Ultimate Blog Challenge. 31 Days. 31 Posts.

Some of you might recall that a few months ago I participated in the 10 Day YOU Blog Challenge which was quite a bit of fun and it really got me focused on ensuring I churned out one post a day (every day) for 10 days.

Then in October / November I came across something called the Ultimate Blog Challenge (and being the rock star that I am) I decided to sign up for the January 2012 session.  Little did I know that I would actually get an email informing me that the challenge was about to start and whether I was ready to get my blog on ! 

There are few simple rules to follow :

1. Post every day for 31 days (duh !).  Doesn’t matter if you post twice a day and then skip a day – but you have to hit 31 posts over the entire month of January.
2. Each post must have a minimum of 100 words to count – so you can’t just put up a picture or a video and leave it there
3. Once you’ve posted, then tweet your post with the tag #blogboost so other participants can find you, and come comment on your blog
4. Go to the #blogboost page and take the time to read other participants blogs (and don’t forget to comment!)
5. No adult blogs – so keep it PG
6. Have fun whilst you blog !

1. 

Now I just have to figure out how on earth I’m going to manage 31 posts in 31 days given my extremely hectic schedule for the coming few weeks … Wish me luck folks !

WW #51 : Don’t Just Leave Me Hanging

WW #51 : Don’t Just Leave Me Hanging

I’m pretty sure no guy (or girl) would appreciate that!! And funnily enough I’ve actually noticed that a lot out here in Bombay.  People make moves on another, and then blow between hot and cold .. to a point it makes you wonder exert so much energy if you aren’t going to follow through on your original plan !

Happy #WW folks ! Don’t forget to share your linky !

Diva’s Most Dazed Reflections of 2011

Wow ! I can’t believe 2011 is about to come to an end.  The year has flown by (and yet gone a bit slow as well) and in a matter of a few days we will bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms.

2011 has been quite a journey for me as a blogger.  I lost my guest post cherry; and things have been popping every since ! This Diva’s Guests have also made an appearance and I’m hoping to show case a few more guest bloggers in 2012.

I’ve also crossed 200 posts in 2011 ! Last year I only managed 134 posts in 2010; and 130 in 2009.  What’s even more exciting is that this year alone – I’ve hit my 3rd and 4th century ! Yeah that’s right – 300th and 400th post milestone in the same year !! And I’m almost squealing with delight because I need only 5 more posts before I hit 500 posts in total over my 2.5 years of blogging !).

I’m pretty chuffed about how regular I’ve been with blogging – about anything and everything that catches my attention.  I felt that posts like ‘Let The Sluts Walk’; ‘Suicide & Death’ & Forgive, Forget or F*ck It brought about interesting reactions and perceptions from those who take the time to

I even managed to successfully complete a 10 Day Blog Challenge !  Oh and it’s just struck me that I’ve built up a few hours of tunes by participating in the #MusicMonday meme.  Hmmm maybe I should make a playlist ;) 

I’ve also been pegged as a dating / relationship blogger; which is pretty cool but I don’t think I’m on par with some of the other bloggers I know who cover this subject on a deeper more insightful level.  What the hell is dating anyway ?  When is a date – considered da date ?

And if that’s not hard enough – then we’ve got to think about things like being exclusive or not !  Don’t even get me started on the friend zone or the Indian stereotype that  says that fair = perfect partner ! I say – yeah right !

I haven’t shared enough of the Diva’s Dating Diary but I really shot myself in the foot by following the ‘it’s just one date – go for it’ policy … I can assure you that I had to pull the fade on the Doctor ! (who by the way – has still not gotten the hint !)

There have been some “OMG I can’t believe this happened” moments which still make me smile … the Roadside Romeo and my topless treat !  And how can I forget the whole connecting with a stranger on flight that lead to a hit or miss situation !

Do these posts give you a reflection of Who Am I ? Did you particularly enjoy any of my posts of 2011 ? If you did – I’d love to know which one :) Come on – it’ll make me smile if you share it with me (unless you are still a lurker)

MM #70 : Warren G – Regulate

MM #70 : Warren G – Regulate

All time old skool favourite.  I can hear this track on repeat for hours.  I don’t know what it is about this tune – but it’s just so chill and mellow.  I love it !

