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A very inspiring speech by STEVE JOBS (CEO of APPLE & P

Posted January 25, 2009 by hussaini787

Three Stories From My Life

As delivered by Steve Jobs

Â This is the very inspirational speech given by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, to the graduating class of Stanford University on June 12, 2005.Â

I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.Â

The first story is about connecting the dots.Â

I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?Â

It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: "We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?" They said: "Of course." My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.Â

And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents' savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn't see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.Â

It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5Â¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:Â

Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.Â

None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.Â

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something -- your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.Â

My second story is about love and loss.Â

I was lucky -- I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation -- the Macintosh -- a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.Â

I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me -- I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.Â

I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.Â

During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the worlds first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.Â

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.Â

My third story is about death.Â

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.Â

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.Â

About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.Â

I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I'm fine now.Â

This was the closest I've been to facing death, and I hope its the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:Â

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.Â

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma -- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.Â

When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park , and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960's, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and Polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.Â

Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.Â

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.Â

Thank you all very much.

Tags: a, speech, is, given, by, JOBS, in, stanford, university

Different Affects of stones in rings

Posted September 26, 2008 by strzaidi

Here's an article I found a while back. I wasn't able to verify the authenticity of it.

Aqeeq, in english, is also known as:

Cornelian
Carnelian
Red Agate
Agate
Chalcedony
Red Chalcedony

And here are some hadith on its merits:

A Hadith from Janabe Salman Farsi states that the last Prophet requested Imam Ali to wear a ring on the right so that he may be listed among the Muqarrabeen (those near to Allah). The Imam asked the Prophet as to who the Muqarrabeen were, to which the Prophet replied Janabe Jibreel and Janabe Mikaiel.

Then the Imam inquired as to which stone should he wear. The Prophet replied Aqiq (cornelian), as this red stone had accepted the Oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of the last Prophet, and the vicegerency of Ali ibne Abi Talib, and the heavens for Ali's friends and Shias.

The 8th Imam was once asked why the 1st Imam wore his ring on the right hand. The Imam replies that Imam Ali is the leader of the Ashabe Yameen, and the Ashabe Yameen are those records of actions will be given on the right hand. And secondly, the last Prophet also wore his rings on his right hand.

The Shias will identified by these symbols, having the ring on the right hand, praying 5 times a day at the right timings, giving charity, distributing among his religious brothers his belongings, ordering good actions and keeping people away from evil.

The 9th Imam stated that Aqiq takes away the poverty and dissolves differences in one's heart.

The 6th Imam stated that Aqiq brings safety while traveling.

The Prophet stated that Allah finds it difficult not to listen to the prayers of those who have Aqiq and Firoza rings on their fingers, and feels hurt to negate their prayers.

The 6th Imam stated on Durre Najaf, that all the Momineen and Mominaat feel happy when they sight this stone, and the pain of their eyes is relived. The Imam stated that he wants every Momin to have five rings. Yakoot ring is the best. The second is Aqiq as it is a stone which has affection for Allah and Ahle Bayt. Third is Firoza which gives strength to the eyes, expands the breast and strengthens the heart. Whenever a Momin goes for some work with a Firoza ring on his finger, his work is done. Fourthly one should wear the ring of Hadeed Cheeni but not always. Only when one is afraid of some mischief then he should visit that environment with this ring on at the stone keeps the devil away.

And the fifth ring should be that of Durre Najaf which
is found only in Najaf. When a person wears a ring of Durre Najaf, at his every glance towards it, Allah gives him the reward of Ziyarat, Hajj and Umrah, which are kept in his record of action. The reward is equal to the rewards of the Prophets and pious; if Allah had not been merciful towards the Shia, then every gem of Durre Najaf would have been costly but Allah made it readily available so that both rich and poor can wear it.

Also Imam al-Sadiq <a> has narrated:

"A hand with a Turquoise or Red-chalcedony ring raised in prayer is dearer before Allah than any other hand."

Another tradition states that praying two rakats Namaz (prayers) while wearing an Aqiq ring is better than praying a thousand rakats without it.

Imam Ali used to wear four rings on his hand - one of ruby (Yaqut) for beauty and dignity, the second of Turquoise (Firuza) for obtaining Divine help and victory, the thrid of Hadid Chini for strength and the fourth of Aqiq to protect himself against enemies and all types of misfortunes.

1)Ma`adh has narrated on the authority of Imam `Ali (a) saying: The one who wears an aqeeq ring, God grants him (literally: seals for him) the peace (al-amn) and faith.

2)Imam `Ali (a) has said: Wear aqeeq on your rings, you will be blessed and will be saved from afflictions.

3)`Abul Mu'min al-Ansaaree reports that I heard Abu `Abdillah (Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq) saying: The hands that wears Firoza will not see poverty.

