Silver Back Muzik

If you specialize in teaching, it is essential that you consider the educational benefits associated with using short poems for kids in the classroom. As children listen to the individuals around them, they have the capability of learning language. As they increase in age, they will start to experiment with the sounds, words, and phrases that they have been subjected to throughout the course of their lifetime. There are several types of reading resources that a child will be exposed to as they increase in grade levels. Examples include creative works, biographical pieces, fiction and nonfiction stories. Poetry, on the other hand, may be introduced to children at a young age. This type of reading resource is considered to be an extraordinary type of language specialization and seems to instantaneously attract the attention of children of all ages. If you are seeking a creative and attention-grabbing lesson into the wonderful world of language, you should consider using short poems for kids in your classroom.

Short poems for kids often contain many different types of rhymes that are highly entertaining to a child. As children grow, they are consistently discovering new and unique ways to utilize language. Rhymes are often considered to be highly entertaining and assist a child in learning new sounds and words that they are able to easily retain and play with. In addition to this, short poems for kids also contain many different types of patterns. In nearly every single facet of life, patterns exist. Art forms such as short poems for kids, music, dance and even paintings have patterns. Furthermore, we also experience patterns in everyday life. Examples include patterns that occur with the weather, patterns that exist in our day to day routines, and other similar situations. By exposing your classroom to short poems for kids, you will be able to also expound on rhyming and patterns in order to open up more educational instruction on other topics.

According to those that are identified as "Linguists", the sounds of language as well as the structure of language has the ability to shape the thoughts that we each experience. Words and sounds are often used by individuals in order to express their feelings, thoughts, and/or opinions on people, situations and events that relate to them in one way or another. By introducing short poems for kids in your classroom, you will quickly find that the stories that you share help to cultivate thoughts, feelings and opinions among the students that are part of your class. They then start to learn that they may effectively communicate those aspects of themselves through rhyming and/or patterns to others. This is especially true considering that all the patterns in our language have a subtle influence on the way that we perceive the English language - both in written form and in verbal form.

There are many different types of games, books, and other educational toys that will help you introduce short poems for kids in your classroom. When choosing these products, it is important to understand that there are many educational topics that may be derived from the poems that you read to your students. Examples of these topics include word order, the structure of the sentences used in the poem, the vocal inflection used when reading the poems, the rhythm as well as the vocabulary in general. If you want to take your language lessons a step beyond what is typically required and expected in the classroom, you should consider purchasing products that will enhance a child's appreciation for words. Short poems for kids are often considered to be the most beneficial products for this type of educational endeavor.

Being an enlisted soldier tops the list of the "10 Most Stressful Jobs of 2012", followed by firefighters and airline pilots, according to Careercast.com. It's a surprise that for those working in the call center industry and in lead generation companies, a customer service position is not included on that list.

The fact remains that work-related stress has long been the doom of workers and employers worldwide. Stress has been related to studies to everything from illness to lower productivity and increased absenteeism. Given the present economic climate, the sad reality is that several people are working harder than before for less income, and still they wonder while half-hoping if they would still have a paying job at the end of the day. And along with this, now comes new technological innovations which enable us to easily work anywhere and anytime-then you've got the perfect recipe for job-related stress. The fact still remains that regardless of the economic situation and what your job is, it's inevitable that we'll always undergo some kind of stress at work.

Thus, don't wait for the economy or for your job circumstances to change; but manage your stress before it controls you.

Did you know that not all stress is bad? Most of us, when we mention the word "stress", we see it as something negative right away. However, did you know that there's also a good stress? As a matter of fact, there's a term for good stress: "eustress". Eustress is that thing which keeps you moving, enables you to get revved up to work or clean the house. This kind of stress gives us with stimulation and motivation to make us grow and develop.

What we generally connect with the word stress, is in theory, distress. Now, this is the type of stress which makes us restless, drained, tired, ill-tempered etc. Distress is a response to some type of "external or internal self-imposed pressure", which brings out adverse psychological and physical changes.

Some signs of distress include: loss of sleep or difficulty sleeping, fatigue, digestive troubles, muscle aches, unable to concentrate, withdrawal from family and friends

As a manager, what can you do to minimize stress in the call center?

1. Make sure that the policies of your organization are fair enough, appropriate to all and most especially, consistently implemented.
• Ensure that your staff know the essence of their responsibilities and how they contribute to the whole organization.

2. Reward teams and individuals for a good job.
• Praise good and efficient performance sincerely.

3. Engage your staff and enhance communication.
• Make sure that an employee's job fits his skills and experiences.
• Talk with your workers regarding work rules and scheduling.
• Share information with your staff so that you could also help them in decreasing uncertainty regarding their jobs.

More quick tips for managing distress.

• Never try to be perfect. Don't be scared of failure, but always think that you achieved something now.
• Just focus on a single task at a time to avoid burnout.
• Take time to eat, listen to the music or any activity to have a break from your current work.
• And stop worrying too much! Take note that "today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."

How did you first being to design in metal?

It was by chance really. I started at Harrow Art School in the late fifties studying textiles, but it was jewellery, which I took as a subsidiary subject, that became my passion.

My work helped me secure a place at the Royal College of Art, in the School of Silversmithing and Jewellery and I was made Royal Scholar, graduating with First Class Honours in 1965.

It was the early sixties and of course, a time of huge cultural change. London felt like the centre of the world and art in all its forms - design, music, film, photography - was the expression of that change. It was a very exciting time.

I then took a one year travel scholarship in the USA through The Goldsmiths' Company and got a job as a staff designer with a well-known jeweller in Philadelphia. On my return to Britain I became a staff designer with Whitehorn Jewellers Ltd. of Hatton Garden who designed and produced work for Asprey & Garrard. It was a wonderful chapter in my life and I worked for them for six years.

How did you move into freelance work?

By the early 1970s things were completely different. After the birth of my second child in 1972 it was no longer practical for me to work in London. By this time the heady optimism of the 1960s had given way to industrial decline and depression. I took on less work, which with a growing family, suited me.

It was not until I had a chance meeting with the managing director of Asprey in 1977 that I resumed my career. Though Asprey did not have a role for me at the time, they did recommend me to Peter McCabe and David McCarty. Having served an apprenticeship at Cartier, David had forged a reputation as a highly skilled craftsman of objets d'art; now they were looking for a designer who would be able to handle that kind of work. I will always be grateful to David McCarty and the late Peter McCabe for giving me the opportunity at that time, as I was totally unknown to them.

Whilst at the Royal College I had learnt diamond mounting; which I hated - and enamelling; which I loved, together with all of the other practical skills required to make pieces. Whilst I did not want to be a craftsman, having a thorough understanding of mechanics and how complex technical pieces are put together meant that I was able to design them.

This got me started with McCabe McCarty and it still serves me well today. I maintain that having the practical skills is vital before you can begin to design, as one needs to have a strong understanding of what will or will not work.

Where were you based at the time?

I worked from our home in a small Oxfordshire village; we converted a stable in our garden into a studio. From there I would travel into London each Tuesday, which worked very well.

I have been self-employed, working with McCabe McCarty (now David McCarty Ltd.) from 1977 to the present day.

How do you approach the design process?

When I am asked to do a commission, the first part of the process is to think through the particular brief, which materials are needed and how the piece will actually be made.

There are other considerations that have to be taken into account too, for instance, the culture of the country the piece is destined for, as certain colours, materials and design elements are preferred in certain countries. If it is a desk, a chair or a clock then I have to take the craftsmen into consideration. I always think about who will physically be making the piece.

I then make a rough sketch, writing my remarks in the margin and begin to make a few detailed designs in gouache. Each design takes about four days to complete; the designs are then submitted to the client.

When you're designing pieces with moving parts (the mystery clocks, automata etc.) how aware are you of having to design around the physical limitations of the mechanism?

It needs to be kept at the front of your mind throughout. I work closely with the engineer or craftsman in order to factor in enough room for the mechanics. A clockwork mechanism will only lift a certain amount of weight, but if a piece is particularly heavy, weighing perhaps 1 kg, then a larger mechanism will be needed. There are vast differences in the design approach one takes for a small electronic device as opposed to a large mechanical device with many moving parts.

I get enormous pleasure from commissions that have a lot of complicated interlocking procedures - mystery clocks and mechanical pieces in particular. Mystery clocks are amazing pieces of mechanisation which are designed and constructed in such a way as to appear to run without gears or a power source. Many have the traditional look of a clock face, but with the numbers and hands housed within a transparent material, making it obvious that the gears and cogs are not there. Working with skilled craftsmen to bring all of the complexity together in an intricate and apparently simple piece gives me a great sense of achievement.

When you are designing to commission, how much of the design inspiration comes from the client?

Sometimes very little - it really depends who the client is. If I receive a call to design for a particular person, I am usually able to recall their past purchase history and instinctively know how to design for them. My design remit is usually free and I am trusted to design to the client's taste.

Can you tell us about your current project?

I am currently working on designs for gold handbags and boxes. I have also had the recent challenge of designing a 3m x 3m screen in gold and semi-precious stones, which has involved producing half-sized design drawings in my workshop. I have found the sheer scale of this piece physically difficult!

Where do you find inspiration?

I am lucky to have been able to travel widely and can draw inspiration from the wide range of countries I visit, their traditions, their histories, colours and natural landscapes. I also draw inspiration from other artists such as Lalique and the flamboyant, colourful Gauguin.

What do you do to relax?

I love doing embroidery, as well as canoeing and white water-rafting - I do everything dangerous now. I have been so timid all my life, not doing things - what's the point of holding back now?

I live in SW France for half of the year, where we have renovated an ancient 17th Century tower; I have become very good at plastering walls!

What are you plans for the future?

