Friday, August 21, 2009
Law of the Garbage Truck
A chain email worth sharing.
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of the parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the Hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of the parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the Hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Summer, Summer Time...
Ahh I'm so excited that the weather is FINALLY getting nice and as you all know, that means... cute clothes, tans, alfresco dining and the beach.
Friday, March 20, 2009
BR Spring Sale - Enough Said
Plaid Shift Dress A ladylike work shift dress smartens up with a chic plaid pattern. A batueau neckline adds a feminine accent. V neckline in back.
$89.99
$89.99
Daily Candy
Daily Candy is a must see site! The simplicity of the sites are refreshing and better yet, happy. Every time I wonder over to their sites it’s like a breath of fresh air.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Life Changing...
Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you! - Christian D. Larson
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Little Luck Clover
Said to bring good fortune to all those that stumble upon this rare clover, each leaflet bestows a new piece of luck. According to legend, each beholder will be blessed with hope, faith, love, and happiness. Approximate dimensions: 1/2” x 1/2" x 1/8”. Made in New York.
Sterling Silver on Silver chain - $148
14kt Yellow Gold on 14kt Yellow Gold chain - $618
Diamond (.15 carats) with 14kt White Gold chain - $948
Sleek sophistication that reflects life through design defines our accessories. Uniquely appealing with both luxurious style and substance, Alex Woo designs are fashionably fresh and contemporary, yet are never eclipsed by the trend of the moment.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
DON'T FALL PREY - Ponzi scheme
Many of the people who lost money in the alleged fraud case involving Bernard Madoff were sophisticated and successful. It may be surprising to learn that those investors put billions of dollars into what is being labeled as one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in history. The sums may be shocking, but the dynamics at work in the case are familiar.
How could the SEC let this happen?
Madoff and his firm, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, were subject to oversight by the SEC. He didn't run a hedge fund, but some investors who gave Madoff and his firm money to manage have already described management tactics that were secretive at best, akin to the experience some investors have with hedge funds.
The SEC has a broad oversight mission that includes watching over securities exchanges, brokers and dealers, investment advisers and mutual funds. So with all this regulation, how could Madoff's alleged Ponzi scheme happen?
Critics say the agency fell down on the job.
"It's a huge failure," says Stephen Davis, a senior fellow at the Millstein Center for Corporate Governance at the Yale University School of Management. "Here you have an agency that is relied on as the investor's advocate. They let this one go. It's just so big that it dwarfs the size of many of the funds the SEC is supposed to regulate, and yet they seem to have missed the boat."
Davis says it's not just a case of hindsight. He says some of the warning signs the SEC should have seen include the firm's caginess about what it disclosed and that it was using a small, unknown auditor to handle such a large fund.
How do I avoid falling prey to one of these schemes?
It's not an easy task, especially if someone has an illustrious list of clients that he can use as references. But if a fund promises returns that are so out of whack with what well-managed and respected funds are able to deliver in the same market conditions, then that could be a warning sign.
In addition to relying on common sense, investors also need to do some of their own homework to gauge whether a fund and its investment manager are trustworthy. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. And that may be reason enough to walk away.
It's also important to read your financial statements. You should be able to tell if your money is invested in stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate or money markets. If you have no idea what kind of assets the fund or management company is investing in or if you can't tell from your statement, that's not a good sign. And if the statement just contains the "opening" and "closing" balance, then that's not adequate disclosure.
It's also not a good idea for investors to have all of their assets tied up in one fund or with one investment adviser. If the fund or adviser doesn't have a long track record and an established reputation like Vanguard, Fidelity Investments or Charles Schwab, then do your research before investing. Is it registered with the SEC? Find out if there's any track record of complaints, lawsuits, fines or violations.
The SEC has a broad oversight mission that includes watching over securities exchanges, brokers and dealers, investment advisers and mutual funds. So with all this regulation, how could Madoff's alleged Ponzi scheme happen?
This incident may hasten changes to the financial landscape. It's likely to become one of many issues that will go under the microscope in 2009 when consumer advocates, federal regulators and Congress weigh in on financial regulatory reform.
How could the SEC let this happen?
Madoff and his firm, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, were subject to oversight by the SEC. He didn't run a hedge fund, but some investors who gave Madoff and his firm money to manage have already described management tactics that were secretive at best, akin to the experience some investors have with hedge funds.
The SEC has a broad oversight mission that includes watching over securities exchanges, brokers and dealers, investment advisers and mutual funds. So with all this regulation, how could Madoff's alleged Ponzi scheme happen?
Critics say the agency fell down on the job.
"It's a huge failure," says Stephen Davis, a senior fellow at the Millstein Center for Corporate Governance at the Yale University School of Management. "Here you have an agency that is relied on as the investor's advocate. They let this one go. It's just so big that it dwarfs the size of many of the funds the SEC is supposed to regulate, and yet they seem to have missed the boat."
