“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from the store. What if Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more…"
My gift to you this Christmas is to remind you that Christmas - and life, is not just about 'things' but 'people' and 'feelings'.
Open your hearts as well as the other gifts you receive this Christmas. Know that the good you do for others is good you do for yourself.
Remember that this is a time of year to remember your family and friends, to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Presents are nice but the best present you can give anyone is your presence.
Go visit someone you've not seen in a while or give them a call. Just to let them know you're thinking of them and care. It's a simple gesture but means so much to those who might not have family or friends around at this time of you.
You are the lucky ones, if you have shelter, light, heat, internet and food to eat, surrounded by those that might drive you nuts but you love all the same. Stop thinking about what you want to buy in the sales! Instead donate to charity or feed and clothe the homeless. Be grateful for what you DO have and make a difference to someone who isn't so fortunate.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and have a Wonderful New Year.
Wishing you more Love, Peace, Hope and Happiness for the New Year!
Bobby :-)
P.S. I'd like to remind you about the film "Joyeux Noël". Watch it if you've not seen it before.
Peace and Goodwill to all mankind!
On Christmas Eve in 1914 during the bloody World War I, the Germans, French, and Scottish soldiers on the front-line called an informal and unauthorised truce. With the other men, who they tried to kill every day because they were ordered and told to shoot at them.
They peacefully met each other in No Man's Land to share a moment to get to know the men who lived on the opposite side, even though they were aware that their superiors would not tolerate it, they did what they felt was right and acceptable.
It became a true lesson of humanity, a real and heartfelt message of brotherhood and goodwill to ALL mankind, that may have been forgotten by many.
Remember your fellow man today and every day as you go about your life and business and know that they are no different to you, with the same hopes and fears for a better life. Put down your weapons, do what is right and all will be well.
'Communication' is derived from the Latin word 'communis', which means 'to make common' and thus 'to make known', the same thing. So the communication depends on our ability to understand the other person's point of view.
Good communication skills are necessary to creating and maintaining strong friendships, networks and contacts.
When you say something, it includes all your experience and filters. When the message is received, it is perceived through the experience/filters of the person listening (and through their thoughts and little voice) before it is decoded by them. You then get a response which shows if your message was received as it had been intended.
It helps if you speak in terms the other person will understand and you can elicit this by asking questions.
For good communication it requires both parties to actively listen, ask questions, answer them and respect the other person's model of the world.
With regards to the communication of the message, is it your responsibility or theirs?
Who is responsible for the perception and decoding?
What are the blocks to communication?
Not listening, not asking questions, not answering questions and forcing your model of the world on the other person.
Sometimes people say they want things but they really don't. Questions are the best way to find out information. Their responses to questions and actions give them away. If someone truly wanted something and was willing to accept your help, they'd listen to you and be prepared to give it a go - as it might get them the results they want. When they won't answer the questions, start making excuses (disguised as reasons), then they are more committed to the way things are than to change.
Also people always know better themselves, from experience and are happier to continue doing what they've always done. It does mean they'll always get what they've got but that doesn't matter as it is easier and right to be that way for them. They prefer their experience, model and what they 'know' to be true more than being open to any new information.
In practice coaching sessions with others, the instructor might have told you to be a good client - but what happens when someone chooses not to be a good client or prefers to make things hard - is the failing yours or theirs?
Have you ever noticed how family and loved ones and those close to you seem to ignore what you say?
Yet if a stranger comes up and says something you've already mentioned they are more likely to action or believe it. Of course this only applies once they've established 'some' basic trust with those strangers.
It's not that they don't care, they have just taken you for granted because it is 'you' and that's the way you always are. The other people and 'strangers' - who they don't know well enough to realise they are humans too and no better (or worse) than you or I.
On a sidenote: I realised a while ago there is no point in helping someone who does not want your help. This decision made life so much easier and should be something that everyone thinks about carefully.
In coaching they say you should 'sack' your clients that don't want to be held accountable and make things difficult. With family it's not so easy to 'sack' them.
The easier way to deal with these situations is to spend less time discussing matters with those that have taken you for granted. Then next time you communicate they may value what you have to say more, if they've missed you.
If they don't though, then no worries. They might eventually 'sack' you if you're lucky!
Do your best to communicate the best way you can and don't take the responsibility for the other people you talk to. Like dancing it takes two to tango and have a meaningful communication!
Want people to listen? From the example of my friend Silent Bob - it might be best to talk less and only speak when it's important. Then what you say will have a huge impact!
Jay of course disagrees but he's not a very good listener either.
(Here's a clip for Kevin Smith fans, expletives are for shock value only)
What is so special about 11th November 2011? Just because the numbers are all 1's based on a calendar invented around 2000 years ago? I'm not sure either but if some say it is auspicious, we should take all the good luck and positive vibes we can from it.
Looking at the Bigger picture, it is also the Age of Aquarius. Yes, when I'm not focusing on the little details I often float up and look at the bigger canvas.
Recently, for me at least, it has been a challenging time for being understood by others, even when I only state the obvious and truth. I've always been able to grasp new technology, systems and ideas easily, ahead of the curve. As time has speeded up, new trends come even faster as the latest, shiniest thing is obsolete, as soon as it is introduced. I thought I was born too early for my time due to not being able to show everyone the easier, simpler, truer way that things are. I knew the answer to many things without having to think about it too much or over-analyse. Thinking too much causes us to come unstuck and ego takes over, then the results are never pretty.
But as I'm discovering more and more every day, maybe I'm not too early, perhaps I'm just leading the way. Why do I say that? Because my beliefs echo those described in the article below and always have done.
Now in the Age of Aquarius (or changing times or modern times or whatever makes you comfortable talking about 'the present') things are rapidly in transition to my way of life from the stagnant way that many people have been stuck in.
Hierarchies of control will give way to flatter and fairer structure of networks and information. Just like the internet you're using, sharing information provided to you with friends and colleagues - to make things better for all. Everyone has a voice that should be heard, it is our own responsibility to speak up and out loud. It is up to us to shine brightly for others to see. New leaders will rise.
We all need to embrace the change and polarities of good and bad that we are seeing, the honest and the dishonest, the truth we all understand versus legal double speak. During these rapidly changing times you just need to be able to keep your own balance and focus, whilst everything appears to be falling apart, ready to rebuild itself better. Stay true to yourself and those around you, don't get sucked into the media pop-News of doom and Political promises. The leaders will rise from everyday people DOing what they know to be right and BEing the best they can be.
