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2010: THE ‘JOKER’ YEAR

2009-12-31T12:26:00.000+01:00

Does this sound (or read) funny? Anyway, it’s true in every sense of it. Before you criticize me, hear (or read) me out.

Do you remember well your Sunday School Bible stories back in those days when you were still forced or lured to church or whatever? Okay, it’s about a stammering prophet called Moses and a stubborn hard-hearted Pharaoh. The main gist is now the plagues God used Moses to work before the Pharaoh. God knew the Pharaoh was hardened (because God did Him – this God sef, kai, na Baba!) and He particularly told Moses to continue going before him (i.e. Pharaoh) and keep calling those miracle-plagues to life and action, and it was so. It happened from Plague number 1 to 2 to 3 and so on till Plague number 10. Haba!

Now I ask, didn’t God know it was plague number 10 that will make Pharaoh pronounce Israel’s deliverance? Why did the all-knowing God allow His people to continue in slavery as He show forth His power to the inconsequential, spiritually short-sighted, dispensable and out-of-sort heathen? Why did God waste time to go through the motions to crucify Pharaoh and his cohorts? Well, He is the all-wise God and He’s got His reasons!

By the way, how can me mere mortal question His actions? No way, I’m sorry sir!

But consider this carefully:
God had His reasons which I have an insight to. He (God) had to work through to get the Israelites out, because the only way out is the way through. He could have chosen to use the number 10 plague as the first and only way to break the defenses of the Egyptians, but He didn’t because He has a better plan. He needed to get to the ‘joker’ number 10 to push His actions through. If you had played the card game, you would get the picture of the effect of number 10. It is the joker number. It neutralizes all opposition and makes them like, as in, you know, ‘dundee.’ lol!

Now, I doubt if you have got the opportunity to witness any year that ends with the first double digit – 10 - in your whole lifetime. (Possibly not even your old folks, because the last one was 1910!) Do you now see reason why you should jump up and rejoice and even call a party and celebrate with your friends? (Don 't overdo party o!) This is your year. No controversy. God will see to it that all your aspirations will come to pass. He knows and you know that He’s got fantastic thoughts concerning you; to give you an expected end. Do I sound like a Pastor? Don’t bother; you just tap into that reality.

Take note of these though:
Pray continually, give thanks always, develop yourself, mind your clique (i.e. move with better, smarter pals), add value to others, give, give and give, then Enjoy!

Have a prosperous year ahead of you!

The December Twist

2009-12-11T10:51:00.000+01:00

Let me begin with this story. The reality of the obvious fact was electrifying and also overwhelming. The news is this: “Iniesta breaks Chelsea’s heart.” Indeed, Andres Iniesta’ injury-time leveler sent 10-man Barcelona into the 2009 edition of the UEFA Champions League final (and subsequently winning an unprecedented treble) after a dramatic 1-1 draw with The Blues at the glorified Stamford Bridge, London on Wednesday, 6th May 2009. The Spanish International struck a screamer in the 93rd minute (can you imagine!) to cancel Michael Essien’s equally early stunning strike to win the semi-final tie on away goals rule following the previous week’s goalless stalemate at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. The shocker of the game was the host (Chelsea) had enjoyed an advantage for the final 25 minutes after Eric Abidal was dismissed for a professional foul. Chelsea had the advantage of one man. Yet, during the INJURY TIME, just 7 seconds to the end of the game, Barcelona FC scored, to zoom into the finals. It was a scene of disbelief and shock when the referee blew the final whistle: Disbelief because Chelsea had led throughout the match.

You might have had a very rough year, had your heart broken in many more than countable times but you still had the opportunity of a few days to change a few things, most importantly your reaction to these negative situations.

Also, some on the other hand might have had a very fulfilling year, had things going for you, yeah, but there is still left more than enough for you to tidy up your acts and be an influence to someone before the whistle is blown.

Ralph Emerson wrote: “A vast majority of winners are bundles of beginners.” Winners do not accept closed doors or impossibilities. Sometimes, it is the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. The year is creeping gradually to the end, just 24 days to go before another year opens with new possibilities, new opportunities, new pals, new motives, and many more things that can help to gravitate your life to more success. What are you going to do in just a little above 3 weeks before the new wineskin is opened? Will you reminisce for better changes in the future? Will you take more calculated risks? Will you be more attentive and caring to those in need around you? Will you be an impact?

Whatever you do, remember that the year is running to an end but your life still has limitless opportunities to be a better person. The ball is in your court. You can still do the Twist if you choose.

Technology Products' Splash

2009-10-08T12:55:00.007+01:00

It's been quite a while that I've been on this blog but as you can guess, it's for the whole good. I just went in search of fantastic products that will help your daily task and maximize your funtime. I found them, use them and was satisfied.

1. DVD neXt COPY Ultimate (Download Only)

The most advanced DVD copy software on the market, combines the highest possible quality and speed to produce perfect copies of all your DVD movies.

DVD neXt COPY - Program Features

Because of the constant changes to DVD equipment, movies, formats, etc., DVD neXt COPY was designed using the new built in update technology, neXt Tech™ and is updated on a frequent basis. This enables the software to meet the challenges of keeping up with the latest technology on the market. Every time the software is updated, the user is notified of the update through the “Dynamic Window” in the Main Control Panel of the software. He can then download the latest version, at no cost, and continue to copy his latest DVD movies. The software comes with a long list of features. You can make copies of your backup copies, as well as browse and view DVD movies on your network. The software is compatible with both single and dual layer discs, and is capable of reading with one drive and burning with the other. You can preview tracks before and during copying, and copy full multi-channel audio and Dolby Digital, DTS. You can also copy movies to your IPOD or PSP. The software supports both NTSC and PAL DVD movies, as well as all SCSI, IDE, USB DVD burners/recorders on the market. It also supports 1x - 16x speed blank media and playback can be either on your home DVD player or your PC.

