• Hong Kong Transit: a Day Stop in Asia’s World City

    Posted on January 26th, 2010 admin No comments

    Although millions of people pass through Hong Kong every year, on their way from here to there, many of them don’t really know what are the best ways to spend a day in this exciting metropolis. This article will show you how to cover Hong Kong’s most popular attractions in a one day stopover. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the luggage storage counter at the ‘Meeters and Greeters Hall’, where you can store your trolley or bag till you come back. . . Buy an Octopus Card from the Airport Express Counter at the Arrivals Hall and hop on the Airport Express Train, with which you travel all the way to Hong Kong Station. Victoria Peak (or simply “The Peak”) is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions and probably the best starting point. Having your breakfast or morning coffee while enjoying some spectacular views is definitely a nice way to start your Hong Kong day-tour. The Peak Tram is the most popular (and scenic) way of getting to The Peak. It operates daily, 7 am - 12 midnight and climbs the full distance in approximately 7 minutes. A short walk from Hong Kong Station (exit C) will bring you to the Lower Terminus, on Garden Road, where you can buy the ticket and board the tram (you can also pay with your “Octopus Card”) Pacific Coffee, near the “upper terminus”, is open daily from as early as 7:30 am, and is the best place to enjoy your “coffee with a view” at such an early hour. Down from “The Peak” walk back towards Hong Kong Station and through “the elevated walkway” to the pier from which the Star Ferry departs to Tsim sha Tsui. This historic ferry route is very popular with tourists and has long become one of Hong Kong’s most prominent icons. From the ferry building, turn right and walk along the waterfront to the Avenue of Stars: Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, where floor plaques of Hong Kong film industry’s who’s who can be seen.   This is also the best place to take photos of Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline. From here, you can take a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of History, where “the story of Hong Kong” is told. . . From the geological changes that took place hundreds of millions of years ago, through prehistoric eras, notable historical events and until present day. The museum is fairly rich and boasts plenty of interesting exhibits. Continue to Nathan Road, Kowloon’s main thoroughfare, and proceed through Jordan Road to Canton Road, which is popularly known as Jade Street. Jade and its products are the specialty of most of the shops along this section of Canton Road, as well of those in the neighboring <b>Jade Market</b>, and there is certainly a lot to see (and to buy. . . ). From Jade Street. you can turn right to <i>Ning Po Street</i> where many traditional Chinese shops and businesses can be found. The Old Tin Hau Temple, just a few minutes walk from the Jade Market, was built in the 1880s and is one of Kowloon’s oldest temples. It is dedicated to Tin Hau (Matsu), Goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers and one of Hong Kong’s most beloved deities. From the temple, you can either walk or take the MTR to Mong Kok area, where some of Hong Kong’s best open-air markets can be found: As its name denotes, Ladies’ Market specializes in women’s clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men’s and children’s products, including toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few. . . Sai Yeung Choi Street South boasts shops of consumer electronic products at street level and upstairs bookstores above. Fa Yuen Street concentrates many retailers of sports equipment and clothing, while Fa Yuen Street Market, in the north part of Fa Yuen Street, is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children. While in Mong Kok, you should also make a point to visit the Goldfish Market, the Flower Market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or just “Bird Garden”), where dozens of bird shops are located and hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen. . . Mong Kok is also packed with many authentic eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local food at reasonable prices: Curry A La King, on 88 Soy Street, is a paradise for curry lovers, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines. Satay King, on ladies market, specializes in Southeast Asian satays. MongKok Fung Shing Restaurant, on 749 Nathan Road, is known for its superb dim-sum and delicious crispy chicken. Lucky Corner Restaurant, on 146 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, is a rather humble eatery which has been serving some of the best Wonton Noodles in Hong Kong for God knows how many years. Little Sheep (4th floor, 16 Argyle Street)is one of Hong Kong’s most favorite hotpot restaurants. Fu Kei Restaurant, in King Wah Centre, is serving fabulous food from different Chinese cuisines. That’s it. . . You can now take the MTR to Central, from which you link to Hong Kong Station (there is a pedestrian passage) and continue with the Airport Express, back to Hong Kong Airport.

  • The Shocking Truth About Insomnia Causes

    Posted on January 25th, 2010 admin No comments

    If you have ever found yourself lying awake in the middle of the night, especially if this is not the first night that you have found yourself in this condition, you are probably wondering about insomnia causes and cures. You might be racking your brain trying to figure out why you can’t sleep and the truth is this: by racking your brain you are only causing yourself more stress and keeping yourself from sleeping! Insomnia causes run the gamut from stress at work to complicated physical problems. Here are the major insomnia causes:

    Your Environment.

    Believe it or not, the room you sleep in could be what is keeping those “z’s” away. If the bedroom is too warm or if the air doesn’t circulate well or even if it just gets too much light–these are all things that fall under the list of insomnia causes. Make sure that, wherever you are sleeping, the room is comfortable, that your sleeping surface is comfortable and that the air circulates well. Rooms that are cooler are also easier to sleep in, so you might want to think about opening your bedroom window just a crack to keep the fresh air flowing in.

    Are you sick?

    As soon as you come down with a cold or the flu people will tell you to get in bed and get some rest. The only problem is that, because of the way illnesses attack our bodies most of us get less rest when we are sick than when we are well. Illness can cause breathing difficulties. Fevers cause us to overheat and stay awake. Over the counter flu remedies usually contain caffeine or some other kind of stimulant to help us function during the day. Make sure that, for insomnia causes, you purchase night time flu medication as well as regular medication for the day time. You should also do everything you can to keep your breathing steady.

