by Virgil R. Carter
Want to know how your career can vanish before your eyes during an interview? The Wall Street Journal’s recent article “Seven Questions That Kill Careers” identifies these questions as ways to ensure you will have more free time (and less time at work):
1. So, tell me a little about yourself. This innocent-sounding question is a likely opening one. This is not where one describes one’s life history or most recent vacation frolic in Mexico. You may be best to simply make 1-2 brief comments about your most recent professional history.
2. Why do you want to leave your current job? Here’s one of those loaded questions. Best response is to indicate a logical career step “to” the new company. Avoid indicating any desire to get away “from” your current company. Stay positive.
3. What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses? Be prepared for this one. You’ve got to beat “hard-working” (strength) and ‘none” (weaknesses). When identifying a weakness, it’s important to include how you overcame it successfully.
4. How would your current or former colleagues describe you? Focus on what employees at different levels “look to you for”, i.e., a derivative of some of your strengths.
5. What is your goal for the short term? Before answering, clarify what “short term” means to the interviewer. Don’t get off on the wrong foot, since you have no way of knowing what the term means to the interviewer.
6. Are there certain tasks or types of people you don't like? Here’s a really loaded question, so be positive and honest. Keep in mind the tasks and folks who are likely to be involved with the job for which you are interviewing.
7. Do you have any questions? Not having any questions may suggest that you aren’t very bright or have much interest in the job. This is not the time to be asking about compensation, what the business is about, vacation or mandatory drug testing. Instead, ask a question or two showing your interest and knowledge about the company and job. The company’s web site is likely a good place to find information and for the basis for an intelligent question that shows you know something about the business.
Some prior thought to these, and other common-sense questions may be all that is needed to keep you from killing your interview chances.
To read the full article, please click here.
Oil price and deflation
The current turbulence in financial markets and the expectation of a poor economic performance (i.e. recession) in the biggest economies has been accompanied by a dramatic fall in oil price. We have predicted this drop several months ago and expect the price to fall to the level of $70 per barrel by the end of 2011. We will address this prediction when the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the PPI and CPI estimates for July 2011. Here we would like to highlight the influence of oil price on the PPI and headline CPI.
The price index of energy comprises approximately 10% of the headline CPI is highly correlated with oil price. The surge in oil price observed since the beginning of 2011 (Figure 1) has been the most important driver of the elevated consumer price inflation. Accordingly, many economic and financial experts expect a period of hyperinflation in the near future. However, oil price has been falling. This fall resulted in a negative rate of monthly inflation in June 2011. In July, the monthly rate of inflation is likely to be positive because the price index of energy (oil) did not fall much relative to June.
The monthly rate of inflation is an important but only a transient indicator of the overall price change. Therefore, we have calculated the annual rate from the curves in Figure 1, where red line is the original price index (black line) shifted by one year ahead. The ratio of black and red line is the rate of oil price inflation, as shown in Figure 2. The rate of inflation is characterized by two peaks in 2008 and 2010. Obviously, the rate of inflation is defined by two factors: the current level of oil price and that one year ago. The difference between black and red line can be considered as a crude estimate of the inflation rate. When red line is above black line, the rate of inflation is negative. Otherwise, the rate is positive. What can we expect in 2012 with the price index of oil falling through the third and fourth quarters of 2011? Almost inevitably, the rate of (oil price) inflation will be negative through 2012. Since other components of the headline CPI also demonstrate the tendency to fall one can expect a period of deflation in 2012.
Figure 3 presents our estimate of the oil price evolution in 2011. We expect the price to fall by $6 per month to the level of $70 in December 2011. We also expect the price to fall through 2016 and put the uncertainty bounds for the long-term trend in oil price. The level of oil price in 2016 is between $30 and $60 per barrel.
Figure 1. The (producer) price index of oil (domestic crude petroleum). Red line is the original price index shifted one year ahead. The ratio of black and red line is the rate of oil price inflation shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. The annual rate of oil price growth.
Figure 3. Oil price prediction in 2011. The price is expected to fall by $6 per month between June and December 2011. The price level is $70 in December 2011. We also show the range of expected price evolution by 2016.
