tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76651662503386278732024-03-13T11:01:01.187-04:00Blogging About AnythingThis is where I blog about anything and everything! From designer bags, fashion, travel, news, Beauty products, such as skin care to cosmetics and everything else I can think about...Yay fun!Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-85839596220096511862012-12-18T12:26:00.002-05:002012-12-18T12:26:41.834-05:00Potluck at work!Tomorrow is our potluck at work and I am so excited about tasting different dishes! I love food, yes I do! I am a food-a-holic! (if that is even a word!)<br />
I am thinking of making Spanish Paella, something different and I absolutely love everything about this dish…It has rice, chicken…what else do you want? LOL… Below is the recipe. I will let you know how it turns out! But it suppose to look like the picture below: lol<br />
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<a href="http://www.empowernetwork.com/kcc/files/2012/12/22102_l.jpg?id=kcc"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-34 aligncenter" height="199" src="http://www.empowernetwork.com/kcc/files/2012/12/22102_l-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Ingredients<br />
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1 teaspoon saffron threads<br />
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<li>2 tablespoons boiling water</li>
<li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li>
<li>4 (125g each) chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut into 4cm pieces</li>
<li>1 medium red onion, chopped</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons smoked sweet paprika</li>
<li>1 medium red capsicum, chopped</li>
<li>2 cups medium-grain calrose rice</li>
<li>3 cups salt-reduced chicken stock</li>
<li>1 cup frozen peas, thawed</li>
<li>1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves</li>
<li>Lemon wedges, to serve</li>
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Cooking instructions:<br />
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<li>Step 1 Place saffron threads in a bowl. Add boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Step 2 Meanwhile, heat oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Cook chicken and onion for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden.</li>
<li>Step 3 Add paprika, capsicum and rice. Stir to coat. Add saffron mixture and stock. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 18 minutes or until rice is just tender. Add peas and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Serve with lemon wedges.</li>
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Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-90911327371759069542012-10-05T13:17:00.002-04:002012-10-05T13:18:20.487-04:00My Online Store..<h4>
Just relaunched my new online beauty store! </h4>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to Your One-Stop-Shop for all your Beauty needs!</span></h4>
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<a href="http://www.spoilmybody.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="SpoilMyBody.com" border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mm1HpBBZr70/UG8VeGFjpDI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/ai-SU1b7yao/s400/Makeup1.png" title="SpoilMyBody.com" width="400" /></a></div>
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SpoilMyBody.com</div>
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<br />Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-10526312318173861432012-08-16T16:16:00.003-04:002012-08-16T16:17:31.545-04:00A make-up artist in the family!I want to congratulate my cousin Frincess for launching her <a href="http://frincessjulyette.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> today! I wish you all the best Frin!!! xoxo<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frincessjulyette.com/">http://frincessjulyette.com/</a></td></tr>
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ALL THE BEST!!!</div>
Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-78426631455084865382012-08-15T14:47:00.000-04:002012-08-15T14:49:50.601-04:00Bourne Legacy - A review - sortaNow that I finally found my blog, I can finally blog again! Yay!. I know what you're thinking, "how can you lose your blog?". Well I actually couldn't remember the link and couldn't remember which email address I used to log in to blogspot...I know, I know, I am getting old!!! LOL.<br />
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So for my first post this year, I am going to talk about the Bourne Legacy movie.<br />
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3 reasons why I wanted to see this movie:</div>
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1. I enjoyed watching the previous Bourne movies.</div>
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2. One of my favorite actors is in it. Yes, Edward Norton </div>
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3. They shot some scenes in the Philippines</div>
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The movie itself I will give a total of 2.9 out of 5 as there were 3 things that kind of made me "meh"...</div>
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1. Too many unnecessary chase scenes - just too many and most of the time, nothing is happening, they were just sitting on the motorcycle waving in and out of lanes.</div>
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2. The Bangkok dude they sent to kill Aaron died without a fight!!! OK, I was expecting that they will meet and then have a fist fight and Aaron will almost die, but in the end Aaron kills him. But no, the dude died because his motorcycle flipped!!! OK, sure Rachel Weisz' character smacked him with her helmet and went on hitting a pole and died or at least unconscious anyway. </div>
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3. The ending was OK, although it left it hanging, like there is a sequel. </div>
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So there you go - a brief and quick review of the movie. Let me know what you guys think!</div>
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Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-62743117330020985502009-10-28T21:29:00.003-04:002009-10-28T21:42:45.190-04:00Walmart selling caskets online???<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397831021556661890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SujytxV3_oI/AAAAAAAAAfs/yFNyG4IoABw/s400/walmartsellscasket.bmp" /><br /><br /><div>Buy caskets at <a href="http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&search_query=caskets">walmart online</a>!!!! He he he<br /><br />Wow, they are definitely expanding their business!!! lol<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&search_query=caskets">Shop now!</a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397831209248310882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/Sujy4sjDRmI/AAAAAAAAAf0/ElNiMrmX4Yg/s400/walmartsellscasket2.bmp" /></div></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-9526790653896596202009-10-24T11:14:00.003-04:002009-10-24T11:19:59.834-04:00The Power of POSITIVE Thinking - 4 steps to HAPPIER YOU<div><strong>Four steps to a happier you no matter what the challenge. </strong><br /><br />Positive thinking can be tricky when times are tough. But if you can find a way to be happy, experts say you can cope with even life’s biggest challenges. Whether you’re facing a financial crisis or recovering from a rocky relationship, here’s how to help happiness prevail. </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396185923186269762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SuMagcV7HkI/AAAAAAAAAfk/jQaGNQk5xEA/s320/positive.jpeg" /><br /><br /><strong>1. The power of positive thinking</strong><br /><br />Letting go of negativity is the first step to overcoming difficult situations. “Your brain’s ability to come up with creative solutions is reduced when you’re in a depressive mood,” says Martha Finney, author of Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After a Job Loss. Finney says each of us has a “mental muscle,” or emotional resilience we can rely on for strength. Just recall the last tough time in your life and remember that you made it through. “You know what it means to prevail because you’ve already done it,” says Finney.<br /><br /><strong>2. Tap in to Happy</strong><br /><br />No matter how bleak the outlook may be, it is possible to stay positive when times are tough, says Carmel McConnell, author of The Happiness Plan: Simple Steps to a Happier Life. “Ask yourself ‘when and where am I happiest?’ and simply make more room for that in your life,” she says. For instance, if what you love most is listening to music while relaxing in the bath, making time to do that is more important than ever.<br /><br /><strong>3. Money can’t buy happiness</strong><br /><br />If you’re having a hard time because you’re strapped for cash, McConnell says it’s important to realize that more stuff is not going to make you happy. “Many people worry that, without the ability to flash cash, they’re going to be miserable, she says. “But research shows that we’re never satisfied after purchases and always want more.” So instead of lamenting the fact you can’t afford an iPhone, think about how you don’t actually need money to do the things that make you most happy, like enjoying a potluck dinner with your girlfriends.<br /><br /><strong>4. Spread the joy</strong><br /><br />One key to happiness is to focus on making other people happy, says McConnell. The best investment for a happier life is building trust and intimacy with your friends and family, she adds. A recent study from Harvard University discovered that happiness spreads through groups of friends quickly and for each joyful friend you have, your level of happiness increases by nine percent.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/real-life/inner-you/rogers-article.aspx?cp-documentid=22056751">Yahoo.ca<br /></a></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-19626320811845811562009-07-14T09:47:00.003-04:002009-07-14T09:53:40.804-04:00Travel Etiquette - When in Rome....Remember when an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at George Bush on a recent farewell tour in Iraq? Bush later said that that incident was one of the weirdest of his life. But anyone who understands Middle Eastern culture knew that exposing the sole of the shoe to someone is considered a strong sign of disrespect. It is not a weird incident, just a part of Middle Eastern culture. Unfortunately, too many of us have travelled to a foreign country only to be bamboozled by the strangeness of their customs. It does not have to be that way, as long as travellers understand a culture and display the proper etiquette. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.travelswise.com/Travel-Europe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.travelswise.com/Travel-Europe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Etiquette</strong> is the code of principles, such as respect and honour, in any given society. It is really the manner in which you convey those principles to others that can be a little tricky and may make others feel uncomfortable. Travellers want to experience new cultures and live in the moment, but they should also be careful not to offend the locals. There are many ways to travel the world and still be respectful of every local culture you visit, but most of us do not have the time study cultures extensively. The first thing you can do is pick up a book about the country you are visiting. Most travel books have an etiquette section to give you a brief overview of cultural mores. <br /><br /><strong>Meeting And Greeting </strong> <br />Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, meeting your foreign hosts in the correct manner is crucial to achieving a good first impression. If you are unsure of how a greeting should take place, wait for your host to offer the greeting first. <br /><br />In Europe, North and South America, a greeting usually consists of a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. In China and Japan, a handshake will suffice, but your host may bow down to greet you. In the Middle East, your handshake should be gentle and should be accompanied with a smile. Men should not shake a woman's hand unless she initiates the handshake. In relaxed occasions, women may greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.clcsol.com.au/images/photo7sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.clcsol.com.au/images/photo7sm.jpg" /></a><br /><strong>Dress Code </strong> <br />Many cultures around the world have not yet accepted the idea of women walking around in booty shorts and men walking around topless. Your safest bet is to stick to conservative, comfortable clothing. For business, men should always wear a tailored business suit with a tie. He should be well groomed. In North and South America and in Europe, women can wear a business suit as well. In Middle Eastern and Asian countries, women should opt for a long skirt and long sleeved shirt or blazer. Women in business suits may come off as too aggressive and masculine in many Asian cultures. No matter where the destination, women must always keep makeup to a minimum so as to appear professional. <br /><br /><strong>International Etiquette</strong> <br />Here are some etiquette tips for some of the most visited countries around the world: <br /><br />Mexico: Keep your hands above the table at all times. <br /><br />Germany: Use a fork and knife to eat sandwiches, fruits and most other foods. <br /><br />Austria: Always arrive on time to social engagements. <br /><br />France: Do not be nosy, as the French value their privacy. <br /><br />China: Do not click your fingers or whistle in China; it's considered very rude. <br /><br />Spain: Never be late for a bullfight, but it is okay to be up to 30 minutes late for any other social engagement. <br /><br />Italy: Never burp in public and try not to yawn in front of others. <br /><br />Syria: It is a sign of respect to take off your shoes when you enter someone's home. <br /><br />UK: Always wait for your host to begin eating before you do. <br /><br />US: If you are offered a second helping of food, accept it. <br /><br /><strong>When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do </strong> <br />Before embarking on your journey or business trip, research your destination country to learn a bit about their culture so that you do not offend the locals. If you are ever in doubt about your behaviour, just do as the locals do. <br /><br />Remember, just because something is different does not mean it is wrong. Customs, behaviours and religious practices are unique to every culture and should be respected when you are in someone else's home. Differences in culture should not be considered deficiencies; they are just different.<br /><br />by: <a href="http://ca.travel.yahoo.com/guides/Other/652/when-in-rometravel-etiquette-for-business-and-pleasure">zafana zahili</a>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-34796573230900268762009-07-13T10:32:00.002-04:002009-07-13T10:39:42.509-04:00It's Monday, you could die today....Yet another study has determined that Monday is the worst day of the week for your heart. I don't mean Monday is bad for your heart because that's the day most people tend to break up. In fact, I really have no idea which day of the week people favour as a breaking-up day, although Monday does sound a good bet. What I do mean is that several studies have found that more people die from heart attacks (and strokes) on Monday than on any other day of the week, especially Monday mornings.<br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 395px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.savagechickens.com/images/chickendeathhome.jpg" /><br /><div>In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers looked at all deaths in Scotland attributed to cardiac causes between the years 1986 and 1995, of which there were lots because Scotland has one of the world's highest rates of death from heart attack and stroke, most of which is attributed to all that smoking and sitting around and eating badly that is standard fare in the country of kilts and clans.<br /><br />The researchers not only found that, as expected, the death rate from coronary events was indeed higher in all age groups on Mondays, but that it was particularly elevated in people under the age of 50.<br /><br />Why? 2 probable reasons. First, there is the cardiac response to all that heavy "binge" drinking that so many younger people indulge in on the weekend, and younger Scots, as they will quickly acknowledge, take a back seat to no one in how hard they party.<br /><br />Then there's also the Monday morning anticipation - "dread" or "bitterness" are better words, I think - of another week of uninviting and often poorly compensated labour which is probably enough to push the hearts of some high risk people over the edge.<br /><br />So what can you do with this news? Well, you can, I suppose, tone down your partying on weekends, especially if you are younger and already have some heart disease risks, as so many more younger people tend to have these days. Or you can do what my son did when I told him of these findings early one Sunday morning before I left to do my weekend call-in show. His reply? "These results clearly mean, dad, that you shouldn't start the week until Tuesday afternoon." And then he went back to sleep.<br /><br />That kid is going to be a scientist one day, I think. Either that or unemployed.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=2059&channel_id=1030&relation_id=34757">Yahoo</a></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-85408223494413816832009-05-09T20:32:00.006-04:002009-05-09T20:42:45.507-04:00KC and LV in TOMy friend Nadine and I stayed downtown Toronto for a couple of nights to do some shopping, relax and have fun. Got a few pics with a couple of my LV pieces. Enjoy!!!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333988062297294306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SgYh4clnheI/AAAAAAAAAfU/CgkTxol1sv4/s400/IMG_3332.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">The famous bathroom shot with my Damier Neverfull MM...lol</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333987982235402722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SgYhzyVYAeI/AAAAAAAAAfM/tOm9mM5ePr8/s400/IMG_3326.JPG" /> <p align="center">Resting with my NF which matches my Coach ballet flats<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333987872983476674" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SgYhtbVr6cI/AAAAAAAAAfE/RM0PavRXiiI/s400/IMG_3319.JPG" /></p><p align="center">Another bathroom shot with my Monogram Pochette with an extender<br /></p>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-25530654031175716652009-05-01T09:58:00.006-04:002009-05-01T10:23:58.592-04:00Business Analysis - Recession proof?<div><div><div><div><span style="color:#000099;">As a Business Analyst in Software Development, I was really happy when I saw the article below from <a href="http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/article/50plus/top-recessionproof-careers-20090123">yahoo.com</a>, although any job is risky, I guess I can hold on to this hope for now. LOL.</span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 332px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 332px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://buildingdigitalnetworks.com/bdn/images/BusinessAnalysisCoreComp_4S.gif" /> <div></div><div><em>According to Forbes.com, the Top Careers that are recession-proof are the following:<br /><br />1. Sales Representative<br />Why? Bringing in new customers and business opportunities is essential to keeping any business alive.<br /><br />2. Software design and development<br />They write the software programs we use at home and in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labour predicts that this professional will continue to grow at a rapid pace through 2016.<br /><br />3. Nursing<br />With today's medical advancements and an aging population, health care workers will continue to be in demand.<br /><br />4. Accounting Executive<br />As the name suggests, they manage the accounting staff -- who are increasingly important when budgets tighten up.<br /><br />5. Accounting Staff<br />This profession continues to grow thanks to tougher accounting and auditing regulations (like Sarbanes Oxley). They're also the go-to people when organizations are looking for ways to cut back.<br /><br />6. Networking and Systems Administration<br />They look after the technology side of the business, everything from company websites to networks and emails.<br /><br />7. Administrative Assistant<br />It's the high turnover rate that makes this an in-demand position, according toForbes. Administrative assistants may be worth their weight in gold, but many struggle to live on the average salary rate for this role.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">8. Business Analysis (Software Development)<br />There's a wide variety of software out there that can help businesses run more efficiently. These analysts figure out what's best for a company as well as deploy the applications and train staff how to use them.</span></strong><br /></em></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330860691010783650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfsFjerKiaI/AAAAAAAAAe8/9TO7lihicCg/s400/business-analyst.bmp" /><em>9. Business Analysis (Research)<br />What should software accomplish? It's up to these professionals to figure out how applications can suit the needs of users.<br /><br />10. Finance Staff<br />As with accounting jobs, the money is tight so people who know how to effectively handle it are in demand. </em><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">I hope your job is secure!!! Have a great weekend!</span></div></div></div></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-25753570430974039332009-04-27T10:40:00.007-04:002009-04-27T11:15:04.042-04:00My Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull MM - Forgot to post!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXL4QzWY8I/AAAAAAAAAes/kHFPDwdlU90/s1600-h/IMG_2820.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329389901506307010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXL4QzWY8I/AAAAAAAAAes/kHFPDwdlU90/s320/IMG_2820.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFkWRiobI/AAAAAAAAAek/1h65CviYbXQ/s1600-h/n585236534_2419588_7078.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329382962307965362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFkWRiobI/AAAAAAAAAek/1h65CviYbXQ/s320/n585236534_2419588_7078.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFVSO8PbI/AAAAAAAAAec/R0kKbyi8-ho/s1600-h/n585236534_2419564_473.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329382703525281202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFVSO8PbI/AAAAAAAAAec/R0kKbyi8-ho/s320/n585236534_2419564_473.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFSUdwgmI/AAAAAAAAAeU/AT9fPIlF9Ys/s1600-h/n585236534_2419576_3648.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329382652584690274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFSUdwgmI/AAAAAAAAAeU/AT9fPIlF9Ys/s320/n585236534_2419576_3648.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SfXFIPo-HSI/AAAAAAAAAeM/vi0kEeRBAPw/s1600-h/n585236534_2419564_473.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />Hi everyone,<br /><br />For my 29th birthday, I got the Damier Neverfull MM and I love it!!! It's my favorite of all my LV's so far (Well, I don't have a lot, I hope to buy another favorite for 30th!)!