Avoid These 7 Work Taboos
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Whether it’s dancing on top of the bar at the company holiday party, chewing with one’s mouth open or falling asleep in a meeting, everyone is guilty of committing some kind of faux pas — social, professional or otherwise.

To avoid putting your career on the line, try to avoid committing the following taboos while on the clock.

Taboo No. 1: Kissing a co-worker

The likely scenario: You’ve had a crush on your co-worker since you started working a few months ago. Now it’s the holiday party and you’ve taken full advantage of the open bar and the liquid courage it’s provided you to flirt with your fling. Before you know it, you’re locking lips for all to see — and talk about come Monday morning. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone; 35 percent of workers in a 2007 survey admitted to kissing a co-worker.

Our advice: If you can’t restrain your desires to smooch your colleague, at least do yourself the favor of waiting until you’re behind closed doors.

Taboo No. 2: Lying about your credentials

You’ve read the stories in the newspapers — CEOs, celebrities and ordinary workers alike are fired every day for one common crime: lying. In a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, one candidate invented a school that didn’t exist, while another went as far as submitting samples of work — that actually belonged to the interviewer. Thirty-eight percent of workers surveyed indicated they had embellished their job responsibilities, 18 percent lied about their skill sets and 10 percent lied about their academic degrees.

Our advice: Whether it’s about your education, experience or previous employers, fudging anything on your résumé is never a good idea.

Taboo No. 3: Wearing inappropriate clothing

How many times have you heard, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have?” Yet how many times do we see this mantra avoided in our offices? Something tells me that the marketing assistant from the 15th floor doesn’t strive for a career in prostitution, so why is she dressing that way? Not only does dressing inappropriately at work send the message that you don’t care about your professional image, it also hinders your chances of moving up the corporate ladder. In a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, 41 percent of employers said that people who dress professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization.

Our advice: Follow the mantra — and mean it.

Taboo No. 4: Gossiping

Rumors in the workplace are like gasoline on a trash-can fire — they spread … fast. While lighthearted conversations around the water cooler are one thing, standing around dishing about your co-workers is another. Unfortunately, it’s a common scenario in most corporate cultures: 19 percent of workers in a 2007 survey said they have spread a rumor about a fellow employee.

Our advice: Co-workers who gossip or spread ugly rumors can harm the work environment. Do your best to stay clear of these people. If you can’t get away, at least avoid engaging in the tittle-tattle.

Taboo No. 5: Drinking too much … inside or outside the office

It’s not the 1960s, people. This means it is not OK to keep a bottle of whiskey in your desk drawer and pour yourself a drink every time you want to celebrate or glower. Employees seem to be confused on this standard office rule, as 31 percent of those surveyed by CareerBuilder.com admitted to tipping the bottle at work.

Our advice: Unless you’re having a party in the office (approved by management), save the libations for happy hour. Even then, always drink responsibly.

Taboo No. 6: Forgetting someone’s name

Have you ever been in a meeting with an important client and, to your horror, when you introduce him to your boss you can’t remember the client’s name? Such a grave mistake is not only taboo, it’s embarrassing. The easiest way to overcome this gaffe is by asking the nameless client if he’s met your boss, Albert Hanson. Hopefully, your client will respond by introducing himself.

Our advice: Forgetting a name has happened to everyone. The best way to recover is by trying something like the aforementioned tactic. If your plan backfires, however, the best thing to do is apologize and admit your mistake.

Taboo No. 7: E-mail mishaps

Whether it’s hitting “reply all” by accident, sending an e-mail to the wrong person or making adverse comments for all to see, examples of e-mail mess-ups are endless. Be careful when it comes to e-mail; it’s not private and can be the quickest way to end your career if you misuse it.

Our advice: Never say anything in an e-mail you don’t want broadcast to the world. Also, keep e-mail use to a minimum and give a little face-to-face time a try once in awhile.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger, She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Dubai Terminal 3 testing finished

Dubai Airports has finished operational testing of the new Terminal 3 at the International airport. It means that Emirates’ airlines operations can now start to be phased into the new terminal, starting 14 October. The terminal will be opened in four phases to ensure that systems and processes are all in place and tested.

Etisalat reduces IP Connect fees

UAE telecoms provider Etisalat has announced that it will reduce its IP Connect fees by up to 70% in a bid to increase the service’s popularity. The move, applicable from October 1, includes the introduction of possible annual contracts and monthly rather than quarterly billing.

