How to Win Friends and Influence People- Dale Carnegie

Though it may sound like a manual for manipulation, How to Win Friends and Influence People is still one of the most inspirational and useful books dealing in interpersonal communication, even though it was first published in 1937. The book encourages sincerity and seeking the beauty in people, proposing that we don’t truly influence a person until we like and respect them first. I believe this to be an essential read for those in leadership positions, particularly dealing in things like employee performance management.

The 4 Hour Work Week- Tim Ferriss

Author Tim Ferriss is certainly a sensationalist marketer, yet despite the hype title, the point he makes is that people can reexamine what they want from life and explore possibilities that give them more time to do things they are passionate about. Very often, the boundaries people feel entrapped by are in great part self-imposed. Though the Tim Ferris philosophy is not for everyone, it certainly gives a fresh perspective on the nature of work.

Getting Things Done- David Allen

In 2007, Time Magazine called Getting Things Done “the self-help business book of its time”. Author David Allen gained notoriety in corporate circles with his philosophy on doing more with less stress. Giving helpful guidance in simplifying tasks, managing projects and boosting efficiency, he proposes a workflow process to gain control over all the tasks one needs to get done, and “6 different levels of focus” to help them do it. His method is based on making the information you need to get things done (GTD) easy to store, track and retrieve. By doing the thinking in advance, you essentially generate a series of actions which you can later undertake without any further planning.

7 habits of highly effective people- Stephen R. Covey

Author Stephen R. Covey presents an approach to being effective by consistently doing the things that will bring about the results we are after. The book provides a useful framework for understanding the process of personal development and professional management.

The Artist’s Way- Julia Cameron

The Artist’s Way is a collection of tips and hints from different artists and authors, which were compiled and published by Julia Cameron, as a set of helpful methods for maximizing the creativity and productivity of artists. It offers advice and a 12 week program to activate your creative juices, and is an invaluable guide for anyone embarking on a creative journey or trying to reactivate their artistic engines.

Zen Habits- Leo Babauta

Zen Habits is one of the most visited blogs on the Internet and covers topics like achieving goals, bring productive, organized, GTD, motivation, eliminating debt, saving, eating healthy, living frugally, parenting, happiness, and successfully implementing good habits. Zen Habits “is about finding simplicity in the daily chaos of our lives”, as written by the creator and writer of the blog, Leo Babauta.

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You can be happy or you can be right, amazing!  I very much enjoy a good old fashioned argument, as I am extremely logical, and I like debating topics both parties are passionate about.  But the more my girlfriend and I would butt heads, I was starting to realize that no matter how air tight my argument was, no matter how many facts, dates, previous conversations or witnesses I would bring, she would always bring her emotions: the hot, steamy recipe for disaster.  And in the relationship rock paper scissors game of like, emotions always beat logic.  The harder I tried to prove I was right, the more miserable we both became.

So much energy wasted, when all I had to do was say “you’re right dear, I’m sorry” and countless hours could have been saved.

But I can’t do that.  In the end I think I’d rather be right.  I’m extremely competitive, and it kills me to hand over an argument simply because her feelings might get hurt.  So keeping in mind the whole “you could be happy or you could be right” thing, the following are some tips on how to win more arguments, while keeping the tears and the hurling of objects at a minimum.  Just remember, it’s going to get ugly.  She will cry, and she will say nasty things that have nothing to do with the argument at hand.  These are tricks to lure you to her emotional level, making you angry, causing you to lose your cool and say things that will scar you both for years.  Stay calm.  Remember what a wise, 3-foot muppet once said “anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering, and suffering leads to the dark side.”  If you keep a cool head and stick to your guns, you can win the argument.  She will be pissed, upset, sad and resentful, and she’ll probably withhold sex from you for the next few weeks, making you pissed, upset, sad and resentful, but hey…you’ll be right!

1.  Really try to stay focused on the issues at hand.  It will be tempting to bring up past discussions  but be careful;  women have scary good memories.  They will bring up things you said and did months and years ago, with such Polaroid precision that you won’t even know what to do with yourself.  So if you absolutely must bring up the past, make sure you remember exactly what happened, who said what, what she was wearing, what you were eating, cause if not she’ll eat you alive.

2.  No matter how upset she gets, stay calm and keep telling her you love her.  This might sound counterproductive, but some of these arguments can get pretty intense, and it can start to feel like your significant other doesn’t love you anymore or that things are coming to an end.  Keep arguing, don’t give up in the face of tears, but keep her reassured that you will still be there when the smoke clears.

