May 28, 2008
The other day I drove from Chicago to Northwest Indiana on the Indiana Toll Road. I usually have quite a bit of loose change and pay the tolls by throwing the correct amount into the basket, thereby saving a few seconds. But this time I didn’t have any change so I went through the attended lane and handed a dollar bill to the attendant.
He gave me a cheerful “Hi!” as I handed him the money and then said, “Have a safe day!” as he put the change in my hand. I was so dumbfounded by the exchange that I barely had time to reply, “You too!” as I smiled and accelerated back on the road. “Wow! I just saw the world’s friendliest toll road attendant - today’s my lucky day!” I thought to myself as I drove. I had to pay one more toll and got the same reception - a smile and a warm greeting with my change. I wondered whether the planets had aligned differently or somehow the attendants had mistaken me for some Hollywood celebrity and gave me the royal treatment.
I mentioned my experience later to one of my cynical friends who said, “they probably heard that a “courtesy inspector” is coming through today.” Well that may be so, but whatever the reason, those two people exceeded my expectations, put a smile on my face and, even if they were faking it, helped make my journey pleasant. I’d much rather see an insincere smile that a sincere frown any day.
When dealing with customers, staff, vendors, we all have the same opportunity to help make their journey more pleasant with a smile, a pleasant remark. Even if we are having a rotten day ourselves, even if our feet hurt, even if we are tired of taking tolls, making change and trying to be pleasant we still have that obligation to ease the journey of those with whom we come in contact with. Inspire yourself and your staff to be pleasant, polite, and positive - it will put a smile your customers faces and smooth the bumps in the road.
Larry Galler coaches and consults with high-performance executives, professionals, and small businesses since 1993. He is the writer of the long-running (every Sunday since November 2001) business column, “Front Lines with Larry Galler” Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.larrygaller.com Questions??? Send an email to larry@larrygaller.com
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The theory of evolution and the belief in a Creator have long been considered
separate and mutually exclusive realms of human thought . Strict interpretations by
scientists of Darwin’s theory of species adaptation through natural selection must
inherently run contrary to equally strict interpretations of Genesis I. This is true
because of the profound discrepancies that exist between the two explanations of
human origin.
The most notable of these discrepancies are the belief in the fixity of species and,
more importantly in terms of this debate, the age of the earth. The belief in a
relatively young earth, created in approximately 4004 B.C. (Jurmain, Nelson, Kilgore,
Trevathan; Essentials of Physical Anthropology; p.25), cannot coexist in any logical
manner with an evolutionary theory whose foundation rests upon the presumption
of an earth billions, not thousands, of years old. Extremists in both camps have
compiled a history of inflammatory remarks that have led many to the conclusion
that broad acceptance of the theory of evolution is tantamount to eliminating God,
and hence, morality, the soul, and the essence of what it is to be human.
Fortunately a new debate has begun, as old assumptions about evolution, especially
macroevolution, and the literal interpretation of the Bible, have begun to be
challenged. Religious scientists have recently begun to develop explanations based
on modern interpretations of Genesis which allow for the coexistence of God and
evolutionary theory. Loren Haarsma, a neuroscience researcher at Tufts University,
in a January ‘96 article in The World & I, highlights one such group. Dubbed
“progressive creationists” (Haarsma; Why believe in a creator?: Perspectives on
Evolution; p.5), these scientists find flaws with the common practice of pairing the
widely accepted and empirically supported microevolutionary theory with the much
broader and less empirical theory of macroevolution.
Microevolution can be studied in laboratories and in nature over time, and its focus
is on the mutations that occur in individual species due to environmental changes
and natural selection. According to Haarsma, there is little debate over
microevolutionary principals, even among strict creationist fundamentalists,
because of the vast amount of empirical evidence available (Haarsma; Why believe in
a creator?: Perspectives on Evolution; p.1). In the case of macroevolution, however,
the same environmental and selective forces, which are observed in individual
species in mostly small but measurable ways, are applied to all living and extinct
species.
The problem with macroevolution, progressive creationists contend, is that no one
has yet to even hypothesize how the complex adaptation of a species is possible
through the incremental mutation observed in, for example, Darwin’s famous
Galapagos finches . Lending to the problems with macroevolution as stated by
Darwin is the presumption that evolutionary change by natural selection and
environmental factors would be gradual and thus apparent in the fossil record of the
earth. Analysis of the fossil record does not suggest a gradual change in species,
argue progressive creationists and other skeptical scientists. Fossils indicate instead
that there were long periods of little or no change followed by violent and extreme
mutations in species (Jurmain, Nelson, Kilgore, Trevathan; Essentials of Physical
Anthropology; p.217).
