I am not alone. ahhhhhhhhh

Except in sports and music where successful people tend to come from poor or middle class families. Families that can't afford to send their kids down the "safe path" to middle class via college. Some of these kids instead devote their lives to getting good at sports or music. Good enough to get scholarships or even directly to a pro career.

You are right. It is called Dunbar's Number (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar's_number) or around 150 people.

I for one accuse that man of copyright infringement! Who is with me? Maybe if there are 3 or 4 or us we can get him kicked off the net!

--
Need a break? Try Fable Island

first, Dubai doesn't have that much oil. Not nearly as much as those crazy Canadians.

second, if the Netherlands wants a skating surface (I'll assume you meant rink) outside, it wouldn't take any electricity, unless they used electricity to clean the snow and smooth the surface. The Netherlands is quite far north you know. More north than all of the Great Lakes. (assuming a seasonal rink, which is only logical)

third, if the builders in Dubai pumped water through those pipes and then used that same water for things like showers or laundry (ie. things that _need_ hot water) you could have a net reduction in energy use.

In summary, don't panic, stop hating the places you don't know, don't panic.

--
Boring conference call? Try Fable Island

You know, a capitalist society would say, "let me pay for what I want to use", and a socialist society would say, "bill everyone the same and give everyone the same opportunity."

I'm surprised American's so dislike free play with micro-transactions and prefer to pay a large monthly fee.

You know, universal health care might work for you guys.

---
Boring conference call? Try Fable Island

First, don't approach this backwards.

Don't think, "What can I do to/for them?" because that puts you one one side and them on the other. If you are part of the team then they will want to work for you because you are one of them.

Becoming part of the team doesn't mean doing their job. That is their role. Play your own. As a manager you fight for your guys in any discussion with the rest of the organization. And let your team see it. Defend their flexible time, their choice of desk decoration, whatever. Then eat where they eat and generally be around for them.

They will be motivated to work for you if they want you to be a part of their team.