Eyebuzz

7 best anti-cancer foods

2009-03-08T10:11:00.000+08:00

According to the British Medical Journal, diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors and has been estimated to account for up to 80 per cent of cancers of the large bowel, breast and prostate.

Researchers have suggested that 35 out of every 100 cancer cases might be prevented if people simply altered their diets.

While studying the effect of diets on cancer is a complicated process, a large-scale study has been doing just that since 1992.

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) will be producing reports on diets and cancer over the next two decades.

Here's evidence to support the idea that eating your fruits and vegetables may be a good form of health insurance:

RED ONIONS
With their sweet flavour and rich colour, red onions can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rich in quercetin - a plant pigment that belongs to a class of compounds called bioflavonoids.

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant (which protects against cell damage from free radicals) and antihistamine (which is given to reduce allergies).

And research shows it may also prevent cancer, especially of the prostate.

A combination of quercetin along with curcumin - the pigment in turmeric - has been shown to reduce the number of pre-cancerous growths in the intestinal tracts of people prone to such growths. Apples and spinach are also good sources of quercetin.

CHILLI PEPPERS
They do not merely spice up food. The peppery hot stuff can induce cancer cells to commit suicide - a process scientists call aptosis or cell death. Normal cells are programmed to self-destruct while cancer cells are not.

Researchers in California reported in March that capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilli peppers their zing, can shrink prostate cancer cells. The hot pepper component also reduced cancer cell production of PSA, a protein that is often produced in high quantities by prostate tumours.

Jalapenos and other chilli peppers are good sources of capsaicin, proof that healthy food need not be bland.

CARROTS
A carrot a day could keep the doctor away. Carrots derive their rich colour from beta carotene, which belongs to a class of compounds called carotenoids. They give fruit and vegetables their colours and are powerful antioxidants.

Diets high in fruit and vegetables that are rich in beta carotene have been shown to potentially reduce the incidence of cancers.

It is best to consume naturally occurring carotenoids from foods rather than supplements.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
Your grandmother was right: Eat your cruciferous veggies. Studies associate these vegetables with lower risk of lung and colorectal cancer.

This is because they contain a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals that may work synergistically to stave off cancer.

Good examples are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, arugula, horse radish, wasabi and watercress.

BERRIES
Research shows that berries are among the fruit highest in antioxidants and that they are excellent sources of phytochemicals that aid in blocking the growth of cancer cells. Many berries get their rich red colour from anthocyanins - a kind of phytochemical. In laboratory studies, anthocyanins have been shown to inhibit growth of lung, colon and leukaemia cancer cells without affecting growth of healthy cells.

They are also very good sources of vitamin C, so starting your day with a handful of juicy berries could be a good insurance policy against cancer.

GARLIC
Apart from imparting a rich flavour to almost anything on your plate, garlic contains allyl sulfur and other compounds that slow or prevent the growth of tumour cells. Peeling garlic and processing garlic into oil or powder - rather than cooking it immediately after peeling - can increase the number and variety of active compounds.

Researchers also suggest waiting for at least 15 minutes after you peel garlic before you cook it.

According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, 28 out of 37 studies with allyl sulfur compounds showed that they had some cancer preventive effect. The evidence is particularly strong for a link between garlic and prevention of prostate and stomach cancers.

TURMERIC
Used extensively in Asian cooking, turmeric is known for its anti- inflammatory properties. Its brilliant yellow hue comes from curcumin - a phytochemical that is being studied for its anti-cancer effects as well.

According to University of Chicago scientists, curcumin inhibits a bacterium called H. Pylori which is associated with gastric and colon cancer.

The fresh turmeric root and its dried and powdered form are an integral part of South Asian cooking and studies show that levels of colorectal cancer are low in India and Sri Lanka.

Various studies have reported that curcumin reduces the number and size of existing tumours, and decreases the incidence of new tumour formation.
- The Straits Times

Do the Right Thing

2009-01-11T15:43:00.001+08:00

10 Rules for Ethical Leadership

1) The rule of mindfulness. Pay attention! Mindfulness means being attuned to what is going on and then reflecting (without judgment) on the impact your decisions have on others. Organizational mindfulness requires connecting mindful people together to help others in the organization achieve greater congruence between their intentions and outcomes.

2) The rule of respecting others. Recognize and reward the positive intent of others in their actions. It helps create a culture of appreciation and encourages support. But don't leave out self-respect. It is true that you must respect yourself before others can respect you.

