ever known to refuse an invitation for dinner Nir Zook impressed me. An Israeli teenager, who started work in restaurants at just thirteen years old, worked his way up the ladder, and now the proud and successful owner and chef of Cordelia Restaurant, in Jaffa, Tel Aviv.

Set in the old city of Jaffa, in an alleyway through the middle of a classically historic Middle Eastern building, Cordelia boasted antique styled furniture dating as far back to perhaps the 17^th century. Stunning solid wooden tables, every one different not just by shape and size, but exotic finishing touches on both legs and tops. Fine crystal goblets and gold plated dinnerware were displayed on table surfaces, bouquets of flowers laid out around the room, and large pear drop chandeliers gave a warm reaction from the guests. Everyone was happy and smiling, while some laughed, and others appeared radiant in this highly recommended restaurant. 

I personally felt like royalty, especially when the two waiters smiling, one male and one female came in black uniforms to take our order. Not certain what to take from the magnificent menu options we quickly decided that the ten course meal offered a complete selection of fine cuisine:

 1 – Appetizer a petite array of fancy dressed biscuits

 2 – Salmon flowers on swisschard & tartufu cream

 3 – Truffles tortellini in yolk dough

 4 – Whipped Salad 

 5 – Shrimp porcini

 6 – Grey mullet in celery cream

 7 – Smoked goose in port sauce

 8 – Zook goat cheese with walnuts and honey

 9 – Finely chopped melon fruit and figs cream

10 – Gormandize of finely assorted sweet delicacies

There were Russian guests, which isn’t surprising as many have immigrated to Israel since the end of the cold war. One refined gentleman, possibly a billionaire had three women sitting around the circular table by our side knocking back one vodka after another. They all drank it, but he must have consumed at least half a bottle during his meal. And then after lavish deserts and coffee, as a group they went on to finish it.

We sat by the enormous bell shaped windows that faced the bar across the alleyway. On the bar side, owned by Nir, as well, there was a wide patio between the pebbled driveway and the property that contained several high rise oblong and round tables surrounded by bar stalls. We couldn’t help notice two Asian gentlemen who were connected to the vodka guzzler, probably as chauffeur and personal bodyguards.

Our meals were incredible, and every course came at just right intervals. The portions were small, and I might have complained if the entrée arrived in a French restaurant, as I did once, but then the ten course meal we ate was superb cuisine. Each came with unique and tasty sauces fit for a king. They were cooked to perfection, and the atmosphere combined a distinguished classy ambient.

Nir, who had started the restaurant six years earlier, appeared to be early 30s. He told me he had worked a year in San Francisco, a further year in Paris, and most of his experience came from Herzliya, which is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, to the north of Tel Aviv. He frequented culinary school also for a year. No panache restaurants were mentioned, and as his first entrepreneurship, I had to hand it to him he had done superbly well. He even owned a third restaurant business called Noa bistro on the same block behind Cordelia.

Now you might ask how I would have known the Russian was a billionaire; well I can’t prove it and I’m guessing based on a gut reaction, but when I noticed one of his personal assistants hanging by the side of an idling, top of the range, black Mercedes, and the other in the distance guarding the group walking toward the apex of the old port it added to my sentiment.

     

holocaust survivor in my midst! Shabbat evening Friday May 30^th 2010, my father-in-law, some family members, and Joseph Stevens, a 92 year old Polish Jew, survived World War II by outsmarting the Nazis: he posed as a Catholic by day and engaged in missions for the underground resistance movement by night.

On telling him I had read his book. He replied, “You are not the first one to read it!”

At first I felt estranged by his reaction, which got me thinking because it wasn’t the response I was anticipating. I was expecting a question like what did you think, or a simple thank you, or basic acknowledgement, but it seemed a strange response. Perhaps it was appropriate as later during our feast he caught my attention, and said he never intended to write the book, and definitely didn’t want to expose his children to certain things he had omitted from the book. Presumably sordid atrocities too painful to relate!

