Microsoft to Release IE 8 Beta 1 in First Half of 2008

Microsoft plans to release the first beta of the next version of Internet Explorer in the first half of 2008, and said that IE 8 has passed a key Web standards test that ensures the browser won't "break" the Web.

IE8 has passed the "Acid2 Browser Test" from the Web Standards Project, which shows whether a browser renders a Web site in a certain way. If the browser renders the site correctly, it means the browser supports certain accepted Web standards.

Microsoft posted a video about the browser passing the test on its Channel 9 Web site.

Microsoft developed IE before some Web standards such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) were developed, and so older versions don't support some current standards. Developers would write applications to work with IE rather than to support Web standards, since the browser was the de facto standard for surfing the Internet for so many years. Microsoft also was lax in updating IE to meet the demands of Web standards, since there was little competition in the browser market for years.

With the release and subsequent popularity of open-source browser Mozilla Firefox three years ago, a browser's need to stay current with Web standards once again moved to the forefront. When Microsoft developed IE7, released in October 2006, the company had good intentions and decided to improved support of Web standards with the new release.

However, Web sites that were created for older versions of IE didn't work properly on IE7. Microsoft hopes to remedy this problem so the situation is not repeated with IE8, according to an IE Blog posting attributed to Dean Hachamovitch, a Microsoft general manager on the IE team.

"With respect to standards and interoperability, our goal in developing Internet Explorer 8 is to support the right set of standards with excellent implementations and do so without breaking the existing Web," according to the blog posting.

Hachamovitch said Microsoft is taking a cue in lessons learned from making improvements to CSS in IE7 that "made IE more compliant with some standards and less compatible with some sites on the Web as they were coded." The key design goal for IE8, he said, is compatibility with existing Web sites and Web standards supported in other browsers to provide a premium user experience.

"As a developer, I'd prefer to not have to write the same site multiple times for different browsers," according to Hachamovitch's post. "Standards are a (critical!) means to this end, and we focus on the standards that will help actual, real-world interoperability the most. As a consumer and a developer, I expect stuff to just work, and I also expect backwards compatibility. When I get a new version of my current browser, I expect all the sites that worked before will still work."

Microsoft said the final release of IE8 depends upon feedback received from the beta process.

Microsoft Offers 'Release Candidate' of Windows Server 2008

The long march to the release of Windows Server 2008, aka Longhorn Server, continued on Monday, as Microsoft Corp. announced that it is making the first Release Candidate version of the upcoming operating system available for public download.

Microsoft said that RC0, as it's being called by the software vendor, will become available on its Web site within the next 24 hours-- replacing the Beta 3 release that it has been offering to early users.

RC0 is the first pre-release version to include a built-in virtualization hypervisor, which is code named Viridian. But Ward Ralston, senior technical product manager for Microsoft's Windows Server group, noted that the hypervisor component "is not yet in beta" and is thus less mature than the rest of Windows Server 2008.

Microsoft declared as long ago as April that the OS itself was basically "feature-complete." In contrast, the hypervisor, which will compete with technology from server virtualization market leader VMware Inc., will still be in beta form when Windows Server 2008 ships in next year's first quarter of next year, Ralston said. A finished version of the hypervisor will be ready within six months of the operating system's release, he added.

Companies that have been testing earlier versions of Windows Server 2008 as part of Microsoft's Technology Adoption Program (TAP) largely say they're impressed with the software, though not without some reservations.

Robbie Roberts, IT manager at Windrush Frozen Foods Ltd., an Oxford, England-based fine foods importer, has been using Windows Server 2008 in live applications for the past two months to run his company's rights management services and its print servers, as well as a portal based on Microsoft's SharePoint Server 2007 software.

With just a two-person IT team that oversees 25 Windows servers, Roberts considers automation and ease of use to be his highest priorities. Windows Server 2008 is delivering on both those counts, he said.

"The worst thing they could have done is totally redesign the [operating system] so that there would be a huge learning curve," Roberts said. Instead, "the user interface is cleaner, while keeping it as similar as they could."

Small things, such as the ability to reduce the number of Windrush's domain controllers through the use of Windows Server 2008, also are helping to boost the performance of the company's servers, Roberts said.