While I am still called on to design, I shall continue to follow my career. I enjoy my work and am lucky enough to be able to produce my designs from anywhere in the world.

What advice would you offer to an aspiring designer?

Do not expect to achieve anything at the beginning. I have been fortunate to have a successful and long career doing what I love, but that has taken years...

Have a long term goal, but be prepared to take a 'dog-leg' path to get there, slowly. Get as much practical experience as possible, although this may mean doing things that you are not too happy with.

Another important issue is client discretion, in order to cultivate one's reputation and trust. It is so important in this trade, as you often cannot talk about the work you have done - and for whom - so you rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from other respected people in the trade.

Where can we see more 'Susan McMeekin' designs?

Most of my work is held in private collections and is not on public view. There was an exhibition held last year in Buckingham Palace which included one of my pieces and the V&A exhibits one of my rings which was bequeathed from a client. If you would like a visible example, I designed several items featured in the James Bond film 'Octopussy'.

Innovative companies are being run by leaders. Innovation departments are run by leaders. Innovation creates leaders. How do we find innovation? Question, which is related to the question: how do we find a leader or to develop leadership qualities in ourselves or our employees.

Let's look at several recommendations and at their basis, we will create a personal leadership development plan for the company.

To lead means: to help others succeed. No matter what we say: about building leadership in your company or industry leadership. Selling quality products, we allow people who purchased them to feel more confident.

The leader of the company - is the head, which focuses not only on his success, but also at the success of its employees.

Leader constantly learns and teaches others. That factor of the leadership is one of the key elements of an innovative company. Leadership will help to achieve consistent results in a competitive environment.

Let's compare the two teams: team leader of a company and team leader in the sales department. Leader of a company:

• The leader is good at setting targets
• Monitors the performance of employees
• Works with key clients

The team leader:

• Leader knows his subordinates
• Leader knows what to teach their subordinates, thus learns
• Leader knows what qualities and skills of his subordinates are necessary to develop
• Leader knows which of them will become the future leader
• Leader, has subordinate training program
• The leader focuses on helping to achieve performance, not control
• Leader, allocates talented, and instructs them to work with key clients
• The leader has a development plan for the department, allowing to achieve the result of higher than expected.

It is logical to see that after some time, the team leader will rise to the Commercial Department. Subject to the given trend team leader will constantly evolve, and the team of a leader will still stay the same, leaving the company at the same level. Although, given the continued competitiveness of the market, most likely the teams with leaders will disappear under the influence of companies with departments of leaders.

Look for leaders! Become leaders! Leadership is the competitiveness of modern business. It is through the leadership you will identify and develop competitiveness factors for your company and your employees.

How to evaluate the leadership qualities in themselves or their subordinates? Answer the following eight questions:

1. Do you have a personal learning plan for the next month, three months, six months?
2. Do you have a plan to train your staff to the next month, three months, six months?
3. How many employees in your company, you have helped / trained for the last month, six months?
4. How is your progress related to the success of your employees?
5. Is the success of your employees are linked to your success?
6. How do you assess the effectiveness of the staff?
7. How do you assess the effectiveness of yourself as a manager at work with co-workers?
8. What possible problems would emerge working with employees, how do you propose to minimize them.

Leaders are always interacting with employees. A team led by leaders is always seeking to improve and maximize results.

Another key element of leadership is to create a comfortable atmosphere for creativity and work in your business. Your employees working in a comfortable environment, provide you a number of advantages: they are friendly to customers, and loyal to the company.

A simple example. Imagine two trading rooms of various companies. In an air-conditioned, playing soft music, and in the other is is stuffy and cramped. Where employees will work efficiently? In what company they will be more loyal? The answers are logical and understandable.

Internal atmosphere means a lot. We have an advertising budget to attract new customers, but do you have the budget for the creation of favourable conditions within the company?

Make your staff happy, and it's not just the words in the benefits package, but action! Actions, the result of which happy employees who aspire to the workplace tend to do the job perfectly. Employees who understand that excellence in the work will give the possibility to grow and develop within the company or become mentors for new employees.

The task of the leader - to form a team. A team that focuses on growth and creation, and not a mediocre existence in the current market situation. A team of interested people, experts, or sincerely want to become experts in their field.

Your employees need to appreciate working with you:

• We have a great company

• I developed in the company, my wealth grows

• Over the past three months, we have achieved the following goals

• In the next three months will achieve others

These phrases can describe staff, team leaders. It is similar phrases you'll hear from athletes, sports teams, the participants and their coaches. Why? Sport - is the result. This training of leadership, leaders-loners and leaders of teams. Business, too, is the result of education and also of leadership qualities.

Find the positive side of your employees look for the positive aspects of your staff and develop the positive! Use positive!

Errors will be to all, mistakes will always appear, but that the errors allow us to achieve results.

Having built up an atmosphere of positive development, you will be successful; your company will be successful! Celebrate success! Praise success! Be responsible for the success!

• Who do you praise this week? This month? In Three months?
• What was your expressed praise?

Your business - it is your ship; it is a coordinated work of the whole team, to the system that you have created - as a leader. A system should be trained, the system should be improved and the system must be scaled.

Leadership is the use of simple techniques that can take the business to another level.

Want to see an example of leadership - look at a sports game, assess coherence of the team and make the right conclusions.

Are you looking to start a family game night? This article will give you some tips on what games to play where you and your children will love.

Sometimes, parents can become busy attending to business or work during weekdays. They leave the kids with the nannies or babysitters. This is something that you cannot avoid if you and your spouse are both working. Well, there is always a weekend to make up for your busy schedule during weekdays.

It is best to spend the whole day and night with your kids. You should come up with some activities and games to make this bonding time more memorable and fun. To help you out in this goal, here are five examples of games that you can play during weekends with your kids.

1. Bean bag toss or washer toss game - This game is known with various names such as Corn hole game, Beanbag toss or Soft Horseshoes, depending on the material that you will use, but nevertheless this game is a real winner for any family trips or weekend nights bonding moment. You can play this outdoors or indoors and the best thing is that even little children ages 5 and up can play this game. Just instruct them to aim at the beanbag or corn hole and start pitching.

2. Pictionary - Who does not love Pictionary? No matter if you are creative or not, you will surely enjoy playing Pictionary. The family members will each take turn to draw and let others guess what the drawing is. You can come up with various categories like movies, music, people, thing or TV shows to make the game more exciting.

3. Charades - Just like Pictionary, charades is a kind of game that will never grow old. You loved it as a kid and you will surely love it until you are an adult with kids and even with grandkids. The best thing about this game is that you can play this anywhere and you no longer need any props, boards or materials to use. You can just write down words from different categories in a piece of paper and let the participants guess. This can also be a team game or an individual game.

4. Jenga - Each family member will take turn in pulling out a block from the tower. As long as the tower is standing still, the game is on. Whoever makes the tower falls loses the game. This is one exciting game and the great part is that only one loses and the rest are all winners.

5. Video games - Even little kids can play well with video games nowadays so for sure this is going to be a fun activity for the whole family. You can play racing, action games or even some sports games like tennis in Wii.

Playing these games with your family is indeed fun. You will surely share many happy memories every time you play any of these games, whether you are at home or in an out-of-town trip. Do not forget to prepare your cameras too to capture the best moments.

Dressage aims to produce a harmony and understanding between horse and rider, developing a high level of athletic ability and willingness to participate. The rider instructs the horse with a series of slight body movements.

Loosely translated at 'training' in French, dressage is a display of the skill of the rider, and his steed. Man's association with, and training of horses can be dated back to 800BC with substantial gains in understanding around 3-400BC through the theories of General Xenophon of Greece, once a student of Socrates.

Xenophon understood that reward and kindness were important tools in horsemanship, and placed emphasis on the importance of position and posture. His goal was not to train horses for dressage or carousel, but for battle. An agile and responsive horse in battle was a valuable commodity and his techniques are still held in high regard today.

Ancient Romans developed the first horse shoes, called 'hipposandals' to minimise wear on the horse's hooves. They seem to have followed the base practices of Greek horsemanship, seeing the large advantage a fighter on horseback has over his ground based enemy. Around this time horses were given great care and attention, with high authority guards in charge of their care. There is less information on dressage in the Roman era, and even less in the period following their downfall.

It would seem a more heavy handed approach was adopted in the Dark Ages. Only the wealthy could afford to fight from horseback, and horses became a status symbol of the times. Dressage itself does not seem apparent in warfare of this time. This may be due to the heavy armour and weapons common of this era. Horses able to carry this weight would need to be heavy and less agile themselves, less able to move lightly on their hooves. More work was found in agriculture and the towing of equipment at this time.

The Renaissance brought about a large turn of events with regards to horsemanship. Grisone, a nobleman living in Naples during this period is credited with rediscovering the works of Xenophon, though he himself taught a slightly more heavy handed approach on occasions where he felt it necessary. He did however agree with Xenophon that posture and position were all important. The art of horsemanship became popular once again. Fiaschi, who lived around the same time as Grisone, first indicated the importance of tempo and rhythm which is fundamental in dressage. In 1594 Antoine de Pluvinel founded the Académie d'équitation where French nobility were trained in a number of aspects of horsemanship including dressage. He is best remebered for his gentile and humane training methods, aiming to work the horse's mind and keep him happy during training.

Equestrian sports were introduced to the Olympics in Paris in 1900. The competitive sport evolved from the classic but has been adapted slightly. The Haute Ecole, High School of Dressage, is the most specialised form of dressage and the height of classic training. Dressage was introduced to the Olympic Games in Stockholm in 1912, but also has it's own World Equestrian Games. The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games are held every 4 years since their beginnings in 1990.

