Mindconnection eNL, 2003-12-23
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In this issue:
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1. Product Highlights
| Betty
Boop and other posters
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| Mindconnection has a wide selection of
posters, prints, and photos. These range topically from fine art
reproductions to poster classics like Betty Boop.
Click the photo for that particular image.
There's some cool stuff in our poster area, and more is coming. You can use this to get a mind-lifting change of scenery in your home, office, or prison cell. Those working in corporate America may wonder if "office" and "prison cell" have different meanings. So, I mentioned both to be safe! :)
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2. Brainpower tip
| Talk to the average
person, and you find that person is--in his or her own mind--above
average. For some reason, most of us have a tendency to validate the
views of others based on our own perceptions.
The number of times I have been embarrassed by my own ignorance makes me wonder just how extensive this problem is. But, that's not the point of this short article. To have effectively more brainpower, try this little trick. The next time someone says something you don't agree with, resist the temptation to argue or to otherwise judge that input as invalid. Instead, ask that person for more information. This can help you correct your own invalid opinion (something that is common to have, so don't take that as an insult). It can also help you open communications so the other person might learn from you. Example 1: Person X: Poodles are vicious guard dogs. You: Can you help me understand that? My experience is poodles are cute little buggers. Person X: I'm sorry. I meant full poodles. You are thinking of miniature poodles. The dogs I am talking about are big like German Shepherds.
Example 2: Person X: Guns are dangerous and should be banned. You: Suppose four men had just attacked you with knives and clubs. You are lying there bleeding, and you know they are going to kill you. I walk around the corner with a loaded gun. Would you want me to use it? I'm interested in your views. Can you help me understand how my gun would be dangerous to you in that situation versus my not having a gun? Person X: I recant my former pro-crime opinion. Save me! |
3. Time tip
| Go where others
aren't. If you hate long lines, consider these three gems:
Most people start shopping after 10AM. Shop before then. The day after Christmas, stores are packed with people returning "gifts" they didn't want. Christmas gifts are not actually gifts--they are actually compulsory exchanges. You can opt out of this madness by giving the best gift of all--let others off the hook for shopping for you. This way, neither of you has to stand in line returning something you would not have bought for yourself. Buy gifts for your kids, but don't get dragged into the "buy and bring it back" game. You can't always avoid lines. When going to the Post Office or some government agency, bring reading material. I can usually polish off U.S. News & World Report while getting stamps. It's usually too noisy to make phone calls, but that is also an option. |
4. Finance tip
| The latest fad to
hit the financing market is the zero principal loan--also known as the
all interest loan. What happens is your payments all go to interest for
the first X number of years. This accelerates the tax deductions and
provides smaller monthly payments.
It sounds great! But, keep in mind this kind of loan is simply rent because you are building up no equity. When it comes to finances, every silver lining has a cloud! Generally speaking, you build wealth by building equity. You completely give that up with this type of loan. If you sell your home or refinance during that X period, what will you have to show for all the money you have shelled out? |
5. Security tip
| Donating that old
computer to charity?
If you think you are safe because you formatted the hard drive that went with it, think again. The general rule of thumb is that it takes three passes of filling the drive completely with zero bits and then ones to call it "safely erased." Here's the method I use:
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6. Health tip/Fitness tips
| Don't worry about
offending anyone by not eating whatever junkfood they made or bought for
a holiday party. Those folks who act offended now won't be there when
you are undergoing surgery for the illness their food caused.
Things to avoid:
Things to eat: Eat anything that doesn't have sugar in it, isn't high in saturated fats, and doesn't contain hydrogenated oil--and you should be fine. Just watch your portion size. The truth is, most food is good for you. But, Americans have narrowed down their food choices to three primary flavors. Avoid those, and you're well on your way to having a healthy, beautiful body. |
7. Thought for the Day
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Wishing you the best,
Mark Lamendola
Mindconnection
Authorship
The views expressed in this e-newsletter are generally not shared by criminals, zombies, or brainwashed individuals.Except where noted, this e-newsletter is entirely the work of Mark Lamendola. Anything presented as fact can be independently verified. Often, sources are given; but where not given, they are readily available to anyone who makes the effort.
Mark provides information from either research or his own areas of established expertise. Sometimes, what appears to be a personal opinion is the only possibility when applying sound logic--reason it out before judging! (That said, some personal opinions do appear on occasion).
The purpose of this publication is to inform and empower its readers (and save you money!).
Personal note from Mark: I value each and every one of you, and I hope that shows in the diligent effort I put into writing this e-newsletter. Thank you for being a faithful reader.
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