3.  Never disregard her feelings.  When you sift through the things she’s telling you, which might not make any logical sense, there’s always an emotion at the base of it.  Try not to say things that “You’re being ridiculous” or “That’s just plain insanity!”  Again, if you are calm and relaxed you can see clearly, so instead respond with “Listen, I understand how you feel, but this is what really happened.”

4.  They say “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”  Dale Carnegie’s bestselling book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” describes at length the fact that no one “wins” an argument.  You might be able to prove her wrong when it comes to the facts of case, but in the end don’t ever expect her to say, “Okay honey.  You were right, I was wrong.  I’m sorry.”  This will never happen.  As was mentioned earlier, sometimes it’s better be happy than to be right.  So if you truly want to win an argument, know in your heart that you were right, but tell her “Okay sweetheart, I didn’t realize you felt that way.  I’m sorry.”  It can be very difficult to swallow that pride sometimes, but it’s the quickest path to make up sex around!

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Essential Ingredients

Have some of these essentials stowed in the pantry or fridge so that when you do prepare a meal, you simply buy the main dish you’ll be preparing, some fresh vegetables to accompany and whip up something delicious on the fly.

-Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-Vinegar (white, balsamic, red wine)
-Soya Sauce
-Butter
-Table Salt + Coarse salt
-Pepper Corns (pepper grinder)
-Dried Spices (thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, sage, parsley, coriander, bay leaves (great for soups))
-Tomatoes, Canned tomatoes , Sun-dried tomatoes
-Hot mustard (great for marinades and salad dressings)
-Honey
-Onions
-Garlic
-Eggs
-Pasta

Oil 101

Oils are an important part of a balanced diet and a rich source of energy. A panoply of different oils are used for different purposes. Canola oil, corn oil and peanut oil are the preferred oils for deep frying or sautéing. Sesame oil which has a light peanuty flavor is great for making pad thai or stir fry dishes.
Then of course there’s olive oil, the cornerstone of the healthy Mediterranean diet and a must-have in any kitchen. Extra virgin olive oil is my personal favorite for frying and sautéing anything from garlic, onions, meat, fish to veggies like red and green peppers. It‘s also wonderful on salads combined with a touch of aged, balsamic vinegar.

Preserving Oil:

Generally, when any oil is exposed to oxygen, light or heat, it is subject to oxidation and can become rancid. As soon as the bottle is opened the oxidation process accelerates and the oil can degrade fairly rapidly. Opened oil needs to be closed tight and stored in a dark pantry or closet away from sources of heat.

Buy Proper Kitchen Equipment

You don’t need to go crazy, especially if your cooking at the moment is only so-so, but a decent array of quality, durable cooking tools are essential to any kitchen. An initial investment goes a long way, and there are some cooking items, you just shouldn’t skimp on.

Some essentials include a good chef’s knife with a weighty blade for chopping and slicing. Two serrated knives (big and small), one for slicing bread and one for slicing tomatoes. In terms of pots and pans, you’ll need a skillet (flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods), a saucepan (used for simmering and boiling) and a braising or roasting pan (a large, wide and shallow pan to cook a roast (chicken, beef, or pork)). I would also suggest a blender as you can use it for Soups, Sauces, Smoothies and even dips.

Other useful kitchenware includes:
-colander
-cutting board
-measuring spoons
-spatulas
-pepper mill
-mixing bowls
-measuring cups

General Cooking Tips:

-Dry food well before throwing it on a hot pan otherwise the water splashes everywhere and can potentially burn you
-Make sure to preheat your pan for a good sear. Your food should start cooking the moment it hits the pan, not gradually while the pan warms. If you properly preheat your pan, before you start to cook, your food won’t stick to the bottom.
- Don’t play with your food. The temptation to flip or stir food while it’s cooking in the pan must be tamed. It is actually best to let food develop the color and crust you want on one side before shifting it to the other. Steak or fish should only be flipped once.

I also highly suggest having at least one cookbook, ideally The Joy of Cooking,the backbone of many home cooks’ libraries. You can buy it on Amazon.com, which will accept credit card online payment. When you’re in the beginning stages of learning to cook it’s vital you follow recipes as they are written. Once you get better, you can begin to improvise with your ingredients and techniques.

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Truth is there have been plenty of gorgeous women who’ve broken the law, and it gives us great pride to present our list of the hottest criminals we wish we could have cuffed ourselves.

Lindsay Lohan

Crime: Two DUIs in 2007.  Multiple probation violations in 2010.

Sentence: 90 days in jail with rehabilitation.

Carmen Electra

Crime: Trying to beat up Dennis Rodman.

Sentence: $2,500 fine and a restraining order.

Yasmine Bleeth

Crime: Cocaine possession and DUI.

