The New Nation - Internet Edition

Nakshi-pitha motifs on Kay Kraft’s wears

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Our folklore traditions over the centuries have been enriched by many diverse cultures from near and far, choked with the flavours of the local artistic imaginations and craftsmanship. These flavours influenced us in various forms -clothing, handicrafts, furniture and even to decorative cooking adornment or ornamentation. Our six seasons have played their vital roles all along to pattern the folklore imaginations to their own distinct cordiality.

The women in various parts of the country have different styles of designing their 'Pitha' (cakes). Their ambition, dreams and imagination transformed into delicious cakes - designed with love and affection for their family, friends and neighbours. This tradition is a significant part of our culture.

To represent this phenomenon Kay Kraft, a boutique house, organised a dress exhibition titled 'Art of Tradition' with the motifs of 'Nakshi-pitha' to portray the rich cultural heritage of the country at Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi in the city.

The exhibition was inaugurated on August 17 and concluded on August 21. Eminent educationist Prof Anisuzzaman was present as chief guest at the function, while 'Master Craftsman' awarded for 'Nakshi-pitha' Shamsunnahar was present as special guest on the occasion.

The exhibition was expected to be of an interest to fashion conscious people, keen on folklore appreciation and research, fashion designers of today and tomorrow.

Fashion designer Chandra Shekhar Shaha said, "The Kay Kraft design studio has been developing a line of clothes over the last five months, using the 'Nakshi-pitha' as motif. The various styling and decorative designing of the 'Nakshi-pitha' reflecting on this line-up were presented in the exhibition."

Khalid Mahmud Khan of Kay Kraft said, "Kay Kraft has remained devoted to presenting our abundant cultural or traditional charms, through exhibitions, seasonal festivals and using their own creativity to portray them with their designing. As always, bringing the rural and urban closer together - either through fusion or presenting them to each other."

A larger segment of the Kay Kraft clientele are the young in heart generation of the country who have been eager to offer patronage to our traditional crafts and artistry. Trying to revive our cultural heritage through fashion they promote themselves, encouraging modern designers to pay tribute to our folklore and traditional artisans. Following the handloom art exhibition, Khadi Utshab, this season Kay Kraft has arranged the 'Art of Tradition Exhibition," said Khalid.

To make the exhibition memorable, a brochure was published and distributed among the visitors.

The representation of the significant cultural elements and heritage and hereafter the presentation methodology, if properly planned conducted and orchestrated, evidently will lead to a new flavouring of beautification suited to contemporary taste, fashion while admire the country's rich cultural heritage.

Photo: Kay Kraft.

Colours of Thai cuisines

WP Reporter

Feed the body, nourish the soul with delicate yet distinctive Thai cuisine during the Thai Food Festival at The Westin Dhaka. His Excellency Mr. Chalermpol Thanchitt, Ambassador of Thailand to the People's Republic of Bangladesh and Mr. Stephane Masse the General Manager of The Westin Dhaka jointly announced the re-launching of exceptionally popular Thai Food Festival "Colours of Thai Cuisines" today. The festival will continue until 31 August 2008 at Taste restaurant. This festival will showcase the authentic and modern Thai cuisine as well as cultural performance.

His Excellency Mr. Chalermpol Thanchitt mentioned that "The Colours of Thai Cuisines is third in the series of Thai food festival jointly organized by the Royal Thai Embassy and the Westin Dhaka, our long-term partner. This event comes in such an auspicious time since we are celebrating the 36th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Bangladesh and Thailand. The Royal Thai Embassy will organize a seminar on 'Bangladesh - Thailand: Potentials from Partnership' here at the Westin Dhaka on 31 August 2008, along with many other activities. We are very lucky to have a renowned guru of Thai cuisines like Mrs. Wandee Na Songkla with us. Her mere presence could already guarantee the authentic taste of all the Thai foods to be served during the event."

