The Rhythm of Life

Field Trip: Hurray for Silent Films and the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ

2010-03-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

(Photo Credit: Tricia Zenone)

Hurray for Silent Films! I went back to the roots of film making for Oscar weekend and watched a series of silent comedies on the big screen on Saturday, March 6, 2010. There's nothing like live organ music that bring silent movies to life!

So my evening began as I made my way to the beautiful balcony seating at the Hanford’s historic Fox Theater. I imagined being in the balcony of a beautiful teatro in Venice! There was a crisp cool breeze in the air when I walked one minute from the free parking lot to the grand, marquis-lit entrance of the old-time theater. Yes, I’m jaded having to pay $20.00 just for parking when attending an event in San Francisco! At the entrance, an elderly man happily took my $10.00/per person ticket. I made the mistake of not getting the student discount price ($5.00) when I purchased the tickets the day before. On the bright side, I got a free pair of ear plugs from the owner of the Fox Theater, but that’s another story in itself! Let’s just say trains are not my favorite sound to hear in the middle of the night. Danny, the owner, is a godsend!

Okay, back to the performance! At the concession, I purchased a bottle of water and a box of red vines. You have to have red vines when you see a film! I then proceeded to the red carpeted stairs that lead me right to the balcony. I struck gold when I found a comfortable seat in the non-crowded first row. It even had a mini table for me to adorn with my concession purchases. Can you believe I even had my own quaint trash can? Who would have thought I would have been so thrilled to have my own trash can for movie night!

Now that I was seated I was now able to enjoyed the twinkling star-filled ceiling and looking down at the people on the lower level who are just as eager for the show to begin. I probably counted a dozen children in the audience with a total of 100 people in attendance for the two hour show. The crowd was small and mostly made up of seniors. I felt like I fit right in, even though my age was several generations younger than the majority. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else; especially since the last time I stepped foot into the theater was about sixteen years ago. In fact, looking back at my childhood, I was the only kid that grew up with an organ in the parlor room rather than the typical piano! So, needless to say, I have a bias toward organs.

The show begins! The organ rose up through the center of the stage. Organist, Dean Mora, enters on stage seated on the organ chair playing music as he appeared. He then began to introduce himself, along with giving us a taste of the three silent movies we were about to enjoy…

     Charley Chase in “Putting On Pants”
     Laurel and Hardy in “Putting Pants on Phillip” (Intermission)
     Buster Keaton in “Seven Chances” (1925) – Buster Keaton did ALL of his own stunts in this film

Dean Mora is an organist from Los Angeles and learned to play organ from Gaylord Carter. He quoted Gaylord Carter just before he was about to perform by saying, “If they stop noticing you when you play then you’re doing a good job.” This is a quote that was so memorable to me. At the end of the show, this is what ultimately impressed me about the performance. About half-way through the films my attention was strictly focused on the big screen and the organ music became merely part of the show. I actually forgot that I was listening to a live organ performance.

I liked the music because Dean was able to make the music move at the tempo of the level or action of the film scenes. He would play slow tempo during stopping and thinking scenes and the notes would also occur at the beat of an actor’s footsteps. He also played sounds that only an organ instrument can make; such as, train sounds when a train travels in the background of the scenes. I loved that Dean didn’t need sheet music. He was actually watching the movie as he performed, which is very cool! The songs that stood out to me were in the film, “Seven Chances”. I heard Chopin’s “Death March”. I also heard the famous “Wedding March” and “Flight of the Bumble Bee” was played during a scene where Buster Keaton was running away from the wannabe brides through bee hives in an apiary.

At the end of the show, Dean Mora and the owner of the Fox Theater invited everyone to stay for a bit to play some fun songs on the organ and meet the organist. Steve and I stayed and enjoyed meeting Dean Mora. He played the organ on the stage for fun while answering guest’s questions. He showed us different sounds the mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ could play. He played sounds for trains, railroad crossing, cassinet, wood blocks, etc. He also played pieces like the Darth Vader theme from Star Wars, which I know my sons would have loved to hear.