Sentence: 100 hours of community service and two years of probation.

Naomi Campbell

Crime: In 2000 she assaulted her assistant with a hotel telephone.  In 2005 she slapped her assistant with a Blackberry. In 2006 she attacked her housekeeper with a jewel-encrusted mobile phone. She beat up a few more people in 2008 and 2009 including her limo driver and a police officer and this year she’s being questioned as a possible war criminal, having allegedly accepted a blood diamond from a Liberian Warlord.  When asked about it during an interview with ABC, she assaulted the camera.

Sentence: Hundreds of hours of community service, hundreds of dollars in medical bills, anger management courses, and she is banned from flying with British Airways.

Paris Hilton

Crime: Being disgustingly rich and famous while not contributing a single thing towards the betterment of humankind.  Releasing a lousy sex tape.  Oh, and repeatedly violating her 2006 DUI probation.

Sentence: Probation and a $1,500 fine for the DUI, 45 days in jail for the violations.

Nicole Richie

Crime: Possession of drugs, driving with a suspended license, DUI, and driving her Mercedes onto a freeway exit ramp in the wrong direction.

Sentence: 4 days in jail, of which she served only 82 minutes.

Heather Locklear

Crime: Okay, we’ll give you a hint:  it rhymes with dee you eye.

Sentence: 3 years of probation and $700 fine.

Winona Ryder

Crime: Stealing our hearts in Edward Scissorhands, and stealing $5,500 worth of clothing and accessories from Saks Fifth Avenue department store.

Sentence: Over $10,000 in fines and restitution to Saks, 480 hours of community service, 3 years of probation, and psychological and drug counseling.

Kim Delaney

Crime: You know, if it wasn’t for all these DUIs, there would only be two names on this list!

Sentence: $300 fine, two years of probation.

Mischa Barton

Crime: Arrested for DUI, possession of marijuana and driving without a valid driver’s license.  The drug possession charge was dropped.

Sentence: After paying $10,000 to get out of jail, she was sentenced to community service and a small fine.

Laura Zúñiga

Crime: Finally, a cool crime!  This Mexican model and beauty queen was arrested along with her boyfriend, Ángel Orlando García Urquiza, an alleged leader of  the Juárez Cartel, a Mexican drug cartel. His seven goons were captured by the Mexican military with illegal guns and over $50, 000 in cold hard cash.

Sentence: She was released from a detention center when no evidence could be found linking her to the crimes, but the Miss Mexico crown she had won at a pageant in 2009 was taken away from her.

Debra Jean Beasley( formerly Debra Lafave)

Crime: Showing a 14-year old student the time of his life and welcoming him to the wild world of manhood.  Or as the state of Florida called it, statutory rape.

Sentence: 3 years of house arrest with 7 years of probation.

“You know that 14-year old kid from Florida who had sex with his English teacher?  Well he died this morning…from hi-fiving.”

- Zach Galifiankis

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Plus-size women have larger bust-waist-hip measurements than the skinnies, fitting into clothes sized 14 and up.  So for all the men out there who love a little meat on them bones, and for all the ladies who think size 0 is the new 1, may we present 15 of the hottest plus-sized girls on the planet.

Christina Hendricks

When I crammed 3 seasons of Mad Men into my bloodstream over the course of 2 weeks, not only could I not peel my eyes away from the TV every single second Christina Hendricks was on screen, but even when I would close my eyes, her red hair and crazy curves were burned into my brain.

Mia Tyler

Daughter to Aerosmith’s lead man Steven Tyler and actress Cyndria Foxe, Mia is not only a sexy plus-size model, but she’s also clothing designer, actress and producer.  She’s appeared on reality TV shows, has been featured in many magazines, and recently completed her autobiography, Creating Myself.  Love the tats!

Kate Dillon

At age 12, Kate Dillon’s classmates used to jump up and down on the bus chanting “Overweight Kate! Overweight Kate!”  She responded by starving herself over the next 5 years, and only when she was dangerously underweight did she get noticed by the fashion industry.  Realizing she was ruining her health,  Kate started eating again.

Toccara Jones

I don’t often use the words “Dayamn girl!” but in Toccara’s case,  DAYAMN GIRL!  This fashion model from Ohio came in 7th place during season 3 of America’s Next top model, where AOL entertainment voted her as one of the show’s most memorable contestants.

For more Jones junk check out her tribute video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Charlotte Coyle

Oh Charlotte Coyle, the pipes, the pipes are growing.  Hailing from Derry in Northern Ireland, this bodacious beauty was featured in a documentary called Fat Beauty Contest, where she put together Britain’s first beauty contest for plus-size women.

