The Success Chain

From One Success to the Next

Metaphors of the Self: Roads and Wheels

January 20th, 2012 Posted in Automobile Tags: , ,

When the rubber meets the road, everything is put to the test.  This is the metaphor that speaks most poetically to the testing of the mettle, and it’s one that is entirely useful in making one’s own plans for a successful future.  Metaphors are very much like positive affirmations, but there’s a difference.  With positive affirmations, their effectiveness is based on simplicity and repetition.  They are usually statements that reveal a powerful truth in a new way, and can still carry their power of meaning even when they are repeated numerous times throughout any given day.  With metaphors, there is a complexity to them that is rather hidden.  They begin like affirmations, with a simplicity that is attractive, but they are also juicy enough that more can be understood from them with deeper contemplations.  The road metaphor can take on something as general as the open highway, or as specific as kmc wheels and still encourage and strengthen one’s inner convictions.

 

In many cases, the metaphors that work the best are also the ones that are the most familiar.  One experience can serve to bring wisdom to another experience.  Life as a journey, as an adventure, or as a temporary trip is a metaphor that seems to run across time and culture, revealing a common thread of experience in the human story that speaks to the notion of the road.  West African proverbs often speak of the road, and it serves as a very rich metaphor that stands for many kinds of experiences in the world.  In the North American myths of the road, there are stories of expansion, discovery, loss, and coming of age.  Although these can be seen as very specific to the literatures from here, the same stories do tend to repeat all over the world.  There are some connotations to road and travel metaphors that are particular, like linking runflat tires to notions of power and performance, but even these sentiments do translate across rivers and oceans.  The power of a metaphor, then, is one that can cover enormous distances, and their usefulness is really proven only by the test of time.  In terms of finding useful metaphors for self-improvement, the road is one of the more useful ones.  It is common across time and space, but it is also part of most people’s daily experience, suggesting that even the every day is more mythical than we might imagine.

 

Sitting Still as a Way of Moving Forward

December 24th, 2011 Posted in Lifestyle Tags:

One of the more difficult things to reconcile on any spiritual path is that distinction between self and other. There are times when a certain kind of rugged individualism seems to be the key to unlock the secrets of success, but there are more instances where the opposite is true. It’s not very easy to build any kind of spiritual life where there isn’t a central notion that everything is connected, and there is no such thing as an individual.

This is probably best represented by that very common but useful metaphor of sitting. Sitting still is impossible for a busy mind, but it is always possible, so it is almost always necessary to still the mind. The best way to do this is to sit still. These circles of logic make no sense on the surface, but come to work very well when they are put into practice. The notion of being still, or set , has roots in Sanskrit. It most likely comes from the word satjana , which has both connotations of stillness as well as of nobility. Here already there are things that seem to uproot a sense of success, where there are older notions of the same thing that are not based upon individual achievement, but on the collective.

The notion of the collective is not always one where the individual gets lost, absorbed into the crowd. It is much more likely, and much more useful, to consider it as a way of seeing oneself in relation to a larger whole. It is like being part of a cloth. The cloth metaphor is one that does tend to repeat across cultures and across time. There is sometimes an emphasis on one’s own line in relation to spiritual action. The line or lineage is not limited to spiritual practices in the east, or the west, or in any of the earth religions. It occurs and recurs everywhere, because one is, in essence, the living culmination of the teachings of the ones who taught before us.

The word itself, line, comes from linen , which is also the root for the flax seed. The flax is popular now for its immense nutritional value, but it is also the source of cloth. The line, then, is that very thing that connects us in many ways, and to be part of a cloth is a useful metaphor for what are very real connections in many spiritual teachings. Here one can start to catch a glimmer of that thing that makes personal motivation become a necessity, and even an inevitability, because there are forces at work to help make it into a reality, because it is a birthright.

Finding a New Apartment Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

December 16th, 2011 Posted in Lifestyle, Real Estate Tags: , ,

Study after study has found that moving is one of the most stressful events in life. This is due, in large part, to the fact that humans don’t really like change. People may say that they thrive on change, but there is an evolutionary resistance to new environments — places that are unfamiliar mean that it is harder to assess threats, find food and water, and feel safe. So, even those who like change will probably experience a bit of disorientation and stress when the move actually happens.

For many, the stress starts as soon as a decision is made to move. Having to find a new place to live, whether by choice or do to external factors such as a career change, marriage, or foreclosure, involves a lot of choices and choice equals stress.

There are some ways to make the process of looking for a new apartment or rental home easier. Real estate websites are a good place to start. For example, Daniel Drimmer created Starlight Apartments to bring together rental apartments in cities across Canada in one place. There are actually a number of property management and apartment rental companies that pool multiple listings in one site. They make it very easy for a prospective renter to search for available units by location, size, price and amenities. The best sites offer virtual tours to view properties online. This allows individuals to weed out listings that don’t meet their need, leaving a few good prospects to check out in person.