Here is the direct link for the product if you are interested in purchasing it:

https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=2111800&referrer=Hope33

This product has a price tag of $69.99

If you are not sure yet of the features of this product, then try these links and see for yourself:

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/download_trial.jsp?contractId=2111800&referrer=Hope33

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/redirect.jsp?contractId=2111800&referrer=Hope33

2. Max Spyware Detector

Max Spyware Detector is a 5-star rated Anti-Spyware that provides real-time protection against spyware, adware, Trojan horses, keyloggers, tracking cookies, browser hijackers, worms and other Malware threats.

An Intelligent Spy Ware Detector Tool, kills adwares, malwares, Spywares, provides active protection, Live Update, Blocks Active X , Bad Cookies

Here is the direct link for the product if you are interested in purchasing it:

https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=1636632&referrer=Hope33

This product has a price tag of $29.95

If you are not sure yet of the features of this product, then try this link and see for yourself:

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/download_trial.jsp?contractId=1636632&referrer=Hope33

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/redirect.jsp?contractId=1636632&referrer=Hope33

3. Download Accelerator Plus (Premium)

Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) is a download manager that increases download speeds by up to 300 percent. DAP searches for mirror sites that will most effectively serve your downloads, and features multi-server connections to for optimal utilization of dial-up or broadband connections. DAP also automatically recovers from shutdowns, lost connections, and other errors.

Here is the direct link for the product if you are interested in purchasing it:

https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=1638989&referrer=Hope33

This product has a price tag of $39.95

If you are not sure yet of the features of this product, then try this link and see for yourself:

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/download_trial.jsp?contractId=1638989&referrer=Hope33

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/redirect.jsp?contractId=1638989&referrer=Hope33

4. Save2PC (Standard Version)

Easily grab and save desired youtube video. The user interface of save2pc is very simple, so you don't need any technical knowledge to use it. No need to use scripts for web browsers. Just run save2pc and start downloading!

Here is the direct link for the product if you are interested in purchasing it:
https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=1719560&referrer=Hope33

This product has a price tag of $29.73

If you are not sure yet of the features of this product, then try this link and see for yourself:

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/download_trial.jsp?contractId=1719560&referrer=Hope33

http://www.plimus.com/jsp/redirect.jsp?contractId=1719560&referrer=Hope33

Enjoy!

NOTE: Please forward all enquiries to iakiwumi@yahoo.co.uk

'Economic Crisis'

2009-10-06T11:59:00.002+01:00

A husband working abroad wrote to his wife:

Dear Sweetheart,
I can't send your allocations from my salary this month because the global economic crises has affected me intensely, so I'm sending 100 kisses. You're my sweetheart and I love you.
Your loving husband, B.

His wife replied thus:

Sweetest dearest,
Thanks for the 100 kisses. Below is the list of expenses I paid with the kisses...
1. The milk man agreed on 2 kisses for a month's milk.
2. The electricity man agreed not to disconnect us for only 7 kisses.
3. Your landlord comes everyday to take 3 kisses instead of the rent.
4. The supermarket owner did not accept kisses only, so I gave him 'other items' also. I hope you understand.
5. Other miscellaneous expenses amount to 40 kisses.

Please don't worry about me, I've a remaining balance of 35 kisses and I should be able to manage till the end of the month.

Shall I plan for the same next month? Please advice!
Your ever-loving SH

The Mystique of 09/09/09

2009-09-09T13:26:00.004+01:00

Do you know today's date?
I almost forgot today is one of those very rare (once in a century or millenium as you choose to count it!) days that you have the day, month and year numbers being the same.

Almost everyone, from brides and grooms to movie studio chiefs (basically those in the entertainment and marketing companies) are celebrating todays' calendric anomaly in their own way. Just reading one of today's news; in Florida, at least one county clerk's office is offering a one-day wedding special for $99.99. The rarity of this day hasn't been lost on the creators of iPod, who have moved their traditional Tuesday release day to Wednesday to take advantage of this opportunity.

Though technically, there's nothing special about the symmetrical date, some concerned with the history and meaning of numbers ascribe powerful significance to 9/9/9. For cultures in which the number nine is lucky, September 9 is anticipated - while others might see the date as an ominous warning (like in 2006; 6/6/6).

Modern numerologists - who operate outside the realm of real science - believe that mystical significance or vibrations can be assigned to each numeral one through nine, and different combinations of the digits produce tangible results in life depending on their application.

As the final numeral, the number nine holds special attribute to its rank. It is associated with forgiveness, compassion, and success on the positive side as well as arrogance and self-righteousness on the negative, according to numerologists.

Greek arithmetic genius, Pythagoras, and father of the famous theorem (Pythagoras' theorem), noted that nine in particular had many unique properties. Any grade-schooler could tell you, for example, that the sum of the two-digits resulting from nine multiplied by any other single-digit number will equal nine. So 9*3 = 27, and 2+7=9.
Multiply nine by any two, three or four-digit number and the sums of those will also break down to nine. For instance: 9*62=558; 5+5+8=18; 1+8=9.
September 9 also happened to be the 252nd day of the year (2+5+2=...)

