Christmas Party Game Ideas

This holiday season, have fun with holiday party games. One great game to try is “White Elephant.” It’s one of those holiday party games that used for a secret santa or any kind of gift exchange. It’s a lot of fun and guaranteed to inspire lots of laughs.

Continue Reading October 30th, 2008

Is Your Cable Able?!

Cable… no, not the TV, the structured cable running through your building. While structured cabling may not seem as exciting as a discussion about your favorite show on cable television, what cabling solution you choose for a new or retro-fit building is the single most important decision you can make when it comes to your network design. Keep in mind that most servers and desktops last an average of three to five years. Your cabling system is built to last- if designed and installed properly.

There are several components that you, as a decision maker, should be aware of. There are partnerships in the cabling industry that work to your advantage. Existing between cable and connection device manufacturers (patch panels, jacks, etc.), these partnerships maximize the end to end performance of the network cabling through testing of interference factors, bandwidth performance and more. The list below is not all inclusive, but gives a good sense of which partnerships are available today: * Panduit/General Cable * Systimax/CommScope * Ortonics/Berktek * Siemens/Siemens (they have begun to sell their own cable)

Why is this important? Many of these partnerships offer extended warranties (15+ years) for the cable (ex.-Berktek) and connector equipment (ex.-Ortronics) used in the installation. The warranty criteria include other factors, such as the installer of the product must be certified by the manufacturer of the solution. Be careful when reviewing proposals from vendors. If these criteria are not met, your promised 15+ year warranty will be invalid.

Many people are tired of hearing about the differences between CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6 and now CAT7. However, these categories and other standards in the cabling industry are relevant to final network performance. CAT5 is generally used for telephone connections rather than the previous CAT3 cable. CAT5E is still widely used for data applications at this time, but CAT6 is becoming more prevalent.

More bandwidth mandated a new standard. Ten years ago we were talking about whether a company would run a 10MB or 100MB network. Now the question is, do they run a 100MB or 1GB network? CAT6 is built with tighter wire twists and increased separation of pairs which reduces interference between cables and increases the amount of data that can be pushed through the wires. Take care, however, that you do not install CAT6 cable in the wall and think that is going to allow the 1GB network to function at full speed. The jacks, patch panels, patch cords, switches, and NIC (network interface card) must also be 1GB compliant to ensure 1GB performance.

When embarking on a new building project or a substantial remodel, CAT6 should be installed for both voice and data locations to prepare for the future. The cost difference is generally between 25 – 30% higher for the material, while the labor remains virtually the same. It is still far less expensive to cable for the future in the beginning rather than to come back and re-do. If you need to tweak the budget do it by not purchasing 1GB switches, NIC cards and patch cables because those components are easy to change as you grow. If the additional cost for the right cable seems frivolous, compare that cost to the components of your voice and data network (IP telephones, servers, desktop devices, software). It will make the cable cost seem like a drop in the bucket.

Not to muddy the waters but now the newest talk of the town (although it has been around for a while) is CAT7 – or 10Gigabit cable?! It never ends. But there is good news. This cable is not ideal for mainstream desktop cable runs in most situations at this time. Appropriate applications for CAT7 are data centers, data devices pushing very high bandwidth such as full medical records, etc. If the distance limitation of 300 ft is not a factor, CAT7 could also provide a less expensive option than fiber to connect remote data closets within a building.

Plenum anyone? Each cable is offered in a plenum or non-plenum (PVC) variety. In the event of a fire, the plenum cable is slow to burn and produces less smoke than standard PVC cable. It does not mean that the cable will not burn – it simply means that when it burns it will burn “cleaner”. All of the cables mentioned above come in these varieties and it is important to install the proper cable. Many new buildings are required to install plenum cable as are buildings using the drop ceiling structure for a cold air return rather than providing venting for this purpose. Stay educated to avoid undue consequences for non-compliance. An architect/engineer would be a good source for this information.