Another option is to work directly with a realtor. Many realtors handle rental properties as well as sales. They may do double-duty as property managers or simply list rentals that are owned by their clients. Identifying property or apartment management companies is another way to narrow the field. Agents will sit down with couples or families to identify the type of apartment that best suits their needs and then the agent will do the work of sorting through all the listings.

The best way to go about finding an apartment is the same as with any big purchase or investment: Identify the absolute needs, such as price range, number of bedrooms, access to transportation or schools, etc. Then list amenities that are preferred, but not necessary, like a heated swimming pool or exercise room. Make sure that deal breakers are clearly identified and then prioritize the remaining items. Use that list when talking with agents, searching websites, or even when looking through traditional classified ads. Keep to the list and the resulting decision will be much easier to make.

Learning a Second Language as an Adult

December 10th, 2011 Posted in Education Tags:

Learning a second language is a challenging project, especially if you’re a monolingual adult. In addition, this is typically the time when most people begin their intellectual expansion and it proves to be quite difficult. However, it is also true that it serves as a great benefit for children to come from multilingual families and backgrounds, as learning more than one language in childhood, particularly as your language skills are developing, greatly enhances ones intellectual abilities, abstract thought capacities and cultural understanding . This might sound like an amazing amount of personal evolution resulting from the simple act of learning more than one language, but then, have you tried to achieve this as an adult. There are numerous classes for adults that are focused on the basic skills of a new language, as well as those that are geared for specific fields and needs. Englsh as a second language is one of the commonly found class options for people in the United States as well as numerous other countries. In addition to the in-class support there are numerous esl activities available.

Another popular reason why many adults choose to study a second language is that they plan to travel to country that speaks it. For instance, there are some great immersion classes available in French and Spanish, as two examples though there are plenty of others, that provide the student with enough of a grasp of that language to function while on vacation. And even if you plan to use your native language the majority of the time you’re on vacation, which most people do, it is still a good idea to study the primary language of a country before visiting. This not only adds to your overall traveling experience, but contributes to your understanding of the local culture and customs.

In addition to the numerous support or contextually oriented language classes, there are multiple others that are intended for those who wish to become entirely bi-lingual and fluent in another language. One of the complementary aspects with cultural and language development is the study of the associated geography. If you are studying a second language for any reason, a geography quiz of the area can contribute to your vocabulary as well as overall understanding. This is a great way to expand your horizons, literally and figuratively, and requires little time and expense investment. And it can be very personally rewarding to read novels-http://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100/100-best-novels/ and other literature genres in the writer’s native voice and original words. That’s just one of the great benefits of learning a new language, there are numerous others.

Being Your Own Boss

November 24th, 2011 Posted in Business Tags: , ,

Having the freedom to make your own hours is the great appeal for so many entrepreneurs. Although there is definitely something seductive about the idea of sleeping in every morning, it’s far more likely that one will inevitably work more hours than they ever did before. That’s not a bad thing. The hours spent putting one’s own venture to the test, and letting it blossom into its own organism is worth all the time and energy. If there is any disappointment about the long hours, it’s very much balanced out by the pleasures of being your own boss.

There is always a great attraction toward living according to one’s own principles, and working for yourself means walking in a well-tread path. It might seem revolutionary at first, leaving behind the pressures of a nine hour workday in an environment you didn’t create yourself, but it doesn’t take a lot of work to discover that people have been pursuing this dream for a very long time. One can find traces of it in books like, Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow or even Joseph Campbells dictum to “Follow your bliss.” The idea is old, and it’s always come as a revelation that one can actually do what they like and still make a living.

In trying economic times, it is perhaps more challenging, but it doesn’t need to be terrifying. When times are lean and jobs are scarce, it does make sense to keep what one has, and maintain as much equilibrium as possible. But it’s no coincidence that so many are drawn to trying new things, and creating new businesses, when the current opportunities have gone. In today’s high-tech world, more things are possible, and, with a facebook profile and an idea, one can start finding ways of generating income streams and networking without even leaving the house.

Like anything worth doing, there are risks. And like most ways of making a living, there is always a certain uncertainty. It’s always possible to reduce risks by approaching things with a little bit of business acumen and some street savvy. Having liquid assets in reserve is always helpful, some credit is necessary, and knowledge of resources like Money Mutual can be invaluable. There are always ways of increasing one’s chances for success. Initially, the rewards may come only in abstracts, such as the freedom to make one’s own hours and decisions, but these abstracts, with a little luck and a lot of planning, can turn into material wealth.