    Are you under stress?

    Have you recently had an emotional upset? Stress and other mental problems are some of the leading insomnia causes to date. Stress will keep your body from functioning in other areas as well as keep you from sleeping. Usually this is because you will devote the majority of your energy to thinking about the cause of your stress and won’t have enough energy left over to make sure that your body and mind are functioning properly. This is especially true when it comes to sleep. If you keep thinking about the problem, your brain can’t tell the rest of your body to relax and be open to sleep.

    Fortunately there are plenty of ways to combat the various insomnia causes that might be the reason for your sleeplessness. Everything from opening a window to developing a “bedtime ritual” to behavioral therapy can help you get better sleep. The trick is to identify the specific insomnia causes that are plaguing you and then treat them as best you can whether it is with the help of a mental health professional, a sleep medication or the simple act of opening up your window at night.

  • Turning Around An Addiction To Thoughts And Fears

    Posted on January 23rd, 2010 admin No comments

    This interview is an excerpt from Kevin Gianni’s The Healthiest Year of Your Life, which can be found at http://thehealthiestyearofyourlife. com. In this excerpt, Byron Katie shares a powerful message on addiction to thoughts, fears and how to turn it all around. The Healthiest Year of Your Life with Byron Katie, founder of The Work and author of three best selling books whose mission is to teach people how to end their own suffering. Kevin: You mentioned addiction before and you mentioned addiction to your thoughts. That’s just an enormous topic. Let’s kind of dissect that and talk about how you can recognize this addiction to your thoughts. Byron: Okay. Addiction to our thoughts means that we can’t stop what we’re doing no matter what we want to believe, no matter what we think that our thoughts are just running. It’s like “I’m not going to do it. I’m not going to do it again. Well, that’s the last time I’m ever going to do that. ” Are those familiar phrases? And we do it anyway. Kevin: Why does it happen?Byron: Well, because we’re trying to believe what we don’t believe. Kevin: Got you. Byron: So an addiction is like if we go back to the little boy on the playground. How do you react if you think the thought they don’ t care about you? So the little boy begins to become addicted to isolating, to being alone maybe, to maybe impressing people to overcome being rejected; or he becomes like somebody says “Oh, you poor thing. It’s okay. Here’s some candy. ” Maybe you begin to connect that with feeling better or maybe the group of kids you never wanted to be like said “Oh, they don’t know what they’re talking about. Come with us. ” And all of a sudden you are in a crowd that you never would be with otherwise, because you think “At least they accept me. ” And we lose ourselves. Well, you know, eventually we get older and let’s say a compulsive overeater. Just using just that one concept, well, we go to the refrigerator even though we’ve just eaten, or we pick up the cigarette we said we’d never smoke again and on and on. It’s alcoholism. It’s a drug addiction, mind addiction. When I found this work, or it found me on the floor that day later I picked up a cigarette to smoke it and it looked insane and I began to laugh and I couldn’t do it, but what happened was, I was seeing. What happened was, I did The Work and smoking quit me. I get to hear this from people all over the world. I did The Work and drinking quit me. I did The Work and being short tempered, being frustrated, quit me and if that’s why I just love inviting people to answer these four questions and turn it around. It is so miraculous. If you did The Work throughout the day, it would give you miracles all day long and who’s supplying them? You are every time you answer the questions. You can do it alone. It just takes meditation. Sit, get still and allow. Just be willing to allow those answers in spite of you to surface. Kevin: Is it fear that’s the biggest thing that will hold people back from doing it over and over again?Byron: Oh, yes. You know fear is the affect of what we’re believing. Fear happens when, for example, “He’s going to hurt me. ” Well, how do I react when I believe that thought? Fear. You know, look to yourself, Kevin, and I invite all of you to, I certainly do. Think of a time when you did something that it didn’t feel right to you, and then look at what you we’re believing just before you did it and then find the place where you could not have done otherwise. It is impossible. It was impossible not to do. So you look at the thought you we’re believing, thinking, just before you did the deed. You put them on paper, the questions on them and there goes that one. It changes your life. You become a kinder human being. Kevin, Has there ever been a time - and your listeners - has there ever been a time where one moment where you did not have everything you needed?Kevin: Yeah. Byron: Okay, describe that moment. Kevin: I get frustrated. I’m being very candid here. I get frustrated and feel stressed. Byron: Okay, so tell me a situation where you did not have what you wanted. Kevin: Let’s see. Well, I have a lot of customer support emails coming in often and we’re still looking for someone to handle a lot of those because it takes - I want to answer every one, but it takes a lot of my time and I have to do some of these events and handle all the other things that come to me. Byron: So you need to answer all these customer care emails. Is that true?Kevin: Yes. Byron: You need to answer them? Can you absolutely know that it’s true you need to