In fact, today is damn unique. Make it unique for yourself in the best possible way and also for someone else who can't likely repay you.

Culled from The Guardian

Van Wilder

2009-09-07T09:12:00.010+01:00

I just saw this movie and it's so inspiring. Well that's a good line because 'all Van does is to inspire the uninspired.' It's not as if he's an angel, a genius, smartass or a jerkoff but he sure knows how to do one thing: Making other people achieve their dreams (or desires).

By the way, who the hell is he?

He is a guy who has spent a whooping seven years in college, trying as much not to graduate (because of an inherent future in the life after college; also he doesn't want to be like his old man who is all bent on work!).

He is a guy who has helped charity in diverse forms; morally and immorally. Just to make dullness vanish from his peers. Well, most appropriately, his junior peers. He has 'infiltrated' the most reserved of all the students and brought to limelight and a cool college life, ensuring that they have maximum fun and also not intruding on their rights.

He is a guy thoroughly overwhelmed with academical life but who excels in an exemplary level in his studies. He studies only for tests and exams, nothing else!

He is a guy who is well informed and versed when it comes to issues like partying, clubbing, girls, sex and more...

He is a guy who believes ardently in the heart leading of love affairs. He believes just in one simple lady. That's who caused a remarkable change in his life and made him ready for the 'dare-to-be-great' situation he is been waiting for.

That will be discussed next time on this blog.

Remember, the purpose we are still living is not to make more money than our pockets or bank account(s) can accommodate but to be of great benefit to someone else. Like Mr Wilder's watchword, 'Do it while you still can.'

Do have a fruitful week ahead of you.

Launch Into this Month

2009-09-01T09:31:00.009+01:00

Before God put Adam into the garden, He 'formed' Him. There's a process of preparation God takes us through in order to make us what we need to be, but the preparation takes time. You learn a lot by raising children (though I have not raised one!). You've got be older and wiser, saying, 'Don't do that. Don't go there.' But you can't cut through the process. They have to stumble, because that's how they learn to walk and find their way. I sure did found my way in such circumstances.

Just remembered an instance: how I learnt to fix electronics without proper training; I inadvertently spoilt a deck player which I was expressly told not to touch. I have to make sure that it was repaired, though not perfectly but at least to be in use before my folks came around. (That was in my early years!) Now I can repair mostof the domestic electronic tasks. Mistakes are necessary. Dr. Robert Schuller noted that mistakes (and perceived limitations) are what God uses to keep us humble and know who really deserve the glory and praise. God must consistently deal with our consistencies, personality defects, area of distrust, unresolved childhood issues, scars, flaws, etc. How long does it take? Only God kows. We all try to be smart, clever and prove being wise by building barriers so as to say we're mature beings. Admit it; even at your age don't you still recognise some childish ways in yourself? Sure this is necessary, but don't kill yourself to achieve that. It isn't worth it. You are a creation always in the making! Anybody else would have given up on you, but not God. Do you know why? God has a plan and He's committed to it.

Maybe we should all wear a sign that says: 'Work in progress. If you hire me, you need to know that. If you marry me, you need to know that.'

Remember, just because you walk out into a field and don't see a crop, doesn't mean the seeds aren't there; God has planted things in your life that will come to fruition at different times.
There are talents in you that haven't been discovered, less of being harnessed and dreams that haven't been fulfilled. That's what the battle is about!

You can be in the right place and not know it; because the place has been planted, not created! it doesn't matter where you start, it just matters where you finish. You need to always look in the mirror and announce, 'There's something in me that hasn't come out yet. God, help me to be steadfast until You pull out of me what You planted in me.' Don't let anyone convince you that you're a failure because you don't wear the right shoes, or have it all together right now. God has a place in mind for you. Just walk with Him and He'll get you there in one whole piece.

Have a blissful month ahead of you!

Keep a Tab on your Anger

2009-08-27T14:47:00.003+01:00

A bad temper is not something to be proud of, but prayed over to correct. When you blow your top, you just reveal your contents. And I wonder which of us has not done that, and [sure] regretted it?
When we don’t deal with temper, it definitely leads to harm. These are the basic drivers of anger:
Stress: by cramming too much into too little time, you set yourself up! Like violin strings that are pulled too tight, you end up snapping, then feeling guilty because you’re not ‘spiritual’ enough. ‘Have a sane estimate of your capabilities.’ In life ‘it’s always something,’ so anticipate and allow time for the unexpected.
Frustration: defined as ‘someone or something that upsets you all the time.’ A recent news story told of a guy who went hunting on his mountain bike. When it broke down he shot it to pieces. Crazy! It makes no sense, but as Robert Green Ingersoll said, ‘Anger is like wind that blows out the lamp of the mind.’
Perceived violation of your rights: when you walk around feeling angry it clouds your judgment, because when the only tool you have is a hammer every problem looks like a nail. The bottom line is, it’s not always about you! This is especially true in marriage.
Things that challenge your values: sometimes ‘enough is enough’ and you need to speak up. When Jesus got angry in the temple it was because of dishonest practices and people being mistreated. In this case, ‘in fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.’ [I guess you know that’s in the good Book!]
Drop your comments on ways you’ve blown your top and the consequences. Share with me ways to improve. I’ll be more than happy to publish your comments. Have a blessed day!