"I am also delighted to see many partners joining us in celebrating the 36 years of our bilateral ties. Apart from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., Phyathai Hospital, Thai Airways International, I am pleased to announce that the Westin Spa, which is a joint venture between the Westin Dhaka Hotel and the Prince Beauty Spa in Thailand, will also offer 20% discount for all the guests during this week of celebration until 31 August 2008.", he continued.

"From South East Asia Thai cuisines have conquered the whole world. The cuisines are indeed very popular in Bangladesh as well. The diners will have the opportunity to feed their body and nourish their soul with authentic yet modern Thai cuisines during the weeklong festival here at the Westin Dhaka. We are delighted to be associated with such an event presenting the "Colours of Thai Cuisine" said Mr. Masse.

"Thai food offers a variety of flavors and taste, with enthusiastic use of herbs, spices and fresh ingredients. Thai food is famed for its balance and harmony, an exiting combination of five fundamental tastes - hot, sweet, sour, salty and bitter - brings contrasting yet complementing flavors and textures to each dish. Coconut milk, sea food, and fruit also play a key part in Thai Cuisine" supposed Mr. Gerard Wallace, The Executive Chef of The Westin Dhaka

Savor the delicate yet distinctive flavors of passionate Thai Cuisine each evening at dinner as a group of 2 highly talented guest chefs Mrs. Wandee Na Songkla and Miss Khanidta Kaewsupan from Thailand will prepare an array of delicious and succulent dishes to fill your taste buds. The Festival will focus primarily on the authentic and exciting new Thai creations, which will certainly inspire the food lovers to elevate their senses.

What could be the better way to start other than refreshing salads and soups? Enjoy an array of revitalizing salads and starters from a range of Sour and Tangy Fruit Salad, Spicy Chicken, Shrimp and Glass Noodle Salad, Seafood Salad with Thai Herbs, Beef Salad with Ground Roasted Rice and Chilli Powder. Why not try Seafood Combination Soup with Lemongrass, Lime Juice and Chilli, Beancurd Soup with Seaweed?

For the food lovers, there will be an array of popular Thai dishes to tantalize your taste buds - Green Curry, Spicy Beef Curry, Stir Fried Shrimp, Stir Fried Fish with Thai Yellow Curry, Deep Fried Shrimp Toast, Crab Fried Rice, Stir Fried Beancurd with Sweet and Sour Sauce, Steamed Jasmine Rice and many more…

A Thai meal is usually followed by a variety of fresh-cut fruits and sweet treats. More elaborate sweet desserts such as Pumpkin Custard, Water Chesnut in Coconut Milk, Mango Sticky Rice, Black Sticky Rice with Coconut, or Banana in Syrup or Yam in Coconut Syrup.

Enjoy not only the delicious cuisine but also the atmosphere specially created for your pleasure by a cultural troupe of 6 performers from Thailand, sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who will demonstrate the traditional Thai way of life each evening from 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm. From 28 August onward, you will also have a chance to appreciate the beauty of Thailand though colours and brushes in an art exhibition by Dr. Suchart Vongthong, a renowned water-colour artist from Thailand, who will join our celebration.

Among others H. E. Mr. Chalermpol Thanchitt, Ambassador, Royal Embassy of Thailand, Ms. Usa Wijarurn, Director of the Thai Trade Center in Dhaka, Mrs. Wandee Na Songkla

Chef From Thailand, Mr. Stephane Masse, General Manager, The Westin Dhaka, Mr. ATM Hafizullah, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Westin Dhaka and Mr. Gerard Wallace, Executive Chef, The Westin Dhaka were present.

The Food Festival is jointly brought to you by The Westin Dhaka and The Royal Thai Embassy in association with Thai Foreign Ministry and Tourism Authority of Thailand, where Channel-I is the media partner.

