Did you know that ninety percent of the world's ice covers Antarctica? This ice also represents most of the fresh water in the world. Yet Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.
If you're into biology, you may know this about the Mayfly -- after hatching, it takes up to three years to grow up, and then spends only one day as an adult. During that day it mates, lays eggs and expires. That last day must be absolutely spectacular.
Next time you dust your house, you may be interested to know that most of the dust particles you are removing are actually tiny bits of dead skin. Don't even ask how much dead skin has made its way into your favorite pillow.
Did you know that the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows?
Or that that 80% of your brain is water? Well, mine anyway.
You've heard the expression "having a lark." Those who are interested in language might want to know that group of larks is called an exaltation. A group of owls is called a parliament. A group of ravens is called a murder. (Edgar Allen Poe would have understood that one.) A group of rhinos is called a crash, which also seems to make some sense. But here's the best of all: a group of Unicorns is called a blessing.
As interesting as all of these facts are, I doubt any of them is bound to significantly change your life. The stuff we need to know in order to live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives does not usually come from tidbits of knowledge. More often it comes from people; and especially, people who mean something to us. Let me explain.
For Ross Perot, the kind of knowledge that made the greatest difference in his life was actually gleaned from his mother. The American businessman and one-time presidential candidate made billions of dollars from the technology industry. But his mother, who raised him before the phrase "computer age" was ever coined, taught him how to live. She helped shape him into the man he would eventually become.
Perot remembers the days of America's Great Depression. "Hoboes" regularly knocked on their door asking for a little food. It puzzled young Ross that his house seemed to be singled out on their street. One day he learned why. On the curb in front of their house someone had etched a white mark, indicating to fellow travelers that this house was an "easy mark." This fact disturbed the boy and he asked his mother if she wanted him to erase the signal. She told him to leave it there. It was a lesson in compassion he never forgot.
Some of the most essential life lessons and wisdom young Ross acquired did not come from a book or a classroom. They were lessons that came from those people closest to him. Many concerned themselves with the heart and spirit. They taught him about the world and the best way to live in it.
Our greatest teachers are usually those who did not volunteer for the job. They are parents and friends, spouses and children. Much great wisdom is learned best from the example of those closest to us.
And the remarkable fact is this: you are a great teacher. You teach powerful lessons every day of your life. You teach them simply by the way you live; by the way you respond to the world; and, by the little decisions you make. I wonder -- who's watching and learning?
-- Steve Goodier
Aug 7, 2011
Aug 6, 2011
The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun
1. Stop hiding who you really are
2. Start being intensely selfish
3. Stop following the rules
4. Start scaring yourself
5. Stop taking it all so damn seriously
6. Start getting rid of the crap
7. Stop being busy
8. Start something
2. Start being intensely selfish
3. Stop following the rules
4. Start scaring yourself
5. Stop taking it all so damn seriously
6. Start getting rid of the crap
7. Stop being busy
8. Start something
Aug 3, 2011
Jul 19, 2011
All Filled Up
I recall reading that a man from Virginia Beach (Virginia, USA) filed a law suit against his hospital. He opted to have surgery in order to lose weight. So he had his stomach stapled -- a procedure that reduced the size of his stomach so he couldn't eat as much.
A couple of days after surgery he sneaked down the hospital corridors to the kitchen. There he raided the refrigerator and ate so much that his staples burst.
The law suit? He claimed it was the hospital's fault. They should have locked the refrigerator.
And no - I don't know how the suit came out. Just the staples.
He wanted to make other people responsible for what he put into his mouth. Which raises the question: who decides what we bring into our lives?
One man told me, "I'm not a garbage truck."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked him.
"I mean that sometimes other people want to dump their garbage on me," he said. "They fill themselves up with negativity and complaints and want to dump all of that garbage on me. I'm not going to take all of their garbage. They may need to get rid of it, but not all over me."
He believes people need to be responsible for the garbage in their lives. And that's probably true for the good stuff, too. For me, that includes just about everything. It means I am responsible for everything I put into my mouth, but also for everything I choose to watch and hear. Some of it's good and some of it's garbage. It even means everything that comes into my head through my eyes and ears. It's also about everything that fills up my time. Everything.
And to be honest, I don't always do a great job with everything that comes into my life. But I am clear that what I allow in is up to me, not somebody else.
When we fill our bodies with the right foods, they perform well.
When we fill our heads with learning, they won't easily stagnate.
When we fill our minds with healthier attitudes, we will have a better outlook.
When we fill our hearts with a little more courage, we will be able to face life with confidence.
When we fill our talk with more gratitude, we will be happier.
When we fill our lives with more love, we will never be alone.
Only we can decide how to fill ourselves up.
Have you heard the story of the two wolves? A common version of it goes like this:
An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life...
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt and ego.
"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied, "The one you feed."
Only I can choose what should come into my life. Only I can choose which wolf to feed.
And only I can choose what to do about it today.
-- Steve Goodier
A couple of days after surgery he sneaked down the hospital corridors to the kitchen. There he raided the refrigerator and ate so much that his staples burst.