Situation worsens on Gulf exchanges

The Dubai Financial Market on Tuesday lost 182.64 points, or 5.14%, to close on 3,369. Among the day’s big losers were Arabtec, down 12.09%, and Tamweel, which dipped 10.48%. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange also fell sharply, down 162.87 points, or 4.58%, to end the day on 3,395.
Also consider reading:

For third consecutive post-Eid session, Gulf bourses continued to post heavy losses after pressure from the international crisis and selling by foreign portfolios. Despite international markets closing up yesterday, local markets refused to follow same pattern. Muscat was the biggest loser going down 7.2% followed by Tadawul 7%, Dubai 5.1%, ADX 4.5%, Kuwait 2.7%, Doha 1.5% while Bahrain lost the least, only going down by 1.5%.

EID MUBARAK TO ALL

Beach alongside Dubai Offshore Sailing Club has been contaminated with sewage dumping into it.

Those going to swin in and around the place should take care of not going into water.

With a panoramic view overlooking Dubai Creek, the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City is an attraction for tourists looking for accommodation that is close to everything. From Dubai International Airport, it will take 10 minutes to reach the hotel, which is located within a billion dollar project including the relatively recent Festival Centre.

There is nothing particularly special about the lobby design except for the warm atmosphere, but registration is done fast so you won’t spend much time there.

Elegant design
Contrary to that, rooms in the Intercontinental have a very elegant design with a combination of wooden, white and brown colours that complement the atmosphere given by the Creek view and the skyline outside.

Beds are made of light brown leather, facing a 42′ plasma TV screen, with CD, DVD and VCD connections. A dark brown round table is located to the right of the bed, designed to be used for dining and office use as well.

Loved the bathroom, which is almost half the size of the room. It includes a splash area and a wet zone incorporating a shower and free standing bathtub, with a large window in the middle of the wall, opening to the Creek and Marina walk.

Intercontinental club room that enabled us access to free internet, buffet breakfast and afternoon drinks and snacks between 6:00pm and 8:00pm in the club lounge located on the 26th floor. Free access to high speed broadband internet is also available in the room and in all public areas in the hotel as well.

Spread over 36 floors, the hotel contains 498 rooms, 121 suites, 3 presidential suites and a royal suite. All rooms have a waterfront view of Dubai Creek or the Festival Marina.

Multi-ethnic menu
Dining in is a multi-ethnic food experience. The all-day dining Anise is a 950sqm restaurant designed by Super Potato, with live cooking stations around the restaurant offering a wide variety of international meals.

Sushi lovers will have a date with the Japanese Edamame, which offers also traditional dishes including the Sashimi, Teppanyaki, Robatayaki, and Tempura.

Also, for an Arabic experience there is the Al Sultan Brahim Beirut, one of the most highly recognised sea food restaurants in Lebanon. Operating for the first time in Dubai, Al Sultan Brahim offers a variety of seafood on display, where the guests can choose their preferred kinds of fish and other foods to be cooked for them.

And if you’re looking for a relaxing evening, head towards The Eclipse Bar on the 26th floor, to enjoy the view of the harbour and city skyline over a soothing drink.

Spa indulgence
Spa Intercontinental is a luxury that you don’t want to miss. The spa atmosphere emits warmth from the moment you get in. Upon arrival, the receptionist will lead you to the waiting area where you will enjoy ginger and lemon tea, before the treatment starts.

The spa has 10 treatment rooms, in addition to a VIP spa with a private sauna and steam shower. Also available are two VIP massage rooms for couples.

Try - Jasmine Rosewood Body Pack, a two-phase body treatment that embraces scrubbing the body with a lemon detoxifier, after which the body is massaged by a mixture of creamy jasmine, rosewood and mango butter.

You can also go for more focused treatments such as the facial therapies that use the high-profile Natura Bisee products, the hand and foot care, or the one and a half hour massage therapies. Rates for these therapies vary according to the products used and duration, but it starts at Dhs200 and goes up to Dhs950.

Relaxation, however, doesn’t stop here as guests have the choice of visiting the 25 meter swimming pool overlooking Creek, a sun terrace and leisure garden, the gym, and a temperature controlled outdoor spa pool.

Business travellers will benefit from a meeting space of 3,800 sqm Event Centre across two levels of the hotel. The hotel is also prepared to provide additional meeting space that can be divided into eight break-out rooms catering to smaller VIP board meetings, up to a reception style banquet catering up to 1,800 guests

Live Positive Think Positive

How you look at life is a matter of choice. Say hello to positive living with these steps

An increasing number of people in the UAE are seeking advice from certified hypnotherapists to get to the bottom of many problems such as negative thoughts and feelings.