Dean shook my hand. He was very cordial! He told me about The Nethercutt Museum in Southern California and invited me to visit the place where he also performs. I plan to see him in October in Sylmar for the free performance. I also asked when the next silent movie show will be in Hanford and he said that he comes to Hanford for the event 3-4 times a year and plans to be back this May. I'm excited because the next time I go it will be with my sons!

Hip, Hip, Hurray for Silent Films and the dying talent of performing mighty pipe organs!

Hanford Fox Theatre

~ Tricia Zenone

Candy Recipe: Easy Peppermint Bark

2009-12-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

(Photo Credit: Tricia Zenone)

Peppermint Bark

1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips
1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
30 miniature peppermint candies - **crushed

LINE cookie sheet (sheet that has an edge) with waxed paper (so wax paper sticks up over edges of cookie sheet)
MICROWAVE semi-sweet morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH power for 1-2 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for a few minutes (approx. 10-15 min.) or until harden.
MICROWAVE white morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH power for 1-2 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Add peppermint extra to melted white chocolate and stir completely.
Pour the melted white chocolate over the hardened semi-sweet chocolate and spread evenly using a spatula
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the white melted chocolate then refrigerate.
Once all the chocolate is hardened break into 2x2 inch pieces.

**Place peppermint candies in heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using wooden kitchen meat tenderizer or other heavy object.

Enjoy your sweet gift giving this holiday season!

** Twist on peppermint bark - shape two mini candy canes into the shape of a heart and pipe in melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy and edible red glitter. **

~ Tricia Zenone

Candy Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes

2009-11-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Tricia Zenone

Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes

45 min | 45 min prep

Makes About 12 Dozen Buckeyes

* 1 (18 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup softened butter
* 1 lb or 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 tablespoon vanilla
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 standard block paraffin wax (see 'Notes' section below)

1. Cream peanut butter and butter together.
2. Add sugar and vanilla.
3. Form into 1 inch balls and refrigerate. (see 'Notes' section below for helping hint)
4. Melt chocolate chips with paraffin wax in a double boiler (I melt wax in pot first, then add chocolate chips).
5. Dip balls into chocolate with a toothpick about 3/4 of the way covered.
6. Place chocolate side down on waxed paper.
7. Refrigerate to harden

Notes:
*When working with melting chocolate use a wooden spoon, metal spoons are more of a pain to work with melted chocolate.
*After the peanut butter confection is hardened in fridge re-roll balls in palm of your hand in order to make them smoother and more rounded.
*Gulf Wax can be purchased at Wal-Mart in the baking aisle for $3.00. Paraffin wax is used in baking to prevent chocolate from melting.

Happy Candy Making!

~ Tricia Zenone

Holiday Baking: Witch's Finger Cookie Recipe

2009-10-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Witch's Finger Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole blanched almonds
red food coloring, preferably paste type
Instructions: Preheat oven to 325Â° F. Combine dry ingredients. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla, beat in dry ingredients. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

If you want to paint the nails first, use some red food coloring (I use dry/powder food dye) that's been diluted with water and brush on with a clean artist's brush.

Working with one-quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remaining dough refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoons full of dough into finger shape for each cookie. Press an almond firmly into one end for nail. Squeeze in center to create a knuckle shape and use a paring knife make slashes in several places to form knuckle.

Place cookies on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for three minutes. If desired, lift up almond and squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place so gel oozes out from underneath.

Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough.

**Note: Make cookies smaller than you think they need to be, as they spread when cooking.

Happy Halloween!
~ Tricia Zenone

Smile O Meter

2009-07-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

Creative Commons

Japan Train Workers Check Grins With Smile Meter

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: July 24, 2009

TOKYO (AP) -- Her uniform looks good, with striped scarf and blue cap in perfect order, but railway employee Mitsue Endo has one thing to do before she faces the masses -- pass the smile test.

Endo, who works at hectic Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo for Keihin Express Railway Co., sits in front of a laptop computer with a digital camera mounted on top. At first she is a bit grim-faced, and the verdict from the company's smile-rating software is instant and candid.

''Smile: 0'' pops up on the screen.

She breaks into a broad grin and the computer responds cheerfully, giving her a score of 70.