3) The rule of engagement. Take the high ground. Understand the limitations, strengths and circumstances under which you initiate and manage your interactions with others. Engage others by being prepared, polite and positive.

4) The rule of wisdom. Let your wisdom govern your actions and decisions. Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting. Sometimes, it is merely common sense and good judgment, blended with a smart plan and clear course of action. Wisdom is usually considered to be a trait that can be developed through experience but not taught.

5)The rule of action. Respond in a timely way to any unethical behavior you observe or receive information about. Stop any inappropriate activity and rectify the situation immediately. Action requires clear intention. Knowing why you are taking action is a considered response rather than a reaction.

6)The rule of power. Know your power and use it well. Power is a person's ability to influence others. Through influence, you spread ideas, set direction, make choices and guide outcomes. All these require accountability and honesty.

7)The rule of dialogue. Talk about ethics and keep the conversation going. Encourage people to understand the full meaning of ethics by talking about it in staff meetings and other work-related areas. Create ongoing communication, rather than attempting to reach some conclusion or express personal viewpoints.

8)The rule of acting without self-interest. Place high value on the fact that other people are actual or potential co-workers, peers, bosses, customers and neighbors. When we act with the best interest of others in mind, we enjoy less conflict, easier problem solving and a greater sense of trust.

9)The rule of listening. Learn to listen. Most of us take listening for granted, so we don't work very hard at improving it. But effective listening doesn't just happen; it takes a great deal of purpose. It's hard work and requires your complete attention.

10)The rule of safety. Protect others. Safety is the condition of being protected against physical harm - socially, spiritually, financially, politically and emotionally. Strive to do no harm and make certain that people around you have a safe harbor to do what is right.

by CCL's Cresencio Torres (Adapted)

The chicken or the egg?

2009-01-10T00:51:00.000+08:00

It’s a chicken and egg thing and the answer is, finally?!

Fullness allows no space. Emptiness allows space to get back from it. To be able to circumvent the thing. To be able to observe it from all sides. To look through the layers and know things in terms of self. Emptiness and fullness are boundless. The experience is not in the emptiness or fullness, but in the boundlessness and one is filled with empty words.

The case of a circular cause and consequence.

"It's a little like the chicken and the egg. Companies seem to acknowledge the problem, but everyone is standing around waiting for someone else to find a solution. It's a little frustrating because that means we may have a crisis before most companies do anything about it." Sandra Timmerman

"It is better to be the head of chicken than the rear end of an ox." Japanese Proverb

One Foundation

2009-01-01T10:55:00.002+08:00

"If we learn the art of yielding what must be yielded to the changing present, we can save the best of the past." Dean Acheson

Spirit of Si Chuan
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

7 Sure-fire Ways to Kill Your Promotion

2008-11-25T22:39:00.001+08:00

Promoting?

When it comes to getting ahead in the world of work, some people make it look so easy. It's almost as if they know of a secret fast track that's helped propel them from one level to the next. They land jobs at the best companies, impress all the right people and seem to be promoted even before the ink on the job offer is dry.

On the other hand, the world of work is certainly filled with people who just can't seem to climb the next rung of the corporate ladder. No matter how hard they try or how badly they want it, being promoted seems impossible.

Susan Britton Whitcomb identifies the characteristics and behaviors that differentiate these two types of people in her book, "30-Day Job Promotion
" "Having interviewed numerous managers and worked with hundreds of career-minded clients over the years, a clear pattern has emerged: Those with the greatest promotablility demonstrated a blend of hard skills and, more importantly, soft skills. For example, confidence, critical thinking and commitment," Whitcomb says.

But what about people who can't position themselves in the promotion pipeline? Why aren't they moving forward, even though they're perfectly qualified for a higher-level position? A significant part of the problem may be that, because of their attitudes and behaviors, decision-makers ruled them out of consideration for a promotion long before the option was available.

According to Whitcomb, there are several mistakes people can make that will hinder their chances of being promoted or earning the support of their superiors and colleagues. In "30-Day Job Promotion," she outlines seven faux pas:

1. Not dressing, speaking or acting the part
When it comes to being promoted, looks do matter. If you don't look the part, it will be much more difficult for decision-makers to envision you in it. Instead of dressing sloppily or inappropriately, strive to dress in a manner similar to people two levels above you.

2. Being unprepared with talking points about the value you'd bring to the position
Just because the decision-maker in the promotion process is already familiar with you doesn't mean you're done proving yourself to him or her. Highlight your skills, knowledge and strengths to reinforce your return on investment.