answer them?Kevin: Absolutely. No, it’s true? Well, I’m sure I could find someone to do it, which we’re working on. Byron: Okay, and now let’s move back to the question, can you absolutely know that it’s true?Kevin: I absolutely know that it’s true. Byron: You need to answer all those emails. Kevin: No. Byron: You know, when I found that, I was so empowered. I thought “Who do they think I am?” I’m sure life was fine without me. I need to answer them. Kevin: So you’ve been through this?Byron: I have been through it. Oh, my goodness, yes and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when you say “Can I absolutely know that it’s true that I need to answer them?” It’s such an open - now how do you react when you think the thought “I need to answer all these emails,” and you don’t have the employees, don’t have the time, you can’t just possible do it all in a day. How do you react when you think the thought?Kevin: I just –Byron: If we’re looking at negative consequences. The other consequence is we don’t need to question. They’re already working for us. Like I hired someone to do it that loves it. Kevin: Right. Byron: Yeah, that’s works. We’re looking at the negative, because the other doesn’t need work. So how do you react when you think the thought I need to answer all these emails and you can’t?Kevin: I feel it right now when you’re saying it. I just think of all the people who need help. Byron: Now, look at the images. Kevin: Of the people?Byron: Yeah. Kevin: Oh, my gosh!Byron: Yeah, look at the images. How do you react when you think that thought I need to answer all these emails? Images happen. That’s how you react. Kevin: Yeah, I see people behind their keyboard pouring their hearts out and asking questions. Byron: The effect of that can also be a second dish of ice cream. It’s just - how do I react when I believe the thought? So you just watch. You just sit in the presentation. How do I react? What happens when I believe that thought? And then notice how fast you move and maybe how you don’t have time for your family as often as you’d like. Look at how maybe you spend your life over a keyboard. I mean, how do you react when you look at that and then gently move into “Who would I be without the thought ‘I need to answer all of these emails today’?” Feel the blood pressure drop. Feel the breath come out and feel the arteries and the blood and feel how your whole body shifts and opens. Kevin: Oh, it does. Byron: And Kevin, with the thought or without the thought, the emails do or don’t get answered. Kevin: They do get answered. Byron: One, you’re awake and aware and energized and the other is it becomes a drudgery. We burn out. Kevin: Right. Byron: And our little hearts just pour out. We break our own hearts imagining all the people that need us. Kevin: Yeah. Byron: But they’re not breaking our heart. Kevin: Sometimes it sounds insensitive, but it’s not, is it?Byron: Oh, my goodness, no. You know, the way we’ve been raised, it’s like it’s if I don’t Suffer, it means I don’t care. That’s crazy. You know what I love about separate bodies? When you suffer, I don’t and another thing I like about it is when I suffer, you don’t, but the way the world thinks of it is we all have to suffer when the other suffers and that that’s heart. No, that’s not heart. That’s suffering and there’s nothing, nothing kind about suffering. When we really think about it, it’s like “He doesn’t care, he doesn’t care. He’s not crying with me. “Kevin: How many people out on this call have said that before?Byron: My gosh. It’s just so true. I would rather, when someone’s suffering you can be in the position of the light-hearted - it’s like how can I help, basically. That’s it. I’m filled with gratitude and it’s not me suffering, because it frees me up to help. That’s when we’re the happiest, serving and that’s the basis of why you want to answer all these emails. So how could you do without this I need to answer all of these emails today? Turn it around. I don’t need to answer all of these emails today. So give me an example of why that’s true, why that might be true. Kevin: I think I’ve set up a standard in myself that I expect a quick response, so I think that I weigh that against when someone else to me, I expect - weigh that against my expectations to have a response back quickly. Byron: Well, you’re certainly - you certainly experience a different attitude when we don’t get back to you in a timely manner. Kevin: Yeah. Byron: We begin to understand that it’s not just because people are rude. They’re doing the best that they can do with what they’ve got and what they’re believing. We’re all doing the best that we can with what we believe. Kevin: I didn’t expect this, too. Byron: And you know that turnaround, I don’t need the answer on all of the emails today, another example of that you’ve already found. It’s like “Wow, that’s true?” I’ll hire someone else to answer them. Kevin: Right. Byron: Because it’s very clear that I can’t do that and you begin to look at options on your budget and whether you need someone to come in an hour a day, two hours a day rather than a full-time employee. It opens us up to the Internet and friendship and connections with people that their life is about helping us solve these problems. Kevin: It opens up so much possibility. Byron: But when we’re stuck in “I need to get all these emails out today and every day,” oh, my goodness. That exhausts us, not the emails. Kevin: I know there are people on this call who feel physical stress 24 hours a day and they don’t sleep. Byron: Oh, it is so where I lived. I so invite all of those people to thework. com and to your show. Kevin: Because the possibility, even with just - honestly I did not expect to talk about my own issues on this call, but it’s universal.

