OMG Magazine January 2nd 2014

WEEKLY DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • VOL 2 - 50

PAGE 2 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 3 open your mind and the rest will follow what’s 223-4PIN inside Building 33, Central Warehousing Complex PAGES 24 -27 Charlieville, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago PAGE 38 WATCH SYNERGY TV LIVE... CLICK HERE! confessions HOW tO’s design LISTEN TO NEW TRACKS AND SEE NEW VIDEO FROM SNOOp LION FT MAjOR LAzOR PAGE 11&13 PAGE 5 photography credits PrOdUCtiON COrdiNAtOr style EditOr [email protected] Kyle Madray cinematography Stephen doobal COPY EditOr [email protected] Patrick ifill PAGE 14-15 PHOtO EditOr WritEr ronaldo roberts Amelia C. ramjarrie studio rental dESiGN EditOr PUBLiSHEd BY Sean Guevara real Company Limited Pumping Parties www.realcompanylimited.com TO CONTACT THE OMG MAGAZINE TEAM, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK !! JUST SEARCH ”OMG MAGAzINE” JUST SEND US AN EMAIL AT... [email protected] PIN:29479195 Check us out on-line atwww.omgtt.com PAGE 28 - 31 1 SAVANNAH GARDENS, ORANGE GROVE. TACARIGUA. PHONE 868 640 1774 FAX 868 640 0331 www.silverpingroup.com | facebook.com/silverpingroup | [email protected] PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY EMAIL [email protected] MAKE THE JUMP 868.223.4PIN (4746) | 868.223.0111 | 868.223.4111

PAGE 2 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 3 open your mind and the rest will follow what’s 223-4PIN inside Building 33, Central Warehousing Complex PAGES 24 -27 Charlieville, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago PAGE 38 WATCH SYNERGY TV LIVE... CLICK HERE! confessions HOW tO’s design LISTEN TO NEW TRACKS AND SEE NEW VIDEO FROM SNOOp LION FT MAjOR LAzOR PAGE 11&13 PAGE 5 photography credits PrOdUCtiON COrdiNAtOr style EditOr [email protected] Kyle Madray cinematography Stephen doobal COPY EditOr [email protected] Patrick ifill PAGE 14-15 PHOtO EditOr WritEr ronaldo roberts Amelia C. ramjarrie studio rental dESiGN EditOr PUBLiSHEd BY Sean Guevara real Company Limited Pumping Parties www.realcompanylimited.com TO CONTACT THE OMG MAGAZINE TEAM, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK !! JUST SEARCH ”OMG MAGAzINE” JUST SEND US AN EMAIL AT... [email protected] PIN:29479195 Check us out on-line atwww.omgtt.com PAGE 28 - 31 1 SAVANNAH GARDENS, ORANGE GROVE. TACARIGUA. PHONE 868 640 1774 FAX 868 640 0331 www.silverpingroup.com | facebook.com/silverpingroup | [email protected] PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY EMAIL [email protected] MAKE THE JUMP 868.223.4PIN (4746) | 868.223.0111 | 868.223.4111

PAGE 4 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 5 EMAiL YOUr CONfESSiONS tO [email protected] confessions HOTTY A place to confess your deepest thoughts anonymously Living in the past I am in a relationship with my boyfriend for three years. But lately he hasn’t been making any effort like showing any romantic gestures to me. This made me feel dissatisfied and I feel that he’s changed. I start missing my ex bf and recently tried reaching out to him on Facebook. I don’t even know what I expect from it but he never replied and I felt rejected again and I feel so stupid. Maybe I’m just sick and just love the attention i am a doormat I admit it. I’m a doormat. I let people walk all over me. I don’t even mind anymore. I used to get ignored, pushed around, and beat up when I was a kid. I was so lonely. I’d do anything to have friends. So I just tried to please everyone to get them to be my friends. I guess that was better than being alone. i flirt a lot Vimalesh but… Subeeksingh I’m not a “ho” or a player... lol – I just flirt a lot... Ever since my break-up with my first love, I’ve been all over the place, like a ricocheting bullet. I cannot help but be who’s confident, open-minded, and with 22, Tunapuna very flirty with any decent-looking guy a creatively freaky mind. :) Three Things you like abouT yourself and why? I like that I am ambitious, I aim to be the best at i’m not bothered by anything everything I do. My mother ensure that I remain humble and grateful at all times. I love a challenge so I work hard at whatever I Nothing has ever really bothered me and I’ve never really felt much emotion. I’ve seen people die, I’ve seen animal put my mind to. abuse and torture and I honestly don’t care. I don’t really care about the people around me. I just can’t seem to connect with other people very well. When somebody cries or is mad, I don’t know how to react. I’ve never really felt anything, not even as a kid. your oMg moment? My OMG moment would have to be how most people react to learn that I am not just a buff i love to wear pantyhose tattooed young man but I also have my pilot license, I am involved in a few charities and a member of and leggings the TTKU Trinidad and Tobago Karate Union. Since I was twelve I had an obsession with women’s Lighting / Retouching clothing and ever since I’ve always worn pantyhose. Ronaldo Roberts Now I’ve been wearing leggings. Also, I have a large Photographer collection to wear and I wish I had a girlfriend who would Stephen Doobal understand and dress up with me. What am I to do?

PAGE 4 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 5 EMAiL YOUr CONfESSiONS tO [email protected] confessions HOTTY A place to confess your deepest thoughts anonymously Living in the past I am in a relationship with my boyfriend for three years. But lately he hasn’t been making any effort like showing any romantic gestures to me. This made me feel dissatisfied and I feel that he’s changed. I start missing my ex bf and recently tried reaching out to him on Facebook. I don’t even know what I expect from it but he never replied and I felt rejected again and I feel so stupid. Maybe I’m just sick and just love the attention i am a doormat I admit it. I’m a doormat. I let people walk all over me. I don’t even mind anymore. I used to get ignored, pushed around, and beat up when I was a kid. I was so lonely. I’d do anything to have friends. So I just tried to please everyone to get them to be my friends. I guess that was better than being alone. i flirt a lot Vimalesh but… Subeeksingh I’m not a “ho” or a player... lol – I just flirt a lot... Ever since my break-up with my first love, I’ve been all over the place, like a ricocheting bullet. I cannot help but be who’s confident, open-minded, and with 22, Tunapuna very flirty with any decent-looking guy a creatively freaky mind. :) Three Things you like abouT yourself and why? I like that I am ambitious, I aim to be the best at i’m not bothered by anything everything I do. My mother ensure that I remain humble and grateful at all times. I love a challenge so I work hard at whatever I Nothing has ever really bothered me and I’ve never really felt much emotion. I’ve seen people die, I’ve seen animal put my mind to. abuse and torture and I honestly don’t care. I don’t really care about the people around me. I just can’t seem to connect with other people very well. When somebody cries or is mad, I don’t know how to react. I’ve never really felt anything, not even as a kid. your oMg moment? My OMG moment would have to be how most people react to learn that I am not just a buff i love to wear pantyhose tattooed young man but I also have my pilot license, I am involved in a few charities and a member of and leggings the TTKU Trinidad and Tobago Karate Union. Since I was twelve I had an obsession with women’s Lighting / Retouching clothing and ever since I’ve always worn pantyhose. Ronaldo Roberts Now I’ve been wearing leggings. Also, I have a large Photographer collection to wear and I wish I had a girlfriend who would Stephen Doobal understand and dress up with me. What am I to do?

Wa Chubble is Dis is the # 1 comic relief page in the caribbean. Pioneering the meme phenomena in the caribbean, Wa Chubble is Dis brings you the funniest pictures latest internet viral videos and trending topics frst with a Caribbean twist. From local and foreign politics to international entertainment, randoms viral memes, viral vine videos and celebrity gossip Chubble is Dis is a classic example of having ‘no cover for yuh mouth’. Wa Chubble Is Dis posts controversial pictures and videos without any apol- ogy, hence the name, CHUBBLE i.e Trouble for those that don’t get the analogy. So become a fan and follow daily on Facebook or catch the weeks top funny viral videos and pictures every week right here in the OMG Magazine. Twitter: @wachubbleisdis Email: [email protected]

Wa Chubble is Dis is the # 1 comic relief page in the caribbean. Pioneering the meme phenomena in the caribbean, Wa Chubble is Dis brings you the funniest pictures latest internet viral videos and trending topics frst with a Caribbean twist. From local and foreign politics to international entertainment, randoms viral memes, viral vine videos and celebrity gossip Chubble is Dis is a classic example of having ‘no cover for yuh mouth’. Wa Chubble Is Dis posts controversial pictures and videos without any apol- ogy, hence the name, CHUBBLE i.e Trouble for those that don’t get the analogy. So become a fan and follow daily on Facebook or catch the weeks top funny viral videos and pictures every week right here in the OMG Magazine. Twitter: @wachubbleisdis Email: [email protected]