Hypnosis - believed to have been around for thousands of years - refers to a state of focused consciousness. It is described as a process where one can hear what is happening but may not want to move, leaving one in a highly suggestible state.

You can be guided into this state by a hypnotherapist who will also give you “hypnotic suggestions”.

Safiya and M.R. Hussain, a married couple who run the Orators’ Forum Institute for Human Development and Behavioural Therapy in Dubai, say such suggestions enable people to make desired changes in their life.

Hussain said some of the most widespread reasons for negative thoughts in the UAE are related to events that have caused psychological traumas, marital problems, addictions and low self-esteem.

“Hypnosis is such a normal state of mind most people usually don’t even realise they are hypnotised,” Hussain said.
“Normal, everyday hypnosis occurs when you are driving and lose track of time or when you are focusing on a book or TV programme and you don’t notice something that is going on around you.”

Eliminate negative thoughts and feelings and replace them with positive thinking by following these simple steps recommended by Safiya and Hussain:

Step 1
Try to see every problem as a challenge, and an opportunity to improve yourself. Remember, only you are capable of changing yourself, not anyone else.

The outside world will be what it is, so try to see it through a positive lens as much as you can.

Step 2
Have a contagious enthusiasm — it not only means you generate positive energy but also acquire a positive mental attitude.

Move in the company of positive-minded people. Try to stick to the changes you make.

Find out the real cause of your negative feelings and thoughts through hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, which can help you forgive at a subconscious level.

Step 3
A positive mental attitude will automatically raise your self-esteem and self-confidence, which equip you with the skills necessary to better your life.

“When you have a positive mental attitude, your physiology changes. You walk three inches taller. You will project a better image and speak with astounding impact,” Hussain said.

Step 4
Each time you leave your house — whether it is to work or to go on a trip — remember to take your positive attitude with you (along with your cellphone and laptop, of course).

Avoid those who display negative energy, as they can hold you back or drain you. If that happens, try to identify them to either help or just accept the way such people are.

Step 5

Try to stop using words such as “don’t”, “but”, “if” and “why”.

Replace these words with positive words such as “remember”, “and”, “when” and “what if”.

When you are at home, separate rooms for various self-reflection purposes such as worry, self-development and hypno-coaching.

Causes in the UAE

The most common reasons that make people in the UAE experience negative emotions are:

* Shyness caused by low self-esteem. This results in inferiority complex, social phobia and fear of public speaking.
* Sexual dysfunction.
* Marital problems.
* Poor self-image, caused by obesity or anorexia, among other reasons
* Addictions such as smoking and alcoholism.
* Compulsions – OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and/or Perfectionism.
* Feelings of anger and hatred. Jealousy, resentment, revenge, criticism or being judgmental or fearing being judged, fear, doubt or superstition.
* Psychological trauma such as childhood abuse.
* Anxiety, in the form of poor concentration, test anxiety and examination phobia.

Avoid them

Pent-up negative emotions are believed to cause conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. Here are other traits that can affect, too:

* Not having a pleasing personality.
* Lack of self-discipline.
* Lacking enthusiasm.
* Not learning from defeat or failure.
* Not maintaining good health.
* Inability to control bad habits.
* Procrastination.
* Blaming others.
* Not having motives or goals.
* Stress.

Healthy steps
Control your life better by following these simple guidelines:

* Have a daily exercise routine.
* Practise self-hypnosis regularly.
* Flush out negative thought patterns from your subconscious.
* Use positive language patterns
* Feed your subconscious with positive affirmations.

Missing South African woman Kerry Winter is dead

The 1st case of 2008 of a Missing Expat woman - Murdered by the Boy Friend.

Illicit physical relationships have grown very common in UAE specially in the Modern Developed Dubai, the Expats practice Living together life style, despite law of the land despise, detest and BAN such relationship status.

The main suspect in the Kerry Winter case has told police that she was dead in the car while with him but has not confessed to murdering her, Gulf News has learned.

The police are continuing to look for the body. as if it is not a human body it is a needle in haystack.

The 35-year-old woman was last seen on August 20.

Authorities have “crimnally” declined to comment as the investigations are underway.

It would not be unusual before the Dubai police put up a hush hush on this murder and do all the proceedings quietly without bringing the trail & its details to the media.