Maggie Brown

More than just a pretty face and a curvalicious body, the Asian-American fashion model who grew up in Hawaii earned a degree in biology no less, allied health, and holds a secondary teaching certificate from Southern Adventist University.  In 2006 Tyra Banks held a “Thick and Sexy Top Model Contest” during the Tyra Banks Show, and Maggie took first place.

Whitney Thompson

Before winning the 10th cycle of America’s Next Top Model, Whitney appeared on the cover of Jacksonville Magazine 4 times in 3 years.  She was also on the cover of Plus Model Magazine in January to kick off 2010.

Barbera Brickner

During a singing contest in Seattle, this size 12 bombshell was approached by one of the judges to be a plus-sized model, to which she flatly refused and left completely offended.  Thankfully for men everywhere, she calmed down and accepted the offer a few weeks later.

Fluvia Lacerda

After eating at a  Brazilian Barbecue restaurant, I was amazed that anyone down there weighs less than a ton.  So much meat, so delicious.  The same can be said for plus sized model Fluvia, which is pretty incredible when you consider the fact that Brazil is the number one country in the world for plastic surgery.  Fortunately she grew up with enough self-esteem to stay natural!

Justine Legault

From Canada with love comes this French femme fatale.  Perfect skin, alluring curves, luscious legs and a beautiful face makes Justine a quadruple threat.

Crystal Renn

Stifler’s mom…err…I mean Jennifer Coolidge

And what plus-sized list would be complete without the world’s greatest MILF?

America Ferrera

In 2007 Time Magazine named her as one of the top artists and entertainers of her time.  That same year she beat out Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mary-Louise Parker for the Golden Globe Award for best actress on a television series.  Not bad for someone who was picked as the lead role in a show called “Ugly Betty.”

Sara Ramirez

You probably know this spicy senorita best by her role as Callie Torez on Grey’s Anatomy.  The multi-talented Mexian-American actress and singer has appeared on Broadway, where she won a Tony Award for Spamalot, she was the voice of Lammy in the PlayStation game UmJammer Lammy, and she’s played smaller roles on several television shows and movies.

Lizzie Miller

When the photo of this 20-year old model, the one where she was in her birthday suit in Glamour Magazine, with a non-airbrushed or photoshopped tummy roll exposed to the world, the magazine’s website was flooded with emails and comments, all bearing the same message: She’s beautiful!

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Brazilian Wandering Spider

This little beauty is not only the world’s most venomous spider, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, but is also believed to be responsible for the most human deaths. These deadly arachnids got their name because, unlike most spiders, they don’t hang out in a web or a lair at night, but wander the jungle floor looking for prey—though these pests are increasingly found in cities. During the day Wandering Spiders hide in termite mounds, under logs or sometimes in banana plants.

The venom these spiders produce is similar to the neurotoxin found in Black Widow Spiders, causing pain, cold sweats and an irregular heart beat. It’s believed that between the year 1970 and 1980 Brazilian Wandering Spiders were responsible for hospitalizing about 7,000 people in southern Brazil.
If it doesn’t manage to kill you, however, there are some pretty embarrassing side effects that come with this spider bite.

Click here to view the embedded video.

(You can skip ahead to 1:30 for the good stuff.)

Africanized Honey Bee (a.k.a. Killer Bees)

The world is full of dangerous things that can kill us, but we only have ourselves to blame for this one folks. Back in the day settlers in North and South America wanted a hardy bee that produced a lot of honey. Well, European bees were bigger and produced more honey, but they were kind of frail. African bees, though tough, were much smaller.
So to get the best of both worlds, they bred these two bees together. This produced a race of large, very aggressive honey bees with a habit of absconding (or abandoning their hives to start new ones elsewhere). These bees are hyper-defensive and attack relentlessly in giant swarms when threatened.

If an Africanized honey bee stings you they not only release their venom, but they release a banana-scented pheromone which signals the other bees to attack.  You can withstand approximately 7 stings for every pound you weigh before your life is in serious danger. These bees have been known to swarm and attack as far as ¼ mile from their hive, and can sting up to 500 times in 30 seconds.  You do the math.

These bees used to dwell mostly in South America, but have been migrating further and further north in recent years.

Giant Japanese Hornet (a.k.a Asian Hornet)

No, that picture isn’t Photoshopped. The bug is really that big. When these puppies aren’t picking fights with entire bee hives or eating honey bee larva, they can be found stinging annoying humans in the Tokyo region with their 6mm stingers (that’s about a quarter inch).