Lastly, the NEC (National Electric Code) requires that unused (abandoned) cable be removed from a building. The main reason for this is that the old copper cable does not add any value but it may be a fire inducer. Many people do not even think about this issue when pulling in a new cable system. Be sure to check on local codes to ensure that your company is adhering to the policies set in your city. If no code exists in your city or state, the NEC is the one to follow.

You wouldn’t construct your building without a solid foundation. Give the same attention to your network foundation – the structured cabling system. Do not simply go for the cheapest solution -most likely it will cost more money later in re-cabling the same areas or poor network performance troubleshooting. Be safe and research the type of cable needed for the environment in which it is installed. And finally, rely on industry professionals to assist you in your decision making process.

October 29th, 2008

DVD Backup Software Advantages

Depending upon the player that you own, you may experience a few glitches here and there while trying to enjoy your favorite DVD (digital videodisc) movie. Perhaps you’ve even experienced the problem of the non-playable DVD – you know… the one that worked fine when you first bought it, but then failed to run properly after a number of viewings. If you have experienced this problem, then you’re probably ready to learn how to back up your DVDs onto an environment guaranteed to run it!

Fortunately, you can use DVD backup software to burn your favorite movies onto another workable CD (DVD disk). “Burning” is the process of copying data from a DVD (or audio CD) onto your hard drive, and then making another copy from your computer onto a readable and writeable DVD (DVD-R). Writeable DVD disks, like writeable CDs, can be purchased at any computer or office supply store. Once burned, you can watch movies from your new copies.

To get a movie onto your hard drive, you’ll need to “rip” it. Ripping a DVD requires additional software that’s designed to copy the movie onto your computer. It’s not a process for the computer newbie and if you’re not familiar with terms like IFO files or VOB files, you’ll need to do a little research before attempting to rip a DVD.

In addition to researching the concept of DVD ripping and burning, you’ll also need to familiarize yourself with U.S. copyright laws. As it currently stands, you may rip a DVD for your own personal use, but you may not distribute it at all for any reason. Copying a movie for personal use is permissible under the copyright’s Fair Use law. However there are no protections for people who make these copies available for others to use.

October 28th, 2008

Guide for Students: On-Line Sports Competition Bets

Hook up both of man’s topmost leisure actvities and you will pinpoint a rage we call sportsbook betting Web property. Really, what could be more ingenious? If you visualize a knot of sports dudes cheering to support a chosen club, and almost always wagers are geared up adding to the uproar.

Continue Reading October 25th, 2008

What is your PROBLEM? There Must Be 50 Ways to…

“What is your PROBLEM?” Have you ever gotten exasperated and asked someone that in “that” tone of voice?

Mary: “I want to move near my grandchildren, but how on earth will I move myself up there alone?”
You: “Just call a moving company. What is your PROBLEM?”

Abby: “I hate being an entrepreneur, but you have no idea how hard it is to get back into a corporation with all the downsizing.
You: “Just call a career coach. What is your PROBLEM?”

Millicent: “I ought to get a raise, but how on earth do I ask him for one?”
You: “Just ask. What is your PROBLEM?”

Antonio: “How on earth do I tell my wife I’m in love with another woman?”
You: “Just tell her. What is your PROBLEM?”

Liu: “I hate this house. I hate it.”
You: You’ve been saying that for 3 years now. What is your PROBLEM?”

What is the PROBLEM when the solution is so EASY?

++Easy to us who are on the outside.
++Easy to us who are not emotionally involved and can therefore be objective
++Easy for us who are not hamstrung by ambivalence (indecision) and can think clearly
++Easy for us because we can think logically, and the steps are obvious IF the decision has been made AND there are no emotions involved.

How do you ask for a raise? Gosh, there must be 50 ways to ask for a raise.

Remember that great old song by Paul Simon, “There Must Be 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”?

He’s talking with a woman …

“The problem is all inside your head,” she tells him. “The answer is easy if you take it logically. I’d like to help you with your struggle to be free. There must be 50 ways to leave your lover.”

When we’re in an emotional situation, we can be “flooded” and unable to think clearly. We get “hijacked.” How do you ask for a raise? You ask for a raise. And it can really get painful to be hung up that way.