The law suit? He claimed it was the hospital's fault. They should have locked the refrigerator.
And no - I don't know how the suit came out. Just the staples.
He wanted to make other people responsible for what he put into his mouth. Which raises the question: who decides what we bring into our lives?
One man told me, "I'm not a garbage truck."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked him.
"I mean that sometimes other people want to dump their garbage on me," he said. "They fill themselves up with negativity and complaints and want to dump all of that garbage on me. I'm not going to take all of their garbage. They may need to get rid of it, but not all over me."
He believes people need to be responsible for the garbage in their lives. And that's probably true for the good stuff, too. For me, that includes just about everything. It means I am responsible for everything I put into my mouth, but also for everything I choose to watch and hear. Some of it's good and some of it's garbage. It even means everything that comes into my head through my eyes and ears. It's also about everything that fills up my time. Everything.
And to be honest, I don't always do a great job with everything that comes into my life. But I am clear that what I allow in is up to me, not somebody else.
When we fill our bodies with the right foods, they perform well.
When we fill our heads with learning, they won't easily stagnate.
When we fill our minds with healthier attitudes, we will have a better outlook.
When we fill our hearts with a little more courage, we will be able to face life with confidence.
When we fill our talk with more gratitude, we will be happier.
When we fill our lives with more love, we will never be alone.
Only we can decide how to fill ourselves up.
Have you heard the story of the two wolves? A common version of it goes like this:
An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life...
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt and ego.
"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied, "The one you feed."
Only I can choose what should come into my life. Only I can choose which wolf to feed.
And only I can choose what to do about it today.
-- Steve Goodier
Jul 18, 2011
Quantum Jumping
What On Earth Is Quantum Jumping?
Quantum Jumping is the process of “jumping” into parallel dimensions, and gaining skills, knowledge, wisdom and inspiration from alternate versions of yourself.
This is accomplished not with any sort of equipment, but through a powerful & time-tested combination of meditation and visualization.
Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Napoleon Hill… What Do All These Extraordinary People Have In Common?
“Discover The Shocking Mind Trick Used For Centuries By Some of The World’s Most Prolific Entrepreneurs, Artists & Inventors That Can Help YOU Master Any Skill, Achieve Any Goal, & Live A Life Of Success & Fulfillment”.
Sign Up Now For This FREE Tell-All Webinar & Find Out How You Too Can Learn
The Astonishing Technique Known As Quantum Jumping.
I googled about Burt Goldman and Quantum Jumping ...
Found this ... Make your own conclusions :)
Quantum Jumping is the process of “jumping” into parallel dimensions, and gaining skills, knowledge, wisdom and inspiration from alternate versions of yourself.
This is accomplished not with any sort of equipment, but through a powerful & time-tested combination of meditation and visualization.
Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Napoleon Hill… What Do All These Extraordinary People Have In Common?
“Discover The Shocking Mind Trick Used For Centuries By Some of The World’s Most Prolific Entrepreneurs, Artists & Inventors That Can Help YOU Master Any Skill, Achieve Any Goal, & Live A Life Of Success & Fulfillment”.
Sign Up Now For This FREE Tell-All Webinar & Find Out How You Too Can Learn
The Astonishing Technique Known As Quantum Jumping.
I googled about Burt Goldman and Quantum Jumping ...
Found this ... Make your own conclusions :)
Jun 8, 2011
To Remember Is to Understand
Does this sound familiar?
James was cleaning out the attic one day when he came across a ticket from a shoe repair shop. The date stamped on the ticket showed it was over eleven years old. He felt sure the shoes would not still be there, but decided to stop by and check anyway.
He handed the ticket to the man behind the counter, who scowled at the date. "Just a minute," said the clerk. "I'll have to look for these." He disappeared into a back room.
After a few minutes, the clerk called out, "What do you know - here they are!"
"That's terrific!" said James, hardly believing his good fortune.
The man came back to the counter, empty-handed. "They'll be ready Thursday," he said.
I hope James is the patient sort.
We should all be masters of patience; after all, we've had plenty of practice. But mustering patience with unreasonable people (including ourselves) may seem more than we can manage some days.
I heard about an elderly patient in an American hospital who was recovering from a medical procedure. He decided to take a look at his recovery-room record attached to the bed frame. He leafed through the pages, then stopped at one particular notation and furled his brow in consternation.
"I know I was in a bit of a muddle, but I didn't realize I was that bad," he said apologetically to his nurse. "I hope I didn't offend anyone."
She glanced to the spot where he pointed. "Don't worry," she said.
"SOB doesn't mean what you think. It stands for 'short of breath.'"
But I suspect that in some cases it does have a double meaning. Especially if the patient is in pain, fearful or just plain out of sorts. (And that goes for some of the hospital staff, too.)
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once said, "I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end." But we don't always get our own way. And patience can be taxed beyond reason. Where does understanding come from when it feels as if there is nothing left?
It can come from the simple act of remembering. To remember is to understand. It is not about gritting one's teeth and forcing oneself to be more patient. It is actually easier than that.