Not only are these bugs frighteningly big, but they’re also frighteningly dangerous. Giant hornet venom is more potent than that of its smaller, puny relatives; it’s a mixture of acetylcholine—which causes a lot of pain—and an enzyme that’s capable of dissolving human flesh. People who have experienced being bitten by these bugs say it feels like a hot nail being driven through your flesh. And once you’ve pissed one of these guys off it will chase you for over three miles. Each year in Japan, Giant Hornets kill more people than all other venomous and non-venomous animals combined.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Siafu Ants

Found mostly in central and east Africa, these ants aren’t so tough on their own. Problem is, you’re not very likely to find one of these little guys by themselves. Siafu Ants live in giant colonies of about 20 million individuals.

When food gets low the ants set out in search of food in columns that can consist of as many as 50 million ants. And that’s when you don’t want to mess with them. The columns defend themselves viciously, and have a military structure complete with sentries that set up a perimeter corridor to protect the smaller members of the colony. You’re not in too much trouble as long as you can run away from a column, but if you’re sick or debilitated or just generally stuck in one place these ants can kill you and consume your entire body. Most people die of asphyxiation rather than the painful venomous bite. These ants have such powerful jaws that in East Africa, people used them to perform emergency sutures.

Bullet Ant

So maybe swarms of tiny ants don’t scare you. How about this giant screaming mofo? That’s right, screaming. Bullet Ants hail from the low land rainforests of Nicaragua and Paraguay. Each ant is about an inch long and lives in a tree colony. When a predator approaches the colony some of these bad boys drop down onto it, letting out a shriek before they do.
While not the deadliest insect, the Bullet Ant’s sting is said to be the most painful in the world, according to the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. The insect’s sting causes waves of burning, throbbing, mind-blowing, pain that doesn’t stop for 24 hours. It hurts so much it feels like you’ve been shot with a bullet (Get it? Bullet Ant?)

Some South American societies use the Bullet Ant to test the manhood of young boys, making them endure 20 stings without crying out before they can be considered men. Some white people think that sounds cool and decide to do it just for kicks.

Click here to view the embedded video.

African Assassin Bug

This brightly-coloured bug is said to have venom 10 times more potent than a cobra, which it can either spit at or inject into its prey. One bug won’t kill a human, but get bit by enough and you’ll be in trouble.

The Assassin Bug’s venom, rather than paralyzing its prey, will liquefy their insides. It uses its proboscis to suck the liquid insides from its prey or to bite unsuspecting human beings. The Assassin hunts by covering itself with the dead bodies of past meals. When an unsuspecting insect wanders by and thinks one of the empty bug husks looks tasty, the Assassin Bug dumps the decoys and pounces.

Some brave—or crazy—humans have taken to keeping these bugs as pets because they can control most pest problems very efficiently. Other people keep them as pets so they can videotape them hunting, set it to whimsical music and post it all on YouTube.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kissing bugs

These bugs aren’t really deadly because of their venom or because they’re particularly fearsome. Kissing bugs are dangerous because they infect human beings with Chaga’s disease. These insects don’t die after biting so it’s possible for them to bite multiple humans and pass the Chaga’s parasite along.  The bugs hide inside houses and drops down onto people while they’re sleeping, biting the soft tissue of the lips and eyes. Chaga’s disease, however, is actually passed to a new host through the bug’s feces that enter the human body through the wounds it inflicts.

As of 2008, 16 to 18 million people were infected with the disease, with 20,000 dying of the affliction yearly. Chaga’s causes sever heart damage. Heart transplants for victims are ineffective because the parasite just ruins the new heart as well.

Mosquito

Okay, so we’ve all seen Mosquitoes before and they’re not particularly terrifying. But their kill rate certainly should scare you. These blood suckers kill more people than all of the flying menaces and deadly spiders combined. Mosquitoes pass along diseases like yellow fever, denegue fever, Chikungunya, West Nile virus and the ever popular malaria. It’s estimated that in Africa alone mosquitos are responsible for infecting 700 million people with disease, killing 2 million in their infectious wake.

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1) Getting to work 15 minutes before the start time

Being punctual is certainly important in a work setting, but making the effort to come in a little earlier will reflect even more positively on you. In most cases, the boss will be the first one in the office but if you make it a point to come in earlier too, you’re more likely to build an amicable rapport with him/her. You’ll also look like you enjoy your job, plus, getting to the office just 15 minutes before you’re supposed to, allows you to start your day without feeling rushed, and gives you extra time for planning out the day’s events.