The Killer another expat shall be made an example of justice & punishment according to the law of land.

For the first time, the Malaysian expatriates in Dubai are experiencing something truly Malaysian this Ramadan — the Ramadan Bazaar where home-made cuisine is available in a homely environment.

The Ramadan Bazaar opened on September 5 in a villa of rented by Malaysian Consul-General Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin. The bazaar is held every Friday.

A total of 14 stalls offer a wide array of mouth-watering dishes— food that is normally served within the confines of Malaysian homes.

Consul-General Syed said that the event will continue until Ramadan ends, something that every Malaysian family looks forward to every Friday.

Nine families came up with new dishes on the second Friday of the bazaar, ranging from bubur jagung, bubur lambuk and murtabak ayam, ikan celup tepung, ayam goreng to simple favourites like nasi lemak, mehoon sup utaraf and sup tulang pok nik.

-Credit Malaysian Consulate Press Section -

Out Going Mian Mohammed Somroo

Credentials:

Mohammed mian Soomro

Mr. Mohammed mian Soomro was born on August19, 1950 and earned a B.Sc. degree with distinction from the Forman Christian College, Lahore. He obtained Master’s in Physics from the Punjab University, Lahore, followed by another Master’s in Operations Management from the Northrop University, USA.

Northrop University

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Northrop University was founded in 1942 by Jack Northrop of Northrop Aviation. Originally named the Northrop Aeronautical Institute, the school opened for classes in June of 1946 to 412 students committed to and/or already employed by Northrop Aviation. The school was founded by Jack Northrop for the purpose of training aeronautical engineers and mechanics.

Due to financial difficulties the school became independent from the Northrop Aircraft corporation in 1953 and the name of the school changed to The Northrop Institute of Technology. Unfortunately, the fate of the university did not fare much better and again closed its doors in 1970.

In 1971, the University again opened its doors and as Northrop University. Administered by previous alumni and faculty, the University offered bachelors and masters degree programs in aeronautical sciences, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science and design engineering project management. In 1975 the school received a large donation from its original founder to build the American Hall of Aviation. The museum enjoyed great notoriety from its housing of the David D. Hatfield collection of aviation history; by far the largest collection of aviation history to ever be displayed at any one location.

In August of 1993, Northrop University closed its doors to the public. Mismanaged funds, decreased attendance and donations crippled the university in to bankruptcy. The universities door remain closed today though the campus still exists in Inglewood, California.

INCOMING Asif Ali Zardari

Credentials:

A - He is Widower to former Chairperson Benazir Bhutto Daughter of Founder of Pakistan People’s Party Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

B - Future President

Zardari ready to take reins in Pakistan

Published Date: 16 March 2008

By Jane Perlez, in Islamabad

In the early 1970s, Zardari went to London. There, Zardari said in the interview, he attended the London School of Business Studies and received a degree. His official biography says he attended a commercial college called Pedinton School. But a search of tertiary educational institutions in London showed no such school, and associates said he did not finish his studies.

Zardari said: “I do have a degree. That is not an issue. I attended the London School of Business Studies much before I was married. I think it’s a B Ed degree. I haven’t really looked at it.”

One has yet to come across a person who is not sure what his degree was in. He hasn’t even bothered to look at it. With a B Ed the new President could do for school education what Prof Ataur Rahman did for higher education – ruin it further! [this is not part of the Perlez text]

at the sun down today in Middle Eastern Gulf the Lunar Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan will start,
come Tuesday morning, the office schedules will be different, the traffic chaos timings between Dubai & Sharjah will change and the attitudes of common people will be different.

Ramadan is month of fasting from Dawn till Dusk, month of seeking forgiveness of our mis-deeds from ALLAH (SWT) and asking for protection & shield from HELL,. This month gives an extra opportunity to look around us and reach out to those who are in NEED of attention physical, materialm and or financial.

Zakat mandatory charity for ALLAH (SWT) from the our prosperity is also calculated at the begin-ing of Ramadan to be distributed among the needy.

23 Sept onwards festive season will start people will start preparing for EID-Al-Fitr, expats or locals all will be shopping, expats will be extra busy preparing for short vacations to go back home and celeberate festivities with the near & dear ones,

Ramadan brings us enough opportunities to seek forgiveness from ALLAH (SWT) and Be close to ourselves and prepare for our final journey.

