TOP COMPUTER SECURITY TIPS FOR STUDENTS
Gone are the days when preparing for school meant to be filling a backpack with a handful of sharpened pencils, spiral notebooks, and a dozen textbooks. Today, computers are often on the top of that list. Make a note of these tips to help protect the computers you use at school from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other attacks.
Perform basic computer safety maintenance
Before surfing the Web, make sure you perform these 3 key maintenance steps to help improve the computer's security:
• Update your computer
• Use up to date antivirus software
• Use an Internet firewall
Don't open files from strangers
E-mail and instant messaging (IM) are two quick ways to communicate with friends, classmates, and family. E-mail and IM can also spread viruses and worms if you aren't careful. Did you know that most e-mail viruses are spread by people who are fooled into opening an infected file? Don't be tricked! You should never open a file attached to an e-mail or an instant message unless you recognize the sender and you are expecting the file.
Help fight spam and online scams
As long as you're helping to prevent viruses and worms, you may as well learn how to help fight spam and online scams. To find out how you can spend more time on schoolwork and fun, and less time on deleting spam, read how to prevent spam e-mail from reaching you. ‘Phishing’ is another threat to your privacy that could lead to the theft of your credit card numbers, passwords, account information, or other personal data.
Learn how to protect yourself from spyware
Has your Web browser been taken over by pop-up ads? Are there toolbars on your computer that you don't remember downloading? You might be the victim of spyware. Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without first letting you know what it's doing, and without asking for your permission. You might get spyware if you download: music or file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software programs from a suspicious web site.
Take precautions when you go wireless
Many high school and college campuses now have wireless networks. That means you can surf the Web in the library, cafeteria, or a classroom. You may have already used wireless networks in your home, in airports, coffee shops, or even public parks. These networks are convenient, but they do come with a security risk. If you set up your own wireless network at home or in your dorm room, learn how to protect your home network and pay special attention to the section on wireless network security.
Passwords protect your computer—and lock it
Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your computer from criminals, pranksters, or a careless roommate. If you don't use a password to log on to your computer, anyone can access your computer and unlock it. Be sure to lock your computer when you're not using it.
Back up your work (and the fun stuff, too)
The image of students losing their term papers because they forgot to back up their work has almost become a cliché. Still, many of us don't have the time to back up. If you use Windows XP, you can let the Backup utility do the work for you.
MEMORY LEAK! WHAT’S THAT?
Every program on your PC is given an area of memory of its own, once it starts. Once it stops, the program is then supposed to notify the operating system that the area it occupied is now available for other programs. But, as you might have found out, this doesn’t always happen (it’s particularly common in Windows). As a result of the program not returning the memory it had used, that memory can’t be used for other programs. Thus, the memory of your PC reduces because of the ‘leak,’ making your PC less useful. When such leaks happen, you will notice that the selected program does not respond. You can select Ctrl+Alt+Del, and select End Task so that the system reactivates. But if none of the commands seem to respond, then you have only option to get all the memory back: restart your computer.
SCREEN SAVERS AND A SYSTEM THAT HANGS
Does your PC hang very often? And especially when you try to come out of a screen saver, or the `sleep mode' that your monitor has just transcended into? One of the first things you then need to do is disable the power management of your system. Sure, you were right when you opted for a power management system that either puts the monitor into a sleep mode (wherein it just becomes blank) or a screen saver comes on. Yes it helps save power. On the flip side, however, the power management system is not always compatible with the hardware and software components that you work with. So not all components react favourably when the system automatically gets into a reduced-power mode. Which is why they do not respond---or the system hangs---when you try to get the system up again after a while.
WHEN YOUR PC FREEZES
Often you will find that your PC suddenly hangs during the midst of an application. This could happen because you have too many applications running at the same time. Or there could be other reasons such as power fluctuation or a software glitch. When your PC freezes, what you should not do is switch your PC off directly. Here’s what you should do:
•Press CTRL, ALT and Delete together. A window appears specifying the program that has stalled indicating `Not Responding’ in brackets. Just click on
the `End Task’. It closes down the program that is freezing up and allows you to
go back to the desktop.
OR
Restart your PC. If you cannot get to the Start Menu to access the Shut Down dialog box in which you have the restart option, use the restart button on your PC hardware (there is one, always adjacent to the power on/off button).
ASKING FOR TROUBLE - OVERLOADED ON ACTIVE FONTS
Every new font you install sucks up physical memory. Unless you have RAM to spare, it would be advisable not to load too many more than your commonly used fonts.
So what do you do with the fonts you want to keep but not install?
Easy: just put them in another folder. We recommend naming it something like "Fonts_other", since this will help you find it easily; "Fonts_other" should wind up right next to (or under) the Fonts folder in Explorer. Then, when you want to use a particular font in a document/graphic, go to your "Fonts_other" folder, double-click on the font you want to use, and launch the application in which you wish to use it. The font should show up in your regular list as if it were installed the "normal" way. When you're done, you
can close the font preview window and Windows is none the wiser.This also fixes the problem of too many fonts. All fonts are stored in the Registry, which has a limit of 64k for each key, meaning 800 - 1000 fonts are all that can be stored without a shareware font
manager program.
April 24, 2009
CLEANING ISSUES TIPS TO CLEAN YOUR LAPTOP
You carry it around and make optimum use of it, but how often do you actually clean your laptop? Dirt can build up anywhere -- inside and on your laptop -- and this can mar your display, affect the performance of the fans and block or cause problems with I/O (input/output) ports.
What you would need to clean your laptop: compressed air, cotton swabs, cleaning solution, a soft cleaning cloth such as a cotton t-shirt.
To clean the exterior/casing:
• Use a soft damp cloth such as an old cotton t-shirt.
• Don't use harsh cleaning products or spray cleaning solution directly onto the casing -- spray onto a cloth first.
To clean the cooling vents:
• Use a can of compressed air to clean the cooling vents.
• Be careful not to spray the compressed air too hard and get liquid on the fan blades.
• Use cotton swabs to hold the fan in place while you clean it.
To clean the I/O ports:
• Use cotton swabs to wipe away large pieces of dirt that have accumulated.
• Compressed air can be used as well to blow the rest of the dirt away.
• Just be careful to not blow dirt into the I/O Ports.
To clean the screen:
• Turn off the laptop before cleaning the display. This will make the dirt more easily visible on the screen.
• Always use a non-abrasive cloth such as a cotton t-shirt. Never use paper towels or tissues to clean your display.
• Do not use any ammonia based cleaners on the display as they are known to leave a film.
• Always spray on a cloth first then wipe the screen from left to right, top to bottom.
• You can make your own cleaning solution using isopropyl alcohol and water. Mix them in the ratio 1:1.
To clean the keyboard:
• Compressed air can be used on the keyboard to get rid of dirt build-up.
• Cotton swabs are useful for cleaning in and around keys.
To Spruce Up A Dragging Mouse
Periodically, when you feel your mouse dragging, take the mouse apart. Turn it over in your hand, twist the ring around the mouse ball until it opens into your hand, turn the mouse upside down until the mouse ball falls into your hand, then blow out the inside of the mouse. Look inside at the rollers and wipe it with an anti-static wipe. Check for dirt that has built up on the rollers and scrape it off. Clean off the ball, put back into mouse and close it up.
Note: Never spray any kind of liquid (i.e. cleaning fluid) onto any part of the computer.
Keep all paint, glue, glitter, etc. away from a computer. Make sure the children have clean hands before using the computer.
KEEP YOUR CD CLEAN
Has your CD been exposed to dust, or did you touch it with slightly greasy fingers? When in doubt use water or isopropyl alcohol and wipe the CD from hub to edge with a clean cloth. Note that you MUST NOT rub in a circular pattern.
Daily Time
DAILY TIMETABLE
General knowledge – you can never have enough of it. However much you know there is still that much more you need to know right? There is no way you can sit and absorb GK at one go. Take a small step every day. Resolve to read about a new person/ place/ animal/ plant; whatever catches your fancy, everyday. And don’t stop there. After a while talk about it with a friend or anyone else willing to lend you an ear. No ears available? Do not despair, write it down. This ‘revision’ while talking and /or writing will ensure that you remember whatever you have read. With practice you will be able to recall such interesting ‘facts’ whenever you wish to.