2) Having a clean and organized workspace

Your environment greatly influences your productivity. If your desk is full of papers and junk there’s no doubt that you will misplace documents, which will take three times as long to find when you need them. (If you’re lucky enough to find them.) When your boss comes around asking you for a report, you don’t want to find yourself shuffling through papers, napkins and old food wrappers. Be as prepared for an emergency response as medical alert systems are for people with a medical condition, and give yourself some time at the beginning and end of your week to organize your desk, clearing it of any unnecessary papers except those relating to the work at hand. The quicker you can access what you and the boss need, the more reliable he/she will consider you.

3) Having efficient work patterns

Having a calendar or agenda to refer to, which includes all the tasks you need to get done (weekly, monthly) in order of importance (Major, Medium, Low) will help maximize your productivity and is sure to get your name on the boss’ A list. Having good organizational skills helps you keep track of what’s going on and minimizes the risk of falling behind on your work. Bosses love efficiency and employees that are able to effectively manage their time and make the most out of the hours they spend at the office.

4) Meeting your deadlines

When time comes for performance evaluations, you want to make sure all your deadlines have been met. Bosses don’t want to be chasing after their employees. They want results executed in the most efficient manner. Organization is the key to success, so the better organized you are the more capable you are of meeting your deadlines.

5) Staying current

Most bosses (aside those with major ego issues) will appreciate an employee who is up-to-date with the latest news and trends, especially pertaining to your particular industry. Do a little research and sign up for e-mail alerts, newsletters and RSS feeds pertinent to your industry. When you learn new things that you believe could be of interest to the company, mention it to your boss. Bosses appreciate when you take initiative and show a genuine interest in your work.

6) Being positive and approachable

Having a positive energy and outlook at work makes the overall environment much more pleasant for you and everyone around you. Studies continuously show that the happier employees are, the more productive they are as well. If you are someone your boss and your co-workers feel comfortable approaching you are sure to have a positive influence on how everyone works as a team. Being approachable also means being open to new projects and tasks. The more versatility you show, the more valued you will be as an employee.

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I, like many people, can attest to having once hated my job. Ask almost anyone who has worked in the service industry and they’ll give you the exact details as to why. Working long, strenuous hours, enduring tough working conditions, constant abuse from employers and customers; though I was good at what I did, it brought me very little satisfaction. It may have paid my way through school, but financial stability nearly cost me my sanity.

Even after I completed my degree, I found myself facing another troubling dilemma. I wasn’t interested in the field I had invested four years studying causing me a great deal of panic and stress. I feared I would never find a profession I was passionate about. So I did what many people in my position do. I continued to work the job I hated. (Misery becomes comfortable once you’re used to it.)

I continued to do this until one day, I cracked. And, once I cracked, I quit. Yes, I am a bit impulsive but no I’m not suggesting that everyone who claims to hate their job quit (yet). But, in my case I knew that unless I scared myself into finding something else, something I was good at and proud to be good at, I was going to continue compromising my potential for happiness. I wanted a job that was meaningful to me and I was going to do all the endless soul searching necessary to find it.

Now that you have patiently endured the first half of my story, I will try and get straight to the point with some insights and tips I learned along the way about how to go from hating your job to loving it, whether you decide to quit and find new opportunities or put a positive spin on the one you have.

Change Your Lifestyle

Being aware and improving things like nutrition, frequency of exercise and sleep regularity can help your overall well-being. It may seem obvious, but taking care of yourself physically will transcend into other realms of your life helping you to take on even the biggest obstacles and make them manageable.

Assess What You Like and Dislike About Your Job

If you are in a situation similar to what mine was, it is very possible that you hate your job because the work does not suit you. In some cases, you may actually like the work, but it is the people you work with that are the problem. If you’ve been unhappy for as long as you’ve been working in that field, despite management or company changes, than it is more than possible that you are not well matched to your job and you need to determine what it is you would be happier doing.

Determine What Your Dream Job Would Be

It’s never too late to follow your dreams and I promise this is more than just some fluffy Disney adage. When I was trying to uncover my hidden passion, I began by looking back at my childhood. What did I do as a child in my spare time? I played sports. I played music. I read. I also used to write mystery stories and make my own comic books.  Eureka! Finally, I was on to something…  I could see what options were available in the field of writing. After a little thought and consideration I decided I would take a certificate program and see what the world of journalism had to offer. In less than a year, I found myself writing for a web agency, finally feeling my work becoming synonymous with my passion.

Consider Side Projects

You don’t necessarily need to love your job and it is very possible and reasonable that security is more important for you because of factors such as providing for a family. The beauty with starting your own side project is that you can make it about something you love. Is there a hobby you have always been passionate about? The Internet offers a tremendous amount of possibilities, so something as simple as blogging about your hobby or passion could actually become an extra source of income and bring you a true sense of fulfillment.