This track was featured in the movie ‘Above The Rim’.

They don’t make music like this anymore.  All the new ‘hip hop’ or ‘rap’ is rather painful to my ears!  Whatever happened to quality tunes ?

Happy #MM folks !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Christmas Greetings In Other Languages

Tis the season to be jolly tra-la-la-la-la ! Why not impress some of your expat and international friends by saying "Merry Christmas" in their native language?

I’ve already sent a German and Norwegian greeting out and will be doing a few more later today.  By greeting someone in their native language – I can assure you that you will bring a smile to their face (even if your accent is totally off and you pronounce the phrase wrong)

For more languages, check out Merry Christmas in Different Languages

Photo of Lady with Heart courtesy Spotted By Norman Copenhagen

 

Diva's Xmas Greetings !

Merry Christmas to all out in Blogosphere !

Every year (despite us getting older), my group of mates are always getting into the Xmas spirit ! I’ve spent the entire weekend with friends and family and we’ve had such a great time ! Friday night started the Xmas festivities with carol singing (yup this time it wasn’t just Xmas Karaoke) followed by a pot luck dinner, lots of drinks and a whole lot more dancing !

Yesterday, spent the day at home nursing my aching feet and a family dinner at Royal China with my relatives who are down from London; and then a house party at another mates place.  OMG we laughed so much all night – my abs got a fab work out ! (does this mean I can indulge in AM’s apple pie ?)  Both nights, I’ve managed to get home just before sunrise! After all tis the season to be jolly ! (insert jingles now)

I’m missing the hot mince pies with mulled wine .. but hopefully will manage to get some of that tonight at another Xmas dinner that I’m off to !

If you’ve been a goodie two shoes all year – then I’m sure Santa has lots of pressies for you; but I’m sure the folks on the Naughty (but nice) List have other pressies in mind !

What are your Christmas Day plans ? Do you follow any family-set traditions that you could share ? Do you tend to open your presents at midnight or in the morning after Santa has munched on the cookies you left behind ?

WW #50 Snowmen Coming Together

I thought this was such a cute picture; found it on weheartit.com; with the original link on http://deadnalive.tumblr.com/post/14546550067

If only I could be in a cold country right now .. I love the snow ! I’d make snowmen too :) At least I can dream about it … Happy Holidays Folks !

Don’t forget to share your linky if you are participating in #WW !

Wanted – Brave Single Man

Take it from me, dating in Sydney is difficult.  Very difficult.  It's not just that the city has a much larger proportion of single women to single men - it just seems difficult getting started at all.    As an English girl who has been living in Sydney for over ten years, I have seriously had a dating drought.   If I am honest,  I can't remember the last time I was asked out on a date or even chatted up by a Sydney sider!

I must admit, this has been a topic which my single friends and I have drank many glasses of wine over, pondering over the topic  - is it Sydney men in general or is it us?  Why is there such a huge amount of fabulous single women in Sydney struggling to meet a nice guy?  Believe me, we have tried everything from speed dating, online dating and even a few singles cruises on the harbour.  But to no avail...we return home alone to our apartments comforting ourselves with ice cream and telling ourselves that it is not us - it is them ;0).    Over the years I think my confidence has started to take a hit - as the body gets older so does the will to keep trying.  Also, you begin to think that you have a fatal flaw which everybody ( apart from yourself) is aware about.

Now, listen in, as things are about to change and it seems to have taken a miracle to kick start my love life.  This miracle has come in the form of a 2 week road trip around Australia with 4 other single women.   Yes, we are looking for love and even more amazing, we are going to be filmed as part of a documentary called 'Going the Distance'

It seems I am not alone in struggling to find a decent bloke in Sydney so I will be taking part in this experiment to dig deeper into the dating drought which seems to be effecting most of Sydney women.  This search will also include travelling from Adelaide to Rockhampton, meeting fabulous single men while also raising money for the Cancer Council.    At last, I may get the opportunity to practice my flirting!   So, I would love you to join me on my journey - your support will be gratefully appreciated.  I will be blogging and doing a video diary most days from the Going the Distance website. So, the haircuts and pampering have been booked and I am on a mission to find love! ( and also find out if it really is them and not me!)