Do you remember what it was like to be a child?
No parent should ever forget. And to remember is to understand.
Do you remember what it was like to be a student?
Every teacher should try to remember, and especially if they feel frustrated.
Do you remember what it is like to be a patient? Doctors and nurses
show more empathy after they have also spent time in a hospital bed.
Do you remember what it was like to be lonely? To be first? To be last? To fail? To succeed? To be afraid? To remember is to understand.
And to understand is to be patient.
-- Steve Goodier
James was cleaning out the attic one day when he came across a ticket from a shoe repair shop. The date stamped on the ticket showed it was over eleven years old. He felt sure the shoes would not still be there, but decided to stop by and check anyway.
He handed the ticket to the man behind the counter, who scowled at the date. "Just a minute," said the clerk. "I'll have to look for these." He disappeared into a back room.
After a few minutes, the clerk called out, "What do you know - here they are!"
"That's terrific!" said James, hardly believing his good fortune.
The man came back to the counter, empty-handed. "They'll be ready Thursday," he said.
I hope James is the patient sort.
We should all be masters of patience; after all, we've had plenty of practice. But mustering patience with unreasonable people (including ourselves) may seem more than we can manage some days.
I heard about an elderly patient in an American hospital who was recovering from a medical procedure. He decided to take a look at his recovery-room record attached to the bed frame. He leafed through the pages, then stopped at one particular notation and furled his brow in consternation.
"I know I was in a bit of a muddle, but I didn't realize I was that bad," he said apologetically to his nurse. "I hope I didn't offend anyone."
She glanced to the spot where he pointed. "Don't worry," she said.
"SOB doesn't mean what you think. It stands for 'short of breath.'"
But I suspect that in some cases it does have a double meaning. Especially if the patient is in pain, fearful or just plain out of sorts. (And that goes for some of the hospital staff, too.)
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once said, "I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end." But we don't always get our own way. And patience can be taxed beyond reason. Where does understanding come from when it feels as if there is nothing left?
It can come from the simple act of remembering. To remember is to understand. It is not about gritting one's teeth and forcing oneself to be more patient. It is actually easier than that.
Do you remember what it was like to be a child?
No parent should ever forget. And to remember is to understand.
Do you remember what it was like to be a student?
Every teacher should try to remember, and especially if they feel frustrated.
Do you remember what it is like to be a patient? Doctors and nurses
show more empathy after they have also spent time in a hospital bed.
Do you remember what it was like to be lonely? To be first? To be last? To fail? To succeed? To be afraid? To remember is to understand.
And to understand is to be patient.
-- Steve Goodier
Jun 7, 2011
The Great Singapore Flood
If you still remember ... 1 year ago, Orchard Road was overwhelmed by shoppers flood waters during the Great Singapore Sale Flood
And today (1 year later), it happened again ... Why? Why?
More pictures here
Finally, someone come out and says the solutions to flooding are very, very expensive !!!!!
And today (1 year later), it happened again ... Why? Why?
More pictures here
Finally, someone come out and says the solutions to flooding are very, very expensive !!!!!
May 1, 2011
It is Election Time for Singapore
This week is Election fever ... and come May 7th, most Singaporeans get to vote for the government that they want for the next 5 years (oh well, except for Tanjong Pagar GRC - LKY's stronghold - cos the Opposition party got disqualified at the last min, for some ridiculous reasons)
This election is the One >>> 82 out of 87 seats being contested ... If the Opposition is going to get their first step in, this is the time now.
Do not fear ... Your vote is secret !! Choose and vote wisely ...
Let's enjoy some of the entertainment ...
This election is the One >>> 82 out of 87 seats being contested ... If the Opposition is going to get their first step in, this is the time now.
Do not fear ... Your vote is secret !! Choose and vote wisely ...
Let's enjoy some of the entertainment ...
Apr 9, 2011
Life Is Like a Train Ride
Life Is Like a Train Ride
We get on. We ride. We get off.
We get back on and ride some more ... until the final stop...
We get on. We ride. We get off.
We get back on and ride some more ... until the final stop...
Apr 4, 2011
Just Ask for It
A snooty millionaire took some of his upper class friends yachting. They passed a deserted island where a man with a long beard and tattered clothes stood, waving his arms and screaming in their direction.
"Who is that?" asked the friend.
"I don't know," said the host, "but every time we sail by he goes crazy."
That may be an exception to a universal rule, which is that most people are happy to help if they can. But there is another universal principle in play, which is, unless you are stranded on a deserted island, you are probably reluctant to ask for help - especially from a stranger. Thankfully, most of the time we are not coping with a mayday emergency.
I recently learned that the word "mayday" has nothing to do with the month of May. Instead, it comes from the French word "m'aidez," which means "help me." But it is used only as a last resort. The plane is nose-diving. The ship is fatally wounded. "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" a voice screams over the radio. If help doesn't arrive quickly, all will be lost.
