Saturday, June 5, 2010

South Korea refers North to UN over ship sinking

South Korea has referred North Korea to the United Nations over the sinking of its warship in March.
An international investigation found that North Korea was responsible, an accusation the North denies.
South Korea has not spelled out what action it wants the UN to take, although it has not asked for sanctions against the North.
Tensions between the two Koreas have increased since the sinking in which 46 sailors were killed.
In a speech to an Asian security conference in Singapore, South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak said: "North Korea must admit its wrongdoing."
Robert Gates in Singapore on 4 June 2010Mr Gates said joint US-South Korea military exercises could be postponed
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who is attending the conference, said planned joint US-South Korean military exercises may be delayed until the UN decides what action it will take.
"It is not clear exactly what path the Republic of Korea intends to pursue in the UN, whether it's a resolution or a president's letter," Mr Gates said.
Earlier he had said that Washington and Seoul were looking into holding additional military manoeuvres in response to the sinking, to reassure Seoul.
But he said North Korea was "more unpredictable than usual".
This is the first time that South Korea has taken North Korea to the UN Security Council for an inter-Korean dispute.
However, the UN is unlikely to back sanctions: North Korea's closest ally, China, has a veto on the Security Council.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

How do You Use Body Language to Read Minds?


Human Resources, Military, CIA, FBI, Police and just your average person use it, why can't you?..


How do You Use Body Language to Read Minds?
Body language is used every day by human resources professionals, law enforcement officers, teachers, and other people in positions of authority who need to make quick assessments about people they encounter. Those who can read body language know that:
  • 55% of communication is nonverbal
  • The human body can produce 700,000 different signs
  • The fastest way to build a rapport with another person is to mirror their actions
  • 7% of communication is nonverbal
'Mentalists' are people who have become experts at reading body language and use it to make appear that they are reading minds. 'The Mentalist', a popular TV series on CBS, is reviving the art of the mentalist.
What is a mentalist?
A mentalist is someone who uses observations of behavior to determine what a person may be thinking or feeling.
What are some physical cues used by mentalists?
Crossed arms, pupil dilation, leaning into someone, crossing the legs and the involuntary touching of the neck can all be used by a mentalist to interpret someone's thoughts.
What are some forms of mentalism?
Fortune tellers, psychics, professional interviewers and police interrogators all use some form of mentalism.
  • Cold reading: Takes cues from a person's body language, clothes, speech and ethnicity to make assumptions about a person and convince them that they know what they are thinking
  • Hot reading: Requires some previous knowledge of the subject, either first-hand or through an assistant. The subject does not know that the mentalist has such previous knowledge.
  • Forer effect: Psychologist Bertram R. Forer developed this technique in 1948. The mentalist makes vague statements that could apply to anyone and leads the subject to think they are tailored specifically to them.
Who are some famous Mentalists?
Some of the most famous mentalists are Erik Jan Hanussen, Grigori Rasputin, Wolf Messing, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro.
Do people notice your body language when you're talking to them?
Most don't notice at all. They may observe it subconsciously and react, though. So, if you know how body language works, you might be able to communicate more effectively.
If my wife crosses her arms when I tell her something, what does it mean?
It may mean that she does not like what you have to say or does not believe you.
If I cross my arms, will people think I don't want to listen to them?
It might. Try and keep an open, relaxed stance and you may seem more approachable.
I have an itchy neck. Will people believe anything I say?
Many of these visual cues are not consciously picked up, so someone might not believe you, but not understand why. Get some ointment!
Will my pupils always dilate if I see someone I find attractive?
Most of the time they will. Be careful when looking at the pool boy around your husband!
Will I seem nervous if I cross my arms, lean forward and scratch my neck?
Yes, you might. Try crossing your legs while leaning back.
Do the police use these techniques?
Frequently. There are experts in law enforcement whose job it is to 'read' people. It can be very effective in determining someone's honesty.
Why did people believe Rasputin?
He was famous for his ability to 'read' people's minds. As this is not possible, he must have been an amazing mentalist.
Can anyone be fooled by mentalists?
Of course. Many so-called fortune tellers use these techniques all the time to read people's reactions and give them a fortune that seems to fit the person.
How can I communicate more effectively?
Try to copy the mannerisms of the person you are speaking with. React the way they do and you might find them more willing to communicate.
If 55% of communication is non-verbal and 7% is verbal, what is the other 38% of communication?
Maybe that part involves bribery; donuts and cookies are a perfect form of communication!
Are these techniques the same ones used in the show 'The Mentalist'?
Some of them. The titular character in the show uses these same visual cues and studies people's mannerisms to figure out what they are thinking.
My horoscope always seems to be right about me. Am I being tricked?
Horoscopes are general and vague in their predictions, so they might fit anyone. Try reading horoscopes for other astrological signs other than yours, and you may find that they fit you as well.
If you think that not talking will stop you from communicating you are dead wrong. There are so many visual cues that give away your thoughts that you may be revealing far more than you think. You may even be picking up on much more of what others are thinking. You may find yourself disliking another person for an unknown reason or you might feel like someone is trustworthy and kind, without their saying a word to you. These can all be due to things that you sense, but may not be conscious of.
Magicians have used mentalism for centuries to fool others. From generalized statements about the future, to reading people's reactions when they 'perform', these showmen (and women) can be very effective in making it seem like they have some hidden knowledge or power.
Mentalists are acutely aware of behavior and body language and observe them to try and determine what you are thinking or feeling. From magicians to detectives, the study of mentalism can be used to produce some amazing results. So next time a 'psychic' seems to know your life story or the FBI agent looks like he doesn't believe you, think about how you are acting. It may surprise you how much you give away!