He added that bugs haven't been an issue with the software. "We were involved in the Windows Server 2003 rollout, and we had tons of problems," he said. "We absolutely expected tons of problems with Windows Server 2008. But-- hand on heart-- we've had none. We found running Vista more difficult than Windows Server 2008."

The main problem Roberts did encounter was in getting SharePoint, in particular its Excel Services feature, to run properly with the new operating system. But that turned out to be due to a problem with SharePoint, he said.

Windrush currently uses VMware's virtualization software, and that product's "features and performance are great," Roberts said. "But I'm a GUI type person, so I don't like using the command line in Linux." He plans to try testing Microsoft's Windows Server Virtualization hypervisor as soon as he can.

Roberts also plans to move the rest of his Microsoft applications onto Windows Server 2008 as soon as possible, except for Office Communications Server, which he said is not yet supported by the operating system.

The Backyard Breeders' and Puppy Millers' Big Book of Old Excuses

The Backyard Breeders' and Puppy Millers' Big Book of Old Excuses
© Denna Pace 2001

1. When called on bad breeding practices, ALWAYS claim that you are merely an innocent posting as a favor to a friend or family member.

2. Point out that everybody you know breeds this way, therefore it must be
okay.

3. Claim that "snobby show breeders" are only criticizing you because they
want to corner the market on puppy profit.

4. Claim that a Champion in the pedigree is just as good as 56 Champions in the pedigree. Not that it matters, because you doubt that there is such a
thing as a dog with 56 champions in the pedigree.

5. Claim that you are just trying to produce good pets, therefore good pets
are all you need for breeding.

6. When asked about health testing, enthusiastically point out that your
bitch had a health checkup before breeding.

7. Be sure to mention that you do not need to run such health tests as OFA,
CERF, thyroid, cardiac, patellae, etc., because your dogs look healthy and
had no visible problems at their last vet checkup.

8. Point out that these tests cost too much and would cut into your profit
margin. Be sure to champion the right of poor people to breed dogs.

9. Confidently assure worried rescuers that no puppy you produce, or any of
their puppies or grand puppies or great-grandpuppies will end up in shelters
because you have a bunch of friends who have told you that they'd like a pup
from your bitch.

10. Point out that you don't need Championships or working titles on your
dogs because you are breeding for temperament and your dog is really sweet.

11. Silence those annoying people who ask about your health guarantee by
assuring them that buyers can return any sick puppies and you will replace
it with another pup as long as it got sick within a certain amount of time
of sale and as long as you don't think the buyer did something to make the
puppy sick.

12. If your breed or line is rare (or you have a "rare" color, or believe
your breed or color is rare), be sure to remind everyone that you do not
need to show, temperament test, or health test your breeding stock because
you are doing the world a service by continuing this "rare" breed/color/line.

13. No matter what anyone else says, claim that you obviously know what you are doing because you've been breeding for a long time. Point to the
hundreds of puppies you've pumped out over the years as proof.

14. If this is your first attempt at breeding, make sure to remind everyone
that you HAVE to breed your dog because how else are you going to learn how to breed?

15. Assure everyone that your dog does not need to be shown because you were assured by someone at Petsmart/the park/the vet's office/a friend that your dog is a perfect example of the breed.

16. Always remember that "rare" colors, oversized or undersized dogs, and
mixes of popular breeds are great selling points. Anyone who doesn't think
so is obviously not in tune with their customers' wishes.

17. Claim that your dogs are better because they are not inbred, as
inbreeding obviously produces sick/stupid/deformed dogs. If breeding poo [as in "Cock-a-Poo," "Peek-a-Poo," etc.] dogs or other mutts, always point to "hybrid vigor" as proof of your dogs' superiority.

18. Remind everyone that you do not need a waiting list because your puppies are cute.

19. Assure everyone that your puppies will not end up in shelters because
they are cute.

20. Claim that YOUR breed never ends up in shelters in your area, therefore
your puppies will never end up in shelters.

21. If asked why you think your dogs are breeding quality, point out that
they "have papers." Extra points awarded for using the phrase "AKC
Certified." Double points if those papers come from the Continental Kennel
Club.