<Reference: Shaykh al-Tabrasee, Makarimul Akhlaaq, Teheran, 1972, pp. 87-89.>

An Hadith in detail :

al Maghazeli reported from Katheer ibne Zaid and from Salam al Faresi that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, ï¿½Oh Ali! Wear a ring on your right hand as you are from the close people (to Allah (s.w.t.))ï¿½, He (Ali (a.s.)) said, ï¿½Oh Prophet (s.a.w.)! who are the close onesï¿½? He (Prophet (s.a.w.)) replied, ï¿½ Jabrail and Mekaï¿½elï¿½, He (Ali (a.s.)) asked, ï¿½ Oh Messenger of Allah! what ring do I wearï¿½? He (Prophet (s.a.w.)) replied, ï¿½ the red Aqeeq, it is from a mountain that declared the oneness of Allah (s.w.t.) and to me the prophethood and to you the welaya (guardianship) and to your childrenï¿½s the Imama (guardianship) and to those who love you the Janna (Heaven) and to your Shia and the Shia of your children the Ferdous (Heaven).

Aqeeq is an important stone. Tradition states that the Shia of Aaley Mohammed (a.s.) who wears an Aqeeq will never face anything except good, will have safety from all types of dangers, and his livelihood will be enhanced. He will also be protected from unjust rulers and from fear of the unknown. Aqeeq, as tradition goes, is a stone from a mountain in Yemen. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told Ali (a.s.) ï¿½Wear Aqeeq in a ring and you will be close to Allah. ï¿½Three mountains in Jannat have Red, Yellow, and White Aqeeq.

Iltemas-e-Dua:

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Qambar - The Non-Infallible Awliya

Posted August 26, 2008 by fatema

Qambar was also one of those brave men who secured a high position through the influence of the spiritual power of the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali.

He was not afraid of telling the truth and following the right path. Though from the viewpoint of the worldly people he was apparently no more than a slave, he spiritually secured such a high position that he became a confidant of Imam Ali.

The powerful and piercing words with which this man of iron will replied to Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the bloodthirsty sadist, are well-known:

Once Hajjaj said "Qambar! What were your duties when you were in the service of Ali?" Qambar "I used to bring him water for ablution". Hajjaj "On finishing ablution, what did he use to say?" Qambar "He used to recite this verse of the Qur'an

" When they forgot Our admonition, We opened to them the gates of everything they desired; but just as they were rejoicing in what they were given, We seized them unawares with the result that they were left confused. Thus the last remnant of the people who did wrong was cut off. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds ". (Surah al-An'am, 6:44â€”45)

Hajjaj "I think that he applied this verse to us".

"Yes", said Qambar boldly.

Hajjaj: "If I put you to death, what will you do?"

Qambar "I shall be lucky and you will be unlucky".

Hajjaj "Confess that you no longer acknowledge Ali to be your master".

Qambar "If I renounce his way, can you show me a better way? "

Hajjaj did not answer this question, and said "In any case I am going to put you to death. Now tell me how you would like to be killed".

Qambar "I leave that choice to you". Hajjaj "Why ? "

Qambar "The way you will kill me, the same way I'll kill you in the next world. Ali, my master told me that I'd be beheaded unjustly".

So Hajjaj ordered him to be beheaded.

Indeed, if a man obeys Allah, the Holy Prophet and his Ahl al-Bayt, he can have spiritual and esoteric guidance even today and can tread the path of perfection and proximity. For him then, there shall be no fear nor grief for because he will be a Muslim perfectly spiritual and divine.

The Holy Qur'an declares

" As for those who say that our Lord is Allah and then they remain firm in their faith, the angels will descend on them saying: Neither be afraid nor be grieved ". (Surah al-Fussilat, 41: 30)

Tags: ""The, way, you, will, kill, me, the, same, I'll, in, next, world., A

ABC'S OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Posted August 13, 2008 by NADS

Avoid negative sources, people, things and habits.

Believe in yourself.

Consider things in every angle.

Don't give up and don't give in.

Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may NEVER COME.

Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.

Give more than you planned to give.

Hang on to your dreams.

Ignore those who try to DISCOURAGE u.

Just do it! Keep on trying, no matter how hard it seems. It will get better.

LOVE urself first and foremost.

Make it happen.

Never lie or cheat. Always strike a fair deal.

Open your eyes and see things as they really are.

Pratice makes perfect.

Quitters never win and winners never quit.

Read, study and learn about everything important in life.

Stop procrastination.

Take control of your own destiny.

Understand yourself in order to understand others.

Visualize it.

Want it more than anything.Accelerate your efforts.

You are unique, nothing can replace you.

ZERO is on your TARGET, and go for it!!!!!!!

Tags: HI, FRIENDS!, U, WANNA, BE, SUCCESSFUL, IN, LIFE, JUST, TRY, THESE, A, TO, Z, METHODS....

A Strong Woman vs A Woman of Strength

Posted May 13, 2008 by Quratulain

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear of ALLAH.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her own to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be Allah's
blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows Allah will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she
will become strong.