3. Being deceitful or underhanded
If you're acting friendly and respectful to superiors one moment and undermining them behind their backs the next, you risk developing a reputation for being two-faced and untrustworthy.

4. Being clueless about the big picture
Decision-makers want to know that promoting you will impact the company's bottom line. If you can't convince them that your new ideas and extra effort will achieve the company's goals, you probably won't gain their buy-in for a promotion.

5. Pouting or grousing
It's important for leaders to exude a positive attitude at all times -- both good and bad. Decision-makers will never be able to support you as a leader, worthy of promotion, if you're being bitter, negative or dismissive of others because you don't get your way at work.

6. Expecting a promotion without going above and beyond in your current position
Some people mistakenly believe that because they do their job well and do what's asked of them, they're entitled to a promotion. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Employers want to advance employees who exceed their expectations and are willing to take on more than what their job description entails.

7. Overusing the terms "my career" or "promotion" in discussions with your manager
In most situations, your employer's needs come before your own. Therefore, expressing that you'd like to take your career to the next level won't get you nearly as far as something such as, "I'm committed to doing everything I can to help this company grow and succeed."

"Remember, getting promoted is not for the faint of heart," Whitcomb says. "To climb the ladder, you'll need a proactive plan, proof of performance, the right perception of you, perseverance and a positive attitude."

Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing.

"A person is most efficient and will more quickly and easily succeed when engaged in work they love." Napoleon Hill

"If you only believe what you see, then you are limited to what's on the surface. If you only believe what you see, then why do you pay your electric bill?" Dr. Wayne Dyer

Lameman Salesman?

2008-11-05T05:49:00.001+08:00

Wake up your ideas

2008-10-08T12:38:00.004+08:00

MOST Singaporeans are just too lazy to think in order to solve problems. This is what Mr Jonathan Chee, 53, thinks.

He said: 'They don't feel it's necessary to think. Thinking is hard work. Unless they have good reason to think, they can't be bothered.'

He feels the root issue lies with the education system, which does not encourage students to question their teachers. The young grow up to be adults who do not question the way things are and will simply accept the status quo.

'People are over-reliant on the Government.

'They think 'Government is so smart, they have scholars from Oxford, Cambridge to solve problems - why should we think? We're not paid to think,' said Mr Chee, who runs a business management and consultancy firm.

He likened the process of problem-solving with that of a group of blind men trying to identify an elephant by feeling its different parts.

The scholars may touch most of the elephant's body, meaning they get 90 per cent of the solution, but a layman may touch the elephant's trunk or tail, which may be the key to solving the problem.

'The point is to build on each other's ideas. But people here share only in anonymous blogs, and even then, they write mostly about personal issues. It's not ideas to solve their neighbourhood's or the country's problems,' said Mr Chee.

He is grateful for one place where he can park his ideas, the website, www.wakeupyourideas.com.sg, set up by a group of youths who want to provide locals with a platform to share ideas and solutions to issues and problems they face.

Two years ago, when Joo Chiat residents were pushing to clean up their neighbourhood from vice activities, he initiated a petition in his Toa Payoh neighbourhood to support it.

He went door-to-door, talking to more than 200residents about the seriousness of the situation. But he got only 30 signatures.

'Most of my neighbours said they'd just leave Singapore if crime becomes a problem,' he said.

He faxed the petition to the relevant government agencies, but did not get a reply.

Although that experience was dismal, he continued to speak out and writes at least one letter to the press each day. Out of 1,000 written in the past few years, 20 of them have been published.

Mr Chee, who has a son, 15, and daughter, 7, was not always so pro-active with his ideas.

'Awakening'

His 'awakening' happened about 10years ago, when a friend told him that he shares the same Chinese surname as the founder of the Ming dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, who started life as a poor orphan.

When Mr Chee was young, he was ridiculed because his Chinese surname, Zhu, sounds like the word pig in Chinese.

'I was quite frustrated. It was only when I was 40-something that I found out about Zhu Yuanzhang, who was idolised by Mao Zedong,' said Mr Chee, who wrote a book Entrepreneurship Made Simple?

He also credits the readers of his book and friends for his prolific ideas, adding: 'Ideas can come from anywhere and at anytime. When it comes to creativity, there is only one rule, which is 'No rule'.

'The most important thing about ideas is to reflect on them and relate it to an existing problem. Knowledge is only power when it is applied.'