We laugh at the notion that men are famously bad about asking for directions. But, in truth, most people do not easily ask for the help they need. They wait until they are hopelessly lost, or the marriage is on the brink of collapse or a simple job has become a nightmare before they seek help.
And it is also true that help is not usually too hard to get. But we have to ASK for it.
Entrepreneur Brian Tracy puts it well: "Ask for what you want. Ask for help, ask for input, ask for advice and ideas -- but never be afraid to ask." Or like one man is fond of saying, "You don't always get what you ask for, but you never get what you don't ask for (unless it's contagious)."
I once heard of a little girl who confidently approached a police officer. "Are you a cop?" she asked.
"Yes."
"My mommy said that if I ever needed help I could ask you."
"Of course you can," the officer replied. "What do you need?"
She stuck out her foot. "Can you please tie my shoe?"
Do you need help? It may be easier to get than you think. Just ask for it.
-- Steve Goodier
"Who is that?" asked the friend.
"I don't know," said the host, "but every time we sail by he goes crazy."
That may be an exception to a universal rule, which is that most people are happy to help if they can. But there is another universal principle in play, which is, unless you are stranded on a deserted island, you are probably reluctant to ask for help - especially from a stranger. Thankfully, most of the time we are not coping with a mayday emergency.
I recently learned that the word "mayday" has nothing to do with the month of May. Instead, it comes from the French word "m'aidez," which means "help me." But it is used only as a last resort. The plane is nose-diving. The ship is fatally wounded. "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" a voice screams over the radio. If help doesn't arrive quickly, all will be lost.
We laugh at the notion that men are famously bad about asking for directions. But, in truth, most people do not easily ask for the help they need. They wait until they are hopelessly lost, or the marriage is on the brink of collapse or a simple job has become a nightmare before they seek help.
And it is also true that help is not usually too hard to get. But we have to ASK for it.
Entrepreneur Brian Tracy puts it well: "Ask for what you want. Ask for help, ask for input, ask for advice and ideas -- but never be afraid to ask." Or like one man is fond of saying, "You don't always get what you ask for, but you never get what you don't ask for (unless it's contagious)."
I once heard of a little girl who confidently approached a police officer. "Are you a cop?" she asked.
"Yes."
"My mommy said that if I ever needed help I could ask you."
"Of course you can," the officer replied. "What do you need?"
She stuck out her foot. "Can you please tie my shoe?"
Do you need help? It may be easier to get than you think. Just ask for it.
-- Steve Goodier
Mar 24, 2011
Building a Boat
Abraham Lincoln once said, "I will prepare, and some day my chance will come." When his chance came, he was ready.
During his seminary years, one priest-in-training owned a favorite T-shirt. Across the front was emblazoned: "Expectant Father." His chance came and he, too, was ready.
When your chance comes, will you be ready?
I know that sports stories don't speak to everyone, but if you'll indulge me, I think Wayne Gretzky has something powerful to teach us about preparation. Former ice hockey superstar Gretzky knew the value of being ready. He broke almost every record imaginable and is generally thought to be the greatest hockey player of all time.
"The Great One," as he is often called, is not particularly big - he stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed about 170 pounds during his career. He never skated particularly fast, his shot was not high-powered and he often placed dead last on regular strength tests administered to his team. So what made him so great?
Gretzky attributes his stardom to practice and preparation. He practiced stick handling in the off-season with a tennis ball, as the ball was harder to control than a puck. In practice he innovated. He practiced bouncing the puck off the sideboards to his teammates until that technique became a regular part of his play.
Then he worked on bouncing the puck off the net. He became so accomplished at these maneuvers that he sometimes said, "People say there's only six men on the ice, but really, if you use the angle of deflection of the board, there's seven. If you count the net, that's eight. From the opening face-off, I always figure we have 'em eight-on-six."
The Great One was so great because, when his chance came to make an impact, he was ready. And because he was ready, chances came again and again.
I've learned this: it doesn't matter what awaits me just across the sea if I haven't built a boat.
Many years ago a friend and I were talking about a speaking engagement I had accepted in Los Angeles. "I'd love to go places and speak or lead seminars," she said.
I asked her, "What would you speak about? What do you want to teach?"
"I don't know. I've always wanted to write a book and lead seminars," she said, "but I've never gotten around to it."
I've heard her speak - she has a great ability to relate to people. She has a charismatic personality. She is intelligent and articulate. I have no doubt she could excel in such a field.
We talked about her need to develop expertise in an area about which she is passionate. We talked about how she might look for opportunities to lead local seminars and teach courses. And we talked about steps she might take toward writing her book, something she had wanted to do for years.
But after a number of years, she has still done none of those things. If her chance comes, she will not be ready. And more likely, since she is not ready, her chance will probably never come.
I often hear people say, "If only I had a chance." Maybe it's a chance at a new position, a bigger challenge or to do something different. Perhaps they are waiting for a chance to prove themselves or a chance to really make a difference.
But I wonder -- if I were offered that new challenge today, would I be ready to meet it? Am I prepared to take full advantage?
It's not enough for me to dream about exotic, new places. I need to build a boat.