Is it time for a new calendar? Maybe or maybe not, although it is definitely a time to being and doing things the new way, a different way and a better way for everyone. Remember, a lot of spiritual people will agree everything was just preparation to kick it up a gear on 11th November 2011. And even if you're not spiritual, (unless you like the way things are), it is definitely as good a day as any to CHANGE!
Like my friend Gandhi said "BE the Change that you want to see in the World!"
What are these ages? Astronomers will tell you that the Earth rotates on an axis and that this line going through the center of the earth has a slight wobble to it. It goes through a little circular wobble about once every 24,000 years. This cycle has been broken into 12 parts associated with the 12 astrological signs, based on which constellation the axis is wobbling towards. From around 2000 B.C. to 0 A.D. we were in the Age of Taurus. From 0 A.D. to the present we have been in the Age of Pisces. For the next 2000 years we will be in the Aquarian Age. We have been in the transition from the Piscean Age to the Aquarian Age for the last 50 years. The official beginning of the Aquarian Age is November 11, 2011 or 11/11/11. Some people have set this date as December 21, 2012. Considering that this is a 2000 year cycle, no matter which date you accept, we are in for lots of change in the near future!
Why is this so important? Many people go their whole lives not caring or knowing if they are a Pisces, or a Gemini, or what their moon or rising sign is. This change to the Aquarian age is so important because it changes the astrological conditions for the entire planet. Every person on planet Earth has been and will be affected by this shift. Let’s investigate what will be changing.
The Piscean Age has been dominated by hierarchy, and power. The key phrase for this age was from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “To be or not to be.” To make a successful and happy life, you needed to resolve this question. The key to the astrological sign Pisces is “I believe.” During this age, in order for you “to be,” you needed to find someone or something to believe in. When you found that thing, you attached yourself to that thing and were guided how to live. This could be a religion, a political ideology, a charismatic leader, work, etc. The keys to life were hidden and secret in the halls of power and in the monasteries and ashrams. But you didn’t need to know these secrets, only to follow leaders and guides who did. This created vertical hierarchies as a result, and it was essential to find your place in the pecking order.
This has been the foundation for human consciousness for the past 2000 years. Everything that you have learned from your parents, and they from their parents, going back 2000 years, has been colored by this Piscean frame of reference. And now that is all changing.
The Aquarian Age will be dominated by networks, and information. The key phrase for this age is “Be to be.” The key to the astrological sign Aquarius is “I know.” This is the age of information. Nothing is secret anymore. All information is available at your fingertips. Where the Piscean age was organized in a vertical, up and down structure of hierarchies, the Aquarian Age is organized in a horizontal network, opening the world up to true equality.During this age, the focus is no longer on your identity and existence (“to be or not to be”), but on accepting yourself as a whole person (“be to be”) who does not need to believe in something outside of yourself. You are ready to accept that you have the knowledge and wisdom within yourself. It is no longer necessary to attach to something outside yourself, but to become a leader of one: yourself. Instead of being a railroad car that is pulled by an engine, you become your own engine. It is your responsibility to stay on the tracks and to keep moving forward.
With this understanding, it is easier to comprehend what has been happening in the world over the last 50 years. On the inner level, since the 1960’s, there has been a huge movement towards personal transformation: self awareness, self improvement, yoga, meditation, tai chi, alternative healing, natural foods, etc. There has also been a major increase in depression, suicide, anxiety, stress, and drug use, both pharmaceutical and recreational.
In the outer world, we have seen amazing changes: civil rights, environmental consciousness, women’s rights, gay rights, global consciousness, etc. We have also seen the rise of fundamentalism, terrorism, partisan politics, racism, xenophobia (the fear of the “other”), and general fear mongering.
This shift is bringing out the best and the worst in mankind. Some people are preparing for this shift by opening their hearts and minds and embracing this new age, and some people are intimidated by the changes that they don’t understand and want to return to a “golden age” in the past, or to circle the wagons and trust only those who are like themselves.
Transformation is never a painless process. When you fast or cleanse to purify your body, at first you feel worse, because toxins get stirred up in order to be eliminated. Once these poisons have been cleared, you feel lighter and more energized. Now imagine that every person on planet Earth is going through this shift. We are heading into a time of radical change. It is a time of great potential growth and expansion, but it is also a time of great potential pain and suffering. The more that you understand what is happening, the more that you can go through all of the changes without losing your balance and stability.
What can you do to help make this transition into this new age of information and consciousness? Here are some suggestions:
1. Have a daily spiritual practice. Every spiritual tradition has one thing in common: a daily practice. This can be many different things: yoga, meditation, chanting, prayer, contemplation, exercise, journaling, etc. It is not important what you are doing, but that you do something almost every day, and do it with an intention to let go of your blocks and focus your consciousness. Kundalini yoga and meditation are the most powerful tools that I have found, but everyone must find their own pathway and collect the tools for their own toolbox.
2. Don’t give in to fear, despair, or anger. There is so much happening that can trigger these emotions: the media, the environment, politics, terrorism, etc. If you understand that these emotions are all symptoms of the Aquarian shift, then you can go through them without losing your center.
3. Don’t be a victim. You have the power to change your life. Don’t give that power away to anyone through blame or resentment. You are responsible for your happiness and grace. Don’t buy into any view of reality in which you are not 100% responsible for making your life work. The Aquarian Age is all about empowerment and consciousness.
4. Be a source of light. The more people who consciously choose to embrace the Aquarian shift, the easier this transformation will go for humanity. It is a spiritual truth that a small percentage of people who have shifted their consciousness can influence the rest of humanity. If you are reading this, then you are most likely one of these pioneers. Find a way to spread your light: teach, heal, create community networks, serve, sacrifice, love. Welcome to the Aquarian Age!
Do you tell people the truth in business, relationships and in what you do?
Do you offer guarantees you don't plan on providing or making promises you know you can't keep?
When you say you'll do something or won't do something - it is your actions that will speak louder than your words.
Fakes and liars usually get caught out eventually, so why start that way?
Do you have a hidden agenda when you start a communication or tell half-truths to get what you want?