By Teh Jen Lee, TNP.

8 Strategies for Winning

2008-10-01T09:10:00.005+08:00

How to succeed without being an SOB—or a pushover

Many people suffer from Nice Guy Syndrome, held back from higher levels of success by being too selfless at work. It’s a tricky problem, because if you start to think that being nice is bad, it’s easy to overcompensate with selfishness, intimidation, and intense aggression.

The founders of Nice Guy Strategies teach that nice is not about being weak or soft—that you can hang on to your morals, compassion, and sincerity and still get ahead. The key is to draw on eight practical strategies— The Nice Guy Bill of Rights—that will help you find the right balance.

Each chapter shares insights and stories from both ordinary nice guys and celebrity executives.

'Nice Guy Bill of Rights'
1) Self Awareness-Know your strengths & weaknesses.
2) Speak Up-Let your opinions be heard.
3) Set Boundaries-Set and respect them.
4) Confront-Address issues directly and without fear.
5) Choose-Make choices without guilt.
6) Expect Results-Be accountable to others and yourself.
7) Be Bold-Push the envelope.
8) Win-Finish first.

Don't sabotage ourselves by being acquiescent and compliant rather than be assertive and confident.

"Finally, a book that teaches nice guys how to be strong, decisive, and get things done much more efficiently and successfully than tyrannical managers."
—George Nadaff, founder & former CEO, Boston Chicken.

9 Ways of Happiness Lead to Success

2008-09-22T09:33:00.003+08:00

How we think about happiness and success has profound implications for how we run our lives. If we think that success mainly leads to happiness then we are more motivated to focus on success to the exclusion of happiness right now, assuming that happiness will naturally flow from success when we obtain it.

People in a positive mood are more likely to:

1. Talk to others. In one experiment men in a positive mood were more likely to talk to a woman and to make self-disclosures, which are important in social relations.

2. Be interested in leisure activities. People in a good mood want to throw a party, go on vacation or go out for a meal.

3. Enjoy those social interactions and leisure activities more.

4. Resolve conflicts effectively. Studies have found people in a good mood are more likely to try and collaborate rather than avoid conflict and compete when they are put in a positive mood.

5. Help others. When in a good mood, people are more likely to display what psychologists call 'prosocial behaviour' - helping others and being generous with both time and money.

6. Feel healthier. Experimental evidence shows that people in a good mood experience less pain and perceive themselves to be more healthy.

7. Be more creative. People in a positive mood are more likely to think with originality and flexibility - perhaps through encouraging playfulness.

8. Perform complex tasks better. Somewhat controversial this one but some evidence supports it although it probably depends on the nature of the task.

9. Attribute success to their own skills. Good moods improve people's self-efficacy (our confidence in our own abilities).

Feeling better in the moment is not only more pleasant but is also likely to open our minds to opportunities at work, play and in our personal relationships. It's recognising and taking these opportunities that will lead us to success.

Experiential versus material purchases
(Adapted)
Leaf Van Boven from the University of Colorado and Thomas Gilovich from Cornell University carried out an intriguing experiment that gets at this question of whether materialism results in less happiness (Van Boven & Gilovich, 2003).

Materialism is a dirty word. It also gets a bad rap in psychology. Studies consistently show that people who agree with statements like "You will buy things just because you want them," tend to be:

Less satisfied with life,
Less happy,
More likely to be depressed,
More likely to be paranoid,
More likely to be narcissistic.

Why do experiences fare better than possessions?
1. Experiences improve with time (possessions don't).
The reason why experiences improve with time may be because it is possible to think about experiences in a more abstract manner than possessions. Material possessions are harder to think about in an abstract sense. It's more likely the experience of that summer has taken on a symbolic meaning that can live longer in your memory than a possession.

2. Experiences are resistant to unfavourable comparisons.
How we might view positive events. It's well established that social comparisons can have a huge effect on how we view what might seem like positive events. That is, in other words, it's not about how much we earn, it's about how much we earn in comparison to other people. It's the social comparison, then, not the actual amount of money, that affects how we feel about our earnings. Comparing possessions, however, is generally easy. It's more difficult to make an unfavourable comparison when there is nothing directly comparable.

3. Experiences have more social value
There are two reasons experiences have more social value than possessions. First, experiences tend to encourage social relationships and increased social relationships are good for our happiness. Second, it is more socially acceptable to discuss our experiences with others. People who bang on about their possessions are considered much less likeable than those who talk about their holiday adventures.