Joseph Stevens is a humble while decent man who radiates a beaming shine on his face, still has all his teeth, seems affectionate and caring, and grateful to live another day. His persona comes across as someone who has learned to cope with losing everything dear to him, his family, possessions, and environment stripped away by a devil. This is someone to be admired for the courage he has shown, the willingness to overcome obstacles, and the dynamic disposition to beat oppression. He is a man we can all learn from!

So what is the lesson here? Everything in life has a consequence. Everything can be going in the right direction, then all of a sudden the impossible occurs, and we find ourselves back to square one. Everyone has to deal with it, some better than others, so the right attitude is to learn how to overcome it and prosper. We have to try and try until we build strength to fight another day. This might seem obvious, but then why do so many people succumb to the negative force?

We learn from going without, and by not having we should become stronger and better people, so keep taking forward steps even when times are hard then eventually a method or answer will pop up and we pull through. It is human nature, so don’t be scared of it, but rather embrace it and carry on until a solution is found.

Fear can be turned into a positive emotion and ally to deal with issues on the basis of my comments above, so talk to yourself more frequently in times of need and bring out the true warrior spirit!

Joseph Steven’s book, ‘Good Morning’ , is a worthwhile read!

   

Today my blog is slightly different, so if you are into social networking and for business opportunities on Facebook, Twitter, or one of the other online networks read on.

Some social networkers create good meaningful relationships, or they just plain know it all and take people for granted, or don’t listen to anything anyone else says, or get offended or on the offensive if someone else makes a comment, however, clear it may be written. Some don't think they should respond to a direct comment for whatever reason - probably don't think it necessary. The English language defies many, as sentences can be interpreted in a number of ways. And by the way I realize my own personal circumstances though private, are far from perfect. Stretching into unchartered territory to claim my piece of the action as well as some of you guys is a go situation whether for fun or for future business relationships. I use social interaction for pleasure and growth as well!

Nine out of ten social networkers bounce from one comment to another due to time constraints and often misinterpret the real meaning of a sentence, or assume an understanding of what the writer might have been thinking. It can lead to confusion while affecting relationships to the extent that the majority of social networking gurus get accustomed to a certain type of chit chat when indeed the oddball fits into one of the categories in the previous paragraph. Recently I have come to the finale that it’s a reality that needs some clarification.

What happened to having a personality? Is it wrong to reword in an unexpected way to be creative, and seek open debate only to find others misinterpret and condemn, or don’t answer? Foreigners often have difficulty writing in English, so it stands to reason one would get confused. As an example I wrote, ‘does anyone have anything interesting to say on Twitter? Or is it just me?’ That’s right no one responded, or continued with a debate. A few minutes later I said, ‘I am about to take a nap for lack of intelligent conversation’, and even that didn’t spark a wink. Perhaps I really am a jerk! Facebook walls are full of agreeing, sucking up to, or yes remarks. Is there something wrong with having an honest negative opinion? People prefer positive responses to their posts. Can you blame them? It is a fact of life that people who agree are the ones we feel more comfortable around.

What really bugs me with social networking is so many people nowadays just promote, promote, promote like nobody’s business thinking that the more they promote will equal more business opportunities. I'm personally in a phase of experimentation to see if social networking for business really works, but I believe it's a balance thing - not 100% promotion. That might seem the readers’ choice, but the fact of the matter is those using Twitter for friendship purposes can get pretty fed up with repetitive undistinguishable links, but they don’t forget a face. It wouldn’t go amiss if there were fewer efforts made to secure hits on URL shortening, which in my opinion is a bit of a farce.

I don’t know if they are all the same, but the one I’m using showed over twenty hits every time a new tweet was up on my home page. They became obvious as soon as I went to manage mine. I checked my site analytics the following day and less than twenty total hits had been to my site, so it just goes to show it is part of the illusion. Perhaps though it is because it takes some 20 seconds to register a website when it is opened online. Someone will have to cite me on that idea. Those online marketers that suck on it sometimes end up chasing the white fairy, and I don't want it to be me!   