All natural monsoon first-aid

Those monsoon scrapes, bites and burns can be handled in a natural way. If you're fortunate to have a health centre or hospital in your area, drop by and speak to one of their experts who can help you assemble your own natural first-aid kit.

Sunburn

Prevention:

In the case of sunburns, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure:

Cover up with a hat, clothing, sunglasses and head for the shade during peak hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Re-apply sun block every few hours and remember some medications make the skin more sun sensitive.

Relief:

Peppermint oil, calendula oil or St. John's Wort extract helps reduce body heat and promote a healthy inflammatory response; add drops to lotion or a cool bath.

Witch hazel or green, white or black tea (brewed and cooled) contains tannins for promoting healing and a healthy inflammation response.

Aloe vera gel (undiluted) soothes and promotes healing; look for high percentage in products.

Lavender essential oil diluted in water or carrier oil, Vitamin E or avocado oils all promotes healing.

Insect Bites

Prevention:

Taking B-complex vitamins and eating garlic and onions may make skin less tasty to mosquitoes.

Avoid floral and sweet-smelling scents, whether artificial or natural, including dryer sheets!

Disguise your body scent and change the taste of your skin with essential oils that bugs don't like.

Dilute essential oils in water or a carrier oil, then rub or spray on skin and clothes. Reapply often.

Essential oils for mosquitoes: citronella (lemongrass), evergreen and/or eucalyptus.

Essential oils for biting flies: lavender, basil and/or geranium.

Neem oil and geraniol (from lavender) are effective also.

Relief:

Lavender or peppermint essential oil soothes itching and promotes healing; one undiluted drop on each bite. Garlic soothes pain; hold crushed clove on sting 20 minutes then rinse.

Colloidal (or crushed) oatmeal bath soothes and promotes healing.

Basil leaf (crushed or extract) and topical clay soothes itching and stinging pain.

Homeopathic remedies include: Ledum (wild rosemary) for swelling; Apis (honey bee) for stings.

Poison ivy, oak & sumac

Prevention:

Teach your kids what these poison plants looks like. The "leaves of three, let them be" only applies to poison ivy and oak. Poison Sumac has seven to 13 leaves.

Relief

Homeopathic remedies include: Rhus tox, Anacardium Orientale, Graphites, Urtica urens, Sulphur

Jewelweed, eucalyptus or witch hazel essential oils promote healing; use undiluted drops or a compress.

Calamine lotion or topical clay soothe, help relieve itching and promote healing.

Oatmeal (colloidal crushed) baths soothe and promote healing.

Minor cuts, burns, scrapes & splinters

Relief:

Tea tree oil or witch hazel in products or diluted cleans and soothes.

Lavender or calendula ointment promotes healing and a healthy inflammation response.

Comfrey ointment or a compress promotes healing.

Slippery elm compress may help dislodge splinters.

Motion Sickness

Prevention:

Ginger capsules, crystallized pieces, powder or extract; take 20 minutes before (and during) travel.

Relief:

Peppermint essential oil calms the stomach; sprinkle on tissue to inhale aroma

Raspberry tea calms the stomach.

Homeopathic remedies available as well.

Muscle soreness bruises & swelling

Prevention:

When playing with your kids, avoid the "weekend warrior" scenario by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Stretch with deep breathing and warm up muscles slowly before activity.

Herbal supplements such as ginger, turmeric, holy basil, green tea and rosemary support a healthy inflammation response, both preventatively and for relief.

Relief

Homeopathic Arnica gel or cream relieves swelling and pain.

Bromelain (pineapple enzyme) helps soothe sprains and bruises.

Capsaicin cream (from cayenne pepper) helps soothe aches and pains.

Homeopathic remedies include: Arnica Montana, Magnesium phosphorus, Hypericum perf, Ruta grav, Ledum pal, Rhus tox.

Add some scent to your life with homemade sachets

Sachets can be the best protection against unwanted pests snacking on your clothes. Save some money and get the exact scent you like by making your own sachets. Related stories:

No-sew sachets

If you're not handy with the needle and thread then make up some no-sew sachets.