Davis says it's not just a case of hindsight. He says some of the warning signs the SEC should have seen include the firm's caginess about what it disclosed and that it was using a small, unknown auditor to handle such a large fund.
How do I avoid falling prey to one of these schemes?
It's not an easy task, especially if someone has an illustrious list of clients that he can use as references. But if a fund promises returns that are so out of whack with what well-managed and respected funds are able to deliver in the same market conditions, then that could be a warning sign.
In addition to relying on common sense, investors also need to do some of their own homework to gauge whether a fund and its investment manager are trustworthy. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. And that may be reason enough to walk away.
It's also important to read your financial statements. You should be able to tell if your money is invested in stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate or money markets. If you have no idea what kind of assets the fund or management company is investing in or if you can't tell from your statement, that's not a good sign. And if the statement just contains the "opening" and "closing" balance, then that's not adequate disclosure.
It's also not a good idea for investors to have all of their assets tied up in one fund or with one investment adviser. If the fund or adviser doesn't have a long track record and an established reputation like Vanguard, Fidelity Investments or Charles Schwab, then do your research before investing. Is it registered with the SEC? Find out if there's any track record of complaints, lawsuits, fines or violations.
The SEC has a broad oversight mission that includes watching over securities exchanges, brokers and dealers, investment advisers and mutual funds. So with all this regulation, how could Madoff's alleged Ponzi scheme happen?
This incident may hasten changes to the financial landscape. It's likely to become one of many issues that will go under the microscope in 2009 when consumer advocates, federal regulators and Congress weigh in on financial regulatory reform.
Joshua Brockman With additional reporting by NPR's Jim Zarroli and The Associated Press
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Garden of Elegance
Give in to temptation. Adorn yourself with luxuries fashioned after Mother Nature's finest creations. Whether it's brilliant diamonds or precious metals you desire, these forbibben fruits are your for the taking.
Caresse d'orchidées par Cartier ring
Pink gold, diamonds, rubies, pink sapphires, rhodolite garnet - $77,400
Lovely sterling silver hummingbird pin with marcasite accents - $185.00
Keemee gilded-leaves bracelet
18 karat gold - $8,580
Kate Spade Daisy Bib Necklace
A bed of sweet daisies defines a lovely layered chain necklace. Brass/white metal/enamel. - $325
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring 2009 Look
My Secret Tavel Weapon
i love you KAYAK
I'm in the process of planning a little trip to Hawaii w. JP, and after spending hours searching the internet for the best deal I stumbled along http://www.kayak.com/. My new favorite travel website - it searches all the travel websites, airlines & hotels! and reports back to you with the best rates!
For the complete girl-about-town look, it's all about THE RIGHT ACCESSORY. Check out Alexis Bittar...
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Reclaim Romance: 8 Weekend Trips to Spice Things Up
Yes, baby, it is cold outside. And you have two choices: Hunker down under the blankets and spend your weekend in bed, or get out there and spice things up with a Valentine's Day getaway. These eight winter weekend trips are scattered across the country, and they're all designed to be a short drive (or flight) away—because nothing kills the mood like layovers or lost luggage. These getaways are low on price, low on hassle, and high on romance, making them ideal winter trips long past February 14.
What is your idea of a romantic weekend away?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
When it becomes 50°+ in NYC this equals throngs of people eager to find any excuse to get out! For CD and I this was all to true. In honor of the first really nice day (in a looooooooooooong cold winter) we stopped into Union Square Café for a lite lunch. And the food was so much more than we had expected, but the pretentious crowd/wantabe high-end tourist and the cute waiters left much to be desired.
But back to the food, which left us daydreaming about it all afternoon. CD had this grilled beef sirloin & rocket arugula salad with mushroom vinaigrette and parmigiano reggiano ($22) & I had the USC Burger – grilled and served on a homemade poppy seed bun with french fries and cheddar ($15).
Union Square Cafe 21 East 16th Street btwn Union Square West and 5th Ave.
4 forks = Best
3 forks = Good
2 forks = Fair
1 fork = Poor
But back to the food, which left us daydreaming about it all afternoon. CD had this grilled beef sirloin & rocket arugula salad with mushroom vinaigrette and parmigiano reggiano ($22) & I had the USC Burger – grilled and served on a homemade poppy seed bun with french fries and cheddar ($15).
Union Square Cafe 21 East 16th Street btwn Union Square West and 5th Ave.
4 forks = Best
3 forks = Good
2 forks = Fair
1 fork = Poor
The Royal Treatment
The Royalton’s Bar 44 is the perfect after work bar for the wantabe fashionistas and beautiful. After locating the lobby manager you are escorted to the stylish, comfy (looking) couches that you and your friends can lounge around in, sip Grey Goose & Pineapple ($16) or a Pinot Nior ($17 per glass) to die for, people watch, find the new hot trends or meet a blind date...
ROYALTON HOTEL
Bar 44
44 West 44th Street New York, New York 10036
Tel. 212 869 4400 Fax 212 869 8965
Reservations US 800 697 1791
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)