I don’t want to offend although I probably will, but such naivety makes me realize there are plenty of scum bags who profit from uninformed people like you or me. So the obvious question is; am I wasting my time? Time is money or health depending on how you see it. You either love it or hate it and as it's the craze right now it makes sense to to try it!

     

oney distribution has occurred since way back to the beginning of trading when honey had been used to sweeten coffee. Well, maybe not quite that long, but there are references to honey in the Bible, and the ancient Aztecs and Romans traded in honey as well.

Honey is produced by bees that make it from nectar gathered from flowers to feed their young larvae. I’m no expert in honey production although cheese and honey on toast is delicious, and one snack worth trying. In countries like Brazil and the USA where bee farms  provide excellent qualities of honey produce then for sure a consumer based market can be developed. Take Brazil as an example it has many village stores devoted to selling various kinds of honey like Comb Honey which comes direct from the hive honey-filled beeswax comb as stored naturally by the bees. Different kinds suit different palettes and for most people they are used to buying it at the local supermarket either in liquid form or crystallized.

Nowadays the new theme is green, save the planet, or sustainability with much emphasis on Mother Nature, preserve, and breed dying species. So it stands to reason that distributing honey could be a new trend worth investigating. It is creative in as much as in the eyes of the consumer it is health related and if a variety of brands are available could become a mega tendency for shop goers. Just think about some of those chain stores who specialize in body creams and lotions like the Body Shop  that sprang from nowhere and now lines high streets around the globe.

Start a small store and get seen by passing traffic alluring self-conscious individuals, set-up a website and sell online, and before you know it demand has increased. Plus the added bargaining power with your suppliers for buying more volume means decreased costs i.e. more profit. You are on a role for the better. Before you know what is happening you are opening a second, and then a third store. All of a sudden you get the idea of opening a franchise and trade really takes off. Take it to the next level and suddenly everyone wants to get in on the action.

And I am not kidding. This is off the cuff creativity that will make someone thousands, if not millions. Take heed because fresh ideas like this are worth cultivating!

Stay tuned to more creative ideas and subscribe!

   

veryone knows XXX sells! Do you doubt it? If that is the predicament you find yourself in read on. If you agree then today’s blog will make you seriously consider working it.

Today there are new multi-level-marketing websites like Allxclub  that offers a small business opportunity to get paid and enjoy life. So what is it? The club is really saying there are unlimited videos-on-demand, adult dating services, chat, travel, strip poker, lingerie, shoes, and more for members who join up and pay a monthly fee of $39.95. They go on to say let the system do the selling for you, and that their system does 99% of the work, and you can create a sizeable six figure income with 6 ways to earn.

Like it? It could work, as anything is possible. A friend some time ago introduced me before it was launched in 2009. I am open-minded to analyze business opportunities, but as a married man firstly I’m not looking at the content they offer, so it would be difficult for me to become passionate. Therefore, it doesn’t appeal to me, and secondly like any business, time and effort need to be dedicated to make it work.

At the end of the day time is money, so it needs to sell itself and I for one just can’t see that happening. In actual fact, as a younger man before meeting my partner I used to love clubbing, meeting healthy women, and dating, and I wouldn’t say no if an opportunity arose that would give me a good time, but to actually pay for it was out of the question.

Before you start jumping to conclusions and criticizing me for not wanting to check out young sexy women, if you are single or unhappy with your relationship then it is understandable this kind of business might be appealing. Anyway, nowadays there is so much free stuff online who actually wants to pay?

Check out the site for yourself!

   

oday’s blog focuses on funding a start-up business venture. You may have sufficient capital to kick off a new business, but not always the case. Many small start-up enterprises rely on finding suitable capital venture investors.

Unfortunately, the reality is unless you have a truly brilliant idea, something unique and patented, then the probability is there are a couple of options open to consider if one cannot be found. One is to find a partner, or develop a joint venture with other like minded individuals who are prepared to invest, or borrow start-up capital from a bank or loan shark. I would certainly never recommend the latter option due to higher than average interest rates, and additional risk such as potential asset loses if repayment cannot be met.