To prevent moths snacking on your winter clothes, wrap up some aromatic cedar chips in a cheesecloth square and place in your drawers. You can also put a few drops of cedar oil on some cheesecloth, add another layer of cheesecloth and place in your drawer away from the actual clothing.

To repel flies, wrap up some eucalyptus, bay leaves and cloves in small cheesecloth squares and place by open windows or doors.

Another simple sachet it to take a cotton bandana or handkerchief, place the herbs in the middle, gather the edges together and tie it with a ribbon. Another great source for ready made sachets are reusable cotton teabags sold at most health food stores.

Do it yourself

Follow these simple steps to create sachets with your signature style.

Choose a natural fabric that breathes. Cotton, silk, linen, hemp, burlap or bamboo are all suitable fabrics. Synthetic fabric won't be as aromatic. Make your sachet more personalize by embroidering your initials or some flowers onto one side.

Decide what size your sachet. 5 cm x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) is the traditional size used in undergarment drawers. Larger drawers use the 10 cm by 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) size.

Choose a narrow ribbon or yarn that matches the fabric. You'll need 22 to 25 cm (¼ yard) of ribbon to tie off the sachet.

Make your herb potpourri. Mix and match the herbs to suit your taste.

With the right sides facing, put two swatches together and stitch up three sides. You can use a sewing machine or stitch them by hand -- whichever suits you.

Turn the bag right side out and fill close to three-quarters with your herbs.

Tie off the open end with the ribbon. You can choose to finish off the fourth edge so you have a completely enclosed sachet but this makes it harder to replace the herbs.

Place in your drawer or pin to a hanger in your closet. Herbs to use

Moth prevention: lavender, rosemary, vetiver, dried lemon peels, rose petals, rosemary, clove, cedar wood, mint, thyme, ginseng and sage

Flea prevention: mint, cedar, citrus, pennyroyal, citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, lemongrass, rue and lavender

Ward off flies: eucalyptus, bay leaves and cloves, basil. These herbs are all-available at your local health food store in bulk or buy your own fresh herbs and dry your own.

Once your sachets are completed place them in your drawers or hang them in your closets. They're a great way to add some scent to your life.

Successful induced breeding of delicious Boal

Professor Dr. Md. Idris Miah

Bangladesh is fortunate enough having an extensive and huge water scattered all over the country in the form of small ponds, beels, lakes, canals, small and large rivers and estuaries covering an area of about 4.34 million hectares (Mazid, 2002). The inland aquatic habitats of Bangladesh are rich in faunal biodiversity containing at least 265 species of finfish, 63 species of prawn, several species of turtle, tortoises, fresh water mussels and other living aquatic organisms which are commercially important (Rahman, 2005). 93% of the inland open water bodies comprise open waters and 7% closed water bodies (DOF, 2005).

Presently fish and fisheries sector contribute 63% of total animal protein intake, 4.92% GDP, 23% agricultural production and 5.77% of foreign export earnings of the nation (DOF, 2005). At present 1.4 million peoples are engaged full time and 12 million as part time in fisheries sector in the country for livelihood and trade. Another 3.08 million fish and shrimp farmers are cultivating fish and shrimp at both subsistence and commercial level (Mazid, 2002). About 13% of the rural households are implicated in this sector and it provides employment to about 7% of the population (Haque, 1996). But fish stocks are being lost due to over exploitation, indiscriminate and distinctive fishing activities, ecological imbalance, erosion, siltation, breeding ground destruction and also due to the human development activities. Recent estimates suggest that worldwide 20% of all freshwater species are extinct, endangered as vulnerable (Moyle and Leidy, 1992).

According to IUCN (2000) out of 266 fish species in Bangladesh (freshwater and brackish), 12 are critically endangered, 28 endangered and 12 are vulnerable and more are under increasing threat for sustainability (Ahmed and Wahab, 2003).