Those that lie to get what they want… shame on you!
Is that the best way to start off in business or a relationship?
In a world that is short of honesty at the moment and full of fakes, you will stand out from the crowd and attract people, business and opportunities to yourself. I've always been pretty honest with everyone, now even more so and I find it works wonders. In relationships, job interviews, business meetings and friendship.
Tell business partners what you are able to offer with 100% certainty versus what you hope you might be able to do. It's OK to say you don't know as well and that you will find out, instead of B.S. your way through.
Tell your customers the truth about what you can and can't do. Maybe they will buy something else or come back again knowing you aren't going to try to sell them crap.
People find it refreshing and know you have integrity from what you say and how you say it.
For example with a job or relationship, can you guarantee how it will work out or how long it will last? Many will come up with all sorts of waffle, when in reality you can either refer to past experience (remember past performance is still not a guarantee of future performance) or just say that you will do your best and make sure if things change, you will be open and honest and make sure the issues are fixed before dumping the project.
When you tell the truth, you will feel better about yourself and allow others to feel better that they can be open too.
- Go on give it a try. Tell your partner something honest today that you've wanted to get off your chest and ask them if there is anything they'd like to say. Chances are the conversation won't go as badly as you imagined and if it does (I can't make any guarantees it won't) - you may feel bad in the moment but this is only temporary, as afterwards you will feel much lighter.
Having shared a secret that was burning you up inside, you will find the burden lifted when you don't have to protect it and hold it close any longer.
Sometimes more problems are caused by what remains unsaid versus what is said.
People lie to get a short term gain and do not want to feel any short term pain. The thing is when the lie catches up eventually, you are likely to feel more pain.
It may start with one small lie, then it grows and moves to other lies and eventually you will forget which 'story' you told. It is much easier to live one honest life than try to remember many fake stories.
Why would you want to keep the people that you know and care about guessing, when you can clear everything up for them with the truth.
- Are you able to be honest today with someone or does it scare you that much?
Guess what, if there is something that you can't tell someone else, then it is only yourself you're lying to and being dishonest with!
The biggest challenge people have is being honest with themselves about what they can or can't do and what is really true.
Never say never, as there may be things that you are selectively forgetting so you can be 'right' as opposed to 'honest'.
How many lies do you tell yourself everyday? You can change anytime.
When you lie to yourself and argue with others (or self) about how things are, you are creating a reality that may not serve you best and may not be true or honest.
"Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours." - Richard Bach
When you start to tell the truth and people see, hear and feel it - you will be someone that they can trust more than all the other people they know. The bonus is that you will also start to trust yourself more too. If you are honest with yourself, you're less likely to make stupid ego-driven mistakes.
So take a stand for truth, honesty and integrity and watch your world change.
Please note honesty does not apply to lawyers, solicitors and career politicians as they are used to twisting the truth. So no matter how truthful you are, they will always bend it to what suits 'them' through legal double-talk. No offence intended if you fall into these categories - I just had to be honest about this too!
This has always been a popular topic for property investors.
Should they keep their payments low or high and build some more equity?
Should they pay off their debt as they go along or pay it off at the end with the sale of their property?
There are a few options to consider but what is best for you?
Well only you know the answer to that but let me first give you some facts (or things I believe are true from my experiential truth).
I know my opinions are not always popular but they are true. My ideas may not be mainstream (pop-News style) but why would you read what I wrote if they were ;-)
As you know I have nothing to sell so come from a place of honesty, integrity and truth.
I'm not suggesting those with things to sell aren't, just that occasionally they may mislead you just a little to get a sale. (I really should charge for my insights!)
My 'sale' does go directly into the Universal bank account, which you fund by reading, paying attention and taking Action if necessary.
Quick History lesson - Mortgage
Origin of the word Mortgage is from 1350–1400;
earlier morgage Middle English < Old French mortgage,
equivalent to mort:dead (< Latin mortuus ) + gage: pledge
= A pledge till death!
Repayment -v- Interest only?
Once you're involved with this pledge, which is the right payment to make?
Well it all depends, as always. What does it depend on you may ask, well on your cashflow and equity!
If you invested recently, have good equity and high cashflow, maybe from a HMO, then repayment may be a good option - but what if you didn't…
Banks and population control 'dogma' has taught us that is a good idea to pay a mortgage off using repayment over a long term - NO! This 'may' be true on your own home - but that thinking too has changed too now for some.
Firstly Cashflow
Consider the following:
How is your cashflow?
Can you afford your current interest payments at the moment?
Now consider risk planning.
Did the apartment you buy have 'hidden' (as in the small print) service charges?
Is the boiler regularly serviced and insured? What about the pipes and other appliances?
What if your tenants leave with arrears and damage?
As you know you may have big bills that occasionally turn up unexpectedly or tenants leave a property and you have damage and vacancies to deal with, so it is good to keep some money aside.
Also when interest rated go up how is this going to affect your payments?
Might it not be a good idea to put some money aside now to cover for this later?
Many landlords have been lucky and are still in business because of low tracker rates but it's not going to last forever.
Do you want your cashflow to be in or out?
Next Equity
Many investors I know bought properties pre-2007 before the crash and have lost their equity and more.
Now if you think the markets can't go lower, did you think prices would fall 10% from the peak or how about 20%? Well I think they fell around 25% and there is still plenty of downside.
So do you believe they could possibly fall another 25%? If not, why not… they already fell 25% and the USA has got some places where they fell 50% and more! It could happen here too!!
So how is your equity position?
If it's good you might consider repayments and get the mortgage paid off sooner (I never said it was a bad idea to pay the properties off)
BUT if you're in negative equity (along with cash-flow challenges) then why would you increase your payments to give the Bank more money, making your current position worse and cash-flow even tighter?
Consider what else you can do with the money like putting it aside for higher interest rates or contingencies. Maybe even investing it elsewhere.
If you are doing repayment and still paying off negative equity and the market gets worse, then you're more likely to go bust and have been worse off in the duration.
If you do get into positive equity, there is still the risk of going bust - so why not leave the risk with the fat cat bankers who can afford it?
Of course if the market improves and you ride the storm through, then the equity will return and you can either make repayments then or sell the properties.
Remember you have to make it to the finish line to Win - and right now companies, corporations, businesses and even Countries are failing to do that!