In the London 2012 Olympics dressage events will be held in Greenwich Park. The tests will consist of a Team event, an Individual event which are held simultaneously. The 18 highest scoring riders are then pitted against each other with a freestyle test set to music. This final round decides the winners.

Everyone born into this world has an inherent talent. There is a purpose that must be fulfilled but unfortunately, a large proportion of people have not discovered the gifts in them and many will not in their lifetime. You are not a number holding down a spot in the world population figure. You are far greater than that. You are wired to make things happen but this will never be the case if you have not discovered what you have been called to do. Recognizing your gifts and harnessing the potential that lies within you is the route to living a fulfilling life. It's time to get out of hiding. Don't live in isolation. Give room for your talent to find expression. If it is not expressed, it cannot manifest.

The meaning of life is a life of meaning. Until you realize the purpose for your life, you will never enjoy life and the opportunities it throws at you. Rise, get out of hiding and be great. Do the great things you were meant to do. Look deep inside you, realize what your life purpose is and embrace it. And when you do find purpose and meaning in life, you discover yourself to be a greater person than you ever dreamed of. The world you live in will never be the same and the opportunities life throws at you will be abundant. Explore yourself and live your passion. Living a fulfilling life starts with you having clarity about your purpose.

Once you have the ability to understand your gifts, you gain the control to put them to use. You have more power when you know more about yourself and this can help create the life you want. If you're struggling in your life or profession, it could be you're not in the place of your purpose. Discovering your purpose sets you up for success. Everything created by God has a purpose. I believe you were created to solve a problem and your success is dependent on your ability to find that problem and solve it. When you find that problem, it means you have discovered your purpose and when you solve the problem, it means you have fulfilled that purpose. Let me ask you five questions and your response to these can help you figure out what your purpose in life is all about.

What do you enjoy doing? Your purpose revolves around your passion. The very successful people I know are those who enjoy what they do. Do you love to sing, write, speak, sell stuffs, do sports, entertain people, break things down in order to rebuild them, cook etc. Whatever it is you enjoy doing is an indicator for your purpose.

What do people appreciate most in you? In what area of your life do you receive the most compliments? Maybe people tell you how good of a singer you are. It could be that each time you get into a place or gathering of people, the place comes alive. Whatever you receive compliment for most of the time could be a key to your purpose. Don't ignore it.

What drives your curiosity? What are you interested in? The knowledge pull you scoop from most of the time indicates your interest in that thing. Do you love exploring various musical instruments? Do you love attending seminars and conferences in particular fields just to help improve your knowledge base and how you can be better in that area of interest? if it drives your curiosity most of the time, it could also be a driving force for your purpose.

What brings out the best in you? Whatever you excel in can be an indicator to your purpose. Are you good at naturally fixing cars? This could imply that your purpose could be connected to the automobile industry. Are you at your best when it comes to closing deals? You may be on the path to becoming a great negotiator or business mogul. Discover the best in you and you are not far from being fulfilled.

What catches your attention easily? Your ability to constantly notice something that others do not pay attention to could be a precursor to finding your purpose. Do you also get easily uncomfortable when people don't get things done properly? That you can easily observe a wrong tone when someone is singing, could mean you can be a better singer. A fashion designer will notice a dress that is not well made. When you pick up tiny bits of details in a specific area of interest effortlessly, this could be a pointer to discovering your purpose.

Find your purpose, live it and you will be fulfilled.

Thieves are looking to take advantage of you year round but during the Holidays they seem to always increase their efforts. Below are a number of scams and advice you should be aware of to protect yourself this Christmas.

Credit Card Skimming - Credit card skimming is getting worse. Thieves prefer debit cards over credit cards. Debit cards are the fastest and easiest way to cash. With a credit card they have to purchase merchandise and if they want cash then they have to sell the merchandise to get it. That's why debit cards are more appealing to thieves.

For consumers using debit cards, the problem is the that money is taken out of their account right away and the thief can clean out the account before you even know what has happened. You'd get the money back but it will take time. If a credit card is used, NO money is taken out of the account. If you check your bill each month, as you should, you can verify the charges and dispute anything that isn't correct.

To protect yourself, you should never use a debit card to make a purchase. That includes in person and online transactions. If you have to use a debit card because you have no other option, then you should open a separate checking account and only deposit the amount of money you are willing to risk losing. If you become a victim, you should get that money back eventually, but at least only that small amount of money was put at risk and not all of your funds.

Charity Fraud - There are a number of techniques that the thieves use to steal money from you with charity frauds whether in person, by phone, or knocking on your door. There is one thing that you can do that will protect you from all of their schemes. If they contact you, don't give them a penny. You don't know if the person contacting you is legitimate or part of a scam, so any money you donate is at risk. However, giving is important so you should personally contact legitimate charities that you know and love and donate to them. This assures you that the money donated is going to those in need.

Emails - Do not buy anything offered in an unsolicited email. During the holiday season, you will see many more emails with offers to good to be true, and they are. Some may be legitimate but most others won't be. So to be safe it is best to just avoid the offer no matter how good it is.

If you get an email from what looks like a legitimate company, even someone you do business with, don't click any of the links in the email. Instead, open a new browser and type in the legitimate web address of the business that you would like to go to. Many emails that look like legitimate offers from legitimate companies are phishing scams. They are hoping that you click through. When you do it takes you to a website that looks identical to the legitimate business site. The problem is, their site is a fake and used to collect personal information, credit or debit card information, and/or download malware.

Only Shop On Secure Websites - Before typing your credit card information into a website, look to be sure that it is secure. The websites URL should change from "http://" to "https://". The added "s" shows that the page is secure. You may also see a padlock symbol either on the top or bottom of the homepage. If the site is not secure, leave it and do not give them any information.

Pickpockets - Pickpockets are out year round amongst the crowd. As malls fill up with people, it's very easy to be taken advantage of by these professionals. Woman need to be very aware of their purses and be sure that they are completely closed and held up against their body under their arm. Men need to move their wallet into their front pant pocket and also be aware of it at all times. Never carry your social security number and only bring the credit card(s) that you plan to use. All other items that are not needed should be taken out. Don't assume that when someone bumps into you that it's just an accident, immediately check your wallet, purse, and pockets where anything of value was located. Last, make a photocopy of all of your credit cards and store those copies in a secure location. If your wallet gets stolen you'll have a copy of the account number and customer service number to report the theft.

Missed Delivery Notice - This is the time of the year when we all expect to receive packages, so this common scam is easy to fall prey to. You get a notice on your door saying that an attempt was made to deliver a package to your home and that you need to call the number listed. One of two things can happen if you call the number. You may sit on hold listening to music for a long time as very high "premium line" or international long distance rates are being charged to your phone bill. Or, they may answer the call but ask you to provide many personal details about yourself. They'll say that this is for verification only but in reality it's so that they can steal your identity. Never give out any personal information if they contact you or if you were given a phone number by them to contact them. If they reached out to you first, no matter what they say or who they say they are, do not give any personal information. Instead hang up, look for the business phone number from a legitimate source, and then call them back.

FedEx/UPS Delivery Scam - This is similar to the missed delivery notice above, but in this case you receive an email appearing to be from the delivery service. Since so many people have their online purchases mailed to them, this email will be considered legitimate. The email will say that your package can't be delivered and that you'll need to insure it before they can send it out for delivery. Their hoping you'll click on the link and provide the requested credit card information to pay for the insurance. When you do, they go shopping with your card. Delivery companies ask the sender if they want the package insured when it's sent; they don't require insurance and they especially don't require it after the fact. However, if you are concerned about a specific package don't click on any links in the email, instead call the delivery company using a legitimate phone number you've looked up and call them directly.

E-Card Scams - e-card scams happen anytime during the year but are especially prevalent during the holidays. The thief loads phony e-cards with links that can include viruses or malware. It may even hijack your e-mail account in order to send out more cards to your database of emails and spread the virus. Before opening the email or clicking on any of the links, contact anyone that sends you a holiday card to verify that they did indeed send it.

Gift Cards - Only buy gift cards from the stores themselves, do not ever buy from an individual selling them because they're usually stolen empty gift cards that were never activated at the register.

Also, when purchasing at the store, buy gift cards that people don't have access to. Do not buy from the grab and go racks at stores. Thieves can scan the cards on the racks and get the codes on the back of the cards. Then when you pay and get the card activated, they now have a way to use it and spend the money on it.

eBay & Craigslist - You never know who the seller is on auction sites and so it is very risky to buy from them. During the holidays, scammers are on these sites are looking to take advantage of you. Be very careful and remember, if it's too good to be true then it probably is. One piece of advice that Craigslist gave me to prevent 99% of the scams is to only deal with people locally and meet them in person.

Naming a Star After You - There are companies that, for a fee, will send you a professional certificate with the name and location of a star that has been named after the person of your choice; it'll even appear in the star registry...so they say. Stars are named by the International Astronomical Union and they don't name stars after the public. According to their website, "such 'names' have no formal or official validity what-so-ever and they do not show up in the official catalog that is kept by the IAU and used by all astronomers.

Dangerous Holiday Downloads - You may be offered free screen savers, animations, and other things all loaded with hurtful viruses and malware. Anytime you download something from an unknown source you risk the chance of getting them. It's not worth it. Only download from sites that you know are legitimate.

Holiday Work - In this economy, many are looking for work. Beware of offers for high paying jobs and/or work at home jobs. Usually they ask for personal information before they send you details. If you give them personal information it usually leads to identity theft. Other times they want you to pay for the details. Either way, stay away from it. As usual, if it's too good to be true then it probably is.