Lisa Phillips is a Life Coach and radio host who is fed up of being single in Sydney.  In her coaching, she has helped hundreds of clients meet their life partner but she has decided it is now her turn to find love!   '

To follow Lisa's journey to love; go to GoingTheDistance.com or log on to Facebook or sign up for the free newsletter.

MM #69: Florence & The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

I’ve been feeling pretty miserable the last few days as I’ve been bunged down with the flu.  My mate AM shared a track with me to make me feel better .. and I thought I’d share it with you all this #MusicMonday.

It’s quite a fun track – and the version AM shared with me has a lot more beat which I actually prefer.

Although I suppose Lady Javas pick for #MM Kelly Clarkson – Stronger is what I’m really grateful for !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice. PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

What To Do When Sick …

My Twitter friend @TheOreoQueen sent me this super cute artwork (almost like a lil’ get well card) as I’ve been bunged down with the flu the past few days; and I had to share it with you all. 

Seriously – doesn’t it just make you smile ?  I thought it was the nicest gesture ever !  The graphic is created by a young high school girl called Jacqueline (aka @Chirpboard).  You can find her work over on Tumblr at Chibird. I’m already following her and her artwork is just so lovely !

 

4 Signs That You Are In The Friend Zone

4 Signs That You Are In The Friend Zone

A few days ago I wrote about Staying Out of the Friend Zone; and really it’s quite easy to do this if you actually follow the steps.  Then I got thinking about how so many guys (and girls) don’t even realize they are already trapped in the friend zone (and that’s a hard one to get out of!)

I’ll speak for myself when I say this – once I place a man in the friend zone – he isn’t coming out of it.  It’s not like this man is now going to be my new BFF (hell! no one can replace my boys!) and he is most definitely NOT getting lucky with me either.

A woman can place a man in the friend zone for various reasons – the main one being that she’s really just not into you (physically/sexually) but you’re a great guy so she’s cool having you around.

The only reason a man puts a woman in the friend zone is because he has not physical desire for her; and doesn’t want to get into her pants. (or they are childhood buddies; she’s one of the lads to him; or she’s actually related to him in some way)

Here are a few red flags that should alert you to your entry and permanent place in the friend zone :

1/ Too Comfortable, Too Soon.  This can mean many things – but if you find yourself around someone who is able to divulge just about anything to you including (but not limited to) past dating history, current love/lust interests, family issues, etc. Another big red flag should be if the girl doesn’t quite care how she looks around you (think tracks, hasn’t waxed her arms/legs, no make-up) or if a guy can’t even be bothered to slap on some cologne.  These are sure signs that you are already in the Friend Zone ! 

Honest truth - I’ve never met a man that I’m interested in without having gone waxing (even if the waxing lady yells at me and tells me there isn’t enough to wax my arms / legs / bikini – I make her do it).  I will always put on some gloss / flavoured lip balm.  If I’m not getting waxed – he’s a mate / buddy and has no chance in hell getting any from me.

2/ He or She is Only Available at Their Convenience. You want to hang out but he/she is busy or cancels plans; yet you are available whenever he/she calls to hang (doesn’t matter that you are changing your plans to fit them in). If this is something you’ve noticed – then you’re in the friend zone. If a guy / girl is interested in you – they will go out of their way to spend time with you; they will change / modify their plans to fit you in their schedule no matter how tight it is.

Your ‘friends’ understand when you have to bail on them to link up with that hottie you saw at the club.  Your friends don’t mind if you are busy whenever they have to meet up (ok fine they may give you a bit of slack but it’s not the end of the world).  But if it’s only happening in a one-sided manner – then you need to rethink how you have prioritized that man/woman in your life. 

3/ He or She Wishes Others Were Like You And Tells You This !  No brainer here.  “Oh I wish more guys were like you; you’re such a nice guy !”  “Damn girl, if only other women got me the way you do.”  Yes, it hurts to hear but this is the man/womans’ way of telling you in a really subtle manner that ‘mate you are in the friend zone – don’t try any moves on me’. 