  • Networking at a Breakfast Function

    Posted on January 22nd, 2010 admin No comments

    You have invested time and money to register for and attend a breakfast event with the purpose of gaining knowledge and networking for business. It makes sense that you should leverage that investment by making the most out of the event opportunity.  Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
    1. Be enthusiastic
    Call the organiser in advance and offer your services on the day.   Maybe you could help with the registration desk, handing out flyers or setting up for the event.   Whatever you do, the organiser will be extremely grateful and will remember you.   Don’t forget that the organiser is the key contact within the network.   Further, you will have the opportunity to meet others involved with the event and also be the first guest to arrive!
    If you can’t help at the event then make sure you arrive early and awake.   If that requires four coffees and a run around the block before you arrive then do it.   Don’t bother attending the event if you are unhappy about being there at an early hour!  If you are alert, awake and excited about the event and the company around you then you will genuinely have a good time and will attract great people.   Who would you rather meet – a bright, happy and inspiring person with a smile on their face or a gloomy, dreary person propping up the furniture?
    2. Be real
    Everyone knows the avid “networker” who rushes from person to person at an event blindly shoving cards into the hands of terrified guests.   They have hardly had the time to utter “Hi, my name is Joe, here is my card” before they are on to the next victim!  A true master networker is interested in the person they meet, not what the person can do for them or buy from them.   It is only when you understand the person you are speaking to and where they fit in their world that the opportunities between the two of you manifest.
    It is much better to make two or three quality contacts than collect twenty business cards and follow up later.   For starters, the “cards” you follow up with will be too busy to give you the time of day, won’t remember who you are and will throw anything you send them straight in the bin.   On the other hand if you are genuinely interested in meeting the person you are speaking to, and interested in hearing what they have to say then the relationship stands a much greater chance.
    A note of warning here – genuine interest is never contrived.   If you really don’t like meeting people you have two choices – either don’t network or start training yourself by trying to see something positive in every person.   Truly listen to people and their stories, you will be amazed how interesting they can be when given the chance to shine!
    3. Maximise your opportunities
    Where are the networking opportunities at the event you are attending?  Most breakfast events have different “stages” where it is appropriate to move on and meet some different people.   For each stage you can spend a good 20 minutes or so getting to know someone and have time to arrange a future coffee and then politely move on to the next stage.   For example, pre-event coffee in the foyer where you can speak to various guests or seated at the breakfast table where you can meet an entire table of inspiring new people.
    Listen, listen and then listen some more! Treat everyone you meet with respect and integrity. Listen to the conversation and focus completely on that person. You may think that the person you are speaking with is not appropriate for your business and cannot give you anything, but who knows who that person will meet in the coming months, or who they are married to, related to, or work with? Every contact is valuable and should be treated as such. At the very least you may unearth a great person who is wonderful company!
    4. Follow up
    All too often we go to a networking event, meet great people, collect lots of cards and store them neatly in a drawer to gather dust.   Organise your existing and new contacts and get in touch with the people you meet who you genuinely like and who inspire you.   Don’t bother trying to create a fake friendship with someone who rubs you up the wrong way – it really does no-one any favours.   Invite your contact to coffee to discuss how you can help each other or invite them to another networking event.    
    Unless you have a failsafe memory, it is beneficial to have a system for keeping track of where and when you met people as well as a record of conversations and follow up between you. There are many database software programs available which allow you to track all relevant information and comments – try Act!, Access or Filemaker Pro. You can track where you met each person and use this information to look up your contacts and refresh your memory before you go to the next networking event. If you have been especially diligent about recording details in a comments field, you can make a powerful impression by picking up on conversations where you left off!  An organised database is also invaluable when referring your contacts to each other – which everyone appreciates.
    Networking is essential for personal growth, business contacts and referrals – not to mention sanity in an increasingly busy world. Treat networking as an essential part of your business strategy and not just something you do on the side, if you have time. Choose a couple of networks and, for the greatest benefit, get involved as much as you can. Attend events with a positive attitude and keep an open mind about everyone you meet. Finally, follow your instincts and if someone doesn’t feel right just move on without needing to discuss your reasons with anyone else. Remember, what goes around comes around.
    Good luck and happy networking!

  • Chris Kaday -business Coach and Mentor Advises Exposing and Closing Your Vulnerabilities

    Posted on January 21st, 2010 admin No comments

    One of my managers used to say I was ‘gung ho’ in business. I am certainly pretty fearless certainly about making decisions but she meant I was reckless which probably said more about her fears than mine. I like to rest easy at night and this means reviewing all possible vulnerabilities and having strategies to neutralise them.
     
    There are many companies out there particularly in the marketing services sector which have one client which accounts for over 50% of their business. They are usually aware of this dependency and will cite the problem in strategy meetings. But I would not rest easy until I have no one client worth more than 10% of my business which was in fact part of my growth strategy.
     
    The same applies to staff. In small companies it is very possible to have one star whose sales performance accounts for a significant percentage of revenues. Reviews focus on keeping this individual happy and retained and there is a constant dread that he or she will go taking their contribution with them. Now I would certainly encourage and acknowledge the star but largely leave them alone. I would certainly not automatically make them a manager as good salespeople do not necessarily make great managers. In my experience the reverse is true. My strategy would be to put all my efforts into finding and developing other staff so my reliance on someone who is bound to go at some stage is significantly reduced.
     
    Vulnerabilities abound in every business situation, one main supplier, one route to market, one product, a contract which was negotiated in good faith at the time but now creates an exposure and so on. I am an advocate of doing a few things well rather than a lot of things badly but vulnerabilities are what used to keep me awake at night. It is no use continually considering ‘what if?’ when the chances of that exposure arising as a major issue which could threaten the very existence of the business at some time in the future are almost certain.
     
    I suppose I react adversely to the idea of being dependant on anyone or anything. I don’t think this is borne out of any insecurity but the need to feel secure if I am investing cash in people premises products and so on to grow a business. It is prudent to close the gaps. This approach also makes the business a really valuable property when you come to sell it as no one wants to invest in an enterprise which is vulnerable in any respect.
     
    So have a look around your business today. What is your greatest exposure? Where are you most vulnerable? What keeps you awake at night? Maybe it is time to address the issue head on as there are usually alternatives to any situation even if they might take some effort to implement.
     