-- Steve Goodier
During his seminary years, one priest-in-training owned a favorite T-shirt. Across the front was emblazoned: "Expectant Father." His chance came and he, too, was ready.
When your chance comes, will you be ready?
I know that sports stories don't speak to everyone, but if you'll indulge me, I think Wayne Gretzky has something powerful to teach us about preparation. Former ice hockey superstar Gretzky knew the value of being ready. He broke almost every record imaginable and is generally thought to be the greatest hockey player of all time.
"The Great One," as he is often called, is not particularly big - he stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed about 170 pounds during his career. He never skated particularly fast, his shot was not high-powered and he often placed dead last on regular strength tests administered to his team. So what made him so great?
Gretzky attributes his stardom to practice and preparation. He practiced stick handling in the off-season with a tennis ball, as the ball was harder to control than a puck. In practice he innovated. He practiced bouncing the puck off the sideboards to his teammates until that technique became a regular part of his play.
Then he worked on bouncing the puck off the net. He became so accomplished at these maneuvers that he sometimes said, "People say there's only six men on the ice, but really, if you use the angle of deflection of the board, there's seven. If you count the net, that's eight. From the opening face-off, I always figure we have 'em eight-on-six."
The Great One was so great because, when his chance came to make an impact, he was ready. And because he was ready, chances came again and again.
I've learned this: it doesn't matter what awaits me just across the sea if I haven't built a boat.
Many years ago a friend and I were talking about a speaking engagement I had accepted in Los Angeles. "I'd love to go places and speak or lead seminars," she said.
I asked her, "What would you speak about? What do you want to teach?"
"I don't know. I've always wanted to write a book and lead seminars," she said, "but I've never gotten around to it."
I've heard her speak - she has a great ability to relate to people. She has a charismatic personality. She is intelligent and articulate. I have no doubt she could excel in such a field.
We talked about her need to develop expertise in an area about which she is passionate. We talked about how she might look for opportunities to lead local seminars and teach courses. And we talked about steps she might take toward writing her book, something she had wanted to do for years.
But after a number of years, she has still done none of those things. If her chance comes, she will not be ready. And more likely, since she is not ready, her chance will probably never come.
I often hear people say, "If only I had a chance." Maybe it's a chance at a new position, a bigger challenge or to do something different. Perhaps they are waiting for a chance to prove themselves or a chance to really make a difference.
But I wonder -- if I were offered that new challenge today, would I be ready to meet it? Am I prepared to take full advantage?
It's not enough for me to dream about exotic, new places. I need to build a boat.
-- Steve Goodier
Mar 23, 2011
Project HOME
We are living in exceptional times. Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth's climate.
The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being.
For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film.
HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand
HOME official website
http://www.home-2009.com
The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being.
For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film.
HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand
HOME official website
http://www.home-2009.com
Mar 18, 2011
Warm Worms
You may have heard the old story about the world's most dedicated fisherman. He had out-fished his companion all morning long. They used the same live bait, the same equipment and fished together in the same mountain stream. But he had almost caught his limit of fish while his friend had yet to catch even one.
"What's your secret?" asked the friend. "I haven't even gotten a bite!"
The angler mumbled an unintelligible answer, causing his companion to ask again.
The successful fisherman emptied the contents of his mouth into a cupped hand and replied: "I said, 'You have to keep your worms warm.'"
Talk about dedication. But did you know there are at least three types of fresh water fishermen (or fisherwomen, if that fits better)?
First, there are those who fish for sport. They like to "catch and release," quickly throwing their catch back into the water. For these anglers, it's all about recreation.
Then there are those who fish because they like the taste of fish. They are selective. They only keep the fish they will someday eat.
Finally, there are those who fish because they are hungry. If they don't catch, they don't eat. It is important for this group to succeed, and they are fully dedicated to what they do.
Whether or not we fish or even eat fish, there is a lesson to be learned here. We are most likely to succeed when we approach a task fully dedicated. Especially if the task before us is difficult or there seems little likelihood of success. Whether we want to patch a relationship, build a new business, write that first novel, kick a drug habit, or go back to school, we should see how willing we are to do what it takes - even if it means keeping the worms warm.
There are two important questions I ask myself to see just how dedicated I am.
Question number one: "How much do I want this?" When some people fish, if they don't catch, they don't eat. Some things are too important for me to risk failure. So how much do I want to succeed at this relationship, this career or this dream?
The other question I ask is similar: "How hard am I willing to work?" If 'success' only comes before 'work' in the dictionary, I may have to work harder than I've ever worked before. But if I want it enough, the hard work will be worth it.
"Always bear in mind," said Abraham Lincoln, "that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." And that is where it always begins: with a whole-hearted resolution to succeed - in a task, in a calling, in a life.
How much do I want this? And, how hard am I willing to work? Start there, and great things can happen.
-- Steve Goodier
"What's your secret?" asked the friend. "I haven't even gotten a bite!"
The angler mumbled an unintelligible answer, causing his companion to ask again.
