Columns : Coaching for the Workplace - Kaylus Horton
How Do You Use the Last Page? - Mar 16, 2010 - 2:35:45 PM

Evaluations! Who can boast that they are really comfortable with them? For many of us being evaluated began in grade school, where we were evaluated, tested on the knowledge of various subject matters.  Evaluations are everywhere. Do we recognize our visit to our general physicians for an annual “check up” as an evaluation? Indeed such an experience is includes an evaluation of the current and change in our weight, height and vital signs. As defined by www.dictionary.com , the word “evaluate” means to examine and judge carefully; appraise.  

In the workplace evaluations are accomplished through the use of job appraisals.  For many this is an annual act, conducted by the team leader or manager with and in very rare occasions without the Associates input. The evaluated criteria vary depending on the nature of the workplace, its’ products and services, for instance in the healthcare industry the demonstrated level of patient care may be evaluated...

Columns : Computer Korner
(VIDEO) Google to Buy One Company Per Month - Mar 16, 2010 - 12:45:52 PM

Google has an answer to the pesky economy and to getting over its tiff with Apple. The company says it will begin purchasing one small company a month.

"Acquisitions are turned on again at Google and we are doing our normal maneuvers, which is small companies," Eric Schmidt told Reuters. "My estimate would be one-a-month acquisitions and these are largely in lieu of hiring. There may be larger acquisitions, but they really are unpredictable."

The Silicon Valley search company has a long history of buying smaller companies but Schmidt froze Google's wallet earlier this year because he said the market was too expensive.

The company said the move is a sign that the worst of the economic woes the tech industry has been dealing with is behind them...

Columns : Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
Retirement Secrets That No One is Telling You About Your Retirement. - Mar 16, 2010 - 8:01:52 AM

You may not realize it but there are some secrets about your retirement that no one is telling you about retirement. But you need to know these secrets in order to have a successful transition to retirement.  So here the secrets...

I am understanding now what is meant by the expression “time sneaks up on you like a bug on windscreen.”  You see I am used to seeing the grey in others and while you know it will happen, you never expect it to happen to you.

Well to my surprise it is happening to me and at first would you believe that I was shock!  Really I was shock to see the grey that appeared in my beard and try desperately for it not to show by shaving even my mouth-stash. But little that I realized - that was just not going to work. So I have decided to get use to it and accept that I am aging- gracefully hahaha!

Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
How Great is our God? - Mar 15, 2010 - 8:33:44 AM

There is no doubt that these are tough, trying times for many Bahamians; as people are being pressed on every side.  It’s times such as this that I dare to ask the question “What do you do, when pressure presses you?”

The saint of Old use to sing the song (Be very sure, your anchor holds). If there is ever a time that one needs to be sure of his or her anchor’s stability, that time is now. The global economic downturn somewhat helped in locating where many of us are spiritually; as even some religious leaders are crying about the decline in the church’s tithes and offering. How sad, but then again that’s religion for ya:

What we’re facing as a nation today can be liken to the various types of famines which took place in what we call “the bible days...” 

Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
A Good Man - Mar 10, 2010 - 2:10:09 PM

Prov.13: 22.  A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

In the Hebrew this word Good is: towb, tobe; which has several meanings such as (1) bountiful, (2) prosperity or prosperous, and (3) wealthy.

Now, before we go any further.  Please do me this favor; and take off your religious hat so that we can look at the above passage of scripture through the eyes of the Spirit, and not through the eyes of a denominational / religious view. I can assure you that God won’t be angry at you; as a matter of fact He would be very proud of you for allowing the Holy Spirit to enlighten you...

Columns : Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
Women - It’s Time to Take Control of Your money! - Mar 9, 2010 - 10:45:09 AM

Women when it comes to your money here are three reason why there is no better time than now to take control of your money.

March 8th was International Women’s Day celebrated under the theme “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All”. And to mark the event the Bureau of Women’s Affairs of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development held a half-day workshop that focused on women and girls issues and I was amongst the few men that were fortunate enough to be thorns amongst so many beautiful roses.  

While  all of the presentations were informative it was Theresa Moxey-Ingraham (Hon.), former government minister and member of Parliament that really caused me to sit up and take note as she presented on “Women’s Access to Political Leadership and their Experiences in the Electoral Process.”

Columns : Love'n Life with Lisa
Would you love your body then? - Mar 5, 2010 - 9:38:09 AM

I saw Roger Ebert on Oprah this week. He has had thyroid cancer and has lost his jaw and his ability to speak and eat. It was very sad and also inspiring. Here he is the biggest movie critic, known for his voice and his opinion and it is taken away from him. When asked about how he looks, which is radically different then he used to look, his face is slightly disfigured, he said, “no one is perfect, I wish I had have learned his years and years ago“. He said he is very happy.

Also this week on Oprah, Jessica Simpson was interviewed talking about the horrible bashing she has taken because she gained a few pounds, speaking of the “mommy jeans” issue of the tabloids, she said she was extremely hurt by the criticism she received. She spoke about how hard it is for her to have the pressure of having the perfect body, and her own body image challenges...