The company has installed the system to help employees check their smiles before heading out to face customers. The test is optional, but at major stations like Shinagawa, the 250,000 riders who pass through per day can be rushed and agitated, and a happy face can go a long way.

''Smiling helps our interaction with the passengers. I think the atmosphere becomes more relaxing with a smile,'' says Endo, whose job includes helping lost customers find their way and dealing with ticketing mishaps.

Keihin uses the software at 15 of its 72 stations, concentrating on the busier locations.

Taichi Takahashi, who works in public relations at the train operator, says it gives employees a chance to examine themselves before they go to work.

''I don't think that we have had much opportunity to stare at our faces that close and for that long to check our facial expressions until now,'' he said.

-----

I wonder if the Smile Meter can detect the difference between a fake smile and a genuine smile.

~ Tricia Zenone

Culture: Filipino Dessert

2009-06-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Deckchua Photo

Halo-Halo

Halo-halo (pronounced: hollow-hollow) is a traditional summer dessert from the Philippines. It's packed with exotic fruit (baby coconut, jack fruit, & papaya), yams , sweet beans, shaved ice and sometimes topped with ice cream.

Try Halo-halo at home or have a treat if you find yourself in SF; Mitchell's Ice Cream in San Francisco features it seasonally and ships the exotic fruit straight from the Philippines to prepare the summertime treat.

------------------

Recipe:

Halo-Halo

2 tablespoons jackfruit
2 tablespoons soft coconut
2 tablespoons sweetened kidney beans
2 tablespoons sweetened garbanzo beans
2 tablespoons sweetened plantains
2 tablespoons yam
crushed/shaved ice to fill glass
2/3 evaporated milk
a scoop of ice cream on top

Layer all the ingredients to your liking into a tall glass 3/4 full with layered items. Fill the rest of the glass with shaved ice and pour evaporated milk over the shaved ice. Top with a scoop of ice cream and you're ready to eat the dessert with a spoon.

~Tricia Zenone

New Subculture: Boomerangers

2009-06-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

In this fragile economic time the new subculture called Boomerangers may actually be the smart and savvy ones!

boomeranger

(BOO.muh.rang.ur) n. An adult child who returns home to live with his or her baby-boomer parents.

Quoted from Wise Geek:

The proverbial 'empty nest' may not stay empty for long if a new subculture called boomerangers can help it. The term boomerangers refers to post-graduation adults who choose to return home to their parents instead of seeking their fortunes elsewhere. According to the most recent census figures, over 18 million young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 currently live in their childhood homes. As that number continues to grow, sociologists and other interested parties are trying to make sense of it all.

Boomerangers are not necessarily unemployed or unmotivated, but many of them are simply underfinanced. The starting salaries for many entry-level jobs is often so low that young adults cannot afford to pay off their student loans and credit cards while simultaneously managing an independent household. The answer for boomerangers is painfully obvious -- return home temporarily until their incoming wages outweigh their outgoing expenses. The idea of becoming an independent adult may have to take a backseat to the realities of life.

Some parents embrace the concept of boomerangers, even if it means reliving a role they thought they had abandoned forever. Having an able-bodied adult in their home means more security and less dependence on others for routine chores and errands. Some boomerangers find themselves taking on the role of caregiver for aging parents, which can mean a significant savings compared to assisted living facilities. Boomerangers often pay their fair share of rent and utilities, although this practice may not be as universal as some parents may hope.

The controversy surrounding boomerangers is often more social than financial. Society in general favors a traditional progression from dependent child to independent young adult to responsible married couple. Parents who have successfully raised their children should have the right to enjoy their later lives without the responsibility of parenthood. The phenomenon of boomerangers definitely throws a monkey wrench in this traditional machinery. In a world in which entry-level jobs have been outsourced to other countries, more and more adult children may feel the need to regroup and rethink at home.