By:
www.chacha.com

Friday, May 28, 2010

Really Like Coffee? Here is how to "How To Order Starbucks Drinks With Confidence"



  Ordering Starbucks drinks can be a little nerve racking and confusing. If you're a new to the lingo, or you feel like the help behind the counter gives you a blank stare trying to figure out what you're asking for, then all you need is a little simple explanation. This how-to guide should come in handy.
Whether it's a deliberate Starbucks ploy, or it just simply evolved over time, there's actually a legitimate reason for the Starbucks drinks ordering lingo. In the spirit of efficient customer service, the drink order naming convention helps keep the line at the order counter moving, and helps insure you get the drink you're after.
First, the person behind the counter has to be sure they understand your order. Customer satisfaction starts with making sure you get the drink you want. There are enough variations and options ordering drinks, and its easy for the person taking your order to get it wrong.
Second, the person taking your order usually has to hand it off to someone else who will prepare your drink. Its harder and leaves more chance for error if the order person has to translate your request into something the drink maker will understand. Behind the counter, Starbucks employees need an efficient system to call out drinks consistently and accurately as they fill your order.
And be sure to check out our latest "Discount Starbucks Gift Cards" service. This is a perfect way to save money on your Starbucks drink budget.
OK, that's enough background and explanation. Here's how the lingo works.



Step 1. Hot or Iced Drink?
The default is hot. If you want a cold or iced drink, the first word in your drink order should be "iced".

Step 2. Coffee drinks come in four sizes.
  • Short: 8 oz.
  • Tall: 12 oz.
  • Grande: 16 oz.
  • Venti: 20 oz. The iced drinks are actually 24 oz. in the venti size. The hot drinks are 20 oz. in the venti size. In Italian, the word "venti" means 20.

Step 3. Choose your drink beverage
  • Coffee - brewed coffee, featured coffee of the day, usually have several choices that include at least one stronger, darker roast, and a milder roast.
  • Latte - espresso and steamed milk. This is the base for several other coffee beverages when you add different syrups and vary the milk, including a mocha, white mocha.
  • Americano - espresso and hot water. This is a diluted version of espresso coffee, made popular in the US.
  • Espresso Con Panna - espresso with whipped cream. "con panna" means "with cream" in Italian. The "whipped" style of using "whipped cream" is a Starbucks offering that seems to meet with definite customer approval. This drink is ordered by the number of shots (see step #6) rather than the drink size.
  • Espresso Machiatto - espresso with a small spoon of foamed milk on the top. The Starbucks baristas usually get the machiatto wrong with much too much foamed milk on top. Machiatto means "marked" in Italian, and the properly prepared drink should have just a touch of foam.
  • Caramel Machiatto - very little similarity to a machiatto, this drink is better described as a "vanilla latte" with caramel sauce drizzled on the top. The caramel doesn't dissolve that easily, so you may need to stir and mix it up a bit when you receive the drink.
  • Cafe Au Lait or Misto - this is a brewed coffee with steamed milk. "Misto" is the Starbucks name for the more generic "cafe au lait" name.
  • Cappuccino - one of the most popular espresso drinks done in three layers. 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk on the top. Its actually a tricky drink to prepare well. Powdered cinnamon or cocoa can be sprinkled on the top as a garnish.
  • Frappuccino - a popular Starbucks original, this is a blended iced beverage with a creme and coffee base. The added flavors and toppings vary.
  • Mocha - espresso and steamed milk with some chocolate syrup added, served with spritz of whipped cream on the top.
  • White Mocha - Same as a "Mocha" but with white chocolate syrup. White chocolate syrup is a but sweeter than regular chocolate syrup.
  • Mocha Valencia - Same as a "Mocha" but with orange syrup instead of chocolate syrup. You probably won't see this on the Starbucks menu any longer, and some of the newer baristas may not be familiar with the drink, but you can still order a Mocha Valencia.
  • Other drinks include Tea, Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider, Lemonade, etc. but this guide is about ordering the coffee drinks.

Step 4. Wet or Dry
For coffee drinks that include milk and foam, "dry" means more foam and less milk and "wet"means more milk and less foam. For even more dry, say "extra dry".

Step 5. How strong do you like your drink? Specify the number of espresso shots
  • Single - one shot of espresso, the standard or normal amount for "tall" sized drinks (except Mocha Valencias and Americanos)
  • Double - two shots of espresso, the standard amount for "grande" sized drinks, and hot "venti" sized drinks. For Mocha Valencias and Americanos, two shots is the standard for the "tall" size.
  • Triple - three shots of espresso, the standard amount for "grande" and "venti" sized Mocha Valencias and Americanos. And the standard amount for iced or cold "venti" sized drinks.
  • Quad - four shots of espresso. Go for the max caffeine blast!