<br /><br />Here's some action photos with my NF, let me know what you think! </div></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-71588301263841408222009-04-08T09:34:00.002-04:002009-04-08T09:47:48.905-04:004 Ways to get control over your career in a difficult economy…I have a few questions for you. Who has greatest control over the direction of your career, the economy or you? What role do your personal actions play in your career outcomes? This week's podcast is with New York Times best selling author Larry Winget. He is the best selling author of It’s called work for a reason; your success is your own damn fault. I preface my comments with the reality that for some of you, Larry's style may not endear you to him. The truth sometimes hurts! Larry is an author, speaker and known as "The pitbull of self development." He also has a very popular show on A&E called “The Big Spender.”<br /><br /><a href="http://hr.ucsb.edu/icons/work_life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 448px; height: 320px;" src="http://hr.ucsb.edu/icons/work_life.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />You see, some people see their success as a result of a booming economy, the product they are working on or the boss they worked for. How many times have you heard, "They were at the right place at the right time.” Their success seemingly was related to external circumstances. Vice versa, some people see their failure as related to globalization, interest rate policy, the market or their boss. Both insights are incorrect. While yes, you may benefit or be negatively impacted by external elements, what role did your actions play in determining the success or failure? How we define success and failure in our career can also be related to our expectations. "I hate what I do for a living. I travel 250 days a year to do my 100 hours. I love my 100 hours, I hate my travel, I have no control over the trips, it is abuse from the time I leave my house till I arrive, however, I love the 100 hours so that is worth the trade." Larry understands that there is a certain reality in our work life and that you have to do a certain amount of grunt work to be successful in anything that you do. The question you should ask: is the rewards/grunt ratio working for you? If you have too high of expectations, you will never see work in a successful way. It will always be failure for you.<br /><br />What is your success pattern? What is your failure pattern? What are your expectations?<br /><br />One of the keys is to take responsibility for both your successes and your failures. Larry's key mantra in life is "understand your responsibilities and your rights." When you do this, it brings a true sense of personal control over outcomes. If you feel stuck in your current situation, I am going to suggest it is related to your own inner sense of what role you are playing. When you are clear about what you do well and what you have control over, you can then work on the elements that you have control over and take positive action towards something better. If you feel your success is a result of circumstances, then you are unlikely to want to change those circumstances. You can feel trapped in success and yet not happy. If you feel trapped in failure, then you may become bitter and angry with those around you. Both are not constructive. They are both routed in taking action over the things that you have control over and what you don't have control over?<br /><strong><br />1. Take ownership of your success and failure.<br />2. Look at what you do and don't have control over.<br />3. Take positive action with the things you have control over.<br />4. Set realistic expectations.</strong><br /><br />When you do those three things, it will get better. It may take lots of action or a little action but one thing I can guarantee is that it will take action. And either you take action or the market will take action upon you, ie. a layoff or demotion or some other challenging circumstance. It is always better to act than react. "The critical element people leave out to becoming successful is action. Get busy even if you are doing the wrong thing and you will find out sooner", said Larry. People who are successful in their careers take action with the things they have control over and accept the things that are not in their control. There are a lot of books about attitude. I think we need positive action; positive action will change your career and your life. Positive attitude - not necessarily. I would call action "the discipline of intent." Real change only comes when a plan is put into action.<br /><br />You need to have a positive action more than a positive attitude. You choose. Speaking of positive action, join our FREE TeleWORKshop - Looking for other ideas for what you might do next you’re your talents and passions? Do you need some practical help with your job search? Do you know if you are in the right career? Connect with some new people and get a new perspective on your career by joining our teleworkshop. This complimentary, 1 hour workshop is based on my book, Get the Right Job Right Now!. It's easy to learn simple ways to take control of your career, all from the comfort & convenience of your own desk. Limited to 20 participants. Click to register. Looking to take more control over your career and your life? Book an initial consultation with me. Get started today towards a better future.<br /><br />Taking action, along the road with you!<br />BY: Alan KearnsKarinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-78076556293538594412009-03-24T15:17:00.002-04:002009-03-24T15:22:37.139-04:00Are women better drivers?<a href="http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ca_autos__11/ca_autos-405614620-1237818756.jpg?ymEGT_ADdJyamox7"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ca_autos__11/ca_autos-405614620-1237818756.jpg?ymEGT_ADdJyamox7" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The debate rages on, but to be honest the statistics seem to show the same thing every year: that men are more of a liability on the road because they take more risks and have more accidents as a result of aggressive or illegal driving maneuvers.<br /><br />However, it's not quite as clear cut as that: there are around four million more male drivers than female, each driving about 30 percent more, so it's obvious men will crash more. The key statistic - and the one us men will cling to - is that women have more crashes at junctions and low speed sites - which means that, technically, men have better car control than women.<br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, the number of men involved in high-speed collisions leading to death or serious injury is significantly higher than women. According to statistics from the World Health Organisation, three times more men are killed on the road than women. Plus, in 2006, 87 per cent of motoring offences were by men, and a massive 96 percent of those convicted of dangerous driving were men, too.<br /><br />For young people, twice as many under 25 year-old males are killed in road accidents as women - with men in general, but particularly younger ones - less able to exercise self-control, taking more unnecessary risks.<br /><br />So, men, with Mother's Day coming up this weekend, why not take the opportunity to congratulate the women in your life for being better drivers - all it takes is a little self-control.<br /><br />By: <a href="http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/p/1293/are-women-better-drivers">Mark Nichol</a>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-70987574543879844882008-12-09T21:06:00.002-05:002008-12-09T21:24:16.650-05:00Sorry guys!It's been awhile since I posted, so I must say sorry to all my followers....It's been crazy busy at work. I went from leaving work with a clean inbox and no voice messages to leaving work with 30 emails and 8 voice messages! I just don't have time to get it all done in one day! Ok ok, I am not complaining, I love being busy and I love my new role at work. I have a lot to learn but, I am definitely enjoying it.<br /><br />Aside from my normal work of consulting, training and support for our accounting software, I am now working on 2 projects as a Business Analyst. So, I am always getting pulled from multiple directions at work...Sometimes I don't even know where to start....lol<br /><br />But, I have good news...I lost 2 more lbs!!!!!! Yay, all that stress and not having time to eat, I lost weight!!! Sweet...<br /><br />Not the best way to lose weight, but hey what matters is that I lost the lbs..... I feel a little bit comfortable in my clothes which is nice....<br /><br />Anyhoo, no time now...I will write again later, just wanted to update you all...<br /><br />Cheers!Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-78876025148915234952008-10-06T09:49:00.002-04:002008-10-06T09:53:46.898-04:00Shows that might be hazardous to your healthWith all of the reality shows on the air these days, they all have one similar trait — they make people feel like they’re not good enough. Now it looks like you can add one more show to the neurosis-inducing list. Beautiful People follows around Robert and Greg, founders of the website beautifulpeople.net as they launch the site in Canada.<br /><br />Taking shallow to a whole new level, members of the site judge applicants based solely on their physical appearance and build an online dating and networking community, excluding average-looking people from the pickings.<br />There are so many shows on the tube right now that can easily make you feel like garbage. TVGuide.ca is giving you a list of programs that may cause you to want to go see a shrink soon after.<br /><br /><strong>Paris Hilton’s My New BFF</strong><br />What can I possibly say other than, do you really expect anything more than this from Paris Hilton? The shallowest of the shallow, Hilton chooses from a group of 18 men and women to fight to become the socialite’s pal. What? She doesn’t have enough money to buy a new ‘friend’? Now she’s making a mockery of people by deciding who is “worthy” enough to be associated with her? NOT hot!<br /><br /><strong>Celebrity Fit Club</strong><br />Between forcing seemingly overweight celebs to participate on the show to putting the two groups on giant scales to see how much their combined weight is, Fit Club gives off the impression that all stars should be skinny. Not at all realistic, this reality show not only screws with the minds of the celebs themselves, but furthers the stigma that celebrities are not like the rest of us and they must live up to their persona. Yes, staying fit and healthy is important but Celebrity Fit Club essentially humiliates stars on TV.<br /><br /><strong>Rock of Love</strong><br />Gotta love a good groupie, right? Well, it seems like that’s all this Bret Michaels reality show is — one big slut-fest with a D-list celebrity. Throughout the show, Michaels has to pick a new girlfriend using the process of elimination. The 20 “lucky” contestants are faced with challenges to win the former Poison singer’s heart and if he doesn’t like you by the end of the episode, he’ll boot you out of the house. Nice, huh? <br /><br /><strong>Beauty and the Geek</strong><br />Though the pairing of pretty yet intellectually inept people combined with smart yet socially inept individuals is seemingly intriguing at first, it plays on so many stereotypes. Throughout the show, contestants (who are paired up by a hottie and a nerd) are tested on their intelligence and social skills and if they fail, they get the boot. The only thing this “ultimate social experiment” proves is that people will do anything, including exploiting themselves, for a bit of money and 15 minutes of fame.