"A ship is safe in the harbour, but that is not ships are built for"

This is a thought that I first read in 2000….simple yet powerful thought on going out of your comfort zone and exploring new areas of your mind, your work, your interests….YOU would be amazed by the results that you achieve…

So Friends, Here comes a Special Edition 28 of Good to Great… Read in Leisure and please continue to share your articles, jokes, puzzles, feedback to balajineela@gmail.com

Contents

1. Its all about YOU.. B/f Murthy
2. Thought for this week…B/f Bala
3. Puzzles..Test Your IQ..B/f Juliette
4. Health..Heart…B/f Vijay
5. Management quick tips...Taking risks...B/f Ram
6. Jokes corner....B/f Angelenaa
7. Management thoughts…Think out of the Box…B/f Yogeetha, Assif, Srivats
8. Cartoonz..
9. Tip for this week....Internet ticket booking..B/f Arvind
10. Closing thoughts

1. Its all about YOU Be Positive Always

It is very important to remain positive always……here is a small inspiration!!

If you thought our transport system was BAD….how about these people

Stay positive always and solutions would seem to appear out of now where!!!

2. Thought for this week

The error of youth is to believe expertise is a substitute for experience.
The error of age is to believe experience is a substitute for expertise"

3. Puzzles..Smart or Stoopid

Are you Smarter or Stoopider than the average Person…take this iQ test and find out how you compare

Amazing test….
http://www.flashbynight.com/test/

Answers to last weeks intriguing Puzzle
Fernando sendt the messages in code to a school master in Holland(refer the story).The school master was a British spy. During World War people do not belive anyone inlcuding thier close friends.

4. Health ..Your Heart…

A chat with Dr.Devi Shetty, Narayana Hrudayalaya (Heart Specialist) – Excepts Part 1

Q: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?

Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar

Q: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?
Ans: No

Q: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?
Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Q: Are heart diseases hereditary?
Ans: Yes

Q: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
Ans: Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints

5. Management quick tips..

Success involves taking risks. Risk taking doesn’t mean gambling foolishly and behaving irresponsibly. A person who never does anything never makes mistakes. However, he doesn’t realize that doing nothing is his biggest mistake. Risk-takes go with their eyes open. Gamblers shoot in the dark. Take risk but don’t gamble.

Once a farmer was asked ‘did you plant wheat for this season?”
The farmer replied ‘No, I was afraid that it wouldn’t rain.’

The man asked ‘then did you plant corn for this season?”
The farmer replied ‘No, I was afraid of insects eating the corn.’

The man asked ‘Then what did you plant?’
The farmer replied ‘I played it safe.’ – Shiva Khera

6. Jokes corner.."Mr. Moony"

Ok….Here are a New class of jokes that I am initiating….Now that our Satellite has reached the moon - we would have a Jokes on the Imaginary Man from the Moon - Called "Moony" (or should we re-title this as "Sardar Sparred")

Jokes from Angelenaa…
A teacher told all students in a class to write an essay on a cricket match. All were busy writing except Our Moony. He wrote 'DUE TO RAIN, NO MATCH!'

Postman: - I Have To Come 5 Miles to Deliver U This Packet Moony: - why did U come so far. Instead U could Have posted it....

7. Management thoughts …Think out of the Box…

Employee "A" in a company walked up to his manager and asked what my job is for the day?
The manager took "A" to the bank of a river and asked him to cross the river and reach the other side of the bank.
"A" completed this task successfully and reported back to the manager about the completion of the task assigned. The manager smiled and said "GOOD JOB"
Next day Employee "B" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task as above to this person also.
· The Employee "B' before starting the task saw Employee "C" struggling in the river to reach the other side of the bank. He realized "C" has the same task.
· Now "B" not only crossed the river but also helped "C" to cross the river.
· "B" reported back to the manager and the manager smiled and said "VERY GOOD JOB"

The following day Employee "Q" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again. Employee "Q" before starting the work did some home work and realized "A", "B" & "C" all has done this task before. He met them and understood how they performed. He realized that there is a need for a guide and training for doing this task.
He sat first and wrote down the procedure for crossing the river, he documented the common mistakes people made, and tricks to do the task efficiently and effortlessly.
Using the methodology he had written down he crossed the river and reported back to the manager along with documented procedure and training material.
The manger said "Q" you have done an "EXCELLENT JOB".

The following day Employee "O' reported to the manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again."O" studied the procedure written down by "Q" and sat and thought about the whole task.He realized company is spending lot of money in getting this task completed. He decided not to cross the river, but sat and designed and implemented a bridge across the river and went back to his manager and said, "You no longer need to assign this task to any one".The manager smiled and said "Outstanding job 'O'. I am very proud of you."