Columns : Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
If Abraham “Honest Abe” Lincoln sold Houses - Mar 4, 2010 - 10:32:21 AM

As the 16th President of the United States  Abraham “Honest Abe” Lincoln said “Honesty is the Best Policy”.  If “Honest Abe” lived on Grand Bahama Island, and was a BREA (Bahamas Real Estate Association) real estate agent he would have insisted that owners disclose any problems of a house that is listed for sale.  Let’s say that you just listed your beautiful home in Bahamia for sale, and you withheld a few “little” problems from your real estate agent – the roof leaks, but only when it rains; the outlet in the back bedroom won’t spark unless something is plugged in; and there is a stain on the hardwood floors in the living room that is covered up by a rug.  Will it be all right if you simply don’t mention these defects?  Definitely not!
 
It is a mistake to think that your home will sell more quickly by concealing its little (or not so little) imperfections.  We have seen these seemingly insignificant items  escalate into major issues that have ruined a sale that would have closed if only the seller would have disclosed the problems upfront...

Columns : Robbin's Nest - Robbin Whachell
A moment in the life of Firstina Baillou - Mar 3, 2010 - 12:40:34 PM

Firstina Baillou passed away 2 weeks ago at the age of 104. I learned this through Chantal Bethel who just shared her remarks from the Grand Bahama Business Outlook which took place in Freeport last week.

I was sad to hear of her passing, but at that age death is eminent. I am blessed to say I knew Firstina Baillou, a resident of Sweetings Cay. Well I didn't "know her", but I shared a moment with her, a very special moment.

I was invited along last year to Sweetings Cay with Chantal Bethel, Laurie Tuchel and Lauren Austin to interview a 103 year old woman...

Columns : Body by Blower - Dr. Brian Blower DC
Chiropractic and Your Balance and Agility - Mar 3, 2010 - 11:02:00 AM

My neighbor just fell on some slippery tiles in her garden and broke her fibula.  She is a woman of about sixty.  Over the course of the past several years she has been hinting that she had some issues and would like to consult with me about them.   She has suggested neck and hand pain as well as the inevitable struggle with her lower back from time to time.  

Being a bit of a teaser I suggested she has a “tacky chassis.”  She laughed but didn’t get the truth in the barb.  From observation of her posture and gait it was clear to me that she was off her healthy gravitational plumb, and was therefore being cheated out of her health.   

A yogi once said that our bodies are only as young as the oldest part, that we are as healthy as we are supple.  Stiff and sticky joint movement reflects a decreased range of motion (ROM) of the parts.  Youthfulness is suppleness...

Columns : Coaching for the Workplace - Kaylus Horton
Incentives! Everybody Loves Them - Mar 2, 2010 - 7:36:40 PM

In the Workplace the word incentives is synonymous with the words: rewards, awards, prizes, bonuses and tokens all of which are popular amongst Associates for their monetary and tangible value.  Dear Reader, what was it like for you to receive from an incentive or similar as mentioned above for work well done?   

In the Workplace, the purpose of an incentive is to inspire the Associates to pursue, achieve and surpass specific goals and standards. Incentives are instrumental in fostering teamwork, igniting productivity and ensuring efficiency. Realizing that the common phrases “What’s in it for me” and “Show me the money” are no strangers to Associate’s before embarking on a functional assignment or accepting a team task, the Workplace strategically tags on the criteria for the incentive to the announcement of any task or goal to ignite the Associate's determination and perseverance to the embrace and attain the objective...

Columns : Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
The Key to Every Women Standing On Her Own Two Feet - Financially! - Mar 2, 2010 - 7:01:44 AM
The one thing that every women need to do in order to achieve financial security and independence without having to rely on a man to do it for her.

While most women admit that they are concerned about their financial future, particularly about not having enough money to maintain their current lifestyles, women are still not giving their personal finances the attention it deserves. Resulting in an increasing number of women being  only a job loss, major illness or divorce away from a financial meltdown.
 
Surprisingly too, passively relying on sources beyond their control to provide for their financial needs such as husbands, children or some good fortune...
 

Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Empowerment - Mar 1, 2010 - 4:18:05 PM

As I’ve stated before; we’ve perfected the art of riding the waves of words without dissecting and understanding fully the meaning thereof.  Therefore no matter how we try to eloquently politicize or spiritualize a word; the scripture (Hosea.4:6) always meets us at the front door as our ignorance shines forth like the morning sun.

The national word of today is Empowerment.  It seems as if no matter what arena or gathering one goes into; the word empowerment is somewhat the thrust of the conference or meeting.  As the scriptures are being fulfilled everyday before our eyes; people from all walks of life can be heard crying out in various ways for spiritual, emotional, financial, or psychological help, yet to no avail...