Watch Your Words: Don’t Sink Your Business With The Wrong Name

2009-08-27T14:32:00.007+01:00

One of the first things many small businessmen do when considering the beginning of a company is to find a name. This process, all too often, relies on cuteness, happenstance, or other irrelevant modes of decision making. Naming your business should not be left to fate or the whims of your favorite uncle. It takes as much procedure and research as any other aspect of your business. Those that fail to realize this often make terrible mistakes when naming their business, putting themselves at a disadvantage right out of the gate. If you want to give your business a name that will last, avoid some of these common mistakes and you’ll be much more likely to succeed.
One of the first and most common mistakes to avoid is letting others make the decision for you,particularly by committee. Nothing creative or good has ever come out of a group situation. Now, obviously that’s not true, but it’s true enough to avoid this pitfall. Perhaps worse than the creative stunt that this type of group analysis will cause, there is sure to be hurt feelings and damaged relationships if you choose to go with one person’s idea over that of another. When naming yourcompany, it’s best to go it alone. You’ll get better results, and no one has to have their feeling hurt in the process. Save the committees for less creative solutions.
One of the worst trends in naming businesses is when a business owner takes two unrelated words and tries to combine them to make a new word. This is overplayed and should be avoided at all costs. There is a rising sentiment against such names, perhaps brought on by the media and their insistence on using the same technique with celebrity couples. Your business deserves better than to blindly follow this demeaning trend. Come up with a name that is unique and different and doesn’t leave people scratching their heads or rolling their eyes.
The single worst mistake you can make when naming your business is to choose a common word as your name. For one, you are guaranteeing the fact that there are probably at least a hundred other companies across the country with the same name. Secondly, you’ve made your company impossible to find through use of an internet search engine. With so much of today’s business being done on the internet, you can’t afford to intentionally lose yourself in the shuffle. Even if you don’t have a website and won’t be making sales over the internet, it’s still important for people to be able to find your business with a simple search. If your name is too common, that will be next to impossible. Can you beat that?
Is a name everything? Not at all. But by following these hints, you can at least come up with a name that doesn’t kill your business before you even get started. Avoid the same mistakes others have made. If you have to, make your own mistakes. Forge new territory in business naming fauxpas. But to fail to learn from history is to doom yourself to repeating it. Take note and apply!

Masterpiece

2009-08-27T13:46:00.005+01:00

The movie Mr. Holland’s Opus was written by screenwriter Patrick Sheane Duncan, who came up with the idea one day while struck in a traffic jam. He heard a news report on the radio about the cutback in school programs and the number of teachers in the state of California.
"Suddenly I realized how important my own teachers had been in my life," says Duncan, "and that the most important thing we can do as adults is educate our children."

Duncan remembered the one special teacher who made much difference in his life. "She was reputed to be the meanest and toughest teacher at my junior high," he recalls. "But she was the one who bought me my books and gave me her own son’s clothes after he’d grown out of them. Mr. Holland’s Opus is a tribute to her and everyone else in her grand profession."

The movie is the story of Glenn Holland (played by Richard Dreyfus), a young musician who desires to make it to the big time as a composer. But when money gets tight and he needs to take care of his family, he reluctantly seeks employment as a teacher. That job, which he takes only on a temporary basis, becomes his life. Through the course of the movie, he discovers that he wants to share his love for music with his students, and in the process he discovers himself.
The pivotal point of the movie comes when Mr. Holland’s teaching position is eliminated because of cutbacks, and he suddenly realizes he has reached middle age. In that moment, he knows that he has forever missed his chance to pull up roots, go to New York, and take his symphony with him, which he has been writing in his spare moments for over twenty years. Despondent and feeling rejected, he believes he has wasted his life.

He is depressed and on the verge of bitterness as he ambles dejectedly down the hall, preparing to walk out of the school for the last time. That’s when he hears something in the auditorium. When he checks to see what it is, he discovers hundreds of cheering students whose lives he changed during all his years of teaching. That group even includes the governor of the state, whose life took a major turn for the better under his mentoring.

The director of the movie, Stephen Herek, was attracted to Mr. Holland’s Opus because the screenplay touched him. "It made me cry," he admitted. "Very rarely do I read something where I actually end up with tears flowing freely. But that’s how I felt at the end of the [script].

The story makes a hero out of Everyman who happens to be a teacher… It’s also a story about how one human being can affect a lot of other people and touch their lives in a very special way."
Many people believe that touching the lives of others can be done only by some elite group of specially gifted people. But that’s not the case. Any ordinary person – just like Gleen Holland in the movie – can make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Every life needs a purpose to which it can give the energies of its mind and the enthusiasm of its heart. St Francis of Assisi noted: start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible
We GO where our DREAMS take us!

Your Calling I

2009-07-09T10:40:00.006+01:00

Have you noticed?
(1) Your calling is often connected to what troubles you deeply. For Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, it was the society's injustice that oppressed African-Americans. So he dreamed and he preached and he organized and he marched and he boycotted, and all this birthed to the Civil Rights Movement. For William Wilberforce it was slavery. He devoted his entire life to seeing it eradicated in England, which it finally was shortly before his death. For Moses it was the severe oppression of his people. He was called upon by God to lead hi people into freedom.
Most times than not, we try to avoid bad times, unpleasant moments and periods. If you want to discover your calling, then you maybe should start praying about that (-ose) things that trouble you in depth. Allow your heart to be pricked.
Remember you are the change you want to see in your world.
(2) Your calling means God believes in you. Check out success stories all around the world. They didn't start great, they in fact come out of oblivion to make a mark in their world for their generation and subsequent generations to remember them (and possibly envy them)! From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Edison to Nelson Mandela and so on. Remember the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, when picking his disciples, they look far less than winners or good go-doers. He chose a tax collector, fishermen, doctor, zealot etc and said, 'i believe in you. What I know I will teach you.' Start taking responsibilities for your life to move ahead and just do good for your society (starting of course from your family.)
If you want to recognize your calling easily, put in mind that your calling is the point where your talents and the needs of the people meet.