The successful fisherman emptied the contents of his mouth into a cupped hand and replied: "I said, 'You have to keep your worms warm.'"
Talk about dedication. But did you know there are at least three types of fresh water fishermen (or fisherwomen, if that fits better)?
First, there are those who fish for sport. They like to "catch and release," quickly throwing their catch back into the water. For these anglers, it's all about recreation.
Then there are those who fish because they like the taste of fish. They are selective. They only keep the fish they will someday eat.
Finally, there are those who fish because they are hungry. If they don't catch, they don't eat. It is important for this group to succeed, and they are fully dedicated to what they do.
Whether or not we fish or even eat fish, there is a lesson to be learned here. We are most likely to succeed when we approach a task fully dedicated. Especially if the task before us is difficult or there seems little likelihood of success. Whether we want to patch a relationship, build a new business, write that first novel, kick a drug habit, or go back to school, we should see how willing we are to do what it takes - even if it means keeping the worms warm.
There are two important questions I ask myself to see just how dedicated I am.
Question number one: "How much do I want this?" When some people fish, if they don't catch, they don't eat. Some things are too important for me to risk failure. So how much do I want to succeed at this relationship, this career or this dream?
The other question I ask is similar: "How hard am I willing to work?" If 'success' only comes before 'work' in the dictionary, I may have to work harder than I've ever worked before. But if I want it enough, the hard work will be worth it.
"Always bear in mind," said Abraham Lincoln, "that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." And that is where it always begins: with a whole-hearted resolution to succeed - in a task, in a calling, in a life.
How much do I want this? And, how hard am I willing to work? Start there, and great things can happen.
-- Steve Goodier
Mar 16, 2011
Feb 23, 2011
Battlestar Galactica at Universal Studios Singapore
Woohoo .... Cool ... I want to try this, who else?? :D
Feb 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day
To My Dearest Wifey!!
I LOVE YOU !
Love is a precious thing
It is a feeling that
makes your heart sing.
Whether you are far or near
it is like whispering in my ear.
When you find true love
it is something you
keep within your heart.
Jan 28, 2011
Jan 27, 2011
Jan 1, 2011
Dec 9, 2010
Getting It Done
Do you ever feel as if you just aren't getting anything done? "The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get." Here are three simple steps I try to use to guide my work.
1. Just DO it.
Sometimes we just have to decide to go for it.
A "road warrior" stopped at a small town motel in the American Midwest. "How's business?" he asked the owner.
"Not very good," the tired looking man answered.
The customer nodded sympathetically. "Well, what's your next step? Do you think you'll look for ways to get your name out there to build up business? Or are you thinking you may have to close?"
"Well," said the owner dryly, "I've never made enough in this motel to stick with it, but I've never lost enough to get out of it. I'm hoping to do one or the other this year."
All he has needed these years was to make a decision – one way or the other. Sometimes we just have to decide to do it.
2. Do it NOW.
One farmer decided to raise a few sheep. He bought a fine ewe which soon gave birth to two lambs. However, he had no pen in which to keep his sheep and a wolf ate one of the lambs. The farmer remarked, "Well, I guess I'd rather have one fat lamb than two skinny ones" and decided to accept his fate and not build a fence this year.
A few days later the wolf killed and ate the second lamb. This time the farmer reflected, "I supposed it's all for the best. Now the ewe won't be bothered with them." With no lambs left, he again chose to wait on building the fence.
A couple weeks later the ewe was eaten up and the farmer became more pensive. "I know it's all for the best, but I'll be darned if I can figure out how."
I find peace in learning to accept what cannot be changed. But there is also wisdom in doing what needs to be done WHEN it needs to be done.
3. But do it RIGHT.
One poet put it like this:
"If a task is once begun, never leave until it's done.
Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all."
I think a case can be made that not everything has to be done well all of the time. But more often I have to ask myself, "If I don't have time to do it right, when I will find time to do it over?"
I have a friend who likes to say, "Slow is fast." What she means is that if I will slow down and do the thing right, I won't have to redo it later. Slow is fast.
For me, it helps to just do it, do it now and try to do it right. And then maybe celebrate when it's done.
-- Steve Goodier
1. Just DO it.
Sometimes we just have to decide to go for it.
A "road warrior" stopped at a small town motel in the American Midwest. "How's business?" he asked the owner.
"Not very good," the tired looking man answered.
The customer nodded sympathetically. "Well, what's your next step? Do you think you'll look for ways to get your name out there to build up business? Or are you thinking you may have to close?"
"Well," said the owner dryly, "I've never made enough in this motel to stick with it, but I've never lost enough to get out of it. I'm hoping to do one or the other this year."
All he has needed these years was to make a decision – one way or the other. Sometimes we just have to decide to do it.
2. Do it NOW.
One farmer decided to raise a few sheep. He bought a fine ewe which soon gave birth to two lambs. However, he had no pen in which to keep his sheep and a wolf ate one of the lambs. The farmer remarked, "Well, I guess I'd rather have one fat lamb than two skinny ones" and decided to accept his fate and not build a fence this year.