<br /><br /><strong>America’s Next Top Model</strong><br />Yes, it’s definitely entertaining to watch a bunch of pretty girls duke it out in one of television’s bitchiest, scrappiest shows but ANTM’s message — that looks and image are all that matters — is enough to make most people run to the gym. OK, so the show has tried to diversify itself by having a few plus-sized models, but how far have any of them gotten? With the exception of Whitney, the other winning models have been stick-thin, furthering the stigma that only pretty, thin girls can have a successful modelling career. So much for having the occasional cookie, I guess... <br /><br /><strong>The Bachelor</strong><br /> It’s every male chauvinist’s fantasy: Put 25 women in a house together, date each of them and give the women the boot, one by one, if they don’t meet your standards. What makes this show exceptionally stomach-turning is that during every episode, the bachelor skanks it up with multiple women, gets their hopes up and then rejects them without blinking an eye. If this happened in the real world, this dude’s butt would be kicked so hard, he’d think John Wayne Bobbitt had it easy. <br /><br /><strong>The Biggest Loser</strong><br />Yet another show that exploits overweight people. What makes this show degrading is not the fact that their struggles with weight loss is documented on TV, but rather the obstacles that they show puts them through, which either helps or hinders them. One of the worst elements is probably the temptation portion of the show where contestants are given the choice of eating something unhealthy, like a bag of chips, or doing something beneficial, like riding a bike. Not only does this potentially set contestants up to fall off the scale, but gives the idea that a slip-up or two is unacceptable behaviour. How realistic is that?<br /><br /><strong>A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila</strong><br />Is she straight or is she a lesbian? Likely the trashiest show on TV right now, A Shot at Love follows Tila Tequila as she chooses between 16 men and 16 women to become her new... umm... life-long partner. Think The Bachelorette, but with a bisexual female. Confusing, huh? Having never been in a situation like this myself, I can only assume that contestants feel a sense of ball-busting humiliation as Tila goes back and forth between genders. Ick! <br /><br /><strong>American Idol</strong><br />The combination of Simon Cowell’s nasty comments and being rejected by the judges and viewers would easily crush any singer’s dreams of super-stardom. Even if your performance is decent, there is always a chance that you may get voted off and someone with less talent will go further in the competition... or even worse... win. William Hung had no musical training or background, but for whatever reason subsequently had a cult following and got a record deal after his infamous “She Bangs” audition. You can’t tell me that doesn’t anger Idol alums who have fallen into musical oblivion. <br /><br /><strong>Hell’s Kitchen</strong><br />Gordon Ramsay’s honest yet cutthroat personality is very similar to American Idol’s Simon Cowell, except a bit scarier. Between swearing at HK’s contestants to literally throwing an entire plate of food against walls, Ramsey seems like the type of person who would intentionally give someone a complex just for his own amusement. Whether it’s because he’s a perfectionist or just mean-spirited, Ramsey’s one boss I’d stay the hell away from. <br /><br /><a href="http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/Watercooler/Top10/Articles/081006_beautiful_people_complex_MB">By Marlene Benedicto </a>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-33473273265982661322008-10-03T12:02:00.004-04:002008-10-03T12:19:15.077-04:00Update on Goal<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">First</span> of all, I just want to apologize to my readers for not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blogging</span> as much as I used to. I have been busy with new responsibilities at work. Can't complain about that though, I am actually excited about the new things I am doing.<br /><br />Anyway, it's been at least 2 weeks since I started my fitness regime and I want to update you of what I have accomplished so far.<br /><br />Like I mentioned, I did eat little portions and I did eat more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nutritious</span> food and less junk. I haven't had pop since the day I started -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Opppss</span> that is not true, I had a sip yesterday from Robin's drink, but that was it.<br /><br />So I have been eating a lot of veggies, mainly salad and coleslaw and then I reduced my rice intake. The little portion worked for me actually, but it's a little hard not to snack on a fruit after.<br /><br />So, we have been fast walking every other day for the past 2 weeks, except this week when it rained almost every night so we didn't walk. Instead we ended up at a cafe and had really really bad dessert!!!<br /><br />I was tempted, so I ended up getting carrot cake instead of the chocolate and caramel smothered chocolate cake (Nadine had that!). I really find that my running buddy is such an enabler when it comes to chocolate and desserts. I don't think she has the will power to refuse such things... :P<br /><br />Oh I must say our Supporter (The Nazi) doesn't help either as she is also a chocoholic! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Geez</span>, I am stuck with 2 chocoholics! I am actually surprised I still lost weight and inches around my waist. I HAVE WILL POWER!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">YAY</span>..<br /><br />Anyway, so just so you know I lost 2 lbs and an inch on my waist since I started this whole thing. Not much improvement but still better than nothing!!! 2 lbs baby !!! I finally fit better in my clothes, but I think a few more lbs will make it comfortable.<br /><br />I will update you guys again soon, I hope to blog about other things too...:)<br /><br />Have a great weekend!Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-58431356271942889602008-09-12T11:35:00.007-04:002008-09-15T12:21:49.681-04:00My new goalSince my childhood I never had a problem with my weight, I was always average even though I ate more food that my stomach can handle. I guess my metabolism was just always working a fast rate. As I grow older, I have been realizing that my metabolism has slowed down. I can't blame it, it's not like I have been helping it by exercising or doing something about it.<br /><br />Anyhow, after I had my son almost 3 years ago. Within a couple of months I was back to my normal size of 103 lbs. It was perfect for my height of 5 feet 1 inch, I wasn't too skinny but all my clothes fit perfectly and I was happy with myself.<br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.savvy-diets.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/daily%20exercise.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />For the past 8-10 months, I gained so much weight from eating, BBQ-ing and more eating. See, I used to do this a lot too but my body was able to get rid of the extra weight without exercising. Now I think my body has given up cleaning the waste and let the waste take up residence in my midsection. Damn these waste, they better pay rent if they are going to stay in my body for awhile!<br /><br />I have been a healthy person, minus the fact that I have asthma, which really I blame Canada for it (damn weather made me sick). I tell you, I am healthy, you can even say I am healthy by the book. My blood pressure is 120/80, that is by the book baby! Beat that!</p><p><br />Therefore, I am not going to do this for the sake of my health, well maybe it'll help with my asthma. I am going to try and lose weight for the sole reason of trying to fit in my clothes!<br /><br />Yes, most of my clothes don't fit me anymore so it's been a struggle everyday trying to find clothes to wear to work. It's been such a pain trying to squeeze in my favorite jeans and just eventually toss it because I couldn't even zip it up. No, I can't go flying low - that doesn't work.:)<br /><br />So starting Monday, I will do the following to lose some weight so I can fit in my clothes again:<br /><br />* Eat sensibly<br />* Go for walk/run for at least 45 Minutes 4 times a week<br />* Avoid Fatty Foods<br />* Go to bed early<br />* Do crunches every morning for 10 minutes<br />* Drinks lots of water<br /><br />So there you go, based on the ticker on the right hand side of this window, I have 17 lbs to go to achieve my goal and be comfortable with my clothes.<br /><br />If you have any suggestions to help me with my goal, let me know!!! Encouragement is highly appreciated!!! </p><p>I will be posting my progress here so watch out for new postings!!!</p><p><br /></p>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-20756710495568264512008-09-09T10:27:00.003-04:002008-09-09T11:13:11.458-04:00HBO's Rome<div align="left">It's been awhile since I posted here - I have been really busy finishing HBO's Rome and now I am watching House season 4.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244038286954392786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SMaRCbJ27NI/AAAAAAAAAXM/-o-O3bFZfDU/s320/ep04_1.jpeg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Gaius Julius Caesar</span></em>
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<br />Last year I read somewhere online about this show on HBO called Rome. I was intrigued so I ended up buying both season 1 and 2 on eBay. I love period shows especially if they depict history, even though sometimes they are inaccurate, but that is up to the viewer to get the fact right.
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<br />Here's some information about the show:
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<br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">" The series is a <a class="mw-redirect" title="Historical drama film" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_drama_film">historical drama</a> depicting the period of history surrounding the violent transformation of the <a title="Roman Republic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic">Roman Republic</a> into the <a title="Roman Empire" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire">Roman Empire</a>; a change driven by civil warfare between <a title="Populares" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populares">populists</a> (<a title="Populares" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populares">populares</a>) and <a title="Optimates" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimates">conservatives</a> (<a title="Optimates" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimates">optimates</a>), the decay of political institutions, and the actions of ambitious men and women. The HBO website provides the following introduction:</span></em>
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">The Triumph of Gaius Octavian Caesar</span></div>
<br />Half a century before the dawn of <a title="Christianity" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity">Christianity</a>, <a title="Ancient Rome" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome">Rome</a> has become the wealthiest city in the world, a cosmopolitan metropolis of one million people — epicenter of a sprawling empire. Founded on principles of shared power and fierce personal competition, the Republic was created to prevent any one man from seizing absolute control.
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<br />It is a society where soldiers can rise up from provincial commoners to become national heroes, even leaders of the Republic. But as the ruling class became extravagantly wealthy, the foundations have crumbled, eaten away by corruption and excess, and the old values of Spartan discipline and social unity have given way to a great chasm between the classes.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_(TV_series)#cite_note-1">[2]</a>
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<br />While chronicling the lives and deeds of the rich, powerful and "historically significant," the series also focuses on the lives, fortunes, families and acquaintances of two common men: <a title="Lucius Vorenus (character of Rome)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Vorenus_(character_of_Rome)">Lucius Vorenus</a> and <a title="Titus Pullo (character of Rome)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus_Pullo_(character_of_Rome)">Titus Pullo</a>, two Roman soldiers mentioned historically in Caesar's <a title="Commentarii de Bello Gallico" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commentarii_de_Bello_Gallico">Commentarii de Bello Gallico</a>. The fictionalized Vorenus and Pullo manage to witness and often influence many of the historical events presented in the series.