“It grieves me so to see you in such pain,” she continues in the song. “I wish there was something I could do to make you smile again.”

He says he appreciates that, and would she please explain about the 50 ways?

Slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don’t need to be coy, Roy
Just listen to me.

Hop on the bus, Gus
You don’t need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free.

And then she has a good idea. “Why don’t we just sleep on it tonight,” she says, and then she kisses him, and he “realized she probably was right … there must be 50 ways to leave your lover.”

Smart girl!

Emotions motivate us. We will sit on the fence until the pain gets too bad in one direction, or the expected pleasure too great in the other direction.

And when we get the feelings that motivate us, we discover there must be 50 ways to …

As the poet said, “Kisses are a better fate than wisdom.” Emotions are our guides. That’s what Emotional Intelligence is all about.

About the Author

©Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Emotional coaching to positively impact all areas of your life – career, relationships, transition, learning, leadership, resilience, self- and other-management. Take The EQ Foundation Course©, and visit the eBook Learning Center: http://www.webstrategies.cc/ebooklibrary.html . Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE eZine.

October 25th, 2008

Dealing with Feelings of Intimidation

Q & A about how to deal with an intimidating coach.
Question of the Month:

How do you deal with a young athlete who is intimidated by his coach? My son just made the varsity HS team. He’s a great hitter, fielder, etc. All of a sudden, he cannot throw in front of the coach. He can throw when the coach is not around, but when the coach is watching his hand freezes up. This has happened two days in a row now. I think he’s intimidated by the coach. How can he get rid of this problem?

Dr. Cohn’s Answer: This might be intimidation or it could be that your son wants to impress the new coach and teammates, or it could be something entirely different. If I had a chance to talk to your son, I would want to explore what he is thinking about when the coach is watching him throw such as “what are you most concerned with when the coach is watching you throw”? Or “what does it feel like when you have to throw in front of the coach.”

I do not think it is a confidence issue per se with your son. It sounds like he has the skills in baseball to play the game. Without talking to him further, I would say that he is too concerned with what the coach thinks about him in general. He may be trying to impress the coach, gain acceptance on the team, or is worried about losing a starting spot on the team. Another thing: some athletes worry about getting an earful from the coach after a mistake.

In any event, your son is too result-focused and worried about the outcome of the throw. In my opinion, he is freezing because he is trying too hard and over-controlling the throw. The fear he has about making a poor throw causes this over-control reaction. When this happens, he is forcing his throws and trying too hard to make it perfect. He is probably trying to AVOID a poor throw. The body loses it’s rhythm and timing and then the throw looks and feels awkward. Sometimes it gets so bad that he can’t release or begin the throw.

He needs to make two adjustments. The first is that he has to stop thinking about the consequences of a good or a bad throw (and who might be watching). This means focusing on the task and the ingredients of a good throw. The second adjustment he needs to make is to regain his natural timing and throw with freedom. Simply, he needs to try less and trust his natural ability. This means look at the target and throw without trying to make a perfect throw or avoid a bad throw. React to the target with trust it will go there.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick J. Cohn is a leading mental game coach who consults with professional and amatuer athletes. He is the author of Going Low, Peak Performance Golf, The Mental Game of Golf and The Mental Art of Putting. For more information call (888) 742-7225. Or sign up for free mental game tips newsletter at: www.peaksports.com.

October 24th, 2008

Who Cares What Your IQ Is?

You Want Brain Power, Not Scores!

Would you like to know what your IQ is? Want to improve it?
What is IQ anyhow? The American Heritage Dictionary defines
Intelligence Quotient as “The ratio of tested mental age to
chronological age, usually expressed as a quotient
multiplied by 100.” Basically, it’s a test of intelligence,
with 100 as the average score. There are some problems with
IQ tests however.

A recent IQ test asked which of four fruits was different.
It was the one with more than one seed; but what if you were
not familiar with these fruits? Obviously this test is
culturally biased. You are assumed to have certain
knowledge, yet you are being tested for intelligence, not
knowledge.