Bright ideas have a habit of cropping up at the least unexpected of times, in the shower, amidst a traffic jam, while just nodding off to sleep are a few examples of such places and times. And before you know it pouf… it vanishes, leaving you with that nagging feeling of having found a gold mine but lost it. Well let’s repair the situation:
Make a habit of jotting down ideas as they come to you. Keep a ready supply of pencils and small notepads/ sheets of paper around the house, in your pockets, so that you don’t drop jotting down an idea due the lack of writing materials. Later on you may discard several of these hastily jotted down thoughts, but it is the few that work that make all the effort seem worthwhile.
All night cram sessions almost never work successfully. It is good to do some studying every day as it helps you retain large amounts of information. But studying, yes, can be boring for most. So why not try making it fun. Here's how: take study breaks when you are having fun. If you are reading comics or storybooks, take a study break for some time to read up your day's lessons. If it's TV that you watch a lot of, use the long commercial breaks to do some fun reading of your lessons. Use your class lessons for quizzes between you and your friends. Do such new stuff to get into the habit of studying every day. Believe us, studying might really start getting to be fun in the long run.
BACHELOR’S KITCHEN
BACHELOR’S KITCHEN
Welcome to the bachelor pad. Zoom into the kitchen and peak into his fridge, his grocery rack and his masala case. Is it well stocked up? The odds are 50-50. With so many people living away from their family these days (men and women), quickie recipes are the need of the hour. Something that you chop, toss and serve in a jiffy. If you browse our recipe section you will find lots of hot stuff you can cook in minutes, but chances are that if your schedule is choc-a-bloc and driven by the throb of a hectic lifestyle, you will be starved of cooking time. So we decided to assort a variety of easy-to-make recipes. Just take a print out and head for the kitchen. Happy Cooking!!! ESSENTIAL COOKING SECRETS FOR BACHELORSCooking can be a hassle for men living alone especially when they work long hours and have no time. Typically, they end up eating unhealthy, fattening food from restaurants. Instead, use these tips to optimize your cooking and minimize your cooking time! 1)Organise your kitchen: Whether you have a large kitchen or a small space to just stock your gas range and some food, keeping your kitchen space organized will help speed up your cooking. Piles of unwashed dishes and cutlery stored in three different locations will only hamper your speed and efficiency when you get around to it. Instead of letting chores add up, do a little everyday so you aren’t daunted by the task at hand.2) Make a double serving: When the soup you make is so delicious, why make only one serving? Make two or more servings and save the extra for a small breakfast snack or mid-day snack the next day. No more need to start cooking again to satisfy those hunger pangs.3) Use leftovers: Leftovers can be made into a really delicious meal all by themselves. Bread crumbs, vegetable leftovers etc can be combined to make a small snack for the next day. 4) Be prepared: Keep a ready stock of canned food in the fridge at all times. You never know when it will come in handy to make a complete meal along with the leftovers you already have. No need to look at the leftovers and think, “If only…”.5) Plan your cooking: Plan a day when you want to cook from scratch and avoid any major cooking till then. Going through the whole cooking process everyday can be tiresome, so a little planning never hurts. There you have it! Five simple tips to make your cooking life simpler and less time consuming. Now you just need to figure out what to cook! EASY RECIPES FOR BACHELORSFor unfortunate bachelors lost in the kitchen or for the man on the move struggling to look for easy to make recipes, there might be hope yet. Take a look at some delicious yet simple recipes. EXPRESS TOMATO CURRYIngredientsRipe Tomatoes - 3Green chillies - 4 (slit lengthwise)Onions - 2Tomato ketchup - 4 tbsp Oil - 1 or 2 tbsp Red chilly powder – ½ tbsp Turmeric powder – ½ tsp Mustard seeds – ½ tsp Curry leaves – 3 to 4 Preparation Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and when they begin to splutter, add chopped onions, curry leaves and sauté till light brown, on a low flame. Add green chillies, red chilly powder, turmeric powder and cook for a few minutes. Add sliced tomatoes and cook, till your required standard. Switch off the flame. Add tomato ketchup and stir well. Serve hot with rotis. Serves 2 EASY RASAMIngredientsTomatoes (medium) - 3Tamarind juice/paste (thick) - 1 tbspGarlic pods (crushed) - 2 - 3 Turmeric powder – ½ tspRasam powder - 2 tbspCurry leaves – 2 to 3Coriander (chopped) – 1 tbspOil - 2 tbspWater - 3 cupsSalt to tasteMustard seeds - 1 tspDry red chillies - 1 (broken into 2 pieces) Preparation Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add mustard seeds and when they crackle, add red chillies and sauté for a while. Add crushed garlic and stir for a minute. Add chopped tomatoes and salt and stir, till the tomatoes blend well. Add turmeric and rasam powder and stir for a few seconds. Add the tamarind paste and mix well. Add curry leaves, coriander leaves and water. Boil it on low flame for about 7 to 10 minutes. Finally, you can sprinkle asafoetida powder (optional as asafoetida is usually contained in Rasam Powder). Serves 4 PASTA AND CHICKEN SALADIngredients• Pasta, acc to the quantity needed• 4 cups chicken cooked and cut • 3 shredded cabbage and carrots • Frozen peas, thawed • 2 onions finely chopped • ½ cup Italian dressing • Salt & pepper powder to taste. Mix all the ingredients well and chill. Serve after a min refrigerating of 6 hrs. Upma Ingredients• Semolina: 1 cup • Onion: 1 nos chopped finely • A mix of carrots, cauliflower, potatoes and peas, roughly chopped: 1 cup • Curry leaves: 4 nos • Green chilies: 2 nos (slit) • Ginger: ½ inch grated • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp • Fenugreek seeds (optional): 1 tbsp • Oil: 2 tbsp • Buttermilk (thin consistency) optionally you could replace buttermilk with water: 1 glass • Salt as per taste • Grated coconut and finely chopped coriander (for garnishing): ½ bowl Method• Roast semolina in a wok (without oil). • When slightly brown, remove from heat and set aside. • Add oil to a wok and toss in the cumin seeds (and fenugreek seeds). As they start spluttering add the curry leaves, green chilies and grated ginger. • Let these cook for a minute and add the onions. • When onions turn slightly pink toss in vegetables and continue cooking for a minute or so. • Add buttermilk/water and cover the vessel. • When the mix comes to a boil add the semolina and salt and mix well. • Cover the semolina and let it steam for a minute or so. • Remove from heat and garnish with grated coconut and coriander while serving
Welcome to the bachelor pad. Zoom into the kitchen and peak into his fridge, his grocery rack and his masala case. Is it well stocked up? The odds are 50-50. With so many people living away from their family these days (men and women), quickie recipes are the need of the hour. Something that you chop, toss and serve in a jiffy. If you browse our recipe section you will find lots of hot stuff you can cook in minutes, but chances are that if your schedule is choc-a-bloc and driven by the throb of a hectic lifestyle, you will be starved of cooking time. So we decided to assort a variety of easy-to-make recipes. Just take a print out and head for the kitchen. Happy Cooking!!! ESSENTIAL COOKING SECRETS FOR BACHELORSCooking can be a hassle for men living alone especially when they work long hours and have no time. Typically, they end up eating unhealthy, fattening food from restaurants. Instead, use these tips to optimize your cooking and minimize your cooking time! 1)Organise your kitchen: Whether you have a large kitchen or a small space to just stock your gas range and some food, keeping your kitchen space organized will help speed up your cooking. Piles of unwashed dishes and cutlery stored in three different locations will only hamper your speed and efficiency when you get around to it. Instead of letting chores add up, do a little everyday so you aren’t daunted by the task at hand.2) Make a double serving: When the soup you make is so delicious, why make only one serving? Make two or more servings and save the extra for a small breakfast snack or mid-day snack the next day. No more need to start cooking again to satisfy those hunger pangs.3) Use leftovers: Leftovers can be made into a really delicious meal all by themselves. Bread crumbs, vegetable leftovers etc can be combined to make a small snack for the next day. 4) Be prepared: Keep a ready stock of canned food in the fridge at all times. You never know when it will come in handy to make a complete meal along with the leftovers you already have. No need to look at the leftovers and think, “If only…”.5) Plan your cooking: Plan a day when you want to cook from scratch and avoid any major cooking till then. Going through the whole cooking process everyday can be tiresome, so a little planning