Kuih Bom (Again)
Kuih ni boleh di sediakan dalam masa yg singkat. Walau pun Along pulang lewat dari kerja, sempat lagi nak sediakan kuih ni selepas masak lauk-pauk untuk berbuka & semua nya siap sebelum waktu berbuka 6.43pm. Along dah kogsikan resipi nya sebelum ni kat sini tapi dalam Bahasa Inggeris, jadi kat sini di kongsikan resipi dalam BM pula. Resipi dah ramai member blogger yg mencuba & berpuas hati sebab ianya tak meletup apabila di goreng (lebih selamat...!). Rasanya pula memang sedap sebab tak liat walaupun masih springy gitu (tak tau nak translate "springy"...hehe) dan rangup di luar....! Lagi satu keistimewaan resepi ni, kuih tetap solid molid, bulat jer tak penyet selepas di goreng.
Testimonial dari member2 boleh tengok kat sini: Hana, Ika, Yani (tak dpt nak link pulak), AmFlora, HaSue, Mamahawa, Chikmi, KakRose, Mokwo dan yang terbaru Rabiatun, Inahar, ZanaSweetRose, Lemongrass, Ika (buat lagi), dan ramai lagi yang tak dapat nak trace.
Satu perkara yang Along nak sentuh, ni terutama buat blogger2 yg baru menceburkan diri (yg lama pun kena beringat tau), sila perhatikan Rule no.3 kat sebelah kanan pane ya. Anda di benarkan copy paste resipi yg di kongsikan dgn syarat mesti memberi penghargaan/rujukan pada tuan punya resepi atau sumber yg anda copy & paste. Tanpa rujukan pada sumber asal, itu di namakan CIPLAK. Along tak kisah nak kongsi resepi & ilmu yg ada, tapi kelakuan menciplak adalah tidak beretika dan tidak menghargai usaha dan niat baik orang lain. Dengan sedikit penghargaan anda akan mendapat lebih manfaat sebab anda akan di hormati dan menggalakkan kekawan mengongsikan resepi dgn lebih banyak lagi. Harap maklum dan maaf ya, bukan statement ni bertujuan utk mengecilkan hati sesiapa tetapi niat baik Along untuk mendidik masyarakat kita di Malaysia ini.
UPDATE: Bincang2 kat fb tadi bab ni, ada member yg komen pasal member2 yg walaupun buat rujukan kat mana resepi di ambil tapi link tuan punya asal di lenyapkan. Dengan itu apabila link di sebarkan pun, tuan asal nya dah di lupakan. Satu peringatan yang baik buat SEMUA BLOGGER termasuk lah Along sendiri. Kekadang tu kita copy link sumber yg kita ambil resepi tapi nak trace balik tuan punya tu kena usaha lebih. Oleh itu, di sarankan semua blogger buat rujukan sumber & juga tuan asal untuk memudahkan kpd semua. Amacam setuju semua....?
Bilangan: 12 biji
BAHAN2:
80g Keledek - kukus & lecek
120g Tepung Pulut
20g Tepung Gandum
35g Gula Kastor
Secubit Garam
100ml Air
Biji Bijan - utk salut
BAHAN2:
80g Keledek - kukus & lecek
120g Tepung Pulut
20g Tepung Gandum
35g Gula Kastor
Secubit Garam
100ml Air
Biji Bijan - utk salut
Inti Kelapa / Kacang Merah/Hijau
CARA2:
1. Campurkan kesemua bahan (kecuali bijan & inti) sehingga sebati menjadi doh lembut.
Bahagikan kpd 12 ketul.
Leperkan seketul doh, letak seketul inti, balut & bulatkan.
Golekkan ke atas biji bijan sehingga menyaluti seluruh permukaan bola kuih.
CARA2:
1. Campurkan kesemua bahan (kecuali bijan & inti) sehingga sebati menjadi doh lembut.
Bahagikan kpd 12 ketul.
Leperkan seketul doh, letak seketul inti, balut & bulatkan.
Golekkan ke atas biji bijan sehingga menyaluti seluruh permukaan bola kuih.
Ulang sehingga habis.
2. Goreng dgn minyak yg dalam sehingga garing.
Enjoy!