He/She obviously likes you enough to hang around with you but there’s no sexual chemistry there.  There may be friendly chemistry which enables you to hang out together but honestly, they rather see your personality traits in someone that gives them butterflies in the tummy or a banging hard on ! 

4/ He or She Compares You to a Relative. “You’re like a brother/sister to me”. If your radar hasn’t started beeping as yet – you might want to wake up and smell the coffee around you ‘cos you are sooooooo deep in the Friend Zone even Indiana Jones can’t get you out of there !

Seriously think about it - who the hell goes out with their brother or sister or any relative for that matter? (unless they are incestual – and you don’t want to be getting into something like that !)  Just step away from the person concerned and try your luck elsewhere – ‘cos you are never gonna tap that !

So there you have it – the 4 signs that all lead straight to the Friend Zone.  If you have any more to add (from a male / female perspective) feel free to share your thoughts.

If you need more clues – then check out what these bloggers have to say :

1. Out of the Friend Zone : 4 Ways to Never be His “Home girl” Again ! by Samantha Menjor
2. Top 10 signs that you are in the Friend Zone by Ngure Kajumba
3. 6 Signs She’s Just Not That Into You by Mike Hammer

Sexy Saturday : Gabrielle Union

Sexy Saturday : Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is Sexy ! There’s something about her features which transform her from utterly cute to wow she’s hot !

 

I first noticed her in Bring It On,,then in The Brothers (love that movie!); Bad Boys II; and more recently a few months ago in the TV show ‘Flash Forward’ (watch it if you haven’t already).

She’s been in the industry for a while now – and her youthful features have allowed her to play roles younger than her age. 

Gabrielle definitely gets my #SexySaturday vote ! What about yours ?

WW # 49 Doggys’ Night Out

Isn’t this pooch just adorable ? Managed to take this picture back at the start of the year (28th Jan ‘11 actually) as the car was approaching a red light.

Happy #WordlessWednesday folks ! Don’t forget to share your linkies below !

The Diva’s Guide to Staying Out of The Friend Zone

A few days ago, a mate of mine SK put the following as his status update :

“I'm tired of girls complaining that there’s no good guys left...hello..we are where you left us, IN THE FRIEND ZONE!!”

There were lots of ways I could approach this; but for the sake of getting to the point I replied to my mate and simply said :

“You're in the friend zone 'cos your game just didn't hit the spot; you probably never caught on to the clues the girl left; the timing was just off or you just aren't her type :P”

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – men and women know when they are interested in someone.  Fair enough, that more men find themselves falling into the friend zone than women – but that’s ‘cos the majority of men would be happy to get down and dirty with their women friends ! 

I know, that for me, if I’m feeling the vibe with someone – there’s only an X amount of time frame wherein which that chemistry should click; otherwise it sort of passes over and that’s when a guy gets dropped into the friend zone.

There are plenty of men (and women) out there – who are absolutely clueless to the signals dropped at them; you might even need to really throw it out there or *gasp* spell it out !

For all of you guys and girls that have inadvertently found yourself in the friend-zone with someone you clearly have sexual desires for at some point in your life; follow these simple steps for staying out of the friend zone with the next person you want to get hooked up with !

The Diva’s Guide to Staying Out of The Friend Zone (applicable across genders)

1/ Don’t be their freaking friend.  If you are into a guy / girl; for the sake of everyone around you, don’t try to be their friend !  Both of you have enough friends – and right now, you definitely don’t want to be friends !  I’ve actually told a man I was into that I was NOT his friend (because clearly we never were mates nor had we hung out like mates) 

2/ Flirt ! Flirt ! and Flirt some more !  Let that guy / girl know you’ve got the hots for them.  It could be a cheeky text message; a tap on the ass; just telling him/her that you’re digging the cologne / perfume they are wearing … anything really but you have to say it out ! That guy / girl is NOT a mind reader !  He/She needs to know you are sexually interested in them (and that’s not what friends do .. unless they are FwB but that’s another post altogether)

3/ Let Your Body Do the Talking.  Body language says a lot without you having to blubber or get tongue tied (although if done right, it could lead to a lot of tongue action).  Make a move on the person – a casual touch here and there.  If you are sexually attracted to someone, your body language should definitely be suggesting it ! If he or she is not clocking on to this; it’s because (a) they aren’t feeling the same way and just ignoring it in the hopes that you will stop or (b) they are just really clueless.  