Experts suggest that parents dealing with boomerangers set definite boundaries and expectations. Rent and other financial responsibilities should be clearly defined and put in writing. The arrangement should be seen as temporary, in order to avoid a sense of entitlement or laxity on the part of the adult child. Boomerangers shouldn't necessarily be treated as freeloaders, but neither should they be encouraged to abuse the privilege of free room and board. Once the boomerangers have reached a point at which their outstanding expenses are manageable and their income is sufficient for independent living, they should recognize the need to leave the nest once again.

Example Citation:

Though many students only stay for a few months, others linger at home even after they are on their feet financially. They are attracted by a room of their own, disposable income, and eager-to-help baby-boomer parents who are welcoming their "boomerangers" — as they are being called — back to the nest.
—Kim Campbell, "More graduates opt to live with mom and dad," The Christian Science Monitor, July 9, 2001

~Tricia Zenone

Recipe: Mulled Wine

2009-06-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mulled Wine Recipe

Spice Up Cheap Wine!

There are many recipes for mulled wine. It is essentially a combination of citrus (1 lemon or orange) and spices.

Favorite spices to use are cinnamon (6 sticks), cloves (12 whole), nutmeg (1/4 tsp), ginger (1/8 tsp), and allspice (1/8 tsp).

Combine the spices and citrus in a dry red wine, such as Burgundy. Add 1/4 cup sugar. Heat this through for at least 15 minutes, but don't boil. A clean, large coffee pot is a great method for heating the wine.

Use an inexpensive wine for this recipe. Don't get something that tastes absolutely horrible, but this is the time to look at the bottom wine shelf at the grocery store.

Useful Tool: TweetDeck

2009-05-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

TweetDeck is a must-have tool for social networking.

Blurb taken straight from the TweetDeck site:

"TweetDeck is your personal browser for staying in touch with what’s happening now, connecting you with your contacts across Twitter, Facebook and more.

TweetDeck shows you everything you want to see at once, so you can stay organized and up to date."

~Tricia Zenone

Motivation: Keith Harrell

2009-03-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

I completed Keith Harrell's audio book today titled Attitude if Everything. He's a motivational speaker who teaches people how to achieve their personal best in business and life.

I highly recommend listening to his audio book.

http://keithharrell.com/about.html

Great pointers taken from Keith's 'Attitude Tune-Up Newsletter: (February 2009):

Maintaining S.P.I.R.I.T. for a More Successful You

At the beginning of a new year, there always seems to be a sense of a new lease on life. We get to start all over again, so it seems. We make New Year’s resolutions some that may have been broken by now.

As I looked over our past Attitude Tune-Ups, I discovered that we received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the Maintaining S.P.I.R.I.T. Tune-Up. So I decided to do a repeat performance. If you’ve read this one before, it will be a great refresher and an opportunity to pass it on to others. As for everyone else, hereÕs to never breaking this one resolution—and that is to always maintain a positive attitude.

You see, no matter how good your attitude is you will always have opportunities to grow.

Maintaining a super-fantastic attitude is a life-long journey. There will always be obstacles that try to get us off track. To help you stay on course, I’ve come up with an acronym that encompasses six key attitudes. These attitudes create what I call S.P.I.R.I.T. And by maintaining S.P.I.R.I.T., your attitude will always propel you toward a successful future-no matter what you encounter.

S stands for Self-awareness
Having clarity about who you are, what you want and why you want it, empowers you to consciously and actively make those wants a reality. Through self-awareness you can discover exactly where you are in life and whatÕs necessary to move forward.

P stands for Purpose and Passion
Life takes on new meaning when you passionately pursue your purpose...and a positive attitude is what gets you through the hard times.

I stands for Initiative
By proactively taking the initiative to meet challenges with a positive attitude, you will be the one who controls your situation instead of your circumstances controlling you.

R stands for Relationships and Respect
Respect is something everybody wants. Treating people with respect can transform a bad situation. As you lay aside judgment, you open the door for understanding and harmony to develop.

I stands for Insight
Insight is something we all need to strive for. It’s the ability to discern the true meaning of a situation. However, it’s something that requires an open mind and heart so you can see the big picture.

T stands for Trust
Trust is the attitude that unites people. Without it your work life and personal relationships will lack development. Trust enables you to share your ideas, as well as consider the opinions of others.