Boal is one of the endangered species. Bangladesh Agricultural University has brought a good news in this aspect. A team of Scientists led by Prof. Dr. Md. Idris Miah, Department of Fisheries Management, BAU has got the first success in induced breeding of Boal fish in Bangladesh scientifically. Prof. Dr. Md. Idris Miah, Professor Dr. Somen Dewan were assisted by Ph.D. fellow Md. Mokhlesur Rahman and S.M. Farid, M.S. student Md. Sayeed Harun, Harun Ar Rashid and Nasimul Islam and Lab Technician Azadul Islam. The project entitled, "Development of Induced Breeding Technique, Larval Rearing and Cultural Management of Wallago attu (Bloch)" funded by the Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology, Project Director, Prof. Dr. Md. Idris Miah and his Research Assistants achieved this success after long laborious works.

Scientific name of 'Boal' fish is Wallago attu (Bloch), and this fish belongs to the family Siluridae. In adult, male fish is smaller than female. Their body is elongated, head depressed, tail compressed. Upper and lateral part of head covered by osseous plates forming a case. Accessory dendritic branchial organs attached to second and fourth branchial arches. Cranial roaf with two fortanels are frontal commencing from between eyes in front region, other much shorter in occipital region. Mouth transverse, upper jaw slightly longer. Anterior nostrils short tubes upper lip, Posterior nostrils more or less rounded slits behind nasal barbells. Eyes small with free orbital margin.

Barbels 4 pairs, nasal pair extends to near occipital process, maxillary pair extends to the middle or end of pectoral fins, mandibular pairs shorter. Vili form teeth in a creseentic land an jaws. Dorsal and annal fins long composed entirely of soft rays. Pectoral fins rounded, its spine unindented. Caudal rounded, free from vertical fins.

Previously they were found in plenty throughout Bangladesh in the rivers, canals, beels, haors etc. But at present their abundance decreased tremendously. They breed from May to July with the approach of monsoon in shallow waters inundated paddy fields and similar bodies of water.

Project Purpose:

The research work is aimed at developing suitable technology for breeding, hatching and larval rearing of Boal (Wallago attu) that could be disseminated among the hatchery managers and nursery operators. The specific objectives are as follows-

(i) To study the complexity of breeding biology of Boal.

(ii) To successfully breed the Boal (Wallago attu) species by using pituitary gland (PG) extract and synthetic hormones as inducing agents.

(iii) To determine the fertility and hatching rate in relation to varying water temperature and time.

(iv) To study the embryonic development process of Boal.

(v) To study the effects of different natural and artificial feeds on the growth and survival of the larvae for rearing them up to the stockable size.

(vi) To study the effects of different stocking density on the growth and survival of larvae.

(vi) To assess the growth performance and yield of the Boal under monoculture system.

Breeding Technique:

On March 2008, 40 pieces of brood fish (Wallago attu) were collected from the Guzadia beel under Karimgonj thana in Kishoregonj district. Among them 22 pieces were female and 18 pieces were male. Fishes were brought in live condition and they were kept into the water containing large drum. Then they were brought by truck and water was changed several times and adequate care was taken so that no oxygen deficiency occur. Fishes were kept into the Fisheries Field Laboratory Complex pond. After acclimatization rearing was started with supply of good quality live feed, such as jat punti, tit punti, fry of silver carp and prawn as a feed of these brood fishes. Besides, brood tilapia also stocked in the pond which produced larvae, which were used as food of Boal.

A series of experiments were done with different doses of PG and H C G hormones in the trial and error basis and finally PG showed better performance.

Brood fish are rearing for the nex1 year experiments in a wide scale due to ending of breeding season in this year. In case of getting fund lately and some other practical limitations research works have been hampered in this year. We are hopeful that it is possible to overcome these problems. Growth rate was found encouraging. If we can develop low cost supplementary feed for boal fry, then monoculture of boal in ponds would be easy, popular and profitable like pangus culture in Bangladesh.