PAGE 8 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 9 the 7 gifts from the universe the enlightened spouse that everybody gets -How self-growth can wreck a marriage BY LEiGH NEWMAN BY rABBi SHLOMO SLAtKiNtHE MArriAGE rEStOrAtiON PrOJECt Life is not always kind. We don’t always get to cheer you up. It might even be the friend who thinks what we want. We don’t even get what our the way you snort-laugh is charming. There is somebody There is an unprecedented focus on self- conscious as you. If you feel like you clearly see the deeper We do not live in a vacuum. We grow up getting hurt in out there who gets it—it being you. parents want for us, which would at least growth in our society. While becoming a root of your spouse’s unhappiness in life or a particular area of relationships with others and the best way to heal those make them happy. Sometimes everything 3. YOU GEt tHE OPPOrtUNitY tO LEArN ABOUt more conscious individual would appear his life in which he finds himself stuck, you may get frustrated hurts is in relationship. We often find ourselves becoming goes south at once: The longed-for love SOMEtHiNG BiGGEr tHAN YOUrSELf. to be praiseworthy, it’s not always the case, as to why he just doesn’t get it or isn’t even willing to explore. retriggered and revisiting familiar wounds with our spouse. We can use our marriage as an opportunity to work through I know what this one sounds like: You get to go through doesn’t show up or goes away; the dream something horrible and wrenching, and then we’ll especially in a marriage. When spouses grow As you begin to preach your enlightened ideas, you find them those issues and finally get it right. While the success of job is given to an inexperienced, two- pretend there is some kind of silver lining. But that’s not separately they often grow apart. Newly falling on deaf ears. Your spouse may become more reactive therapy or other healing modalities is partially due to the faced brown-noser; the dog dies; the sink what I mean. I’m talking about the awakening of grace, discovered self-revelations sometimes lead to and your relationship may deteriorate. While it may be healing relationship that the therapist provides, it does not extremely frustrating when you feel like you have “the truth” compare to the potential healing that the martial relationship the time in life when you first begin to accrue the kind of clogs; the snap of your jeans pops open wisdom that will allow you to feel for a friend when she new “discoveries” about the relationship and and no one is buying, your job in marriage is not to be your can provide in the context of effective couples work that when you bend down to pick up the hefty has lost a father or gotten separated, not because you “realizations” that the marriage is no longer spouse’s therapist, coach, or guru. It won’t work and is often focuses on the couple’s relationship as the healing factor. As stack of bills on the mat and you’re left have lost a father or gotten separated but because you “healthy.” Why is this case? How can working counterproductive. Your job is to take out your ego and be a long as a couple is married, they have the potential to offer unconditional positive self-regard for each other. In contrast, compassionate spouse. have lost someone or something and the experience standing there, thinking, “The best part of opened a door of genuine understanding. You are now on oneself do more damage than good for a a therapist, coach, or mentor, no matter how caring they are, is my run was back when I was 25. From here able to hold hands with another person and connect relationship? Does this mean that it is better Truly integrated self-growth is when one can make space for a relationship bound by the clock and compensation. on out, I just have to slog through.” with them at the very time they feel most alone. not to focus on self-improvement? What if your another person and view them without judgment. It is about Couples that grow together in the context of their marriage knowing that only you can take responsibility for yourself, 4. YOU’rE SPArEd. and that your job is not to change someone else but to are able to simultaneously work on their own issues as well Which is exactly when you must remember a little secret Prior to the age of seatbelts, you were a baby crawling spouse isn’t interested in growing together? offer unconditional love. (Even in situations when it may be as their relationship issues, as the two are intertwined. If your that I am about to share with you. All of us—even the around in the back of a station wagon and the door Should you remain stagnant? appropriate to intervene, such as if you see your spouse in spouse is unwilling to work on the relationship together, bleakest and unluckiest of us—get seven particular opened. You didn’t fall out. Or later on, you were potential danger, it should be out of love and not judgment.) work on yourself to be the best you can be and keep in mind moments, those brief, unexpected times when the stars reaching for a distant leaf in the gutter, tumbled off the The answer to these questions lies in defining healthy growth The byproduct of healthy self-growth is that your spouse will that a barometer for your individual growth is an improved do more than align; they communally redirect their light roof and landed without a scratch in the pachysandra. and successful relationships. Successful relationships are ones respond to your new changes in a positive way. As you take relationship. When you married, you committed to the expressly to illuminate the value of our wee, earthly You didn’t die. In other words, you did get the chance in which both partners are other-focused. While this does not responsibility for the role you played in the relationship, your relationship. It is not something to be discarded when you feel existence. to live. mean that they are entirely selfless, it does mean making the spouse will begin to react to you differently. like you have outgrown it. If you become self-aware enough, relationship the priority and realizing that your spouse is not you will realize that the frustrations you are experiencing with These moments sometimes go unnoticed and are 5. SOMEBOdY COMES BACK. you. Your spouse is an entirely unique individual with his/her One of the reasons that self-growth does not always result in your spouse are often those things that you need to work almost always unexpected. They are not subject to One of the worst things in life is that people leave—and own feelings, perspective, and needs. Your job is to honor better marriages is that it does not take place in the context of on to become a more complete person. Abandoning the the vicissitudes of your success or failure. They are not worse, they leave you with the feeling that (1) you didn’t and hold space for that “other” as opposed to expecting and relationship. It is much easier to work on oneself in a vacuum marriage is an easy way out to avoid doing the real work. something you can blame yourself for not experiencing do the thing required to make them stay, or (2) you did demanding that he/she think, feel, and behave like you. than to have to do it in the context of a relationship with sooner or flog yourself into experiencing now. They are the thing that made them go, or (3) if time stopped, you another person whom you may not be able to change. That’s Self-growth is great as long as it doesn’t hurt others in the on their own time schedule. They have happened to would leave instead and make them feel all the terrible, One of the dangers of self-growth is that there is the risk why you could meet someone who has done work on himself process. While it is more powerful when couples grow you or will happen to you sooner or later. The key is not painful crap you’re currently feeling. But at some point, of becoming self-absorbed. The ego takes over and the but has a miserable marriage. While it seems dissonant, together, one need not remain stagnant if your spouse is letting them slip by uncelebrated. one of those leave-ers comes back. Maybe they want to focus increasingly becomes all about me, my story, and my it’s because it was not applied with his spouse who is likely unwilling. However, be aware if your enlightenment makes start over. Maybe they want to say they’re sorry. Maybe newfound self-awareness. You may notice yourself becoming pushing his buttons more than anyone else. you more judgmental instead of more understanding and 1. YOU (SENSELESSLY) WiN. they want to say hi. Or...maybe they just want to move judgmental and impatient with your spouse. You expect your compassionate. You toss your business card into a bowl at a Chinese down the block and yell at their bleached, Botoxed wife spouse to be like you, to grow as fast as you, and become as restaurant and win six free egg rolls every month for at dinner parties—allowing you to kiss the ground with one entire year. Or you pick up the phone and hear a gladness that they did not ask you to marry them your stranger asking you the names of all four Beatles, which senior year of college. you know and then recite to him, prompting him to scream out to his radio audience that you are the proud 6. YOU ArE riGHt. new owner of a KitchenAid dishwasher. 9 signs your life is on the right track BY AMY SHEArN9 signs your life is on the right track BY AMY SHEArN So many times in life we are right and wish we weren’t (You’re going to lose your job! Your mother is coming This feeling is not the same as winning at a craps table between us!). And then there are the glorious, life- or a Lotto drawing. This is about a windfall without affirming moments, such as when I told my father the Your reputation Precedes You this week to go to Bora Bora. Or even that you’ll use it this week to go to Bora Bora. Or even that you’ll use it the Hostas Will Not Undo You feel happy for their successes—she totally deserved that effort, a windfall that you’re not even sure you want— glue stick was not a ChapStick...and he chose to disagree Sometimes the answer to the question, “Who am I in before it expires. The important thing is simply that you before it expires. The important thing is simply that you This is perhaps the ultimate goal in our weird, modern promotion! The renovation across the street turned out say, a deluxe all-expenses-paid trip to Hackensack, New with me. this world anyway?,” comes in an email. And sometimes have it, and you know where it is. Just in case.have it, and you know where it is. Just in case. lives: to not be burnt out. Shouldn’t there be a term great!—rather than seething with jealous rage, which Jersey—but that fills you with great, swelling joy at that email comes when you aren’t looking for a new job, for that? What’s the opposite of burnt out—sparkling, isn’t quite as nourishing for the soul. getting something undreamed of for free, something 7. YOU’rE LOVEd. but it just so happens that an acquaintance sends along Your Husband Leaves You a Crossed-Your Husband Leaves You a Crossed- maybe? Or just—normal? As in, when a neighbor asks only you get to get. Love seems to be a given. It seems so obvious. All these a listing for something that suits you perfectly, you’re Wires Voice Mail of LoveWires Voice Mail of Love you to water her plants for a few weeks, you agree Synchronicity is More than a people are in your life with the responsibility to love (almost) entirely qualified for and you could very likely without blinking because you truly don’t mind. Your 2. YOU’rE SEEN. get and enjoy. It doesn’t mean you have to take it as a When you call your spouse or best friend and you go When you call your spouse or best friend and you go days are balanced enough that doing someone a favor Police Album It happens without fanfare. Someone somewhere looks you: parents, brothers, spouses, nieces, babies, friends. A sign to upend your professional life, but it does mean to voice mail because the person you were calling was to voice mail because the person you were calling was doesn’t feel like an impossible imposition, like you will You know that kind of coincidence few will fail you, but most won’t. And yet each time they across the room and sees past the face your family gave express that love, it’s unique. It’s so insanely specific, that you’ve staked out a certain claim in a certain corner calling you at that exact same moment—well, that’s a calling you at that exact same moment—well, that’s a have to reshuffle seven things to make space for one that feels like much more than just a you. They also see past the face you put on over that what the other will adore about you and what you will of the world. mighty deep connection with a person you love, and a mighty deep connection with a person you love, and a more. You have enough life-sparkle left to bring a sick coincidence? That, in fact, feels like face, the one composed of TV gestures (a hint: you were adore about him (or her). sure sign you’re doing something right.sure sign you’re doing something right. friend a lasagna, or listen to your partner practice his some degree of magic? I have a friend not born doing any kind of hair flipping) and mysterious Who loved or loves or will love you? The guy (or girl) presentation. Without sighing. who calls this her religion, and I know magazine-made smiles and the smooth, dull, blank look who left an anonymous note on your car in 12th grade? Your Existential dread is really Just You Clear Your Own Unmetaphorical You Clear Your Own Unmetaphorical what she means. It’s that moment that overtakes our eyes when we decide we will not cry, The kitten in a shoebox you stumbled on at the garbage About the dentist when the novel you’re reading for Clog not in front of other people. dump? The funny, laid-back, occasionally loud man— We all have those moments of dread that come unbidden, Clog You Are Susceptible to Sparrow Joy book group offers up some perfectly Every now and then, a small something will fill you perfect for you; you’re occasionally hard of hearing— mid-granola-bite, seemingly out of nowhere. But what is Hey, we’re all about telling you to ask for help when Hey, we’re all about telling you to ask for help when timed nugget of insight that proves This someone sees you; down to your intelligence, your you haven’t met yet but will? that internal shudder really about? If you can pinpoint you really need it. Still, untangling a knotty problem you really need it. Still, untangling a knotty problem with completely unreasonable excitement. A flock of eerily relevant to an exchange from a fear of being alone and your ability to whistle on pitch. It may be that you haven’t had all seven of these your moments of dread to specific instigators—the has its own unique pleasures. There are few everyday has its own unique pleasures. There are few everyday sparrows all lifting from a gutter at once. A perfect recent PTA meeting; that you realize, with It might be the teacher who asks if you would do her moments yet. But the odds are that you have, and— upcoming doctor’s appointment you just remembered, experiences as triumphant as realizing you don’t actually experiences as triumphant as realizing you don’t actually hunk of sea glass. Hearing your favorite song leak out a pleasant brain-tingle, dovetails with the honor of passing out the graham crackers today at here is the sweet part of the deal—it’s very possible, if the community board meeting you really want to skip, need to call the plumber (and pay for his kid’s summer need to call the plumber (and pay for his kid’s summer of someone’s convertible. In the wrong state of mind, something the professor said in your night- recess. It might be the grocery-store manager who spots not extremely likely, that you will get the chance to have the ominous back-to-school commercial on a cheery camp in the process); and that, with the right tools and a camp in the process); and that, with the right tools and a these are just things that happen. But in the right state school class. Then a friend sends you a link your bag breaking at the exit—your eggs and yogurt each of these moments over and over and over, 70 or summer day—then it is a small, fixable dread indeed. few YouTube videos, you can actually figure out how to few YouTube videos, you can actually figure out how to of mind, these are giddiness-inducing wonders. to a TED talk that completes the circuit in splashing all over the door, your whole horrible, failing 700 or 7 million times, but each time differently. Each unclog the sink drain. And then, like any good plumber, unclog the sink drain. And then, like any good plumber, your brain, and everything in the world marriage spattered all over your frozen expression— time it will be new and astonishing once again. you get to do a happy dance there in the kitchen, you get to do a happy dance there in the kitchen, You Have Good Peer Pressure seems to be showing its seams, revealing and runs up and down the aisles, filling a new bag with the Passports Are Within reach because for that moment you are invincible, and you because for that moment you are invincible, and you You’ve put yourself in a good place when you admire itself to be all connected. And there is unbroken items, plus tosses in a bouquet of flowers just can solve your own problems. Even the especially sticky can solve your own problems. Even the especially sticky your peers—your coworkers are smart, your neighbors no feeling like that to make you suspect I don’t mean that you’re necessarily using your passport ones. live the way you want to live. Even better if you actually that everything is just as it should be. ones.