Limitations
- The experiments examined here looked at short-term emotions - will these short-term emotions add up to long-term happiness?
- Highly materialistic people might actually get more pleasure out of material purchases than experiences

REFERENCES
Lyubomirsky, S., King, L. & Diener, E. (2005) The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success?

Van Boven, L. (2005) Experientialism, Materialism, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Limiting Your Success?

2008-09-15T06:55:00.008+08:00

“Try to discover what it is you most dislike in others, what you most often criticize and condemn them for. A little elementary self-analysis may reveal that those qualities are hidden in the depths of your own mind and that in criticizing others in this way you are, in fact, unconsciously criticizing yourself.” Bikshu Sangharakshita, author of Essence of Zen.

"Men will spend their health getting wealth. Then, gladly pay all they have earned to get health back." Mike Murdock

Your Weight Loss Advantage!

2008-09-12T17:29:00.002+08:00

by Julie Upton, RD (Adapted)

Your body burns more calories digesting ice cold beverages and foods
Different studies have suggested that five or six ice cold glasses of water could help you burn about 10 extra calories a day equaling about 1 pound of nearly effortless weight loss each year.

Drinking the right amount of water can help you burn more calories.
All of your body's chemical reactions, including your metabolism, depend on water. If you are dehydrated, you may be burning up to 2% fewer.

Dieting drops your resting metabolic rate, making it harder to keep weight off.
For every pound you lose, your resting metabolism drops by about 2 to 10 calories a day. Therefore, to lose 10 pounds, you now have to eat 20 to 100 fewer calories to maintain your trimmer physique, not factoring in exercise. One way to lose fat and maintain muscle is by reducing calories and increasing aerobic and resistance exercise.

Hot foods will fire up metabolism.
Capsaicin, the bioactive compound that makes chile peppers exude heat, can turn your metabolism up a notch while also enhancing satiety and reducing hunger. Studies show that eating about 1 tablespoon of chopped red or green chile pepper, which is equal to 30 mg of capsaicin, resulted in up to a temporary 23% boost in metabolism.

Eating more protein will rev up your metabolism.
Protein provides a metabolic advantage compared with fat or carbohydrates because your body uses more energy to process it. This is known as the thermic effect of food (TEF). Studies show that you may burn up to twice as many calories digesting protein as carbohydrates.

Eating a grapefruit before every meal speeds metabolism.
Grapefruit won't work miracles for your metabolism, but it can help you lose weight. Half a grapefruit before meals helped individuals lose about 4 pounds in 12 weeks. Its fiber and water fill you up on fewer calories, so you eat less at your next meal.

Lifting weights boosts your metabolism more than a cardio workout.
When you strength train enough to add 3 pounds of muscle, you increase your calorie burn by 6 to 8% meaning that you burn about 100 extra calories every day. Aerobic exercise, on the other hand, doesn't significantly increase your body's lean muscle mass. Strength train includes squats, push-ups, and any exercise that combines upper and lower body movements.

Celery is a "negative calorie food" because digesting it uses up more calories than it provides.
The thermic effect of food does cause your body to burn up calories as it processes meals, snacks, and beverages. But this process accounts for anywhere from 0 to 30% of the calories you eat (protein, for example, takes more calories to digest than fat or carbohydrates. Celery has phthalides; compounds that can help reduce blood pressure.

Tea revs your natural calorie burn
Catechins found in green and oolong teas can boost the body's fat burning fire. One study of Japanese women compared the effects of drinking green tea, oolong tea, or water on various days. Just one large cup of oolong tea increased calorie burning by up to 10%, a boost that peaked 1 1/2 hours later. Green tea raised metabolism by 4% for 1 1/2 hours. Other studies show that drinking two to four cups of green or oolong daily (about 375 to 675 mg of catechins) may translate into an extra 50 calories burned each day about 5 pounds' worth in a year.

PMS cravings are related to the boost in metabolism before your period.
If there is a silver lining to PMS, it's that our resting metabolic rate may increase during the part of the menstrual cycle known as the luteal phase (the day after ovulation to the first day of your period). The metabolic boost we get from being "hormonal" can equal as much as 300 calories a day, which is why our appetite increases during this phase.