never hurts. There you have it! Five simple tips to make your cooking life simpler and less time consuming. Now you just need to figure out what to cook! EASY RECIPES FOR BACHELORSFor unfortunate bachelors lost in the kitchen or for the man on the move struggling to look for easy to make recipes, there might be hope yet. Take a look at some delicious yet simple recipes. EXPRESS TOMATO CURRYIngredientsRipe Tomatoes - 3Green chillies - 4 (slit lengthwise)Onions - 2Tomato ketchup - 4 tbsp Oil - 1 or 2 tbsp Red chilly powder – ½ tbsp Turmeric powder – ½ tsp Mustard seeds – ½ tsp Curry leaves – 3 to 4 Preparation Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and when they begin to splutter, add chopped onions, curry leaves and sauté till light brown, on a low flame. Add green chillies, red chilly powder, turmeric powder and cook for a few minutes. Add sliced tomatoes and cook, till your required standard. Switch off the flame. Add tomato ketchup and stir well. Serve hot with rotis. Serves 2 EASY RASAMIngredientsTomatoes (medium) - 3Tamarind juice/paste (thick) - 1 tbspGarlic pods (crushed) - 2 - 3 Turmeric powder – ½ tspRasam powder - 2 tbspCurry leaves – 2 to 3Coriander (chopped) – 1 tbspOil - 2 tbspWater - 3 cupsSalt to tasteMustard seeds - 1 tspDry red chillies - 1 (broken into 2 pieces) Preparation Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add mustard seeds and when they crackle, add red chillies and sauté for a while. Add crushed garlic and stir for a minute. Add chopped tomatoes and salt and stir, till the tomatoes blend well. Add turmeric and rasam powder and stir for a few seconds. Add the tamarind paste and mix well. Add curry leaves, coriander leaves and water. Boil it on low flame for about 7 to 10 minutes. Finally, you can sprinkle asafoetida powder (optional as asafoetida is usually contained in Rasam Powder). Serves 4 PASTA AND CHICKEN SALADIngredients• Pasta, acc to the quantity needed• 4 cups chicken cooked and cut • 3 shredded cabbage and carrots • Frozen peas, thawed • 2 onions finely chopped • ½ cup Italian dressing • Salt & pepper powder to taste. Mix all the ingredients well and chill. Serve after a min refrigerating of 6 hrs. Upma Ingredients• Semolina: 1 cup • Onion: 1 nos chopped finely • A mix of carrots, cauliflower, potatoes and peas, roughly chopped: 1 cup • Curry leaves: 4 nos • Green chilies: 2 nos (slit) • Ginger: ½ inch grated • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp • Fenugreek seeds (optional): 1 tbsp • Oil: 2 tbsp • Buttermilk (thin consistency) optionally you could replace buttermilk with water: 1 glass • Salt as per taste • Grated coconut and finely chopped coriander (for garnishing): ½ bowl Method• Roast semolina in a wok (without oil). • When slightly brown, remove from heat and set aside. • Add oil to a wok and toss in the cumin seeds (and fenugreek seeds). As they start spluttering add the curry leaves, green chilies and grated ginger. • Let these cook for a minute and add the onions. • When onions turn slightly pink toss in vegetables and continue cooking for a minute or so. • Add buttermilk/water and cover the vessel. • When the mix comes to a boil add the semolina and salt and mix well. • Cover the semolina and let it steam for a minute or so. • Remove from heat and garnish with grated coconut and coriander while serving
checklist for Easy Cooking
Here is a checklist of easy cooking hints you can exercise while whipping up those meals in a jiffy!
Wish to chop onions without shedding tears? Chill the onions - either in the refrigerator, by keeping them in a covered container for about half an hour or simply cover them with ice cubes/iced water for a while before chopping them.
Banish the burnt chilli smell and subsequent bouts of coughing while frying or roasting dry red chillies by adding a pinch of salt.
Place potatoes and apples in a bowl of cold salty water to keep them from turning brown.
While making your favourite delicacy, be careful not to add the eggs directly to the hot mix. Instead stir as you add the eggs unless you want little lumps to form in the hot mix!
Stock condiments, pulses and spices in transparent, airtight jars. Not only are these containers more sturdy and durable, they prevent spices and other non-durables from gathering moisture and going bad. Stack these jars in easy-to-reach places.
Do not wait for entire content in the jar to be exhausted; replenish stocks on a regular basis.
Cooking in pressure cookers and flat-bottomed pans also helps in saving time. Besides, using non-stick ware for cooking is also a good idea as these utensils ensure that less oil is consumed.
Draw up a weekly menu for meals. This will help you stay prepared in advance and avoid the rush-rush situation in mornings.
Cut and refrigerate vegetables in advance. This is a great help in saving time. Veggies like tomatoes and onions that are used in abundance in most Indian (non-Jain) preparations should be cut and stored in the freezer. Another useful way to save on time is by preparing a paste of garlic, ginger, green chilies and coriander leaves. This paste can be used as a base in most culinary preparations.
Buying fish? Make sure that the eyes are as clear and bright as those of a live fish. If the gills don't smell fresh, the process of decomposition has already begun and the fish should not be eaten.
Keep your kitchen shelves clean by spreading a plastic sheet or grease proof paper over the shelves where oil, ghee or pickle jars are kept.
For soft and spongy 'idlis' add a little horse gram paste to the 'idli' butter-mix well and keep aside for half an hour before use
To reduce the pungent flavour of green chillies slit them and boil in water for two to three minutes before use
To get rid of black stains from aluminum or steel vessels rub them with charcoal pieces. They will shine like new.
To protect rice from insects, dry 50g. of mint leaves, powder them and add to 10 kg of rice. Not only will the mint leaves keep insect at bay, they will also impart a delicious flavour to the cooked rice.
Wish to chop onions without shedding tears? Chill the onions - either in the refrigerator, by keeping them in a covered container for about half an hour or simply cover them with ice cubes/iced water for a while before chopping them.
Banish the burnt chilli smell and subsequent bouts of coughing while frying or roasting dry red chillies by adding a pinch of salt.
Place potatoes and apples in a bowl of cold salty water to keep them from turning brown.
While making your favourite delicacy, be careful not to add the eggs directly to the hot mix. Instead stir as you add the eggs unless you want little lumps to form in the hot mix!
Stock condiments, pulses and spices in transparent, airtight jars. Not only are these containers more sturdy and durable, they prevent spices and other non-durables from gathering moisture and going bad. Stack these jars in easy-to-reach places.
Do not wait for entire content in the jar to be exhausted; replenish stocks on a regular basis.
Cooking in pressure cookers and flat-bottomed pans also helps in saving time. Besides, using non-stick ware for cooking is also a good idea as these utensils ensure that less oil is consumed.
Draw up a weekly menu for meals. This will help you stay prepared in advance and avoid the rush-rush situation in mornings.
Cut and refrigerate vegetables in advance. This is a great help in saving time. Veggies like tomatoes and onions that are used in abundance in most Indian (non-Jain) preparations should be cut and stored in the freezer. Another useful way to save on time is by preparing a paste of garlic, ginger, green chilies and coriander leaves. This paste can be used as a base in most culinary preparations.
Buying fish? Make sure that the eyes are as clear and bright as those of a live fish. If the gills don't smell fresh, the process of decomposition has already begun and the fish should not be eaten.
Keep your kitchen shelves clean by spreading a plastic sheet or grease proof paper over the shelves where oil, ghee or pickle jars are kept.
For soft and spongy 'idlis' add a little horse gram paste to the 'idli' butter-mix well and keep aside for half an hour before use
To reduce the pungent flavour of green chillies slit them and boil in water for two to three minutes before use
To get rid of black stains from aluminum or steel vessels rub them with charcoal pieces. They will shine like new.
To protect rice from insects, dry 50g. of mint leaves, powder them and add to 10 kg of rice. Not only will the mint leaves keep insect at bay, they will also impart a delicious flavour to the cooked rice.
Perspective Of Life
GETTING FOCUSED
Perspective Of Life
To show his son the poverty of people around, a rich father took his son to the country. They spent a day and a night at the farm of a very poor family. At the end of this excursion the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
Very good, Dad!" replied the son. "Did you see the poverty of the people?" the father asked.
"Yes!" said the son. "And what did you learn?" asked the father, the son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden; they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our garden reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon. We have a lot of flowers but they have bunches for the picking.”