PAGE 8 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 9 the 7 gifts from the universe the enlightened spouse that everybody gets -How self-growth can wreck a marriage BY LEiGH NEWMAN BY rABBi SHLOMO SLAtKiNtHE MArriAGE rEStOrAtiON PrOJECt Life is not always kind. We don’t always get to cheer you up. It might even be the friend who thinks what we want. We don’t even get what our the way you snort-laugh is charming. There is somebody There is an unprecedented focus on self- conscious as you. If you feel like you clearly see the deeper We do not live in a vacuum. We grow up getting hurt in out there who gets it—it being you. parents want for us, which would at least growth in our society. While becoming a root of your spouse’s unhappiness in life or a particular area of relationships with others and the best way to heal those make them happy. Sometimes everything 3. YOU GEt tHE OPPOrtUNitY tO LEArN ABOUt more conscious individual would appear his life in which he finds himself stuck, you may get frustrated hurts is in relationship. We often find ourselves becoming goes south at once: The longed-for love SOMEtHiNG BiGGEr tHAN YOUrSELf. to be praiseworthy, it’s not always the case, as to why he just doesn’t get it or isn’t even willing to explore. retriggered and revisiting familiar wounds with our spouse. We can use our marriage as an opportunity to work through I know what this one sounds like: You get to go through doesn’t show up or goes away; the dream something horrible and wrenching, and then we’ll especially in a marriage. When spouses grow As you begin to preach your enlightened ideas, you find them those issues and finally get it right. While the success of job is given to an inexperienced, two- pretend there is some kind of silver lining. But that’s not separately they often grow apart. Newly falling on deaf ears. Your spouse may become more reactive therapy or other healing modalities is partially due to the faced brown-noser; the dog dies; the sink what I mean. I’m talking about the awakening of grace, discovered self-revelations sometimes lead to and your relationship may deteriorate. While it may be healing relationship that the therapist provides, it does not extremely frustrating when you feel like you have “the truth” compare to the potential healing that the martial relationship the time in life when you first begin to accrue the kind of clogs; the snap of your jeans pops open wisdom that will allow you to feel for a friend when she new “discoveries” about the relationship and and no one is buying, your job in marriage is not to be your can provide in the context of effective couples work that when you bend down to pick up the hefty has lost a father or gotten separated, not because you “realizations” that the marriage is no longer spouse’s therapist, coach, or guru. It won’t work and is often focuses on the couple’s relationship as the healing factor. As stack of bills on the mat and you’re left have lost a father or gotten separated but because you “healthy.” Why is this case? How can working counterproductive. Your job is to take out your ego and be a long as a couple is married, they have the potential to offer unconditional positive self-regard for each other. In contrast, compassionate spouse. have lost someone or something and the experience standing there, thinking, “The best part of opened a door of genuine understanding. You are now on oneself do more damage than good for a a therapist, coach, or mentor, no matter how caring they are, is my run was back when I was 25. From here able to hold hands with another person and connect relationship? Does this mean that it is better Truly integrated self-growth is when one can make space for a relationship bound by the clock and compensation. on out, I just have to slog through.” with them at the very time they feel most alone. not to focus on self-improvement? What if your another person and view them without judgment. It is about Couples that grow together in the context of their marriage knowing that only you can take responsibility for yourself, 4. YOU’rE SPArEd. and that your job is not to change someone else but to are able to simultaneously work on their own issues as well Which is exactly when you must remember a little secret Prior to the age of seatbelts, you were a baby crawling spouse isn’t interested in growing together? offer unconditional love. (Even in situations when it may be as their relationship issues, as the two are intertwined. If your that I am about to share with you. All of us—even the around in the back of a station wagon and the door Should you remain stagnant? appropriate to intervene, such as if you see your spouse in spouse is unwilling to work on the relationship together, bleakest and unluckiest of us—get seven particular opened. You didn’t fall out. Or later on, you were potential danger, it should be out of love and not judgment.) work on yourself to be the best you can be and keep in mind moments, those brief, unexpected times when the stars reaching for a distant leaf in the gutter, tumbled off the The answer to these questions lies in defining healthy growth The byproduct of healthy self-growth is that your spouse will that a barometer for your individual growth is an improved do more than align; they communally redirect their light roof and landed without a scratch in the pachysandra. and successful relationships. Successful relationships are ones respond to your new changes in a positive way. As you take relationship. When you married, you committed to the expressly to illuminate the value of our wee, earthly You didn’t die. In other words, you did get the chance in which both partners are other-focused. While this does not responsibility for the role you played in the relationship, your relationship. It is not something to be discarded when you feel existence. to live. mean that they are entirely selfless, it does mean making the spouse will begin to react to you differently. like you have outgrown it. If you become self-aware enough, relationship the priority and realizing that your spouse is not you will realize that the frustrations you are experiencing with These moments sometimes go unnoticed and are 5. SOMEBOdY COMES BACK. you. Your spouse is an entirely unique individual with his/her One of the reasons that self-growth does not always result in your spouse are often those things that you need to work almost always unexpected. They are not subject to One of the worst things in life is that people leave—and own feelings, perspective, and needs. Your job is to honor better marriages is that it does not take place in the context of on to become a more complete person. Abandoning the the vicissitudes of your success or failure. They are not worse, they leave you with the feeling that (1) you didn’t and hold space for that “other” as opposed to expecting and relationship. It is much easier to work on oneself in a vacuum marriage is an easy way out to avoid doing the real work. something you can blame yourself for not experiencing do the thing required to make them stay, or (2) you did demanding that he/she think, feel, and behave like you. than to have to do it in the context of a relationship with sooner or flog yourself into experiencing now. They are the thing that made them go, or (3) if time stopped, you another person whom you may not be able to change. That’s Self-growth is great as long as it doesn’t hurt others in the on their own time schedule. They have happened to would leave instead and make them feel all the terrible, One of the dangers of self-growth is that there is the risk why you could meet someone who has done work on himself process. While it is more powerful when couples grow you or will happen to you sooner or later. The key is not painful crap you’re currently feeling. But at some point, of becoming self-absorbed. The ego takes over and the but has a miserable marriage. While it seems dissonant, together, one need not remain stagnant if your spouse is letting them slip by uncelebrated. one of those leave-ers comes back. Maybe they want to focus increasingly becomes all about me, my story, and my it’s because it was not applied with his spouse who is likely unwilling. However, be aware if your enlightenment makes start over. Maybe they want to say they’re sorry. Maybe newfound self-awareness. You may notice yourself becoming pushing his buttons more than anyone else. you more judgmental instead of more understanding and 1. YOU (SENSELESSLY) WiN. they want to say hi. Or...maybe they just want to move judgmental and impatient with your spouse. You expect your compassionate. You toss your business card into a bowl at a Chinese down the block and yell at their bleached, Botoxed wife spouse to be like you, to grow as fast as you, and become as restaurant and win six free egg rolls every month for at dinner parties—allowing you to kiss the ground with one entire year. Or you pick up the phone and hear a gladness that they did not ask you to marry them your stranger asking you the names of all four Beatles, which senior year of college. you know and then recite to him, prompting him to scream out to his radio audience that you are the proud 6. YOU ArE riGHt. new owner of a KitchenAid dishwasher. 9 signs your life is on the right track BY AMY SHEArN9 signs your life is on the right track BY AMY SHEArN So many times in life we are right and wish we weren’t (You’re going to lose your job! Your mother is coming This feeling is not the same as winning at a craps table between us!). And then there are the glorious, life- or a Lotto drawing. This is about a windfall without affirming moments, such as when I told my father the Your reputation Precedes You this week to go to Bora Bora. Or even that you’ll use it this week to go to Bora Bora. Or even that you’ll use it the Hostas Will Not Undo You feel happy for their successes—she totally deserved that effort, a windfall that you’re not even sure you want— glue stick was not a ChapStick...and he chose to disagree Sometimes the answer to the question, “Who am I in before it expires. The important thing is simply that you before it expires. The important thing is simply that you This is perhaps the ultimate goal in our weird, modern promotion! The renovation across the street turned out say, a deluxe all-expenses-paid trip to Hackensack, New with me. this world anyway?,” comes in an email. And sometimes have it, and you know where it is. Just in case.have it, and you know where it is. Just in case. lives: to not be burnt out. Shouldn’t there be a term great!—rather than seething with jealous rage, which Jersey—but that fills you with great, swelling joy at that email comes when you aren’t looking for a new job, for that? What’s the opposite of burnt out—sparkling, isn’t quite as nourishing for the soul. getting something undreamed of for free, something 7. YOU’rE LOVEd. but it just so happens that an acquaintance sends along Your Husband Leaves You a Crossed-Your Husband Leaves You a Crossed- maybe? Or just—normal? As in, when a neighbor asks only you get to get. Love seems to be a given. It seems so obvious. All these a listing for something that suits you perfectly, you’re Wires Voice Mail of LoveWires Voice Mail of Love you to water her plants for a few weeks, you agree Synchronicity is More than a people are in your life with the responsibility to love (almost) entirely qualified for and you could very likely without blinking because you truly don’t mind. Your 2. YOU’rE SEEN. get and enjoy. It doesn’t mean you have to take it as a When you call your spouse or best friend and you go When you call your spouse or best friend and you go days are balanced enough that doing someone a favor Police Album It happens without fanfare. Someone somewhere looks you: parents, brothers, spouses, nieces, babies, friends. A sign to upend your professional life, but it does mean to voice mail because the person you were calling was to voice mail because the person you were calling was doesn’t feel like an impossible imposition, like you will You know that kind of coincidence few will fail you, but most won’t. And yet each time they across the room and sees past the face your family gave express that love, it’s unique. It’s so insanely specific, that you’ve staked out a certain claim in a certain corner calling you at that exact same moment—well, that’s a calling you at that exact same moment—well, that’s a have to reshuffle seven things to make space for one that feels like much more than just a you. They also see past the face you put on over that what the other will adore about you and what you will of the world. mighty deep connection with a person you love, and a mighty deep connection with a person you love, and a more. You have enough life-sparkle left to bring a sick coincidence? That, in fact, feels like face, the one composed of TV gestures (a hint: you were adore about him (or her). sure sign you’re doing something right.sure sign you’re doing something right. friend a lasagna, or listen to your partner practice his some degree of magic? I have a friend not born doing any kind of hair flipping) and mysterious Who loved or loves or will love you? The guy (or girl) presentation. Without sighing. who calls this her religion, and I know magazine-made smiles and the smooth, dull, blank look who left an anonymous note on your car in 12th grade? Your Existential dread is really Just You Clear Your Own Unmetaphorical You Clear Your Own Unmetaphorical what she means. It’s that moment that overtakes our eyes when we decide we will not cry, The kitten in a shoebox you stumbled on at the garbage About the dentist when the novel you’re reading for Clog not in front of other people. dump? The funny, laid-back, occasionally loud man— We all have those moments of dread that come unbidden, Clog You Are Susceptible to Sparrow Joy book group offers up some perfectly Every now and then, a small something will fill you perfect for you; you’re occasionally hard of hearing— mid-granola-bite, seemingly out of nowhere. But what is Hey, we’re all about telling you to ask for help when Hey, we’re all about telling you to ask for help when timed nugget of insight that proves This someone sees you; down to your intelligence, your you haven’t met yet but will? that internal shudder really about? If you can pinpoint you really need it. Still, untangling a knotty problem you really need it. Still, untangling a knotty problem with completely unreasonable excitement. A flock of eerily relevant to an exchange from a fear of being alone and your ability to whistle on pitch. It may be that you haven’t had all seven of these your moments of dread to specific instigators—the has its own unique pleasures. There are few everyday has its own unique pleasures. There are few everyday sparrows all lifting from a gutter at once. A perfect recent PTA meeting; that you realize, with It might be the teacher who asks if you would do her moments yet. But the odds are that you have, and— upcoming doctor’s appointment you just remembered, experiences as triumphant as realizing you don’t actually experiences as triumphant as realizing you don’t actually hunk of sea glass. Hearing your favorite song leak out a pleasant brain-tingle, dovetails with the honor of passing out the graham crackers today at here is the sweet part of the deal—it’s very possible, if the community board meeting you really want to skip, need to call the plumber (and pay for his kid’s summer need to call the plumber (and pay for his kid’s summer of someone’s convertible. In the wrong state of mind, something the professor said in your night- recess. It might be the grocery-store manager who spots not extremely likely, that you will get the chance to have the ominous back-to-school commercial on a cheery camp in the process); and that, with the right tools and a camp in the process); and that, with the right tools and a these are just things that happen. But in the right state school class. Then a friend sends you a link your bag breaking at the exit—your eggs and yogurt each of these moments over and over and over, 70 or summer day—then it is a small, fixable dread indeed. few YouTube videos, you can actually figure out how to few YouTube videos, you can actually figure out how to of mind, these are giddiness-inducing wonders. to a TED talk that completes the circuit in splashing all over the door, your whole horrible, failing 700 or 7 million times, but each time differently. Each unclog the sink drain. And then, like any good plumber, unclog the sink drain. And then, like any good plumber, your brain, and everything in the world marriage spattered all over your frozen expression— time it will be new and astonishing once again. you get to do a happy dance there in the kitchen, you get to do a happy dance there in the kitchen, You Have Good Peer Pressure seems to be showing its seams, revealing and runs up and down the aisles, filling a new bag with the Passports Are Within reach because for that moment you are invincible, and you because for that moment you are invincible, and you You’ve put yourself in a good place when you admire itself to be all connected. And there is unbroken items, plus tosses in a bouquet of flowers just can solve your own problems. Even the especially sticky can solve your own problems. Even the especially sticky your peers—your coworkers are smart, your neighbors no feeling like that to make you suspect I don’t mean that you’re necessarily using your passport ones. live the way you want to live. Even better if you actually that everything is just as it should be. ones.