Your attitude is your most priceless possession. It’s what steers you toward success or failure. Make the commitment to never allow anything rob you of a super-fantastic attitude in 2009!

Have a Super-Fantastic Day!

~ Tricia Zenone

For Your Brain: Learn a New Hobby!

2009-03-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

Laurie teaching Tricia the art of stained glass
[photo credit: Forrest Zenone]

Studies show that one of the best ways to keep your brain sharp is to learn a new hobby.

If you have a few crafts or activities that you'd like to try on for size, then now is the time! No excuses.

If you're not sure what hobbies to choose from then here's a website to help you along your path...

Discover a Hobby

Cheers to good brain neurobics!

~ Tricia Zenone

Quote: People Are Like Stained Glass Windows

2009-02-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

[Photo Credit: Steve Zenone]

People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in,
their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Quote: Benjamin Franklin

2009-01-31T14:55:00.000-08:00

Quote of the day:

"Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none."
~ Benjamin Franklin

Basic premise: Politics plays in every aspect of life; from friends, to family, to co-workers to acquaintances, to the Joe Shmoe that walks past you on the street. Civility is a necessary component in a healthy society.

Stay Civil,
~ Tricia Zenone

Quote: You Are Worth It!

2009-01-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

The best resolution you can give to yourself is said perfectly in this quote:

"Your life is an occasion; Rise to it!" ~Mr. Magorium

Happy New Year!

~Tricia Zenone

Sunday Post: Winter Quotes

2008-12-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Steve Zenone

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout

Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius. ~Pietro Aretino

The tendinous part of the mind, so to speak, is more developed in winter; the fleshy, in summer. I should say winter had given the bone and sinew to literature, summer the tissues and the blood. ~John Burroughs

Winter is the time of promise because there is so little to do - or because you can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so. ~Stanley Crawford

I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood. ~Bill Watterson

Every mile is two in winter. ~George Herbert

When the bold branches
Bid farewell to rainbow leaves -
Welcome wool sweaters.
~B. Cybrill

I was just thinking, if it is really religion with these nudist colonies, they sure must turn atheists in the wintertime. ~Will Rogers

Winter dies into the spring, to be born again in the autumn. ~Marche Blumenberg

Every winter,
When the great sun has turned his face away,
The earth goes down into a vale of grief,
And fasts, and weeps, and shrouds herself in sables,
Leaving her wedding-garlands to decay -
Then leaps in spring to his returning kisses.
~Charles Kingsley

Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Extract

2008-12-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year...Time to give.

Here's a recipe for homemade vanilla extract.

Ingredients;
2 Cups (16 oz.) vodka (plastic or glass bottle)
May also substitute Brandy or Rum.
(rum will give a sweet flavor)
10 Vanilla Beans

1. Slice the vanilla beans the long way with the tip of a knife.

2. Discard (or drink) 1/4 cup of vodka out of the vodka bottle. You will be making your extract inside the vodka container and need to make room for the vanilla beans.

3. Put the sliced vanilla beans into the vodka container.

4. Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat.

5. Shake the vodka bottle daily to speed along the extraction process.

6. The darker the mixture gets the stronger the extract is. 45 days is recommended.

7. Bottle vanilla extract into amber-colored bottles.

8. Give away as wonderful gifts.

Makes approximately 24 vanilla extract bottles.

From my kitchen to yours...Happy Gift Giving this Holiday Season,

~ Tricia

Sunday Post: November

2008-11-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

"November's sky is chill and drear,
November's leaf is red and sear."
- Sir Walter Scott

"The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on."
- Emily Dickinson

"Give me the end of the year an' its fun
When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers."
- Edgar A. Guest, Thanksgiving

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves
with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed,
are as crisp as autumn air."
- Eric Sloane

"All in November's soaking mist
We stand and prune the naked tree,
While all our love and interest
Seem quenched in the blue-nosed misery."
- Ruth Pitter, 1897-1992, The Diehards, 1941

Remember: 21 Ways To Do Everything Better

2008-11-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

Here's some great tips from a great blogger, Jay White...