When the son finished, the father was dumbfounded. The son said, "Thank you, father, for showing me how poor we are!"
What we posses or have really depends on how we choose to look at things. A positive attitude to life, love, family, friends, health and good humour do not come with a price tag. They can not be bought and if you are spiritually poor you indeed have nothing.
Pep quote"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too, can become great."--Mark Twain
Define Your Dream With Little Goals
A life without a goal is meaningless. When your dreams are penned down they translate into goals that demand to be met. The purpose of a goal is to focus your attention.
When we have certain goals to meet, our minds start working towards achieving it. When our efforts help us to succeed, the sense of achievement is tremendous and no one can rob you of this joy. Establish a goal worth working for. Your goal will keep you going in tough times.
Make it a habit to always have something ahead of you. Continuously visualize your next step and plan on how to go about realizing that part. Having met that goal move ahead and set another. Maintain a momentum of progress by having something to look forward to and something to work for. Every little success or victory ultimately pushes you closer to your dream.
A simple axiom which people fail to realize is that a dream is made up of a lot of small goals that are met along the way. You can plant your dream with a goal.Pep Quote“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That is where they should be. Now put the foundation under them.“ --Henry David Thoreau
Is Your Energy Directed In The Right Direction
It is hard to imagine success without concentration. When a mountaineer starts his climb, all he sees is the peak and that’s all he should see. With every step the peak comes closer to him. The door of success can always be opened with concentration. Every task you undertake can be finished successfully however difficult if you apply yourself and concentrate.
When all your energies are directed towards achieving a set of goals, nothing can stop you from finishing it off successfully. Focus your concentration and your energies to one point, and go about achieving that.
When your physical and mental resources are focused, your ability to tide over difficulties, and your power to resolve problems increases tremendously and you can weather any storm. Remember that to do two things at once is as good as doing neither. Success is the result of well directed energy.
Pep Quote”Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees.” --Williard Marriott
Your Comfort And Your PC
Your Comfort And Your PC
So you’re looking for a single disc on which you can store 50 GB data?With the help of Blue-Ray Disc you can do just that. A Blue-Ray Disc is a "high-density optical disc" format for storing digital media, including high-definition videos.The name "Blue Ray Disc" is derived from the blue-violet laser that is used to read and write this type of disc. It can store 25 GB of data on each layer as compared to a conventional 4.7 GB DVD. A dual layer DVD of 50 GB storage capacity can store up to 9 hours of high definition video and up to around 23 hours of standard definition video. Hard to believe, isn’t it?However, there is a slight catch! In order to make full use of the Blue-Ray Disc, you will need a Blue-Ray DVD ROM along with certain codecs as and when required, depending on the media you wish to play. Once you’ve procured these, you can make the most of all that the Blue-Ray disc has to offer!
Microsoft has released its new Windows Vista OS. But what are the various features that make it better than the trusted previous versions? Here are 5 things about Vista you need to know.
1) Security: Windows Vista provides security features that are the most advanced of all the Windows versions so far. It is touted as the most secure windows edition yet. It offers protection from malware, spyware, hackers...the works!
2) Organisation and Search: With Vista, you no longer need to search in the conventional way and hope for a hit. Vista allows you to edit the keywords associated with a file and hence make searching for it at a different point of time easier, even if you don’t remember the name or location.
3) Gadgets: Vista introduces a sidebar with gadgets. These gadgets can be something as simple as a calculator, a sticky note or a messenger contact to something that gives you weather updates, messenger status and lots more. You can select the gadgets you want to see in the sidebar.
4) Networking: You can graphically see the connectivity of your computer as well as the network your computer is part of. If any computer in the network loses its link, it immediately gets graphically shown on your computer.
5) Slide Show: This is a feature that is of more use to the laptop faithful. It allows you to view your contact details, meeting schedules and other important details without having to switch on your laptop if you have a secondary device in any format.So go ahead and arm yourself with the latest in Windows, if you think you can handle it!
A home computer is fine but is restricted to just one room. So why not go for a home laptop instead. These 7 tips allow you to choose wisely when buying a laptop.
1) Processor: Any processor, preferably dual core, will do just fine. Make sure it's not an Intel Celeron or an AMD processor, as these are set aside for cheap notebooks.
2) Operating System: Choose the OS based on your requirements. Microsoft Windows XP Home is sufficient. Windows XP Professional is better. Some are even offering Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
3) Memory: Memory is also dependent on what you plan to use the laptop for. 512 MB is a good amount, but dual core processors should be paired with 1GB.
4) Hard drive: Laptops can be used for larger purposes than a normal PC. So when you are searching for a hard drive, go for 80GB and up.
5) Graphics Card: A mid-range card like the ATI Mobility Radeon X1300, the nVidia GeForce Go 7300, or even the new integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 or 950 GM is good enough. Make sure graphics memory is at least 128MB.
6) Optical Drive: A Dual layer, dual-format DVD/RW drive should be standard. This will give your drive the basic functionality it needs.
7) Ports/Slots: You'll find at least three USB ports. A multi-format media card reader, a Firewire port, S-Video and VGA-Out port should all come standard. Choose between an Express Card Slot and PC Card slot.
You are now set to enjoy the freedom the laptop provides you, while you work, play or simply browse the internet
Your Comfort And Your PC
We are used to using the tried and tested software that is there on every computer. But there are better alternatives available that you might never have known about.
These 5 software alternatives will show you the way.
1. Thunderbird Email Client: This works as a fine alternative to Outlook Express. It has a better filter, attachments are run only with user permission, latest software feature allows you to get updates and security features immediately. You can also add new toolbars and buttons and control the look and working of Thunderbird easily.
2. VLC Media Player: This is a highly portable media player for video and audio formats. It can also be used with your DVDs, VCDs etc as well as a streaming server. It supports more audio formats than the other players.
3. WinRar Compression: This provides all the features of WinZip, with easier usability and lower cost. Upgrades are also free of cost.
4. Open Office: This provides spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software, similar to Microsoft Office but totally free of cost. Ideal replacement for MS Office.
5. Trillian Messenger: It is messenger software that supports MSN, ICQ, Yahoo etc. Having all your accounts under one window is so much easier than managing four separate messenger windows. A must have for the chatting freaks.And the best feature in all these software's is that they are all absolutely free! So, go ahead, do more, without paying anything at all.
A lot of times we tend to forget our tasks scheduled on a particular day. Reminders on the cell phone have failed miserably due to its limited storage capacity. To minimize such kind of flaws at your workplace, you can schedule your tasks very easily with the help of a Task Scheduler. It’s most convenient for you to remember your daily tasks and each time you start Windows it runs in the background. Just read through the following steps and learn how to get started with a Task Scheduler.
• You can easily install Task Scheduler through Internet Explorer. Go to the Control Panel and select Add/Remove Programs.
• Select Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 or 5 from the list, and when a dialog prompts you for what to do, select Add a component.
• Depending on the current release of your browser (4 or 5), you will eventually be given a list of additional software you may install.
• With IE 4 you should select Task Scheduler under Additional Explorer Enhancements.
• With IE 5+ select the Offline Browsing Pack. Or get your IE updates and add-ons from Microsoft’s website.
• It is not necessary to install the shell integration component or to use Internet Explorer as your default browser for the task scheduler to work. Remember task scheduler is independent software which is most often distributed via the Internet Explorer package.
• After successfully installing the Task Scheduler, you can use it to schedule commands, programs, or scripts to run at specified times.
How to use:
• To open Scheduled Tasks, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Scheduled Tasks.
• When Scheduled Tasks is running, this icon appears next to the clock on the taskbar. You can double-click the Scheduled Tasks icon on the taskbar to open Scheduled Tasks.
• Schedule a task to run daily, weekly, monthly, or at certain times, such as when the computer starts or is idle. Customize how a task will run at its scheduled time. Turn off or change the schedule for an existing task.
While working at your computer, many a times you keep searching for folders containing particular information. To do away with this kind of situation of searching blindly, just read through the simple steps below and learn how to spice up your start button and get it to perform to your requirements.