Columns : Letters to The Editor
Concern for Fate of Mangroves on Bimini Island! - Feb 26, 2010 - 5:28:58 PM

Dear Editor,

In December of 2008, the Honorable Dr. Earl Deveaux proclaimed that Bimini's long-awaited Marine Protected Area had been made official.  Local Biminites, as well as legions of people around the globe who care about Bimini, were elated with the news.  

Reports from Bimini also informed us that much stricter regulations were to be placed on the large development on the North island, including the requirement of Environmental Impact Assessments and a definite plan for mangrove restoration along the eastern boundary of the resort...

Columns
(PHOTOS) Trinidad Carnival 2010 - Feb 25, 2010 - 1:07:24 PM

“Jump up, Jump up, jump and put your hands up…PALANCE!!!!” Those were the lyrics of Palance, 2010 Carnival’s piping hot, pulsating, energy inducing theme song. Just try NOT to snap into the groove, shake and obey its commands. This was my introduction to Carnival, in Trinidad.               

Trinidad, truth be told, has never been on my “To See” list. However, 2 weeks in and counting, I’m in love! The vibe, the beautiful coastlines, the highly energetic and free flowing people, the food, the climate, the winding roads up lush mountains, and most importantly, for me at least, having “PEPPA” sauce everywhere!

Columns : Sip Sip History - Bahamas Historical Society
Girl Volunteers leave for England – Off to join the Services (1943) - Feb 25, 2010 - 9:23:36 AM

Being President of the Bahamas Historical Society is like being a captain of a ship on a voyage of discovery. Surveying one of the drawers in the museum today I came across this cutting from the Guardian of early 1943. The price was then one penny and there was a black-out from 6.10 pm until 8.48 am.

The caption reads, "Eight young women volunteers left Nassau to-day en route to Eng­land after being received at Gov­ernment House by His Royal High­ness the Governor. Happy, and full of vigour, they stepped aboard the plane on the first lap of their long journey. Large numbers of the R.A.F. joined relatives and other friends at the airport to see them off and many were the good wishes that sped them on their way..."

Columns : Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
Financial Planning - Helping a Sista’ Out With Her Finances - Feb 25, 2010 - 9:01:22 AM

What every women should know about her money in order to achieve financial security and independence without relying on a man to do it for her!

Do you know when it comes to financial planning, that women face unique financial challenges that, if not appropriately addressed, could put you in a very difficult situation during your retirement years?



Well here are the facts: Women generally outlive men by an average of seven years. This means not only are you more likely to retire widowed but also you will have more years in retirement. Longer retirement means you need to have more money or your money need to last longer;...

Columns : Sip Sip History - Bahamas Historical Society
Sir Orville Turnquest to speak at next Bahamas Historical Society talk on 'Over the Hill' Grants Town - Feb 25, 2010 - 7:16:40 AM
Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas Historical Society will host a talk by Sir Orville Turnquest on the 'Over the Hill' Grants Town on Thursday, February 25th at 6pm.

The talk will take place at our museum on the corner of Shirley Street and Elizabeth Avenue. Parking at the ex Psilinakis car park north of the museum on Elizabeth Avenue. Entrance via First Caribbean Bank.

SIR ORVILLE TURNQUEST, GCMG, QC, LL.B., J.P. served as Governor-General of The Bahamas from January, 1995 to November, 2001. Born in Nassau, Bahamas, on July 19, 1929, he completed his early education in The Bahamas. and later obtained an LL.B. degree from London University, and was also admitted to the English Bar as a Member of Lincoln's Inn, London, where he is also now an Honorary Bencher...

Columns : Preventative Measure - Gamal Newry
Assessing Your Security Guard and Security Provider - Feb 24, 2010 - 4:34:19 PM

When entering many businesses today the first and last person we see is the security officer, thus like it or not, the security person is the first and last impression of your organization.

In the Bahamas, like other places in the world, the security guard is usually not the first option of a career for the individual filling that role. The career of security guard is rarely seen at the top of the list when teenagers are asked what they aspire to be.   This last resort thus makes the selection pool shallow to say the least. On the other end of the spectrum you find that many of these roles are filled with retired or former police officers.   These persons are usually, for the most part, very reactive in their approach to security, resulting from years of training as police officers.   They are usually a grim reminder that policing and security are similar professions but very different in their attempt to reduce loss. In fact policing is concerned more with recovery of loss or the discovery of causation factors whereas security focus is on retention and prevention of loss...

Columns : Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
When you Buy you must protect your Investment - Feb 24, 2010 - 11:59:45 AM

It appears that the world wide real estate market is showing some signs of recovery in 2010 and this will slowly effect our local real estate market in a positive way.  On Grand Bahama Island we never have experienced the real estate boom so fortunately we were spared the bust that our neighbors across the water experienced.  Our banking system has always leaned towards conservative loans so they never found themselves with the volume of bad loans like the banks in the States.

As anyone who has tried to get a mortgage from the local banks knows the banks do a very thorough job and they do not make it easy to borrow money.  However if you look at the high unemployment rate in Freeport and look at the bank ads for foreclosed property you will see we have a lot of properties that the banks are still forced to liquidate due to our economy...