PAGE 10 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 11 HOW tO’s How to set goals Setting goals allows you to choose how you want to move through life. Some achievements can take a lifetime to attain, while others can be completed in the course of a day. Setting and meeting goals leads to feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. Getting started can seem daunting, but we’ll show you how to build up to it. STep 1 and recognize which goals are realistic, and which are a little Refocus and gain some perspective. Think about creating an Think about the “big picture.” Ask yourself some important far-fetched. Instead of, “I am going to be this nation’s Mother online dating profile, meeting someone your friend think you questions about what you want for your life. The answers to Teresa,” (while admirable) it might be more realistic to say, “I might hit it off with, or joining a social club. this question can be as general as “I want to be happy,” or “I am going to volunteer four nights a week at my local soup 8Keep track of your progress. Journaling is a great way to keep want to help people,” or “I want to be fit.” kitchen.” track of both personal and professional progress. Checking in These general statements can help hone in on the things that Relevant. Is this goal relevant to your life and to the “big with yourself and acknowledging the progress made towards really matter to you. Recognizing the things you value will picture” questions you have already asked yourself? Some a certain goal is key to staying motivated. guide your decision-making and keep you focused on your good questions to ask yourself when figuring this out are: Asking a friend with similar goals to buddy-up with you is a end goals. does it seem worthwhile? Is now the right time for this? Does great way to keep you motivated and to make sure you hit Think of the answers to your “big picture” questions as things this match my needs? your goal target dates. Consider pairing up with a fellow you hope to attain 10, 15, or 20 years from now. Time-related. Setting a “due date” to meet goals not only student facing the same application deadlines if you are keeps you on track, but it prevents pesky daily roadblocks applying for school, or another new, emerging artist if you are from getting in the way. Instead of saying “I’m going to get applying for artist residencies, fellowships, and grants. Step 2 my college degree”, you might consider saying, “I’m going to Break the “big picture” down into smaller and more specific get my B.A. in 4 years.”[1] Step 9 goals. Consider areas of your life that you either want to Reward your accomplishments. Acknowledge when you have change or that you feel you would like to develop with time. Step 4 reached goals and allow yourself to celebrate accordingly. Begin to ask yourself questions about what you’d like to Take this time to assess the goal process--from inception to achieve in each area and how you would like to approach it Make each goal a positive statement. Once you’ve done completion. within a five year timeframe. the brainstorming and considered how to make your goals If you feel it took too long to achieve this goal, examine you In terms of your career, you may ask yourself what your ideal SMART, it’s time to solidify them. Using positive statements stumbling blocks. Was your goal reasonable? Are there skills job is. What steps do you need to take to get that job? What are is a direct way to affirm your commitment to completing your you may need to acquire before attempting to complete the roadblocks? Do you need a specific degree or certificate? goals. “I am going to learn how to drive,” is a more definitive other goals? With financial goals, you may want to consider where the statement than, “I don’t want to have to rely on others to give If you learned something about the way you work towards money will come from. How much money you will need me rides everywhere.” meeting your goal, is it something that can be applied to to live comfortably? What are the best ways to spend or other goals? If you really learned how to be proactive with invest money? Do you want a house, new car, or to begin a Step 5 work communications, is that a skill that can be used when retirement plan? you want to find out the status of your school matriculation When it comes to family, do you want to have children, and if Create some short-term goals. Once you have decided on status? so, when? Do you want to have biological children, or are you your lifelong goals, and goals you’d like to achieve in 5 years, open to adoption or having stepchildren? you have the roadmap for setting necessary goals for next In thinking about romantic goals, you may consider the type year, next month, next week, tomorrow, and today. of relationship you want (long-term partner, marriage, open- If your goal is to transfer from a junior college to a university relationship, etc.), and how you will prioritize the time spent within the year, you can investigate the school you want to with a partner. What are the characteristics of a mate that transfer to online today, make an appointment to speak to make them a good fit for you? a matriculation counselor by the end of the week, visit the In terms of education, think about what course of study school at the end of the month, and plan to request letters of you’d like to pursue. Are you going to school to further you recommendation in 6 months. career? What types of courses do you need to complete for If you want to own your own tattoo shop in the next 6 advancement at work? Are there alternate ways to enter the months, you can canvas neighborhoods for an adequate career you want, like apprenticeships or internships? location tomorrow, contact your bank about personal and In thinking about physical goals, consider whether changes small business loans next month, and place an online ad for need to be made to make you healthy. What can you do to talented tattoo artists in two months. maintain good health into old age? Think about whether If your goal is to run your first marathon in 8 months, there are specific physical challenges you want to meet such you can call friends who run for tips tonight, ask for shoe as a major mountain climbing expo or a marathon. recommendations tomorrow, join a running club next week, and begin intensive training in 6 months. Step 3 Step 6 Use the SMART method to create actionable goals. SMART is a Set priorities. At any given moment, you have a number of mnemonic used by life coaches, motivators, HR departments, goals all in different states of completion. Deciding which and educators for a system of goal identification, setting, and goals are more important, or time-sensitive, than others is achievement. Every letter in SMART stands for an adjective crucial. If you have a college interview scheduled on the that describes an effective way to set goals. same day as a training session for your big half-marathon, the Specific. When setting goals, they should answer the highly interview would take precedent as it is far more time-sensitive, specific questions of who, what, where, when, and why. and probably more important. Instead of the general goal, “I want to get into shape,” try for a specific goal, “I want to run my first half-marathon this year.” Step 7 Measurable. In order for us to track our progress, goals should be quantifiable. “I’m going to walk more” is far more difficult Keep incremental goals small. It can be overwhelming to think to track and measure than “Everyday I’m going to walk around about your end goal. If all you say to yourself is, “I have to get the track 16 times.” married, I have to find someone to marry me,” you are missing Attainable. It is important to evaluate your situation honestly the incremental goals that form the base of the large goal.

