  LISTEN, without judgment, to your child express his or her thoughts and feelings. If you do not listen, your child may attempt to gain your attention by misbehaving.

4.  LAUGH with your child, not at him or her. Demonstrate a sense of humor as you cope with life's difficulties. Laugh and play together.

5.  LABOR diligently and with pride so that your child will want to work hard, persevere and do his or her best.

6.LEARN new information. It is fine to say, I don't know, but then add that you both can find out together. Take the time to read and thus instill a love of learning. On car trips play word games, read or listen to books on tape.

7.  LEAVE the television and other media off. Many programs and video games desensitize your child towards violence and contribute to fearfulness and aggression. Place computers in central locations to monitor internet use.

8.  LIVE life to its fullest. Take pleasure in little things like an ice cream cone, a beautiful day or the enthusiasm of your child. Read, pretend, take walks, play games, have pleasant meals, share dreams, and enjoy each other. 

Source : Leah Davies, M.Ed.

Dating Tips while Going Out with a LEO !

Leos are the royalty of the zodiac, so give them their due respect.

It's always preferable to allow your Leo to be the center of attention. They love to be dramatic beings.

If you happen to rub a Leo the wrong way, you might run the risk of losing your love forever. 

But Leos are warm and friendly and if you are in their inner circle, they will treat you well.

Leos love to court glamour and they don't lose out on their individuality when they make any entry into a party. So, let your Leo make a grand entry wherever you accompany her to.

Always remember that Leos love appreciation. They tend to be generous and emotional.

Manage the Boss - Part 5

So what does this mean for you in your relationship with your boss? It means the more you get to understand their style and preferences, and tweak your style to match, the more likely they are to warm towards you. If you lean towards an eye for detail and precision, but your boss just wants the big picture – give it that way. What is their biggest strength? Capitalise on it. What is their central goal? How can you assist? If they are extroverts who like to talk through ideas, provide that opportunity. If they are introverts who like to be able to read through something, and ponder it first, present your proposals in a way which will help them assimilate the information and ask questions.

Respect how they like to be treated.

And what if they don’t show the same trespect for you? Well, that’s a subject for another article!

About The Author :

Shona Garner is an experienced Executive and Business Coach, specialising in helping managers build top performing teams, and increase their own standing in the organisation.

Concluded

Manage the Boss - Part 4

4. Know your style – and know their style; and adapt your behaviour to suit their preferences. A great analogy from relationship expert Shay McConnon is that of the “hot chilli trap”. What is this? It’s when someone assumes that, because they love hot chilli, everyone else does too! Patently, some people do not like hot chilli!

If you’re in a foreign country you at least attempt to learn “please” and “thank you” in their language and show respect for their customs. It’s just courtesy. You adapt your own behaviour to show respect for the differences of perception.

To assume, because we speak the same language, we see things in the same way  – is quite clearly erroneous, yet we still persist in believing the mantra “treat others as you’d like to be treated.”

Absolutely not! Treat others as they would like to be treated.

To Be Continued ...

Manage the Boss - Part 3

3. Consistently look for ways to add value. This is a really simple rule. Bosses are more likely to listen if you speak in “can-do” language, and you are organised, and sound enthusiastic and eager to deliver results.

Look ahead when discussing a project, rather than dwelling on what’s already occurred. Follow through on promises. And adopt a “no-excuses” policy. Failing to produce results almost guarantees a boss will doubt your abilities. So, if you haven’t quite achieved what you set out to do – rather than saying what you’ve not been able to do, start with what you have achieved; be specific about what barriers there were, and summarise your plans to get back on track.

Your boss has pressures of his own. Don’t add to them.

To Be Continued ...

Manage the Boss - Part 2

2. Anticipate and address a boss’ concerns.  The trick here is a technique from what we call Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and is about being able to see the different “perceptual positions” around an issue. Put simply this means seeing something through someone else’s eyes, so you understand their thoughts, feelings, worries and perspectives.