Now look at these letters: “ANLDEGN.” Rearrange them and
you’ll have the name of a(n): Ocean, Country, State, City or
Animal. This is from an IQ test I took. Hmm.. very few
oceans, so I could eliminate those – but wait a second!
That’s a test taking technique. An intelligence test
shouldn’t be testing your test-taking ability. I’m bound to
score higher than a person of equal intelligence who hasn’t
learned simple techniques for scoring higher on multiple –
choice tests.

Real Life Results vs Scores

Maybe an imperfect test is better than no test at all, and
it is entertaining. I just took an IQ test, and though I
don’t think my IQ is really the 138 it showed, it was fun.
You can try a free IQ test on my website. Of course you know
you’ll score higher on a good day than a bad day. If you
didn’t know that, try these tips to make it a good IQ test
day:

1. Breath deep.

2. Sit up straight.

3. Close your mouth.

4. Drink a cup of coffee.

5. Exercise just enough to get the blood pumping
faster.

6. Try Ginkgo Biloba (It increases blood flow to the
brain).

Now let me ask you a question. What was Henry Fords IQ? Who
cares! The man was one of the most innovative people of the
last century, and he did what he did by surrounding himself
with intelligent people. That practice alone has to be worth
more than 20 IQ points. Do you get the point?

Real life results are what you want, right? So if you want
to be more creative, learn to use creative problem solving
techniques. If you want to concentrate better, there are
techniques for that. Learn to speed-read and you’ll have
double the knowledge in the same time. After you paint your
first Mona Lisa, build your first skyscraper or make your
first million, what will your IQ score be? Who cares!?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Gillman has been studying brain improvement,
concentration, creative problem solving, and related topics
for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe for free
to his Brain Power Newsletter at:
http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/newsletter.html

October 20th, 2008

Living Virtually: Missing Reality

I have a dear friend, Diana whom I used to meet for lunch quite often. Lately work has had her traveling between three cities. I miss her terribly. I also have another close friend, Josh who used to live in my city. Josh and his wife now live in another state and Josh and I frequently communicate by e-mail. Both of these relationships have evolved into virtual friendships. These electronically based friendships have become remarkably frank, candid and even loving connections. I still love the people, but I am starting to hate our connection.

I understand that the net has many positive aspects. One of them is the ability to communicate quickly across territorial boundaries and to connect with friends and family all over the world. I like e-mailing my children when I know it is too late to call them knowing that when they awaken they will have a “letter” from mom. I like knowing I can contact my husband, or he me, if we are apart. I like all the information I can disseminate and find so very quickly. I like the easy sense of camaraderie and community I have with colleagues who belong to the same organizations that I do or who live far away. There are all kinds of things I like about the net.

Truth be told, I dislike aspects of the net and especially e-mail more than I like it. I hate the disembodied exchanges between souls who once maintained a real life basis for trust, anger, joy and love. I miss the intimate inflections of real voices during conversations, or seeing the expressive hand gestures that belong to one of my kids. I miss the sound of a friend’s voice over the phone as we type more and talk less. I hate the massive amounts of thoughtless mail that clog my screen just because someone couldn’t sleep and decided to send everyone in their address book a tasteless joke. I am impatient with all the petitions I am asked to sign, and the spam mail that I get. I miss going to the library as often as I once did and having the librarian introduce me to an unexpected reading treasure. Mostly though, I am sad because I know that soon, many people will barely know the difference between a virtual and a real connection. I don’t want to become one of them.

I am a modern woman with a traditionalist’s soul. I am old enough to remember the sound of the dairy truck as its clinking glass bottles announced the new day’s dairy delivery. I have an even more poignant memory of the day I realized that milk had became homogenized as well as pasteurized. Young as I was, I knew then, that though my children would, hear, taste, feel and experience life in ways as yet unimaginable to me, they would never know the joy of sticking their finger down the narrow neck of the glass bottle to taste the cream on the top when their mother wasn’t looking. In fact, they probably would never know the taste of genuine fresh cream.