4.  Ask Him / Her Out on a Date.  And I mean, be really specific that whatever it is that you both are planning on doing – that it IS in fact a date.  It is NOT friends hanging out.   (just to be safe – make sure it’s a phone call – not an SMS for a date).  That sends a clear message that you are not just another buddy to chill with.

See it’s really not that difficult – and sometimes you just have to suck it up, be a bit ballsy and lay your cards on the table.  If your intentions are clear – then there is no room for misunderstanding, and hence no need for you to ever fall in the friend zone. 

At the end of the day – if a guy / girl is ‘aware’ that you are into them; they are going to respond by :

1. reciprocating the feeling (score for you !) 
2. telling you they aren’t into you (don’t lash out if they do this)
3. just ignoring your every move until you get the hint (at this point, accept that it’s not happening and move to greener pastures)

If you still need another point of view on staying out of the friend zone,  and how to do it, check out what these bloggers have to say :

1. Staying Out of the Friend Zone
2. Getting Out of the Friend Zone in 7 Easy Steps
3. Avoid The Friend Zone by Askmen.com

MM # 68 : LMFAO – Sexy & You Know It

MM # 68 : LMFAO – Sexy & You Know It

I’m totally feeling this tune ! Especially after the super fun wedding we just finished planning in Pune ! This was the (un)official theme song of the wedding.

I have a video of the groom wiggling away on the coach to Pune; and his mates took it one step further and wiggled across India and sent us the wiggly proof as well !

Happy Monday folks ! Don’t forget just how sexy you are !!

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Sexy Saturday : Orlando Bloom

  

This fine specimen of a man is a British born actor, who gained recognition across the world and media spaces, after his role as the elf-prince in The Lord of the Rings (he was the only reason I sat through that movie!)

Since then he has carved a name for himself with roles in prominent movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Black Hawk Down, Troy, Elizabethtown and Kingdom of Heaven.

Not only is he a hottie, he’s a genuinely nice guy … The dog he has now, is a stray that he rescued out in Morocco whilst filming Kingdom of Dreams.  He is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and also a part of an environmental group since the early 2000.

Bloom definitely has my #SexySaturday vote – what about yours ?

 

WW #48 : Happy Goat = Smiley Goat

WW #48 : Happy Goat = Smiley Goat

This photo was taken by photographer Daniel Boswell on his recent trip to India where I had the pleasure of working with him on my clients’ wedding.  Doesn’t the goat look super happy to have his picture taken ?

Once he’s had a chance to settle back and share some photos of the wedding; I’ll give you all a sneak peak of his creative photography.

Happy #WordlessWednesday folks !

World Aids Day : Getting to Zero

World Aids Day : Getting to Zero

Can you believe that we are in December already ? And do you realize what 1st December means ?

Today is World AIDS day; first observed in 1988 in Geneva by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the W.H.O

World Aids day began as a way to increase awareness of the disease and support those affected by it, their families, their communities, even entire countries.

The theme for World AIDS Day 1st December 2011, is 'Getting to Zero'. After 30 years of the global fight against HIV and AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets:

"Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths."

Backed by the United Nations, the "Getting to Zero" campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year’s successful World AIDS Day "Light for Rights" initiative.  It is envisioned that different regions and groups will each year chose one or all of the Zeros that best addresses their situation.

I came across a site called AVERT that is dedicated to creating awareness about AIDS.  They have a AVERT AIDS Challenge that you can play online, on facebook, and even tweet your score (#AVERTAIDSChallenge) ! I scored 47 btw.

Let's take HIV/AIDS awareness around the world!  Spread the word; and don’t forget to use a condom !