This informational/ rationale/ thinking doesn't only just apply to your investments.
I have an intelligent friend who is thinking the same about his house and believes there are signs that property might go down another 90% (as this will hurt your head we're not going to cover this figure or reasoning right now) - just know that some markets in the US are down over 50% and who thought that would happen!? He is happy to make interest only payments, invest the difference somewhere and let the properties go to the Banks if the situation gets worse.
If you get into financial difficulty later, they will try to take your house, even if you have plenty of equity in it! You're just a number to cross off, a liability and an annoyance if not paying them more and more every month.
- No payments is also an option but I won't be discussing that here.
Yes it really is, if you're struggling you can stop paying and default.
Better to do it now than fund a bad position.
If you have no access to Government funding and bailouts it is easily justifiable.
People have to start treating houses and investments like business decisions not emotional things they have to hang onto. When the business is failing get rid of it. The Banks do NOT give a merde (excuse my French) about you, so why should you care about them?
They've already been paid because they failed! Don't let it cost you more if you have an option to give them less.
Want to hear the truth from the horse's mouth? Well your local branch of the Bank is a good place to start and you will be able to deduce the truth from what they won't say
Speak to your Bank Manager or Relationship Manager (aka. payment chasers with fancy titles) at your local Bank, as the call centres aren't paid to provide service and answer questions and Regional Managers and CEO's are too important to deal with you the lowly customer. Someone in your branch can't 'accidentally' hang up on you or keep transferring indefinitely.
Ask them what they recommend would be the best payment method for YOU. And wait for the answer…
You'll be surprised how they may start to waffle, start speaking legal or say they can't give advice.
If they do answer your question - (which was what is best for you) they will tell you to pay off your debt faster and give the Bank your money.
Really!?
Try it and see how much honesty you get with respect to you, as opposed to them looking after only the Bank's interests.
So which payment?
If you've thought it through, it has to be interest only in my opinion - saving the money for when rates go up and your payments increase or investing it somewhere else.
If the property market improves then great, the equity problem will fix itself.
If it doesn't improve, then at least you didn't feed the Banks from the bottom at the same time as the Government fed them from the top! Screwing you in the process if things don't work out.
Remember the house (bank) is always set up to Win (even if it means cheating) - so stop playing by their stacked rules!
Do what's RIGHT for YOU and your family!
Not what a Bank employee says because they want to keep their job or hit their bonuses.
Bonus legal stuff
If you have a bigger portfolio and money to spare, do what the corporations do and separate the assets into 'good' investments and 'bad' investments. This is all legal, though not very honest in my book - but it's OK as you would only be following the examples of our dishonest Government, untrustworthy leaders and the corrupt soul-less Corporate bankers.
Legal is a term used to turn dishonesty into 'acceptable' by lawyers and judges.
That way you can dump the bad assets or sell them on (sub-prime style) if they don't go well.
Please check the legalities of this with your accountant and solicitors - but note the answer may change the higher the fees you pay them (just how the system and lawyers work).
Find those lawyers (and judges) that re-represent councils, governments and Banks to find those with lower standards.
If you are having problems with your portfolio then give us a shout, I know we can help you turn it around or make it less painful making the changes you need to!
Access to cheap oil has been America's #1 gift of owning the world's reserve currency.
This has made gas cheaper in the U.S. than almost anywhere else in the developed world. I know you may think gas prices have skyrocketed in recent years... but look at how much less Americans pay than other developed nations...
* United States: $2.72 a gallon on average
* Oslo, Norway: $7.41........ (172% higher)
* Berlin, Germany: $6.82.... ( 151% higher)
* London: $6.60................(143% higher)
* Rome, Italy: $6.40............(135% higher)
* Paris, France: $6.04...........(122% higher)
* Tokyo, Japan: $5.40..........(98% higher)
* Toronto, Canada: $3.81......(40% higher)
And here's the thing...
If oil is no longer priced in dollars, the price of oil for Americans will skyrocket immediately. It will change everyones lives, overnight.
Airline travel will get much more expensive. The cost to ship goods by truck to grocery stores around the country will get much more expensive. Farming itself will get a lot more costly... so will commuting to work... taking a taxi... just about everything we do will suddenly get much more expensive.
And just remember: In order for prices to start skyrocketing, all that has to happen is that other countries start preferring payments in something besides U.S. dollars.
Do you know where the money that you pay for oil really goes?
The prices vary due to the taxation on oil in the countries shown, not just to the price of the crude oil itself.
Oil is fuel and essential for heating and transport, to name a couple of the main uses. Hence the importance of it worldwide to society and the economy.
The countries above can actually make MORE in taxes than OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), the Oil producers Cartel,
The UK government made nearly twice as much in taxes, than OPEC for supplying it. The OPEC countries decide the price of oil and control the supply as well.
Currently in the UK:
Cost per litre of crude oil extraction: 8p
Cost per litre of refining: 2p
Cost per litre to transport to UK: 2p
Cost per litre to transport to pumps: 5p
UK Government: 80-90p
Allowing for oil company profits as well of around 20-30p
So on less than 20p of petrol to bring the price to £1.35 for 1 litre of Unleaded
the Goverment applies a Tax of over 400%
I wonder what good causes that money is spent on!?
The US seem to charge very little taxes but you have to remember that the majority of oil trades is in dollars, so the US can print more money to acquire more - and they also get the crumbs by supplying it to all the other countries. This transfer of money is often referred to as petrodollars - those that know the real reason for the Iraq war will be familiar with the term.
Petrodollars are when oil producing countries sell oil in dollars and then deposit those dollars back into Western Banks. These dollar reserves need to be invested in US assets - keeping the 'money' in American hands. Petrocurrency is a term to describe other currencies that trade oil as well - now available in Euros and Rubels. Now why would that be a problem?
Money Wars - USD -v- Euro
Where the real cost is lives!
As you can see the US is a BIG consumer of oil and needs it for the country to function.
A move away from the dollar towards the euro would have a disastrous effect on the US economy.