Succeeding on the Job (1)

2009-04-29T11:50:00.005+01:00

It's been a long time and I've been really concerned about you my esteemed readers. I've been really busying preparing some journals on some power engineering projects.

I have this urge to share with you my heartfelt desires on being successful on any job.
Let's go!
A proverb says, "He who is slothful in his work is a brother to...a great destroyer"
It's of great importance that you are interested in the job you are doing. If not, quit the job and get another one. Not easy you may think. If you think that way, then it's not gonna be easy. So start thinking right if you want succeed on that job.
It's also essential how you do your job. Point is, your prospects for the future are determined by your work ethic.
Slothfulness (or laziness) produces lack as surely just as a thief will rob you.
Check out the characteristics of lazy people:
1. Procrastination: "A little sleep...folding of the hands." They say, "I'll do it tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. That's just the crux of the situation. They prolong issues unnecessarily and delay decisions as if it's their life only on the line. Truth is, NO. This is because the company relies on it, your immediate and extended family, also relatives depend on you!
2. Master of Excuses: They complain, and have a ready-made excuse to every not-done task. When he runs out of credible excuses he goes for ridiculous ones. 'He will not plough by reason of the cold'. 'You want me to get sick, going to work in this weather?' Or if it's warm, 'It's way too nice for work' or 'you want me to die in this scorching sun'.They cut corners, cripple businesses and cause hardship.
3. Quitters: They quit at the nick of time. Unfinished projects fill his life: half-built cupboards, half-painted rooms, half-tidied garages. Just a little pressure and they are out (in the cold!) lamenting about how everything doesn't work for them. Sound familiar?
Whatever your work, do it conscientiously. Don't let laziness rob you of success.
You can only be successful if you will (not wish) to...
Stay loaded and you will always be needed!

FREE TO BE QUIET

2009-03-27T09:36:00.006+01:00

Ever wonder why we are created with two 'receiving satellites' and one 'transmitter' (I mean two ears and one mouth), it's just because the Creator wants us to listen twice as much as we talk.

As a leader who wants to make right decisions on the mark, you need to learn this thoroughly.

Most times it's wise to wait, to say, 'I don't have the right answer right now but I'll think about it and get back to you.' Your need to always talk, to rescue someone out of deep mire, or impress them and make points, will most definitely come back to bite you.

Which would you prefer? Refusing to say a word or regretting the wrong word being said. I guess you have choose rightly.

A wise man once said: "A prudent man keeps his knowldge to himself" (Not as though he's selfish but that he knows when and what to talk.)

Allow wisdom to determine your response, not ego!

Ego will say, "don't just stand there, say something." Wisdom says, "Don't just say something, stand there!"

As a leader anywhere, when people, most times, your subordinate, are anxious for answers they will pressure you into speaking before you have all the facts and appropriately considered the situation. One deep insight can settle things in a flurry of activities. Someone else's need to know shouldn't determine your need to speak. (I sometimes use the questioning approach or the inner breathing techniques to prepare for a proper answer.)

Even if your boss, or the person you answer to, demands an immediate answer from you, wisdom should prevail on your reasoning to be silent before making an inappropriate response. It has saved a lot of career talkless of many lives. I once read in a Nigerian tabloid that a university don was murdered in cold blood just because he didn't choose his words carefully to his students.

You can take your choice to determine how you speak because one amazing and scary thing about words is that you can take it back literaaly but not practically.

Bottom line: Listen twice and run it critically through your system before making a response. Often times, you make an articulated response that way.

My Way

2009-03-11T13:14:00.007+01:00

As a team leader on programs, projects, initiatives and activities of the National Society of Black Engineers - Unilorin Chapter, it is imperative to understand practically the awesome difference between telling somebody to do a task and actually seeing the task accomplished. It's a funny world we live in. I tell most people that if all of us on a particular platform think and behave the same way, (if possible all of us planet earth) maybe the world may be a better place. I have come to understand through tough and gloomy times that truly 'Life is not a bed of roses.' All of us want everything to be done our way, this phenomenon predicates failures and flops of all strategic planning even in high and mighty places. The ability to let go and receive sound advice from other sources and different perspectives is needed in all leaders of all spheres of life; especially in politics and corporate environments.

Every necessary and appropriate measures should be taken to ascertain the level of your knowledge of your colleagues and their readiness to the task at hand.

You experience challenges in every facets of life and if you are involved with another party(ies), the tendency to be the Mr know-all is imminent which causes imbalance in any such system.

A worthy thing for any man is to know the differential wisdom in speaking and the ability to defer speech and listen extensively. Life is not all about your dreams and goals alone, it's about touching a life. It's about making impact.

Go ahead and store up your ego, listen to others and be significant by touching another life in a special way.

If your Maker thinks you can do it alone, you won't always need people.