 

Interior and Inner Decorating

August 24th, 2011 Posted in Home Decor Tags: ,

Becoming inspired to take an active role in one’s own destiny can be a challenge.  In the initial stages, it takes more work than one could have ever imagined, or so it seems.  But in almost no time at all, everything changes, and hindsight always reveals that the small things necessary to make a motivated life possible were very minimal, and the rewards are always extraordinary.

For some, it’s really a question of attitude shifting.  On some level, of course, it’s always about attitude shifting, and this can be entirely difficult or enormously simple every time it’s necessary to shift.  Deciding to be productive can lead to one action that can lead to a chain of reactions, and the rewards here are all to clear.  For others, however, it’s an ongoing process, one that needs small adjustments to keep everything in balance.  Here, some initial work is more necessary.

Making the home ready for a change is very much like working on one’s own personality.  It can become an amazing meditative tool that has real repercussions on how one perceives the world.  It’s easy here, then, to see how new blinds for windows can create changes very suddenly.  A shift in perspective can come from metaphorical as well as literal actions, and changing the way one looks out the window of their home doesn’t only have results in the mundane world.

New paint, a new mirror, small touches here and there can also have remarkable results, and often equal to factory direct blinds or other cosmetic shifts in the daily landscape.  With so many people working from home now, the rewards of a pleasant surrounding are very apparent.  For those who only get to spend time in their own quarters now and then, there is an equal draw toward making them more accommodating and welcoming.

At the end of the day, it does come back to attitude.  A shift in the way one wakes up to look at the world can indeed spark a revolution of activity, leading to a life that is both effective and internally fulfilling.  The way these actions tend to reward the person doing the acting is something that can only be felt when falling into an easy sleep when the day is done.  Internally and externally, then, these small and large shifts work together to make a life that is interesting, rewarding, and also beautiful, in every sense of the word.

Rental Properties

July 21st, 2011 Posted in Business, Real Estate Tags: , ,

Owning and operating a rental property such as an apartment complex can be an overwhelming and daunting task, but it can also be extremely awarding as well. It is always important to know what you are getting yourself into when making an investment. A rental property has many needs and it is crucial to understand what the time, the financial and physical commitment is going to be.

Rental Property

A rental property requires you to cater to the needs of the tenants and to come up with a strategy or plan to acquire more tenants. Some of the other things that are required of a rental property are collecting rent payments, making property repairs, answering complaints, marketing the property and handling disputes.

Usually, managing a rental property is too much responsibility for one land lord. Most people who invest in a rental property will hire a property management company such as TransGlobe Property Management which is a leading Canadian property management company. A property management company will take care of all the needs of the property and will handle all of the responsibilities. They will collect rent, update the property, handle repairs and market the property to make sure they always have tenants. Some landlords do not believe they need to hire a property management service to run their property, but the amount of money spent on these types of services is totally worth it. While it does cost money to hire a company to handle the property management, the amount of time it will save you is worth every penny.

Acquiring a rental property is a large investment and it is important to make sure that you look at every detail before investing. While these types of investments take a lot of time and money, there are services available which will take care of the responsibilities and will help make your property lucrative.

Life in the Backyard

June 7th, 2011 Posted in Home Tags:

In the digital age many kids are more likely to be found sitting in their homes rather than playing outside. They meet their friends online or in multi-player games on their Xbox or Wii. They text on their cellphones and chat on their computers. A few are even old school enough to sit watching television or videos. While some of these activities may be channeled into educational options, they still can’t compare with time spent out in the sun and fresh air.

Children should spend at least a part of their day engaged in active play. This will not only help prevent childhood obesity . It will establish lifelong habits of activity and will help kids develop an appreciation for being outside.

Having a swing set and swing set accessories likes slides and monkey bars are a great incentive to outdoor play. Purchasing bicycles and skates are also good options. Some kids may ask for sports equipment so that they can play baseball, football, or soccer in their backyard. A family swimming pool, even a small above ground pool will also draw kids outside. A treehouse, playhouse, or even a tent can encourage kids to spend outside instead of in — parents just need to make sure that they aren’t taking their portable video games and cell phones with them.

Utility and Menu Covers

May 26th, 2011 Posted in Business Tags:

Menu covers can be an afterthought in many new restaurants. The food, location, and service are usually the priorities that get all the attention. Many small neighborhood restaurants open with a few booths, basic table settings, and menus printed out on a home computer. However, even a bootstrap eatery should think about investing in menu covers because they serve several important functions.

The most basic menu covers are clear plastic holders that protect the menu. Imagine a pizza or barbecue place that had simple paper menus. How long would it take for the sauce to stain the menus and make them unreadable? How often would new menus have to be printed? It makes much more sense to buy some menu covers and extend the life to each menu. The same goes for any restaurant that will have lots of kids and busy families. Protecting the menu from damage is the priority.