This is what you can use to add items when you right-click on the Start Button:
1. Click Start, click on Run and type the word Regedit
2. Go to HKey_Classes_Root / Directory / Shell
3. Right-click on Shell and select New / Key
4. Type in the name of the key and press the Enter key
5. In the Default name that shows in the right hand panel, you can add a title with a & character in front of the letter for a shortcut
6. Right-click on the key you just created and create another key under it called command
7. For the value of this command, enter the full path and program you want to execute
8. Now when you right click on the Start Button, your new program will show up. You do not need to reboot first.
9. For example, if you wanted WinWord, you would add that as the first key, the default in the right panel would be &WinWord so when you right click on the Start Button, the W would be underlined and you could just press that key. The command would be something like C:\MSOFFICE\WINWORD\WINWORD.EXE
Annoying messages have been invading computer screens all over the world. These "messenger spam" ads can appear on your Windows computer screen without warning when you least expect it. They aren't part of an e-mail message; they just appear on your screen. If you have an Internet connection and are running Windows with its Messenger Service enabled, anyone in the world can make a message pop up on your computer any time, even if e-mail, chat, and your web browser are closed. By default, Microsoft Windows operating systems (98, ME, XP, 2000, NT) have Windows Messenger Service enabled. To eliminate messenger SPAM, simply disable the Messenger service. It can be turned back on any time. Note: no special software is required to get rid of messenger SPAM. Windows XP 1. Click Start > Control Panel. 2. For Category View only (skip this step for Classic View), click Performance and Maintenance. 3. Click Administrative Tools. 4. Double-click Services. 5. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger". 6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties. 7. Click the STOP button. 8. Select Disable or Manual on the Startup Type drop-down menu. 9. Click OK. Windows XP Home Edition 1. Click Start > Control Panel. 2. Click Administrative Tools. 3. Click Component Services. 4. Double-click Services Local. 5. Double-click "Messenger" to bring up the options panel. 6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties. 7. Click the STOP button. 8. Select Disable or Manual on the Startup Type drop-down menu. 9. Click OK. Windows 2000 1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services. 2. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger". 3. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties. 4. Click the STOP button. 5. Select Disable or Manual on the Startup Type drop-down menu. 6. Click OK. Windows NT 1. Click Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Administrative Tools. 3. Select Services > Double-click on Messenger. 4. In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop. 5. Then choose Disable as the Startup Type. 6. Click OK. Windows 98 & ME Windows Messenger Service cannot be disabled.
Is your desk all cluttered up? Is your PC taking up most of the space, creating an awkward position for your keyboard, monitor and the printed material you refer to while working? Here’s a simple solution. Just move the PC to the floor. If your floor is not carpeted put a doormat below it. Just make sure that your wires are long enough for making the relocation possible.
Can't get enough work done on your PC? Instead of blaming the machine, the fault could lie with you. Perhaps you are not really comfortably poised when working on it. Ask yourself these questions: • Is the desk you are working on spacious enough to accommodate everything --- monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers etc? • Is the keyboard at a comfortable angle to your seated position and the monitor? • Is the monitor at the right eye-level (slightly lower than a straight eye-level)? • Do you have enough space to move the mouse around, without having to struggle?• Do you have enough of leg space below the desk? • Are your neck muscles relaxed, or are you straining them? • If you are answering `No' to any of the above you need to do some corrective work. Believe it or not, if you spend a little time to make yourself comfortable when working on your PC, your efficiency will improve drastically.
While PCs have certainly made life easier, they have taken their toll on our eyes. Most suffer eyestrain after spending hours in front of the monitor. Here are some ways to overcome the eyestrain:• Adjust monitor brightness to an intensity that is comfortable for the eyes. It should not be too bright or too dim. • Avoid bright light in your peripheral vision surrounding the PC (sunlight from the window, bright lamp, etc) • Screen background should be such that letters are easily read. Repeat brightness and contrast adjustment till you are comfortable with the outcome. • Restrict glare on your screen (such as the reflection of a table lamp or light from the window) to the minimum. • Position the monitor perpendicular to windows or other bright light sources to reduce glare. • Avoid staring at the monitor constantly. In other words, blink at regular intervals • As a precaution, wet tissue or handkerchief with clean and if possible cold water and place it over closed eyes for a few minutes. This will refresh eyes. • Cup palms and rest your eyes in them. • At periodic intervals fix your sight on a particular distant object and then return attention to the screen.
Use power-free glasses to help reduce strain on eyes.
HOW TO TACKLE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Tanya MunshiPositive and negative thoughts are a part of everyone’s life. But negative thinking can harm our lives by influencing our thinking on a long term basis. Here are some tips to tackle such negative thoughts. All negative thoughts can be controlled, converted and replaced with a happy or a positive thought.What To Do When A Negative Thought Creeps Ino Simple, take it in and throw it out. Some can do it as simply as this, while for others it can take some time.o People who worry take a bit longer to overcome a negative thought than non-worriers. But it is not to say that negative thoughts cannot be overcome at all. o As soon as you get a negative thought try and identify it – is it a thought, feeling or action. o As soon as you identify the negative emotion, you can objectively view it and discard it. o Get busy with things like studying, sports and reading or hobby classes and don’t allow negative thoughts to creep in. o And even if they do, so what? Develop a ‘So what!’ attitude and you will notice a difference. Negative Thoughts And Youo Most of the times, we end up blaming a situation or a person for our negative thoughts. But the fact is we ourselves are responsible for our own happiness.o You can choose to be happy or sad. Hence, you can choose to think positively or negatively.o Remember it’s all in your mind and to overcome it, you need determination and will power.o Having faith in the almighty is another weapon against negative thoughts.o Imagining the worst case scenario allows you to look at negative thoughts in the face and it will stop bothering you. MAKE YOUR LIFE AN ADVENTUROUS ONE!Are you on the looking out for ways to make your life carefree? Use these 7 steps to attain personal change. And when you do, you'll find that the old comfort zone has now expanded and what once looked like a danger zone has now become a place you feel safe with.1. Learn to Change YourselfWhen we find ourselves in an unsatisfactory position due to circumstances beyond our control, such as a job we no longer enjoy or people we no longer like, most of us try to change the situation. We complain, moan, criticize, judge, and condemn. There is only one way to change a disappointing situation. And that is to change ourselves.2. Set ChangesWhen we stay well established in old positions, even if they are no longer relevant, there is no possibility of a change or improvement. That's when it is time to take a risk. 3. Begin like a New StartWhen we start a new adventure or a new enterprise, there is a buzz around it. We've all felt it. It's like the first day at a new school or a new job. Sadly, we soon lose that feeling under everyday routines and habits. In taking personal risks, we can re-discover it. As Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds said, "When you're green you grow; when you're ripe, you rot."4. Re-Invent YourselfReal personal change happen when we do more than just learn a few new skills and habits. Learn to cast yourself off from one identity to another. Tom Peters goes so far as to say that the imagination and zeal to regularly re-create yourself is the definition of greatness. And it doesn't have to be something you do just a few times in a lifetime; it can be something you do every day.5. Manage Your Own Self-EsteemTaking risks is fraught with difficulties and dangers but we can keep going if we learn how to manage our own morale. The keys to morale management are working on your belief that things will turn out positively in the end and creating a support system to help you through tough times. This can be your own support group, the inspiration of people who've been there and done that, and keeping the whole process light.6. Step BackWhen we take risks, it is valuable to be able to distance ourselves from what we are involved in and take an objective position. Here we can see what is going on without being in the fray. When we do that, we can accept criticism dispassionately and not personally. It's also the place we can go to take a breather and chill out.7. Be Prepared To Fail Before You SucceedAll risk carries with it the possibility of failure. Fear of failure is one of the chief reasons we hesitate to take risks in the first place. But we can overcome the fear of failure by making friends with it. As William Faulkner says, there is far more to learn from failure than from success. .THE MAGIC OF SELF-ACKNOWLEDGEMENTJust like a car cannot drive without fuel, a person's ‘drive’ requires acknowledgement. We all need to hear, “Keep it up!” once in awhile to keep our passion alive. To be acknowledged by others for our efforts—large and small—is affirming. We know that others value what we do and that knowledge propels us to continue to give our best. So why is it that you lagging sometimes behind a league of successful people? Even you can do it, go ahead and achieve the best out of your available resources. So what are you lacking?Just out of resentment at your work, perhaps your mom had just made you feel pathetic about your scores in the exams. Perhaps your boss has reprimanded you being eccentric in the organization. So what’s the big deal? They have the freedom to tell you anything and everything and finally go ahead and carry out with their daily chores of work. Remember