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Style with attitude and confidence - Love it!

9/13/2016

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Advanced Style 'Older & Wiser', by Ari Seth Cohen
​I was recently gifted with this amazing book by a dear friend.  Wow, Ari Seth Cohen, I give an abundance of credit to you for this collection of amazing iconic people.  Mainly profiling women, in their golden and platinum years, who simply shine with individualism, style, confidence, attitude, elegance, grace and beauty.  I love this book for its diversity in style, but also the way it challenges, head-on, the limitations and ageism of society as a whole.
Style, in this context is purely in the eye of the beholder and not label driven commercialism.  A pleasure to enjoy the beautiful and dynamic images and to read the stories of those profiled.
I would strongly recommend this as a great gift to anyone, of any age as it is also aspirational on many levels.

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - RIP (1918 - 2013)

12/6/2013

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"There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires."
Nelson Mandela



A great man, an incredible leader the most memorable legacy.  Thank you Madiba for all that you are, all that you do and all that you
stood for.  May we be humbled by your contribution, your compassion, your dignity and the impact you have made in so many lives, across so many countries and to so many mindsets.  God bless you and keep you.

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Power to the people - Viva Spain

6/7/2013

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Whilst I am not an anarchist, I do believe that Governments should be acting and made to act in the best interest of the people and in turn the Country.  So, when I find articles like this one, it warms my heart to know that through unity of people, a hope that bad decisions can be re-considered.  Not sure at this stage where and how this will end, I am informed the evictions have been suspended.  In any event, I am encouraged to see people deciding to protect the vulnerable in situations of crisis.  Check this news link out:

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/spanish-firemen-locksmiths-refuse-evict-131759141.html

Tell me what you think about this, would be interested in your views ……


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Performance related pay

7/10/2012

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With all the discussions going on about Banks and Bonuses, Footballers pay and incompetent services delivery, I thought why not post something?



I took a stab at the 'internet' version of what this means and here is the results:


Web definitions
  • Performance-related pay is money paid to someone relating to how well he or she works at the workplace. Car salesmen, production line workers, for example, may be paid in this way, or through commission.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance-related_pay

  • Encouraging and rewarding individual and team performance by related pay and benefits, e.g. individual and group bonuses, employee share offers, and performance-related perks.
www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm

  • Management’s attempts to increase worker productivity by linking pay with performance.
www.tuition.com.hk/dictionary/p.htm

  • refers to payment systems in which a percentage of pay depends on the assessed performance of individuals, groups or the organisation as a whole.
click here for the link

What I really struggle to understand is this:

1.  There is company law to government good governance and how companies are run.  If someone breaks those rules, companies can and more often that not, are taken to court and prosecuted if found guilty.



2.  If an individual does something to break the law, if they mis-treat, abuse or conduct fraudulent activity(ies), they more often that not,  are taken to court and prosecuted if found guilty.

So, can someone please explain to me this:

A.  A footballer can receive a monthly salary in six figures and for a whole season not score a goal or contribute positively to his team winning games / leagues.

B.  A bank can manipulate information to influence market trading and shareholder confidence without being accountable to anyone.

How is this possible?  Why not this:

If footballers were placed on minimum wage and when a team won, the goal scorer(s) would receive incentive bonuses and the rest of the team would receive contributory bonuses which would be a team percentage reflecting team effort.  If the team did not win, or the team loses then no bonuses are paid out.  If the team result is 0 / 0 then only minimum wage is paid out.

If bank management broke the rules, their bonuses throughout the period the rule breaking occurred is re-paid to the company and they are reported for fraudulent activity and prosecuted through the criminal justice system which will decide if guilty or innocent.

All bank bonuses should be scrapped at the high end.  They already receive hefty salaries.  There should, however, be a bonus payment to all front line and beneath management roles which is paid out only to that level everytime management make errors.  I am sure Bank management teams would then think twice about their actions.  I am also sure they would take far less unreasonable risks!
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Say NO to premium call rates  

6/22/2012

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I don't know about you, but I have had enough of companies going that extra mile to squeeze every penny they can out of me.  I have noticed, on most services I sign up to, insurance, membership organisations etc., I receive their contact details via a 08700 or 0844 number.

These numbers carry premium rate calls, i.e. they will cost more money to call than standard charges.  Additionally, they more often than not will not be included in any free calls or low usage packages you have with your phone provider.  These people are making money on our phone calls!  So, on my insurance policy, if I wish to make a change or make a claim we all know these calls are managed on automated systems which keep you holding on for so long, most people automatically switch the phone to speaker, put it down and carry on with other things until the call is answered.  Now think about it, how long are you kept waiting and how much is this really costing you?  Just know, you are being charged out at least 8p per minute for this, I said at least, some charge more than that and some companies get a cut for this service.
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If you, like me, have had enough of this level of exploitation and just want to make a phone call for a service you are already paying for and want the benefits of cheap call rates on your phone package, then check out this service, which has received a lot of coverage and debate on prime time TV and Radio in the UK.  I have used it many times and it is great!  Pass it on to friends and family and save them money too.

http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php

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How lucky are we ......