Now, in nicer restaurants the menus still need to be protected, but not to the same degree. In these cases the menu may be placed in a display folder. The face of the menu is exposed, but the leather or vinyl cover is what diners hold. An occasional stain may find it’s way onto the paper, but the menu is safe from tears and fingerprints. More importantly, the cover is appropriate for restaurant’s design, as a plastic cover would look out of place in an upscale eatery.

While utility is obviously important in the bottom line of a restaurant , being able to combine function with aesthetics is why menu covers are worth the investment.

Las Vegas Innovative Symphony Park

May 9th, 2011 Posted in Culture Tags:

As one of the nation’s most vibrant and progressive city’s, Las Vegas is continually expanding its cultural horizons as well as attracting millions of new, and sometimes repeat, visitors every year. One of the recent additions to the city is the unique and modernly envisioned Symphony Park. The park is considered to be a modern-day city neighborhood, that boasts hosting numerous cultural attractions. The design for the park was developed with an essential sustainability and eco-friendly intention. Much of today’s engineering and architecture is leading the way for a future of compatibility, harmony and sustainability.

Last year the park saw the opening of the new center for brain health. Officially titled, The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is now considered to be complete after opening the Event Center almost one year ago on May 21, 2010. The center has been seeing patients since 2009. Some of the facilities still under construction in the park include the Discovery Children’s Museum and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts . Another intriguing aspect of the park is the residential section, which encompasses five city blocks. The community includes an assortment of mid and high rise condominiums and town houses. The park is a great place to visit and explore and is frequently on the priority list for many self guided Las Vegas tours .

Managing Conflict Takes Training

April 16th, 2011 Posted in Education Tags:

Professional conflict management is about a lot more than the rudimentary listening skills that are taught in business seminars. Individuals who want to make a difference in the worlds of business, diplomacy, and organizational management are undertaking advanced negotiation and mediation training . These programs earn masters and even doctoral degrees and give students the opportunity to really examine the nature of conflict and learn to apply practical mediation and negotiation skills in real world scenarios.

Basic conflict occurs between individuals. This may be coworkers, supervisor and employee, or even between a vendor and a customer. The type of conflicts that advanced training address are those between larger entities. This includes disputes between departments or entire companies. It also covers labor disputes between workers and management and conflicts between companies and government agencies or entire communities. Advanced conflict resolution comes into play on an international stage as companies move into new countries and countries build new diplomatic relationships with other nations.

Learning to understand the nature of organizational conflict is at the heart of mediation training. Students learn to work with various parties to understand their specific needs and perspectives and to help them communicate those factors to the other side of the table. A good program will offer students plenty of simulations and role playing exercises that allow them to test theories and put skills to practice. This ensures that once they graduate, they really do have the skills necessary to mediate in a wide range of situations.

Locality Is Everything When it Comes to Lawyers

April 2nd, 2011 Posted in Legal Tags:

Next to law enforcement and medicine, it seems like the law is a very popular subject in popular culture. Legal thrillers top the best seller lists and some of the most popular television shows of all time have followed lawyers and their cases — there is currently a show, The Defenders, that chronicles two lawyers in las vegas . America has become a country of armchair lawyers who can debate the legal cases of celebrities, fallen politicians, and other famous people.

When it is actually time to hire a lawyer, however, most people experience a sort of brain freeze. They aren’t sure where to look and they are worried about hiring the wrong guy. When their business, family, or very freedom may be at stake, hiring the right lawyer is essential.

The most important thing these individuals need to realize is that, as in real estate, location is everything. This is because so many of the laws that govern daily life are decided at the local level. While there are going to be some similarities between DUI laws in neighboring states, it is a mistake to hire lawyers in reno to handle a DUI case in California. Jurisdiction is usually decided at the state and city or county level and licenses are issued by the state. Consumers need to be sure that the lawyer they hire is a local one.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea with CPAP Machines

March 23rd, 2011 Posted in Health Tags:

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with having sleep apnea, then you most likely have also been recommended to start using a CPAP machine. CPAP, which stands for constant positive airway pressure, machines are extremely beneficial in providing constant breathing patterns through the night. Sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders rob people of precious recovery and tissue repair activities that typically occur during deep sleep hours. Unfortunately, when someone has sleep anpea it can take years before the problem is discovered and then diagnosed. By this time other health issues might have manifested due to the chronic lack of sleep.

Sleep is much more important to our health and well-being than what many people realize. And if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, then it is essential that you purchase the right CPAP machine and mask for your particular situation and needs. If your doctor has recommended you to start using one of these machines they will also be able to direct you to the best machine and mask. Some of the determining factors will be your comfort level needs as well as actual facial coverage and security postilions of the headgear. These are all features that your doctor, or nurse practitioner can review with you and they will also be able to instruct you on the correct use and importance of regular compliance.