21 Ways To Do Everything Better

from Tips for Life by Jay White

Doing everything with quality increases your chances for success, enhances your reputation and saves you time in the long run. People typically equate quality with skill, but quality is a by product of time, thoughts and systems.

Here are 21 ways to assure quality in everything you do. See where you can apply a couple of these rules to your life. In a few weeks, review the impact.

Review

Review Everything
Review everything you touch before you hand it off. Proof read your documents one last time, double check that package to make sure everything is included, triple check your bullet points on your presentation.

Review Help: Enlist a 2nd set of eyes
Even after you look things over, you may miss some glaring mistakes because you are used to your work. Having someone else look it over will give you a new perspective on your work and may even lead to new, better solutions.

Review Other's Contributions
Don't take it for granted that others can do the job well or even that they know what they're doing. Trust but verify. Remember the saying, "Don't expect what you don't inspect."

Review your mistakes
Sometimes you make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

Review Accomplishments
A lot can be learned from your past accomplishments. Take the the time to go over your past work and look objectively at what you did well and didn't do so well. There are many lessons to learn.

Control

Control Your Task List- Don't Drop Anything
Keep track of your commitments. If you don't know what you need to do, you can't do it well.

Control Your Commitments: Just Say No
With a heavy workload, it may be hard to get everything done right. This may mean saying no to new projects.

Control Your Understanding
Find out deadlines and requirements. Ask questions. Make sure you know what's expected. If you don't know what you're shooting for you can't succeed.

Control Expectations
Provide feedback at the beginning of a project of what you will be delivering. Set the scope of the project early so there aren't any misunderstandings.
Control Yourself
Don't try to do everything yourself at one time. Break projects apart and succeed through layering one success on top of another. This will enable you provide progress and ensure you are on the right track.

Learn

Learn From Others
The people around you may be doing some tasks better than you. How are they doing it? Look at colleagues, bosses and definitely don't neglect learning from subordinates.

Learn Through Research
Look at industry groups, books and blogs- all may have some good tips on helping you do better.

Learn Through Education
Are there ways to enhance your skills? Take an extra course? How can you learn more?

Relearn
If you frequently do a task but it isn't consistently perfect, take some time to analyze the steps you should be doing. Start the process from scratch. Consciously do one step at a time making sure you're doing it right.

Think

Commit to Quality
Decide that with anything you do, you'll do it the right way. Just committing to quality will cause you to reconsider sending out a half-baked project and increase your quality.

Brainstorm
Think of ways you can do it better. Think of ways to put systems around your tasks.

Envision Success
Ask yourself "What would perfect execution look like for this task?" Now go do it.

Be Proud of Your Quality
If you take pride in your quality, you won't release non-quality items.

Solve the Problem, Not the Request
Sometimes a "simple" request is not so simple. Find out what the requester really wants, then give it to him.

Think big picture
Don't just solve the problem by applying a quick fix. See how it fits in the big picture and determine if you san solve a big problem with just a little more effort.

Don't Wait for Deadlines
It's inevitable that people rush to finish a task at the deadline. This only leads to more problems. The solution is simple- start early and plan your schedule so that you finish early. Which leads to:

Exceed expectations
You've understood the expectations and you've set expectations- now do your best to exceed them. Everyone loves good surprises!

You're not going to be able to implement this in one day but refer to this list often to ensure you're always thinking of quality. With good quality, work doesn't need to be reworked and problems are minimized.You can remember these using the mnemonic Review-TLC (TLC= Think, Learn, Control).

~Tricia Zenone

Quote: All of our Thoughts are Conditioned

2008-11-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

All of our thoughts are conditioned. We all are thinking exactly along the lines we are conditioned to think. Programmed like a computer. Anybody who thinks they are actually choosing of their own free will the line of thinking that they have is completely deluded by their thinking. —Adyashanti

---
~Tricia Zenone

Holiday: Halloween Jokes

2008-11-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween Jokes for your Holiday Entertainment:

Why did the vampire go to the orthodontist?
To improve his bite...

What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Frostbite...

Why don't skeletons ever go out on the town?
Because they don't have any body to go out with...

What is a vampire's favorite holiday?
Fangsgiving...