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<br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244038280139988098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SMaRCBxLXII/AAAAAAAAAXE/AtVdkYzV_Oc/s320/ep19_05.jpeg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">The wedding of Marc Anthony to Octavia of the Julii</span></div><div align="left">
<br /><a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_(TV_series)#Season_1_.282005.29">Season 1</a> depicts <a title="Gaius Julius Caesar (character of Rome)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Julius_Caesar_(character_of_Rome)">Julius Caesar</a>'s <a title="Caesar's civil war" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar%27s_civil_war">civil war of 49 BC</a> against the traditionalist conservative faction in the <a title="Roman Senate" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Senate">Roman Senate</a>, his subsequent rise to absolute <a class="mw-redirect" title="Roman Dictator" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Dictator">dictatorship</a> over Rome and his eventual fall, spanning the time period from the end of his <a title="Gallic Wars" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallic_Wars">Gallic Wars</a> (<a title="52 BC" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/52_BC">52 BC</a> or 701 <a title="Ab urbe condita" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ab_urbe_condita">ab urbe condita</a>) until his assassination on <a title="March 15" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_15">March 15</a>, <a title="44 BC" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/44_BC">44 BC</a> (the infamous <a title="Ides of March" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ides_of_March">Ides of March</a>). </div>
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<br />Against the backdrop of these cataclysmic events, we also see the early years of the young <a title="Gaius Octavian (character of Rome)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Octavian_(character_of_Rome)">Octavian</a>, who is destined to become the first <a title="Roman Emperor" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Emperor">Emperor</a> of Rome, <a title="Augustus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus">Augustus</a>.
<br /><a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_(TV_series)#Season_2_.282007.29">Season 2</a> chronicles the power struggle between Octavian and <a title="Mark Antony (character of Rome)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Antony_(character_of_Rome)">Mark Antony</a> following Caesar's assassination, spanning the period from Caesar's death in <a title="44 BC" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/44_BC">44 BC</a> to Octavian's final victory over Antony at <a title="Battle of Actium" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Actium">Actium</a> in <a title="31 BC" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/31_BC">31 BC</a>." <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_(TV_series)">source</a></span></em>
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<br /><span style="color:#000000;">It's really sad that this show didn't continue after 2 seasons as I must say that this is one of the best shows I have ever watched. Mind you it's not for young ones, there are a lot of nudity and some foul language, which really portrays Rome back in the days. </span>
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<br />If you can get pass the nudity and sex scenes, this show has a lot of strong points. Rome is not some kind of a low budget series, actually they ended up stopping the show due to budget - it cost too much to make it. The costumes are beautiful and the props are so realistic that I feel like I am looking at Rome back in the days. The history itself is I would say 70% accurate, but that is the viewers discretion to find the facts.
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<br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244038283993145458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SMaRCQH14HI/AAAAAAAAAXU/tn7ciNdFauw/s320/ep22_06.jpeg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Cleopatra and Octavian</span></em></p><p>
<br /></p>I must say though that the strongest point of this show are the actors. It's amazing that these unknown actors are doing much better that the popular ones out there. Each of them portrays their character so well that you'll believe them. Young, middle aged, old; these actors are so talented, I love watching them speak and act, it seems so natural to them.
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<br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244038294060053730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SMaRC1n-tOI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Airi3rgTQ2U/s320/ep22_09.jpeg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Vorenus, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra</span></em></p><p>
<br /></p>I am a little sad that I have finished season 2 and I am hoping that eventually they will continue this show. It's a shame that shows that stimulate the mind is getting put on the shelf while shows that lowers your IQ are on the top chart. What is happening to our society? So Sad.
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<br />Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-73373988730061434812008-08-21T10:26:00.004-04:002008-08-21T11:24:18.973-04:00My new part time job - in retailWeeks ago, I had ask a very good friend of mine to hand in my resume at her part time job at the mall. I wanted to make extra money for paying bills and maybe earn enough to go on another vacation.<br /><br />I went through the interview process and all that formality, but the end of course I was guaranteed the job. Last night was my first night working there, well mainly it was training and orientation.<br /><br />So I was shown how to fold the clothes, make sure the hangers are all showing the store name, greet customers and sell and etc.<br /><br />Mind you I am not great at selling anything, but I did very well last night, I sold a blouse, a t-shirt, a pair of pants, and 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">men's</span> shirts within 3 hours! I rocked for my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">first</span> night!<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://pro.corbis.com/images/42-17170132.jpg?size=572&uid=%7BF08B5E50-5419-43C2-9CB8-E4272564CE7E%7D" border="0" /><br />Although everything was great, I had some not so positive feedback about the whole thing. I mean, every single job, has it's own pros and cons, but then again maybe it also depends on the people as well.<br /><br />Firstly, let's talk about the other employees that were working their last night. They all seem to be nice and all, but it seems like underneath all that smile, there is that smug attitude wanting to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">creep</span> out. I didn't feel welcome by these employees, I am not sure why, they seemed to be intimidated by me, but whatever, that is not my problem.<br /><br />Secondly, I was assign to fold the women's sweaters, which was fine, but they don't seem to have a process or a specific way of folding them. The district manager of the store was there and she sort of came up with a way to fold them and I just basically copied how she did it which was fine.</p><p> The only problem is that based on the way she showed me, after all the shirts were done, they weren't align or have the same shape due to different sizes. I got frustrated, I asked one of the employees if they have at least a board or a pattern to mold these damn clothes, she said no - and continue telling me that it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ok</span> that they are not align, as long as they look neat. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ok</span>, well to me it wasn't neat, and it was a mess! So today, I am bringing my own board/pattern.<br /><br />Thirdly, I didn't like the fact that a couple of people seem to treat me like a teenager lost in her first part time job. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ok</span>, I have worked in Customer Service for the past 10 years, I think I can manage to say hello and assist clients. I was told by the manager what is expected and what I need to do and I have been doing them, but other employees seem to think they are my manager as well. Get lost and do your own job!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fourthly</span>, I think some employees there just lacks of common sense or it could have been just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">laziness</span>. After we closed the store, the manager told us that we have to clean and tidy up before we leave, which was fine. So I swept the floor and tidied up the clothes on one of the tables. </p><p>When I was done, I didn't know what else to do as everything seems to be almost done. I noticed that the change room area which had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">carpeting</span> was really dirty so I looked for a vacuum in the storage area and voila, I found one. So as I was setting up the vacuum, one of the employees came up to me and said "Did the manager asked us to vacuum?" and I am like "No, but the carpet is dirty, so we have to clean it" and she goes "oh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ok</span>".<br /><br />This is what I am talking about, just because the manager didn't ask, that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be done. Either, this specific employee lacks some common sense or she is just lazy. Yes I understand that you are there to sell and help clients, but you are also there by the hour. If you're hour is not done and you're just standing around, look for something else to do. </p><p>Fifthly, everyone seem to just complain about a lot of things. How the district manager wants this and that and that the other employees aren't doing their jobs and etc.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ok</span>, maybe I will be like that too eventually, but really I don't see myself doing that. Sure I will complain, but I think I will do it in private, not while everyone is there. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Geez</span>, discretion people. If you don't want this job, go find another job somewhere else and stop complaining!<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ok</span>, I am done venting I think, so let's go on with our lives shall we?<br /></p>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-5801760364937543592008-08-16T23:09:00.005-04:002008-08-16T23:29:38.761-04:005 Danger Zones Worth a VisitTravel advisories frequently paint in broad strokes. There might be a regional conflict here and an unfortunate incident there, but between official advisories, the media, and the rumour mill, the entire canvas is drowned in UPPERCASE critical warnings, guaranteed to scare the hell out of anyone. As a result, visiting some of these fantastic countries below might not seem like a good idea, but with a little common sense (namely, stay away from the trouble zones) you might just find yourself enjoying the best adventure of all.