The overall goal of the proposed study is to bring socio-economic upliftment of the rural fish farmers which will be reflected in term of their increased fish production, mitigation of malnourishment problem, supply of proteinous food, increased income, creation of employment opportunity, ensuring food security and maintaining of biodiversity.

(Prof Dr. Md Idris Miah is the Project Director, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.)

Is everyone a critic?

"By criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant a standard of judging well. --Dryden."

"You're fat, you're stupid, and your breath smells bad." If someone hurled these bons mots at you, you might feel as if you were being unfairly criticized. In actuality, you were merely insulted. A true "criticism," in the purest definition of the word, would have been, "It might do you some good to lose some weight, educate yourself, and brush your teeth." One type of comment probably hurts, the other potentially enlightens.

Of course, whether or not someone should presume to offer his opinion about your looks or the state of your breath is debatable. But if someone in a kind, non derogatory manner, gave you some useful tips on how you could improve your life in some way, would you appreciate it? Would you possibly even act on this advice? The answer to this question can be found by glancing at the New York Times bestseller list, which features books like Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, on the list for 128 weeks, and described as "Advice for women seeking to improve the way they look at themselves." Exercise guru's Bill Phillips book Body For Life, #2 on the Times' list, promises to "improve one's body and one's life."

Individuals love to have the power to improve themselves, whether it be through diet, exercise, education or just a new haircut. The ever popular how-to books are the essence of classic "criticism," as they attempt to describe whatever it is you're doing wrong with your relationships, lifestyle, etc., and then try to set you on a preferred path. People are not offended by these books -- to the contrary, they embrace them with open arms, not to mention checkbooks. But if Mama tries to offer you some of her wisdom, or "constructive criticism," watch outt

It is probably easier for many to accept "criticism" from an impersonal source like a book or video, as they don't have to worry about any hidden or ulterior motives on the part of the critic. For instance, if your boss counsels you that you need to be more organized, you might worry that he's thinking of firing you. However, if you independently recognized your own sloppy practices in a book titled How to Organize Your Desk, you might take the opportunity to find ways to straighten up your work area. Perhaps you'd then be in line for a raise, rather than an unemployment check. Bear in mind that your "critical" boss may have a lot to offer you, though, if you can overcome the uncomfortable sense of being "criticised." This requires letting go of your defensive ego, however, and understanding that others conceivably have knowledge that could be useful to you. Rather than denying that you have any problems, you might ask your boss honestly what he thinks you should do to improve your work habits, and if his guidance is good, act on it. You will have learned something positive from this experience, rather than carrying around a negative.

The critics in our lives are our greatest motivators, and we should appreciate them. If you think about it, you will probably remember with fondness that high-school English teacher who handed you back a term paper you threw together at the last minute, and told you firmly that the "potential is there, but you need to try harder. I expect more of you." If you made a choice to ignore this suggestion, you probably learned nothing. If you took that paper and re-researched it and rewrote it and tried really hard to make it exemplary, you probably learned plenty. Without the extra push of the criticism from this teacher, you might have coasted by with a C-Paper, rather than pushing yourself to earn the A. That "pushing yourself to earn the A" is what enables us to better our lives, relationships, or financial conditions.

As with anything, there is a downside to criticism, when it's taken to an extreme. You've seen with many actresses and models who are exquisitely beautiful. Anyone would take one look at them, and pronounce them perfect. They are so incredibly hard on themselves, however, they end up making themselves (and others) miserable. A tiny pimple on their otherwise flawless complexions will send them into fits of anxiety. Perfect isn't good enough, absolute perfection is the target. The obsessive self-criticism makes them almost insane, and difficult to be around. In my opinion, life is too short for this type of nonsense. Any goal that makes you crazy trying to attain isn't really worth achieving.