An obvious way is to ask them! And we’d definitely encourage you to fnd the right opportunities to do just that. However, sometimes there’s neither time, nor is it appropriate. So what do you do then? You put yourself in their shoes. And when we say in their shoes – we mean wearing their shoes and looking through their eyes! This is not how you would feel in their shoes. You’re not them!


So, this is easier said than done. But here’s a few killer questions to ask yourself:


What will my  boss be anxious about?


What do his bosses expect of him?


How does what I do to help him/her look good?


If I/we do “x”, what might he/she be concerned about?


By answering these questions you’ll be much clearer about what you need to do to both pre-empt and address their concerns. It also significantly increases their perception you really understand where they are coming from, which in turn significantly  strengthens the trust and relationship between you.








To Be Continued ....

Manage the Boss - Part 1 !

Two  critical skills which the highest performing managers have in spades are the ability to influence and persuade. The most obvious targets for your powers of persuasion are your team, and sometimes your peers in different departments; but just as you need to manage down or sideways , it’s also critical you know how to manage upwards.

Do it well, and you’ll shine. Do it badly and you could muddy your reputation and find yourself being passed over for advancement.

To help you make the right impression, here are four simple rules to remember, which will move you in the right direction.

1. Find out what the expectations are – and exceed them. Sounds obvious and simple – yet in my experience it’s neither! Try to answer the following questions:

Do you actually know what your manager’s top priorities are?

How clear are you about the order of priority your manager has for each area of your performance? How clear do you think your manager is about his/her expectations of you?

Sometimes expectations are written – but more often than not, they are unwritten expectations, which your boss may never have really clearly articulated to themselves, let alone you!

Put it this way -  if you don’t know for sure what will score you top points with this individual, you may find yourself chasing down the wrong rabbit hole.

And this is NOT about currying favour, or ingratiating yourself. This is about having a clear understanding on both sides about what is important, so you both know and agree where you should focus most of your time and attention. It actually makes your job easier.

So – if you don’t know the answers to the questions above – make a date in your diary to discuss this with your boss! (And before you actually have that meeting, make sure you read technique 4!)

To Be Continued .....

Ways to Make a Good Impressions - Part 2

5. Discretion : Choose what to share about yourself: forget to tell everyone about that time you went camping and ruptured your appendix, then fell face first into a pile of bug infested leaves-it is rude and will alienate you from the group. Try to withhold from conversations on personal subjects like religion or more disgusting topics like personal medical care. Before you speak, think about the possible impact of what you might say, then imagine its implications in the long run.

6. Humor : Humor can be your most powerful tool or your doom, because everyone has a slightly different sense of humor. What might be hilarious to you might seem disgusting to another, or vice versa. Try to withhold from any jokes that aren't family or dinner table friendly; you can tell those later.

7. Start and End with a Bang : Whoever you are meeting with will remember how you greet them, and then in what manner you left them. If you feel you have trouble with this, practice a few different phrases in the mirror, and introduce elements like: "pleased to meet you," or "honored to make your acquaintance. " Ignore the antiquity of these phrases; it often makes them more memorable.

Making a good impression will set any relationship off on a good foot. If you are in a situation where you need to be judged at face value-such as a job interview or date-then make sure to go through this list and make sure you are within bounds of reason and good taste on all of your decisions.

Concluded

Ways to Make a Good Impressions - Part 1

Impressions are important: They leave an initial taste in people's mouths that can remain prevalent for the entire relationship. If you are paranoid about what kind of impression you make, run through these seven list items and see if you are consistent with them; if you are, then you will probably expose the best of yourself. If not, then work to meet these standards.

1. Dress : The absolute first impression you will make on someone will be through your clothing, because that is what is seen from a distance, and cannot change throughout your meeting. Make sure to dress according to the situation-don' t over or under dress-and maintain within the limits of good taste. If you aren't sure if what you're wearing looks good, ask people for an honest opinion. One last thought: always, and I mean always, pull up your pants

2. Hygiene : Take a shower! Shave! Brush your teeth! You must be fully bathed and groomed before you meet with someone for the first time, because scruffy looking people generally don't seem as neat and mature. Pay attention to the little elements like breath: keep a pack of mint gum with you wherever you go, and periodically check to make sure you aren't killing bugs every time you breathe out. If you sweat heavily, keep a small stick of deodorant/anti- perspirant close, and if you notice you're stinking you can freshen up. People notice the minutiae!