22. If you sell a sick puppy, always blame the owners for making it sick. If
the owners are clearly not responsible, blame their vet. (see #11)

23. If presented with irrefutable evidence proving you wrong on any excuses
you have used, pretend your server did not receive the post/e-mail.

24. Claim that none of the rules of ethical breeding apply to you because
you only intend to have one litter and therefore aren't a "real" breeder.

25. If all else fails, tell everyone who criticizes you to "get a life."

Written by Denna Pace . It was compiled by reading the horrible BYB ads on rec.pets.dogs.breed. Please credit when quoting.

New Feature in my blog

I have added a chatterbox in my blog so you visitors can leave,tell,shout,rais up a message to me or to other visitors of this blog.

you can also use this feature in your own blogs or websites just go to this address

http://chatter.flooble.com/

and register to have your very own chatter box

Free Online Office - Work your documents anywhere

About Zoho

---

A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work - he is the purpose of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us the opportunity to serve him.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Zoho is one of the brands from AdventNet, a software company started in 1996 focusing on building affordable software for businesses.

AdventNet has served a diverse range of enterprise IT, networking and telecom customers. We know our customers have a choice of many vendors, and we want to earn their business and their trust by working hard for it. And having earned their business, we want to keep them happy so they will choose to do business with us again. These simple ideas have served us well, during good times and bad. AdventNet has achieved impressive growth, and has emerged as a rock-solid supplier and partner, with sound financials.

For Partnership Enquiries:

Ian Wenig
ian@zoho.com
925 895-3725

click here to go to their site

2007 Kadayawan Festival - Davao Schedules

Click to enlarge image

RAISINS & GRAPES poisoning

SAVE DOG LIVES!!! PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with ALL dog lovers you know as well as your veterinarian, groomer, pet sitter, classes, clubs, etc.

RAISINS & GRAPES Update

Based on report provided by VMRCVM Vet Notes

Animal Poison Control Center has documented multiple cases of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs within the last couple of years. Presumably, this has occurred in the past but attributed to other causes.

What Kind of Grapes & Raisins?

The source of the problem has been varied. Grapes of all varieties and growing conditions (including homegrown) have been implicated. Raisins are usually made from white seedless grapes, but all raisins of any source should be considered kidney toxic (chocolate covered raisins as well).

Why?

The toxic principle is unknown. Grapes contain low amounts of tannins compared to acorns, a known kidney toxicant in large animals. Grapes lack significant amounts of Vitamin D, another known kidney toxicant. It is unlikely pesticide residue is involved due to the wide variety of grape types involved. So far the majority of toxicosis reports have been in dogs. However, feeding grapes or raisins to cats and ferrets should also be discouraged, as poisonings have been reported in these species as well.

How Many Would Poison Your Dog?

The minimum toxic dose is approximately 0.3 oz/kg body weight. This would correspond to about 2 grapes per kg body weight, or roughly 1 grape per pound of body weight.

15 lb dog = 12-14 grapes could be deadly
25 lb. dog = 23 grapes could be deadly
50 lb. dog = 50+ grapes could be deadly
75 lb. dog = 75 grapes could be deadly

Raisins, having lost their water content are considered more toxic at 6 raisins per kg of body weight, or 2-3 raisins per pound of body weight. Think how many raisins are in ONE small snack pack of raisins – maybe enough to kill your dog.

15 lb. dog = 30-45 raisins could be deadly
25 lb. dog = 50-75 raisins could be deadly
50 lb. dog = 100-150 raisins could be deadly
75 lb. dog = 150-225 raisins could be deadly

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms appear 6-24 hours after the dog eats raisins or grapes (average is 12 hours). Initially, symptoms are gastro-intestinal signs, followed by kidney problems.

Vomiting is usually the primary sign, with diarrhea, depression/lethargy, anorexia, colic, dehydration and sharply decreased urine output. The course of the toxicosis is anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. Dogs with kidney problems have a guarded to poor prognosis.