Read More :

1. UN Site : World Aids Day 2011
2. World Aids Campaign

WW # 47 Single or Married Man ?

WW # 47 Single or Married Man ?

I couldn’t help but crack up at this picture that a mate put up on FaceBook.  It’s the ultimate single man vs married man sign post !

 

MM #67 Nayer - Sauve

Pit Bull is everywhere and I’m lovin it ! The guy knows how to drop a beat !  I quite like the twist on the original Suave Mente track by Nayer.

Happy MM folks ! have a great week ahead !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Sexy Saturday : Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

This sexy lady is an English model and actress; best known for her work for Victoria's Secret, Burberry, and her role in the recently released Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

 

I actually couldn’t stop staring at her during the movie and you’ve got to admit – there’s something very striking about her ! I won’t really comment on her acting skills but the woman is hot !

And she’s dating the lean, mean super sexy Jason Statham !

 

WW #46 Peek-A-Boo

Now that’s one taaaaaaaaaaallll giraffe … !!

Thought for Tuesday : Weekend Traffic on a Weekday

As I was driving around the city tonight – it hit me … it’s not a weekend, it’s a weekday – a Tuesday in fact .. so why on earth did it feel like the entire city was out partying and creating havoc on the streets ?

My girl, AM and I were discussing this … maybe it’s because we were out at a party where there were a good 150+ pax out to network; but surely they all couldn’t have left the party at the same time ?

I actually felt like I was driving on a Saturday night !! Some people have no sense of lane driving (and that would be asking for a lot out here !); and others should just be banned from driving altogether ! It’s ridiculous !

Whilst I generally don’t have too many issues with the insane traffic levels in the city (erm ok I’m being politically correct here) – it would be great if the weekend driving styles were left for the weekend (at least I can call a driver) !! I don’t need to stress on the road during the week as well !!

Have you noticed the insane number of people on the roads recently (or is this just a Bombay thing?)? Obviously the hike in petrol prices hasn’t stopped them from heading out for a spin !

MM #66 Pitbull ft NeYo : Give Me Everything

Definitely one of the top tunes in my car these days; and after the ‘sun down’ session we had at my mates’ b’day yesterday – its the perfect track to kick start the week.

I must add that Pitbull is pulling off some brilliant collaborations and I’ve been feeling most of his tunes !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Sexy Saturday : Josh Duhamel

I don’t have much to say except that the man is super sexy !

 

I suppose I noticed him the first time round as the hot marine / army guy from Transformers; although the more I dug around, I realized it was probably in Christina Aguileras’ ‘Genie in a Bottle’ video that I first saw him.

Josh is a former fashion model, and is married to Fergie from Black Eyed Peas (lucky her !)

He’s got my Sexy Saturday vote – what about yours ?

Do You Use Audio Conferencing Services ?

I'm sure at some point in time, you must have found yourself on a conference call. It could be for work, with friends, with family, with anyone and for anything really.

Over the past few months I've had to schedule, and been invited to be a part of quite a few Conference calls, and sometimes it can be quite a nightmare ! I've found that if its a personal call between friends, using the 'conference' call feature on the mobile / land line is effective; however business calls are a whole different ball game !

A business associate of mine asked me whether I've ever been a part of an Audio conference before; my initial reaction was 'yes' but the more I thought about it, the more I became aware that very few companies (aside from the Fortune 500's) use a dedicated Audio conferencing system to place their calls.

A few international business associates of mine use specific audio conferencing systems to customize their meetings; and also enhance their overall conference experience. In fact, one of my affiliate partner event companies that I work with has raved about a specific audio conferencing facility wherein every participant in the call is greeted by a live operator and up to three pieces of personal information can be collected (great for building & updating your database).

A service like that would be great - especially for me as it would enable me to monitor and facilitate conference calls with clients who are spread out across the globe. Currently my company is dealing with a couple in LA, USA who are looking to get married in Pune, India; the brides parents are in Pune; the grooms parents are in Oregon, USA - and trying to get everyone on a simultaneous call is near impossible. The key benefit I suppose from using a dedicated audio conferencing service would be the ability to record the conversations and have a copy sent to everyone to listen in on.