A few days later the wolf killed and ate the second lamb. This time the farmer reflected, "I supposed it's all for the best. Now the ewe won't be bothered with them." With no lambs left, he again chose to wait on building the fence.
A couple weeks later the ewe was eaten up and the farmer became more pensive. "I know it's all for the best, but I'll be darned if I can figure out how."
I find peace in learning to accept what cannot be changed. But there is also wisdom in doing what needs to be done WHEN it needs to be done.
3. But do it RIGHT.
One poet put it like this:
"If a task is once begun, never leave until it's done.
Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all."
I think a case can be made that not everything has to be done well all of the time. But more often I have to ask myself, "If I don't have time to do it right, when I will find time to do it over?"
I have a friend who likes to say, "Slow is fast." What she means is that if I will slow down and do the thing right, I won't have to redo it later. Slow is fast.
For me, it helps to just do it, do it now and try to do it right. And then maybe celebrate when it's done.
-- Steve Goodier
Dec 7, 2010
Dec 6, 2010
Money No Enough 2
Money No Enough 2 ~ The sequel ... 10 years later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Dec 5, 2010
Money No Enough
Money No Enough ~ The whole movie on YouTube ... Enjoy!!
An apt reminder for us as we are getting our keys to the new flat next week ... Renovation works, furniture, appliances, etc, etc ....the list goes on and on ...
Wa lao eh ... Really it is MONEY NO ENOUGH AHHH !!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An apt reminder for us as we are getting our keys to the new flat next week ... Renovation works, furniture, appliances, etc, etc ....the list goes on and on ...
Wa lao eh ... Really it is MONEY NO ENOUGH AHHH !!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nov 11, 2010
The Mayonnaise Jar
When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions - and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. ”I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions - and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. ”I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
Oct 31, 2010
Battle of the Wantan Mee
This weekend, we tried 2 types of Wantan (Wonton) Mee ... Same yet different
Which one do you like (looking at the photos)?
Each has their own distinct flavours ... We like both!! :D
One word of caution:
Don't tell the JB one you want chilli, if you never try before.... I can eat hot stuff, but i still need to tell them put less chilli... Otherwise, siao liao...
Which one do you like (looking at the photos)?
Each has their own distinct flavours ... We like both!! :D
Hong Chang in Ang Mo Kio Central Food Centre
Ho Seng Kee in JB (near Holiday Plaza)
One word of caution:
Don't tell the JB one you want chilli, if you never try before.... I can eat hot stuff, but i still need to tell them put less chilli... Otherwise, siao liao...
Oct 27, 2010
Dad's For Life
Being a first-time Dad, I was excited, overjoyed and at the same time, felt uncertain and afraid.
Alas, it was not as tough as I had imagined it would be. But it's not an easy journey either.
Our baby girl, Eunice, will be 14 months old in a couple of weeks ... Oh, how she has grown up ... from a little baby to a toddler just learning to take her first steps on her own and speaking more than just baby language ... The way she hugs me. When she wants me to "Pao Pao" her once I reached home ... Oh, hmmm ... The sweet memories make our efforts and sleepless nights all worthwhile.
To share with you, the first few months are the most difficult, especially for first-time parents ... Once you get used to the routine of feeding milk, burping after feeds, changing diapers, etc, it soon become second nature ... As the saying goes "Practice makes perfect", so practice more ... LOL
And pretty soon, we will be going through the same thing all over again ... for our second "xiao bu dian" (little one) :)
And this time, I will be waiting ... with more anticipation than apprehension.
Alas, it was not as tough as I had imagined it would be. But it's not an easy journey either.
Our baby girl, Eunice, will be 14 months old in a couple of weeks ... Oh, how she has grown up ... from a little baby to a toddler just learning to take her first steps on her own and speaking more than just baby language ... The way she hugs me. When she wants me to "Pao Pao" her once I reached home ... Oh, hmmm ... The sweet memories make our efforts and sleepless nights all worthwhile.
To share with you, the first few months are the most difficult, especially for first-time parents ... Once you get used to the routine of feeding milk, burping after feeds, changing diapers, etc, it soon become second nature ... As the saying goes "Practice makes perfect", so practice more ... LOL
And pretty soon, we will be going through the same thing all over again ... for our second "xiao bu dian" (little one) :)
And this time, I will be waiting ... with more anticipation than apprehension.
While we try to teach our children about life,
our children teach us what life is all about.
Oct 22, 2010
Do You Want to Be Right?
I heard a funny story about a cowboy who ambled into the local blacksmith shop and picked up a horseshoe, not realizing it had just come from the forge. He immediately dropped the hot shoe, shoved his seared hand into his pocket and tried to act nonchalant.
The blacksmith half smiled and asked, "Kinda hot, wasn't it?"
"Nope," replied the cowboy, "just don't take me long to look at a horseshoe, that's all."
I chuckle because I don't enjoy admitting mistakes, either. Nope, I'm fine.I meant to do that.