Diagnosis is based on history of recent exposure and clinical signs. On bloodwork, the kidney values are increased. Typically BUN, creatinine, phosphorus and potassium are elevated (sometimes serum calcium as well). The urine sediment will have hyaline casts and the urine specific gravity will be either hyposthenuric or isosthenuric (diluted to the concentration of water of less concentrated than water) at SG 1.006 to 1.010.

Treatment

If the raisins or grapes have been ingested within 2-3 hours, vomiting should be induced followed by activated charcoal to limit further absorption. Treatment is based on preventing further absorption if appropriate and maintaining urine output & electrolyte balance. The vet may also give an osmotic cathartic (to speed up GI passage of toxin without absorption). The animal should receive an isotonic saline solution IV at twice maintenance rates for 48 hours. Anti-nausea medication, diuretics and peritoneal dialysis may be needed in some cases.

75-year-old has world's fastest private internet connection

Swedish news site The Local reports that 75-year old Swede's home has been tricked-out with a record-breaking 40 Gb/s connection - the first time a private residence has tapped into the internet at such high speeds. The lightning fast Internet connection is thanks to the money and her son Peter Löthberg a Swedish optical internet guru working at Cisco. Ma Löthberg's house was converted into a broadband dog-and-pony act in an effort to promote high-speed fibre connections as a commercially viable platform. With such a connection she can download a DVD in 0.14 seconds and a HD-DVD in 3 seconds.

--==[More Of the Story]==--

Naruto: The Dark History of Uchiha: The Bloodline of Tengu

Hyuuga clan is one of the oldest clans in Konoha. They have been there ever since the establishment of the hidden village. Many years ago there was a girl from Hyuuga clan who fell in love with an outsider. She decided to marry herself to the young man despite the strong protests from her own clan. But this man was no ordinary human. In fact, this man was not a human at all. His name was Sojobo. He was the King of Tengu.

There are two types of tengus, Karasu tengu (a crow-like creature with beak and wings) and Konoha tengu (also known as Yamabushi tengu). Sojobo was a Konoha tengu. He had long nose and white hair with a pair of black wings on his back. As the King of Tengu, Sojobo possessed some very mystical powers. He carried a fan made of Fatsia leaf that could create a storm (therefore people sometimes call this type of leaf as Tengu no Uchiwa or Tengu’s fan). He could teleport himself or any other things from one place to another. He could also communicate with people telepathically or even invade their minds and drive them to madness. Besides, Sojobo was also known for his shapeshifting ability. He sometimes transformed himself into human to interact with people.
(click the link below)

click me for details

AMD Cuts Prices, Intel Expected to Follow

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) announced its latest round of desktop processor price cuts on Monday, and rival Intel Corp. is expected to follow the move later this month.

AMD slashed prices on its top-of-the-line desktop PC microprocessors on Monday to US$599 per pair for the 3GHz version from US$799, making it the same price as its 2.8GHz version. The move may be a sign it wants to clear out the chips ahead of the launch of its next generation chips, Barcelona. The company also reduced the price of some of its best dual-core processors, the Athlon 64 X2 6000+, which runs at 3.0GHz, fell to $178 from $241 and its AMD 64 X2 5600+, to $157 from $505, according to its latest price list

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I love Doberman

by Tracy Pounds

He is loyal, devoted, trusting, obedient, highly intelligent, creative, talented, protective but discriminating, friendly to friends, but observant of strangers and wary of unusual behavior. He is not reactionary but reacts when the situation calls for it. He is wise, perceptive, personable and has a great sense of humor. He is sensitive and caring, expressive and demonstrative of his thoughts and feelings.

Very often he is too smart for his owner. He must be a house dog… for he was bred to be a personal protection dog and has a strong physical and psychological need to be with his people. He wants to be with you 26 hours a day… even if there are only 24. But he'll take what he can get, and let you know if it isn't enough. You can't hide your feelings or emotions from a Dobe… he can see right through you and you can never fool him. He will strive to the ends of the earth to be near you, to please you, to be as much a part of your inner being as you are to his. Many people find such devotion and demonstration of this undying loyalty and affection annoying, but they miss the point. He cares not for independence, he wants to be part of the "team." To be apart from his beloved owner is to find him in sorrow. Dobes have been known to grieve themselves to death at the loss of a loved one.