Communicate with your Employer

If you are feeling unhappy with your job, talk to someone in HR or even try talking to your employer directly. The more honest you are, the more it reflects your willingness and maturity to try and make things better. Is it your job you hate or what you are doing with it? There should always be some room for change, a middle ground, and if there isn’t that’s your sign to move on.

Try a New Department or Position

Sometimes moving to a different department, striving for a promotion or even working with a different team of people might make all the difference. Sometimes a new environment, can have a positive effect on our outlook. Also, try staying on top of new trends so that you’re the person with the good ideas around the workplace. Knowledge is power and having it could boost your leadership role in the company and lead to a promotion later on.

Feel Grateful For Having a Job But Secure Enough To Leave it

It’s important for us to appreciate what we have, especially when we consider how many people out there would give almost anything for a job and financial stability. Feeling grateful for something doesn’t mean settling for it though. If you do decide to leave, feeling grateful for the opportunity you had allows you to resign with dignity and a genuine appreciation that will be reflected if ever you need a referral later on.

Working life certainly has its ups and downs, but if you’ve noticed there are significantly more lows than highs it’s time to make some changes. No life is perfect, and by the same token, no job is either. The best thing is to be clear about what path you’re choosing, why and what you may have to  give up to get there.

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10. Astronomer

Annual Wage: $94,000 +
Role: Astronomers study celestial bodies such as planets, stars and galaxies. The International Astronomical Union comprises almost 9,259 members from 89 different countries who are involved in astronomical research at the PhD level and beyond.
Training: Professional astronomers typically have a PhD in physics or astronomy and are employed by research institutions or universities. Additional experience and training at the postdoctoral level is usually required in order to hold permanent positions in universities and government laboratories.

Source: AOL

9. Natural Sciences Manager

Annual Wage: $97,000 +
Role: Natural sciences managers oversee the work of physical scientists such as chemists, biologists, agricultural scientists and medical scientists. They also plan, coordinate and direct research, improve manufacturing and industrial processes as well as develop new products and advance scientific research.
Training: Most natural sciences managers have a Ph.D. or master’s degree in their field and usually begin their career as chemists, biologists, geologists or mathematicians. The training time is approximately six years.

Source: Impact Lab

8. Marketing Manager

Annual Wage: $100,000 +
Role: Marketing managers are typically responsible for influencing the marketing techniques and management of a firm’s resources and activities. The role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a business’ size, corporate culture, and industry context.
Training: The minimum educational requirement for a marketing manager is a B.A. or B.S. in marketing, business management or a particular company’s field, such as engineering. Many employers require an MBA as well. Training time can be anywhere from four to six years.

Source: Impact Lab

7. Air Traffic Controller

Annual Wage: $ 100, 000+
Role: Air traffic controllers operate the air traffic control systems to expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic.  Essentially, they prevent planes from crashing into each other. Because controllers have an incredibly large responsibility while on duty, the ATC profession is regarded around the world as one of the most difficult jobs today.
Training: There are three main pathways to become an air traffic controller with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). 1) Prior experience through either the FAA or the Department of Defense as a civilian or veteran. 2) Three years of progressively responsible full-time work experience, college completion or a combination of both. 3) Successful completion of an aviation-related program of study through the FAA’s Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Studies have shown that air traffic controllers generally have a degree of situational awareness that is much higher than the average population. They also have excellent hearing and speaking skills and are trained to undergo rigid physical and psychological testing.

Source: Impact Lab

6. Insurance Broker

Annual Wage: $114,000 +
Role: Brokers play a significant role in helping companies and individuals find property and casualty (liability); life and health insurance. Brokers provide services beyond insurance sales, such as assisting with employee enrollment and helping to resolve benefits issues. Those who work in high-liability industries as oil, construction and pharmaceuticals can earn commissions of 10 to 15 percent of a contract’s total.
Training: To become an insurance broker you must first successfully complete the licensing exam. While it is not mandatory to have a university degree or college diploma to pursue this career, business courses offered by many post-secondary institutions do include insurance administration programs in their business diplomas.

Source: CNN Money

5. Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Annual Wage: $126,000 +
Role: CIOs are the highest paid IT professionals and are responsible for the information technology and computer systems that support an enterprise. A CIO is usually involved with analyzing and reworking existing business processes and reshaping the enterprise’s physical infrastructure and network access.
Training: People in this position often have a background in information technology and at least a bachelor’s degree, if not an MBA or other advanced degrees. This can include formal training in technology, consulting, business operations and accounting.