One explanation of this phenomenon is a model of evolutionary change termed
punctuated equilibrium (Jurmain, Nelson, Kilgore, Trevathan; Essentials of Physical
Anthropology; p.217). Another model, postulated by progressive creationists,
predicts the sudden appearance of new species and long periods of little or no
change in the fossil record due to intervention by the Creator. Scientists have since
adapted Darwin’s original theory to allow for periods of rapid change due to
extreme environmental factors , but all the aforementioned hypothesis share one
commonality: none can be proven or disproved adequately. While most of the
scientific community still support a close connection between microevolution and
macroevolution, for the first time since before Darwin published Origin of the
Species creationists can say they are on a nearly equal footing scientifically with
other theorists of human origin.
Other creationist factions such as young-earth creationists and evolutionary
creationists argue opposite ends of the creationist spectrum (progressive
creationists fall somewhere in between) and are represented in the scientific
community as well (Haarsma; Why believe in a creator?: Perspectives on Evolution; p.
4). Indeed, physical anthropologists are no longer easily labeled. In a 1997 study
published in Nature and conducted by Edward Larson of the University of Georgia,
Athens, 40% of physicists and biologists were found to hold strong spiritual beliefs
(Easterbrook; Science and God: A Warming Trend?; p.2), further dismantling the long
held generalization that those in the physical sciences are either anti-religious
atheists or agnostics. Gregg Easterbrook, in an August 1997 article in Science,
proposes that the current dialogue between science and God is fostered by the
difficult ethical questions raised by discoveries such as cloning, as well as pragmatic
considerations.
Mainstream faith must, in Easterbrook’s opinion, show that it can accommodate
evolutionary theory to continue to attract increasingly well educated advocates
(Easterbrook; Science and God: A Warming Trend?; p.2). Meanwhile, Easterbrook
argues, scientists must be sensitive to the fact that American’s lack of proficiency in
science is due primarily to the assumption held by students that science will attempt
to destroy their religious beliefs (Easterbrook; Science and God: A Warming Trend?;
p.2).
Whether or not the two sides ever come to agreement on the origin of our species,
one cannot help but be relieved that the quandary of choosing between a world
where the soul is sacrificed for enlightenment or a world of ignorant bliss has
proved to be a false dilemma. One of the founding principals of science is that
uncertainty is the only certainty; and given that, there will always be a place in the
intellectual realm for a Creator. Indeed, one may not be able to reason oneself to
faith, theologians would say it impossible, but given the modern dialogue between
religious and non-religious scientists, reason no longer stands in the way as it once
did.
http://www.lonelycanuck.com
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You invest a lot of time and money into the steaks for a special occasion and when dinner time comes, they are tough. What happened? How can you cook steaks as tender as your favorite restaurant?
The first step to cooking a good steak is to choose the right grade of steak. The top quality beef is graded USDA Prime and commands top prices. USDA Prime grade meats are sold to the restaurant industry and specialty markets and are not as likely to be found at your local grocery chain. The next grade of beef is USDA Choice. USDA Choice is tender, flavorful and only slightly lower in quality than USDA Prime. The meat is well marbled with fat and will be tender and juicy when properly prepared. USDA Choice makes up about 70% of all graded beef and is readily available in your supermarket. USDA Good graded beef is an acceptable grade of beef that has only minimal marbling of fat. It is leaner, but may not be as tender as USDA Prime or Choice.
Next, look at the color and texture of the meat. A good steak should be firm to the touch, moist, and bright in color. It should be well marbled with thin streaks of white fat throughout and a thin crust of steak on the outside. In our fat conscious society, we tend to look for lean cuts of meat, but the thin streaks of white fat marbled throughout the meat are the key to a tender juicy steak.
The most tender and juicy steaks come from the sirloin, the short loin, and the rib. These steaks include the sirloin steaks, porterhouse steaks, t-bone steaks, rib steaks, delmonico steaks, and the filet mignons. Steaks containing bone will weigh more than those without, but the bone adds flavor to the steak.