Clever criticism is to find the right words and attitude to help others, or even help yourself.

Ten tips on career advancement

Many career experts agree that the best time to look for a new job is while you are still comfortably in your old one. If you're starting to feel unchallenged in your present position, you may be ready

Your Career Assessment

Find out which careers are for a promotion to the next level. If there aren't many career advancement opportunities where you work, the best next job may be waiting for you elsewhere.

Nowadays, it's up to you to take control of your professional future and make sure that you are progressing wisely down the right career path. Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:

Talk to your boss. Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company's goals. Share your own career goals with him or her. Your boss will respect this display of confidence and maturity.

Ask for more. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams - or simply asking for more responsibilities - increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed. It also puts a spotlight on your value to the business.

Volunteer for boards. If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.

Sharpen your people skills. Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and co-workers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.

Be innovative. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you - and your boss - look good.

Find a mentor. Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.

Sell yourself. Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it - especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.

Keep learning. A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.

Network. Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.

Build your reputation. In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

Computer Virus Threats

Virus & Hacker Threats Should You React?

We've all had it happen, that moment of panic when you wonder if your computer has a virus. In that situation, we can make the wrong decisions by deleting or installing files. If your system is set up properly and you back up files on a regular basis, there is no reason to panic.

Most of us have received an email "from a friend" warning us of impending doom. Sometimes the warning is real and sometimes it's not. Usually the email begins "I found this on my computer and I think I may have accidentally sent it to you. Better check your computer. I'm really sorry." The email finishes up with urging you to send this message to everyone in your address book.

Hoaxes can actually make you the virus by getting you to delete needed programs or files causing the system to bog down or crash. These hoaxes usually arrive in the form of an e-mail and contain false virus warnings. When in doubt, check a list of known virus hoaxes. The best thing to do is to delete the email.

Some virus programs appear to have been sent by a friend or a company you have emailed before. Most come from unknown sources. Once opened they work by pulling names out of a computer's address book and using them to further spread the virus.

You can set your email to accept plain text only. Block or remove emails that contain file attachments. Some viruses are even programmed to instruct your pc to show you only the plain text but can still infect your computer with hidden malicious code.

Prevent Computer Virus Threats

Install Virus Protection Programs

Help prevent computer viruses by updating windows regularly and installing virus protection programs. Virus updates should be done at least once a week. Scheduled the task time to run automatically so that it won't interfere with your work. Set up your computer to automatically download updates, but install the updates manually.

If your system starts running very slowly for no reason, go online and get the system checked. A good scan of your entire operating system, memory, hard drive and boot sector is needed. Trend Micro has a free online virus scanner.

Anti-virus programs hunt for viruses and cleans attachments if possible. When a file can't be cleaned, the anti-virus program will isolate the file. The anti-virus program uses the definition list you download from the program's website, or it matches up a general pattern of what a virus looks like.

The schedule with which the anti-virus definitions are updated can vary, and you may get caught in that window of vulnerability between the virus appearing and it getting updated to the list. Warning: The viruses will get in if you don't keep your anti-virus program updated.

Software companies use patches to correct a problem or a weakness that people can take advantage of. Patching is a necessity and will be an on going method for computer systems weakness prevention.

The Internet is not always what you see. Scan all of your email attachments as you download them. This should be done with files you download directly from internet sites as well as music files, programs, e-books, games, etc. Be careful sharing files with others, such as MP3, videos, programs, pictures, etc. Downloadable data can contain malicious code that you download without knowing it, and will infect your computer.

Downloading the latest patch for your system can stop some of these viruses. You need to get the most recent protection that is out there. Get them directly from the company site. Please note that sometimes you could receive false notifications of necessary update patches in your email, urging you to download a patch immediately to protect your computer. Microsoft does not send update notices by email. These are almost always viruses.