2. Goreng dgn minyak yg dalam sehingga garing.
Enjoy!
Week 53
The construction is to the point that changes are not very visible. The work on the parking structures is continuing and looks nearly complete, but it isn't very dramatic.
I love to see the white spires against the brilliant blue sky.
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| The concrete tensioning cables have been trimmed to length |
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| Here the tensioning cables have been potted in with concrete |
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| Access hatch for the roof on the Northeast corner |
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| Only a few joints remain to be sealed in the exterior wall panels. Notice the dark black line underneath the two middle arch windows. |
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| These rigid foam panels will be used to insulate the roof. |
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| North parking structure ready to pour the roof |
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| More parking structure to be poured |
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| South underground parking |
Global Views of Muslims, Christians and Jews
A recent study conducted by Pew Research Center surveyed populations on their views of Muslims, Christians and Jews in 14 different countries. As the chart (right) indicates, in four of the six predominately Christian countries included in the study (the US, Britain, France and Russia), a majority of the population said they viewed Muslims favorably. Spain and Germany were the two exceptions, with 37% and 45% respectively having favorable opinions of Muslims. Western views of Jews were largely favorable in these countries ranging from 59% favorable in Spain to 84% favorable in France. While Muslim views of Christians varied widely, they were generally less favorable than Western views of Muslims. A majority of those surveyed in Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt did not view Christians favorably while only a narrow majority in Indonesia (52%) and Jordan (57%) viewed Christians favorably. Lebanon, which has a substantial Christian population, was the exception to this trend with 98% of those surveyed having favorable views of Christians. Those surveyed in predominately Muslim countries had significantly less favorable views of Jews than they did of Christians, with less than 10% having favorable views of Jews in each of the countries. Of those surveyed in Israel, 19% had favorable views of Muslims, 54% had favorable views of Christians, and 88% had favorable views of Jews.BL cf
Singapore Bone Soup (Sup Tulang Singapura)
To all friends who drop by regularly and left messages, thank-you so much and much appreciated. Apology if I'm unable to return your visit as time is so limited..... Happy Ramadhan to all.
Source: Noreen <-- Rossya (no link & therefore unknown original source, pls shout if it yours)
Translated into English by HomeKreation
Recipe modified for lesser amount, refer to source link for original version
INGREDIENTS:
1 kg Beef Bones^
1 tbsp Soup Spice Powder^ (^ boil together until tender)
Mixed Spices (Cinnamon, Star Anise, Cardamon, Cloves) - (HomeKreation: not in the orig recipe)
6 Garlic*
2 Big Onion*
1" Ginger* (* blended)
6 tbsp Chilli Paste
1 scoop Tomato Sauce
1-2 Potato - boiled & blend with some water
1 Egg - slightly beaten
Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper
Coriander Leaves (HomeKreation: not in the orig recipe)
METHOD:
1. Heat up few tbsp oil & stir fry mixed spices, blended ingredients & chilli paste.
Add in tomato sauce, beef bones and beef stock (not too much to ensure sauce is thick), salt, sugar & black pepper and let it boil.
Add in blended potato to thicken the sauce.
Finally add in egg & stir quickly.
2. Sprinkle with coriander leaves when served.
Serve with white rice or bread.
**********************************
Menu Iftar hari ke4. Hubby & anak2 kata sedap.
Source: Noreen <-- Rossya (takda link, so taktau sumber asal - sila beritau jika anda tuan punya asal ya)
Resipi asal di ubahsuai ikut selera dan saiz hidangan yg di kehendakki. Rujuk source utk resipi asal.
BAHAN2:
1 kg Tulang Lembu^
1 sb Rempah Sup^ (^ campur & rebus sehingga lembut)
Rempah Tumis (Kulit Kayu, Pelaga, Cengkih, Bg Lwg) - (ni Along tambah sendiri)
6 ulas Bwg Putih*
2 bj Bwg Besar*
1" Halia* (* blend)
6 sb Cili Mesin
1 senduk Sos Tomato
1-2 bj Kentang - rebus & blend dgn air
1 bj Telur - pukul sedikit
Garam, Gula & Lada Sulah
Daun Ketumbar - (ni Along tambah sendiri)
CARA2:
1. Panaskan minyak & tumis rempah tumis, bhn blend & cili sehingga wangi.
+ Sos tomato, tulang, air rebusan tulang (agak2 supaya tidak terlalu cair), garam, gula, lada & masak sehingga menggelegak.