you have to prove them wrong! It can be by any means or by any channel. Find out the reasons of you going unnoticed. Figure out your efficiency levels and come up with a positive modus-operandi. Take a time-out and value the antipathy that reached you. If you value the antipathy you can work towards your success. Think intensely, keep thinking, value the antipathy, consider the different ways to combat it and be assured of the fact that you will create an anti-dote for the aversion that has just shattered you. Learn to acknowledgeAs kids, we were all loved and showered with acknowledgements from our parents, relatives, neighbours and even friends at certain times. Human beings always crave for any kind of acknowledgement. We wait for everything and almost anything. We wait for parent’s approval, wait for our boss to give us a handsome pay-rise, wait to spend the most enchanting and blissful moment with our soul mates. As we grow up we tend to ignore certain achievements which may not be meaningful in terms of success. We should always learn to be happy with what we have with us. Learn to acknowledge your own achievements, no matter what it is. Don’t try to associate everything in terms of success and failures. Rather take a more positive approach towards everyday life.The Self-Acknowledgement Syndrome• Always learn to acknowledge yourself at least 10 times in a day on something you feel you have done well. It can be anything right from scoring a huge six in a gulley cricket match or for safely driving your car to the office. • If you start appreciating other people by acknowledging them, making them feel good, they will start noticing your act of goodness and they will indeed come back with something to make you feel good. This is a very effective tool to mark your success and stay perked up even at real testing times of your life. • Whenever you mark yourself with a self acknowledging factor, make it a point that you speak to your own self or if possible scream at the top of your voice and just believe the magic of your own words will make you feel positive and vibrant from all corners.• The key to make positive changes in our lives lies in understanding how the process works. It needs to feel good and exciting. The more fun and energy you create, the stronger its effect will be on yourself and others. So next time when somebody tries to pin a blame on you or reprimands you, never lose hope. Take it rationally and work to improve yourself with an extraordinary change.The World is a Huge Candy Store - by Nisandeh and VeredOnce, in the middle of a personal development workshop, one of the participants stood up and began distributing diamond rings to each of the one hundred people in the room.He was a wealthy jeweler, he said, and he had made these expensive rings as gifts to open people's eyes to the abundance of life.On his fifth birthday, the man explained, his uncle had taken him to a candy store and told him that he could take whatever he wanted, and as much as he wanted.The entire store was open to him. He had looked at the jars and trays, and he hadn't known where to begin. Eventually, he filled a bag with all his favorite candies. He didn't take everything, but that feeling of being able to have whatever he wanted, stuck.Experience abundance with your candy store… Since then, he said, he had only been able to notice the abundance of life. He saw the world as full of opportunities, wealth and beauty - all you have to do is, take your pick and fill your bag.The sad truth is that most of us grow up with the opposite feeling - we develop a poverty mentality. We are conditioned to believe that there simply isn't enough. We have to compete and fight and struggle, to get what we need and want. If we reach out our hand, someone else will be rifling through our pockets. The result of that mentality is that we remain hungry.Get a taste of abundance to have a great life!Source: www.inspiration2go.com Mind PowerThe mind is a terrific wonder! One can build almost anything one wants within its premises.Achievements in the tangible world start when one conquers the intangible realms of the mind. So if you want to be successful, start with your mind first. Visualize success in your mind. Enjoy its feel and comfort.See success in your mind’s eye, feel it, taste it and believe it to be YOURS, within your capacity, waiting to be achieved.It is important that we visualize success in our mind’s eye and start working towards it.Imagination is the most fertile ground where success is created and reared. We are after all, a product of our imagination.Working Towards Your Goals Greatness, success, progress, call it what you may are a product of consistent hard work. Success cannot be achieved overnight. One has to continuously work towards it and record progress in small measures. Even an inch forward today is progress rather than procrastination in the hope of running a mile tomorrow. Greatness is not achieved in a sudden surge. Follow Nature, It does not accomplish things in a hurry, likewise our progress in life cannot be achieved in a sudden surge, we have to work towards it consistently!Belief Can Work WondersThe only limitations to our thoughts and actions are created and reared in the confines of the mind. It is the mind that dares to chart its way through the undiscovered and it is the mind yet again which is fearful of what lies beyond the known. Conquering the mind means overcoming fears and creating success. Make up your mind, make a firm resolve that you are going to succeed and you will achieve success. At birth there were no limits to your aspirations, so why should they set in once you have become a `thinking’ person. At all junctures in life we are offered more than one choice, there is nothing like being compelled to act in a particular manner. Capture your dreams and their essence and you will be able to live the life of your choice.Are You Thinking The Right Thing?Have you had your fill of positive thoughts? Now that may seem like a weird question, but most of us tend to ignore mental health and take a positive attitude and mindset for granted. The truth is farthest from this proposition, like the food we eat which shapes our bodies our attitude shapes our mind and finally our Destiny.What we think is reflected through the words we speak. Our thoughts – whether calm or agitated find reflection in our words. What we speak forms the basis of what our future actions are going to be. Like thoughts which spam words, words in return are the breeding ground of actions.Be careful of your actions since a repetition of actions eventually leads to forming a habit. An action repeated over and over translates into a habit. A habit nurtured over a period of time changes into values. And values friends, are what shape our Destiny. So be careful of what you think…you may actually get what you thought about!
There are as many different ways to study as there are different people. The following list is tips that have worked best for the greatest number of people. Some of them may work for you, some of them won't, but try them all and work out your own study plan. You cannot change the number of hours, but you can decide how to best use them.
1) Study in the Same PlaceFind a secluded place, away from distractions, with plenty of space to work. Once you've found it, study at the same place every time. It could be a desk in your bedroom, the kitchen table, or the local library. Laying down on your bed or sprawled across the living room rug are generally not good study places. Also make sure that you keep your spine erect for better level of concentration.
2) Study at the Same TimeFigure out a suitable time of day you can concentrate best, and what works into your schedule. Use that time every day to study. Try to make sure it is not too late in the evening. It is important to have uninterrupted study time.
3) Use a Homework BoxKeep all your homework supplies in one place, ready to be used. Keep them organized, and you won't need to waste your time searching for resources.
4) Cut out All DistractionsIf your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. The TV should be switched off, other people's conversations should be in another room, music should be turned down, and phone calls should be taken after you've finished studying. Any other thoughts in your mind should also be set aside for a later time.
5) Do the Hard Things FirstIf you are dreading a particular assignment, or you are aware that it requires a lot of extra effort, do it first. Your brain will be fresh. Besides, you won't have to dwell on it while you are working on other homework.
6) Schedule Long Term ProjectsLarger projects need to be broken into smaller components to make them convenient. For example, these components could be such things as gathering notes, writing a rough draft, making corrections or additions, writing a bibliography, and completing the final copy. Set yourself a deadline for completing each component and make sure you stick to it.
7) Review RegularlyHomework is not just that which is assigned every night. A regular review of your notes should be a part of your homework plan. This takes just a few minutes each day, but will pay off considerably when it comes to test time.
8) Write up a ContractEach Sunday before a school week, prepare a Weekly Schedule. Update it as the week goes on. Be sure to include times for completing assignments, working on projects and studying for tests.
9) Schedule Each Homework SessionWhen you sit down to do your homework, make up a quick schedule as to how you are going to use your time. Break it up into blocks of time that you will spend on each task.
10) Avoid Doing a MarathonIf you've followed the previous tips, this last one should never happen. However, you need to know that marathon study sessions are the least productive way to study. So don’t keep your things pending till the last moment to avoid unnecessary hiccups.
GETTING FOCUSED
GETTING FOCUSED
To show his son the poverty of people around, a rich father took his son to the country. They spent a day and a night at the farm of a very poor family. At the end of this excursion the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
Very good, Dad!" replied the son. "Did you see the poverty of the people?" the father asked.
"Yes!" said the son. "And what did you learn?" asked the father, the son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden; they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our garden reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon. We have a lot of flowers but they have bunches for the picking.”
When the son finished, the father was dumbfounded. The son said, "Thank you, father, for showing me how poor we are!"
What we posses or have really depends on how we choose to look at things. A positive attitude to life, love, family, friends, health and good humour do not come with a price tag. They can not be bought and if you are spiritually poor you indeed have nothing.