PAGE 10 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 11 HOW tO’s How to set goals Setting goals allows you to choose how you want to move through life. Some achievements can take a lifetime to attain, while others can be completed in the course of a day. Setting and meeting goals leads to feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. Getting started can seem daunting, but we’ll show you how to build up to it. STep 1 and recognize which goals are realistic, and which are a little Refocus and gain some perspective. Think about creating an Think about the “big picture.” Ask yourself some important far-fetched. Instead of, “I am going to be this nation’s Mother online dating profile, meeting someone your friend think you questions about what you want for your life. The answers to Teresa,” (while admirable) it might be more realistic to say, “I might hit it off with, or joining a social club. this question can be as general as “I want to be happy,” or “I am going to volunteer four nights a week at my local soup 8Keep track of your progress. Journaling is a great way to keep want to help people,” or “I want to be fit.” kitchen.” track of both personal and professional progress. Checking in These general statements can help hone in on the things that Relevant. Is this goal relevant to your life and to the “big with yourself and acknowledging the progress made towards really matter to you. Recognizing the things you value will picture” questions you have already asked yourself? Some a certain goal is key to staying motivated. guide your decision-making and keep you focused on your good questions to ask yourself when figuring this out are: Asking a friend with similar goals to buddy-up with you is a end goals. does it seem worthwhile? Is now the right time for this? Does great way to keep you motivated and to make sure you hit Think of the answers to your “big picture” questions as things this match my needs? your goal target dates. Consider pairing up with a fellow you hope to attain 10, 15, or 20 years from now. Time-related. Setting a “due date” to meet goals not only student facing the same application deadlines if you are keeps you on track, but it prevents pesky daily roadblocks applying for school, or another new, emerging artist if you are from getting in the way. Instead of saying “I’m going to get applying for artist residencies, fellowships, and grants. Step 2 my college degree”, you might consider saying, “I’m going to Break the “big picture” down into smaller and more specific get my B.A. in 4 years.”[1] Step 9 goals. Consider areas of your life that you either want to Reward your accomplishments. Acknowledge when you have change or that you feel you would like to develop with time. Step 4 reached goals and allow yourself to celebrate accordingly. Begin to ask yourself questions about what you’d like to Take this time to assess the goal process--from inception to achieve in each area and how you would like to approach it Make each goal a positive statement. Once you’ve done completion. within a five year timeframe. the brainstorming and considered how to make your goals If you feel it took too long to achieve this goal, examine you In terms of your career, you may ask yourself what your ideal SMART, it’s time to solidify them. Using positive statements stumbling blocks. Was your goal reasonable? Are there skills job is. What steps do you need to take to get that job? What are is a direct way to affirm your commitment to completing your you may need to acquire before attempting to complete the roadblocks? Do you need a specific degree or certificate? goals. “I am going to learn how to drive,” is a more definitive other goals? With financial goals, you may want to consider where the statement than, “I don’t want to have to rely on others to give If you learned something about the way you work towards money will come from. How much money you will need me rides everywhere.” meeting your goal, is it something that can be applied to to live comfortably? What are the best ways to spend or other goals? If you really learned how to be proactive with invest money? Do you want a house, new car, or to begin a Step 5 work communications, is that a skill that can be used when retirement plan? you want to find out the status of your school matriculation When it comes to family, do you want to have children, and if Create some short-term goals. Once you have decided on status? so, when? Do you want to have biological children, or are you your lifelong goals, and goals you’d like to achieve in 5 years, open to adoption or having stepchildren? you have the roadmap for setting necessary goals for next In thinking about romantic goals, you may consider the type year, next month, next week, tomorrow, and today. of relationship you want (long-term partner, marriage, open- If your goal is to transfer from a junior college to a university relationship, etc.), and how you will prioritize the time spent within the year, you can investigate the school you want to with a partner. What are the characteristics of a mate that transfer to online today, make an appointment to speak to make them a good fit for you? a matriculation counselor by the end of the week, visit the In terms of education, think about what course of study school at the end of the month, and plan to request letters of you’d like to pursue. Are you going to school to further you recommendation in 6 months. career? What types of courses do you need to complete for If you want to own your own tattoo shop in the next 6 advancement at work? Are there alternate ways to enter the months, you can canvas neighborhoods for an adequate career you want, like apprenticeships or internships? location tomorrow, contact your bank about personal and In thinking about physical goals, consider whether changes small business loans next month, and place an online ad for need to be made to make you healthy. What can you do to talented tattoo artists in two months. maintain good health into old age? Think about whether If your goal is to run your first marathon in 8 months, there are specific physical challenges you want to meet such you can call friends who run for tips tonight, ask for shoe as a major mountain climbing expo or a marathon. recommendations tomorrow, join a running club next week, and begin intensive training in 6 months. Step 3 Step 6 Use the SMART method to create actionable goals. SMART is a Set priorities. At any given moment, you have a number of mnemonic used by life coaches, motivators, HR departments, goals all in different states of completion. Deciding which and educators for a system of goal identification, setting, and goals are more important, or time-sensitive, than others is achievement. Every letter in SMART stands for an adjective crucial. If you have a college interview scheduled on the that describes an effective way to set goals. same day as a training session for your big half-marathon, the Specific. When setting goals, they should answer the highly interview would take precedent as it is far more time-sensitive, specific questions of who, what, where, when, and why. and probably more important. Instead of the general goal, “I want to get into shape,” try for a specific goal, “I want to run my first half-marathon this year.” Step 7 Measurable. In order for us to track our progress, goals should be quantifiable. “I’m going to walk more” is far more difficult Keep incremental goals small. It can be overwhelming to think to track and measure than “Everyday I’m going to walk around about your end goal. If all you say to yourself is, “I have to get the track 16 times.” married, I have to find someone to marry me,” you are missing Attainable. It is important to evaluate your situation honestly the incremental goals that form the base of the large goal.

PAGE 12 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 13 How to avoid BessdeaLs start shopping now! codependent GET YOUR DEALS LISTED TODAY... CLICK ON oMg besT deals LOGO GET FEATURED relationships The best way to avoid codependent relationships is to not be codependent yourself. Know what it means to be codependent, simply giving to get. When you are trying to make a relationships work by trying to get all you can from the other person you will soon bankrupt the relationship. HOW tO’s STep 1 relationship will grow. This means spending the time you give partner and finish the same tasks in half the time, it may look Get counseling, if needed to become healthy. In order your partner with your partner, enjoying and appreciating the like you’re doing less even though you’re accomplishing for a relationship to be healthy you have to be healthy relationship as it is. This does not mean centering your life more. Conversely, if your partner’s better at cleaning, your yourself. Get into counseling; find a friend who can help you around your relationship, neglecting your job, your friends, results may disappoint your partner even though you put in grow~someone you trust to tell you the truth. Although they your hobbies and your own needs. Give what you can give the same amount of time and effort. Discussing these issues might be tougher to hear from, a non-friend works well here. freely without sacrifice or resentment and take care of yourself without blaming or insulting is “problem solving mode” and without expecting your partner to take care of you. If you an important element of any healthy relationship. don’t take care of yourself, you’ll get run down to the point STep 2 you can’t take care of your partner or anyone else. Give 100% to the relationship and expect nothing in return. STep 7 This is unconditional love. You have to know this kind of love STep 3 There will always be conflict in all relationships. When both before you can give it away! If you both are doing this the partners are comfortable and happy with the same method Address hurts. When you feel hurt and want to get angry, of conflict resolution, they tend to be happier together no you have to be willing to look for the cause of the behavior matter what others think of it. Some couples insult each other that hurt you and address the cause. This is like counting to constantly in a lighthearted way because neither takes those ten, waiting to speak before you act. If you need to get angry insults seriously - and know that if the insults stop, the issue is WE SPECIALIZE IN: you can always do it later. But when you get at the cause a serious one. Find your comfort zone and your partner’s and of the behavior you can help the person understand what explore different ways of handling conflicts till you find what • Customize Paint Jobs happened and tell them you got hurt. Now you are building works for you. • Graphic Airbrush Artwork Designs the relationship and not doing damage to it. • Body Kits 4Understand the idea of personal boundaries and hold yours. STep 8 Make them clear to your partner including the negotiable gray 2 in • Custom Built Speaker Enclosures, Pods Etc areas that are part of any healthy relationship. Respect your Identify any hurtful behaviors or addictions that are part of • Vinyl Wraps on Cars, Vans Etc partner’s boundaries. When you’re hurt or angry, stop and the relationship. Become aware of the types of mind games • General Vehicle Customizing reflect on why you’re hurt or angry. Identify whether the issue addicts play. If you did not grow up in a home with an addict or alcoholic, it’s easy to be blind sided by the games addicts play. is that you want to cross your partner’s boundaries or whether • Professional Signage it’s your partner invading yours. If you want something Read about addiction and find checklists online to examine • Fabricated Signs unreasonable, like crossing their boundaries, understanding the hurtful behaviors within your relationship, both yours and your partner’s. Sometimes healthy behavior can hurt a lot that can help you let go of that desire. If you want something FOLD • Billboards FOLD reasonable, like holding your own boundaries, then stand up when a relationship is changing, but that hurt is necessary to • Wall Signage for yourself assertively. grow past it. Whoever tries to break the pattern will be seen as • Poster Designs acting hurtfully or selfishly. • Logo Designs StEP 5 Do not insult your partner in any arguments. Just don’t call StEP 9 We also offer free technical advice... names or label them. Don’t say “You’re lazy. Focus on your Look for ways that you may be enabling any hurtful behaviors own feelings, needs and points. “I feel as if I have to do all the or addictions by giving too much. housecleaning” is not insulting. “You lazy slob, you never do anything around the house” is insulting. If you behave this way consistently, you can establish the pattern. STep 10 2.5 in STep 6 partner’s life. If the final decisions on things always go your Look at whether you may be attempting to control your way, that’s a sign of codependence. There’s give and take in Translate any insults from your partner in an argument into a healthy relationship. If your partner never does anything what is really being said. “I’m mad because you don’t do without consulting you, that’s a danger sign and something enough housecleaning to please me” is a translation of the to work on. caLL Kennedy @ 722-9765 lazy slob insult above into information terms. Accepting that the insults just mean “I’m angry and frustrated” is vital. They are not true as such, they are a slanted description of a situation your partner perceives as real. It may not even be true, if so then communicating without insults could help resolve that conflict. If you clean more efficiently than your

PAGE 12 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 13 How to avoid BessdeaLs start shopping now! codependent GET YOUR DEALS LISTED TODAY... CLICK ON oMg besT deals LOGO GET FEATURED relationships The best way to avoid codependent relationships is to not be codependent yourself. Know what it means to be codependent, simply giving to get. When you are trying to make a relationships work by trying to get all you can from the other person you will soon bankrupt the relationship. HOW tO’s STep 1 relationship will grow. This means spending the time you give partner and finish the same tasks in half the time, it may look Get counseling, if needed to become healthy. In order your partner with your partner, enjoying and appreciating the like you’re doing less even though you’re accomplishing for a relationship to be healthy you have to be healthy relationship as it is. This does not mean centering your life more. Conversely, if your partner’s better at cleaning, your yourself. Get into counseling; find a friend who can help you around your relationship, neglecting your job, your friends, results may disappoint your partner even though you put in grow~someone you trust to tell you the truth. Although they your hobbies and your own needs. Give what you can give the same amount of time and effort. Discussing these issues might be tougher to hear from, a non-friend works well here. freely without sacrifice or resentment and take care of yourself without blaming or insulting is “problem solving mode” and without expecting your partner to take care of you. If you an important element of any healthy relationship. don’t take care of yourself, you’ll get run down to the point STep 2 you can’t take care of your partner or anyone else. Give 100% to the relationship and expect nothing in return. STep 7 This is unconditional love. You have to know this kind of love STep 3 There will always be conflict in all relationships. When both before you can give it away! If you both are doing this the partners are comfortable and happy with the same method Address hurts. When you feel hurt and want to get angry, of conflict resolution, they tend to be happier together no you have to be willing to look for the cause of the behavior matter what others think of it. Some couples insult each other that hurt you and address the cause. This is like counting to constantly in a lighthearted way because neither takes those ten, waiting to speak before you act. If you need to get angry insults seriously - and know that if the insults stop, the issue is WE SPECIALIZE IN: you can always do it later. But when you get at the cause a serious one. Find your comfort zone and your partner’s and of the behavior you can help the person understand what explore different ways of handling conflicts till you find what • Customize Paint Jobs happened and tell them you got hurt. Now you are building works for you. • Graphic Airbrush Artwork Designs the relationship and not doing damage to it. • Body Kits 4Understand the idea of personal boundaries and hold yours. STep 8 Make them clear to your partner including the negotiable gray 2 in • Custom Built Speaker Enclosures, Pods Etc areas that are part of any healthy relationship. Respect your Identify any hurtful behaviors or addictions that are part of • Vinyl Wraps on Cars, Vans Etc partner’s boundaries. When you’re hurt or angry, stop and the relationship. Become aware of the types of mind games • General Vehicle Customizing reflect on why you’re hurt or angry. Identify whether the issue addicts play. If you did not grow up in a home with an addict or alcoholic, it’s easy to be blind sided by the games addicts play. is that you want to cross your partner’s boundaries or whether • Professional Signage it’s your partner invading yours. If you want something Read about addiction and find checklists online to examine • Fabricated Signs unreasonable, like crossing their boundaries, understanding the hurtful behaviors within your relationship, both yours and your partner’s. Sometimes healthy behavior can hurt a lot that can help you let go of that desire. If you want something FOLD • Billboards FOLD reasonable, like holding your own boundaries, then stand up when a relationship is changing, but that hurt is necessary to • Wall Signage for yourself assertively. grow past it. Whoever tries to break the pattern will be seen as • Poster Designs acting hurtfully or selfishly. • Logo Designs StEP 5 Do not insult your partner in any arguments. Just don’t call StEP 9 We also offer free technical advice... names or label them. Don’t say “You’re lazy. Focus on your Look for ways that you may be enabling any hurtful behaviors own feelings, needs and points. “I feel as if I have to do all the or addictions by giving too much. housecleaning” is not insulting. “You lazy slob, you never do anything around the house” is insulting. If you behave this way consistently, you can establish the pattern. STep 10 2.5 in STep 6 partner’s life. If the final decisions on things always go your Look at whether you may be attempting to control your way, that’s a sign of codependence. There’s give and take in Translate any insults from your partner in an argument into a healthy relationship. If your partner never does anything what is really being said. “I’m mad because you don’t do without consulting you, that’s a danger sign and something enough housecleaning to please me” is a translation of the to work on. caLL Kennedy @ 722-9765 lazy slob insult above into information terms. Accepting that the insults just mean “I’m angry and frustrated” is vital. They are not true as such, they are a slanted description of a situation your partner perceives as real. It may not even be true, if so then communicating without insults could help resolve that conflict. If you clean more efficiently than your

