Sunday, September 28, 2008

Monday, September 22, 2008

My version: Father & Son with Cats in The Cradle

I was once like you are now,
and I know it is not easy
when you find something going on.

Take your time, Think alot.
Life's often full of flaws
And the things you've been taught
Might not be right anymore.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Sony Cybershot H10

Bought myself a Sony Cybershot H10 recently. Not easy lugging the D200 and lenses along everywhere I go. It is small and lightweight.

I got a teleconverter (0.5X). With some accessories, it should work as fine as the dslr for most of the routine pictures.

For one thing, I particularly enjoy holding it high over people's heads. I can do that with my D200. The high ISO is also good for evening shots without flash. Might be hard for a dslr. Good for travelogues.

Sony H10 with Flash







Interesting quotes

You are surrounded by miracles, if you take the time to look and feel their presence.

Find yourself by being nobody but yourself.

Everybody wants to be somebody, but few people have the patience to be themselves.

Some people go through a forest and see no firewood.

When you judge others, you don't define them, you define yourself.

Haste always seems to pursue those things which seem to be profitable for ourselves; pausing and saying "no" to this busyness enables us to understand what is best for the general good.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Quote from a friend I haven't met

Hi friends,

One Step Further, One Step Closer
Do more than exist: live.
Do more than touch: feel.
Do more than look: observe.
Do more than read: absorb.
Do more than hear: listen.
Do more than listen: understand.
Do more than think: reflect.
Do more than just talk: say something.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

5 Challenges at workplace

According to an article, there are bullies and gossips at your new workplace, just as there probably were at your former school. And the good news is that "the same approaches you took then to overcome those obstacles can still come in handy today."

Here are some of the "common challenges" that we faced during school days and may be facing still at our workplace also:

Challenge No. 1: Bullies exist in the workplace, too. ("Though the actions are subtler, the effect is still the same: frustration and damage to your self-confidence.") Personally, I would include those snobs and bigots who "brow-beat" and also those "smart alecks" who readily pounce on a mistake that others make. We have been branded "stupid", underachievers, weaklings, lame ..... ".

Challenge No. 2: Gossipers have a very good nose for newsy matters and often rake up issues either personally, or through those with that same weakness in their character. In school, we normally would not think they could be that bad. After all, after graduation, most of us would have thought we probably won't meet them again. But, after having read this article, interesting why I did not realise, the gossip monger at my workplace today probably had been the class amateur from another school. Whether these evolve into highly intelligent political beings or vile "mess-comm" professionals, I only wish that my company could rid of these finally.

For my friends who have been unconsciously entangled into those webs that he has been spinning, I wish they would read the next passage.

"Gossiping about co-workers can damage relationships and harm your professional reputation. So try to stay above the fray. Instead of joining a conversation about an inappropriate topic, avoid it by excusing yourself. And if you happen to overhear some "juicy" information, keep it to yourself."

My advice: Don't get played. Seek your develop your own strengths without getting over the backs of some others to gain your altitude in life. To me, there are 2 types of gossipers: those who are weak and those who are wicked. Political animals do have a personal motive or a deep desire to feel belonged. In their everyday conversation, they need to have things to discuss. Policies, People, Practices, Procedures, Personal stuffs of people. They derive satisfaction when people listen or are really affected by what they hear. They get more kicks when people's ears itch for more.

The bible says " Out from the abundance of his heart, the mouth speaks." And so, the chest from a thief will spew out stolen treasures. So, we have to learn to bridle our tongues.

Challenge No. 3: Making friends. Why is it such a challenge, probably greater than that encountered during schooldays? Could it becos as youngsters, we are more "forgiving" as well as more naive? Having been betrayed, finding a trustworthy friend who will stand by me despite all the silly mistakes I have made, and someone's whose friendship is not manipulative is a challenge alright.

Challenge No. 4: Finding a mentor. Mentors are invaluable guides not only at work, but in life as well. Depending on what kind of a mentor you are seeking, he or she must be, first of all, someone you can trust to mould you.