Pep quote"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too, can become great."--Mark Twain
Define Your Dream With Little Goals
A life without a goal is meaningless. When your dreams are penned down they translate into goals that demand to be met. The purpose of a goal is to focus your attention.
When we have certain goals to meet, our minds start working towards achieving it. When our efforts help us to succeed, the sense of achievement is tremendous and no one can rob you of this joy. Establish a goal worth working for. Your goal will keep you going in tough times.
Make it a habit to always have something ahead of you. Continuously visualize your next step and plan on how to go about realizing that part. Having met that goal move ahead and set another. Maintain a momentum of progress by having something to look forward to and something to work for. Every little success or victory ultimately pushes you closer to your dream.
A simple axiom which people fail to realize is that a dream is made up of a lot of small goals that are met along the way. You can plant your dream with a goal.Pep Quote“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That is where they should be. Now put the foundation under them.“ --Henry David Thoreau
Is Your Energy Directed In The Right Direction
It is hard to imagine success without concentration. When a mountaineer starts his climb, all he sees is the peak and that’s all he should see. With every step the peak comes closer to him. The door of success can always be opened with concentration. Every task you undertake can be finished successfully however difficult if you apply yourself and concentrate.
When all your energies are directed towards achieving a set of goals, nothing can stop you from finishing it off successfully. Focus your concentration and your energies to one point, and go about achieving that.
When your physical and mental resources are focused, your ability to tide over difficulties, and your power to resolve problems increases tremendously and you can weather any storm. Remember that to do two things at once is as good as doing neither. Success is the result of well directed energy.
Pep Quote”Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees.” --Williard Marriott
GETTING FOCUSED
GETTING FOCUSED
Your Future Is A Carnival
How do you define future? Is tomorrow a future? Do you plan for it? Are you thinking about five years from now? Is that your future? Is it ten years from now? What is it? Well, future is all of the above and much more. Future is what all like to dream about, many like to predict and few work to realise. Now, if that is future how do you go about working on dreams, thinking on predictions and making sure it’s grand?
Here’s a simple question that answers it: Does your future define itself and you prefer to just work in the present? If yes, then you are partly correct. You need to work in the present to secure your future. But letting future define itself is not exactly what winners do. Successful people first dream their accomplishments and then they throw themselves headlong into realizing their dreams. The dreams of these successful people define their bright future. And their work today ensures that. So working today is correct but letting future define itself is not.
Your future is an unimaginable array of choices. At every step you can change it to your liking, achieve your goals, set higher goals and repeat your path to victory innumerable times. It is a big adventure and to be a part of that adventure you need to work for it. If you think you can win, then your future automatically projects you as a winner. It is now up to you to do the spadework to build the bridge between your present and your future.
Pep Quote“A well thought through written plan of action is the difference between realizing your dream and wishful thinking.” -- Daniel A. Janssen
Face Your Troubles Head On
Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand steps begins with a single step.”
All of us undertake a journey. It’s called life. And life is a fascinating journey coupled with failures and successes. So why is life fascinating if there are failures to be encountered?
When we set out on our journey of life, we learn many things. We set personal goals, personal values that we cherish. We work towards fulfilling our dreams and achieving our goals. If we were to achieve our goals without any obstacles, we would end up taking success for granted.
Never be scared to face those obstacles. Remember that no matter how big your problems, you will always emerge the winner if you want to. So instead of contemplating on taking up an initiative or starting work on an idea, you should think about solving the problems and meeting the challenges that it throws at you. Only then can you define your success and only then can you find a purpose for your success.
Pep Quote“Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.“ - James Allen
GETTING FOCUSED
GETTING FOCUSEDSteps to Building Your Confidence…Andy Garcia writes…I just learned how to drive a stick shift! I have put it off forever, but finally did it. I realized a few things after this experience. Many people want to try new things, but hold back. Below are three reasons why people don't try new things, and what you can do to avoid them.1. LACK OF UNDERSTANDING I didn't understand how driving this type of car worked. If I did, I would have been more willing to give it a try. When we don't understand how something works, it is easier to shy away from trying it.The solution is to learn how it works. Get the facts and talk with others who have experienced it. After learning how it works, you will find it to be less overwhelming, and you will be more willing to learn something new.2. NAYSAYERS People love to tell each other that things are harder than they think. I have heard many times that driving a stick shift is tough, and most beginners have a horrible time learning it. I believed them. When someone offered to let me try, I declined, remembering what my friends had told me.The solution is to ignore the naysayers and just do it! Maybe they are right, and it is hard. That is still no reason not to try. Maybe they are wrong, and it's not so bad. You'll never know until you do it.3. EMBARRASSMENT One of the biggest obstacles to learning new things is the fear of doing it wrong. We worry so much about what others think that we forgo many opportunities and challenges. The solution is simple.Don't worry about it! People do not pay as much attention to you as you may think. They also feel the same way. Take the risk, and go for it! When you succeed, you may inspire others to do the same.When you are interested in trying something new, learn about it, don't worry about negative comments, and don't worry about doing it wrong. Have fun and just do it!by Jason Gracia - Motivation123 WANT TO GET MOTIVATED? Get your FREE Motivation123 Idea-Kit, filled with tips and ideas to help you get and stay motivated, reach your goals, and improve your attitude at the Motivation123 Web site. http://www.motivation123.com
Learning Right
Learning how to take notes effectively during classes and lectures is a college student’s first step to making the transition from school to college easier. Once you master the art of taking notes, preparing for exams will become considerably less taxing and significantly more enjoyable.1. Come prepared to class
Work with a three-ring binder instead of a spiral or bound book. It’s easier to remove pages for reviewing.
Bring highlighters to class. Professors will typically make comments like, "this is an important concept" or "make sure you understand this". These are important hints that this content will more than likely be on an exam and highlighting them will remind you of this later.
2. Improve your listening skills
Make a conscious effort to pay attention.
Try not to zone out when a lecture takes an unexpected detour, for instance, if a student asks a question you aren't particularly interested in. You may take this opportunity to tune out, but before you know it, the lecture gets back on track, and you’ve missed important information that should have been noted.
3. Organize your material for easy reference
Start each new lecture on a new page; date and number each page for easy reference later.
Write on one side of the paper only. You can set them out side-by-side for easier reviewing when studying for an exam.
Leave blank spaces as this will allow you to add comments or questions later.
Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols you can use wherever possible.
Mark or underline all unfamiliar words or concepts. This will remind you to look them up later.
4. Pay close attention to content
Knowing precisely what and how much to note down is sometimes difficult. Rely on some of the following tips for what to include in your notes.
Always include details, facts, or explanations that expand or explain the main points that are mentioned. Don't forget to include examples.
Make a note of definitions, word for word.
Jot down enumerations or lists of things that are discussed.
5. Go over and edit your notes
Reviewing and editing class notes is the most important part of note taking.
It is extremely important to review your notes within 24 hours while the concepts are still fresh in your memory.
Edit words and phrases that are illegible or don't make sense and write out abbreviated form for more clarity.
Note anything you don't understand by underlining or highlighting it to remind you to get a clarification from the professor.
Consider rewriting or typing up your notes.