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PAGE 16 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 17 events FOR FREE WITH The text listings are FREE, flyers you pay for. Just click the OMG EVENTS logo to send us your info. Click on the evenT flyers below to see full details ArMY fEtE 2014 Saturday, February 22, 2014 Queen's Park Savannah Parties & Fetes  Are your print ads iGNitE YOUr WOrLd Saturday, January 11, just sitting on a page 2014 - January 12, 2014 Queens Hall MiKE’S BiKES hoping to get noticed? BiG ridE tO SALYBiA Sunday, January 12, 2014 From 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM Salybia Nature Resort & Spa In the OMG Magazine your ads are CLICKABLE! SUNNY SidE UP ON tHE This means, our readers can take action AVENUE instantly, to whatever you have to oer. We can Friday, January 17, 10, 24, 31, 2014 direct them to your facebook page, website, Starts at 5:00 PM Frankie’s Restaurant & youtube video or give them the option to Bar email you, with just one click of their mouse. PHUKEt...itS Advertising in the OMG Magazine CArNiVAL is simple, aordable and will take fridAY your business, into the future... Friday, February 28, 2014 From 2:00 PM to 10:00 Click below to experience the possibilities. PM Pier 1 CArNiVAL HUNtErS 2.0 Check out our... Get a weekly copy of Experience us on... See our latest... Visit our... Have more questions? 01 AD RATES OMG FREE FACEBOOK VIDEO AD WEBSITE EMAIL US Sunday, January 26, 2014 From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Queen’s Park Savannah Now imagine what you can do, with your ad... www.omgtt.com 1 SAVANNAH GARDENS, ORANGE GROVE. TACARIGUA. PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY PHONE 868 640 1774 FAX 868 640 0331 EMAIL [email protected]

PAGE 16 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 17 events FOR FREE WITH The text listings are FREE, flyers you pay for. Just click the OMG EVENTS logo to send us your info. Click on the evenT flyers below to see full details ArMY fEtE 2014 Saturday, February 22, 2014 Queen's Park Savannah Parties & Fetes  Are your print ads iGNitE YOUr WOrLd Saturday, January 11, just sitting on a page 2014 - January 12, 2014 Queens Hall MiKE’S BiKES hoping to get noticed? BiG ridE tO SALYBiA Sunday, January 12, 2014 From 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM Salybia Nature Resort & Spa In the OMG Magazine your ads are CLICKABLE! SUNNY SidE UP ON tHE This means, our readers can take action AVENUE instantly, to whatever you have to oer. We can Friday, January 17, 10, 24, 31, 2014 direct them to your facebook page, website, Starts at 5:00 PM Frankie’s Restaurant & youtube video or give them the option to Bar email you, with just one click of their mouse. PHUKEt...itS Advertising in the OMG Magazine CArNiVAL is simple, aordable and will take fridAY your business, into the future... Friday, February 28, 2014 From 2:00 PM to 10:00 Click below to experience the possibilities. PM Pier 1 CArNiVAL HUNtErS 2.0 Check out our... Get a weekly copy of Experience us on... See our latest... Visit our... Have more questions? 01 AD RATES OMG FREE FACEBOOK VIDEO AD WEBSITE EMAIL US Sunday, January 26, 2014 From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Queen’s Park Savannah Now imagine what you can do, with your ad... www.omgtt.com 1 SAVANNAH GARDENS, ORANGE GROVE. TACARIGUA. PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY PHONE 868 640 1774 FAX 868 640 0331 EMAIL [email protected]

PAGE 18 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 We are growing... OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 19 39,120 4 Ways Facebook fans... to maximize 183,845 your loss 18,000 prevention average weekly Facebook reach... strategies 6,500 BY JENNifEr GOfOrtH GrEGOrY monthly website visitors Most merchants take basic precautions are being watched and it is a physiological deterrent from to reduce theft in their stores: they train doing anything illegal.” magazines emailed weekly employees and install surveillance systems. 3. Check the register. Be as concerned about overages in the But even with these steps, the National Retail register as you are about shortages. Although sometimes Federation survey found that 96 percent of overages are simple mistakes, extra money in the register at the end of the day can indicate that employees are retailers have been a victim of organized retail shortchanging customers when making change or over- crime. charging for merchandise. An overage can happen when employees have built a bank of cash during the day and That said, there’s always more you can and should do to make haven’t take their portion from the register, says Keith Aubele, MAGAZINE your store less attractive to thieves. Our experts suggest four, president and chief executive officer of Retail Loss Prevention all maximizing the loss prevention technology and techniques Group, Inc and ASIS International Retail Council chairman. you’re likely already using. He recommends tracking overages and shortages either manually or through software to identify any operational 1. Have video surveillance footage you can use. Many breakdowns. If you suspect a particular employee, carefully merchants review video footage after a break-in or employee monitor that person through video surveillance using a theft only to find that the camera has been turned off or the camera angle that will show the register transaction. equipment is not in working order. “Put the main recording device in a locked cabinet and make sure all cords going to 4. Keep saying “Hello.” Aubele says that many merchants the recorder are secure as well,” says Steve White, corporate don’t train their employees on how important “hello” can be vice president, business development at Vector Security. He in deterring theft. At a 2013 summit for the Loss Prevention also suggests you change all default passwords for the video Retail Council, shoplifters were interviewed and told members system so that footage cannot be erased. that they will leave a store and not steal items if store Camera placement is just as important. Place cameras at the associates are active and engaged. “That is a very powerful cash register and near high-theft items, but also near your statement coming from people who make their living by store’s exit to capture people’s faces as they leave the store. stealing merchandise,” says Aubele. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO’S FIRST ALL DIGITAL WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE Since the lighting will be behind them, you’ll have a better To ensure that your staff carries through with the welcome view, White says. mat, he recommends reminding employees at team meetings and monitoring greetings through video as well as including it MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA PART OF YOUR ADVERTISING MIX... 2. Smile for the camera. Robert A. Gardner, an independent as part of employee evaluations. Make sure staffers know that Security advisor and ASIS International member, a trade interaction shouldn’t end at the initial greeting, Aubele says. organization for security professionals, says that since video It is essential that employees employ agressive hospitality LET THE OMG Magazine TAKE YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS SWIFTLY GROWING AUDIENCE technology is relatively inexpensive, many stores use closed and continue interacting with customers throughout their circuit television in the stores to detect theft. However, while shopping experience. Encourage employees to ask customers most install a couple of cameras and put the monitor behind if they need additional sizes or shopping help. In addition www.omgtt.com the camera, he recommends placing a monitor near the front to just being good customer service, this sort of friendly of the store as well. “When someone is walking into a store engagement will reduce theft. and they see themselves on television, they know that they

PAGE 18 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 We are growing... OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 19 39,120 4 Ways Facebook fans... to maximize 183,845 your loss 18,000 prevention average weekly Facebook reach... strategies 6,500 BY JENNifEr GOfOrtH GrEGOrY monthly website visitors Most merchants take basic precautions are being watched and it is a physiological deterrent from to reduce theft in their stores: they train doing anything illegal.” magazines emailed weekly employees and install surveillance systems. 3. Check the register. Be as concerned about overages in the But even with these steps, the National Retail register as you are about shortages. Although sometimes Federation survey found that 96 percent of overages are simple mistakes, extra money in the register at the end of the day can indicate that employees are retailers have been a victim of organized retail shortchanging customers when making change or over- crime. charging for merchandise. An overage can happen when employees have built a bank of cash during the day and That said, there’s always more you can and should do to make haven’t take their portion from the register, says Keith Aubele, MAGAZINE your store less attractive to thieves. Our experts suggest four, president and chief executive officer of Retail Loss Prevention all maximizing the loss prevention technology and techniques Group, Inc and ASIS International Retail Council chairman. you’re likely already using. He recommends tracking overages and shortages either manually or through software to identify any operational 1. Have video surveillance footage you can use. Many breakdowns. If you suspect a particular employee, carefully merchants review video footage after a break-in or employee monitor that person through video surveillance using a theft only to find that the camera has been turned off or the camera angle that will show the register transaction. equipment is not in working order. “Put the main recording device in a locked cabinet and make sure all cords going to 4. Keep saying “Hello.” Aubele says that many merchants the recorder are secure as well,” says Steve White, corporate don’t train their employees on how important “hello” can be vice president, business development at Vector Security. He in deterring theft. At a 2013 summit for the Loss Prevention also suggests you change all default passwords for the video Retail Council, shoplifters were interviewed and told members system so that footage cannot be erased. that they will leave a store and not steal items if store Camera placement is just as important. Place cameras at the associates are active and engaged. “That is a very powerful cash register and near high-theft items, but also near your statement coming from people who make their living by store’s exit to capture people’s faces as they leave the store. stealing merchandise,” says Aubele. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO’S FIRST ALL DIGITAL WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE Since the lighting will be behind them, you’ll have a better To ensure that your staff carries through with the welcome view, White says. mat, he recommends reminding employees at team meetings and monitoring greetings through video as well as including it MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA PART OF YOUR ADVERTISING MIX... 2. Smile for the camera. Robert A. Gardner, an independent as part of employee evaluations. Make sure staffers know that Security advisor and ASIS International member, a trade interaction shouldn’t end at the initial greeting, Aubele says. organization for security professionals, says that since video It is essential that employees employ agressive hospitality LET THE OMG Magazine TAKE YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS SWIFTLY GROWING AUDIENCE technology is relatively inexpensive, many stores use closed and continue interacting with customers throughout their circuit television in the stores to detect theft. However, while shopping experience. Encourage employees to ask customers most install a couple of cameras and put the monitor behind if they need additional sizes or shopping help. In addition www.omgtt.com the camera, he recommends placing a monitor near the front to just being good customer service, this sort of friendly of the store as well. “When someone is walking into a store engagement will reduce theft. and they see themselves on television, they know that they