Getting Past your past!

2009-03-04T11:47:00.004+01:00

Sounds easy. Yeah because that's the truth and you just can do nothing better in life than get past your past.

Hey, hello... this is a new month!

Have you checked your New Year Resolution lately and discovered that you are possibly veering off-track? I mean like trying to put off some damn old behaviours that are disgusting to you?

Take this few hints I have discovered in walking through the dusty part of the world:

- Life is not fair, just get used to it.

- Let go of whatever others have done to you

- forgive yourself for what you've done

Try it in the next couple of days and you will see a difference.

Have a blessed day

World Economy: My Share

2009-02-27T14:36:00.004+01:00

It is a well spread fact now that the major economies of the world have plunged straight into the dungeon and wallowing in a deep mire of regret, shame and discouragement. Some may take it to the extreme and find it difficult to rise up to the challenge again. But the truth is, as long as there is life, there is hope.

The battle is not over until it's finally over.

Most multinationals incorporation are re-sizing and restructuring at this point which is causing a lot of brouhaha in the labour market of major players in the world economy. News is spreading fast of how not a few UK workers are giving employees unpaid hours. Several millions have lost their job in the US. Countries' market values are dropping rapidly, tension is rising, political and economic muscles are being strained, a lot of people are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

You will wonder how this affect you.

If you are not an investor (i.e. a player in the capital market), this would have little or no effect on you coupled with the fact that you are not working as a 'staff' of any of these multinationals.

If you are, it's not too late to start thinking of alternative measures to make more dough for your pocket(s).

Now, don't start thinking this is a scam. It's not. It's simply legitimate and engaging.

All you have to do is to have in Napoleon Hill's words, "a passion, strong consumating to make a success of money".

Are you sure you are ready for this. Then click on any of the links on the bottom right portion of this blog.

Drop your comments as to your findings in the links. Contact me hence and let's scale this hurdle together.

The Bane of Money-Use

2009-02-13T08:34:00.004+01:00

A lot of people wants more money than their minds could contain not knowing that money comes only to those who knows its use. A couple of year's ago, world's richest investor, Warren Buffet gave the world's richest man, Bill Gates, a lump sum of $31m. Why, you ask? Because he saw in him a man who knows how to use money.

Take this: if you don't know how to use money, money will use you.

The use of money is learnt from the desire to make money. If the desire is upright, money will flow easily into such hands. Of course, this is just a conjecture. But it can be relied upon. Check your motives for making money and verify its uprightness.

Dr. Tony Campolo writes: 'I know a man who loves to use his money to help people who will never know it was him. When I told him about a student who was hoping to become a minister but was going to have to drop out of school for financial reasons, he contacted the college and arranged to have the student's bills paid. That student became one of the best preachers in my denomination. Hundreds have become Christians under his leadership. Thousands have been influenced by his sermons; and he never did find out who put up the money! Behind it all was a person with resources, and the desire to do something that would live on. It surprises me more people don't do this. Many keep their money tucked away, and when they die they leave it to people who don't really need it. [They never come to the understanding that money not spent will eventually be spent [possibly squandered] after their death or eaten up by moth!] What a waste, when they could [have] make a difference [no matter how small] in so many lives.'

A lost opportunity to give is a lost opportunity to receive.

Dulling the Dollar!

2009-02-09T13:47:00.004+01:00

The present global economy has been ravaging for quite a long time. It bears remembrance of the 1929 depression just preceding the Second World War; the major factor being the Wall Street crash. By now, you would have understood that the decisive factor of the world economy is the 'almighty dollar.' Like it or not!

The Great Depression was triggered by a sudden, total collapse in the stock market. The stock market turned upward in early 1930, returning to early 1929 levels by April, though still almost 30 percent below the peak of September 1929.

Together, government and business actually spent more in the first half of 1930 than in the corresponding period of the previous year. But consumers, many of whom had suffered severe losses in the stock market the previous year, cut back their expenditures by ten percent, and a severe drought ravaged the agricultural heartland of the USA beginning in the summer of 1930.In early 1930, credit was ample and available at low rates, but people were reluctant to add new debt by borrowing. By May 1930, auto sales had declined to below the levels of 1928. Prices in general began to decline, but wages held steady in 1930, then began to drop in 1931. Conditions were worse in farming areas, where commodity prices plunged, and in mining and logging areas, where unemployment was high and there were few other jobs. The decline in the US economy was the factor that pulled down most other countries at first, and then internal weaknesses or strengths in each country made conditions worse or better.

I guess this is a bit similar to what's happening now.

You may wonder where I'm going with all this history. The point I want to make is this: you can step over this hurdle. Life is all about passing through a tunnel and seeing light at the end... another tunnel and light... another tunnel and shadow... then light and so on. Just see the bright and focus on the bright side!

An important step is focusing on prioritizing your expenses. Match your income to your expenditure such that you make adequate, if not, over-savings and not over-spending.

If you have got [plenty of] stock investments, just leave it for now till all these boomerang relaxes and all return to normalcy. Also have a sincere chat with your broker. Ask questions to boost your confidence. You need a lot of it.

What methods are you employing to make your finances up and running? Share with me with your comments.

Is Barack Obama the Anti-Christ?

2009-02-05T12:37:00.007+01:00

I'd like to drop my part in this brewing controversy.