Here's another scam you may find when you respond to their offer for work and quick cash. When you respond they'll tell you that they want to send you a check and once you've receive it they want you to send a portion of the money to the person they've instructed you to send it to via wire transfer; the rest of the money you can keep. This is a scam and they're hoping you'll send the money before their check clears. If you do, you'll find that their check bounced and you've lost the money you've wired.

Smishing - You get a text from your bank or what looks like another legitimate source saying that there is a problem that you need to clear up. If you call the phone number listed in the text, thieves will try and get you to give them your account number, password, and other personal information. Of course, they'll tell you it's simply to verify you are who you say you are. Instead of responding to the text, call the business using a legitimate phone number that you have looked up.

Foreign Lottery Scams - After the holidays and spending so much money, wouldn't it be great to hear that you won the lottery? Thieves are hoping so. Usually they'll contact you to tell you you've won and ask you to pay the processing fees or taxes before getting your money. Understand that legitimate lotteries do not ask their winners to pay up-front fees. In other cases, they may want to mail you a check and ask you to wire a portion of the money back to them. If you send them money before the check has cleared, you'll find that their check was bad and you're money gone.

Popular Items Sold Out - Every year there are things that are very popular and everyone wants them. When they sell out, that's usually it until next year sometime. Thieves know this and once popular items are sold out, they'll start marketing that they have some available. You think you've found a hidden source but the reality is it's a scam. To protect yourself, only buy from legitimate sources no matter how bad you want the item.

Computer Security - It's very important that your computer has a security program that protects your computer from viruses and other malicious things. Norton, McAfee, and others are perfect for this but you must also install a program that protects against spyware and malware. For PC's "Microsoft Security Essentials" would work well and it's free. Once installed schedule regular scans. It's also important to update all software when you get notices to do so. Many of these updates are security related and you need them to keep your computer safe.

Copyright © 2011 / Protect Yourself, LLC

Every creative person has one of "those days" where we just don't feel creative, our ideas seem stale and we're boring ourselves let alone the client. The next time you need a boost to your creativity, try one (or all) of these tips.

1. Get Out. Leave the house, office or studio, get away from your cubicle, desk or computer, get out of town and maybe even the country. It doesn't matter so much what you do or where you go, just the change of scenery helps get you out of your own head. With a fresh perspective or new point of view comes fresh ideas. Looking at new things can help you see old things in a new way, and bring that same thinking back to your creative work. Try to make a habit of "getting out" at least once a day... walk around a new neighborhood, take a different route home, shop in a store you've never visited, take your laptop to a new coffee shop, or check out a different department in your own office building.

2. Connect with Creatives. Interesting and creative people gravitate towards other interesting and creative people. Talking (and listening) to someone else is an excellent way to see a problem differently, re-think your ideas or find a new solution. And you really don't need to talk to them ABOUT your project or creative roadblock. Just talk to them about their own work, interests, the last book they read or movie they saw, music... really anything. Go to a presentation or lecture by a designer or writer you admire, or one you've never heard of. If the speaker is outside of your particular area of focus, even better. Some of the freshest ideas are inspired by things that are entirely unrelated to the problem at hand. Challenge yourself to connect with a different creative person at least once a week, either in-person or long-distance. Seek out lectures and presentations on creative topics, even (or especially) areas of focus outside of your own.

3. Learn Something. Constantly learning keeps you fresh, and inspires new creative thinking. Take a class, read a book, research a topic online, watch a webinar or online video, or listen to a podcast. There are so many ways to access information, the problem may be narrowing down the choices! Learning something within your field is a great way to freshen your thinking, open your perspective and advance your career. Build your skillset, experiment with new technology, research the history of your craft, or study the masters of your industry. Learning something outside of your area is a great way to get the creativity flowing as well. For a writer, doing visual art can get them out of their head and opened up to new ideas. For a visual artist or someone who works heavily with technology, try some reading or writing for a new perspective. Challenge yourself to learn something new every day, and purposefully take advantage of classes and other formal learning opportunities as often as you can.

Making a habit of getting out, connecting with other creative people, and learning something frequently can help break through (and perhaps prevent) creative roadblocks and keep the creativity flowing.

The Video Production Process: An Overview for Clients

Part One: Pre-Production

Domestic video cameras have been around since the early eighties, and we've all shot a video on our phone, so producing a video for your website is simple, right?

Well not really, having something that is high quality, engaging and gets across your key messages in the shortest possible time is not that easy. Here I'm going to give you a simple guide to planning and executing the perfect video project, whether you do it yourself, or employ professionals.

Planning is very important, time spent before the project starts will save time and money in the long run. There is a temptation to just start shooting everything thinking that it will all come together in post production, this never happens.

Process

The video production process is divided into three phases:

• Pre-production: brief, budgeting, script, storyboard, casting, scheduling
• Production: Video shoot, graphics design, gathering assets
• Post-production: Editing, sound mixing, colour correction & rendering, approvals, revisions, output.

These phases can shift around a bit in each project, for example, you might be in post production and need to go back to phase one to re-write the script or maybe plan additional shoots. So let's have a look at the phases in more detail:

Part 1 - Pre-Production

"Fail to plan, plan to fail"

The Goldilocks Brief. A brief has to be tight enough to cover all the basics, like branding, cost etc, but loose enough to allow the videographer freedom to use their creativity, experience and expertise with the medium. The brief has to be 'just right'. You may be happy to write this yourself or you can do it in conjunction with your production company - having a third party ask the tough questions can help. First question - what is the objective of the video, what do you aim to achieve by producing a video? Surprisingly the answer to this question is often, well everyone else has one, we need to be a bit more specific than that.

Second question, what format of video do you want? Many in this industry come from the ol' one camera, talking-heads school, and if that is all your production company does, that's all you will be offered. But you should consider animation as well, from the eye-catching kinetic text, that literally dances around your screen, to cartoon-like 2D and the more realistic 3D. As with live action the costs of animation have fallen dramatically over the last few years. Animation gives you creative freedom and you don't have to worry about actors and presenters, locations, the weather, etc.

Set a realistic budget for the video. Again your production company can help here by explaining what is achievable. We work to a fixed cost with most projects but it is worth building a contingency into the budget for things like bad weather, illness and logistical issues.

Once the brief and budget are agreed we can start on the script itself. This needs to be kept to a manageable size. People tend to forget video is a visual medium so you have to allow time for the images, music and graphics. As a rough guide a single A4 page of dialogue, double line spaced will be around two minutes of finished video.

The visual requirements will be addressed through the storyboard. It is at this stage that many of the challenges will be uncovered for the first time and you will start to think more about locations vs studio, numbers of presenters, stock footage, sound etc., and you may need to revisit the script as a result.

The quality of a presenter and/or actors can make or break a production. You may prefer to do the presentation yourself or work with a colleague, but be warned even the most accomplished salesman can look amateur in front of a camera. I always recommend a screen test, that way you can be sure the presenter is acceptable to everyone and avoid costly reshoots.

Projects may require a wide array of people and equipment, which all needs to be scheduled and the sooner you start this process the better. A studio shoot is generally easier to organise because you have more control over the working environment. If you are filming something like a production process you will have to consider the potential disruption to manufacturing, health and safety (of the crew & presenters), noise levels etc. It may take several meetings to address all of these issues.

You should now be ready to move to the next stage - Production.

The guitar action is extremely important for the performance of each instrument and of each guitarist, in particular. Those that are just beginning to play should know that action is the term set for the height of the strings above the fretboard. Setting the right height can be a very challenging task. That is why you may benefit from some guidance and advice.

Figure out how you play in order to determine the right guitar action for you. In general, the way in which you play is the most important factor of all to take into account when adjusting the strings and their height. Some guitarists prefer to press the strings hard while others are gentler. If you belong to the first group, you should be careful not to adjust the action too low.

You should definitely consider your comfort when deciding on the right guitar action. Higher strings may be perfect for producing great sound and presenting a great short performance. However, if you have to play the guitar for too long, you would really want to set the action low so that you do not get overly tired and perhaps even injured by the end of the performance.

The music which you play is another important factor to consider when it comes to adjusting the guitar action. A higher action is usually considered better for straight and flat rhythms. It will allow you to play accurately and beautifully. At the same time, you will not feel any strain on your fingertips and any sort of discomfort. If you focus on more complex tunes, you would prefer to set the action as low as possible. This is particularly true for beginners who are still learning.

Use expert help to find the right guitar action for you. Just keep in mind that expert help does not mean consulting a chart with measurements and setting the action in line with these. You need a comprehensive and detailed guide on guitar action adjustment. The guide should be put up by an expert who knows different instruments well and who knows how to play them. Thankfully, you can find such guides even online. It is best to choose one with plenty of instruction manuals, videos, articles and additional resources.

Take your time to find the right guitar action for your instrument. It is perfectly find to spend months practicing your guitar before you get a feel of the right string height for you.

"The inspired Word of God." I have been pondering quite a bit lately how to start this one off. The bible is a point of contention in regards to believing in the one true God that is supposedly described within it. What is the point of the bible, anyway? Other than being the source of knowledge upon which Christianity claims to be based, why does it exist? As I finish reading the book The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight, I realize more and more how I've let man dictate my own relationship with God (in various forms). I don't proclaim this to be a book review of any sorts, nor is it a comprehensive outline of what the book teaches, but rather I must point out that it has changed my perspective in my own study of the truthfulness of the bible and how I read it.

It appears the word "bible" comes from as early as the 14th century. The word itself refers to a collection of books, the word used for book being biblion in Greek, which referred to the papyrus that the words were actually written upon. It is funny how the meaning of "bible" has transcended the ages and is now used to mean a source book of all knowledge and truth, even though many question the bible's truth, ironically. We usually refer to a book being a "bible" if it is used as or considered to be the end all document to answer all questions and that which to live by in any given topic. Unfortunately, our society has distorted what the bible was intended to be: a glimpse into the relationship between God and His creation.