    Chris Kaday is a business coach and mentor with lots of great advice on growing your business on his site www. chriskaday. co. uk

  • Nelly: the Rapper’s Heart

    Posted on January 21st, 2010 admin No comments

    Back in days where hip hop fashion and rap music filled the whole world, there came a rap group from St. Louis, Missouri called St. Lunatics. The group St. Lunatics is the rap crew that released the popular hit “Gimmie What U Got”, in 1996 and “Summer in the City” and “Midwest Swing” in 2001. St. Lunatics consists of popular rappers today such as Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, and Slo’Down. But the most prominent rapper that came from St. Lunatics was its founder, Nelly. Cornell Haynes Jr. , better known by his stage name - Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, actor and entrepreneur that founded Vocal and apple bottoms. After St. Lunatics got signed to Universal Records, Nelly was the first member to go solo, and while Nelly was working on his solo album Country Grammar. From St. Lunatics, Nelly become among  the most popular rapper in America. Highly successful, Nelly has sold over 20 million records in the United States. He also won Grammy Awards in 2003 and 2004. Apart from being a popular singer/rapper, Nelly is also a popular actor who starred in movies such as the 2005 remake film - The Longest Yard, alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. In addition to this, Nelly played in the Main Event at the 2007 World Series of Poker. He is also one of the owners of Charlotte Bobcats, along with Robert L. Johnson and NBA legend Michael Jordan. Nelly before the Nelly of the Now True, Nelly has come a long way from St. Lunatics. And all of these started when he formed this group. He got his break when the members of St. Lunatics felt that Nelly would have a better shot at success as a solo act, gain recognition first as a soloist and then bring in the rest of his group. His biggest break came when released his single, County Grammar. When he was signed to Universal Music Group after the decision of his brief split-up from St. Lunatics, Nelly then released his first major-label debut Country Grammar in 2000. The success of its title track as a single led to the album debuting at the third spot in the Billboard 200 in the U. S. Other singles from the album included “E. I. “, “Ride Wit Me”, and “Batter Up”. Nelly also recorded album with St. Lunatics called Free City in 2001 with the hit single “Midwest Swing”. He also recorded a track titled “#1″ for the soundtrack to the film Training Day that year. Another hit album made by Nelly was the Nellyville. Nellyville was released and reached number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart with its leading single “Hot in Here”. Other singles within this album included the widely popular “Dilema” featuring Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child; “Work It” featuring Justin Timberlake, “Air Force Ones” featuring Murphy Lee and the St. Lunatics, and “Pimp Juice”. Nike and Nelly agreed on a one-year deal in 2003 to release a limited-edition sneaker called the “Air Derrty” which was a retro remake of Charles Barkley’s signature sneaker - the Nike Air Max2 CB ‘94. This was released in 2003 at selected NIKE town stores in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well the Squad 1 shoe store in St. Louis, Nelly’s hometown. Because of his popularity in the music industry, Nelly received 2 Grammy Awards from the 2003 Grammys. One from Best Male Rap Solo Performance, and another shared with Kelly Rowland for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Also, Nelly won the 2003 American Music Award for “Fan’s Choice” and received four other nominations. Consecutively, Nelly also won his third Grammy in 2004 for his and P. Diddy’s guest vocals in Murphy Lee’s number-one hit single “Shake Ya Tailfeather” from Lee’s album Murphy’s Law. The Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign began in March 2003 by Nelly and his sister Jackie Donahue, after she was diagnosed with leukemia, in search for donors. Donahue died in March 2005, almost exactly two years after the campaign began. Nelly the Entrepreneur Vocal Apart from being a popular and talented singer, rapper, and actor, Nelly is also as talented in the entrepreneurial plane. Nelly is among of the many popular entertainer of their industry, such as Sean John and Beyonce Knowles, which started their own fashion clothing lines. Nelly started his clothing line called Vokal in 1997 as a Hip Hop Fashion brand by Yomi Martin, his cousin Cornell “Nelly” Haynes and Nick Loftis. The clothing label, titled Vokál, stands for “very organized kids always learning”. Being Vokal simply means, let your actions do the talking in a positive manner, which is what their clothing lines are for, to speak your mind. Both Nelly en Yomi Martin wanted to produce clothing where the designs would be so strong that the clothing would speak for itself. That’s why the slogan is ‘Vokál, the clothing speaks for itself’. ” Vokál means `speak for yourself’ and this clothing speaks for itself,” says Nelly. Vokál thrives to have a universal appeal by developing products that can relate to the masses. Vokál started by selling shirts and hats in nightclubs, at events, and literally out of the trunk of the car. This old fashion-selling channel created a buzz and a Vokál explosion in St. Louis. Just three years after the company was established, Vokál had sold more than 50,000 shirts and was well on its way. Vocal is not the only brand that Nelly founded. He also founded a clothing line made especially for the women, and that is the apple bottoms. Apple Bottoms <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www. streetzwear. com”>apple bottoms</a> is a fashion and lifestyle brand for women, which was launched in 2003 by multi-platinum recording artist Nelly, alongside Yomi Martin & Ian Kelly. Nelly’s vision for apple bottoms is that “a woman should not try to fit the clothes; the clothes should fit the woman. The jeans were designed from Nelly’s idea that clothes should fit the woman and not the other way around, and it’s true right? The applebottoms collection of jeans is notorious for emphasizing the female feature they’re named after, the derriere, and signature details like apple-shaped back pockets. From its name, the applebottoms was derived from the term of a woman that has a large and rounded behind. Aside from the jean’s voluptuous behinds to target consumers, it is meant to draw attention to the fact that not every woman has a supermodel figure. The jeans are flattering to women with curvy figures and are offered in a myriad of washes and rises. The brand, which when launched, was exclusively a denim label, and has since gone through a major line-expansion. Currently the apple bottoms label includes: apparel, footwear, handbags, eyewear RX, intimates, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry, cold weather, and girl’s apparel. The brand <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www. streetzwear. com”>apple bottoms</a>   jeans are also popular with Pop Culture. The term “apple bottom jeans” is featured in the song “Low” by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain. The term is also used in the songs “Tip Drill” and “Paradise” by Nelly, the founder of the brand, and in the Eminem single “Shake That” from his 2005 album, Curtain Call, and his 2006 album The Re-Up. The brand apple bottoms were also featured on a popular TV show called The Oprah Winfrey Show and stated there that apple bottoms jeans are of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Oprah also featured the jeans in her magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine. The jeans were also mentioned on The Ellen Degeneres Show, when the host answered a reader’s letter by citing Wikipedia. Also recently, <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www. streetzwear. com”>apple bottoms</a>   was showcased on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 on March 5, 2008. Nelly has become an icon for a lot of us. He has contributed largely on the music industry, the clothing industry, and on providing help to those who need assistance. Nelly still goes on and develops other things that could help this industry grow and prosper.

