Seven topics to avoid if you don't want to risk being a bore

I hesitate to disagree with the immortal La Rochefoucauld, but I think he was wrong when he wrote, "We are always bored by those whom we bore.”
Not always (though I often remind myself of this observation when I'm feeling bored by someone else). I think that sometimes we find a topic so interesting that it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that it might not be interesting to someone else. And most of us want to make a good impression and avoid boring other people.
Seven topics to avoid if you don't want to risk being a bore

What is your Word of the Century so far?

Susie Dent, author of OUP’s annual Language Report, has told us that the word of the year for 2007 is “footprint”, but can any one word sum up the 21st century so far?
They are conducting a poll over at the AskOxford website, and would love you to take part. You can either choose from one of the selection that Susie has put together from her five years of monitoring the language for her books, or if you don’t agree with any of them, you can nominate your own.
What is your Word of the Century so far?

Password-cracking chip causes security concerns

A technique for cracking computer passwords using inexpensive off-the-shelf computer graphics hardware is causing a stir in the computer security community.
Password-cracking chip causes security concerns

Full Moon is really BIG and BRIGHT in October

On Thursday night, October 25, and into Friday morning, October 26, 2007, the Moon will be visually much larger and brighter than usual.
Full Moon is really BIG and BRIGHT in October

Free Online File Storage

Online file storage services allow you to save, browse and share files, photos, and documents from any computer or mobile device.
Free Online File Storage

Making Documents Look Much Better in MS Word

Do you spend a lot of time formatting documents in Microsoft Word? If so, there are a number of under-the-hood features that can make you more efficient at it, and make your documents look better.
Making Documents Look Much Better in MS Word

10 of The World’s Most Unique Restrooms

Next to eating, drinking and sleeping, going to the restroom is something that we all do quite frequently. Most of the time, we tend to forget that the design of a restroom, especially public bathrooms, have an impact on the individual and on society as a whole. Come witness a worldwide initiative designed to educate society and to improve the designs and structures of public restrooms.
10 of The World’s Most Unique Restrooms

Consumer Price Index, Australia, Sep 2007

Weighted average of eight capital cities.
Consumer Price Index, Australia, Sep 2007

Opening Video from the 2007 Elvis 30th Anniversary Concert

Attendees to the 2007 Elvis 30th Anniversary Concert at the FedExForum in Memphis on August 16th experienced a dream-like video sequence that featured Jerry Schilling, George Klein and Joe Esposito to open the concert.
Opening Video from the 2007 Elvis 30th Anniversary Concert

Ten of the Strangest Things Caught While Fishing

Ten of the Strangest Things Caught While Fishing

25 Skills Every Man Should Know - Essential DIY

These days, you can outsource almost any job—but some things you need to know how to do yourself. Study this master list with step-by-step tips from the experts, and test your DIY aptitude each step of the way.
25 Skills Every Man Should Know

5 Tips to Maximize Your Ability to Concentrate

The quality and quantity of work you can produce is dependent, not only on the effort you put in, but on your ability to concentrate. No matter how hard to you try, if your brain isn’t performing well, you won’t be as productive as you should be.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Ability to Concentrate

5 Reasons Why You Should Simplify What You Say, and How to Do It

One of the trickier things about social skills is to get your message across.
One reason why people have difficulty with this is because they use more words than needed.
5 Reasons Why You Should Simplify What You Say, and How to Do It

Everyone’s Guide to By-Passing Internet Censorship

For Citizens Worldwide.
Everyone’s Guide to By-Passing Internet Censorship

Eight Keys to a Happier Marriage

Newly weds are often asked ‘how’s married life?’ As with everything in life, the answer depends on you. For some, marriage is another word for frustration and even misery. For others it is the bedrock of strength and support they build the rest of their lives around.
Eight Keys to a Happier Marriage

13 Bargain Websites That are Cheaper than eBay

Looking for a place to find some good deals or bargain discounts while shopping online for electronics, clothing, accessories, etc? Well, there are a good number of sites out there other than Fatwallet, which everyone in the world knows about.
13 Bargain Websites That are Cheaper than eBay

3 highly effective tips to handle criticism

People react differently to criticism. The most common reactions are either getting angry and take it personally or else get unmotivated and simply give up in what you are doing (normally the subject of criticism). This post gives three tips on how to deal with criticism to avoid any of the two extreme reactions mentioned above.
3 highly effective tips to handle criticism

Education News, Oct 2007

This newsletter highlights the latest curriculum related teaching resources, student activities and statistical tools that have been developed by ABS Education Services as well as other ABS resources that are useful for schools.
Education News, Oct 2007

Get Lost in Translation Sites

The web makes it possible to search for documents written in every conceivable language, but what if you don't actually know the language you find that special somethin' written in? No worries - there are plenty of online translation services that can give you anything from just a good idea to a complete translation of what you're looking at.
Get Lost in Translation Sites

Scans Reveal Mona Lisa Secrets

For centuries, the "Mona Lisa" has beguiled art buffs unable to resist speculating on its origins and meaning. Now a French inventor claims to have some answers, including the fate of the enigmatic subject's famously missing eyebrows and lashes.
Parisian engineer Pascal Cotte says his ultra-detailed digital scans of the painting allow him to effectively burrow through layers of paint to "see" into the past of Leonardo Da Vinci's 16th-century portrait of a Florentine merchant's wife.
Scans Reveal Mona Lisa Secrets