What is the difference between A, B, Q & O????????Many a times in life we get tasks to be done at home, at office, at play….,Most of us end up doing what is expected out of us. Do we feel happy? Most probably yes. We would be often disappointed when the recognition is not meeting our expectation..Let us compare ourselves with "B".

Helping some one else the problem often improves our own skills. There is an old proverb (I do not know the author) "learn to teach and teach to learn". From a company point of view "B" has demonstrated much better skills than "A" since one more task for the company is completed."Q" created knowledge base for the team. More often than not, we do the task assigned to us without checking history. Learning from other's mistake is the best way to improve efficiency. This knowledge creation for the team is of immense help. Re-usability reduces cost there by increases productivity of the team. "Q" demonstrated good "team-player" skills,Now to the outstanding person, "O" made the task irrelevant; he created a Permanent Asset to the team.
If you notice B, Q and O all have demonstrated "team performance" over an above individual performance; also they have demonstrated a very invaluable characteristic known as "INITIATIVE".Initiative pays of every where whether at work or at personal life. If you put initiative you will succeed. Initiative is a continual process and it never ends. This is because this year's achievement is next year's task. You cannot use the same success story every year.

The story provides an instance of performance, where as measurement needs to be spread across at least 6-12 months. Consequently performance should be consistent and evenly spread.
Out-of-Box thinkers are always premium and that is what every one constantly looks out for. Initiative, Out-of-Box thinking and commitment are the stepping stone to success.Initiative should be life long. Think of out of the box !!!

8. Cartoons.. Don't be too romantic

Don't be too romantic

else it might end, like this only :)

9. Tip for this week…. Train tickets

Here is a small, but very useful tip while booking train tickets through internet

See the pattern …Enjoy the simple maths behind it
LB, MB, UB – Just add 3, then 5 and repeat….
SL, SU….Just keep adding 8….

LB – Lower Berth ; Seat Nos – 1, 4, 9, 12, 17, 20, 25, 28, 33, 36,41,44, 49,52,57, 60, 65, 68

MB – Middle berth ; Seat Nos – 2, 5, 10,13, 18,21,26, 29,34,37,42, 45,50,53,58,61,66,69

UB – Upper Berth ; Seat Nos – 3,6,11,14,19,22,27,30,35, 38,43, 46, 51,54,59,62,67,70

SL – Side Lower ; Seat Nos – 7,15,23,31,39,47,55,63,71

SU – Side upper ; Seat Nos – 8,16,24,32,40, 48, 56, 64,72

10. Closing thoughts…

Financial Scenario – A financial analyst attached to a leading American news channel, reported that on an average the depression lasts for about 16 months – based on the 2 previous depressions which hit us (post the Great depression of the 1930's)

Given that Obama is developing plans to generate approx 2.5 million jobs in the USA, let us hope that the economy steadies faster and with the help of other actions by various governments, we can hope that the recession might not hit us for that long…

At this time, the magic words in every Corporate is "CASH" – Save your cash, scrutinize all expenditures, no more commitments, etc.,

So how different are we ? not too far off – so Each of us need to Focus on our Savings, Our Cash and ensure that we are adequately liquid….no NEW Investments in Land, real estate or major projects, business, house articles
(like expensive TV's, etc.,)

Even if you are not majorly impacted (NOW), by doing these small measures, you would be in a stronger position to face the world once the Depression recedes and the Boom starts…right!!!

Hi Friends, Here comes a picturesque Edition 27 of Good to Great…For the first time a magical illusion has been added – check it out!!!

Read in Leisure and please continue to share your articles, jokes, puzzles, feedback to balajineela@gmail.com

Contents

1. Its all about YOU.. Arvind
2. Thought for this week…B/f Ram
3. Puzzle..A wasted life…B/f Kala
4. Health..Strict No- NO!!...B/f Thanuja
5. Management quick tips...Where to Tap?...B/f Murthy
6. Jokes corner....
7. India Glorious
8. Management thoughts…Inspirational Dog…B/f Priya
9. Cartoonz..
10. Illusions....Amazing Video!!..B/f Angelenaa
11. Closing thoughts
12. Financial Scenario…Cartoon by Viji, Vatsal

1. Its all about YOU

Dedicate time to work:
it's the price of success.

Dedicate time to think:
It's the fountain of power.

Dedicate time to enjoy:
it's the secret of youth.

Dedicate time to love and be loved:
it's the source of joy and satisfaction.

Dedicate time to laugh:
it mitigates the stress

2. Thought for this week

No one can escape from criticism.

The only way you will never be criticized is

if you do nothing,

say nothing or

have nothing.

You will end up being a big nothing.

Whether a criticism is constructive or not,

always remember the tree that bears most fruits will get the most stones.

3. Puzzle…

A wasted life During First World War, Fernando Buschmann a German Spy was caught by a Brit Major. His last wish was to play violin before he die.