  • Airnews On Business Jet,Travel & Charter Services In Kenya/Uganda/Tanzania/Rwanda/Burundi/East Africa/Southern Africa/Africa/Worldwide

    Posted on January 20th, 2010 admin No comments

    With the high demand for Private Executive Jet Flights, by business executive, there is need for an update on news on jets in the market and modifications which will ensure the cabin is spacious and the extra fuel endurance to make jet flights fast and affordable.  BUSINESS JET NEWS (a)Vision Jet Slows Down  Cirrus design announced at National Business Aircraft Association exhibition that development work on its SF-50 Vision Jet had slowed due to cash shortage, which a number of employees working on the programme had been laid off, but limited flight testing was continuing on the VI SF-50 prototype.  (b) SSBJ MOVING FORWARD  Aerion chairman, Robert Bass, took the occasion of NBAA to re-iterate the company’s commitment of forging a partnership with one or more OEM partners and to being first to market a supersonic business jet. Other senior executive explained why the Aerion programme was the one feasible path to supersonic capability by the middle of the next decade.  Aerion senior advisor, John Holding, explained “supersonic natural Laminar flow (SNLF)- Aerions  key  enabling technology- is well proven at this point. There are no barriers to success. Technical risks are low, and the development of the jet is well within the capability of several manufacturers” he noted.  “The Aerion jets operational flexibility sets it a part from other proposed designs and makes it practical in the short term. It does not require a rule change to provide efficient transportation. The aircraft flies with efficiency equivalent today’s long-range business jets. When flying just below the speeed of sound. “It saves almost an hour when flying US coast-to-coast. It can cruise between Mach 1. 1 and Mach 1. 2 in ICAO countries, which is to say everywhere but the US. Over Oceans and some land masses it can operate efficiently at speeds up to Mach 1. 6.  “The Aerion jet is compliant with stage 4 regulations and the latest emissions standards. Its fuel consumption and emissions are for below any other proposed supersonic jet, making it the most environmentally responsible choice. It can operate from the same general aviation airports as long-range business jets do today and for comparable operating cost. With the previous market research it is evident that the is ready to embrace a supersonic jet, even if it cannot use its full supersonic jet capability all of the time due to regulatory restrictions.  ( c)  CARGO FOR BBJ  Boeing Business jets unveiled at BBJ convertible in the static display at last year National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA).  During The show, the aircraft was in passenger configuration with an interior designed for both utility & comfort. The BBJ-C changes to an all- freighter configuration in less than eight hours and features a side cargo door. Also highlighted on the aircraft was an SAS Scandinavian Airlines Medical Evacuation Installation.  2. TRAVEL AND CHARTER NEWS  ( A)  Federal Air extends  network . Federal Air has extended its route network to include flights within Zimbabwe, as from October ,1, 2009. Business or leisure passengers will be able to charter flights directly from Federal Airs new office opening in the domestic terminal of Harare International Airport.  It has also launched a shuttle service from Harare to Kariba. A ‘lodge hopping ‘service is being offered for passengers traveling to lodges located within Kariba area. Low-cost carrier, 1 time, will open bookings for its new scheduled Livingstone flights November 2009 thus providing passengers from Zambia to connect with Federal Aid charters.  ( B)  ACS OPENS  JAPAN  OFFICE  Air Charter Service continues its global expansion with the opening of its second Asian office, in Tokyo, Japan. Able to offer both cargo services, along with executive & commercial jet passengers service. ACS Japan cater for any charter requirement.  They have been looking to expand in the Asian Pacific region, many western business people travel to the region and having a local presence allows ACS to offer them every best solutions using local knowledge . It now allows them to better service Japanese clients as well, further expanding their customer base and further strengthening ACSs position as one of the worlds leading charter companies.  