It really frustrates me when I take a step back and look at how our current society handles the bible. Maybe it's because I can see how easily I fall into it as well. I don't mean this in a "it's a holy book and we should respect and honor it" way, rather that we don't handle it the way we handle most other books that we use for knowledge, information, and lifestyle principles. Our society has become one of laziness and witty one-liners. We even have a social media platform that limits how much you can say at once. It amazes me how we contend to sum up a historical book that contains thousands of pages and covers even more years of history into less than a sentence and think it is a justifiable and accurate portrayal of its principles. I see how people reference, quote, and make inference from the bible (myself included, admittedly) in a way that is completely contrary to the exact point they are trying to make. The main problem is that it isn't contrary to how we as a people look at and utilize facts in the 21st century. The news twists pieces of stories all the time to get better exposure and make more money. Politicians pull a sentence from an opponent's 25-minute speech and throw it back out of context, fueled with the emotions of their constituents. Maybe this shouldn't upset me, but why doesn't it upset you?

Too often we take shortcuts and (specifically in this case) all we do is shortcut our relationship with others and with God; leaving ourselves isolated, frustrated, and angry at the world because we are disappointed. I've heard people say, "The Old Testament is an ancient book that doesn't apply anymore." I'd like to see you pick up a book you never read before and tear out the first 2/3 of it and just start reading; let me know how you understand the ending. To relate to the aforementioned one-liners, how many times do you pick up a book, flip to a page, read one or two sentences and assume that is the main theme of the book? Even worse, take those sentences and judge others by them who proclaim to better understand the book since they have devoted their life to it. We've all heard the phrase, "don't judge a book by its cover," maybe we should evolve that into, "don't judge a book until you comprehend it entirely."

I think it is time for an example. I'm going to give you two statements. I assume that the vast majority of readers will at least on a grammatical and vocabulary level understand the statements:

The grass is green. The grass is brown.

Experience and Perspective

I imagine that as you read those two sentences, you had at least one mental image for both, it could very well have been the same image, depending on your past experiences. It's safe to say you have at least one memory of green grass and brown grass. Are my mental image and your mental image the same? It is impossible for us to have the exact same image. We might have similar mental recollections, if we are recalling images from the same time and place. Maybe you and I were somewhere with lush green grass. Maybe we were walking around during a season of drought and we recall the same brown grass. There are about 7 of us where I am living now who see the same exact brown grass every day; yet our memories of it are and will be forever different. We all not only have experienced green and brown grass, but the picture is completely unique in our own minds. Let's imagine that I want to "pull" you into my perspective. I want to try to recreate that image in your own mind so you can experience as closely as possible what I experienced. How would I do that? I'd probably start explaining to you the setting. You might ask me certain questions, "Where were you? Who were you with? What was the time of day? What did you hear? What did you smell?" Not only am I trying to give you the picture in my mind, but you also want to know what it is and you are making an effort to understand and see it yourself. You try to experience the same thing so you can 100% understand what I experienced. The bible is the picture in the minds of men throughout the ages who experienced God. Yet, why don't we ask who the speaker is or to whom they are speaking? Why are they speaking at all? Why don't we ask the pertinent questions to try to understand the experience of the speaker (in this case, the writer) so that we can understand what they experienced and why?

Why is context so important?

I have heard some repeat frustration about the common claim of the importance of context when reading the bible. If you aren't color blind, my two statements of grass not only gave you a picture, but recalled the context of the picture. Was the green grass amidst a summer season? Was it a period of plentiful rain? Was it a hydroponic lab that grew grass for decoration? Maybe it was a Jamba Juice in California with rows of lemongrass used to mix in with healthy drinks. Maybe it was brown grass spray painted green. What made the grass green anyway? Why was it brown? What shade of brown was it? Whatever the context was of your mental image, it wasn't grass floating around in an empty vacuum, because we never experience things without context. All of these "unspoken truths" and elements create the context of the grass. Some might very well accept that the grass is green and they don't really care to know more. Others might be unhappy the grass is brown and decide to hate grass for the rest of their lives. Maybe they hate the person responsible for the grass, who they assume is the person they saw standing on it. These are all assumptions that feed into the misinterpretation of the two simple statements: The grass is green. The grass is brown.

Contradictions

Biblical contradictions intrigue me. I started my own study on biblical contradictions to see if they truly were contradictions or misinterpreted statements that were cut and pasted together. If we look at these two statements side by side, we see an obvious contradiction. The grass is green. The grass is brown. With this information isolated from all other knowledge and experience, we only have a few conclusions we can make. 1) the author is a contradicting liar 2) the grass is somehow both green and brown. 3) we are missing some information (feel free to comment any other options you can conclude). The lazy social media part of society picks option 1, as they rely on the quick and easy choice and make their judgment from there. The hopeful yet equally lazy part of society picks number 2 and hopes for the best, getting defensive whenever someone tells them they are wrong. The minute few that are in search of the honest and real truth use option 3 as a catalyst to learn more.

With what we have here (from an informational standpoint) we cannot honestly say we have enough information to make a truthful conclusion about the statements. Maybe the author is a contradicting liar. Maybe the grass is both green and brown at the same time. Maybe all the conclusions are true with an explanation we haven't even considered. However, we won't know that until we research the context of these two juxtaposed sentences. Maybe in between them there is a viable explanation as to why the green grass turned brown. Maybe the grass was brown first and then turned green and the translator mixed the words to fit his or her agenda. Maybe we aren't even talking about the same grass! We cannot make an educated and solid conclusion unless we put in the work to know what it is we are reading.

Why ask why?

It is apparent that the author of any work felt it was important to record something. I don't want to limit this to text, it can be recorded as: art, music, architecture, knowledge... the list is endless. Maybe I ask too many questions, but I'm always curious, "why did the author of what I am viewing deem it necessary to record this?" Why do we say what we say on a daily basis? Why do we feel the need to post things on Facebook? Why do we send a text to our lover? There is a reason and motivation behind it. Without trying to understand that reasoning, it is quite possible the recipient or observer will not be able to fully comprehend the message. Why are you trying to tell me about this grass? Why should I care what you have to say and put forth the effort to understand what you are saying? Why should I even consider your explanation of it? I often wondered this in high school literature class. As we picked apart poems and prose, I wondered if the author intended for their work to be analyzed this way in search for some deeper truth or did they just have these words on their mind and decide to record them for fear of losing them?

Who's Who of Whoville?

Who recorded what we are reading? If we learned that the two statements of grass were quoted by George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, we would probably see it from a different perspective than if it was said by Charles Manson or Osama bin Laden. Furthermore, it would depend upon who the reader is: a patriot American or radical Taliban fighter. Why is that? It is because by knowing the author, we learn more about what they authored. In painted art, specifically that which is revered as the finest in the world, art connoisseurs don't just study the art, but also the artist. This gives insight into the heavy strokes of Van Gogh or the pointillism of Georges Seurat. It's interesting that most of the famous artists we studied in school(that I remember, anyway) weren't really considered worth knowing until they were dead! In scientific research, students are taught not only to analyze the experiments that provide the results but to also examine the authenticity and reliability of those performing the experiment. Why then do we neglect the authors of the bible?

What the heck are they talking about?

I'll never forget the stunt pulled by an atheist organization earlier this year that quoted a verse from Colossians about slavery alongside a depiction of an American slave and put it on a billboard. Despite the backlash from the African American community, I wonder if it caused anyone to look it up and see what the author of the original text was actually talking about. I hope that at least self-proclaimed Christians who weren't familiar with the verse decided to look it up and see what was going on in Paul's letter to the church as Colossae.

When someone is quoting the bible, I have found it wise to first look it up myself to see if they have twisted it into something else for their own agenda. Colossians 3:22 in its entirety actually reads, "22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord." All it takes is "zooming out" a little to understand a little more what is actually being said here (regardless if you agree with it or not). The billboard doesn't even represent the complete sentence! If we "zoom out" a little more, we learn why the author is making this statement. The following verses reinforce Paul's statement here about slavery and the intended mindset of one submitted to the authority of God. "23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." Whether or not you agree with what is being taught here isn't the point. The point is the misquoted, misinterpreted, and misused partial sentence pulled out of an entire 4-chapter letter!

Another point I would like to make is what the passage doesn't say. Does Paul say slavery is good? Does he even advocate slavery? Does he say God likes or promotes slavery? No, he simply addresses slaves in their current situation and gives them hope in their time of desperation and oppression. Additionally, if we look again at verse 25, Paul is actually talking about the wrongdoings of the slave masters! This is the God Paul is writing about: a God of justice for the oppressed and hope for the future despite their current circumstances.

In reference to our "grass statements," what if they are read by a society that has never seen brown grass? What if the society of the 2300s refers to "brown grass" as a derogatory term for a certain ethnic group? Clearly I was being racist when I said the grass is brown today (note sarcasm). Someone might also infer that I was claiming brown grass to be good (or bad, for that matter). Do you see how easy it is to twist something out of its meaning when you don't truly seek out the fullness of the truth? If we don't, we are simply tossing around half-truths that do no real good for anyone.

Study and learn or shut up

Yes, this final subtitle is stern and abrasive, but it needs to be. I hope it offends you. I hope it breaks you from the societal bondage we find ourselves in of laziness, being easily manipulated, and acceptance of half-truths. It applies to all sides of the argument: Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Jew, Gentile, Heathen, etc. It really shouldn't even be an argument, because our unique experience is never right or wrong; it's merely our own. The bible is an in depth collection of history, stories, principles, and life. It spans the entirety of time (according to it's content). It is a story of the relationship between God and man (whether or not you choose to believe in God at all). Men have spent lifetimes not only learning the message behind it, but also applying it to everyday life. I'm sure you wouldn't want to be judged on a misquoted and misunderstood statement or two you made throughout your life so don't do it to others either, regardless of the message you are trying to promote. Interestingly, the bible isn't the whole story; it is a snapshot. In discovering the truths of the bible, many question why books and letters were "left out". As we commit to studying the bible in conjunction with those left out, we can understand better why certain texts were included while others were not.