You must be strong willed to have a Dobe, but he is sensitive and is hurt to his soul by physical and verbal abuse. You have to treat a Dobe like a partner… with you being the managing partner. Lead and he will follow. To physically dominate a Dobe is to lose that which is so very special about him, for he will be a kindred spirit, a soul mate, if you let him.

There is no other dog who is more "human-like" than a Dobe. And it is this reason that he is not the dog for everyone. He takes more patience, more understanding, more time, more love, more of just about everything from you as an owner and a partner. He cannot be taken lightly nor can he be taken for granted.

Often he is misunderstood… the unknowing believe he is too friendly and would never protect them. Many who get a Dobe for the wrong reasons cast him aside for this reason. Those are the stupid and undeserving. Only those of us who have had the occasion of being in danger or at risk have witnessed the awesome power of a dog willing to die to protect you, of a dog who rises to the occasion with all he has to offer to get the job done, using his extraordinary discrimination in knowing just how far he has to take it to get that job done. It is inborn and cannot be "beaten" into him as some have tried to do when he appears not to be "aggressive enough". It comes from the love of his people and because of this love he will do "his job"… and stupid, uncaring, and sometimes abusive people, that he has put his love and trust in. And there are so many of those in rescue who desperately need the kindness and love they are so willing to share. I've had two Dobes rescued from sad situations. More devoted and loyal companions you'll never find. Even those I've bred myself and raised weren't any better companions, protectors, and friends than those who came to me in their hour of need and found a home for the rest of their lives. It is the love that makes the difference.

So unless one is willing to give 100 percent and unless one is willing to accept 110 percent in return, do not get a Dobe. But if you are one of the special people who can submerse yourself heart and soul totally into your dog, you'll find that to experience the joy and devotion of a Doberman Pinscher is unlike any other feeling you'll ever find through canine companionship.

A Dobe is not just a dog. He is a spirit placed on this earth to watch over us, to teach us humility, kindness, and devotion, and those of us who have these dogs find it is our privilege to share our lives with the Doberman.

http://www.dru.org/dobebest.htm

Dogs IQ

There are three types of dog intelligence:

* Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability). This is specific to the individual animal and is measured by canine IQ tests.
* Instinctive Intelligence. This is specific to the individual animal and is measured by canine IQ tests.
* Working/Obedience Intelligence. This is breed dependent.

Ranks 1 to 10
Brightest Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: Less than 5 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.
Rank Breed
1 Border Collie
2 Poodle
3 German Shepherd
4 Golden Retriever
5 Doberman Pinscher
6 Shetland Sheepdog
7 Labrador Retriever
8 Papillon
9 Rottweiler
10 Australian Cattle Dog

Ranks 11 to 26
Excellent Working Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: 5 to 15 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 85% of the time or better.

Rank Breed
11 Pembroke Welsh Corgi
12 Miniature Schnauzer
13 English Springer Spaniel
14 Belgian Tervuren
15 Schipperke /Belgian Sheepdog
16 Collie/Keeshond
17 German Shorthaired Pointer
18 Flat-Coated Retriever/English Cocker Spaniel/Standard Schnauzer
19 Brittany
20 Cocker Spaniel
21 Weimaraner
22 Belgian Malinois/Bernese Mountain Dog
23 Pomeranian
24 Irish Water Spaniel
25 Vizsla
26 Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Ranks 27 to 39
Above Average Working Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: 15 to 25 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 70% of the time or better

Rank Breed
27 Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Puli/Yorkshire Terrier
28 Giant Schnauzer
29 Airedale Terrier/Bouvier Des Flandres
30 Border Terrier/Briard
31 Welsh Springer Spaniel
32 Manchester Terrier
33 Samoyed
34 Field Spaniel/Newfoundland/Australian Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier/Gordon Setter/Bearded Collie
35 Cairn Terrier/Kerry Blue Terrier/Irish Setter
36 Norwegian Elkhound
37 Affenpincher/Silky Terrier/Miniature Pinscher/English Setter/
Pharaoh Hound/Clumber Spaniel
38 Norwich Terrier
39 Dalmatian

Ranks 40 to 54
Average Working/Obedience Intelligence

Understanding of New Commands: 25 to 40 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 50% of the time or better.