Furthermore, when I think I'm right, I usually want people to know it. And when I'm IN THE RIGHT, it's hard to hold me back. "Hey, I'm the injured party here. I didn't do anything wrong. I can prove it!" I don't suffer righteous indignation quietly.
I learned of a minister who left his pulpit to go to medical school and become a doctor. An old friend saw him several years later and expressed surprise at his career change, but said he assumed it had been because he could care for people in a more physical way now that he was practicing medicine.
"Not at all," the doctor responded honestly, "the reasons were purely economic. I discovered that people will pay more money to care for their bodies than for their souls."
Several years lapsed before the friend saw him again and discovered that he had left medicine for law. "What was your reason this time?" the friend asked.
"Simple economics again," replied the ex-minister, ex-doctor attorney. "I learned that people will pay more to prove they are right than to care for either body or soul."
I suppose I'm not the only person who enjoys being right. Is that part of our human nature? In conflict, it seems most folks want to come out on top. When they are wronged, they want justice. If no justice is forthcoming, they lament about the unfairness of it all and indignantly brood in self pity. Many people will go to great lengths to prove they are right - and at tremendous cost, not only financially, but in other ways.
Do you know how difficult it is to insist on being right? And how high the cost?
Being the injured party is costly to physical and emotional health. Some people stew about the injustice of it all while their stomachs are eaten away by ulcers. While they wait for an apology or a court case to vindicate them, they grow resentful and bitter. They obsess on the cause of their pain and allow it to rob them of one of their most valuable assets - their happiness. In the end, many of them discover they paid far too high a price to be right.
An important question for me is this: Do I want to be right, or do I want to be well? And a related question is this: Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy? Because usually I have to choose.
But it's a choice I really ought to make.
-- Steve Goodier
The blacksmith half smiled and asked, "Kinda hot, wasn't it?"
"Nope," replied the cowboy, "just don't take me long to look at a horseshoe, that's all."
I chuckle because I don't enjoy admitting mistakes, either. Nope, I'm fine.I meant to do that.
Furthermore, when I think I'm right, I usually want people to know it. And when I'm IN THE RIGHT, it's hard to hold me back. "Hey, I'm the injured party here. I didn't do anything wrong. I can prove it!" I don't suffer righteous indignation quietly.
I learned of a minister who left his pulpit to go to medical school and become a doctor. An old friend saw him several years later and expressed surprise at his career change, but said he assumed it had been because he could care for people in a more physical way now that he was practicing medicine.
"Not at all," the doctor responded honestly, "the reasons were purely economic. I discovered that people will pay more money to care for their bodies than for their souls."
Several years lapsed before the friend saw him again and discovered that he had left medicine for law. "What was your reason this time?" the friend asked.
"Simple economics again," replied the ex-minister, ex-doctor attorney. "I learned that people will pay more to prove they are right than to care for either body or soul."
I suppose I'm not the only person who enjoys being right. Is that part of our human nature? In conflict, it seems most folks want to come out on top. When they are wronged, they want justice. If no justice is forthcoming, they lament about the unfairness of it all and indignantly brood in self pity. Many people will go to great lengths to prove they are right - and at tremendous cost, not only financially, but in other ways.
Do you know how difficult it is to insist on being right? And how high the cost?
Being the injured party is costly to physical and emotional health. Some people stew about the injustice of it all while their stomachs are eaten away by ulcers. While they wait for an apology or a court case to vindicate them, they grow resentful and bitter. They obsess on the cause of their pain and allow it to rob them of one of their most valuable assets - their happiness. In the end, many of them discover they paid far too high a price to be right.
An important question for me is this: Do I want to be right, or do I want to be well? And a related question is this: Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy? Because usually I have to choose.
But it's a choice I really ought to make.
-- Steve Goodier
Oct 9, 2010
Quotes by Dalai Lama
You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing. — Dalai Lama
With realization of one's own potential & self confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. — Dalai Lama
When you practice contentment you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes I already have everything that I really need'. — Dalai Lama
What unites all beings is their desire for happiness. — Dalai Lama
We must all live harmoniously with our neighbors. Your happiness depends on it. — Dalai Lama
We have to make a sustained effort, again and again, to cultivate the positive aspects within us. — Dalai Lama
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. — Dalai Lama
True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. — Dalai Lama
Through money or power you cannot solve all problems. The problem in the human heart must be solved first. — Dalai Lama
The ultimate source of happiness is our mental attitude. — Dalai Lama
The purpose of our lives is to be happy. — Dalai Lama
The more you nurture a feeling of loving kindness, the happier and calmer you will be. — Dalai Lama
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. — Dalai Lama
Spend some time alone every day. — Dalai Lama
Smile if you want a smile from another face. — Dalai Lama
See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort. — Dalai Lama
Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck. — Dalai Lama
Peace does not come through prayer, we human beings must create peace. — Dalai Lama
Our purpose in life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. — Dalai Lama
Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. — Dalai Lama
Nothing is permanent. — Dalai Lama
Love and compassion are the pillars of world peace. — Dalai Lama
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. — Dalai Lama
Oct 1, 2010
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