"At present, approximately two thirds of world trade is conducted in dollars and two thirds of central banks' currency reserves are held in the American currency which remains the sole currency used by international institutions such as the IMF. This confers on the US a major economic advantage: the ability to run a trade deficit year after year. It can do this because foreign countries need dollars to repay their debts to the IMF, to conduct international trade and to build up their currency reserves. The US provides the world with these dollars by buying goods and services produced by foreign countries, but since it does not have a corresponding need for foreign currency, it sells far fewer goods and services in return, i.e. the US always spends more than it earns, whereas the rest of the world always earns more than it spends." - 2004, Cóilín Nunan - www.feasta.org
1) January 1999: launch of the euro.
2) January 1999 Oct 2000: euro in bear market versus the dollar.
3) November 2000: Iraq switches oil sales to euro. Euro's fall versus the dollar is halted. (NAUGHTY SADDAM!!)
4) April 2002: senior OPEC representative gives speech in which he states that OPEC would consider possibility of selling oil in euros.
5) April 2002 to May 2003: euro in "bull market" versus the dollar.
6) June 2003: US switches Iraqi oil sales back to dollar.
7) June 2003 to September 2003: euro falls versus dollar.
8) October 2003 to early February 2004: statements by Russian and OPEC politicians/officials that switch to euro for oil sales is being considered. Euro's value versus the dollar increases.
9) 10 February 2004: OPEC meets and no decision to switch to euro is taken.
10) February 2004 to May 2004: euro falls versus the dollar.
11) June 2004: Iran announces intention to establish oil-trading market to rival those of London and New York.
12) June 2004: euro's value versus the dollar begins to increase again.
Since the agreements of 1971 and 1973, OPEC oil is exclusively quoted in US dollars. This created a permanent demand for dollars on the international exchange markets. As of 2005, OPEC continues to trade in US Dollars, but some OPEC members (such as Iran and Venezuela) have been pushing for a switch to the euro.
Since the beginning of 2003, Iran has required euro in payment of exports toward Asia and Europe, though prices are still expressed in US dollars. Iran is planning to open an International Oil Bourse (IOB, exchange), on the free trade zone on the island of Kish, for the express purpose of trading oil priced in other currencies, including euros.
On May 10, 2006 Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the project for the creation of an Oil Exchange denominated in rubles to trade oil and gas. The purpose of trading in rubles is to convert it into an international currency which would also be used to pay other commodities and goods. The Oil Exchange would operate from 2007 and will give rise to the petroruble as those countries that buy oil and gas from Russia will have to acquire them and use it as reserve.
When invading Iraq, the US were not looking for terrorists or fictional WMD's (weapons of mass destruction) but Oil Barrels!
What precipitated all of this was not September 11, nor a sudden realization that Saddam was still a nasty guy, nor just the change in leadership in the United States. What precipitated it was Iraq's November 6, 2000 switch to the euro as the currency for its oil transactions. At the time of the switch, it might have seemed daft that Iraq was giving up such a lot of oil revenue to make a political statement. But that political statement has been made and the steady depreciation of the dollar against the euro since then means that Iraq has derived good profits from switching its reserve and transaction currencies. The euro has gained about 17 percent against the dollar since that time, which also applies to the $10 billion held in Iraq's United Nations "oil for food" reserve fund.
Whilst the US have been wanting to invade Iran, Libya has just opened itself up for an invasion and re-structuring. The UK were hoping to doing it by releasing the Lockerbie bomber but the uprising has given the US a great excuse for a peace-keeping, oil-grabbing mission. Another war should keep the economy going a little longer and printing of more cash - making citizens worldwide even poorer, as money flows to the pockets of the rich in charge of corporations that are going to get some profitable war contracts!
"The U.S., the UK and NATO member States are calling for a No-Fly zone over Libya. This would be another case of unwanted intervention in the affairs of a sovereign state, not unlike the interventions that have occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan.
All too often, the United States sees itself as the World's Police. The fact is that while it may see itself as the police Department of the World, the only thing America has managed to become is a police state. We see ourselves as a great power with unlimited jurisdiction over any other nation in the world, not because we are a shining example of democracy, but because we are the last remaining military superpower left on the planet.
While we criticize Col. Kaddafi and present him as a dictator that abuses his people, we have allowed our oil companies to invest billions of dollars into the petro-state of Libya. I don't feel that I would be stretching the point if I surmised that America is more concerned with the possible loss of profits to American Oil companies than the loss of life to the Libyan people in this political battle between the present government in Tripoli and those who wish to replace it." -Timothy Gatto, http://www.opednews.com/author/author2586.html
It is interesting how the US does not do anything about corrupt governments and dictators in other African countries, is it naive to assume that is because they don't have Oil or other valuable assets to strip!?
Having mentioned to a friend the other day that I was looking for work - but had decided it's important to work somewhere with ethics and morals, he asked for some examples of places where these are limited.
So I mentioned the Councils where they do everything they can to run as a 'business' whilst pretending to work for the people. The Civil servants actually act like your bosses and require many forms to be filled in, so they can pass paperwork around like trees are going out of fashion (which they are) and justify other jobs. Increasing Council Tax and providing no service, whilst outsourcing jobs and hiring people from overseas. Nothing says 'F*** You' to the people like a Council that takes money from people that live in it's Borough, doesn't provide service and then gives the money and jobs to those from outside.
I quoted people I know who had worked for Banks and earned in the region of up to £500 per day for Project management and IT work (yes Banks have more money than you think and when they need more they just tap up the tax-payers account through their own friendly bank, the Government). Where working in 'that environment' is almost soul destroying.
For Banks to be able to afford to pay people this kind of money whilst they continue questionable business practices, whilst charging interest on money they 'lend' but don't really have (yes it's true), harass people and force people out of homes by any means necessary. Just another day at your national bailed out Bank!
Oil companies are pumping more out of the ground, spilling it wherever and are only profit focused not planet focused. Yes we ALL live on this planet, not just CEO's and shareholders.
Do you know the majority of money you pay for your fuel at the Petrol stations goes to the Taxman and Government? What has your Government done for you recently, other than cut-backs and taken more?
Governments are taking part in Illegal Wars, spending tax-payers to bring 'Democracy' to countries which were probably doing OK without it. In the process murdering people, collateral damage is a nice desensitised word for the death of civilians and human beings. Incidentally many of these countries have lots of Oil, were debt free and one even wanted to use real money in the form of the Libyan Gold Dinar - so American and European paper currency would have been worthless and the world economy destabilised (even more than what the Bankers did to them). Yes I know what the pop-News says (BBC, CNN, Fox etc..) but I just wanted to share facts to balance the PR Media spin.