Rank Breed
40 Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier/Bedlington Terrier/Smooth Fox Terrier
41 Curly-Coated Retriever/Irish Wolfhound
42 Kuvasz/Australian Shepherd
43 Saluki/Finnish Spitz/Pointer
44 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/German Wirehaired Pointer/
Black & Tan Coonhound/American Water Spaniel
45 Siberian Husky/Bichon Frise/English Toy Spaniel
46 Tibetan Spaniel/English Foxhound/Otterhound/American Foxhound/
Greyhound/Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
47 West Highland White Terrier /Scottish Deerhound
48 Boxer/Great Dane
49 Dachshund/Stafforshire Bull Terrier
50 Alaskan Malamute
51 Whippet/Chinese Shar-pei/Wire Fox Terrier
52 Rhodesian Ridgeback
53 Ibizan Hound/Welsh Terrier/Irish Terrier
54 Boston Terrier/Akita

Ranks 55 to 69
Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence

Understanding of New Commands: 40 to 80 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 30% of the time or better.

Rank Breed
55 Skye Terrier
56 Norfolk Terrier/Sealyham Terrier
57 Pug
58 French Bulldog
59 Brussels Griffon/Maltese
60 Italian Greyhound
61 Chinese Crested
62 Dandie Dinmont Terrier/Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen/
Tibetan Terrier/Japanese Chin/Lakeland Terrier
63 Old English Sheepdog
64 Great Pyrenees
65 Scottish Terrier/Saint Bernard
66 Bull Terrier
67 Chihuahua
68 Lhasa Apso
69 Bullmastiff

Ranks 70 to 79
Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence

Understanding of New Commands: 80 to 100 repetitions or more.
Obey First Command: 25% of the time or worse.

Rank Breed
70 Shih Tzu
71 Basset Hound
72 Mastiff/Beagle
73 Pekingese
74 Bloodhound
75 Borzoi
76 Chow Chow
77 Bulldog
78 Basenji
79 Afghan Hound

Pipes Powered Maps On Your Site

We worked with the Yahoo! Maps team to put together two examples that demonstrate how you can take the output from a Pipe containing GeoData and overlay its content on a Y! Map. Using these examples, you can learn how you can start putting Pipes powered Maps on your website.

The Pipe being called in the below examples is called Where2 with flickr. This Pipe aggregates event listings in the San Francisco Bay Area from upcoming.org. Then, uses the location information for each event to search Y! Local for nearby restaurants and flickr for nearby pictures. The output of this Pipe contains all the data you need to decide where to head out to!

Both examples demonstrate how to take the output from a Pipe and overly its data on a Y! Map:

• The first example uses the JSON output from a Pipe.
• The second example uses the RSS output from a Pipe.

To learn more about how each example was made you can view there respective sources. There’s more information about the Yahoo! Maps AJAX API on the Yahoo! Developer Network website. If you have specific questions about the Y! Maps AJAX API we suggest you visit the yws-maps-ajax mailing list.

We’re eager to answer any questions you might have about these examples so start a thread anytime on the Pipes Message Boards.

Yahoo Pipes

Pipes is an interactive data aggregator and manipulator that lets you mashup your favorite online data sources.

Like Unix pipes, simple commands can be combined together to create output that meets your needs:

• combine many feeds into one, then sort, filter and translate to create your ultimate custom feed.
• geocode your favorite feeds and browse the items on an interactive map.
• remix your favorite data sources and use the Pipe to power a new application.
• build custom vertical search pages that are impossible with ordinary search engines.
• power badges on your web site.
• extend your web site by accessing the JSON or RSS output from Pipes.

Hillsong Concert in Cagayan De Oro 2007

The experience I got or should I say we got is very beautiful. the presence of the holy spirit at that night is really tremendous. all night we praise and worship Jesus Christ, letting us remember the sacrifice he made just to save us from sin. I have been to a lot of different secular concerts and may I say that it will really could not compare to the experience I have when I attended this concert. all the people are moved by the holy spirit and all are very glad. I am hoping and praying that they will held a concert here in davao city.

this is just fine

what a lovely day

Way of the Shepherd

I have read a wonderfull book that teaches us how to be a leader or a flock.
I have scoured the internet and found a good review on it similar to mine
here it goes

Review“’The principles of the Way of the Shepherd still work after thousands of years because the basic needs of people have remained essentially the same,’ he explained. “as to why more people don’t shepherd their people, Jack answered that himself. Great leadership comes at a price that too few are willing to pay.’”