What are your thoughts on this ? Have you used any specific audio conferencing software or systems that you have found useful in your business ? Do share your thoughts.

WW #45 Don't Crack Me !

Now I know how the poor eggs feel like before being cracked open in the pan !

Unworthy

Unworthy is a poem about dungeon pillaging pure and simple, words related to volcano, search, succumb, games hark back to role playing games for me. 

Unworthy

Veteran of the volcano fires
submerge into depths of demons

In search of quartation stores
games to some known as foolhardy

Where life and death are the stakes
those who succumb to lavish hoards

Elation being their final mistake
dungeons do not reward the unworthy

-Poem by Justin Germino

 

This poem was created using the 9 random submissions (in bold) provided by the following Twitter players and was originally published on 1st August 2011:

• @justmytwocents2 (Games),
• stevenelarchive (search),
• @dazediva (submerge),
• @madbeyond (lavish),
• @eileencan (veteran),
• @laraca44 (elation),
• @jemfyr (succumb),
• @techwork_dk (Volcano),
• @jslubinski (Quartation)

Definitions:

1. Quartation : So called because usually enough silver is added to make the amount of gold in the alloyed button about one fourth.  (In this poem used as a metaphor for metal stores, perhaps electrum or another metal treasure hoard).

 

Justin Germino is the author behind ‘Dragon Blogger’ and'Wanderer Thoughts’ amongst a few other blogs. He has created over 260+ ‘twitter poems’ via random submissions on twitter. He believes you only have one life and you have to live it. Follow him on Twitter @dragonblogger

Sexy Saturday : Gisele Bündchen

 

Born in Brazil, Gisele is of German origin, comes from a family of 5 sisters including a fraternal twin !!  She has stirred up a storm ever since she joined the fashion and modelling fraternity.

Bündchen pioneered the "horse walk", a stomping movement created when a model picks her knees up high and kicks her feet out in front.

This gorgeous woman is not only considered one of the most powerful women according to Forbes magazine; she also supports a variety of environmental causes including preservation of the South American rainforests.  Every year, she chooses a charity and proceeds of sales of her brand Ipanema (flip flops) goes towards the charity.

Gisele gets my #SexySaturday vote ! What about yours ?

Clearing Sky

Clearing Sky is a poem about the sun punching through a grey and bleary sky one weekend morning. 

The word that gave me the most trouble in this poem was acylation which virtually had no good way to tie into an analogy or metaphor. 

 

Clearing Sky

Not some priceless Monet impression
apathy of a debris filled grey sky
the disconnected wallow in the weekend

Sun exerting a seemingly spiritual pressure
strong reaction not derived from acylation
oligarch nexus royalty over grateful populace

Skulduggery of the light and heat
as white waves its own shaded flag
and the virtuous clarity shines brighter

-Poem by Justin Germino

You can even listen to the poem here over Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This poem was inspired by the 17 random words (in bold) provided by the following Twitter players:

• @ditesco (Royalty),
• @benwaynet (grey),
• @krshingdajynx (debris),
• @eileencan (wallow),
• @rajanbalana (priceless),
• @ptaylor98 (grateful),
• @fatchickinla (Oligarch),
• @sweetnote (skulduggery),
• @alanhbush (nexus),
• @jenaisle (acylation),
• @trickstertara (sun),
• @dazediva (spiritual),
• @justswierk (apathy),
• @jsaflowerpower (Monet),
• @msfitztx (pressure),
• @techwork_dk (Weekend),
• @blogengage (disconnected)

Definitions:

1. Acylation is a chemical reaction commonly used in biological signalling
2. Monet is a famous painter who derived Impressionism in art, (hence the pun)
3. Skulduggery means trickery or underhand dealing
4. Oligarch one of the ruling people in an oligarchy a system of government where only a few people have the power.

 

Justin Germino is the author behind ‘Dragon Blogger’ and'Wanderer Thoughts’ amongst a few other blogs. He has created over 260+ ‘twitter poems’ via random submissions on twitter. He believes you only have one life and you have to live it. Follow him on Twitter @dragonblogger