Finding the Perfect Home

March 19th, 2011 Posted in Real Estate Tags:

The worst thing about moving is wondering if you’ll ever find the perfect home for your family. You may visit every available piece of la jolla real estate on the market and still think that the perfect home is around the corner. The fear that something better is just over the horizon may keep you from recognizing the perfect house when you do see it.

Before you even begin to look at home or condo listings you need to sit down and think about what elements are necessary for you to have a comfortable and enjoyable living space. Some people prefer urban living while others are drawn to open spaces and greenery. Access to transportation, entertainment, schools, arts, sports, and dining and retail establishments are all important to different people. Understanding these basic things about yourself and your family will keep you from looking in the wrong neighborhood just because you like the architecture or feel that the zip code is more prestigious.

The actual configuration of the home is also a key element in identifying the perfect home. Having too few bedrooms and bathrooms or a kitchen that is in a completely inconvenient location can turn what seems like a dream home into a nightmare once you move in. Thinks carefully about the number, size, and function of rooms and floors as well as things like windows, doors, and garage access. Luxuries like swimming pools and garden space may not be a luxury to you, but a necessity.

If you have a clear list of what your family needs to be happy and comfortable, you are so much more likely to find the house that fits those requirements and to actually recognize the perfect home for you.

Companies Leveraging Social Media

March 15th, 2011 Posted in Marketing Tags:

The movie The Social Network was one of the most popular and most critically acclaimed films of 2010. By focusing on the origins of the largest social network, it reminded audiences of how a simple website can embed itself in the lives of millions of people in hundreds of countries. What it didn’t cover was that this network, as well as dozens of other social media sites, can be used not just by individuals to socialize, but by businesses as a way to reach out to customers and potential customers.

Facebook itself recognized this potential fairly early on. It allows companies to make an official Facebook page where they can share news, media, and links with their customers. It also provides a forum for those customers to comment, ask questions, and engage directly with corporate representatives. By being accessible and engaged, many companies are able to turn interested people into loyal customers and even brand advocates.

Facebook is far from the only social site that encourages participation by businesses. Some sites are designed especially for business networking rather than social interactions. This is why it is important for companies, no matter how small, to have a current and accurate Linkin profile as well as profiles on other social business sites. They should also ensure that all their officers and employees have profiles that link to the company profile and official company website.

There are numerous other ways that companies can leverage social media to improve their online footprint. They can post how-to videos on YouTube, upload podcasts and webcasts to various sites, and even put their latest industry presentations on a slideshow site. Photo sharing sites, microblogging platforms, and a variety of industry-related blogs and forums also provide countless opportunities for companies to interact with a huge consumer audience.

USA Travel Insurance is Essential

February 20th, 2011 Posted in Travel Tags:

Foreigners planning a trip to the USA may be lulled into complacency by the knowledge that the country has the best of everything. They need to remember that the best likely costs more, and if they want to make sure they are prepared for every eventuality, including the worst case scenarios, they need to purchase adequate insurance for their trip.

Travel insurance is more than just clicking a box when purchasing an online plane ticket . That type of insurance only covers the actual plane trip, not all the time spent exploring and working in the country. It doesn’t even cover other travel arrangements associated with a visit to the USA.

Visitors should make sure they purchase travel insurance to USA before they leave their home country. This type of policy will include a comprehensive medical component as well as insurance for travel delays, terrorism, lost passports and other documents, and even liability insurance. Long-term visitors, such as students and foreign workers, should make sure that the health portion includes preventative care and prescription replacement for not just medicine, but also things like eyeglasses.

Medical care in the US is some of the most expensive in the world. Visitors need to realize that the premiums for travel insurance will reflect this. They need to be prepared to pay top dollar in order to secure access to some of the best medical facilities and treatment in the world.

Behind Disney’s Mouse

February 15th, 2011 Posted in Legal Tags:

There’s no question that Disney is one of the most recognizable brand names in the world. It could easily be argued that it’s one of the most successful marketing campaigns in contemporary history. Yet, unlike some of these, there are enormously rich entertainments being offered. The history of the company is as complex as its present, and it’s easy to see in the Disney myth a thousand ways of making connections. It’s a complex entity, and it often seems to reflect the complexity of its main character, Walt.

Looking into the background of Walt Disney World, based outside of Orlando, one finds some of these rich threads. They don’t necessarily ever come together easily, as they often offer more complexity underneath the surface. Mapo, the manufacturing entity for Disney, is one of the reasons that the park is in existence. This was the place where much of the profit from Mary Poppins was invested, in order to make it possible for the east coast version of the world-famous theme park.

Occasionally, there are some unfortunate events, where Disney World accidents might cast shadows on the bright reputation. It’s out of the ordinary, however, and the public’s experience of the place is one of enormously complex delight. There are memories that last a lifetime in the park, and they grow more every day.