I saw this title beaming @ me threateningly on the back page of The PUNCH newspaper, [2 days ago] Tuesday, 3rd February. The writer submitted in no non-literal terms that this, though, may not be bizarre, but should not be strongly negatively considered as it will propel fear all through the right-wing religious activists. I'd like you all, my readers to consider that America is ALWAYS very concerned about anything that affects its National Security [or anything that threatens it]. This may be a big concern!

One fact is: America is enmeshed in hard-core hypocrisy. For instance, an average American do not wish wish/want to believe that his President [Commander-in-chief] is a criminal or a complicit in criminal activities. This of course is a delicate fact that need to be faced. The fact that the United States of America presidency is the top notch in world leadership does not guarantee that its leaders are super-human beings not subject to, sometimes, grave mistakes.

There is no harm in being cautious but the line should be drawn when it gets superstitious.

Obama's ascendency to the highest and most-respected office of the United States of America and the world should be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Martin Luther king Jr [March, 1963] and not as a means to the quick conjunction that he is the Biblical Anti-Christ. Else, we would as well say that the 9/11 attack on the U.S is a result of the one too-many prophecies of the scriptures. You should also remember that the US has threaded on too many Arabian soil in the name of world power pre-eminence to incur the wraths of diverse and cold-blooded separatists and syndicated criminal factions.

Africans, on the other hand, belabour themselves with too many aberrations of evil and erroneous evils. This is one of the reasons that Africa is enthrenched in a lot of backwardness.

Now, to the religious sects who pride themself with this holier-than-thou attitude; who says it's not the Catholic Pontiff or the ArchBishop of Canterbury or any other prominent religious head is the intending Anti-Christ.

The truth is, anybody could be the Anti-Christ! Or what do you think?
Please, drop your comments.

Control your Anger!

2009-02-03T14:02:00.001+01:00

A bad temper is not something to be proud of, but prayed over to correct. When you blow your top, you just reveal your contents. And I wonder which of us has not done that, and [sure] regretted it?
When we don’t deal with temper, it definitely leads to harm.

These are the basic drivers of anger:
- Stress: by cramming too much into too little time, you set yourself up! Like violin strings that are pulled too tight, you end up snapping, then feeling guilty because you’re not ‘spiritual’ enough. ‘Have a sane estimate of your capabilities.’ In life ‘it’s always something,’ so anticipate and allow time for the unexpected.

- Frustration: defined as ‘someone or something that upsets you all the time.’ A recent news story told of a guy who went hunting on his mountain bike. When it broke down he shot it to pieces. Crazy! It makes no sense, but as Robert Green Ingersoll said, ‘Anger is like wind that blows out the lamp of the mind.’

- Perceived violation of your rights: when you walk around feeling angry it clouds your judgment, because when the only tool you have is a hammer every problem looks like a nail. The bottom line is, it’s not always about you! This is especially true in marriage.

- Things that challenge your values: sometimes ‘enough is enough’ and you need to speak up. When Jesus got angry in the temple it was because of dishonest practices and people being mistreated. In this case, ‘in fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.’ [I guess you know that’s in the good Book!]

Drop your comments on ways you’ve blown your top and the consequences.
Share with me ways to improve. I’ll be more than happy to publish your comments. Have a blessed day!

NO PLACE FOR EGO

2009-01-27T15:08:00.005+01:00

Arthur Ashe wrote: "TRUE heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It's not the urge to surpass all other at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever the cost"

DURING THE CIVIL WAR, President Abraham Lincoln faced not only the weariness of trying to bring together a divided nation, but also intense political pressure. Under such pressure Lincoln signed an order to transfer a regiment from one field of battle to another.

When Lincoln's Secretary of War, Edwin M. Santon, found out about it, he refused to carry out his commander-in-chief's directive. "Lincoln is a fool for signing the orders," he said.

A man preoccupied with success would have been infuriated. But not Lincoln. He knew that the preservation of the Union was a cause of much greater significance than his personal success. Lincoln simply said, "If Santon said I'm a fool, then I must be one. He is nearly always right in military matters. I'll step over and find out what his reasoning is." This is coming from a man who is regarded as one of America's finest leaders who shaped the America's world with his words.

After President Lincoln listened to Santon's views, he rescinded the order, saving thousands of lives and avoiding a military disaster. Can you beat that?

Preparing for d next level

2009-01-27T14:27:00.007+01:00

A fulfilled Life is not all about success; money, power and fame!

It's about significance; touching and imparting lives!

If you are out only to improve yourself and your situation, then you're still on the success track.

You will never find out what you can do until you do all you can to find out.

Take this and ruminate on it for the rest of the day...

- Talent is God-given; BE HUMBLE

- Fame is man-given; BE THANKFUL

- Conceit is self-given; BE CAREFUL

Lawrence Bell said: "show me a man who cannot bother to do little things and I'll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things."

You want to get to the top, then learn to desire and set your mind on doing the necessary;

then do the possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

LIFE: Hints from Bill

2009-01-16T11:36:00.006+01:00

I read this somewhere. I guess you will like it!

When questioned about his incredible success, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, offered these ten insights to anyone starting out. They are worth considering:

1. Life isn't fair, get used to it;

2. The world doesn't care about your self-esteem; it expects you to accomplish something before feeling good about yourself;

3. You won't make $60k a year out of school, or be a vice president with a cell phone. You have to earn it!

4. Do you think your teachers/lecturers are tough? Wait till you have a boss; he is not tenured!

5. Flipping burgers isn't beneath you; your grandparents called it opportunity

6. Your parents weren't always boring; it came from feeding you, cleaning your clothes and paying your bills. So before you rush out to save the rain forest from the 'parasites' of your parents' generation, try delousing your own closet

7. Some schools may have abolished winners and losers, but life hasn't. They may have eradicated 'failing grades' and given you as long as you want to get the right answer. This bears no resemblance to reality;

8. Life isn't divided into semesters. You don't get summers off! Employers aren't interested in helping you 'finding yourself'; you do that on your own time!

