Network of Ideas

Tips to say “No”

The most common remedy for improving your time management is to develop the ability of saying, “NO.” Since it is easier to recommend than to do, here are some tips on how to do it.

• Start with your own attitude. What is your self perception when you say, “NO?” Do you see yourself as a slacker? What about the perception of others, are you concerned about what others think of you? Are their opinions influenced by your refusal and does it really matter? Be truthful in your answers and your decision. We are forced to say, “NO” when we become overwhelmed by work, stress, or when a loved one delivers an ultimatum. Why not do the same when you’re managing for more success?
• Once you have made your decision to say, “NO” more often, your commitment is now a matter of discipline. Self-discipline is not a dirty word when we recall savoring the joy resulting from just a little improvement. Just practice all the techniques you’ve used successfully in the past. It’s only natural for others to point to those who are the most vocal which is not same as selecting the most competent. Resist and recognize ego stroking for what it is.
• Replace the task refused with something better. You can contribute a lot without being put on a committee or doing every task requested of you. Counter with, “Do you want me to forsake doing (one of your more meaningful contributions)?” Or, defer to other, more competent, persons.
• Read the rest of this entry »

good news for coin collectors

I have been hearing and reading a lot of articles about coins as an investment because of its financial value that increases over time. However, I find it more appropriate to consider coins as collection rather than investment. Of course that is my point of view, others might view it the other way.

Getting the supposedly rare silver coin and gold coin is no longer difficult today. Anyone can now access a complete list of the coins for acquisition at any given time with the help of the internet. A coin dealer or a collector can just log in the web and search for the item that leads to several sites like Monaco Rare Coin that offers these coins. Still ordering the coins is much convenient if the interested parties call the company. From that they will be able to send write-ups, photos and many more, more importantly their inventory.

Collectors and coin dealers already enjoyed the announcement of the US Mint for the America the Beautiful series new program. Tons of fanfare about the list of national parks and sites the new quarters will feature, it was easy to miss the Mint’s same-day introduction of the America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins. These new coins feature up to five new designs each year beginning Read the rest of this entry »

Cage financial and legal troubles

Last night news said that, in August this year it emerged that Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage owed $6.2 million in unpaid taxes. Over the weekend, the star was slapped with yet another lawsuit also over money, in which the East West Bank alleged he had defaulted on a $2-million loan, as confirm by E! Online.

The court papers say East West Bank extended Cage a $2-million loan in August 2007, with the loan set to mature one year later. The actor, in his turn, agreed to pay $11,590 per month, the same papers say. However, in May this year, Cage missed payment – and continued to do so for the following months as well, namely June, July, August and September. Seeing how Cage had suddenly become unavailable, East West Bank did the only thing possible to cut some of the loss and took legal action against him.

Oscar winner secured a three-month extension and promptly defaulted on the loan in November 2008, the suit states. At that time, he entered into a change-in-terms agreement that reset the maturity date to pay back $1,953,732.94 for Jan. 23, 2011. Of course, he had to fork over some money before then. But starting in May, according to East West Bank, he stopped making his monthly payments of $11,590.82 – and then missed the Oct. 1 deadline to pay $100,000 in outstanding principal sums and interest.” E! Online says of the actor’s most recent financial and legal troubles. As of now, Nicolas Cage has not been available for comment on either lawsuit.

rose flowers for our precious moments

Today is our monthsary and I’m planning to give wiffy some flowers. Some people find it corny to celebrate monthsary especially if you lived together for more than a year and you’ve been in that relationship for almost five years. But, that is how we live our life. We keep on celebrating the months and days we’ve been together. I can definitely say that it is a good way.

Back to my flower hunt, I already found a store that caters several kinds of bouquets. I now have to choose between rose and combination of flower bouquet. I know she likes rose, but it’s the same flower I give her every now and then. She might lose interest receiving it. But, I am not sure also if she will like to receive a different set of flowers. And, then I will combine her favorite cake or ice cream maybe and watch movie at home. That’s it! As simple as that! We don’t really need to dine in fancy restaurants. Just little gifts like flowers and time together is already our precious moments.