I'd like to add one caveat to what I have just written. Just as I detailed what Paul did not say in Colossians, I feel it necessary to point out what I did not say here. I did not talk about belief, faith, Jesus as God, or anything of the sort. That is all about your own relationship with God or lack thereof. I'm simply pointing out the self-made blindness of our own society, which is based on laziness, selfish pride, and ignorance (I'm just as guilty as anyone else) as it applies to our slingshot "cut and paste theology".

Are you really looking for truth? Do you really care what it says and how it applies to your life and the lives of others? Quit taking the shortcuts, because it doesn't benefit anybody. Don't take anybody's word for it or even mine, do the work yourself if you want to know what it says and means.

I began my teaching career in 1985 in what was then an Inner London College. South Thames College in Putney was a college which was keen to maintain its high literacy and numeracy standards, and worked closely with local schools to improve its 14-16 provision. My role as the newly appointed School Link Tutor was to ensure, in consultation with the Senior School Link Co-ordinator, that the curriculum reflected the diverse needs of the young people who attended the college twice weekly. The course had been designed to accommodate those who did not have academic aspirations, and as such vocational tasters comprised fifty per cent of the programme. The students were from two schools, one an all girls school and the other an all boys school. These students, who were only fifteen years of age were already deemed as less likely to achieve good academic grades. One of the main aims and objectives of the course was to encourage the students not to simply drop out of the educational system, but to realise that educational opportunities were available to all.

The course offered vocational tasters in keyboard skills and office practice, (today it would be classed as ICT) cookery, painting and decorating, motor vehicle and basic skills in English, Maths and Personal Development. The vocational tasters operated on a carousel basis for the duration of six weeks. In addition there were two weeks of work experience built into the course. The three days spent at school enabled an opportunity for a more in-depth study of traditional curriculum subjects such as geography, history, science and RE. The students were challenging and some had behavioural difficulties. However, because they were in a new environment and had not as yet been labelled by the institution as underachievers, some of the students began to show a great deal of promise, and were once again engaged in the learning process.

I have worked with disaffected young people throughout my teaching career, either those disinterested in the traditional curriculum or those who were uninterested in learning about English Literature, and were in the classroom through no choice of their own. I learned how to make the teaching of Shakespeare and other traditional literary works more relevant to the student's everyday experience, and so involved the student's in the learning process. I also persevered with these challenging students through a variety of other strategies. One such strategy was to encourage students not to simply accept what they were being told but to check the information for themselves. In today's technological world it's easy enough to find information. Therefore as part of the learning experience, when you are writing up your notes you should make additional comments by researching the subject matter in more depth. Additionally do not simply accept things as being the truth; but check their validity. Does it make sense? Discuss it with other students and your teacher. Most of all take responsibility for your own learning and understanding of the topic.

Differences in Gender Learning

The philosophy and politics inherent within teaching changes fairly regularly, but a firm foundation on which to base one's teaching can be found through religious scripture as well as from an understanding of pedagogical techniques. From a scriptural perspective I ensure that God is at the centre of my life and is the foundation on which I assess and re-assess my moral and ethical values. I believe that most teachers show their students acts of kindness and ensure that they know they are valued and respected within the classroom. Arguably those who place Jesus Christ at the centre of their lives also ensure that their students understand God's purpose in our lives.

The pedagogy of teaching is more concerned with the practicalities of teaching, for instance effective learning resources and tools, ensuring the students are involved in the learning process, as well as regular assessments and evaluations of the students' knowledge and understanding. As educators there are a whole host of factors which need to be taken into consideration to equip our young people with the skills, knowledge and experience required to make them effective members of society. One important consideration is that there is a difference in the way boys and girls learn. Exponents of this argument would suggest that girls often develop good interpersonal skills and are keen to communicate and interact with their peers. They see learning as a way of impressing their peers and many value education as a focal point in their lives.

On the other hand boys tend to act out in order to impress their peers rather than show that they are intelligent and quite competent learners. This macho image is often quite negative and the behaviours associated with it, could lead the young man to be excluded from school. For instance, I am aware of a male student who some years ago needed to bond with other males in the group. However, the ways in which this manifested itself was very negative and included 'shaping up' to the male teachers. His 'laddish' behaviour became anti-social and he began to cross school boundaries. The inevitable happened, and had it not been for the pastoral support plan which was put in place through negotiation with the Head teacher of the school, the Head of the school year, his parents and the school counsellor, this particular young person would have been permanently excluded from school. Fortunately this did not happen and he was re-integrated back into the classroom, and was closely supervised by all concerned.

Proponents of the argument that boys and girls are not only socialised differently, but also compete in differing ways in school would further argue that boys need to take part in these 'rites of passage', however in so doing it may mean challenging the establishment and this in turn could lead to being permanently excluded from the educational system. If this were to happen it may damage their prospective academic achievements and future career prospects. Girls on the other hand tend to be socialised to interact and be supportive of each other. Most girls tend to talk, listen and share emotions, ideas and knowledge with each other, and while they too challenge authority figures it is often in a less confrontational manner. Arguably, girls are less likely to experience long term exclusion from school; and the continuity within their education may ensure they get better qualifications and eventually good jobs.

There are many ways to address the apparent differences in which boys and girls learn. Some might argue that single sex schools are one way of ensuring that the differing genders are able to compete on equal par with each other. Another strategy which might be implemented is for teachers to take the differing learning styles into account when planning lessons. It has for instance been suggested that some boys tend to learn better through visual stimuli which incorporates movement; and they also like dark colours such as browns and greys. While boys like darker colours girl student eyes are more inclined towards bright colours such as reds, yellows and oranges. These factors can be taken into account during the lesson to motivate and encourage both genders to participate in the learning activity. Teachers can also consider placing students in single-sex groups for a part of the lesson. If the argument holds true that separating boys and girls produces immediate academic improvements, then the environment should take this into consideration when educating young people.

It has been my experience, and this is supported by the Ofsted Report(1996) that not only are there differences in the learning styles between genders; but that boys, especially black boys tend to be disproportionally excluded from school. This report may encourage some understanding of the debate which illuminates that the 'macho' image presented by young black boys; which may or may not be an aspect of the rap music culture, is having an adverse effect on the educational achievement of males. While we cannot deal in absolutes I think it's fair to argue that some boys are more at risk in the educational system. For the most part girls are quite successful at school; and it is when they enter the male dominated workplace that their experiences may be less positive, and they are not as likely to be promoted as their male counterpart.

The socio-economic imbalance between genders can be challenged in numerous ways, not least of which is for teachers to continue to encourage girls to continue to be good at what is perceived as traditional boys or men's roles and careers. Other factors which could be taken into account are for girls to understand that they need not get pregnant too early. Being informed about birth control and managing their bodies should ensure that they do not become teenage mothers. It may also be useful to socialize girls slightly differently in contemporary society. While I believe in the sanctity of marriage, it does not have to be entered into too early, or if you marry at an early age, it should not necessitate the end of your career aspirations. Girls need to be goal focused and believe that they can realise their dreams and become astronauts, president and the heads of large corporations.

Veronica Williams

Your mind has a control room. Your mission today is to learn how to operate the controls. Learning this process now will give you the critical element you need to drive your business into fast forward mode. Of course you can apply the exercise to other areas of your life as well.

Please note, this is best experienced with an actual certified NLP practitioner but you can learn it here to use for yourself and practice it when you don't have access to a practitioner, much like you can learn self- hypnosis.

"The Control Room of your Mind", an NLP technique I will teach you here, is an exercise which will:

• Give you the confidence to do what you need to reach the next level in your business-building efforts.
• This process will help you access the control room of your mind.
• It will help you get to a higher level of consciousness where you can...
• Resolve your "programmed responses" (AKA problems).
• You can then redirect and re-program these old responses to fashion new ones which work better for your current life situations.

Wait, before we go there, here's a very brief definition of NLP for those who are new to this branch of Neuroscience: NLP is about changing our limiting beliefs.

• Neuro: Is about the neurons, which are the tools the brain uses to communicate
• Linguistic: Has to do with the language we use, the words we say to ourselves and others
• Programming: Is about configuring or setting up the way something works

For over 30 years, the field of NLP has developed many methods for freeing up and optimizing our beliefs to allow us to create new choices and possibilities. This particular process will also give you an increased awareness of your personal power. It can also enhance your creativity and disperse energy blockages. I used it recently to get "unstuck" from a nasty little procrastination habit I had. The result? You are reading about it right here; I finally started my online business after years of only talking about it!

Learning how to master your own thoughts and responses is a critical success factor in this increasingly competitive and complex world. Whether you are a high-powered executive or a practitioner in a small private practice - the more confidence you have in taking each new step, mastering each new business skill, sales or marketing technique - the more your business, clients and customers benefit!

When you think of this Control Room of Your Mind, this higher level can be seen as a computer. Your old, problematic responses to problems have been your DEFAULT mode. This mode has been set to respond the same way over and over, using only the limited resources you had in the past when you encountered and re-encountered similar problems. In order to bring about new and more efficient, workable responses, you have to give your mind new and clearer instructions. This is similar to a PROGRAM UPDATE to use computer language.