So the general population and people are being raped of their wealth as bills go up and incomes go down! Whilst the Govt and Banks printing presses devalue the little you may have had in your pocket.
Banks are providing loans to Bomb manufacturers. And what were once great Engineering companies to work for, that the Nation grew on, are now involved in Arms Manufacture too. Just because they make a component doesn't make it OK. A gun would be useless if the trigger maker or the bullet producer or barrel manufacturer just said "No, I don't want anyone to die today just so I can get paid".
Do you know what my friend said to me… "If it was a choice between principles and survival (in the form of money), I know which I'd choose."
Has the World gone mad but people refuse to see it - or is it just me?
So what am I ranting about today? CHOICES!
We all make choices everyday and every single choice has an effect on everyone else around us. 'Them' changing things isn't going to happen because they are foolishly waiting for you to change first as well. So guess what…
That's right, when it dawned on me it became very clear. Regardless of everything that everyone else does - it is still up to ME (you?) to make different choices and better choices that affect everyone else. Why should anyone else think differently when you don't?
We all know the difference between right and wrong - but to know and not to do, is not to know at all!
What can you choose do do?
Get educated. Know what policies those companies around you subscribe to, through their actions not their political lip service.
Fill up your car less often and travel less. Turn off your lights and heating when you don't need it.
STOP buying crap that you don't need. It is the job of the PR companies and Advertising Executives to may you buy 'stuff' and make you think you need to be 'dependent' on it. Wake up!
Shop with local shops that care about your name and not just the number on your clubcard.
If you're doing business with a company that you know to be involved in crimes abroad or funding murder, with low ethical standards and morals - usually soul-less for profit only corporations (that throw a couple of pence to charity occasionally so you think they're nice). Just say no to dealing with them.
It's fine if you still use these companies at times, just be aware about it and your choices.
Find a company where you can speak to the owner and know there is someone that cares about your business and you. Where your custom really matters and you're not just another number. They do exist. Maybe your friends and family own such companies or work for them. Find out and ask them. Support them in a country full of corporations trying to sell you less for more.
People have forgotten that it is not a choice between survival and principles but how much you will sell your principles for! You will always survive.
I believe the choice my friend was referring to wasn't about 'survival' - but between 'enough money' and 'are your principles important to you'. Look around and see how people are voting with their actions. Have they let their principles sail down the river and waved goodbye? Do they look the other way at injustice? Do you?
There are many ethical, moral and conscientious people and companies out there; that you can work for and do business with - why would YOU choose one that wasn't?
Why expect anyone else to change when you won't.
Now that you're more aware are you going to act differently? I do and hence why I'm sharing this with you as I care about a lot more than just myself and the 'principles for money' sale that is now on.
What do you still stand for?
Peace!
Bobby
Your family needs you, your friends need you, your community needs you, your country needs you, humanity needs you, OUR PLANET NEEDS YOU!
The Quickening - are you experiencing the sensation that 'Time is Speeding Up'?
It's OK - you're not the only one. If you are reading this and wondering WTF is going on, then hopefully the video below will answer some of your questions (as well as raise a few more).
Many of my Blog readers are property investors, business owners and I share this with them (and you) because I know they are also human beings with heart and souls. You don't have to admit you believe the same but I know you do ;-)
You will find your approach to do business constantly having to evolve and change to meet the needs of the changing environment and marketplace. It's not time to just upgrade but as one advert puts it, upgrade your upgrade!
All the current economic issues, government failures and corporate corruption is just going to get worse. They have gotten away with behaving badly and even been rewarded - so expect more of the same!
The riots are likely to continue as people emotions are heated and they don't know why. This month has already kicked off with a lot of strange energy.
As you're aware the Americans have magically printed a few trillion more of paper money to continue funding Wars overseas - and in the process devalued the dollar further. Don't worry it also devalues all the other currencies, bonds and countries linked to it (that means everyone). This does not make things better but worse for you financially - robbing you of equity and the value of your paper money. (Skip video to after 40mins for the big picture)
My advice would be Stop paying the thieving Banks - but that is another matter I will address later! (or send me an email/message)
There are currently a lot of learning experiences available to us all and the speed at which they are coming may seem overwhelming. Major worldwide events, local disturbances and personal challenges. If you can't keep up then that is fine. Just fail fast and learn the lessons you need. To get stuck will cause things to continue till you break free to a greater awareness.
Information is coming so fast that as soon as one thing is done, another comes out, needs to be learned and it's just faster, faster… Your processing speed is increasing but you still lag the change that is happening right now.
Consciousness needs to evolve and that is the reason all these things are happening. Are you comfortable continuing to be a sheep, following the lost flock - or sticking your head in the sand like an Ostrich? You will have to admit it is difficult to ignore everything going on - Awareness is increasing around the world. There is no bliss in ignorance any more.
What does this have to do with you? We are moving from a material based reality to a spiritual purpose.
Those who fear the loss of the material perspective and have a strong attachment, will keep getting harsher lessons until they learn. Those who allow faith and love to enter their lives will have a more spirit based existence.
If you have been challenged in these areas, it is time to open up to make things flow easier - unless you like to make things hard.
Whether you believe in Mayan Calendars, Astrology, meta-physics, Universal Laws or other things you can't see or explain - you should still watch this video and take from it what is important for you right now. There are some messages in it that will resonate with you and give you understanding and clarity.
Remember the world is not flat, sound and picture messages can instantly be received on other sides of the planet, the rock called the Moon affects the tides and yes, it is possible to fly! What else is possible that you don't know about yet?
Is it time to be at peace with the way things are and let go of how you want things to be?
Get ready for the birth of a new reality as it's coming anyway (look around and see the change as it's already manifesting). We still all have a lot to learn. Enjoy the ride!
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience but spiritual beings having a human experience."
Richard Branson is an amazing, shining soul - a true light worker.
To be at the National Achievers Congress 2011 in London Excel was a great experience and a privilege. Not having been to many events/seminars in the last few months, this was one that I did not want to miss. With such World Class speakers and entrepreneurs in one place, it was the MUST attend event of the year! With such 'Gurus' in Peak Performance to Billionaires and the Best of the Best entrepreneurs and wealth creators.