What did one ghost say to the other ghost?
"Do you believe in people?"

What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's corn flakes?
A cereal killer...

Why do mummies have trouble keeping friends?
They're so wrapped up in themselves...

What kind of streets do zombies like the best?
Dead ends...

What does the papa ghost say to his family when driving?
Fasten your sheet belts...

What is a vampire's favorite mode of transportation?
A blood vessel...

What type of dog do vampire's like the best?
Bloodhounds...

What does a vampire never order at a restaurant?
A stake sandwich...

What is a skeleton's favorite musical instrument?
A trombone...

What do birds give out on Halloween night?
Tweets...

Why do vampires need mouthwash?
They have bat breath...

What's a vampire's favorite fast food?
A guy with very high blood pressure...

Why did the Vampire subscribe to the Wall Street Journal?
He heard it had great circulation...

~Tricia

Remember to: Know the Fine Line Between Confidence and Arrogance

2008-09-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Line Between Confidence & Arrogance
~The Confidence Guy by Steve

The difference between confidence and arroganceI’m always surprised at how many people say to me, “Don’t some people you work with become really arrogant?”

Other people think that I’m arrogant because I assume to know how to make people become self-confident. They think that I stride around being full of myself, while I tell people how to be outwardly self-confident.

A bit of striding once in a while never hurt anyone, but I’m surprised because they couldn’t be further from the truth. In my mind the there’s no confusion at all between confidence and arrogance and I can say, hand on heart, that not one person I’ve coached has become arrogant. I coach people on bringing out their natural, inner confidence and am probably the least arrogant bloke you could meet. (That’s not me making arrogant claims by the way, it’s an observation based on my experience).

Confidence and arrogance are 2 very different things; the line between them isn’t as fine as people seem to think.

* Arrogant people strive to be right
Someone who’s arrogant is more interested in being right than being happy. They’ll go out of their way to prove their position or opinion is right over someone else’s. They won’t think about the opinion’s they’re rejecting or the people they’re dismissing – what’s important is that they’re proven right, if only in their own heads.

* Arrogant people want to build themselves up
Show me an arrogant person and I’ll show you someone who’s most interested in elevating their perceived position, sometimes to the detriment of others. This is about their validation, and an arrogant person will aim to feel good about themselves by reducing the status of others or making them feel less than.

* Arrogant people bluff their way
An arrogant person will try to bluff their way to success rather than achieve success through applying their strengths and working hard. They’ll make it known that their ability is greater than it actually is, which might not be a problem in itself (I’m all for stretching yourself) but when coupled with arrogance means they’ll be less inclined to own up to or learn from their mistakes. They’ll paper over the cracks, concerned as much with their image as their results.

* Arrogant people don’t’ listen
An arrogant person will rarely listen to you, me or anyone else. They might appear to listen, but will go right back to their own way of doing things and their old beliefs. Perhaps more importantly, an arrogant person often won’t even listen to themselves – they won’t hear the little voice inside that tells them how much easier things could be if only they’d let go of the need to be right.

* Arrogant people talk first and think later
An arrogant person will open their mouth and say what comes to mind without thinking, after all, in their mind it’s a spot on observation, the wittiest of comments or a flawless piece of reasoning. The impact of what’s said isn’t of much concern, what’s important is that they’re heard.

The gap between true confidence and arrogance is a wide one, and when people do stray into arrogance (we all know someone, right?) it’s normally down to ignorance rather being than a conscious choice. Someone who’s trying hard to come across as confident, for example, can mistakenly behave arrogantly simply because they haven’t figured out what real confidence is or what it means to them.

Make sure you know the difference.

~Tricia Zenone

FYI: CA EMT Registry Created

2008-09-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

California EMT Registry Created
By Tamara Thompson

Formal disciplinary actions against a California Emergency Medical Technician will now be available as a public record, thanks to AB 2917, signed by the governor today.

AB 2917 will provide the public with with certification and licensure information and create an EMT registry, specified by Section 1797.117 of the Health and Safety Code.

The legislation details the personal information that will be a public record, which is similar to that which is available on other California professional licensees.