6/6/2012

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Listening to all the boo hoo's on the whole Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Monachy, the Government and the state of the Country and its economy, just brings me to reflect on a few things on what it means to me to be British and why I am very proud to be British and all the priviledges that we enjoy as a result:
  • Freedom of Speech
  • Human Rights
  • It IS legal for women to drive in UK and elsewhere (Unlike in Saudi Arabia)
  • Women's Rights
  • The right to vote
  • That in the UK we are not subjected to male or female genital mutilation
  • The right of passage to many countries in the world without visa's or undue restrictions
  • Access to paid work
  • Workplace conditions, by legislation
  • Employment law
  • Access to services and utilities
  • Right to an education
  • Right to healthcare

Need I go on!  So, when I hear some of the wingeing currently going around due to the Diamond Jubilee and the monachy, please just take a moment to reflect and consider exactly what we have in this country and the priviledges we are entitled to without having to n

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Reasons to be grateful, 1, 2, 3 .....

6/4/2012

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1.  The smell of fresh coffee first thing in the morning
2.  How your body feels when you have had a great 5k run in the morning
3.  The smell of freshly cut grass
Oooooh, today's going to be a good day! 
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Things that make me ooooh :) 

6/3/2012

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  • The sound of laughter.
  • Church bells chiming, calling the people to the service.
  • Waiting at the airport for someone and seeing all the wonderful warm greetings of families, friends and lovers.
  • The back door when my husband comes home.
  • The skype calling tone as it will be someone I love calling me.
  • The sight of real ice cream with a large selection of choices.
  • The sun shining on my skin waking me up in the morning.
  • The birds singing in the garden.
  • Little children playing nicely.
  • Seeing that e-mail headed "We have news of your ticket" - National Lottery!
  • Going to the airport to collect family or friends coming for a visit.
  • The beautiful sight of Drum Castle as I head off to work.
  • The sound of a tuned sports car enginge as the ignition turns.
  • The look of love.
  • The way only a Mum can hug you.

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Book Review - Hue & Cry, Shirley McKay

6/3/2012

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This was a book group choice to read and as a Brit now living in Scotland I was initially a little apprehensive about getting an unwanted 'history' lesson from this story.  It took me a little time to get into the book mainly due to the detail that it afforded.  However, reading on, I believe the detail is important to give as anyone is who is not Scottish, or who does not have a good awareness of Scottish history around this era really benefits from the orientation and relevance the orientation delivers.  The mystery and suspense of the story is not lost in the detail, in fact it is enhanced as it becomes quite a thick cloak around the mystery and whisperings of the tale.  I personally like a story being told by saying little but implying lots, as it stimulates my intrigue and imagination to work overtime and create all sorts of scenarios; I love that.  Also, the dry humour did not go amiss with me, additionally, I liked the characters that developed and in my mind I see Hew Cullan as quite a 'dashing Darcy' of sorts!  I am certainly very pleased I did not live in that era as it was my manic obsession with cleanliness was going into overdrive from some of the descriptive.  Overall, yes, I really enjoyed the book and will definitely seek out more from this must-read series of Hew Cullan Mystanother from what I believe is a series of the Hue & Cry setting.


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Diamond Jubilee, I have to ask ....

6/3/2012

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Sorry guys, you are probably so overloaded with the Jubilee celebrations down there in England.  I have to say, things are pretty quiet up here in Scotland, very little vibe on the celebrations even though we have the torch coming through Banchory, Drumoak and Peterculter this week!  So, my question is this "what will you be doing over the Jubiliee celebration holidays?".  Come on, share with me and give me a chance to get into the occasion with you all.  We have had many events in our lifetime, certainly those of you born during the 50's + so many momentus occasions we have witnessed in our lifetimes.  Looking forward to your comments.

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    Author

    Maxine Smith
    ​I am a family focused practising Christian. I am entrepreneurial by nature with a few business interests, ventures and projects.  Having spent many years in business, international development and third sector communities, I spend as much time as I can catching up with the more creative side of life.   I enjoy spending time reading the scriptures, cooking, gardening and travelling.  I am also a gadget nerd! I love growing my mind and challenging my perceptions.   I keep an open mind and prefer to work with strengths in people and situations.


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