PAGE 20 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 21 Finding the right questions to ask to resolve your company’s richard Branson on what issues makes a true entrepreneur BY StEPHANiE VOZZA BY riCHArd BrANSON Every great innovative intellectual component, a vexing or entrepreneur - from Jeff complex problem with no obvious decent solution. Bezos to Steve Jobs - has Q: My colleague and I have From my perspective, an entrepreneur isn’t just been good at one thing: The reason each team member cares volunteered to create a one-day someone who launches a business; the desire to asking questions. What if? doesn’t have to be the same: “The innovate then prompts that person to keep on course on entrepreneurship at a striving to make positive changes. Companies Why? Why not? The seed group might tackle the issue not because they care about the issue school where I am currently a student. need to be flexible: This starts with the people at for every innovation came itself, but because they care about We think that entrepreneurship isn’t the top, who must have a real desire to disrupt from a question no one had helping the person the issue affects,” new markets they enter, and to react nimbly just a label for startup companies to changing circumstances at established been willing to ask, says he says. and their CEOs, but an attitude and businesses. It’s also probably fair to say that you Hal Gregersen, a professor 3. Engage in pure question talk. Have approach that helps a person to take can be successful in business without being an of innovation at the global the group start asking questions entrepreneur -- keeping the money coming in or make opportunities and develop steadily without looking for the next opportunity business graduate school in a rapid-style fashion around the challenge at hand, with one person them further. What do you think? -- to expand and improve. INSEAD. recording all of the questions. The Noelle Decuypere questions should be about why the What makes the difference is fearlessness. The best Gregersen learned the power problem exists, what is causing the businesses offer a product or service that has never As a label, the word “entrepreneur” really is previously been available. While you can almost of questions 20 years ago while issue, or what is unknown about fascinating. When my friends and I were starting up always conduct research and test the marketplace teaching leadership at Brigham potential solutions. our first Virgin businesses in the early ‘70s, no one before a launch, an entrepreneur will always be, Young University. “My class became “Most of us have a habit to give a seemed to understand what we were doing. Some to some extent, jumping into the unknown, as stuck on an issue, so as a random preamble to a question - why we’re important people called us entrepreneurs, but the very nature of a new product means you’re challenge, I asked them to come up asking it,” says Gregersen. “Don’t they used the word in a derogatory way, hinting venturing into new territory. with nothing but questions,” he says. explain why, just ask the question.” that we were adventurers, out to upset the order of “The idea was to generate as many He adds that leaders are prone to things, and perhaps not to be trusted. We certainly Very young people often have an advantage here, questions as possible without trying giving quick answers to questions. For didn’t describe ourselves as entrepreneurs at that since they can approach business challenges to find answers. And we discovered now, set answers aside. time, because that would have been met with without fear because they have nothing holding that there was power in finding the Set a target of 50 to 75 questions and some strange looks. questions.” get as many as possible. The process them back, no commitments, and in many ways Gregersen, author of The Innovator’s usually takes about 20 minutes. nothing to lose. As a person’s career progresses, These days, the number of people who are working considerations such as looking after one’s family DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of as entrepreneurs has increased so much that that and paying the mortgage come into play. Disruptive Innovators (Harvard 4. Identify the “catalytic” questions. this career path almost qualifies as a lifestyle Business Review: 2011), found that From the list of questions, identify choice. Defining “entrepreneur” has become more If you think you have a game-changing idea and asking questions could prompt you the three or four that will disrupt the difficult because it now means so many different you too have such responsibilities, you are facing down a different path. Since then, status quo if answered. Gregersen things to so many different people -- all of us speak a true test of an entrepreneur. The best way to he’s used the process - which he says these are often surprising or from our own experiences. calls catalytic questioning - to help honest questions that evoke a deep handle this is to not to let such factors rule your hundreds of entrepreneurs and level of emotion. decision-making process, but to integrate them “They can be a gut-check test,” he The thing is, our critics were partly right: We really into it. Prepare for failure, protect your downside, executives find new perspectives. were out to disrupt the order of things. Then and then go right ahead with the launch. says. “Catalytic questions are the ones and now, when we’re starting up a new Virgin An alternative to traditional we don’t know that we don’t know. business, we don’t just want to carry out a simple The other part of the equation is resilience. Despite brainstorming, catalytic questioning Companies get disrupted because moneymaking exercise, but to make a positive the most careful planning and preparation, has five steps. Here’s how you can they’re not aware of these questions.” change in people’s lives and give consumers a the vast majority of startups fail within the first incorporate this technique into your better deal. Whichever product or service we offer, year of business. What does this tell us? That business: 5. Find a solution. Once you’ve we want it to be a lot better than all the rest. identified the questions that need to entrepreneurs must not only cope with failure, but 1. Gather employees around a writing be answered, get out of the office and welcome it. There’s no shame in admitting that Our approach, which I would describe as something isn’t working and going back to the surface. Teams should assign one find solutions. Gregersen says asking entrepreneurial, has proven to be a real advantage. drawing board -- we’ve done our fair share of that person to be the scribe, writing down questions without getting out of For instance, all but one of Virgin Atlantic’s original at Virgin. This ability to bounce back will make the questions on a white board or flip office might create clever questions, competitors have gone out of business since we difference, allowing you and your team to apply chart. If your team is virtual, use a but they don’t deliver solutions that entered the market in the ‘90s. This happened yourselves to new goals wholeheartedly, without shared Google Doc. are valuable. for a number of reasons, but probably the most looking back. “It’s very simplistic,” Gregersen says. He suggests observing and getting important one was their lack of innovation and new data on the issue, networking bravery. We noticed this first when Virgin’s move So an entrepreneur is many things: a job creator, 2. Choose the right problem. For and talking to others to get new into air travel was met with skepticism, and then a game-changer, a business leader, an innovator, catalytic questioning to work, it’s vital perspective, or experimenting and after we showed the critics that air travelers a disruptor. Most importantly, that entrepreneur is to select the correct issue to solve. trying something new to potentially wanted a different type of experience -- flights you, if you want to be one badly enough. Gregersen says the team should answer question. that included entertainment and terrific service Let’s hear from readers: Do you consider be invested on an emotional level, “That’s when problems get solved in a -- we saw that most of our competitors were too yourself an entrepreneur, or a businessman or tapping into their hopes, dreams positive way,” he says. slow to react. or vision. It should also have an businesswoman? Which label do you prefer?

PAGE 20 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 21 Finding the right questions to ask to resolve your company’s richard Branson on what issues makes a true entrepreneur BY StEPHANiE VOZZA BY riCHArd BrANSON Every great innovative intellectual component, a vexing or entrepreneur - from Jeff complex problem with no obvious decent solution. Bezos to Steve Jobs - has Q: My colleague and I have From my perspective, an entrepreneur isn’t just been good at one thing: The reason each team member cares volunteered to create a one-day someone who launches a business; the desire to asking questions. What if? doesn’t have to be the same: “The innovate then prompts that person to keep on course on entrepreneurship at a striving to make positive changes. Companies Why? Why not? The seed group might tackle the issue not because they care about the issue school where I am currently a student. need to be flexible: This starts with the people at for every innovation came itself, but because they care about We think that entrepreneurship isn’t the top, who must have a real desire to disrupt from a question no one had helping the person the issue affects,” new markets they enter, and to react nimbly just a label for startup companies to changing circumstances at established been willing to ask, says he says. and their CEOs, but an attitude and businesses. It’s also probably fair to say that you Hal Gregersen, a professor 3. Engage in pure question talk. Have approach that helps a person to take can be successful in business without being an of innovation at the global the group start asking questions entrepreneur -- keeping the money coming in or make opportunities and develop steadily without looking for the next opportunity business graduate school in a rapid-style fashion around the challenge at hand, with one person them further. What do you think? -- to expand and improve. INSEAD. recording all of the questions. The Noelle Decuypere questions should be about why the What makes the difference is fearlessness. The best Gregersen learned the power problem exists, what is causing the businesses offer a product or service that has never As a label, the word “entrepreneur” really is previously been available. While you can almost of questions 20 years ago while issue, or what is unknown about fascinating. When my friends and I were starting up always conduct research and test the marketplace teaching leadership at Brigham potential solutions. our first Virgin businesses in the early ‘70s, no one before a launch, an entrepreneur will always be, Young University. “My class became “Most of us have a habit to give a seemed to understand what we were doing. Some to some extent, jumping into the unknown, as stuck on an issue, so as a random preamble to a question - why we’re important people called us entrepreneurs, but the very nature of a new product means you’re challenge, I asked them to come up asking it,” says Gregersen. “Don’t they used the word in a derogatory way, hinting venturing into new territory. with nothing but questions,” he says. explain why, just ask the question.” that we were adventurers, out to upset the order of “The idea was to generate as many He adds that leaders are prone to things, and perhaps not to be trusted. We certainly Very young people often have an advantage here, questions as possible without trying giving quick answers to questions. For didn’t describe ourselves as entrepreneurs at that since they can approach business challenges to find answers. And we discovered now, set answers aside. time, because that would have been met with without fear because they have nothing holding that there was power in finding the Set a target of 50 to 75 questions and some strange looks. questions.” get as many as possible. The process them back, no commitments, and in many ways Gregersen, author of The Innovator’s usually takes about 20 minutes. nothing to lose. As a person’s career progresses, These days, the number of people who are working considerations such as looking after one’s family DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of as entrepreneurs has increased so much that that and paying the mortgage come into play. Disruptive Innovators (Harvard 4. Identify the “catalytic” questions. this career path almost qualifies as a lifestyle Business Review: 2011), found that From the list of questions, identify choice. Defining “entrepreneur” has become more If you think you have a game-changing idea and asking questions could prompt you the three or four that will disrupt the difficult because it now means so many different you too have such responsibilities, you are facing down a different path. Since then, status quo if answered. Gregersen things to so many different people -- all of us speak a true test of an entrepreneur. The best way to he’s used the process - which he says these are often surprising or from our own experiences. calls catalytic questioning - to help honest questions that evoke a deep handle this is to not to let such factors rule your hundreds of entrepreneurs and level of emotion. decision-making process, but to integrate them “They can be a gut-check test,” he The thing is, our critics were partly right: We really into it. Prepare for failure, protect your downside, executives find new perspectives. were out to disrupt the order of things. Then and then go right ahead with the launch. says. “Catalytic questions are the ones and now, when we’re starting up a new Virgin An alternative to traditional we don’t know that we don’t know. business, we don’t just want to carry out a simple The other part of the equation is resilience. Despite brainstorming, catalytic questioning Companies get disrupted because moneymaking exercise, but to make a positive the most careful planning and preparation, has five steps. Here’s how you can they’re not aware of these questions.” change in people’s lives and give consumers a the vast majority of startups fail within the first incorporate this technique into your better deal. Whichever product or service we offer, year of business. What does this tell us? That business: 5. Find a solution. Once you’ve we want it to be a lot better than all the rest. identified the questions that need to entrepreneurs must not only cope with failure, but 1. Gather employees around a writing be answered, get out of the office and welcome it. There’s no shame in admitting that Our approach, which I would describe as something isn’t working and going back to the surface. Teams should assign one find solutions. Gregersen says asking entrepreneurial, has proven to be a real advantage. drawing board -- we’ve done our fair share of that person to be the scribe, writing down questions without getting out of For instance, all but one of Virgin Atlantic’s original at Virgin. This ability to bounce back will make the questions on a white board or flip office might create clever questions, competitors have gone out of business since we difference, allowing you and your team to apply chart. If your team is virtual, use a but they don’t deliver solutions that entered the market in the ‘90s. This happened yourselves to new goals wholeheartedly, without shared Google Doc. are valuable. for a number of reasons, but probably the most looking back. “It’s very simplistic,” Gregersen says. He suggests observing and getting important one was their lack of innovation and new data on the issue, networking bravery. We noticed this first when Virgin’s move So an entrepreneur is many things: a job creator, 2. Choose the right problem. For and talking to others to get new into air travel was met with skepticism, and then a game-changer, a business leader, an innovator, catalytic questioning to work, it’s vital perspective, or experimenting and after we showed the critics that air travelers a disruptor. Most importantly, that entrepreneur is to select the correct issue to solve. trying something new to potentially wanted a different type of experience -- flights you, if you want to be one badly enough. Gregersen says the team should answer question. that included entertainment and terrific service Let’s hear from readers: Do you consider be invested on an emotional level, “That’s when problems get solved in a -- we saw that most of our competitors were too yourself an entrepreneur, or a businessman or tapping into their hopes, dreams positive way,” he says. slow to react. or vision. It should also have an businesswoman? Which label do you prefer?