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<br /><em>Robin’s Disclaimer: Bad stuff can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. Wherever you decide to go, do your research, listen to advice, and take your personal safety seriously.</em>
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXb3s_T8I/AAAAAAAAAWM/voMqzTiJUiI/s1600-h/colombia.jpg"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXb3s_T8I/AAAAAAAAAWM/voMqzTiJUiI/s1600-h/colombia.jpg"><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235319596906401730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXb3s_T8I/AAAAAAAAAWM/voMqzTiJUiI/s400/colombia.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><strong>Colombia</strong> </div><p>Desperately in need of some good PR, Colombia is most often associated with kidnapping, murder, drugs and jungle guerrillas. Fortunately, the reality is anything but. I wandered the streets of Bogota during an annual carnival and found locals to be sincerely welcoming. Security is tight, but as a tourist this made me feel safe. </p><p>Heading to the Caribbean and UNESCO Heritage Site of Cartagena, I discovered a cobblestone old town rich with history, culture, and outstanding bars and restaurants. Certainly there are parts of Colombia no tourist (or anyone else for that matter) should stray into, particular border areas. But locals will look out for you as they are distinctly proud of their beautiful country and eager to show visitors the best it has to offer. </p><p> </p><p>
<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcBkEEhI/AAAAAAAAAWU/52fPewbHRis/s1600-h/ethiopia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235319599553319442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcBkEEhI/AAAAAAAAAWU/52fPewbHRis/s400/ethiopia.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> Ethiopia</strong></p><p>It’s one of the poorest countries on the poorest continent, but if you’re prepared to forsake a little comfort and get used to the fact that some things don’t quite work as they should (good luck finding a high speed internet connection), you’ll experience some truly unforgettable experiences. </p><p>Visit haunting 11th century rock churches in Lalibela, exotic tribes in the Southern Omo Valley, national parks rich with wildlife, or just partake in a very serious, very delicious local coffee ceremony. Ethiopia has had a long-standing dispute with its Eritrean neighbours, and poverty breeds crime and scams wherever you go. Like the rest of Africa, it is seeped in timeless beauty and political heartbreak. You may want to holiday elsewhere, but if you travel to learn about yourself and the world around you, look no further. </p><p>
<br /> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcOzVHqI/AAAAAAAAAWc/67yd35ZJCiY/s1600-h/philippines.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235319603107012258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcOzVHqI/AAAAAAAAAWc/67yd35ZJCiY/s400/philippines.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> The Philippines</strong></p><p>Several years ago a tragic act of terror made world headlines when tourists were abducted from a resort on Palawan, the Philippines’ most pristine and eco-friendly island. The impact on tourism is still being felt throughout the 7,107 islands that make up the country, and there are several extremist no-go zones to the south. </p><p>But visit Palawan today and you’ll find a breathtaking and surprisingly affordable alternative to Thailand. English is widely spoken making travel particularly easy, and Filipinos are warm and gracious hosts. When Alex Garland wrote the hit book (and movie) The Beach, he set it in a mythical and untouched paradise in Thailand. Funny thing, the book was actually written in, and inspired by, the limestone islands of El Nido, in Palawan. </p><p>
<br /> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcVYuCwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/41ABLLM64tQ/s1600-h/srilanka.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235319604874447618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcVYuCwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/41ABLLM64tQ/s400/srilanka.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Sri Lanka</strong></p><p>A civil war has been raging for decades in this teardrop of an island, located to the south of India in the tropical Indian Ocean. The thousands of lives lost, bombings and disappearances are made even more tragic considering just how magnificent the country is. From unspoilt beaches (with notable surfing paradises) in the south to the majestic mountains of the central highlands, Sri Lanka is one of the friendliest countries I’ve ever visited. </p><p>Blink your eyes and you’ll wish you could take a picture - smiling locals, bizarre modes of transportation, roadside wildlife and colourful temples. While it is possible to visit the Tamil-controlled north, most visitors are more than content (not to mention wise) to head south to the beaches, the fascinating religious festivals in Kandy and Kataragama, or the delightful tea fields of the highlands. </p><p>
<br /> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcnShSEI/AAAAAAAAAWs/z53KGOjnWB4/s1600-h/albania.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235319609680283714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKeXcnShSEI/AAAAAAAAAWs/z53KGOjnWB4/s400/albania.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Albania</strong></p><p>When I told neighbouring Croatians I was on my way to Albania they thought I was crazy. The country has a truly awful reputation in Europe as a backwards mess run by organized crime, a relic of the Cold War when it was the world’s most isolated country. Admittedly, the roads were in shambles, the buses held together with elastics and the concept of tourism had not quite taken off. </p><p>But here I was in Europe, discovering a friendly new country just as it was discovering me. Curious stares led to offers of food and drink and the prices were more than kind to my backpacker budget. In Dhermi, I found a beach town as stunning as anything on Corfu just a few hours ferry ride away. The country is recovering fast from its economic and political collapse and, in the meantime, locals enthusiastically appreciate those few tourists who take the chance to see what it has to offer. </p><p>
<br /></p><a href="http://travel.sympatico.msn.ca/5+Danger+Zones+Worth+a+Visit/RobinEsrock/Articles/5DangerZones.htm?isfa=1">Photos and words by Robin Esrock </a>
<br />Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-10883626673779643122008-08-14T10:22:00.006-04:002008-08-14T12:41:22.716-04:00Wasting time online? You might be mentally ill<span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>It's always there. Waiting and calling to you. </em></span><a onclick="openerfix(this);return false;" href="http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments.pl?IDLink=3753253"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fark</span></span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">. </span></em><a onclick="openerfix(this);return false;" href="http://my.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/6towv/bush_or_batman/"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Reddit</span></span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">. </span></em><a onclick="openerfix(this);return false;" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=718386140"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span></span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">. </span></em><a href="http://www.rawkins.com/games/do2/"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Dolphin Olympics</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">. It may take only a couple minutes out of your day, but you know you're wasting time on this stuff whether you should be working on that spreadsheet or washing the dishes.</span> </em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br />Yes it is!!! Most of us work on the computer nowadays and you can't escape it, all those social networking site or blogging (like what I am doing now) or just plain surfing the net trying to find out whether the Jolie-Pitt's are now going crazy with their 6 kids.<br /><br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Internet</span> is such a powerful tool that you can pretty much get anything you need, information wise of course. Many companies now actually bans <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Facebook</span> and probably other social networking site. I am a very lucky person as our company hasn't blocked it, actually I can pretty much get into anything on the web, but not that I want to, I am just trying to prove how secure our network is. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LOL</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234388634542998898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SKRIuupHBXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/oRJHVainq58/s400/facebook.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Time-wasting, or rather "chronic procrastination," is hardly a laughing matter, according to Professor Joseph Ferrari of Chicago's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DePaul</span> University. According to an insightful </span></em><a onclick="openerfix(this);return false;" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/jul/20/psychology.mobilephones"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">story in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">UK's</span> Observer</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">, it's a profound "social and economic" problem and, thanks to technology, it's far worse than you could ever imagine.</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div><em></em></div><br /><div>Honestly, with or without technology many of us still procrastinate. I think this due to either upbringing, culture (I blame the Spanish for bringing Manana Habit to the Flip land) and influence. There could be other reasons out there, but all I can say many of us are procrastinators in nature.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Procrastination isn't just idle laziness. There are real social consequences to wasting time. Per the story, "it encourages depression, lowers self-esteem, causes insomnia, and indirectly affects health by discouraging visits to the dentist or doctor. </span></em></div><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Sufferers are also more likely to have accidents at home involving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">unmended</span> appliances." Makes sense if you think about it.</span></em><br /><br /><br /><em></em><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ahh</span> see I can vouch for the last sentence above. My hubby is a techie and I tell you he almost burned our house down 3 times!!! - For forgetting to turn off the stove. - Yes it's a true story.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/ksc/lowres/kscn1224l.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Of course, it's the economic impact that has businesses more concerned. Distractions aren't just limited to the lure of the web. That little chime that rings when an email message arrives, says research from Calgary University, causes a 0.5 percent drop in the Gross Domestic Product here in the United States, costing the country $70 billion a year, as employees are distracted from the task they're supposed to be focused on. </span></em><br /><br /><p>Hey, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pc</span> doesn't chime when I get an email!!! It just shows a little yellow envelope on the task bar. :)</p><p>I don't think emails are a distraction, maybe a small percentage. Most business actually rely on email for communication and for transferring files and so on. I myself use email at work all the time, to communicate with colleagues and clients. Sometimes it's better to communicate through email as it saves the thread, which means you can go back and re-read the information again. Also, it's a great tool to use for blackmailing someone as you have the evidence :). He he he</p><br /><p></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://yeuanhso.com/gallery2/d/38875-4/Surfing+the+Net.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Tech is the real driver in this trend, which now impacts 1 in 4 people, up from 1 in 20 a few decades ago. But some scientists say procrastination is hard wired in our brains: People have always wasted time, and evolution may be responsible for developing an "automatic response" mechanism inside us, one which innately told us to drop the cave painting and run if a tiger came sniffing around the cave. </span></em></p><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">On the other hand, some say procrastination is still useful in tiger-free times: Earlier this year one study found that personal web use (including video games and social networking) </span></em><a onclick="openerfix(this);return false;" href="http://ca.tech.yahoo.com/experts/chrisnull/article/188"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">helps employees get their jobs done more efficiently</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"> (and raises profits) by fostering a "trusting" environment and helping staffers feel at ease in the workplace. Obviously there's a fine line between "wasting time" and "taking a little break." Where that line actually falls remains a mystery.