Trojan is a code that hides from you. Even banner ads can contain trojans. The banner ad displays another pop-up that would redirect you to another site and load the content on that page. This would allow the trojan to execute while you are distracted with the content of the page. Trojan programs do not seek out new computers to infect like a worm or virus.

A trojan has the ability to automatically infect a computer. The fact that no fix exists for it, makes the appearance of the trojan a problem. MooSoft developed The Cleaner for detecting and removing trojans in your computer.

People can help protect themselves against Active X issues by changing their IE internet security zone settings to prompt them before running Active X components. If your not familiar with changing security settings, visit PC Pitstop for a free scan to check for security vulnerabilities and automatically set your security controls.

Hackers use automated programs to break into systems and are used by virus writers who set out to damage or use a computer system. The use of a firewall will help prevent this. A firewall works by warning you when someone is trying to gain access to your computer. If someone gains access to your computer they can retrieve information that you have entered, such as passwords, bank accounts and credit card numbers. Zone Labs offers a free basic firewall.

A computer worm hasn't been created to spread by instant messaging, however it provides a target. Experts say a computer worm transmitted by using instant messaging programs would infect as many as 1,000,000 computers in less than a minute. New threats to your computer are created on a regular basis.

Keeping informed and using good judgment is always the very best prevention.

So you want to make your kids happy!

"I only want my kids to be happy" seems to be a simple, harmless, admirable desire. Yet, such an orientation frequently leads to parents giving kids too much stuff and too many experiences, at too early an age. The upshot: These kids are anything but happy.

Instead of happiness, overindulgence frequently results in kids who have an exaggerated sense of entitlement. Kids who expect that their every whim should be fulfilled. Kids who have a total disregard for the value of things (and, sometimes, for other people as well). Kids who have low frustration tolerance. Kids who are insecure. Kids who can't make choices. Kids who nag, beg, and pester their parents unmercifully.

Next time you have a desire to give your kids everything they want, curb your enthusiasm. Otherwise, you might end up with unappreciative, unhappy children who have trouble coping with the inevitable ups and downs of life.

How can a parent stop the pattern of overindulging their child?

Most importantly, don't hesitate to say "no". Being told "no" by a parent helps a child build character, develop tolerance, establish values and set limits. Keep reminding yourself that, on occasion, when you say "no" to your child (and mean it), you are teaching her an important lesson in reality. You are also helping her appreciate the times that you say "yes".

Some parents claim that they don't know how to "no" to their kid. Here are a few ways to do it.

A "no" can be blunt, as in "No, I won't buy that for you."

A "no" can come with an explanation, as in, " No, because I just bought you a new computer game two weeks ago."

A "no" can suggest an alternative, as in, "No, this shirt is too expensive, but this other one is fine."

A "no" can even be completely old fashioned, as in, "No, because I'm the parent and I said so."

Saying "no" becomes easier if you believe that giving your kids what they want is not synonymous with love or with being a good parent. You also need to believe that just because you can afford to buy your kid something doesn't mean that you should buy it.

Secondly, avoid the temptation to cave in to bad behavior. If your child becomes overly demanding, cut back on the giving. Let him be disappointed. Let him be frustrated. Let him have a temper tantrum.. Let him try to make you feel guilty. Let him be depressed. Let him be angry. Let him think you are the worst parent ever. Trust your gut. Be strong. Do what you think is right. Do not be blackmailed by inappropriate demands or relentless pressure.

Third, find creative ways of connecting with your child. Spend more family time together. Talk to each other. Listen to your kid. Discuss philosophical questions, such as, When do you know when something is too much? When do you think a parent should say no? Do you ever say no to yourself? What makes you happy, not just for the moment, but really happy? How long does your disappointment usually last? What's so difficult about waiting to get what you want? Listen to your child's opinions; don't get into a tug-of-war over the 'right answer'.

It's much too easy in our affluent society to overindulge our kids. If you think that this is a blessing, think again.