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Christmas Gift Ideas - Give Joy In A Simple Idea

What is a simple small act of giving during Christmas that does not cost much can leave behind memories that can last a lifetime to a loved one.

I remembered many years back, when I was a small kid of 10 years, one of my aunt who was a devout christian and who celebrated Christmas gave me a christmas present. It was a big sized book that I could read, on the story of a pirate on the high seas. It gave tremendous joy to me, a small kid at that time. It wouldn’t have cost her more than $10 for it, but her act that day gave me tremendous joy that lasted until this day - a simple act of giving that touched my heart, and which remains cherished. Though this aunt is now living in another foreign land, thousands of miles apart, and there has not been any communication between us for over twenty over years, yet there is this unwavering bond of love that somewhere in this world, there is someone who cared many, many years back, and whom I would desire to want to look her up and visit if there is an opportunity. Indeed, time and distance has not diminished the very memories of her beautiful act of giving that day.

I used to wonder why it is said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I always felt that receiving something from someone else and keeping it in my pockets was more blessed than to give away.

But then when I think of this little piece of history and personal experience, and recalled the tremendous amount of joy in my heart when I received that story book as a gift, I could remember how my aunt’s face also lit up, and glowed, and she seemed to be to be almost like the wonderful fairy who takes care of everyone on earth, and I am sure she felt blessed, and happy.

Indeed, it is when we give away from ourselves and give to others, such as our loved ones and those in need that we can be blessed in return. A gift is a gift..because we give without expectation of anything in return, but the laws of nature and of this universe dictate that when we give out of love, this love is translated into an energy that cannot be explained, and which will touch lives, and change perceptions, and make the world a better place to live in.

So this Christmas season, pause and think of how we can sow love and give gifts and presents of love to others. Our gifts may not be expensive, but yet they can touch a life when we give off our hearts, and away from ourselves and when we give out of goodwill and love.

Indeed, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner and Marketing Strategist. If you are wondering what you can consider as gifts this season, consider some exciting ideas found on the web site ” Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones” at http://www.1best-deals.info/christmas-gift-ideas and the Travel Reward Vouchers at the blog http://www.insider-niche-marketing.blogspot.com

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July 05 2008 | travel-information-for.info | No Comments »

Ten Tips for Today’s Mobile Executive

In this increasingly service-oriented and partner-based economy, mobility has become critical to workforces of all sorts. Employees are constantly on the go - working at client sites, at home, branch offices or with business partners across town and across the globe. In fact, research studies have estimated that over 54 million American employees are currently involved in some form of remote work - equaling more mobile workers than the total combined population of California and New York.

How can a business traveler stay organized and productive while on the road? Here are some ways that the mobile executive can keep focused and be efficient while traveling. Whether you are a first time traveler or a seasoned road warrior, these tips will be useful.

1. Carry Pen and Paper: Even in the digital age, the most low-tech solution is still the best, so always be equipped with a pen, pencil, highlighter and notepad. You might need to just dash off a message or take notes, but remember - paper and pen will always work during a power failure.

2. Be Tech Savvy: Advances in technology are making it easier to be a mobile executive, and having the latest technology at your fingertips such as a cell phone, wireless e-mail, PDA, lap-top computer- will help stay in touch and in sync with your office, your colleagues and your clients.

3. Do Your Research: Do your homework and research the area of where you are going before you get there. This includes noting the currency exchange, places to stay, nightlife entertainment, appropriate attire, restaurants for you and your clients, car service/car rental information, and the distance between the airport and your destination. Be aware of the do’s and don’ts of where you are going and dress accordingly, you don’t want to end up dressed too formally or too casually for your destination.

4. Bring Batteries: Sure, this sounds like a no-brainer, but it is important to have batteries to back up all of the technological products you may have with you. And, don’t forget the charger for your cell phone!

5. Take Business Cards: Always carry extra business cards on you, and keep them in an easy-to-reach place. When traveling, your business card is your calling card, and you want to make sure to have enough with you to give out to important clients, business partners and new contacts.

6. Keep Important Information Close: Keep your license, passport, tickets and directions to your destination in an easy but safe spot close by. Always keep this on hand, in briefcase or on your body, perhaps in a fanny pack or an inner jacket pocket, and never pack your traveling information - always keep it accessible.

7. Bring Office Essentials: I always suggest carrying special organizers for paper files and presentations with you, along with an expanding organizer for all of your paper-based files to keep at your fingertips. This will keep your files handy when you reach your destination.

8. Color-Code Your Files: Color-code papers to save time looking for the variety of documents you need to carry with you. Color-coding keeps your papers visually accessible, making it easier to locate your paperwork when it is organized by color.

9. Stay on Top of Finances: Keep a daily journal of all expenses associated with your traveling so that you can reconcile the money spent upon your return. Travelers should be aware of hidden costs, special surcharges and taxes, especially from hotels.

10. Stock up on Literature: Always carry reading material to keep you occupied, since clients can run late and planes may be delayed. You can also use this time to review your notes, peruse a business journal, catch up on a proposal or return phone calls.

Sharon Mann is an organizational expert for Pendaflex the world’s leading maker of innovative organizing products and solutions. Sharon also
serves as president of the Pendaflex

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July 04 2008 | travel-information-for.info | No Comments »

Stratford-upon-Avon is Weird

The rural town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England went for hundreds of years as just that. It was a country town with a market for the local farmers and traders to sell their wares, with shops, businesses, trades and agriculture being the usual income for local people. Situated on the pretty English River Avon and surrounded by villages of thatched cottages, the people who were born in Stratford-upon-Avon generally had a pleasant countryside existence.

Then came the craze for Shakespere.

Gradually over a number of years this little town has transformed itself into a place of culture and is now the second largest tourist destination in England. Scholars of English always knew that William Shakespere was born in Stratford, but it was only in the 20th Century that serious moves were made to re-popularise his plays, so much so that a new theatre was built in his town of birth to immortalise the “Bard” in 1932.

This new theatre on the banks of the Avon became a Mecca for scholars, students and theatre audiences. By employing well known as well as unknown actors, actresses, directors and staff Stratford soon became the best known Shakespearian theatre in the world.

The Royal Shakespere Company was able to expand in later years, and bought new property in Stratford to open small, intimate theatres, where the actors could talk directly to the audience. The very best actors, both in England and abroad, were often trained at the RSC in Stratford, and love to come back for a season from time to time.

The RSC now performs both Shakespere and many other authors all over the world, and is still considered “The Best” by many of even its sternest critics.

So, what happened to the little market town in the centre if England? It’s now a big town with a small town centre and no market. The people of Stratford have largely been pushed out of town by the incredibly high property prices. Stratford has become such a success that more than half of the smaller houses are weekend homes for the rich, and leaves many local villages dormant during the week.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace in the middle of town is a lovely half-timbered old house which is now trampled over by a million tourists every year. The town is within 2 hours of about 20 million day trippers living in England. The houses that belonged to William’s relatives do not escape either. You can tour the whole lot on double-decker buses along what were, recently, country lanes that are now covered with various coloured lines in the middle and on both sides.

The really bizarre reason to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon is to see if you can find a local person. Particularly during the spring, summer and autumn seasons you won’t find many. Japanese, German, American, Korean, Swedish, Dutch, French etcetera Yes. But a real Warwickshire accent? Unlikely.

Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same.

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July 03 2008 | travel-information-for.info | No Comments »