Reach out see what Ramadan hold for YOU,

Happy and a very Blessed Ramadan to ALL of YOU

Domain Owner Sued over email with adult pictures, offensive content

By M. MAGESWARI

KUALA LUMPUR: A consultant is suing a public listed company, its subsidiary and three of its workers for RM30mil over alleged defamation, sexual harassment and abuse of power.

Datuk Baharruddin Hamzah, 33, has named Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PC),PC engineer Mohd Arshad Ahmad Nawawi, 37, PC receiving officer Alinah Ahmad Shah, 41, PC officer Nasrum Mohamad, 29, as defendants in his civil suit.

He filed the suit at the High Court (civil) registry under the law firm of Shaari Nor & Co with the presence of his lawyers at about 3pm on Tuesday.

He had also stated his company, Abyssina Builders (M) Sdn Bhd, a contractor involved in the oil and gas industry, as another plaintiff.

In the statement of claim, he said that Mohd Arshad had sent two e-mail messages containing an article and three photographs of half-naked women to his wife, who is his company’s chief executive officer, using Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s domain on July 29, last year.

He said Mohd Arshad had sent another e-mail on the same date that contained “offensive wordings.”

He claimed that he came to know about the circulation of such indecent material and article on the same date when he was holidaying in Malacca with his children.

He further claimed that he was shocked and that the act had resulted him having a fight with his wife who later left their matrimonial home and divorced him on Sept 11 last year.

The divorce had resulted in his 12-year-old daughter coming under the custody of his wife, while he retained custody of his two sons aged seven and 11.

He claimed that such e-mail had caused his children to suffer emotional disturbance, loss of love, depression, the companionship of his parents and had affected their education.

He claimed that he suffered public scandal, loss of reputation, ridicule, odium and contempt.

Among others, Baharruddin said Alinah had purposely sent an e-mail on Aug 1 last year to his wife containing four indecent photographs.

The plaintiffs said his company continued to receive such e-mail for several days from June 11 this year.

He said the actions of the Mohd Arshad and Alinah showed abuse of power given by PC to send such e-mail using the official e-mail domain of Petroliam Nasional Bhd.

He said a police report on the name of his company over the matter had been lodged at Bukit Aman on Aug 8.

Speaking to reporters, Baharruddin said he decided to file the suit as “it is a question over ethics”.

“It is a cheap e-mail being circulated around by the company’s staff. My children had seen the photographs and it is really embarrassing.

“I decided to put a stop to this. It is also a sort of punishment,” he said after his two sons held posters condemning the act of sending such e-mail after the filing of the suit at the court premises here.

He is seeking to get RM10mil each for alleged abuse of power, defamation and sexual harassment.

He is also seeking for a declaration that the public listed company and its subsidiary was responsible for their staff’s actions and others costs deemed fit by the court.

*Ducks Quack, Eagles Fly*

No one can make you serve customers well. That’s because great service is a choice.

–
Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed my friend a laminated card and said:

‘I’m Wally, your driver. While I’m loading your bags in the trunk I’d like you to read my mission statement.’

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said:

Wally’s Mission Statement:

To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, ‘Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.’

My friend said jokingly, ‘No, I’d prefer a soft drink.’

Wally smiled and said, ‘No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.’

Almost stuttering, Harvey said, ‘I’ll take a Diet Coke.’

Handing him his drink, Wally said, ‘If you’d like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.’

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. ‘These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you’d like to listen to the radio.’

And as if that weren’t enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day.

He also let him know that he’d be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.

‘Tell me, Wally,’ my amazed friend asked the driver, ‘have you always served customers like this?’

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. ‘No, not always. In fact, it’s only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.

He had just written a book called ‘You’ll See It When You Believe It’.

Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you’ll rarely disappoint yourself.

He said, ‘Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.”

‘That hit me right between the eyes,’ said Wally. ‘Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.’

‘I take it that has paid off for you,’ Harvey said.

‘It sure has,’ Wally replied. ‘My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I’ll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don’t sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can’t pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.’

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I’ve probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn’t do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

How about us???
Leading the Change of Life & Many More………

Enjoy The Life……..

Degree attestation for Educated Nationals of Pakistan was always a TASK It has been made convenient, by HEC

Please read and access the website as well,

This is completely my personal experience.

I had earlier also made a note on Taxi’s in Dubai. Still my experience to board a taxi is to wait for an hour atleast.

Dubai Taxi has now announced making available taxi on an sms. I tried earlier many times calling the call centre to get a taxi, but out of about 3 times, only once did I get a reply, that too after one and half hour.

Lets hope that the Dubai Taxi gets better this time.