  • 6 Common Things Which Cause Insomnia

    Posted on January 20th, 2010 admin No comments

    Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders seen today and is characterized by restlessness, frequent sleep interruptions, shorter than normal sleeping time and sometimes by complete wakefulness. In addition to being annoying, insomnia can lead to sufferers losing their enthusiasm and energy, experiencing difficulties with memory and concentration and generally feeling both lethargic and frustrated. In turn this can affect productivity at work and lead to accidents which can be very serious. There are lots of different things which cause insomnia but here are just 6 which are commonly seen:1. Our Environment. The environment plays an important part when it comes to you getting a sound night’s sleep and such things as light, noise or extremes of hot and cold can lead to insomnia. 2. Substance Abuse. Perhaps the most obvious form of substance abuse when thinking about insomnia is coffee and other drinks which contain high levels of caffeine. Smoking is another commonly accepted cause with heavy or chain smokers consuming more than enough nicotine to cause problems sleeping. What is perhaps less well known however is that this list of substances is quite long and even contains a number of herbal remedies which are used for a range of problems and which can lead to insomnia as a side effect. Lastly, we should not overlook alcohol. While it is true that alcohol can often make you feel tired initially once it is metabolized it can also keep you wide awake. 3. The Body Clock. We all have our own body clock or biological clock which works to regulate the sleep/wake cycle. If this body clock is upset by things like partying all night, burning the midnight oil studying in college or jet setting around the world on holiday or for business, then you will experience sleeping difficulties while your body clock re-adjusts. 4. Activities Before Going To Bed. There are several things that can lead to insomnia if they take place within a short time of going to bed. Two of the commonest are exercising shortly before retiring or eating a big meal shortly before going to bed. In both cases these activities stimulate your metabolism and keep you awake. 5. Health Problems. There are many different health problems which are known to induce insomnia such as diabetes, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, and Parkinson’s disease. Asthma is also increasingly being recognized as a cause of insomnia, as is heartburn, the need for frequent urination and chronic pain resulting from such things as arthritis and leg cramps. The list here is very long indeed and also includes other forms of sleep disorder such as sleep apnea and a range of psychiatric conditions. 6. Emotional Distress. We all suffer from emotional distress from time to time and this can often lead to us becoming anxious or angry. However, when we bottle our feeling up inside ourselves rather than talking about them and seeking a solution for them then this frequently results in insomnia.

  • Nelly: the Rapper’s Heart

    Posted on January 19th, 2010 admin No comments

    Back in days where hip hop fashion and rap music filled the whole world, there came a rap group from St. Louis, Missouri called St. Lunatics. The group St. Lunatics is the rap crew that released the popular hit “Gimmie What U Got”, in 1996 and “Summer in the City” and “Midwest Swing” in 2001. St. Lunatics consists of popular rappers today such as Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, and Slo’Down. But the most prominent rapper that came from St. Lunatics was its founder, Nelly. Cornell Haynes Jr. , better known by his stage name - Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, actor and entrepreneur that founded Vocal and apple bottoms. After St. Lunatics got signed to Universal Records, Nelly was the first member to go solo, and while Nelly was working on his solo album Country Grammar. From St. Lunatics, Nelly become among  the most popular rapper in America. Highly successful, Nelly has sold over 20 million records in the United States. He also won Grammy Awards in 2003 and 2004. Apart from being a popular singer/rapper, Nelly is also a popular actor who starred in movies such as the 2005 remake film - The Longest Yard, alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. In addition to this, Nelly played in the Main Event at the 2007 World Series of Poker. He is also one of the owners of Charlotte Bobcats, along with Robert L. Johnson and NBA legend Michael Jordan. Nelly before the Nelly of the Now True, Nelly has come a long way from St. Lunatics. And all of these started when he formed this group. He got his break when the members of St. Lunatics felt that Nelly would have a better shot at success as a solo act, gain recognition first as a soloist and then bring in the rest of his group. His biggest break came when released his single, County Grammar. When he was signed to Universal Music Group after the decision of his brief split-up from St. Lunatics, Nelly then released his first major-label debut Country Grammar in 2000. The success of its title track as a single led to the album debuting at the third spot in the Billboard 200 in the U. S. Other singles from the album included “E. I. “, “Ride Wit Me”, and “Batter Up”. Nelly also recorded album with St. Lunatics called Free City in 2001 with the hit single “Midwest Swing”. He also recorded a track titled “#1″ for the soundtrack to the film Training Day that year. Another hit album made by Nelly was the Nellyville. Nellyville was released and reached number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart with its leading single “Hot in Here”. Other singles within this album included the widely popular “Dilema” featuring Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child; “Work It” featuring Justin Timberlake, “Air Force Ones” featuring Murphy Lee and the St. Lunatics, and “Pimp Juice”. Nike and Nelly agreed on a one-year deal in 2003 to release a limited-edition sneaker called the “Air Derrty” which was a retro remake of Charles Barkley’s signature sneaker - the Nike Air Max2 CB ‘94. This was released in 2003 at selected NIKE town stores in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well the Squad 1 shoe store in St. Louis, Nelly’s hometown. Because of his popularity in the music industry, Nelly received 2 Grammy Awards from the 2003 Grammys. One from Best Male Rap Solo Performance, and another shared with Kelly Rowland for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Also, Nelly won the 2003 American Music Award for “Fan’s Choice” and received four other nominations. Consecutively, Nelly also won his third Grammy in 2004 for his and P. Diddy’s guest vocals in Murphy Lee’s number-one hit single “Shake Ya Tailfeather” from Lee’s album Murphy’s Law. The Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign began in March 2003 by Nelly and his sister Jackie Donahue, after she was diagnosed with leukemia, in search for donors. Donahue died in March 2005, almost exactly two years after the campaign began. Nelly the Entrepreneur Vocal Apart from being a popular and talented singer, rapper, and actor, Nelly is also as talented in the entrepreneurial plane. Nelly is among of the many popular entertainer of their industry, such as Sean John and Beyonce Knowles, which started their own fashion clothing lines. Nelly started his clothing line called Vokal in 1997 as a Hip Hop Fashion brand by Yomi Martin, his cousin Cornell “Nelly” Haynes and Nick Loftis. The clothing label, titled Vokál, stands for “very organized kids always learning”. Being Vokal simply means, let your actions do the talking in a positive manner, which is what their clothing lines are for, to speak your mind. Both Nelly en Yomi Martin wanted to produce clothing where the designs would be so strong that the clothing would speak for itself. That’s why the slogan is ‘Vokál, the clothing speaks for itself’. ” Vokál means `speak for yourself’ and this clothing speaks for itself,” says Nelly. Vokál thrives to have a universal appeal by developing products that can relate to the masses. Vokál started by selling shirts and hats in nightclubs, at events, and literally out of the trunk of the car. This old fashion-selling channel created a buzz and a Vokál explosion in St. Louis. Just three years after the company was established, Vokál had sold more than 50,000 shirts and was well on its way. Vocal is not the only brand that Nelly founded. He also founded a clothing line made especially for the women, and that is the apple bottoms. Apple Bottoms <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www. streetzwear. com”>apple bottoms</a> is a fashion and lifestyle brand for women, which was launched in 2003 by multi-platinum recording artist Nelly, alongside Yomi Martin & Ian Kelly. Nelly’s vision for apple bottoms is that “a woman should not try to fit the clothes; the clothes should fit the woman. The jeans were designed from Nelly’s idea that clothes should fit the woman and not the other way around, and it’s true right? The applebottoms collection of jeans is notorious for emphasizing the female feature they’re named after, the derriere, and signature details like apple-shaped back pockets. From its name, the applebottoms was derived from the term of a woman that has a large and rounded behind. Aside from the jean’s voluptuous behinds to target consumers, it is meant to draw attention to the fact that not every woman has a supermodel figure. The jeans are flattering to women with curvy figures and are offered in a myriad of washes and rises. The brand, which when launched, was exclusively a denim label, and has since gone through a major line-expansion. Currently the apple bottoms label includes: apparel, footwear, handbags, eyewear RX, intimates, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry, cold weather, and girl’s apparel. The brand <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www. streetzwear. com”>apple bottoms</a>   jeans are also popular with Pop Culture. The term “apple bottom jeans” is featured in the song “Low” by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain. The term is also used in the songs “Tip Drill” and “Paradise” by Nelly, the founder of the brand, and in the Eminem single “Shake That” from his 2005 album, Curtain Call, and his 2006 album The Re-Up. The brand apple bottoms were also featured on a popular TV show called The Oprah Winfrey Show and stated there that apple bottoms jeans are of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Oprah also featured the jeans in her magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine. The jeans were also mentioned on The Ellen Degeneres Show, when the host answered a reader’s letter by citing Wikipedia. Also recently, <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www. streetzwear. com”>apple bottoms</a>   was showcased on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 on March 5, 2008. Nelly has become an icon for a lot of us. He has contributed largely on the music industry, the clothing industry, and on providing help to those who need assistance. Nelly still goes on and develops other things that could help this industry grow and prosper.