</span></em><br /><br /><br />Yes, I agree to this 100%. Since I have access to everything at work and or course I don't abuse it, I totally have this feeling of being at home. I know that I can do a little bit of surfing and my boss won't yell at me or even fire me for doing that. It's taking a break!<br /><br /><br />I mean, isn't it the same for people who goes our for a smoke? I mean they could be out smoking for 10 minutes each time and bosses don't normally give them a pink slip for smoking right? So I think it's the same for us non-smokers, just because we can't take our computer out and do our surfing outside, we shouldn't be punish for checking our personal mail or just trying to get some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Hollywood</span> gossip. It's only fair I think.<br /><br /><br />For all of you who have the privilege of having access to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Internet</span> without restrictions, don't abuse it! Your boss lets you do that, so I say give and take - So put some time on finishing that project of yours!<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Now stop reading blogs and get back to work.<br />LINK: </span></em><a onclick="openerfix(this);return false;" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/jul/20/psychology.mobilephones"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Hi-tech is turning us all into time-wasters </span></em></a><br /><em></em>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-54568859146191833632008-08-11T10:36:00.003-04:002008-08-11T10:52:34.423-04:00Travel guide: Edinburgh, ScotlandForget the kilts; one of Scotland's coolest cities is a mix of haute fashion, high culture and medieval magic.<br /><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.lincolnmotorhomehire.co.uk/images/Edinburgh.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.lincolnmotorhomehire.co.uk/images/Edinburgh.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Edinburgh Castle</em></div><div> </div><div>There's more to Scotland than its largest cities - most of it is emerald green, and if there isn't a castle in view, chances are you can golf on it - but to experience the country at its best, visits to <a href="http://www.ellecanada.com/ellecanada/webadmin/en/general/DetailNews.asp?bApercu=1&idNews=258169">Glasgow</a> and Edinburgh are a must. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Edinburgh (pronounce "Edin-Burough")</strong></div><div> </div><div>The vibe The capital city is a bit uptight - as befits a place that's swarming with financiers and other businessfolk. But if you visit during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 3 to 25), you might feel as if the city is too friendly. Spend five minutes in one spot and you'll be accosted by someone (possibly juggling something) inviting you to see the best play in town. Edinburgh is also UNESCO's first City of Literature, and authors like J. K. Rowling have found inspiration in its picaresque, medieval-tinged surroundings.<br /><br /><strong>Where to stay</strong></div><div> </div><div>Tigerlily, a boutique hotel on hip George Street, is a design maven's dream, with artsy cloud-shaped chandeliers and brocade wallpaper with turquoise velvet flowers. The drink menu is described as "biblical" in scope. Try the namesake daiquiri, which mixes homemade raspberry syrup, vanilla cognac, rum and pink grapefruit. </div><div> </div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.sunburntbadger.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/edinburgh-castle-0071.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>For the luxe country experience, aspiring princesses can rent out Myres Castle, a five-star, 500-year-old estate located 45 minutes outside the city. It's pricey but worth it - assuming that being waited on hand and foot between rounds of croquet and golf is your thing. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Where to shop</strong></div><div> </div><div>Start on Princes Street, known for its Jenners department store (Edinburgh's Harrods) and views of the thousand-year-old Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Escada and Phase boutiques on George Street-and don't miss niche beauty shop Neal's Yard Remedies. At Arkangel on William Street, browse through carefully selected treasures like the cherry-red '40s style suit by Petrovich & Robinson, vintage jewellery and hats spruced up with a shock of feathers.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.singingquilter.com/tt-fall%202005/Dog%20Cemetary,%20Edinburgh%20Castle.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.singingquilter.com/tt-fall%202005/Dog%20Cemetary,%20Edinburgh%20Castle.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Pet Cemetery</em> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Where to drink and dine</strong> </div><div> </div><div>So-hip-it-hurts music is one of the main attractions at the Opal Lounge-its hot-spot status was cemented by reports that Prince William hung out there while at the University of St Andrews. If you want to feel like royalty yourself, have dinner at Rhubarb at the Prestonfield hotel. With its secluded banquettes and deep purples, the decor is almost as decadent as the menu. </div><div> </div><div>Local restaurant icon James Thomson turns Scottish staples into five-star creations, and the desserts, like Tarte Tatin with Marzipan Ice Cream, are just as exciting. Dance all night at Lulu, which has sound-responsive lighting on the dance floor and Swarovski crystals embedded in the walls. </div><div> </div><div><strong>What to do</strong> </div><div> </div><div>Stroll through the fairy-tale locales that dot The Royal Mile, which trails down from Edinburgh Castle to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. For luxe pampering, One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa boasts six storeys, a heated rooftop hydropool and individual baths scented with your choice of herbs. Getting there There are direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. Visit <a href="http://www.cometoscotland.com/" target="_new">www.cometoscotland.com</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ellecanada.com/Trends/culture/travel-guide-edinburgh-scotland-n258173p1.html">By Adam Nayman</a></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-67550667813131666662008-08-06T09:44:00.007-04:002008-08-06T10:25:05.757-04:00The Art of One Bag Travel<div align="left">Since there will be a possibility of a trip for me and my family in the next month or so. I will be posting some travelling tips on the next few blogs. I am not an expert traveller nor I have travelled the world, but I have been to 10% of the world apparently which is not really that much in my opinion. KB</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231405758622401394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SJmv0f6fA3I/AAAAAAAAAT0/PexEi7oLw8Y/s400/Kimora%2BLee%2BSimmons%2BVuitton.jpg" border="0" />Kimora Lee-Simmons with her Louis Vuitton Luggage Collection.<em> </em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><em>While most images of going on vacation involve a trio of wheeled suitcases, there are people out there who travel with less: they pack all they’ll need into one, typically carry-on sized bag.Imagine cutting down on lost luggage, theft and, well, baggage! While travelling with one bag isn’t for everyone and it’s not for every trip, I dare you to try it out once.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em>The most common complaint I hear from friends who’ve travelled is that every time they bring too much stuff, they suffer the consequences: sore backs, bags bursting at the seams and endless headaches trying to navigate their trio along European cobblestoned streets or paying a premium for a second (or third) bag at the airport.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em>BenefitsOneBag.com’s “go-light guru” points out five clear benefits to leaving your suitcases at home and living out of one bag: security, economy, mobility, serenity and increased ecology.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Security:</strong> You’ll always have an eye on your stuff (passport, wallet, favourite pair of pants) when you’ve got one bag to keep track of! It’s an awful lot easier to ensure that your belongings don’t go missing when you’re not spread out too thinly. To top it off, carry-ons don’t get lost by the airline!</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Economy:</strong> Save money at the airport, save money when you hop on a bus and save on cash with porters and baggage check clerks. You can also save money on luggage.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Mobility:</strong> Obviously someone with one bag moves faster and mo</em><em>re efficiently than someone with three.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em><strong>Serenity:</strong> Peace of mind can go a long way to making your trip. On my first European adventure, I did the three-wheeled bags adventure and by the end, I was hoping one (or two) of my bags would get lost!</em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><em><strong>Ecology:</strong> It’s a matter of less. “Less stuff to manufacture. Less use of vehicles and other machinery to move things (including you) around. Less fuel needed for the vehicles that do move you. Less greenhouse gas production. Less damage.</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>”<strong>The Right Bag + The Right Stuff = Happy Travel</strong></em><br /><strong><em><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://fashionista.com/images/Custom%20Louis%20Vuitton%20Luggage.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></em></strong>Isn't this bag to die for? This is a Louis Vuitton Monogram Special Order Duffle Bag with wheels. I can definitely put all my stuff in there!!! </p><div align="center"></div><br /><em>Finding the right bag is key. Look for quality construction that adheres to airline specifications of a carry-on bag. Look for something that falls within the measurements 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm and that is lightweight. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>While I’ve never had my carry-on weighed, you will be asked to check your bag if it’s drastically overweight.How things are organized inside the bag is also an important thing to consider before buying. Look for something with pockets for organizing your belongings, but also look for a bag that uses space effectively. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Is there a compartment for a spare pair of shoes? Do you think that the main compartment is sized appropriately for a few outfits? For your laptop? Is everything easy to access? Once you’re happy with the bag’s design, it’s time to decide on a wardrobe.Selecting several coordinating pieces will build a better wardrobe than throwing in your three favourite outfits. Think mix and match to maximize your options. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Travel worthy pieces featuring synthetic, quick-dry fabrics will have your laundry (yes, you’ll likely have to do laundry) dry by morning. Invest in a pair or two of expensive ‘travel underwear’ for space saving, quick drying undergarments.</em><br /><br /><em><strong>The Method In a Nut Shell</strong></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><em>My favourite one-bag tip is about packing for every eventuality: don’t do it! What if you are invited to dinner with the Queen? In the words of onebag’s travel expert, “the universal answer to any of the (mostly unlikely) situations presented by this kind of ‘What if ...?’ scenario. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Simply ask yourself what the local populace would do if they needed whatever item(s) you're missing!” Buy it, rent it or borrow it!It’s not about thinking of every possibility, it’s about packing what you will need and knowing how to go about finding what you might need, when the situation arises. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>After all, no one is going to trek around the world with his or her very best suit or dress just because they could possibly, maybe, in some alternate universe, be invited to dine with the Queen!If you think I forgot about all the things we pick up while on vacation, you can always mail them home instead of dragging them around with you. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>They’ll likely be in better shape returning home via post than they will be if you tried to cram them into your pack!