Life moves on, and I have moved with I; part of a virtual world. I use the web and I live on e-mail far too much. Yes, writing a book is easier in a document than on a typewriter. And, I know good marriages that started with innocent e-mails. I know that technology is shrinking our world in ways that are more positive than not. Still, I miss Diana and Josh. Our virtual connection allows us to say things we might not ever feel free enough to say in person. E-mail does keep us connected, but deep down, I miss the easy laughter and the touch of both. The essence of each of them is no longer in my life. When I let myself think about that, I miss the reality of what we used to have.

Life is too hard to do alone,

Dr. D.

Dorree Lynn, PH.D.

About the Author

Dr. Dorree Lynn is co-founder of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Psychotherapy and a practicing clinician in New York and Washington, DC. Dr. Lynn served on the executive board of the American Academy of Psychotherapists and she is on the editorial board of their publication, Voices. She is also a regular columnist for the Washington, DC newspaper, The Georgetowner. Dr. Lynn is a noted speaker and well known on the lecture circuit.

October 19th, 2008

Inordinately…

Inordinate…

Terry Dashner….Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013

One of the greatest arguments for God’s existence is man’s ability to rebound from overwhelming losses to hope again. Whether the loss is material or physical, whether the loss is as extreme as a 9-11-2001 or the suddenness of an Asian Tsunami which sweeps away the lives of hundreds of thousands in a short span, man’s ability to live again is testimony to hope found only in the God of all creation.

It’s no great revelation to discover that you are subject to despair. If you have lived anytime at all in this world as a human being, you know that mortality is your present state and that you are at the whim of immortality. You have no assurance of tomorrow, but you must deal with what it brings your way. Within yourself there is no possibility of conquering your mortal dilemmaloss, great calamities, sickness, and physical death. But all is not lost. God has created man in His image and likeness. God gives supernatural hope, and man may find that hope in Him. When you turn outside yourself, outside of your mortal dilemma and look to God, you will find the resilience to hope and live liberated from the whims of circumstances.

Nowhere in scripture is this better illustrated than John chapter twothe wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Jesus does His first miracle there and changes water into wine. He changes the common into the uncommon. He turns the natural into a supernatural event. When God shows up, His hand can turn the most devastating circumstances into triumphs of victory. Yes He can.

Maybe you are someone in despair of living. Maybe you have come across a dire fate of circumstances, beyond your control. It seemsat no fault of you ownthe failure has ambushed you, out of nowhere. Maybe you could use a rebound. God is an expert at changing despair into hope, depression into joy, dead ends into super highways of egress. You don’t have to take my word for it. Experience it for yourself. God is as close to youright nowas the mention of His name, Jesus. Call to Him, and He will answer you.

May I share with you three things regarding the Cana wedding feast that relate to the human dilemma of mortality? This won’t take long, and it could help you.

First, the miracle that occurred at Cana was excess. The wine had gone drya very embarrassing situation to be in, especially at a first century, mid-eastern wedding. Whether through improper planning or just pure negligence on the part of the host, the situation just happened. It was an adverse situation that needed attention. But how does one remedy the circumstances without additional time, material resources, or a miracle?

In walks Jesus. Jesus willingly came to the aid of the host. He changed the water into wine for further use. But there is something strange about this, to say the least. Jesus didn’t just make enough wine to fill the cup a second time. He created more than enough. By today’s standards to furnish that much wine would be negligenta liability of possible intoxication. Jesus gave to the party goersinordinate amounts of wine. This is just like God. Our life is to be a wedding feast. God’s love is given to us, the party goers, in extravagant amounts. His love is inordinate and intoxicating beyond reason.

Secondly, what is natural was changed into the supernatural. There were six, stone-water pots. These stone vessels were reserved for ceremonial water. The Jews were very religious people, during the time of Jesus. They used water to wash their hands before eating. The washing was significant. It reflected the need for everyman to be cleansed by the water of life. Yet there is a bit of irony here. The water that was meant to cleanse them spiritually could not help them in the time of their greatest need. They needed something greater than ceremonial water to change their dilemma. Only God could change what needed to be changed. And when He changed it, the change brought something entirely different than water. It brought wine, the prosperity of life. Jesus can change your circumstances, but your physical circumstances are not the real problem. The real problem is you heart. It needs to be changed into a new life in Christ. This can only be done by the hand of God.