ETIQUETTE FOR GROUP DISCUSSIONS
- Juhi Dua
Almost all post graduation colleges and even some graduation colleges have group discussions as an essential part of their admission process. Group Discussions enables the jury to judge the student’s ability to think, communicate, solve problems and react to a particular situation or a subject. It is here that they will judge how well you can interact with your peers and how well you dodge an argument or take to opposition. Thus, it’s important to be aware of the unwritten rules of group discussions to court success.Tips for success in group discussionsKeep these dos and don’ts in mind and you are unlikely to go wrong. Speak enough and effectivelyFirst, there is nothing wrong with being quiet. At the same time, you don't want to be too quiet. Speaking is important for being noticed but speaking too much is not recommended. It is important to make sure the statements you make are concise and to the point so think before you shoot out your words. You don't want to give the wrong impression by making statements that are not clear and you don’t want to reflect thoughts contrary to your belief either. So be careful about what and how much you speak. Do not be over assertive or disrespectfulNever ridicule the comments or ideas of others. If you disagree with a statement made by another member, voice your disagreement in mature, respectful way. Instead of saying "that doesn't make any sense," say "I don't know if I agree. Could you elaborate?" This will not be as offensive as the other statement. On the other hand, if you do not allow others to speak or cut them down incessantly or speak rudely or sarcastically, you are likely to be perceived as disrespectful and arrogant and no one wants disrespectful and arrogant students in their college. Listen before you reactIn a group discussion, listening to the others views and assimilating what they have to say is as important as speaking out. If you speak out something without understanding the other person’s views, you are bound to come across as foolish and stupid. So listen carefully to where the discussion is going and then react. Don’t speak for the heck of itSpeaking more is not considered smart but is looked at as attention gathering technique. You will be appreciated more for speaking sense rather then speaking more. So stay away from the habit of speaking for the heck of it. Avoid conflict statementsAvoiding conflict in a group discussion is crucially important. Once a conflict has started, it is very difficult to control it. Everyone is different and will have strong beliefs about a topic that may differ from others. That does not mean you go all out and bash others for their different views. Never tell a member of the group that they are wrong. Instead, disagree with them by using phrases such as "it may be better to...." or "may be we should do it this way?" You are there to make it through the admission process and not to change a person’s thinking style. So stick to your goals! Tackle trouble with tactIf someone is trying to argue with you just to pull you down, dismiss the argument with a smile and a firm statement. Say something like, “I respect you for your view but don’t really adhere to it” or something like, “I like the passion with which you believe in your views but I would still like to stick to my opinion. Maybe we both are right.” The idea is to try and end an argument politely so as not to make it a one to one verbal bashing match.Always remember be precise, be comprehensive, be focused on the issue and you will be able to hit the nail.
Learning Right
First impressions last and handwriting makes that first impression on the reader. Whether it’s the examiner reading your answer sheet or your professor checking your answers, the reader is stimulated and impressed the minute they see a neatly presented sheet in front of them. On the other hand, a messy notebook or answer sheet has the ability to put off just about any one. If your scores are dropping in spite of your always correct and well-articulated answers, then you know where you are loosing out.Improve now!It’s never too late to improve your handwriting. A bit of practice, determination to improve and above all, understanding of the right techniques together can help you make those letters on the paper look good, enabling you to score better, in exams and in life as well. Here are some tips to help you improve:1. Use the right muscle groups instead of writing with fingersPeople who invariably have handwriting problems write with their fingers and do not use the right muscle groups. They "draw" the letters instead of writing. Such a finger-writer puts the full weight of his/her hand on the paper. His fingers form the letters and he picks his hand up repeatedly to move it across the paper as he writes. The result is writing that looks like frenzied chickens let loose on the page. On the other hand, people with cleaner handwriting usually rest their hands fairly heavily on the paper and let their forearms and shoulders move as they write. Their writing has a rhythm and elegance that shows they’re using at least some of the right muscle groups. They don’t draw the letters with their fingers. The fingers serve more as guides. Master this art of not writing with the fingers consciously and you will have started on a tirade to improve.2. Get a good handwriting sample to learn from Once you have figured the good handwriting technique, its time to get down to practicing it. Keep in mind the rule to use your right muscle groups and not to write with your fingers. Find an example of handwriting you like and find worthy of imitating. Treat this sample handwriting as a goal you want to reach at.3. Practice makes a man perfect, so gather the right tools and start practicingGet some lined paper in a rule you're comfortable with and choose a pen or pencil you like using. Remember that a costlier pen doesn't necessarily mean it's better for you. It could be anything you are comfortable writing with. Also remember that perfecting your handwriting will be an ongoing process. You will have to patently work towards your goal for days till you unconsciously start practicing improving your handwriting.4. Hold the pen properlyThe best position to hold the pen is at an angle of 45 degrees to the paper. Hold it lightly and don’t pressurize or strangle it with your grip.5. Begin with single lettersBegin with individual letters and practice writing them to perfection, following the style of your chosen writing sample. Concentrate on overall letter formation, the slant and form of each letter, and beginning and ending strokes.6. Progress gradually and learn to give correct word spacing Move on to complete words once you have finished practicing individual letter writing. Keep in mind the space between the characters, how you join letters to form words and the space between words. To write readably, you must give enough space between words and between lines. The space should not be too much or too little but there must be at least the space of a 'u'.7. Try slanting your handwriting and avoid capitalsStraight handwriting is not very easy to read whereas slant handwriting is pleasing to the eye. Try to slant the letters to the right rather than to the left. Avoid capitals. Many children continue to write in capital letters thinking it is more readable which is exactly opposite to the truth. Capital letters are less readable than small letters.8. Highlight your headlines and essential pointsWhile writing for exams carry a ruler and a highlighter and underline and highlight the headlines and essential points in the answer. This will enable the examiner to know in one glance the flow and crux of your answer.9. Anytime, anywhereUtilize left over time during boring lectures, commuting time, doctor's office visits and so on to practice your handwriting instead of doodling or staring into space. This will accelerate your handwriting improvement process.There is nothing practice can’t perfect so never give up and you will soon reap the benefits of your determination and hard work. Happy writing!
From the best primary schools to the outstanding B schools of India, the implementation of speeches and presentations is ever increasing and becoming almost mandatory. Here are the top 10 tips which will ensure a captive audience.Tip 1- Work heavily, write and rewrite the material in your own vocabulary until it sounds completely correct to your own ears. Use simple words that are not difficult to enunciate. Use everyday language so that your audience can understand your message easily. Avoid technical terms or keep them to a minimum level as much as possible.Tip 2- Use descriptive phrases so that you get an opportunity to delve deep into the minds of your listeners and so that they get an understanding of what you are talking about. People don't like to get informed. It’s always better to give a mental picture to your audience while delivering a speech.Tip 3- Avoid using a lot of statistics that will put your audience asleep in their chairs. Just keep the vital statistics in your speech to a minimum amount.Tip 4- At times humour can be an effective method to get undivided attention from your audience or to drive them to a certain point, or simply help to keep their attention on you. Humour can also effectively lessen tension, especially yours. Use short jokes or personal anecdotes for this purpose. Just make sure your entertaining material is appropriate for the audience you are speaking to.Tip 5- Your speech will probably either inform or persuade your listeners to take particular action. Be sure to include localized information in your speech that pertains to your audience's specific needs.Tip 6- Read your speech out loud several times to hear how it will sound to your audience. Rehearse giving your speech in front of a mirror. Visualize that way you are able to see how you are going to look at the audience. This technique will help you to relax and feel more comfortable.Tip 7- Make sure to speak a little louder than your normal pitch. Avoid yelling into the microphone, but speak loud enough so that you can be easily heard by the entire audience, not just the first few rows.Tip 8- When you are delivering a speech to your audience, remember to slow your pace down a little bit and don't rush through the words. Make sure to enunciate and don't slur your words either.Tip 9- Flyers, brochures and other single-sheet handouts are useful visual aids which you can circulate among the audience before, during, or right after the end of your speech. This way the audience will have all the necessary written information to take home with them and review afterwards.Tip 10- Remember to be an appreciative speaker and do thank the people who have asked you to deliver the speech. At the end of the speech feel obliged to thank the audience for listening to you.
• When a new subject is being introduced in class, try and recollect previous knowledge on the subject and relate it to the current topic. • Concentrate on what is being taught in case you do not have any previous knowledge on the subject. • Sit at a place from where instructions are audible and cogent. Ideally this would mean sitting in the front row of the class. • Pay heed to main issues and take notes whenever you feel unsure. • Review notes post class and relate it to what was taught in class. • Rewriting notes also helps in remembering subjects. • Highlighting or underlining important topics and vocabulary is a good method to memorize a topic.
Bright ideas have a habit of cropping up at the least expected of times, in the shower, amidst a traffic jam, while just nodding off to sleep are a few examples of such places and times. And before you know it—poof… it vanishes, leaving you with that nagging feeling of having found a gold mine but lost it. Well let’s repair the situation: Make a habit of jotting down ideas as they come to you.
Keep a ready supply of pencils and small notepads/ sheets of paper around the house, in your pockets, so that you don’t drop jotting down an idea due to the lack of writing materials. Later on you may discard several of these hastily jotted down thoughts, but it is the few that work that make all the effort seem worthwhile.
Even when you may be listening to a lecture, notes can come handy. Concise notes can capture the entire gist of a topic and help you recall all the salient points.
So make it a habit to taking down points and ideas. They can be immensely helpful.
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