</em><br /><em></em><br /><em><strong>one bag for success</strong></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><em>All you have to do is try the one-bag method and there’s little chance that you’ll ever go back to hauling the kitchen sink across the world. </em><br /><br /><em></em><br />Source:<a href="http://travel.sympatico.msn.ca/travelfeatures/contentposting_soko?newsitemid=thesoko-2055&feedname=thesoko_v2&show=false&number=0&showbyline=true&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=false&paginationenabled=false"> Sympatico</a>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-29092399757271683202008-08-03T21:59:00.007-04:002008-08-03T22:12:30.392-04:00Paris doesn't have to be expensive<div align="left">Here are some cheap ways to enjoy the city:<br /><br />PARIS - Paris may be the most visited city in the world, yet it's also one of the most expensive.<br />"This city is worth the price," says veteran tourist Alex Wadkin, 71, a retiree from Dublin, Ireland, sipping a US$6 cup of coffee on the Champs-Elysees. "If you avoid expensive neighbourhoods - like this one - you'll do all right. But the key is to plan ahead." </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br />For travellers on a budget, the choices can be tough: stay in a far-flung suburb and eat a baguette for every meal, or leave happy but broke. Yet for those in the know, there are plenty of cheap - and even free - ways to enjoy the city. </div><div align="left"><br /><strong>THE SIGHTS:</strong> The Eiffel Tower may be impossible to miss for any self-respecting tourist, but it costs $19 to reach the top and long lines leave you exhausted by the time you reach the celebrated view. </div><div align="left"><br />Instead, do as the Parisians do: come in the evening, pack a picnic, and sit on the sprawling lawns surrounding it to watch the sunset and admire the tower alight at night, sparkling every hour for 10 minutes. </div><div align="left"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230477449493425458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SJZjhy6_LTI/AAAAAAAAATk/4Th7juCeE8M/s400/eifeltower2.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230477306574767362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SJZjZeghhQI/AAAAAAAAATc/3ZKhT2AIv50/s400/eifeltower.JPG" border="0" /><br />For a great view of Paris, just hike up to the top of Montmartre and sit on the Sacre-Coeur Basilica's steps overlooking the city.<br /><strong>THE MUSEUMS:</strong> Unless you plan on spending most of your time in museums - which, granted, is possible among the dozens of great museums in Paris - the museum passes (two, four or six days) may not save you much. Better compare prices first at<br /><br /><a href="http://www.parismuseumpass.com/">http://www.parismuseumpass.com</a>.<br /><br />Try to time your visit to include the first Sunday of the month, when the Louvre and all the major museums are free. And students, always have your ID card on you.<br />Don't discount a couple of smaller free museums.<br /><br />Le Musee Carnavalet has lots to offer: located in the gorgeous Marais neighbourhood, it retraces Paris's rich history, from the Revolution to today. Meanwhile the Petit Palais, an architectural beauty in the heart of Paris, shows off collections from Paris in the 1900s all the way back to antiquity.<br /><br />For photography fans, the gates surrounding the Luxembourg gardens host free open-air exhibits featuring stunning large-scale photography from around the world. And don't forget to go into the park, where Parisians hang out by the fountain, get a tan, and listen to free music on summer weekends.<br /><br /><strong>THE SOUNDS:</strong> Paris boasts not one, but two, world-class opera houses. Good seating remains prohibitively expensive, but if you reserve early and don't mind craning your neck a bit, there are seats for $11 and $16. For the under-28 crowd, last-minute tickets - sometimes for coveted seats - can also reach low prices. These are sold 15 minutes before the start of the show. The Opera Bastille reserves 62 standing-room tickets at $8, on sale as soon as doors open, generally 90 minutes before starting time.<br /><br />And for a musical Notre Dame, drop in on Sunday afternoon starting at 4:30 p.m., when free organ concerts bring out the cathedral's sacred atmosphere.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230477659347569986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mxDmhmy1d_s/SJZjuAsHTUI/AAAAAAAAATs/-f2gOusIGVQ/s400/moulinrouge.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>THE WANDERING:</strong> The cheapest and most satisfying way to see the city is on your own. A year ago, Paris debuted an extensive system of rental bikes that you can help yourself to for just $1.50, credit card only, a day at numerous spots all over town. Velib', as they are called, are a great way to wander around the city independently. However Paris traffic can get pretty hairy, and the bikes don't come with helmets, so stay alert.<br />If cycling isn't your thing, hop on a bus and see where it goes. Weekly passes, which also work on the metro, are well worth investing in. Some scenic bus lines include numbers 24 (goes by the Seine, the Louvre, Notre Dame, several bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees) and 30 (the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, the <strong><em>Moulin Rouge</em></strong>, Sacre Coeur).<br />And there is always the Seine River. Try the Batobus - it's $19, but unlike other flyboats its tickets are good for a whole day, and you can hop on and off with ease at eight top sightseeing spots.<br /><br /><strong>THE FOOD:</strong> Food and drink are tricky to budget for in cuisine capital Paris, but if you stray away from touristy streets, there are cheap eats to be had.<br /><br />For typically French food, no need to go to expensive restaurants, either. Try Le Bouillon Chartier (7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, metro Grands Boulevards), not just for its stunning art deco interior but for its simple, affordable fare. Or pick up a traditional French picnic at La Cantine de Quentin (52 rue Bichat, metro Goncourt), and walk over to the lovely Saint Martin Canal.<br /><br />Try street food in the atmospheric Latin Quarter, or fixed-price lunch menus, cheaper than their dinnertime counterparts.<br /><br />For gourmet ice cream with a view, try Berthillon, at the tip of the Ile Saint Louis, a little island in the middle of the Seine.<br /><br />Or peruse Paris's traditional outdoor markets. One of the best and least expensive is the Belleville market, between Avenue de Menilmontant and Avenue de la Villette, on Tuesdays and Fridays.<br /><br /><strong>THE ROOM:</strong> If you're staying for a week or even just a few days, short-term rentals found on Craigslist can be a lot cheaper than hotels. For an intermediary and a bit more peace of mind, the one-woman company Alcove & Agaves will set you up in lovely Parisian homes -<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com/">http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com</a>.<br /><br />If you can afford to, avoid budget hotels or rentals in the suburbs of Paris, as you'll waste too much time on transportation. Lastly, if you find a place so cheap it doesn't come with an Internet connection, take heart: there are free Wi-Fi spots all over Paris, including in many public parks - check out <a href="http://www.wifi.paris.fr/">http://www.wifi.paris.fr/</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://travel.sympatico.msn.ca/travelnews/contentposting?newsitemid=104858042&feedname=cp-travel&show=false&number=5&showbyline=true&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=true&pagenumber=2&paginationenabled=false">The Canadian Press</a><br />29/07/2008 11:19:00 AM<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Pictures were taken by Karinna B.</span></em>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665166250338627873.post-41400817277009366022008-07-31T09:49:00.001-04:002008-07-31T09:54:31.127-04:00E-mail etiquette tipsE-mail allows you to communicate privately, one-on-one, with friends and family, and it can be a lot of fun. But technical issues can affect how your message is sent, and what it looks like once it gets to wherever it's going. It seems very complicated, but thankfully, it isn't really, because almost every piece of online etiquette advice can be boiled down to just two e-mail etiquette tips: format well and forward well.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://tlt.stonybrook.edu/SiteCollectionImages/email.jpg" border="0" /> <div><br /><strong>1. Formatting</strong></div><br /><div><em>The subject line:</em> Please put one in! And make it useful enough that people can tell at a glance what the message is about. This makes it easier for people who sort their messages by subject, and subject lines such as "re: your message," "please read," or "hi!" don't offer any incentive to open your message right away. A lot of people categorically delete forwarded messages as well, so if you are forwarding something and you want it to be read, delete the "Fw" that your email program will add when you hit reply.</div><br /><div><br /><em>The "to" line:</em> This is probably the first blank in the e-mail message, the line where you type the other person's address. If you are replying to someone else's message, this might already be filled in for you. Before you send the message, double check which addressees are on this line. If you are replying to a message that was sent to more than one person, your e-mail program might have put all of their e-mails in, and the message might not need to go to everyone. "Reply" is one command. "Reply to all" is something different. If you get them confused, you'll wind up cluttering everyone's e-mail inbox with extra messages. Before you send the message, do a quick scan of the "to" and "cc" lines and make sure that only one address is there - unless your message really does need to go to the entire group.</div><div><br /><em>Replying:</em> Many e-mail programs helpfully copy the text of the message you are answering into the message you are sending. This can be wonderful because it allows you to quote the message and reply point by point. But it can be tedious if the message you are answering was very long. It is considered polite to "snip" the message: to cut out all the text except the lines you are directly responding to. Long messages that haven't been snipped are slower to load and slower to read, especially if they finally get to your response and find only a one-word "I agree" for their trouble.</div><br /><div><em>Formatting:</em> Try to make your type as easy to read as possible. Tab, bold, italic and other text formatting options may be available in your email program, but if the other person is using a plain-text reader, they won't be able to see it, or worse, their system may translate your formatting into a slew of meaningless cluttering symbols. Use plain text only, and avoid using capital letters for emphasis: that's considered shouting.</div><br /><div><em>Signatures:</em> The signature allows you to add text automatically to the end of every message: e-mail or phone numbers are often included, but some people try to liven up their e-mails by appending little quotes or jokes as well. This can be a fun way to express yourself, but keep it short: under three lines is considered acceptable. And if you include anything beyond your name and e-mail address, change it from time to time to keep things light.</div><div><br /><strong>2. Forwarding</strong></div><br /><div>Attachments are useful. They allow you to send documents, photos or even programs to other people. But because they take longer to download and they can contain viruses, they may be viewed as an annoyance by the recipient. Rule number one then is to be frugal. Send attachments only when necessary. Files are fine, and photos are generally all right if you don't send more than one with each message. But that cute little animated fish that someone on your e-mail list sent you - maybe not. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><em>Message forwards:</em> Urban legends, cute little poems and anecdotes and virus warnings can sometimes seem urgent or amusing, but by the time you send it along, most people have already seen it. Keep in mind that genuine virus dangers are often reported in the mainstream media, so it is very unlikely that your e-mail will truly alert someone who didn't already know. And most urban legends on the net are hoaxes.</div><br /><div></div><div>Before you forward that story about the little girl with cancer who is trying to set a world record for e-mails, or the sister's cousin's friend who was stuck with an HIV-infected needle at the Santa Claus parade, check an urban legend site such as <a href="http://www.snopes.com/" target="_new">snopes.com</a> to see if it has already been identified as a hoax. And if a message tells you to "forward this to everyone you know," please don't.</div><div> </div><div>Source: <a href="http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/Email+etiquette+tips/Living/NEWContentPosting_CL?isfa=1&newsitemid=5204&feedname=TRANS-CANADIAN-LIVING&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False">MSN</a></div>Karinna C.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10468374620165189856noreply@blogger.com0