  • Self Hypnosis Stop Smoking Information

    Posted on January 18th, 2010 admin No comments

    Before you learn self hypnosis to stop smoking leys get a little information about self hypnosis first. Self hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation where your subconscious and conscious minds are on the same level leaving your subconscious open to suggestion.   You can not get stuck in hypnosis, you will not do things that you would not normally do. Self hypnosis induction simply means something that leads you into a hypnotic state. A self hypnosis script is something that you use that is written out to use for induction.   Self hypnosis can be a very useful tool for stop smoking, weight loss, stress relief or other areas of our daily lives. Self hypnosis can be a very powerful tool once its learned. Over time with daily use it becomes much easier to induce hypnosis.   Now for a short self hypnosis script you can use to experience what self hypnosis is all about and how it can be used to stop smoking, weight loss or and other areas you need help in.   You need to find a place and the time where you will not be disturbed. You need about 30 minutes alone time. You can either lie down or be seated in a comfortable chair. Always make your list of suggestions before you begin.   Use short and to the point suggestions such as “I will not crave nicotine’ or ‘I will not eat that extra piece of pie for desert” and always speak your suggestions as if it has already happened as if it has already come true.   Once you have become comfortable and are ready to begin start by feeling yourself breath. Feel every breath in and out. No need to worry just experience your breath. Feel yourself on the bed or chair. Breath in out, relax.   Imagine yourself inside a bubble and it is safe and very comfortable inside. You can relax very deeply inside your bubble, just breathing and becoming more and more relaxed. When you are inside your bubble you can put things out you don’t want or bring things in that you want there.   You can put out stress, fear, and bad habits or bring in good things like self control a feeling of well being or self-esteem. Just breathe, relax and drift deeper. Tell yourself that each time you practice self hypnosis you will be able to go under faster, deeper and easier.   When practicing self hypnosis always try to remain awake. If you fall asleep it is not going to damage you but you need to remain awake. Always being yourself out of hypnosis when you have finished.   Still thinking of your breathing you can feel yourself becoming aware of the surroundings. Get ready to begin to move and feeling energized and refreshed. Take a deep breath open your eyes and come out relaxed and ready to finish out your day.   This has been a very simple self hypnosis script to give you an idea of how you can use it to stop smoking, lose weight or many other benefits. There are many self hypnosis scripts and induction types if this one does not suit you then try another.