Mortgage Rates & You

February 6th, 2011 Posted in Money Tags:

If you’re looking at buying your first home you are going to become intimately familiar with the ups and downs of Mortgage Rates over the coming weeks and months. You may have heard the term bandied about the news and by neighbors and friends who are buying or refinancing homes. While you don’t need to become an expert in mortgage financing or law, you do want to get a good grasp of the basics.

In order to buy a home you’re going to need to get a mortgage loan. This is a specialized loan that uses the property you are buying as collateral. There are federal and state laws that govern mortgages, including who can originate or broker a loan as well as which lenders are authorized to sell mortgages in a given state. As long as you deal with a licensed real estate agent and a licensed broker, you should be in good hands.

Mortgage loans are based on two figures. The first is the loan amount and the second is the interest rate for the specific loan. The loan amount is determined by subtracting the down payment from the purchase price of the property. Additional fees such as closing costs , insurances, and taxes may be added into the loan. The interest rate or mortgage rate is going to be determined by your financial situation and credit history. The better your overall credit rating, the lower the interest rate on your mortgage will be.

A fixed rate mortgage is going to have the same interest rate for the entire life of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is going to fluctuate depending on current mortgage rates. You need to watch mortgage rates carefully to make sure that you lock in the best rate for your mortgage as even a half percent increase in the interest rate can raise the monthly payment on a $150,000 loan by as much as $50.

Putting on a Show

January 22nd, 2011 Posted in Lifestyle Tags:

The desire to put on a show goes back to childhood for most people. For society, it goes back centuries, perhaps millennia. The desire to entertain and delight audiences while garnering attention and adoration for the self has become a key personality trait for a large segment of the population. They may not seek out careers in the performing arts , but they will take advantage of every opportunity to show off, take center stage, or otherwise become the center of attention at any event, gathering, or during the course of daily life.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this desire to showcase personal talents and personality. The only danger comes when that desire for attention becomes toxic narcissism. However, a healthy dose of narcissism is a good thing. It’s just a matter of channeling it properly.

Some people express this tendency by being the class clown in school and then the “funny guy” at the office. Others call on specific talents, such as singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, to give them the occasional opportunity to perform in a church choir, out at a club, or during a party. Some go to elaborate lengths to entertain, such as renting Kiss Costumes for their weekly Rock Band game or dressing in period clothes for a Renaissance Festival. Again, there is nothing wrong with these behaviors. They are simply honest expressions of an inner performer.

Renting a Photo Booth

January 13th, 2011 Posted in Leisure Tags:

No one wants to throw a boring party . Everyone wants their party to be not just fun — they want to host the most over the top exciting event that people will be talking about for years. The law of averages may say that the odds are against most parties fitting that bill. However, it is possible to add a little something extra to an otherwise normal party and make it more fun and memorable.

Consider what happens when a host decides to rent a photo booth for their party. They instantly create opportunities for their guests to get creative and spirited. Hamming it up for a camera is a long-standing party tradition. When that camera is enclosed in a portable privacy pod, the creativity jumps by leaps and bounds.

A great feature of photo booths is that guests get instant prints of their pictures. It’s possible to organize an on-the-spot contest for “funniest face” or “best kiss” or other photo topic. The pictures are right there to be displayed and judged. Best of all, after the event the host gets a copy of all the photos that were taken — creating an instant record of the event for their own memory books. Though it’s probably a good idea to inform guests of this fact in advance so that they don’t get too lewd or embarrassing when posing in the booth.

Buying a Car That Will Last

Driving down the road you have probably noticed that there are many different types of vehicles from many different manufacturers out there. With so many options to choose from it can be hard to make a decision.

Even though there are a lot of car manufacturers that promise great things, one that has been known consistently for reliability and durability is a Honda.
One of the things that has always been appreciated about Honda’s is the price. They are affordable for nearly every budget. But when you buy a Honda Civic you have expectations that it will get you where you need to go for years to come.

Another expectation of Honda is that it will get great gas mileage. Whether it is the way they are designed or the fact that they are typically smaller, light weight cars, Honda’s always seem to have much better fuel economy than their comparable counterparts.

Unfortunately there are many cars that are produced today that do not last. But a few cars, like Hondas, are still built to last. Although any car that is well-taken care of will last longer than a car that is treated poorly.

In the tough economy we are all facing right now we need vehicles that will endure. A reliable car that goes the distance is worth much more than constantly having the newest, fanciest car as soon as it becomes available.

Relax with a Steam Shower

December 3rd, 2010 Posted in Leisure Tags:

Not so long ago the only way to access a steam room was to head to your local health club or spa. Maybe you could check into a finer hotel. If you were lucky, your apartment complex might have a steam room next to the pool and fitness area, but that was less common. Today people are able to enjoy the luxury of a steam in their own homes. You too can come home completely stressed out from work and other circumstances and then spend twenty minutes in your private steam shower.