Challenge No. 5: Participating in extracurricular activities. ( I shall cut and paste wholesale the rest of the article here.)

"To balance the time spent in the classroom or at home huddled over a book, you may joined a club, played a sport or participated in a performing art. Keep in mind that maintaining a balance between your personal and professional obligations is still important. Continuously working long hours or taking projects home can cause burnout and lower your satisfaction for your job. "

"Devoting time to outside hobbies or interests can not only prevent this but also enhance your skill set. For instance, doing improvisational comedy on the side can help you think on your feet. And by exploring varied activities, you'll bring unique perspectives and ideas to the workplace. "

"If your workplace begins to remind you of your high school, remember the strategies you used in school to overcome challenges and excel. Chances are the lessons you learned during those four formative years will still serve you well today."

Brilliant Stupidity

"Practical Passion. Questioning Answers. Volatile Stability. Singular Integration. Grounded Reach. Simple Complexity." These is the vision of the mighty Goldman Sachs. It is posted on its website for all to see under the title 'Unrelenting Thinking'.

~ Lucy Kellaway, in Sense & Nonsense in the Office (Prentice Hall)

This article is interesting. Actually, it had not confused me. Not because I undersood it completely but because it passed right through me! I had to read it again and think I finally got a bit enlightened only while being confused by what she was trying to mean when she described Goldman Sach's vision as "brilliant stupidity".

You see, some articles are meant to enlighten or edify. Most would also try to entertain as they educate. (Wonder why most text books writers are not learning from those DIYs or those "for Dummies" writers tho.) Anyway, this article is "unusual" because if you had understood it at first read, you would have been confused at first. Think about it. The pairs contradict each other. The author understood what Goldman Sachs meant and finally described what she read as "Brilliant Stupidity".

This finally makes a lot of sense to what we have been trying to do, at work and at home. Sometimes, in order to achieve stability, one has to stay "fluid". Have you every tried staying balanced in the moving bus without holding on to anything else? You must not lock your knees. But rather, loosen your knees, keep them bent at all times and just "go with the flow".

Sometimes in order to clean up the room, one has to beat up the dust from the mattress.

Interesting?

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

5Cs (Copied from somewhere)

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."



--Andrew Carnegie



Running a company, even if it is a small business, needs a team of committed and capable employees who can get the job done. But a team is not something that happens by itself. The process of team-building takes time and effort. The end result is to create a work environment in which every person feels like his or her contribution is a vital and valued part of the organization’s success.



We have put together a list of 5 Cs of effective team-building to help you on your way:



1. Clear expectations:

One of the key characteristics of a successful team is clear role delineation of every team member - every person has to know the role he or she is expected to play in the company as well as the roles of the other team members. As the business owner, you have to ensure that every employee in your organization clearly understands how and where he/she fits in the organizational structure. Use organizational charts and staff meetings to facilitate this understanding.



2. Channels of communication:

Create and maintain open channels of communication with your employees. This must not only be between you and your employees, but also among the staff. Create a working atmosphere such that your employees know that you are always available to listen to their concerns. Also encourage them to discuss genuine issues amongst themselves. Without free and unfettered communication, team-building is only a distant dream.



3. Conflict resolution:

Getting a group of people to work together is not a bed of roses. There will invariably be times when the going gets rough and differences come out in the open. Develop conflict-resolution skills among your employees and create a mechanism for grievance redressal, if they can’t resolve their problems on their own. If necessary, arrange for professionals to conduct workshops on this subject.



4. Consequences:

Make members feel responsible and accountable for team achievements. Enable them to understand that each individual contribution is a vital piece in the whole picture. At the same time, encourage individual creativity to blossom by instituting a system of rewards and recognition.



5. Celebrating achievements as a team:

Give your team-building efforts a fillip by celebrating successes as a group. Since every employee plays an important part in the success or failure of your business, it only makes sense to celebrate your achievements as a team. Depending on the size of the achievement, your celebration can be as simple as a pizza party or as spectacular as a company trip to Hawaii.