Source: CIO Insight

4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Annual Wage: $140,000 +
Role: A CEO is the highest ranking official within a company (and often the highest paid), and they’re responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operational performance of the company. The CEO usually answers to the board of directors, elected by the shareholders.
Training: It is encouraged to obtain an MBA for this position however there are many CEO’s that have gotten to where they are because of their brilliant vision and drive. (Ahem… Steve Jobs)

Source: Forbes

3. Psychiatrist

Annual Wage: $177,000 +
Role: Psychiatrists are certified in treating mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are one of the few mental health professionals who may prescribe psychiatric medication, conduct physical examinations as well as order and interpret laboratory tests.
Training: In the U.S. and Canada you must complete a Bachelor’s degree, then four years of medical school in order to earn your M.D. or D.O. Following this, you must practice as a psychiatric resident for another four years (five years in Canada). This extended period allows comprehensive training that includes diagnosis, psychopharmacology, medical care issues, and psychotherapies.

Source: CNN Money

2. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Annual Wage: $222,000 +
Role: Obstetricians/gynecologists provide medical and surgical care to women and have particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. This includes preventative care, prenatal care, detection of sexually transmitted diseases, Pap test screening, and family planning.
Training: After four years of medical school, you apply for residency in an OB/GYN program. These residency programs last another 4 years.

Source: CNN Money

1. Anesthesiologist

Annual Wage: $292,00 +
Role: Anesthesiologists specialize in the administering and monitoring of anesthesia to patients before, during, and after their operation.
Training: Four undergraduate years at a university and then four years of medical school. After medical school, four years of residency are required leading up to board certification in anesthesiology.

Source: CNN Money

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Monday: The Starfish

The weekend may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean your sex life should. Even if you’re tired and worn out from a long day at the office, a simple, comfortable and orgasmically-effective technique to rock you and your lady friend’s world is a technique called the Starfish Position also known as the scissor position (very popular in lesbian sex).

To do it: Both of you lie down (bed, kitchen floor, concrete floor behind a truck…) with your heads in opposite directions. Place your legs between each other in a scissor position and penetrate! This is a position sure to drive your woman wild as it keeps constant pressure on the clitoris. You can hang on to each other’s hands for leverage, rock and twist your hips, arch your backs and move in and away from each other to allow for deeper penetration.

Tuesday: The Butterfly

This is a must-know position, easy, comfortable, versatile, allows for deep penetration and is perfect whether you’re in it for a quickie or endless hours of pleasure.

To do it: Go to the edge of a bed, couch, table, desk, counter, truck… Have her sit-up or lie down at the edge while you stand or kneel. If you kneel, you may want to use a pillow under your knees for extra comfort. If you’re standing, be a real stallion and lift her legs over your shoulders. Then, angle up towards each other so that your genitals meet. Next, place your hands under her hips and hold her buttocks and begin thrusting. The pelvic tilt gives your penis full access to her vagina and builds friction for both of you.

Wednesday: The Upside Down Position

If you’re in the mood for an adventurous sexcapade to try on a Wednesday, the upside down position is the way to go. Flexibility and balance is a bit of a requirement for this one so go slowly if this is your first time trying this position.

To do it: Get her to lie down first and then lift her legs so that her backside is facing you and her legs are perpendicular to the ground. When your genitals meet, squeeze her legs together as you penetrate her slowly. Hold her hips to keep you both steady.

Thursday: The Launch Pad

A great technique for synchronizing your sexual flow and achieve deep penetration is the launch pad. It is also said to massage your girl’s g-spot.

To do it: Pick her up and raise her legs and feet on your chest. You, the giver, should stand in front of her, enter and begin to thrust.

Friday: Penetration 69

Here’s one that let’s your woman take control and sure to drive you crazy.

To do it: You lie down on the bed and she lies on top of you with her head at your feet. When you’re aroused, erect and ready she lies on top of you, sliding up and down and using your feet for added thrusting and leverage.

Saturday: Jugghead

It’s the missionary position with the advantage of having breasts in your face! The unique sensation of penetration due to your elevated state is simply mind-blowing and a great way to begin or end a Saturday.

To do it: Lie down on the floor and place your legs on the edge of a couch or bed. Your lady then gets on all fours and commences the ride to heaven with boobs in your face and an angle that is amazing for pumping.

Sunday: The Lotus

In the mood for a Sunday kind of love? Why not try the lotus, a tantric sex position that brings you an unbelievable degree of closeness.

To do it: Get comfortable in the traditional lotus position and embrace each other snuggly. The trick with this one is to mirror each other’s movements so when she’s breathes in you breathe in to. Rock your pelvis’ in sync. This position is sure to deepen your intimacy and guarantee a climax that is out of this world.

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