The Major nodded and brought him a violin. The conversation went on Major 'You are honoured Fernando. You will be the first to be executed in the Tower of London for hundred of years" Fernando"

It is a great honour to die for Germany. My wife and child will suffer back in Germany, but I do not regret being caught or spying for my country."

Major shook his head sadly" It was Germany that sent you here to die". Fernando replied 'No, they send me here to spy". Major groaned" But they prepared you so badly we were bound to catch you". The spy immediately frowned 'No".

Then The Major told the spy the school he studied, the head mistress name and the way he was sending code messages to a school master in Holland. Those days the spy don the cap of salesman of cheese,bananas,safety razors,etc, though they do not have knowledge of it. The Major termed Fernando as amateur. Do you know how the german spy was caught?

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There was a rap on the door and violin came. Fernando played. The three hours sweet, mournful tones echoed round the ancient walls and stirred the ghosts of long-dead prisoners. The spy played one last melody, but the notes were wavering and disconnected. Nice tune, the major retorted. Fernando"The music tells the story of a broken-hearted clown".

He raised the violin to his lips kissed it Goodbye, I shall not want you anymore". He told Major " I am ready". Fernando Buschmann faced an eight man firing squad on the morning of october 19th 1915. He refused a blindfold, saying he wanted to die like a gentleman. He was one of 11 bungling, amateur German spies to die in the London Tower during First World War.

On 13th November 1997, the papers connected with the case were sold at an auction in London. The saddest was the letter from him to his Lawyer Henry Garrett. What is it?

There are many ways to die, and many wasted lives in the First World War. Fernando Buschmann was just another one. Are you looking for the answer how the German Spy was caught? Wait for the next edition. The clue is in the story.

4. Health…Strict NO NO!!

Cotton Ear Buds…Please do not show sympathy to people selling buds on roadside or at Signals.....

It's made from cotton that has already been used in hospitals. Dirty, blood and pus filled cotton is washed, bleached and used to make ear buds.

This exposes us to to get Herpes Zoster Oticus (a viral infection of the inner, middle, and external ear) of the ear and that too from a cotton bud - DON'T BUY THEM!

5. Management quick tips.. Where to tap !

Ever heard the story of the giant ship engine that failed? The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine.

Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a youngster. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer.

He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. " He hardly did anything!" So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."

The man sent a bill that read:
Tapping with a hammer .. $ 2.00
Knowing where to ......... $ 9998.00

Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort in your life makes all the difference .

6. Jokes corner.. The Bathtub Test

It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time, and this should help get you started.

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalised.

'Well,' said the Director, 'we fill up a bathtub, and then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.'

'Oh, I understand,' said the visitor. 'A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup.'

'No.' said the Director, 'A normal person would
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?'

7. Management thoughts…Inspirational Dog

One of the best….thanks for sharing Priya!!

I smiled after looking at the first photo...you will also smile.

You thought the dog is imitating the man. ....

See the story of Will Power. Here it goes....

Entertaining the college kids...right?

Now have a close look at it....

So.... Got the message???
Despite being an animal he gets respect...

He gets warm welcome everywhere....He gets a pat on his shoulder...
He is STAND-ALONE

The doors are open for only those who believe in themselves and Will Power which can make an animal walk on TWO LEGS....!!

8. Cartoons..

9. Illusions

10. India Glorious…. More reasons for each of us Indians to feel proud.

Joshna Chinappa: Back to Back WISPA titles in Singapore is no mean achievement; Just last week when she won the first WISPA title, the newspapers was all praise for our 22 year squash champ being the first Indian woman to win this title – Now the joy has been doubled when she won the title again

Jeev Milkha Singh won the Singapore golf open in a closely contested finals to carry the $5 million…

Chandrayaan, India's first satellite to the moon is doing good….Moon Probe Lander landed successfully on the moon and is sending back tons of useful knowledge – a knowledge treasure that would be used for future generations to make a huge progress on understanding the universe and hopefully helping to gain valuable "space" for the ever growing population.

11. Closing thoughts…

"Yes, We Can" were Obama's powerful words to his followers / general American public as he went to elections and Won convincingly
These powerful words helped to raise the self belief and confidence of the Americans that they CAN do it….Win the elections or solve the financial crisis and continue to be the World leader in all aspects.

So if each of us have it in our minds / beliefs that "YES, WE CAN"….I am sure that we could follow our dreams and achieve it!!! And be even more successful in Life.

12. Financial Scenario

So many countries have announced so many packages to hopefully solve the Financial crisis….but the magnitude of the crisis is such that unless MUCH more concerted actions are taken by ALL countries together with lot of synergy amongst various industries, the crisis is here to stay for a while…..here are some cartoons to lighten you up….!!!