I was surprised to see that many of the London regulars (internet marketers, personal development, property investor crowd and seminar junkies) were not there. Were they busy that weekend? Did they not want to pay and see value in the tickets? Were they jaded by multi-speaker events? I think it is likely to have been a combination of all of the above.
All I can say is that they missed out. To be able to see/hear Tony Robbins, Alan Sugar, Kerwin Rae and Richard Branson live and in person is priceless, especially all on the same weekend. IF you weren't there, then I know you'll be regretting it now too, so I've got a gift for you. Would you like to see Richard Branson Live in 2012? Then read on….
Well done to the SR Team, Richard Tan and Veronica on pulling off another fantastic event. With around 8000 people in attendance, it requires some serious organisation and management. Of course Dinesh and Mala Shah are always a good choice for Crew Managers and know how to work with a team. This has set the bar for future events for themselves and other promoters in future. Where do you go from here? 10,000+ people next year but which speakers...
@SRseminars did have a Twitter contest with the hashtag #NAC2011 but failed to use or utilise the opportunity fully themselves. They should give me a call next year to make sure they do!!
The pros of the tweeting was that it got the message out and people got to share their thoughts on the event with others attending and friends that weren't present. The cons (for the organisers) was the comments about 'sales pitches', 'no women speakers', 'hard sell' etc… but it is good to get some balance so it worked for twitter followers to see these comments too. You can't censor the internet (yet!)
There was good use of QR codes over the weekend for you to get even more involved with the event and go online for videos and information.
It was mentioned that there were NO women speakers. It's not like there aren't any, as there were some in attendance. SR should have considered this and tried to balance the energy but we'll never know what the reason were. Next time they will need to invite at least a couple as it was commented on Twitter that "this is the 21st Century!"
Also, My friend Harriett won an iPad for just being there! Approximately 10 were given away during the weekend so it was worth it for that alone.
With 8000 tickets, about half of the people will have entered = 10/4000 or 1/400 chance of winning. Better than the odds of the lottery or staying at home doing nothing!
Tony Robbins was on first thing and over ran by an hour but the content was amazing and it was like a mini UPW (Unleash The Power Within). I had a sore throat by lunchtime due to just participating and shouting at him - if you've been to a Tony Seminar you'll know what I mean.
The energy of the weekend was much more than your average seminar - and many of the speakers knew it, referring to Energy being the main thing that is essential being successful!
It was interesting to note that many of the speakers were not fans of The Government or Banks, hinting at the fact but not outright saying it. Make a difference to the world yourself and raise money through smart thinking!
Here are my quick one line reviews of the speakers I heard - I wasn't in the room for all the presentations as I'd either heard them before, wasn't interested in the topic or was having fun catching up with friends :-)
Tony Robbins - A true master of modelling and Motivation (see notes)
Robert G Allen - Writing books and information products (see notes)
Greg Secker - Stock trading
Blair Singer - What kind of Sales Dog are you? (see notes)
Alan Sugar - Interview with Michael Burke (see notes)
T Harv Eker - What is your Money Blueprint? (see notes)
Andy Harrington - Presentation skills (see notes)
Simon Coulson - Internet marketing and information products
Mike Melio & Marty Sanders - Tony Robbins Business Guys
Adam Ginsberg - Domain name trading
Tom Hua - Internet marketing
Kevin Green - Secret millionaire shares his tips on property investing
Kerwin Rae - How JV's work (see notes)
John Lee - Lease options with the Wealth Dragons
Joseph McClendon III - Your health and energy is important (see notes)
Richard Branson - Interview (see notes)
The big message about money and achievement was about having the right energy and blueprint - not just the system to go out and earn it. The invisible (quantum soup) creates the visible results in your life, master that and everything else is easy.
Back to Sir Richard Branson. Well wow, what can I say?
He was interviewed by Michael Burke and shared the story and achievements of how he took his companies from strength to strength. Richard truly is a brilliant individual and as he speaks you can tell how humble he really is.
To be in the same room as him was Amazing. The opening we had with Tony Robbins was huge, the love and admiration for Richard Branson was just as Big if not BIGGER!
It's not that he is more capable than you or I - and it's not like he's super human and doesn't have challenges and fear. The difference is that he just keeps going because he knows his mission in life.
This mission is not for other's to intellectually understand and I believe it is outside the realms of thought, at the moment, for most people (Virgin Galactic to give average people trips into Space!?)
His aura filled the room easily as he spoke to us. He shared how you have to look after your team and work together, how he grew his company and had challenges with his Airline. The difference between Richard and many other business people is that Richard speaks from the heart and knows that this is where it all starts, not in the head as most intellectuals would want to believe. His company Virgin has been built on doing things better and providing the best possible 'service' to people, money is the by-product!
But the Amazing thing is that he is so REAL, genuine and you know that he cares. Then again I would value his attributes as they are in alignment with mine. The difference with Richard is that he just keeps having fun, growing and playing a bigger game.
When the crowd applauded him, you could see the emotion on his face - knowing in his soul that he is just doing what needs to be done.
As my friend Mindy Gibbins-Klein told me earlier that day - you don't tell people you're a thought leader but just go out and do it. This was so true when I saw Richard Branson and realised that he isn't busy telling people how great he is - he simply lets his actions do the talking and prove to the World what can be achieved.
When asked to finish with a single piece of advice for everyone present, he told us his secret: "Screw it! Just get on and DO IT!"
Would you like to see Sir Richard Branson Live in London in 2012?
Download the NAC Notes by clicking below and enter your details on the page and you'll be sent information on how you can see Richard Branson for free and maybe even meet him. Sharing the love! ;-)
Download my NAC seminar notes here AND get the opportunity to see Richard Branson Live: www.2012Interviews.com
P.S. If you'd like to attend the next Tony Robbins UPW (Unleash The Power Within) in London, email: upw@networkbillionaire.com , with your name and number, to get the best deals on tickets.
I get asked this a lot so decided to do a Top 10, which turned into 11.
(Then I remembered a couple more)
So here's the list... ranked by ENERGY and Emotion.
Richard Branson (definitely the Greatest shining Soul!)
Mark Victor Hansen
Tony Robbins
John Demartini
Kerwin Rae
Joseph McClendon III
Michael Bradford
Harry Singha
T. Harv Eker
Clinton Swaine
Blair Singer
Topher Morrison
Eric Edmeades
Bob Proctor
Clayton Ainger
Roger Hamilton
Note: These are speakers that I've heard live and/or met in person - and so must YOU!