3. Manners : At the table and with other people be civilized, polite and respectful: keep your elbows off of the table, open doors for people and address everyone-initially, at least-by their formal title. This will make an especially good impression on senior citizens, because you will prove that you aren't one of those "new fangled punks."

4. Speech : Have clean, clear diction and speak sans "like" or "you know." It is important to be articulate because that inspires a feeling of intelligence and education in the person you are meeting with. Always leave out profanity, and whatever you do, make sure to speak loud enough for all to hear, because conversationalists are easily agitated if you force them say "excuse me?" more than a few times.

To Be Continued....

How to Join the Right Gym - Part 3

Busy-ness quotient

Check out a club during the times you plan to attend. If you're a potential "rush hour" member, pay a visit between 4 and 8 p.m. Are all the machines occupied, with a waiting list to boot? If you're interested in classes, see if they're packed to the hilt. Do they require advance signup? If so, can you deal with that?

Cost

Sticker prices can range anywhere from $10 a month for a recreation center to $150 a month or more for a posh, upper-crust club. Get what you pay for: Make the club justify its price tag. Does the club satisfy your needs? Does it offer amenities like child care, lockers, showers and towel service? Also, watch out for extraneous "initiation" or "activation" fees, some of which can be negotiated up or down depending on how long you commit to the club.

Contracts 

As with used-car and cellular-phone contracts, read the fine print! Many clubs will promise you a lower rate if you lock into a contract, but this also limits your flexibility in switching gyms if the need arises. You may want to pay a bit more for a no-strings-attached, one-month membership; if you like it, then commit to a contract. Find out if there's a cancellation fee if you need to break the contract. But make sure you're crystal clear on the terms of the membership and contract before you commit.

Try before you buy

According to exercise physiologist Joe Cannon, MS, CSCS, "Never plunk down your hard earned money on a health club before you've had a chance to kick the tires. While your initial tour of the facility may seem impressive, you will not know the real feel of the club until you've had a chance to use it for yourself." Ask for trial workout passes. Work out at the times you plan to regularly attend so that you can feel out the atmosphere. Talk to current members. Ask them about their experiences with the staff and other members.

Out of town

Some clubs will freeze your membership if you have to leave town for an extended period. Some large chains will not do so because they assume you can just go to any of their branches around the country. Maximize the bang for your buck and ask about a club's policy up front.

Concluded

How to Join the Right Gym - Part 2

Go to several clubs. Take your time. Ask questions. Get recommendations from friends. But don't make a decision until you've looked at all of your options.

Atmosphere

Although you don't need to become best buddies with your fellow exercisers, it's important that you feel at ease with the gym environment and its clientele. Perhaps loud techno music and hordes of bespandexed aerobics bunnies aren't your cup of tea. Find a club that matches your personality and comfort level. Feeling like the odd one out every time you hit the gym won't help you get there on a tough day.

Fitness equipment

Many gyms offer all kinds of state-of-the-art equipment to woo you through the door. Great machines can certainly help you achieve your fitness goals, but try to look past all the flash and sparkle. At the end of the day, even simple equipment such as a barbell and bench can offer fitness and health benefits if properly used.

Trainers

If you decide to hire a trainer, look for these things: a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related health-science discipline, experience, and, minimally, a certification from an internationally recognized organization like the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, or the American Council on Exercise.

Cleanliness

No, sweaty machines are not a given. And even if it doesn't gross you out, bear in mind that filthy equipment can carry contagious skin fungi. Ask about the club's cleaning regimen, and always remember to protect yourself by wearing a shirt and carrying a towel.

To Be Continued....