Use these tips to ensure that the people who make up your small business work together as a team towards the same goal. By empowering and instilling a sense of belonging in your employees, you will have created a successful team that works hard to achieve the best results for you.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Quote of the Week 32 - 2008 (from Elena Goh)

Hi, this is from a lady friend I have never met.

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change
rather than allowing it to master you
"

~ Brian Tracy

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Sometimes, it takes just a change of situation that turns everything upside down. When you least expected it. This is how it is, in my life, and my family.

I was one of those fools who had planned in his heart, "Tomorrow we shall do this and this.... " but the tomorrow I have been yearning for, now seems like it gaining distance from my reach. I asked God many times, why brought me here, and then let me suffer. I also watch the people I care about suffer. Sadder because I feel they suffer more because of me. Life is like a sick joke, sometimes. Humans can be happy when they see a newborn baby cast its first smile. But how short the happiness is. Everything is but vanity. Why does God allow people to populate the earth so that in the end, they could murder one another? Even at work, they made friends, and then backstabbed one another?

Beware of the devil. He is more beutiful than you can imagine. His words are very convincing and they are always ready to devour you. Our hearts are proud and egoistic. This makes it easier for it to control us. For a start, learn to bridle our tongues - for it has the power to destroy. Next, do not let your heart be filled with disappointments, and frustration. When the heart is uncomfortable, so it will lash its tongue about and spill its venom. So, always keep your focus on the ultimate goal of your life. Ignore the rest.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Joke from a Singaporean

There was once a very good barber in NEW YORK , he givesFree Haircut to everybody who comes into his shop to have their haircuts. One day a florist goes to him for a haircut. After the cut, he goes to pay the barber and the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.' The Florist is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen roses waiting at his door .


A policeman goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barberafter the cut. But the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.'

The cop is happy and leaves the shop.The next morning the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen donuts waiting at his door ..


A Singaporean software engineer goes for a haircut and he also goes topay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.'

The Singaporean software engineer is very happy and leaves. The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, guess what he finds there............

Can you guess?

Come on, think like a Singaporean....

have you got the answer ........... ?

















....................................................... a dozen Singaporeans waiting for a free haircut!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

From Elena Goh, again

"Five years from now, you’ll be the same person you are today
except for the people you meet and the books you read."

~ Charlie Jones
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I am feeling very tired & drained lately, especially during this period in my life.
Post-JCI and I don't think I will be able to celebrate.

Got this joke from a friend ..

Once PVNR (PV Narasimha Rao), L.K.Advani and Laloo Prasad Yadav were travelling in an autorickshaw. They met with an accident and all three of them died. Yama Raja was waiting for this moment at the doorstep of death. He asks PVNR and Advani to go to HEAVEN.But, for Laloo, Yama had already decided that he should be sent to HELL. Laloo is not at all happy with this decision. He asks Yama as to why this discrimination is being made.

All the three of them had served the public. Similarly, all took bribes, all misused public positions, etc. Then why the differential treatment?

He felt that there should be a formal test or an objective evaluation before a decision is made; and should not be just based on opinion or pre-conceived notions.
Yama agrees to this and asks all the three of them to appear for an English test.
PVNR is asked to spell 'INDIA' and he does it correctly.
Advani is asked to spell 'ENGLAND' and he too passes.
It is Laloo's turn and he is asked to spell 'CZECHOSLOVAKIA'.
Laloo protests that he doesn't know English. He says this is not fair and that he was given a tough question and thus forced to fail with false intent.
Yama then agrees to conduct a written test in Hindi (to give another chance assuming that Laloo should at least feel that Hindi would provide an equal platform for all three).
PVNR is asked to write 'KUTTA BOLA BHOW BHOW'. He writes it easily and passes.
Advani is asked to write 'BILLY BOLI MYAUN MYAUN'. He too passes.
Laloo is asked to write 'BANDAR BOLA GURRRRRR.... .'
Tough one.. He fails again. Laloo is extremely unhappy. Having been a student of history (which the other two weren't), he now requested for all the 3 to be subjected to a test in history. Yama says OK but this would be the last chance and that he would not take any more tests.
PVNR is asked: 'When did India get Independence ?'.
He replied '1947' and passed.
Advani is asked 'How many people died during the independence struggle?'.
He gets nervous. Yama asked him to choose from 3 options:
100,000 or 200,000 or 300,000.
Advani catches it and says 200,000 and passes.
It's Laloo's turn now.