Thirdly, this was the first miracle of Jesus. The original language is specific and colorful. The word in the Greek for “first” doesn’t mean the first among many “firsts.” It means the first by which all other miracles are valued. In other words, the changing of the water into wine was not about supplying wine at a wedding party. The miracle was about the Glory of God being revealed to man. You see up to that time, no man had ever seen God with his own eyes. Because of this, there was no way to measure the genuine from impostures. Nevertheless, when Jesus comes on the scene, He is God in the flesh, and men behold God for the first time. And what is God seen doing? Is He seen condemning, cursing, and killing His helpless man? No! He is seen, for the first time through the eyes of man, revealing His Glory. His Glory is best defined by changing His man from common sinner into the uncommon righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.

I hope you desire the wine of change. God can change you and your situation for good. Let Him intoxicate you with His love for you…

Keep the faith. Stay the course. Jesus is coming soon.

Pastor T.

About the Author

Pastors a small church in Broken Arrow, OK. U.S. Navy veteran of the Viet Nam era. Retired police officer with the city of Tulsa. Married 28 years. Father of three grown children and grandfather of two.

October 18th, 2008

How To Overcome Stuck States

Although many of us use self-help tools like affirmations, visualizations, NLP techniques, and spiritual invocations, we sometimes find that nothing happens. This, to say the least, is disheartening.

After many years as a psychotherapist, I found that the brain can be compared to a computer. Since the computer was founded to replicate some of the features of our brains, the analogy also works the other way.

In a computer, a corrupted file, a virus, or any other type of malignant software is sufficient to slow the computer down, create frequent crashes, and cause difficulties in opening certain files.

In a brain, a negative decision based on some troubling event is sufficient to create internal resistance. This resistance is unconscious and often defies the most valiant efforts by the conscious mind to defeat it.

While working in therapy or holistic practice is an excellent way to overcome blockers, internal feedback loops that prevents forward progress, it isn’t always convenient and affordable to find the right person when you need him or her.

What do we do to move forward when we feel stuck? How do we debug the brain? And how do we do it on our own?

In pondering this question, I came across this marvelous technique by Karol Truman in her amazing book, Feelings Buried Alive Never Die…

She has created a script that speaks to your unconscious mind using a spiritual perspective. It’s deliberately convoluted and confusing to the conscious mind so that the unconscious gets to work. Also, you don’t feel anything after you’re done, since it’s below the radar of your usual awareness.

I’ll give it to you here to try out. And, incidentally, if you feel that it doesn’t work, recognize that this too is resistance and work on releasing your doubt (which is basically a fear of failure.)

Spirit, please locate the origin of my feeling/thought of feeling negative about (insert the feeling or belief you want to release here).

Take each and every level, layer, area and aspect of my be-ing to this origin. Analyze and resolve it perfectly, with God’s truth.

Come forward in time, healing every incident based upon the foundation of the first, according to God’s will; until I’m at the present, filled with light and truth, God’s peace and love, forgiveness of myself for my incorrect perceptions, forgiveness of every person, place, circumstance and event which contributed to this feeling/thought.

With total forgiveness and unconditional love I delete the old from my DNA, release it, and let it go now! I feel (insert the way you want to feel here).

I allow every physical, mental, emotional and spiritual problem, and inappropriate behavior based on the old feelings to quickly disappear.

Thank you, Spirit, for coming to my aid and helping me attain the full measure of my creation. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you and praise God from whom all blessings flow.

About the Author

Saleem Rana is a psychotherapist in Denver, Colorado. He loves to share his ideas about personal growth.

You can get his new book 7 disciplines of wealth here:
www.thempoweredsoul.com/7disciplines.html

He also offers a free 35 week NLP Mindset Success Course, please go here: www.theempoweredsoul.com

October 18th, 2008