My own background has taught me that wherever possible start up on a budget, stick to it, and create enough momentum to fund it from proceeds taken from sales revenue. This depends on the kind of business you are running, as many take time to develop, and ultimately sufficient reserves for overheads need to be met. Cash flow is critical in early stage development, so apart from project plans a concise business plan needs to be designed to meet deadlines. While a business plan prepares for future outcome it also enhances the project and can be used to stimulate investment capital.

Take a bank for example. Arrange an appointment to go and speak with the bank manager. How could he/she possibly think about supporting a new business venture if there is nothing to back it all up – that is why a concise business plan needs to be put together. It might take some time to produce, but it will take longer to get a loan if not done. That may seem obvious, but you would be amazed at how many small business start-ups fail due to not making one.

     

ame out of Ruth’s Chris Steak House   with my belly feeling as if it was about to explode. Bit of a stupid question, but have you ever felt that way before? There’s a pretty whopping chance, and no I’m not talking about Burger King even if the bill was whopping hefty on my recently stacked up wallet!

My heavens above what a tremendous meal - no wonder these guys have been in business for so long. My wife and I ate crabs cakes as an appetizer and entrees of ribeye and sirloin steak seared to perfection at 1800 degrees and topped with fresh butter so as to sizzle for ages after being served. It was all done incredibly to impeccable standards that you couldn’t make up even if you wanted to.

So what is the secret to maintaining its magnetism for 40 years, and becoming the world’s largest fine dining company? Could it be the best food ever? Is it a combination of management and what exactly? There are many questions to attribute to its success, and I bet it has had its ups and downs like any business. So what might make a restaurant venture successful? Well I will say this: a great recipe that friends and family absolutely love, the burning desire to become successful, and a passion about your cooking and wanting to please others. These three ingredients are a good way to start.

Oh, yes, and by the way the corporate run company of restaurants with 100 locations has not approached me to advertise. It stands to reason that something done so well gets the attention from satisfied customers and if a business creates so much satisfaction then there is plenty of potential for repeat business.

reathing correctly is important and should not be shrugged to the side, as it is foremost to a better quality of life. We can control our emotions by breathing properly; it can also help us become more productive at work, while providing superior exercise schedules!

As mentioned in one of my previous blogs - the way we react to a situation is greatly enhanced by our emotional state. Better quality air can have direct influence on our wellbeing, such as the level of pollution, or the ground to sea level where we live, or the geographical area. We can’t necessarily control our home place because of circumstances or obligations to others, but we can do certain things to focus on breathing right to enhance life in general. For example I’ve been living in an air conditioned apartment since coming to Miami from England a year ago, and the temperature is stable, fresher, and cleaner. If I stay indoors for too long though I feel somewhat claustrophobic and need to escape.

Anthony Robbins Unlimited Power  CD course taught me a breathing technique I’ve been using since the mid 90s. One way to control the quality of the experience is to inhale through the nose for the count of 5, hold count 4 times five reaching 20, and then exhale through the mouth for a count of 10. On the next breathe inhale for the count of 6, hold for 24, and exhale 12. Then inhale 7, hold 28, and exhale 14. Another way to explain this is inhale, hold four times as long as you inhale, and then exhale half as long as you hold in. Try it sitting down throughout the day or first thing in the morning, or last thing at night while lying in bed. This exercise opens up the lungs, and is excellent therapy to improve emotional balance.

Yesterday, I wouldn’t have been able to say what air is made up of, but after some online research I have discovered up to 79.2% of the atmosphere is made up from nitrogen, and only around 21 percent of the air we breathe is oxygen. I don’t know about you, but I always feel that I could do with some more oxygen. One source says over 75% of the air you breathe in is almost unusable to human. We inhale O₂ and then exhale CO₂ therefore breathing O₂ in creates oxygenated blood flowing to the heart, and then de-oxygenated blood CO₂ from the heart, so yes the quality of air we breathe has significant importance to the way we feel. This website shows the anatomy of breathing !

One last tip to finish my 5^th blog in the series is to drink plenty of water during the day.