In home steam showers work in the same way as a public steam room. Cold water is turned into steam and pumped into the shower stall. Users can control the temperature and flow of steam to suit their own preference, though there is a safety limit to keep the steam from getting too hot. Many showers are equipped with a foot or back massage to further relax the body. Some people even install an aromatherapy pump and recessed lighting to help them de-stress.

As long as certain safety precautions are exercised, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a daily steam after work or after an exercise workout. The resulting relaxation and rejuvenation that your body will experience can add years to your life and improve both your mood and your ability to function the next time there’s a stressful situation.

Keeping Up with Mortgage Law in Illinois

November 19th, 2010 Posted in Real Estate Tags:

The best professionals in any field will devote a portion of their time to staying abreast of changes in their industry. Mortgage officers are one such set of professionals. Given the complexity of mortgage laws and products, these individuals would do well to constantly educate themselves on their industry. In Illinois, this can mean attending courses and workshops, participating in industry associations , and keeping an eye on both state and federal lawmakers.

Some brokers will be content to limit their training to the Illinois mortgage continuing education that is required to renew their license. If this annual training is the only continuing education they receive, they will likely miss out on understanding and incorporating more subtle changes into their daily work.

Good brokers will be constantly learning. They will attend workshops on new mortgage products, read trade articles on nontraditional mortgage options, and closely follow law makers in order to anticipate changes in the law, rather than waiting for others to interpret it for them. Anyone who wants to rise to the top as a mortgage broker or loan originator would do well to follow their example.

Having a Winning Sales Attitude

October 30th, 2010 Posted in Business Tags:

Sometimes in life it is hard to have a good attitude. When money is tight, business is tough, and things just do go as you had hoped, it is hard to stay positive and motivated . However, as discouraging as things may be some times, there are a lot of benefits to having a good attitude that could pay off big in the long run.
Sales is very much a relationship-oriented business. Most of the time you can’t just sit down and start talking numbers. You need to take the time to get to know your client and make them feel comfortable. And a lot of this comes down to having a good attitude. If you are positive and have a good attitude the client will see that and will be more receptive to what you have to say. On the other hand, negativity and a bad attitude will drive customers away. Many salesmen can learn different techniques for meeting with clients either through a training program or an internship at a company like Southwestern Company .
Sales businesses are also built on reputation. Owning your own sales business you are responsible for building your own reputation; however, if you have a larger company like Southwestern company that you work for, their reputation will precede you. Regardless, you will still be responsible for building your own reputation as a salesperson.

The Most Important Things To Have on Your Resume

October 9th, 2010 Posted in Business Tags:

When you apply for a job, the first thing that potential employers will see is your resume. Before you even meet they will have already formed an opinion about you and your ability to do the job. For this reason your resume needs to be thorough, honest, and professional.
When you begin writing your resume one of the first things you want to include is prior work experience. Even jobs that may not be in the same field are important to include because they show you are responsible as well as provide references. You want to make sure you include the company name, like Southwestern Company , the time frame that you were employed there, and your responsibilities.
Education is also an important element to include on your resume, especially if a degree or certification is required for the position.
Once area that potential employers pay close attention to and that may help put you ahead of the competition is an internship. A summer internship at a company such as Southwestern Company shows that you have experience as well as motivation.
Your first impression starts before you ever meet, so to make it as good as it can be start by preparing a complete and professional resume.

Historic Sydney

October 2nd, 2010 Posted in Travel Tags:

Sydney draws visitors for a variety of reasons. People come to this beautiful port city for business, entertainment, sports, opera, theater, or any of the many festivals held throughout the year. In fact, Sydney was recently named the World’s Top Event City because of its wealth of festivals, fairs, and conferences. The city is also home to a number of significant sites and museums that attract history buffs. Anyone checking into a luxury hotel in Sydney will have many historic attractions to choose from.

Many historic tours of Sydney start with the Rocks. Billed as the place where Sydney began, the site preserves a number of historic buildings from the city’s initial settlement and visitors can choose from several historic walks through the area. Head to Parramatta to see colonial era buildings, come of the oldest in Sydney or to Macquarie Street to visit the colony’s first hospital, the Hyde Park Barracks, the Mint, or the Conservatorium, which started out as the original government house stables.

Those interested in military history would do well to spend some time at La Perouse . Located near Botany Bay, La Perouse houses a fort, museum, and the grave of an early French explorer who arrived in the city in 1788. Or take the historic walk from Manly to Middle Head to see coastal artillery fortifications built into the Harbour’s cliffs during the end of the 1800s.