So, find yourself a comfy chair or sofa, turn on your favorite relaxing music, preferably with headsets so you do not have any distractions, and take this journey into the Control Room of Your Mind... (if you have a partner, friend, or family member who can read the script below, it will be much easier; otherwise you will need to read it to yourself and focus your attention on reading it while experiencing the words you're reading-this is not the recommended method of experiencing the exercise. I offer the script here as I want you to have this basic information to begin practicing so you can make practical business applications.

So, now, just allow yourself to think of an area of your business or practice in which you would like to experience some positive changes.....

"Imagine you have in front of you 10 steps leading UP to the Control Room of your mind. Very soon you will be moving into that very higher self level of consciousness, into the Control Room for your central nervous system and all the communications for your mind and body.

This system is the control center and directs all the functions - from your simple communication such as feelings and desires - to your complex processes of Internal Healing, body functions, behaviors and information processing.

The Mind/Body is a hologram which the central nervous system operates through the hypothalamus. This area of your brain acts as the computer operations and communications center for keeping current conditions stable. It also redirects and reprograms for newer, more healthy, workable changes.

Up until now your mind has done the best it could each step along your life's path, and has adapted to challenging experiences, in the best way that it knew how given the resources it had available at the time. And once the responses are set, it starts acting like a computer program from that moment on until these previous responses are reprogrammed.

Now is the time for you to become a more active participant and to redirect the programmed responses for a more favorable response with each step up....now you are moving to a higher level of your own consciousness and to the Control Room of Your Mind.

So, counting up...1...moving up to 2...a higher level of consciousness and choice with each step...3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10.

The doorway in front of you is the CONTROL ROOM. As you step forward, the door slides open quickly and easily and you are now in the CONTROL ROOM OF YOUR MIND.

Notice all the panels of lights-lights of different colors and different brightnesses. There are descriptive labels on each panel and each string of lights has a lever or control knob connected to it, connected to each part of the body and mind.

Let your attention move to that panel of lights which is connected to your most important business or life need right now...

Walk over to that panel and notice the response dial and the brightness or dimness of the energy and communications going to that area. That is the DEFAULT response that has been left in place. You now have the ability to change that. Using the control knob or lever, set the dial and the circuit brightness to the level that is most suitable for you now.

You don't even have to know how to do this yourself, because your unconscious mind already knows how. As you change the dial setting, the communications for that change is already speeding to that area of need and the changes you've made are happening.

There is a large 3-D Holographic Screen in the middle of the room. Notice as you use the control knob how the control circuits to every area change color or intensity as you change the settings. It is good, isn't it, to be more in control of your own needs!

Is it all right with the unconscious to now continue these changes and to carry out these new responses? If not, what do you need to allow the changes to take place? Take a moment to ask the different parts of your control room what needs to happen to improve the situation, or what belief needs to change to a more current and workable belief to make this desired change.

If yes, it is alright to make the changes, Very Good!

Is there any other are area that needs your attention and where you need a positive change? If yes, go to the Control Knob and repeat, noticing the color changes, the intensity changes as you change the settings. You can continue repeating these control knob settings changes to the other areas that need your attention.

Now, in a moment it will be time to return to a normal waking consciousness as the unconscious mind continues the process of change in all the important areas associated with your desires here.

Now moving back through the doorway as it closes securely behind you, and you return to normal waking consciousness.

10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1...Awakened and refreshed, Stretch! See yourself now in the future participating in your business tasks and overcoming whatever obstacle(s) you had before you entered the Control Room of Your Mind today. You can be confident that the changes you made will serve you well, and remind yourself to always go back to make adjustments whenever you wish. "

Disclaimer: Please Note-
The material in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counseling, therapy or medical treatment. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any pathology or diseased condition of the mind or body. This author will not be held responsible for any results of reading or applying the information. All the information, techniques, skills and concepts contained within this site are not in any way recommended in place of professional help, nor is it the intent of the site to overwrite such professional help. Use of the programs, advice, and information contained in this website is at the sole choice and risk of the reader.

Everyone is either looking for a job or a better job. There are hardly enough jobs to sustain all of us and this is because the number of people with professional skills increases everyday. Most people prefer to stay in their present jobs because they know that job openings do not come easily and when they do, the competition is unbearable.

As a matter of fact, it has been speculated that some jobs will loose their relevance in the job market. At the moment, disk jockeys (DJs) are no longer needed because there are softwares that have been developed specifically for mixing music which means that everyone and their mother can become a deejay.

Go Back To Class to Increase Your Chances

As competition in the job market continues to stiffen, only the highly competent will be able to secure jobs and that is why everyone should consider advancing their skills. Actually, its never too late to go back to class because the future has no place for people who are not aggressive enough.

Nowadays you do not need to be confined within the usual four walls because most institutions have rolled out distance learning programs so that learners can study from any part of the world.

The Nanotechnology Experts

Nanotechnology is one of the professions that will be in high demand. At the moment manufacturers are embracing nanotechnology to develop small but efficient systems that will be used in healthcare and military organizations.

If you are keen you must have noted that the size of machines such as TVs and phones is reducing drastically thanks to nanotechnology. In fact you will not be using your current cell phone and TV in the next 15 years or so because nanotechnology will make it possible to insert microchips under your skin for the purpose of communication. As a matter of fact, there will be about 2 million job openings for nanotechnology experts.

Space Employees

NASA is exploring ways of utilizing the space by having some people work there. If you have skills in space craft, don't give up because NASA will come calling and you will definitely get your dream job. Other employers in this field include Spacex and Virgin galaxy. But you need to prepare yourself ahead of time because you will be visiting planet earth after 5 or so years.

Wind Power Engineer

The world is going green and wind energy is probably the most reliable source of energy. The phenomenon is spreading first like forest fire as companies and homes invest in wind power. These wind turbines will definitely need to be repaired from time to time and that is where the big opportunity lies. You can either specialize in the creation and repair of the turbines or become a supply.

Genetic Counselors

It is believed that genetic counselors will help in remedying most common health problems that are being experienced today. A genetic counselor analyzes your genetic composition and identifies the illnesses that you are likely to suffer from and therefore recommend the appropriate medication. These professionals will be needed by health centers and they will also have the option of becoming practitioners.

Vertical Farmers

Humans can not survive without food and that is why farmers can never become absolute. In fact, the demand for food continues to increase with the rise in human population. On the other hand, the farms are becoming scarce and so people are opting to use the little space they have. As a matter of fact, some buildings in developed countries have gardens on their rooftops. Other than that, farming is now being done in gunny sacks that are considered convenient due to their mobility.

In a modern world, information technology (IT) is critical to a growing number of organisations. Employing the right IT professionals helps build a strong organization.

To build your organisation, it is important that when you recruit IT professionals, you employ the right one/s. Jim Collins notes in his book 'Good to Great' that a critical element for business success is getting the 'right people on the bus'.

With this in mind, we examine the five critical additional skills your new IT professionals must have beyond their IT skills.

Communication skills

The problem most common identified by recruiters and managers alike relating to IT professionals is poor communication skills. Some IT professionals are great communicators and work well in a team, others do not.

If your interviewee's idea of a good day at work is cutting code with the headphones in, and music on, you've got a problem. Increasingly, a top notch IT project requires input from a wide range of areas (marketing, finance, management, logistics etc.). It is critical your IT professional can communicate effectively with a range of people to get the best outcome for the organization - otherwise the project will suffer from numerous reworkings and delays.

Meeting deadlines

In IT land, time is money (in fact, this is true in a lot of areas). With the high rates that IT professionals can charge, it is critical that they complete their work by the agreed deadlines. This allows the business to progress at the pace it has planned. It also maintains managerial support for the IT function which, left unchecked, can become a bottomless money pit.

Meeting goals makes everyone happy. Unmet deadlines are a terrible drain on an organization and your IT professional can have a key role in determining which outcome you get.

Flexibility

Can you imagine setting off on a long journey by sea and discovering part way through that you are off-course? What if the person steering the ships advises that they are not prepared to change direction? Sound ludicrous?

Unfortunately, this scenario in the context of an IT project is not unheard of, eg. where one of the key players (the IT professional) refuses to change course or drags their feet. Experienced project managers know full too well that the number of course corrections during a project can be enormous.

In fact, arriving at a different outcome from that originally envisaged is commonplace in project management. An inflexible IT professional can have a massive negative impact in this regard.

Understanding business needs

A sound understanding of business needs and/or a willingness to really try to understand what the project needs is a must for any competent IT professional. It would be easy for the IT professional to work towards a solution that is the prettiest / most challenging / most enjoyable / newest technology etc. without producing what the organization requires.

What's needed is a patient and thorough understanding of the business needs. IT professionals that are really skilled in this area are great at getting the various operational areas to think through and enunciate what they really need.

Reliability

Ever worked with an overpromiser? Frustrating isn't it. It is hard to know which is worse - someone who agrees to everything but doesn't deliver, or someone who won't commit to much and delivers just that.

With the overpromiser, deadlines routinely run over, costs blow out and projects are generally time frames are underestimated. This causes frustration in the organization and a lack of commitment from management going forward. A reliable, skilled IT professional who does what they say they are going to do is worth their weight in gold.

Summary

When you recruit an IT professional the required IT skills (eg. struts, jsp, php, Java etc.) is a key place to start but it is not enough. Your new employee needs to be an effective communicator, meet deadlines set (or tell you when they're unrealistic), be flexible, understand business needs, and be reliable. These skills must be uncovered during the interview process or you can end up with a millstone around your neck that can be expensive and time-delaying to get rid of.

Let me start by giving you a little background information about myself. I by birthright was born and raised an Ole Miss Rebel fan. As a child I fell in love with the Rebels when my long time friend's father took both of us to watch the Rebels play the home games in 1992. Back then the Rebels were good but not great. A glaring weakness was the quarterback position. I had always hoped that the Rebels could land a game changing signal caller. One day in 1999 came along a quarterback the team and the program would never forget.