Step 6. Choose the type of milk or creamer
  • Default - 2% milk.
  • Skinny - non-fat milk if you're trying to cut down on calories.
  • Whole milk - if the store provides
  • Organic milk - if the store provides
  • Soy - silk soymilk if you prefer a milk substitute

Step 7. Extra directions
  • Extra hot - if the coffee drinks aren't quite hot enough in temperature, you can request extra hot. But be careful not to burn your tongue, these drinks can be over 170 Degrees (F).
  • No foam - without any foam
  • No Whip - without any whipped cream
  • Room for cream - leave some extra room to add cream, or milk
  • Extra ice - more ice in your iced drink
  • Light ice - less ice in your iced drink
  • Sweet 'n' Low, Equal, Splenda - you can ask the barista to use a sugar free sweetener when your drink is prepared.

OK, let's put it all together with a few Starbucks Drinks examples.
Let's say you would like an the biggest 20oz sized iced mocha, with only one shot of espresso (instead of the standard three shots for drink that size) and without any whipped cream. Say "Iced Single Venti Mocha, No Whip".
You would like a Cappuccino in a 12 oz size, but would like an extra shot of espresso instead of the standard single shot for a hot drink that size. And you would like considerably more foam than steamed milk. Ask for a "Double Tall Cappuccino, Extra Dry".
OK, you should get the hang of it. This guide should help you with the Starbucks Drinks ordering basics. It can get a bit more complicated, but this should have you ordering the most popular Starbucks drinks with confidence.
For a helpful pictorial view, see our "Espresso Drinks Visual Guide"
Be sure to check out our new "Discount Starbucks Gift Cards" service. This is a great way to save money on your Starbucks drink budget.


by:
http://gourmet-coffee-zone.com

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Do People Really Click Those Google Ads?


It’s a crazy world, this one we live in, isn’t it? “Why yes it is, Josh,” you say, “but what makes you say so on this very day?” You’re in luck, because I feel like elaborating.
You’d have to be living in a cave if you hadn’t heard about Google’s astronomical rise to the top of the business world over the last few years. The company’s stock price hovers between 1 and 2 zillion dollars per share, giving it a market cap of (roughly speaking) several hundred jillion dollars. To put that in layman’s terms, Google is worth more than Germany, New York City, Saturn, Brad Pitt, Lindsay Lohan and the Church of Scientology combined. But enough with the hard-and-fast numbers. My point is: Google is phenomenally successful. They are doing something very, very right.
Even more remarkable than Google’s success is the fact that all of that money comes from essentially one source: those little blue (or sometimes white, and recently even yellow) ads that appear every time you do a search. The ones that say “sponsored links”. That’s right: Google is a one-trick pony. All of those jillions come from people around the globe doing Google searches, seeing one of those sponsored links and then clicking on it. That’s all there is to Google’s business right now (yes, they have several hundred pet projects/irons in the fire, but when I say “business,” I mean “something that makes actual money.”)
And still, despite all that… it’s very common for us to be in discussions with potential clients who just aren’t quite convinced that Google is somewhere they can dig up new customers. “I’m just not sure if anyone clicks those paid links,” say the doubters. “I don’t click them. I never click them. I just don’t see why anyone would click those, knowing they’re paid ads.”
Now, just to recap two important points: 1) Google makes over $1 billion in profitevery quarter from people clicking those paid links, and 2) Legions of people still are not sure whether people click those paid links.
This, ladies and gents, is why I began this post by declaring this world to be crazy. Now, I am not in the habit of making sport of potential customers, especially in a public forum; instead, consider this post a simple gesture of kindness to disspell whatever doubt may be remaining out there about whether people are clicking those paid Google ads. I’ve put together this easy, five-point guide to cover the subject. Remember these five points about those paid Google ads:
  1. People are clicking those paid Google ads.
  2. People are clicking those paid Google ads.
  3. People are clicking those paid Google ads.
  4. The Yankees are finally going to have a losing season, which delights me. (Thought I’d slip that one in there).
  5. People are clicking those paid ads.
Now, does that mean that doing pay-per-click advertising is definitely going to be a profitable endeavor for you? Whoa there, my friend…you’re getting ahead of yourself. That’s another topic for another day. Until then, keep checking back for my next post, and here’s hoping the Yankees keep stinking it up on the field.

http://www.straightforwardmedia.com/blog/images/josh_small.jpg

By Josh Barsch

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Two Great Movies

Robin Hood

The number one movie in the world.  One of those great movies that will inspire.  Who does not know the story, I guess that is why its number one.  Russell Crowe does a great job.  Here is a clip.





The Karate Kid

    with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith (Wil Smiths' son) looks pretty good also. I can't wait actually my kids can't wait to see it. Jackie Chan in the clip looks like he is outstanding.