Aging is a desirable process that intensifies the flavors and makes the meat more tender. Aged steaks are more expensive and usually only found in high end supermarkets and specialty markets. An aged steak is recognizable by its darker color.
Once you have purchased your steak, you can further increase the tenderness and juiciness by marinating it. Try a marinade made of cup each good wine and olive oil mixed 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice or herb vinegar. Add any seasonings that you like such as garlic, freshly ground pepper, onion, or herbs. Place the steak in a ziplock bag, pour in enough marinade to just cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Marinating a steak like this will add flavor and tenderness. If you routinely store steak in the freezer before cooking, try pouring the marinade over the steak before freezing. The steak will marinate when thawing and be ready to cook.
There are meat tenderizers available to sprinkle onto your steak, and they certainly do tenderize the meat; however, meat tenderizers can sometimes over tenderize the meat, changing the texture of the meat into mush. If you should choose to go this route, do it carefully.
When ready to cook, slash through the outside fat layer on the steak in a few places to prevent curling, but do not cut into the meat. The more tender steak cuts can be broiled, grilled, or pan fried. Less tender cuts should be pan fried or slow braised. Steak should never be cooked in liquid. When pan broiling, use a very heavy skillet such as an iron skillet or griddle and heat the pan before adding the meat. The heavy metal will hold the heat for proper heat distribution and not cool down when the steak is added. A hot pan will quickly sear the outside, trapping the moisture inside.
When cooking, try to turn the steak only once. Cook the meat until browned on one side and half done, then turn and finish the other side. Turning too often will stew the meat rather than searing it and produce a less juicy steak. When the steak is done, remove from the pan and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
While the meat rests you can make a sauce with the pan drippings if desired. Use your favorite sauce, or fry mushrooms and onions in the pan. When nearly done, add a tablespoon each of butter and flour and cook until lightly browned. Add a splash of wine and loosen any bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow to cook until thick, taste and adjust seasonings, and serve over the steak. Enjoy!
Diane Watkins is a traditional style southern cook. She offers tips, recipes, and stories about growing up in the south at Easy Southern Cooking.
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“There is difference between knowing the path and walking the path”
- Morpheus, Matrix Revolutions.
Can you make money on the net?
What kind of question is that?
Of course you know that it can be made. That is why you are reading an article on internet marketing
It is good to know. Knowledge is an essential item that we should possess.
My next question is to a particular segment.
Why are you not in business then?
Many a people know that money can be made on the internet. A lot of them also know that potential is huge.
But why then they do not start their own business and earn money.
They just know. They do not endeavor.
Just knowing is not enough. One must realize what he knows. Only then he can be convinced about the actual path and destination. So many people start their business on the net. They know they can earn money and lot of that. But they stop midway before they can earn a single dime.
Why?
There is a difference between knowing and walking the path.
They just know. Their knowledge is based on perception. Their knowledge is not based upon realization. They become shaky, loose confidence and stop before they put their first step in.
Knowledge based upon perception from surrounding can be easily clouded. Doubts are raised quickly. Fear rises inside, ‘What if they are wrong!’
Stirred persons do not go far.
The case is different when you realize the truth.
Okay! How do we realize what we know?
We walk the path. There is no other way. And we walk the path till the end. When we see the truth the doubts vanish.Then we have a knowledge that is based upon conviction and not just perception.
Thousand people can come and tell you ‘Yes there is lot of money’ and you form an opinion.
Another would come and say it is not true and your mind will raise the alarm.
Because you still doubt what you know.
You have not faced the truth. You have just heard the truth.
You need to walk the path to face the truth.
Then you will be unshakable.
Till then you may read thousand of articles, subscribe to hundreds of newsletter or read a lot of books and each would tell you what I am going to write below
You Can Earn A Lot Of Money On The Net.
That is a very pleasing statement. That is a soothing and exciting statement.
But you will realize this only when you take an action. Before that this knowledge is just hearsay.
As you start you learn to walk further. Use your knowledge to guide you in the initial part. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment. Know a people like you who have walked before. That would keep your mind unclouded and head steady.
Soon you will see and realize the truth.
Copyright 2005 Arun Pal Singh
Arun Pal Singh, a successful marketer and writer offers a unique and duplicable business opportunity at http://www.homeforprofits.com. To avail his free Income Course, send an e-mail to subscribe@homeforprofits.com with subject ’subscribe’.
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