9. Unlike television, real people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to work

10. Be nice to nerds; chances are, you'll end up working for one someday!

Think deep about how you want your life. Plan and prepare towards IT!

It's not how far but how well!

C u @ d top 'cos the bottom is overcrowded!

Remembrance DAY! Can u remember?

2009-01-15T14:57:00.006+01:00

Today is Nigeria's Remembrance day.
Can you guess what that means?
Well in case you don't know, it is the day commemorating the end of the Nigerian Civil War (1970) and remembering the brave soldiers that died on both sides!

That's exactly thirty-nine years (39) ago!

Now what's (my) your concern?

Well you are a Nigerian! And so damn what?

Come on Learn!

Take a look (not a glance!) backwards and reminisce on your life so far:

- Have you been on the right track spiritually, financially, academically, professionally and in other facets of this life?

- Have you been doing the things you've thought you would be doing at this stage of your life?

Take this: you might not have been chanced in life to do the stuffs you would have like to do and presently you are wallowing in regret (and possibly shame); it's not worth it because the success of any man is largely on his part and contribution from the infinite intelligence.

Bill Gates said "Life is unfair, get used to it"

Forget the past and forge ahead with a renewed focus and passion.
If you want to move far in life, now is the time to start!
I bet you won't regret it.

IF YOU CAN THINK IT THEN YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!

Catch your fun with Jives

2009-01-14T12:14:00.004+01:00

Learn the doggy stuffs and be wise!

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a jolly-ride.

Avoid biting when a simple long growl will do.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

Practice obedience when it’s in your best interest.

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body

Take naps.

Stretch well before rising.

Delight in the cool joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Don’t make grudges after a harsh talk

Stop when you’ve done enough

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Hmm... the world @ your feet!

2009-01-13T09:40:00.005+01:00

You’ve got your chance at every (positive) opportunity that aligns with the mission in your vision that has got your passion. Use it!

I once heard a young inspirational speaker said at a conference that what qualifies a man to be POOR is that such fellow has passed over opportunities repeatedly. Can you beat that?

Poverty is a state of the mind NOT just the absence of material things. Life is 10% what happens to you and the 90% how you respond to it.

I once narrowly missed a chance to be the president of my local university chapter of an international student-run organization (the largest student-run black organization in the world!) which I almost screwed if not for my mental reiteration of the fact that it falls within my desired positioning. Then I remembered these words: “Life is NOT about luck but about cause and effect.” I took the opportunity straight on and faced the challenges as usual. It’s been interesting.

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote that: “the energy of the mind is the essence of life”
Check your passions and note your vision. Then write down your mission statement. Take your time though; it’s not a 15-minute task (except of course if you have been thinking about it before)!

Afterwards, think it, believe it, eat it, love it, dream it and just Work it out!

Personal Growth

2009-01-09T16:01:00.002+01:00

For a prosperous journey in this New Year, you’ve got to eat a few hints on getting to the next level:

Growth is NOT automatic. You’re only young once, but you can be immature indefinitely. Each year the Lobster is forced to shed its shell; it’s a pity we aren’t! Come on, if you don’t make personal growth your responsibility it’ll never happen. The road to anything worthwhile is always uphill, so the sooner you start climbing the closer to reaching your God-ordained potential you’ll be.

Growth is your responsibility. When you were a child your parents were responsible for your growth, now YOU are! Robert Browning wrote, “Why stay here on earth except to grow?” Good question! Yet quite few known to me dedicate themselves to the process. Why? Because growth requires change and most of us are quite uncomfortable with change. Gail Sheehy writes, “if we don’t change, we won’t grow, and if we don’t grow, we’re not really living. Growth demands the temporary surrender of security. It means a giving up of familiar but limiting patterns, safe but unrewarding work, values no longer believed in, relationships that have lost their meaning. Taking a new step is what we fear most, yet our real fear should be the opposite.”

Growth today brings success tomorrow. What you sow today determines what you reap tomorrow. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Once stretched by a new idea, a man’s mind never regains its original dimensions.” So what are you doing today to become MORE successful tomorrow? Can you think of anything worse than living a life devoid of growth and improvement? I can’t!

Leading the Youthful way

2009-01-09T14:32:00.001+01:00

If you’ve been a leader in a particular team for a certain task/project, you’ve probably found out how frustrating leadership can be.
You’ve pushed, prodded and poked and you’ve probably found out that it just doesn’t work.

David in the scripture has a unique way of leading we can emulate. David set out to accomplish a task. When others saw what he was doing they joined him. This volunteer team grew “until he had a great army.”

That’s how leadership works!

This day, determine to set out to accomplish something important, and rely on those who are available to volunteer. Leading by example is always more effective than getting behind others and trying to push irresistibly.

As you might have known or guessed, age doesn’t count when it comes to leadership. It is a product of the development of the mind. Take Barack Obama, the President-elect of the United States of America as an example and you will believe that if you set out to do accomplish something unique, surround your self with right-minded people.