Elisha "Eli" Nelson Manning was born January 3, 1981. He was the son of former NFL and Ole Miss great Archie Manning. Eli was only 3 when his father retired from the NFL, therefore, he was too young to see his father play. His older brother is NFL great Peyton Manning. Both Archie and Peyton played quarterback. So obviously Eli was born to be a quarterback. Eli was the youngest of 3 sons. Both Cooper and Peyton were older and more outgoing than Eli. His brothers were high school standouts. Cooper was an all state wide receiver. He received a scholarship from Ole Miss but unfortunately his career was cut short when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Peyton went on to play at the University of Tennessee. He did very well and was picked #1 overall by the Indianapolis Colts.

Eli was a shy child and wasn't exuberant like his brothers. He was rather reserved and kept to himself. He and his mother shared a special bond. They were the quiet ones in the family. To give you an example of Eli's personality, he once came home from a baseball game and someone asked him at the dinner table how the game went. Eli kind of shrugged it off and said it went fine. Come to find out later Eli had hit the game winning home run in the 9th inning. That's just the type of kid he was. He was modest and didn't want to draw attention to himself. As a freshman, he was named the starting quarterback and earned all-state honors for his high school team. How spoiled was this high school program? They got Peyton Manning, he graduated and then came Eli. His senior year, USA Today named him high school player of the year. In 1998, many universities were looking to recruit him. He narrowed down his choices to LSU, Florida State, Virginia, Texas, and Ole Miss.

In 1999, Eli enrolled at the University of Mississippi. One of his major reasons for choosing Ole Miss was the new head coach David Cutcliffe. He was the former coach of Eli's brother Peyton at Tennessee. In 1999, the team red shirted Eli. By the 2000 season Eli was an active member of the team. He did not start because they had Romero Miller who was a viable option at quarterback at the time. Ole Miss made it to the Music City Bowl that year. That game was Eli's coming out party. He was the backup until early in the 4th quarter. With the team trailing 49-16 Cutcliffe decided to see what he had in his young quarterback. The team roared back under Manning. They closed the gap but ultimately fell to West Virginia 49-38. The Ole Miss faithful got a taste of what was to come. The Eli Manning era had officially begun.

The 2001 season Eli had to carry the team. He led them to a 7-6 record and an Independence Bowl win over Nebraska 27-23. Late in the 2002 season, Eli's late game heroics made NFL scouts take notice. Many NFL teams had hopes that Eli would leave early for the draft after his Junior campaign. In 2003, Eli decided to stay for his Senior season. He felt he had unfinished business at the University of Mississippi. Ole Miss fans everywhere rejoiced. That year Eli led the Rebels to a Cotton Bowl victory over Oklahoma State 31-28. Ole Miss finished with a 10-3 record. Such a record was unheard of at Ole Miss. He ended his college career with all the school's passing records. He had 10,119 yards passing, 81 touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 137.7. Eli earned the SEC player of the year award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award, the Sporting News Radio Socrates award, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete award.

Before the draft he was sought after by many teams, one of whom was the New York Giants. However, the Giants could not work a deal and Eli was picked 1st by the San Diego Chargers. Eli, with the advisement of his family, openly expressed prior that he did not want to play for the Chargers. Shortly after the pick, Eli was dealt in a trade to the Giants for their pick Philip Rivers. The Giants had to give up 3 additional draft picks to get Manning. The then Giants GM Ernie Accorsi had scouted Eli and he thought there was no price too big to pay for this quarterback. Accorsi wrote in his notes: "Has courage and poise. In my opinion, most of all, he has that quality you can't define. I call it MAGIC. Peyton had much better talent around him at Tennessee. But I honestly give this guy a chance to be better than his brother. If this guy comes out early,we should move up to get him.These guys are rare, you know. Bobby Boyd told me once about Unitas, Two things set him apart: His left testicle and his right testicle." Early on it looked as if it may have been a bad trade for the Giants. Eli had some struggles his first couple years as most young quarterbacks do. It was once considered that perhaps Eli was a bust. However, the team around him wasn't great either and that didn't help matters. Accorsi retired in 2006 and attended a game in which the Giants lost to the Packers leaving them 0-2. As Accorsi was leaving a Giants fan said to him angrily "Accorsi, thanks for leaving us with this mess."

In the 2007 season, Eli led the Giants to a 10-6 record. They earned their way to the Super Bowl to play the undefeated New England Patriots. No team had ever been 18-0 and the Patriots wanted to be the first team to hoist the Lombardi trophy at 19-0. The Patriots were led by Tom Brady, a 3 time Super Bowl winning quarterback. Late in the 4th quarter, the Giants were leading the game 10-7. It was a defensive struggle. Predictably, the great Tom Brady led the Patriots down the field and on 3rd and goal inside the 10 yard line they took the lead 14-10. Eli had 2 minutes and 39 seconds left on the season to prove Accorsi right. Ernie Accorsi, a year after retirement,was watching the game at home and with tears in his eyes said to his son Michael "If he's going to be what we thought he was going to be, he does it now." The Pats kicked the ball off and the Giants returned it to the 14 yard line. The Giants struggled, moving the ball a little at a time. On 3rd and 5 from their own 44 yard line occurred the most memorable play in Super Bowl history. I am sure Giants fans still get goosebumps when they watch the replay. Eli dropped back, broke away from the grasp of multiple defensive lineman and heaved it down field to David Tyree. Tyree jumped in the air and with one hand pinned the ball against his helmet to make the catch. With 35 seconds left Eli threw a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress to give the Giants the lead 17-14. It was a lead in which the Giants defense would not relenquish. The Giants were Super Bowl XLII champions and Eli Manning was named Super Bowl MVP.

Before the 2011 season, Eli was asked whether he was an Elite quarterback and in Tom Brady's class. He said that he bElieved he was thus insinuating he was one of the better quarterbacks in the league. This statement brought about much skepticism. Many critics scoffed at the idea that he could even be considered in the Elite class . The season prior Eli had 31 touchdowns but also led the NFL with 25 interceptions. The Giants finished that season 10-6 but could not make the playoffs. Eli backed his comments up in 2011 and became known as the most clutch quarterback in football. He led the NFL with 6 fourth quarter comebacks and added 2 more in the playoffs. The Giants finished the 2011 regular season on a tear winning the division in the final week against the Dallas Cowboys. In that game Eli threw his record breaking 15th fourth quarter touchdown.

In the first game of the playoffs, the Giants dominated the Atlanta Falcons the entire game and won 24-2. Eli threw 3 touchdown passes. The next round of the playoffs, the Giants traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin to face the 15-1 Green Bay Packers. In that game, Eli torched the defense for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Giants won 37-20. The NFC Championship game was at the San Francisco 49ers. Eli was battered and bruised in this game. He was hit 20 times and sacked 6 times. It was truly a heroic performance. The Niners were the top defense in the league and Eli took a tremendous beating. Eli finished with over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Giants won the game in overtime 20-17 on a kick from Lawrence Tynes.

Super Bowl XLVI was a rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The great Tom Brady against Eli Manning. It seemed fitting that these teams met in a Super Bowl rematch because Super Bowl XLII was one for the ages. The Giants took an early lead when Eli threw a touchdown pass to Victor Cruz giving them a 9-0 lead. By halftime however, the Patriots went into the locker room with a 10-9 advantage. The Pats came out of halftime like gangbusters and marched down the field taking a 17-9 lead. This would be the last time the Patriots would score. The Giants added a pair of field goals later in the game to cut the lead to 17-15. Late in the 4th quarter the Pats drove down the field and ate up some clock. Tom Brady missed on a pass to Wes Welker and were eventually forced to punt.Finally the Giants got the ball back with 3:45 left on the clock. Thus setting the stage for yet another Eli Manning 4th quarter comeback. With the ball on the 12 yard line the Giants snapped the ball to Manning. He looked off the safety to the right and fired a 38 yard missile down the left sidEline to Mario Manningham. Eli finished off the drive with a hand off to Ahmad Bradshaw for the go ahead touchdown. The score was now 21-17 after the missed 2 pt conversion. Tom Brady's efforts to win the game came up short when his last second heave to the end zone fell incomplete. Once again Eli and the Giants were Super Bowl Champions. Manning earned his second Super Bowl MVP.

Accorsi deserves a lot of credit in landing Eli for the Giants. It was as if he could see through the young man's soul. Eli has become Montana-like in his late game heroics. He has earned high praise as one of the best late game performers of all time. Accorsi recalled a moment many years ago when he had worked with Milt Davis, a former scout for the Baltimore Colts. At that point Johnny Unitas was in his later stages of his career with the Colts. He had torn tendons in his shoulder and struggled to throw the football. He asked Davis if he thought they could still win with Unitas at quarterback. What Davis told him he would never forget. Davis said "Ernie, let me tell you something, this is how you judge a quarterback: Can he take the team down the field with the championship on the line and get it in the end zone?" This stuck with him for years and after the Giants won Super Bowl 42 he called Davis. He said, "If I don't stand on that field with you in Golden, Colo., all those years ago, I don't make this trade for Eli Manning." Later when reflecting on his career, Accorsi said, "there are very few curtain calls, and this is like a curtain call for me."

Ernie Accorsi and Eli Manning will be forever linked in history for their accomplishments. No one will ever forget what they have done for the New York Football Giants. After many trials and tribulations, Accorsi came out looking like a prognosticator and a genius for what he saw in a young man from Ole Miss. As for the legend of Eli, his Hall of Fame career continues and only time will tell how many times he will lead his team down the field to victory.