+ kentang blend utk memekatkan kuah.
+ telur & kacau dgn cepat.
2. Taburkan daun ketumbar & hidangkan dgn nasi atau roti.
2. Taburkan daun ketumbar & hidangkan dgn nasi atau roti.
Selamat mencuba.
The First Timeless Pillar of Leadership
by Peter Baker, Executive Director, Laser Institute of America
When you strip away all the fads of the last four decades and focus on what really works, there are Seven Timeless Pillars of Leadership. Here is the first one:
Know Thyself
The oracle at Delphi said it, and Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War, said “Know thyself, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”
You might well ask, “What does this mean for me? What shall I do about it?” What it means is that each of us has a unique set of aptitudes and attitudes, strengths and weaknesses. Some are bold and fearless like Alexander the Great—cut the Gordian Knot—rule the world! Some are more thoughtful and deliberate like Dwight Eisenhower—take time to plan the D-Day invasion, research moon and tide—then launch. There are many leadership styles and each can be effective, but you cannot copy someone else’s style. You must, as Shakespeare said, “to thine own self be true.” People can spot a fake in a heartbeat.
Most of us have a good idea of our key characteristics. If you are reading this you are probably pretty smart (hard to lead successfully if you are not) and have a basic idea of your type. I recommend digging in and facing the truth; be clear on your strengths and weaknesses. Use tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® test or the DiSC® Personality test or other similar systems.
On two occasions I benefited by taking a whole battery of IQ tests, aptitude tests and tests to help show which kinds of careers would best fit me—and which would not. I found, no surprise, that I would be a poor fit as a Marine Corps Major! It was also recommended that I not try to fix my own car and to make sure I always have a good administrative assistant—good advice indeed. These tests and others like it are readily available online or through your local university career center. I recommend a career center which has the advantage of trained counselors to interpret and advise.
Once it is clear who the real you is, you can focus on using your strengths and building a team to support your weak areas. You can go through a similar process with key members of your team.
So there it is, the number one Pillar of Leadership—Know Thyself!
Peter Baker is the Executive Director of Laser Institute of America. He has studied and practiced the art of leadership since 1970.
When you strip away all the fads of the last four decades and focus on what really works, there are Seven Timeless Pillars of Leadership. Here is the first one:
Know Thyself
The oracle at Delphi said it, and Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War, said “Know thyself, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”
You might well ask, “What does this mean for me? What shall I do about it?” What it means is that each of us has a unique set of aptitudes and attitudes, strengths and weaknesses. Some are bold and fearless like Alexander the Great—cut the Gordian Knot—rule the world! Some are more thoughtful and deliberate like Dwight Eisenhower—take time to plan the D-Day invasion, research moon and tide—then launch. There are many leadership styles and each can be effective, but you cannot copy someone else’s style. You must, as Shakespeare said, “to thine own self be true.” People can spot a fake in a heartbeat.
Most of us have a good idea of our key characteristics. If you are reading this you are probably pretty smart (hard to lead successfully if you are not) and have a basic idea of your type. I recommend digging in and facing the truth; be clear on your strengths and weaknesses. Use tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® test or the DiSC® Personality test or other similar systems.
On two occasions I benefited by taking a whole battery of IQ tests, aptitude tests and tests to help show which kinds of careers would best fit me—and which would not. I found, no surprise, that I would be a poor fit as a Marine Corps Major! It was also recommended that I not try to fix my own car and to make sure I always have a good administrative assistant—good advice indeed. These tests and others like it are readily available online or through your local university career center. I recommend a career center which has the advantage of trained counselors to interpret and advise.
Once it is clear who the real you is, you can focus on using your strengths and building a team to support your weak areas. You can go through a similar process with key members of your team.
So there it is, the number one Pillar of Leadership—Know Thyself!
Peter Baker is the Executive Director of Laser Institute of America. He has studied and practiced the art of leadership since 1970.