The information made available to the public through the centralized registry system shall include all of the following data elements: the full name of every individual who has been issued an EMT-I or EMT-II certificate or EMT-P license, the name of the entity that issued the certificate or license, the certificate or license number, the date of issuance of the license or certificate, and the license or certificate status.

[Credit: pibuzz.com]

~Tricia Zenone

Remember to: Negotiate a Job Offer

2008-09-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a great blurb about negotiating a salary for a job offer.

REMEMBER: Everything is Negotiable!

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Are You Really Ready to Negotiate?

Remember that you are not in a position to negotiate money (and/or any of the other attachments) until after the “sale” is made.

How do you know when you are ready to negotiate? You are ready to negotiate when you have a “ready buyer.” You are ready to negotiate when you hear anything from “We are ready to make the offer” to the formal letter offering you the job. Until that time, you are not yet ready to negotiate the “whats” of the offer. Until then, you are only negotiating the “ifs” of whether you will get the offer. It is always the best negotiating posture to wait until you have the actual job offer in hand. In writing, if possible. Get the offer first, then begin your negotiating.

To steadfastly put forth your “I am ready to consider your very best offer” response when the employer shows true interest at the end of the interviewing process should lead to the best possible initial offer from the company. I say “initial” because it is exactly that. Very few companies have offers that are “cut in stone”—even those that say they do. Often they will give in to many of the requested perks.
Credit: www.collegegrad.com
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I can't emphasize enough on who true it is that you can negotiate everything! From solidifying a salary for a new job to making a deal for a bunch of bananas at the market, you CAN make a deal with everything!

~Tricia Zenone

Tech Acronyms: From CD to WWW

2008-09-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself unsure of what some of the everyday tech acronyms actually mean?

I was sparked to compile a list of commonly used tech terms/acronyms after I overheard a coworker's phone conversation with the company's IT department. She was embarrassed to ask the IT representative what 'IP' meant. Although she did muster up courage to ask, she also stated her disclaimer of embarrassment for lack of tech terminology in the process.

Tech Acronyms
-------------------------------

CD - Compact Disc

CD-R - Compact Disc Recordable

CD-ROM - Compact Disc Read-Only Memory

CD-RW - Compact Disc Re-Writable

DNS - Domain Name System

DOS - Disk Operating System

DVD - Digital Versatile Disc

DVD+R - Digital Versatile Disc Recordable

DVD+RW - Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable

DVD-R - Digital Versatile Disc Recordable

DVR - Digital Video Recorder

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

GIF - Graphics Interchange Format

HDTV - High Definition Televsion

HTML - Hyper-Text Markup Language

HTTP - HyperText Transfer Protocol

I/O - Input/Output

IMAP - Internet Message Access Protocol

IP - Internet Protocol

IT - Information Technology

JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group

LAN - Local Area Network

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display

MAC Address - Media Access Control Address

MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface

MP3 - MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3

MPEG - Moving Picture Experts Group

NOC - Network Operations Center

P2P - Peer To Peer

PC - Personal Computer

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant

PDF - Portable Document Format

RAM - Random Access Memory

RGB - Red Green Blue

ROM - Read-Only Memory

RTF - Rich Text Fomat

SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

SSL - Secure Sockets Layer

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

URL - Uniform Resource Locator

USB - Universal Serial Bus

VoIP - Voice Over Internet Protocol

VPN - Virtual Private Network

WAN - Wide Area Network

Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity

WWW - World Wide Web

Now you have a list of tech terms!

~Tricia Zenone

It's All in the Name: Bee

2008-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

[photo credit: Tricia Zenone]

Symbolism: Bee

"The bee is a sign of industry, creativity, wealth, diligence and eloquence. The Egyptians used it as a symbol of regal power. In armory, it is used to represent well-governed industry. The Emperor Napoleon gave the bee considerable importance in the French armory by adopting it as his personal badge. They also appeared on the mantle and pavilion around the armorial bearings of the empire, as well as on his coronation mantle. The bee is undoubtedly the most popular insect found in heraldry, and even the beehive occurs often as a crest." ~Houseofnames.com

~Tricia Zenone