Written as a story of a cub reporter’s interview with the most respected CEO in America, The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People by Kevin Leman and William Pentak is a short, easy to read text full of useful principles to effective leadership and supervision. Theodore McBride, CEO of General Technologies, a Texas based organization, shares the lessons he learned as a young MBA student from his mentor – an eccentric yet brilliant professor, Jack Neumann.

Through a series of safe and supportive mentoring sessions, most of which revolve around Jack’s small flock of prized sheep, Dr. Neumann helps Ted explore the secrets of becoming an effective shepherd-leader in his new position as a supervisor of nine employees at General Technologies. Over the course of seven weeks, Jack assists Ted in coming to understand seven ancient principles of shepherding a flock of sheep, as well as people: Knowing the Condition of Your Flock, Discovering the Shape of Your Sheep, Helping Your Sheep Identify with You, Making Your Pasture a Safe Place, The Staff of Direction, The Rod of Correction, and The heart of the Shepherd. Although only 123 pages in length, “The Way of the Shepherd” offers very powerful lessons in leading others in very simplistic, everyday terms. The simple lessons taught by Leman and Pentak are things we as leaders rarely think about. However, if you care about the people you supervise, this short but insightful book is a must read.

Summary of Main PointsEach of the books seven chapters focuses on a different principle of effective supervision which Jack learned as a result of working with sheep since he was a young boy on his father’s farm. The principles Jack shares with Ted include:

1. Know the Condition of Your Flock
Follow the status of your people as well as the status of the work.
Get to know your flock, one person at a time.
Engage your people on a regular basis.
Keep your eyes and ears open, question, and follow through.

2. Discover the Shape of your Sheep
Your choice of people can make flock management easier or harder.
Start with healthy people, or you’ll inherit someone else’s problem.
Know the SHAPE of your people to make sure they’re in the right fold.

3. Help Your Sheep Identify with You
Build trust with your followers by modeling authenticity, integrity, and compassion.
Set high standards of performance.
Engage your people on a regular basis.
Relentlessly communicate your values and sense of mission.
Define the cause for your people and tell them where they fit in.
Remember that great leadership isn’t just professional; it’s personal.

4. Make Your Pasture a Safe Place
Keep your people well informed.
Infuse every position with importance.
Cull chronic instigators from the flock.
Regularly rotate your people to fresh pastures.
Reassure your people by staying visible.
Don’t give problems time to fester.

5. The Staff of Direction
Know where you’re going, get out in front, and keep your flock on the move.
When directing, use persuasion rather than coercion.
Give your people freedom of movement, but make sure they know where the fence line is.
Don’t confuse boundaries with bridles.
When your people get in trouble, go and get them out.
Remind your people that failure isn’t fatal.

6. The Rod of Correction
Protect: Stand in the gap and fight for your people.
Correct: Approach discipline as a teaching opportunity.
Inspect: Regularly inquire about your people’s progress.

7. The Heart of the Shepherd
Great leadership is a lifestyle, not a technique.
Every day you have to decide who’s going to pay for your leadership – you or your people.
Most of all, have a heart for your people.
Call To ActionAs a result of reading The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing
Productive People, the following strategies jump out as immediate steps to effective leadership/supervision:
Get out of the office, interact with the people on your team.
Get to know what is important to them as people, not just workers.
Remember that it is the people who get all the work done, they’re your greatest competitive advantage.
Treat each person as an individual, not just a member of the team.
Engage with the people on the team on a regular basis.

Deca Subdivision Pic 2

new pics again for the development of deca. i made it smaller so that it will upload faster

Deca Subdivision

half of the canal is already done.keep coming back to this site for more pics and development of our future homes.. for now these are the only pics i can upload i will try to upload the other pics some other time.