Yama asks him to give the Name and Address of each of the 200,000 who died in the struggle. Laloo accepts defeat and agrees to go to HELL.
Moral of the story:
IF YOUR MANAGEMENT HAS DECIDED TO SCREW YOU, THERE IS NO ESCAPE.

Friday, July 18, 2008

I appreciate my boss for buying us all pizza as we worked through the late evening yesterday.

Auditors should have bought toto and 4Ds.
Of all forms, they had to pick up THAT ONE that had a missing page! Someone slipped. But as usual, everyone will kena. We do not know who, except that something's got to give - one way or another.

Looking back, everyone slipped big time. Probably, everyone will have a couple of turns at the Wailing Wall.

I wish JCI isn't meant for pointing fingers or for shaking heads. I somehow feel many (if not most) of the pains and fright have been a little over-dramatic and probably self-inflicted. Perhaps that's the price we have to pay for wanting to be the top. In the end, I think if we receive the award, everyone deserves it. But I do wish that we do not accuse people of having slipped and still in the end, congratulate him/her for "everything".

We were probably all doing things we have thought to be 'right" until the standards and requirements were updated. Sometimes, a simple answer might have been better than trying to correct history at the last minute. Sometimes, there isn't only ONE right way to do things. There may be BEST PRACTICES, but certainly we can't straightaway treat anything that is different as being "wrong". They have been done that particular way still with the best intentions. Altho different from how you would opine, but they may not be as terrible as you make it sound to be.

I heard "Come on lah, how you could do things like this?!" And there have also been so many "You should haves ... " and "How could yous ... ".

"I had spent much of my waking hours working out how things could be run. Sometimes I wonder why, just a few months ago, I had thought everything was in place. I guessed people don't like to read emails and documents which I had painstakingly phrased and typed so that they could all understand. I stayed back and spent whole evenings just to try envision how certain workflows should run .... typed out the process and asked for opinions. As usual, nobody answered, except 1. In the end, everyone acted as if all the game rules came from me!"

"Hey, did you come up with the program?!" "Who made it run this way? This is stupid lah!!!" "Who gave you the right to ... ?" "Why you all do things like that???" "Why you never checked ?"

Still, I really wish I had stuck to fixing broken chairs and tidying up cables under the office tables. Life would have been so much simpler. I probably could have more fun during my precious remaining days on earth. Or just let me do simple errands, so that I could at least focus on my yoga, music and movies that I've been missing ..... I need to break away from this unnecessary game driving people nuts. Trying to make sure things are done right isn't a hard thing actually, except when you are dealing with others who believe everyone should contribute but there is only one - ONE - right way to do things. Strange, what had been right before, suddenly became the stupidest thing I have done.

Anyway, I should be learning to bake next. By a certain time, I would have been able to cook, bake, and make all sorts of yogurt shakes !!! Not much time left for me actually. Maybe that explains my sleepless nights and while in the day, I feel like a zombie. And my friends are probably looking towards clearing their annual leaves, go holiday, or learning a modality, or expecting a promotion.

This afternoon, while I was rushing through an explanation for a complaint letter, someone "K" came and talked to me. She is going to embark on another career path, and I really feel happy for her. She is good, and smart. She doesn't need to drive through more blind alleys and unmarked humps. I think we are in a hazardous occupation. Come JCI, having best practices listed in the Hall of Excellence is good, but all the more, having just ONE RIGHT WAY tends to keep us all too rooted to only one mindset. Whether that mindset is right or not, probably depends on one feels about the next JCI.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

JCI is finally here to torture everyone.
Come to think of it, it happens for good. Good to recall we are all human after all.

Better not to rely on those who are not counting on themselves to be self-reliant. Better don't waste your time.