There are many other wonderful souls out there and books that are also life changing.
You don't have to be on a list, a speaker or an author to be inspiration and make a difference!
I want to be able to add David Icke to this list within the next 12 months.
"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." -Oliver Wendell Holmes
"Once you feel the energy, you know what is true!" - Bobby Gill
Yes, I do know some female speakers and that there aren't any women on this top list - but I can assure you that all of these guys have mothers they love and that loved them - and partners that have supported them and helped them to shine. So they are not missing from the big picture.
A Fourteenth Century Chinese parable by Liu-Ji, for example, out-lines this neglected understanding of political power quite well:
In the feudal state of Chu an old man survived by keeping monkeys in his service. The people of Chu called him “jugong” (monkey master). Each morning, the old man would assemble the monkeys in his courtyard, and order the eldest one to lead the othersto the mountains to gather fruits from bushes and trees. It was the rule that each monkey had to give one-tenth of his collection to the old man. Those who failed to do so would be ruthlessly flogged. All the monkeys suffered bitterly, but dared not complain.
One day, a small monkey asked the other monkeys: “Did the old man plant all the fruit trees and bushes?” The others said: “No, they grew naturally.” The small monkey further asked: “Can’t we take the fruits without the old man’s permission?” The others replied: “Yes, we all can.” The small monkey continued: “Then, why should we depend on the old man; why must we all serve him?”
Before the small monkey was able to finish his statement, all the monkeys suddenly became enlightened and awakened. On the same night, watching that the old man had fallen asleep, the monkeys tore down all the barricades of the stockade in which they were confined, and destroyed the stockade entirely. They also took the fruits the old man had in storage, brought all with them to the woods, and never returned. The old man finally died of starvation.
Yu-li-zi says, “Some men in the world rule their people by tricks and not by righteous principles. Aren’t they just like the monkey master? They are not aware of their muddle-headedness. As soon as their people become enlightened, their tricks no longer work.”
Are there Monkey Masters in your world that use force to take from you that which is not theirs to ask for? Does your supposed democracy appear to resemble a dictatorship?
See, Hear and Speak the truth! Then DO what you think is necessary.
Read the book From Dictatorship to Democracy by Gene Sharp, which includes 198 Methods of non-violent protest and persuasion.
Gene Sharp is Professor Emeritus of political science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He is known for his extensive writings on nonviolent struggle, which have influenced numerous anti-government resistance movements around the world.
When do you stop working for the Government and start to earn for yourself?
Tax Freedom Day is the first day of the year, when people in the country have finally earned enough income to pay for just their contribution of taxes. Remember taxation is involuntary and enforced with civil and criminal prosecution - so the average person just has to do as they're told and hand over the money over (under threat).
After all taxes are essential! Maybe less is going towards the healthcare system, already poor council services and education - including cutbacks for nurses, police officers and teachers BUT it appears that it is necessary to still fund illegal Wars, private corporation bailouts, Royal weddings and refurbs to Downing Street (that's right £680,000 of taxpayer money this year is being spent by the PM. Source: www.dailymail.co.uk)
Didn't you know - the austerity cuts only apply to you the taxpayer!? How ironic!
So when is Tax Freedom Day?30th May 2011 (for Brits)
United Kingdom
Britons will stop working for the government and start working for themselves on 30th May 2011.
That means they will work for 149 days to pay their taxes in 2011 wit every penny earned taken by the taxman to support government expenditure (see above).
Apparently this is 3 days more than in 2010 due to the fact the government has raised VAT, in an attempt to help reduce the UK’s record budget deficit.
“The government is right to give priority to cutting spending and plugging the deficit. But as Tax Freedom Day shows, Britons are still desperately overtaxed. The fact that we spend almost five months working for the State – and only seven months working for ourselves and our families – is a shocking indictment of big, wasteful government.” - Tom Clougherty, executive director of the Adam Smith Institute
Find out more about how taxes work and how you can avoid working 5 months for the Government.
Every man has the right to manage his affairs in order to minimise and avoid tax, it is his duty to do so.
Note: Tax avoidance is legal, whereas tax evasion is illegal.
"Any one may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which will best pay the Treasury; there is not even a patriotic duty to increase one's taxes." - Judge Learned Hand
At least Tax Freedom Day falls on a Bank Holiday, so enjoy it with a drink in your and know that the rest of the Year belongs to YOU! (Just don't wonder what the tax duty paid on the alcohol is funding)
----------------------------
United States of America
In the USA Tax Freedom Day for the country was 12th April 2011.
Tax Freedom Day varies among the 50 U.S. states, as incomes and state & local taxes differ from state to state so much that Mississippi was the first to celebrate its Tax Freedom Day on 26th March, just 85 days into 2011. Connecticut was the last, having to waiting till 2nd May, 122 days into 2011.
The Tax Foundation says this shift toward a lower tax burden since 2007 has been driven by three factors:
The recession has reduced tax collections even faster than it has reduced income.
The Bush-era tax cuts were extended in December 2010 for two additional years.
As part of the tax-cuts extension, the Making Work Pay tax credit was replaced with the 2 percent reduction in the payroll tax.
But even with today's tax reductions, the Tax Foundation says Americans will pay more in taxes in 2011 than they will spend on groceries, clothing and shelter combined.
"America is a land of taxation that was founded to avoid taxation." - Laurence J. Peter
----------------------------
Worldwide Tax Comparison
Many other organizations in countries throughout the world now produce their own "Tax Freedom Day" analysis. Due to the different ways that nations collect and categorize public finance data, however, Tax Freedom Days are not comparable from one country to another.
Rich Dad Strategies. Find out Why the Rich are Getting Richer & How You Can Be Rich Too!
Clinton Swaine - Play To Win
T Harv Eker - Millionaire Mind Intensive
Think & Grow Rich International Telecall with Paul Martinelli
Find out your Wealth Dynamics Profile
Bobby is YOUR Super Supporter :-)
Firefly / Serenity
"hold true to the the ideas that people should 'aim to misbehave' if it means doing the right thing, that a government shouldn't destroy the rights of its citizens, and that anyone can make a difference even if they don't believe it."
Posts