New Orleans Celebrates Faulkner

September 26th, 2010 Posted in Travel Tags:

Fans of William Faulkner will want to make their way to a New Orleans boutique hotel for November 17 – 21 to attend Words & Music, 2010, a Literary Feast in New Orleans. This multi-arts festival has been held since 1990 on Faulkner’s birthday and celebrates good books and their authors, including Faulkner, who penned Soldiers’ Pay, his first novel, in New Orleans.

Sponsored by the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society , this year’s theme is The Literature of War & Collateral Damage. Featured literature and workshops will approach the theme through fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry as well as delving into the classics, religion, psychology, philosophy, live drama, music, journalism, television, film, visual arts, and the environment. There will be a full program of hands on workshops and consultations for unpublished writers to prepare their work for submission and the publishing process. It includes top literary agents, published writers, poets, and editors.

The words & music festival brings together new and established writers. Headliners for 2010 include Tim O’Brien, National Book Award winner, Stewart O’Nan, a critically acclaimed novelist, as well as bestselling British author Simon Mawer and Heidi Durrow, winner of the Barbara Kingsolver’s Belwether Prize. Actors Billy Lyon and Heidi Jackson of American Place Theatre will perform a piece based on O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. This year the organizers have called for papers on topics related to the theme. They hope to have scholars, psychologists, academics, physicians and art and music critics present the chosen works as part of the festivities.

The Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park in Las Vegas

September 24th, 2010 Posted in Travel Tags:

Anyone arriving at a Vegas resort is probably ready to be pampered for a few days. In addition to luxuriating in spa treatments, rooms, casinos and entertainment, you’ll also want to get outside and explore a part of Nevada.

Just fifteen minutes outside the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park. This three acre park exhibits over 150 species of plants and animals and is both the only zoo in Las Vegas, and the only year-round zoo in Nevada. The zoo serves as a kind of living campus where people of all ages may learn about Nevada’s plants and animals. Primarily, the zoo’s mission is to help educate people about rare and endangered plant and animal species, providing patrons with information about how important it is to protect natural habitats.

The Las Vegas Zoo includes a number of endangered cats and, in the United States, the last family of Barbary Apes . There are also eagles, ostriches, emus, talking parrots, flamingos and large exotic reptiles. Exhibits, sponsored by the Las Vegas Gem Club, also features botanical displays of endangered cycads and rare bamboos.

Hours are nine to five each day. Ticket prices are nine dollars for adults, seven for children 2-12 and seniors 62 and older, and free for those under two years of age.

Boston in Fall Means Rowing

September 15th, 2010 Posted in Travel Tags:

Over 8,000 rowers from all over the world will converge in Boston October 23-24, 2010 for the Head of the Charles Regatta . This 46th running of the event is expected to attract up to 300,000 spectators to the banks of the Charles River for the largest two-day rowing events in the world. HOTC is expected to draw around 1750 individual boats to compete in 56 events over the weekend.

The 3.2 mile course starts at Boston University’s DeWolfe Boathouse and finishes just past the Eliot Bridge. The course is extremely challenging and includes six bridges and several sharp turns. Spectators can expect to see collisions at the Weeks and Eliot Bridges, which are particularly difficult parts of the course.

The competitive events include Championship 4s, Championship 8s, and Championship sculling, both 1x/single and 2x/double. Attendees should see current US National Team competitors as well as rowers from countries as far away as South Africa, Croatia, and China. Competitors range in age from 14 to 85.

Area colleges such as Harvard, Northeastern, and MIT as well as universities from all over the Northeast will line the Charles for a weekend of cheering, rivalries, and parties. Reunion Village is the only place on the course where alcohol is legally served. It is a group of tents set aside for clubs and alumni associations to gather and hold social events. Boston Hotels are booked solid for the weekend, so many students end up staying with friends or even sleeping on dorm room floors.

HOTC is hosted by the Cambridge Boat Club which was founded in 1909 and is located on the Cambridge side of the river, near the Eliot bridge.

Shopping in Mazatlan

September 1st, 2010 Posted in Travel Tags:

Like all tourist towns and larger cities around the world Mazatlan has really matured over the past decades when it comes to shopping. There are many more options than the street flea market and craft booths along the beaches. You may still have the jewelry hustlers selling their goods along the beaches of the luxury mazatlan hotels but when it comes to some real shopping, visitors have choices these days.

For the big time mall experience, head over to the La Gran Plaza . This is a large mall experience with brand name stores from all over the world. They have a broad range of items from worldy companies like Nike and Versalles. There are also many boutique stores that would be fun to browes through because they are more fitting to the local area. That way you can still find some fun items that you may not be able to get at home.

Part of the fun of shopping in Mexico is that some things are tax free. If you are looking for some Diamonds than you may find some really great deals. Diamonds are tax free in Mexico. There are some fine jewelry stores with good reputations in Mazatlan such as Pardo Jewellers or Rubio Jewellers. Even your own hotel may have a nice sellection.

Archives