PAGE 22 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 23 niHerst honours citizens for their ingenuity in science and technology Sixty-five Trinidad and Tobago the juniors (ages 13 – 18). Winning solutions must nationals from all walks of life will be well designed to meet the needs of end users, while keeping in harmony with the environment be formally recognised for their and the norms of society. creativity and innovative problem- solving, at the awards ceremony - The Scientific Innovation & Invention Competition evaluates prototypes submitted by for the Prime Minister’s Awards the entrants in accordance with the competition for Scientific Ingenuity, hosted by criteria governing concept, design and NIHERST and the Ministry of Science implementation/commercialisation potential; and and Technology. The ceremony will - The Scientific Creative Solutions take place on Saturday 4 January Competition judges the contributions by 2014 at the Port of Spain Ballroom individuals who can conceptualise solutions to everyday problems in any domain, but who are at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, with unable to take their ideas to the prototype stage. the feature address expected to be delivered by The Honourable Kamla The media is cordially invited to cover the ceremony on Saturday 4 January, 2014 in the Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Port of Spain Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. Prizes total one from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The dress code is and a quarter million TT dollars. formal. Please note journalists will be given the opportunity to interview the awardees on the night. First introduced in 2000 as the Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation & Invention, NIHERST, For further information please contact: Marketing the administrator of the scheme, restructured at: 758-3381/ 758-3777 it in 2012 to place greater focus on novelty, About NIHERST youth and entrepreneurship. These awards are an important mechanism for spurring local The National Institute of Higher Education innovation and invention across all sectors of Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) is a the national community, which is imperative in statutory body established in 1984 to promote light of Government’s push to develop a highly science, technology and higher education in diversified, knowledge-based economy founded Trinidad and Tobago consistent with national on the creative genius of our people. development goals. Our current work focuses on the development of a more diversified, The human mind is the most valuable resource for knowledge-driven economy, based on the resolving the complex development issues that ingenuity of our people and their ability to create, now threaten continued growth and prosperity adapt and use science and technology for worldwide. Building creative and innovative wealth generation and national development. capacity is key to Trinidad and Tobago generating Many of our programmes aim to strengthen new and sustainable sources of wealth, reducing the innovative, creative and entrepreneurial dependency on the oil and gas sector, and capabilities of the general population. We are also creating employment. Like many of NIHERST’s very engaged in research, such as in foresight and programmes, this scheme encourages the innovation, to support economic diversification; wider population to generate innovative ideas promoting innovation and the commercialisation and apply scientific knowledge to create new of technology in priority sectors; and building technologies, products, services and solutions to global partnerships. problems. Visit us at: niherst.gov.tt Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and view our There are two categories of awards, with senior YouTube Channel entrants (over age 18) judged separately from keyword: NIHERST

PAGE 22 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 23 niHerst honours citizens for their ingenuity in science and technology Sixty-five Trinidad and Tobago the juniors (ages 13 – 18). Winning solutions must nationals from all walks of life will be well designed to meet the needs of end users, while keeping in harmony with the environment be formally recognised for their and the norms of society. creativity and innovative problem- solving, at the awards ceremony - The Scientific Innovation & Invention Competition evaluates prototypes submitted by for the Prime Minister’s Awards the entrants in accordance with the competition for Scientific Ingenuity, hosted by criteria governing concept, design and NIHERST and the Ministry of Science implementation/commercialisation potential; and and Technology. The ceremony will - The Scientific Creative Solutions take place on Saturday 4 January Competition judges the contributions by 2014 at the Port of Spain Ballroom individuals who can conceptualise solutions to everyday problems in any domain, but who are at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, with unable to take their ideas to the prototype stage. the feature address expected to be delivered by The Honourable Kamla The media is cordially invited to cover the ceremony on Saturday 4 January, 2014 in the Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Port of Spain Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. Prizes total one from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The dress code is and a quarter million TT dollars. formal. Please note journalists will be given the opportunity to interview the awardees on the night. First introduced in 2000 as the Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation & Invention, NIHERST, For further information please contact: Marketing the administrator of the scheme, restructured at: 758-3381/ 758-3777 it in 2012 to place greater focus on novelty, About NIHERST youth and entrepreneurship. These awards are an important mechanism for spurring local The National Institute of Higher Education innovation and invention across all sectors of Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) is a the national community, which is imperative in statutory body established in 1984 to promote light of Government’s push to develop a highly science, technology and higher education in diversified, knowledge-based economy founded Trinidad and Tobago consistent with national on the creative genius of our people. development goals. Our current work focuses on the development of a more diversified, The human mind is the most valuable resource for knowledge-driven economy, based on the resolving the complex development issues that ingenuity of our people and their ability to create, now threaten continued growth and prosperity adapt and use science and technology for worldwide. Building creative and innovative wealth generation and national development. capacity is key to Trinidad and Tobago generating Many of our programmes aim to strengthen new and sustainable sources of wealth, reducing the innovative, creative and entrepreneurial dependency on the oil and gas sector, and capabilities of the general population. We are also creating employment. Like many of NIHERST’s very engaged in research, such as in foresight and programmes, this scheme encourages the innovation, to support economic diversification; wider population to generate innovative ideas promoting innovation and the commercialisation and apply scientific knowledge to create new of technology in priority sectors; and building technologies, products, services and solutions to global partnerships. problems. Visit us at: niherst.gov.tt Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and view our There are two categories of awards, with senior YouTube Channel entrants (over age 18) judged separately from keyword: NIHERST

PAGE 24 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 25

PAGE 24 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 25

PAGE 26 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 27 interview stephen doobal | story amelia C. ramjarrieinterview stephen doobal | story amelia C. ramjarrie This week team OMG was delighted to meet Patrice has released six songs so far for the Carnival season. up with soca superstar Patrice Roberts. It They are “Hold on Tight”, “Carnival Spirit”, “Pong it”, “Doh Rough Me Up”, “Bomb Drop” and “Somebody”. These are all was indeed a pleasure meeting the singer’s songs that give you an insight into her personality. “I have nine father and aunt who accompanied her to her more to go, so I am in the recording studio nightly working on OMG photo shoot. They both are clearly very them. My next release is carded for mid next week.” supportive and involved in her career. She We asked Patrice what the future holds for her. She says, “I has also recently teamed up with Ian Pantin’s want to continue making good music, performing in far off renowned soca management team. Patrice places that I am yet to reach. Performing in major festivals globally. Hearing a song of mine on international countdowns says she is excited to see where this new and just helping to take soca music to the world and establish association will lead. myself internationally.” The other big news is that Patrice will be launching her debut Her most recent OMG moment? She says, “During one of my album titled “Somebody”. It will be in stores at the end of performances at an event in New York earlier this year, whilst January and it has 15 all-new tracks. She disclosed that she in the middle of one of my favourite songs, “Ah Lil Wine”, I has put together a 35-minute performance sequence for guess the energy and the vibe was so powerful that a guy the tracks with sound effects and a dynamic intro and outro. came on stage, lift me up and refuse to put me down. OMG! She says, “Of course I will also be on stage alongside Machel Very embarrassing!” and Farmer Nappy on all HD-booked events. I have a strong management team around me highlighted by my recent signing to Ian Pantin. So I am extremely anxious and excited.” When asked what she is looking forward to Patrice says, “I am looking forward to developing my brand and giving fans the opportunity to see more of me. Branding for me will be the name ‘Patrice Roberts’ and PatriceRmusic becoming a Patrice Roberts - full household name throughout the region and beyond. SOMEBODY \"2014 SOCA Expanding my music genres beyond soca and establishing relationships with Independent record labels etc.” Makeup Artist Rey Rey Artistry El Socorro Road, San Juan Contact Info 742-9183 or 688-6870 Email - rey.rey.artistry@gmail. com Lighting/ Retouching Ronaldo Roberts Photographer Stephen Doobal

PAGE 26 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 27 interview stephen doobal | story amelia C. ramjarrieinterview stephen doobal | story amelia C. ramjarrie This week team OMG was delighted to meet Patrice has released six songs so far for the Carnival season. up with soca superstar Patrice Roberts. It They are “Hold on Tight”, “Carnival Spirit”, “Pong it”, “Doh Rough Me Up”, “Bomb Drop” and “Somebody”. These are all was indeed a pleasure meeting the singer’s songs that give you an insight into her personality. “I have nine father and aunt who accompanied her to her more to go, so I am in the recording studio nightly working on OMG photo shoot. They both are clearly very them. My next release is carded for mid next week.” supportive and involved in her career. She We asked Patrice what the future holds for her. She says, “I has also recently teamed up with Ian Pantin’s want to continue making good music, performing in far off renowned soca management team. Patrice places that I am yet to reach. Performing in major festivals globally. Hearing a song of mine on international countdowns says she is excited to see where this new and just helping to take soca music to the world and establish association will lead. myself internationally.” The other big news is that Patrice will be launching her debut Her most recent OMG moment? She says, “During one of my album titled “Somebody”. It will be in stores at the end of performances at an event in New York earlier this year, whilst January and it has 15 all-new tracks. She disclosed that she in the middle of one of my favourite songs, “Ah Lil Wine”, I has put together a 35-minute performance sequence for guess the energy and the vibe was so powerful that a guy the tracks with sound effects and a dynamic intro and outro. came on stage, lift me up and refuse to put me down. OMG! She says, “Of course I will also be on stage alongside Machel Very embarrassing!” and Farmer Nappy on all HD-booked events. I have a strong management team around me highlighted by my recent signing to Ian Pantin. So I am extremely anxious and excited.” When asked what she is looking forward to Patrice says, “I am looking forward to developing my brand and giving fans the opportunity to see more of me. Branding for me will be the name ‘Patrice Roberts’ and PatriceRmusic becoming a Patrice Roberts - full household name throughout the region and beyond. SOMEBODY \"2014 SOCA Expanding my music genres beyond soca and establishing relationships with Independent record labels etc.” Makeup Artist Rey Rey Artistry El Socorro Road, San Juan Contact Info 742-9183 or 688-6870 Email - rey.rey.artistry@gmail. com Lighting/ Retouching Ronaldo Roberts Photographer Stephen Doobal

PAGE 28 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 29 lime .tt where the real limers go in Trinbago! MArdi GrAS MYStiqUE COOLEr CrUiSE

PAGE 28 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 29 lime .tt where the real limers go in Trinbago! MArdi GrAS MYStiqUE COOLEr CrUiSE

PAGE 30 • OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 OMG Magazine | Thursday 2nd January, 2014 • PAGE 31 lime .tt where the real limers go in Trinbago! 51 dEGrEES ANd tHE CULtUrE CLUB PrESENtS BUNJi GArLiN