If you have limited time, exercise at a higher intensity for a metabolic afterburn.
People who exercise at very high intensities experience a post-exercise boost in resting metabolic rate that is larger and lasts longer compared with those who work out at a low or moderate level. Up the effort of your workout and you can expect to burn at least 10% of the total calories used during the workout in the hour or so after exercising. So, if you do a combo of walking and jogging for 4 miles (about 400 calories) instead of just walking, you may burn an extra 40 calories in the next few hours. Infuse your workout with bursts of speed. Gradually work your way up to 2-minute intervals, 3 days a week.

7 Foods to Keep You Young

2008-09-04T06:40:00.001+08:00

Secrets of long life from around the world by Peter Jaret, Eating Well Media Group.

1: Olive oil
Four decades ago, researchers from the Seven Countries Study concluded that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil were largely responsible for the low rates of heart disease and cancer on the Greek island of Crete. Now we know that olive oil also contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that may help prevent age-related diseases.

2: Yogurt
In the 1970s, Soviet Georgia was rumored to have more centenarians per capita than any other country. Reports at the time claimed that the secret of their long lives was yogurt, a food ubiquitous in their diets. While the age-defying powers of yogurt never have been proved directly, yogurt is rich in calcium, which helps stave off osteoporosis and contains “good bacteria” that help maintain gut health and diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness.

3: Fish
Thirty years ago, researchers began to study why the native Inuits of Alaska were remarkably free of heart disease. The reason, scientists now think, is the extraordinary amount of fish they consume. Fish is an abundant source of omega-3 fats, which help prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries and protect against abnormal heart rhythms.

4: Chocolate
The Kuna people of the San Blas islands, off the coast of Panama, have a rate of heart disease that is nine times less than that of mainland Panamanians. The reason? The Kuna drink plenty of a beverage made with generous proportions of cocoa, which is unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

5: Nuts
Studies of Seventh-Day Adventists (a religious denomination that emphasizes healthy living and a vegetarian diet) show that those who eat nuts gain, on average, an extra two and a half years. Nuts are rich sources of unsaturated fats, so they offer benefits similar to those associated with olive oil. They’re also concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals, including antioxidants.

6: Wine
Drinking alcohol in moderation protects against heart disease, diabetes and age-related memory loss. Any kind of alcoholic beverage seems to provide such benefits, but red wine has been the focus of much of the research. Red wine contains resveratrol, a compound that likely contributes to its benefits—and, according to animal studies, may activate genes that slow cellular aging.

7: Blueberries
In a landmark study published in 1999, researchers at Tufts University’s Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging fed rats blueberry extract for a period of time that in “rat lives” is equivalent to 10 human years. These rats outperformed rats fed regular chow on tests of balance and coordination when they reached old age. Compounds in blueberries (and other berries) mitigate inflammation and oxidative damage, which are associated with age-related deficits in memory and motor function.

Who do you think is more shallow?

2008-08-29T20:42:00.002+08:00

Live Vote

People who date someone only for their money?

vs

People who date someone only for their looks?

8 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

2008-08-09T15:43:00.002+08:00

Spinach
Sexual enhancement, Muscle growth, Heart healthy, Bone builder, May protect against cataracts and macular degeneration

It may be green and leafy, but spinach is also the ultimate man food. This noted biceps builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the penis. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce

FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.

PINCH HITTER: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 Tbsp. water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped). Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tsp. soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds.

Yogurt
Cancer fighter, Bone builder, Boosts immunity

Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food's health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body, which boost the immune system and provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic though, so make sure the label says "live and active cultures." Aim for 1 cup of the calcium and protein-rich goop a day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, soy yogurt

FIT IT IN: Yogurt topped with blueberries, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast — or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.

HOME RUN: Power Smoothie Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup carrot juice, and 1 cup fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-rich blast.

Tomatoes
Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity

There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they're packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice.

SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava

FIT IT IN: Pile on the ketchup and Ragu; guzzle low-sodium V8 and gazpacho; double the amount of tomato paste called for in a recipe.

PINCH HITTER: Red and Pink Fruit Bowl Chop 1 small watermelon, 2 grapefruits, 3 persimmons, 1 papaya, and 4 guavas. Garnish with mint.

Carrots
Cancer fighter, Boosts immunity, Enhances eyesight

Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids — fat-soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis — but none are as easy to prepare, or have as low a caloric density, as carrots. Aim for 1/2 cup a day.

SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango

FIT IT IN: Raw baby carrots, sliced raw yellow pepper, butternut squash soup, baked sweet potato, pumpkin pie, mango sorbet, carrot cake

PINCH HITTER: Baked Sweet Potato Fries Scrub and dry 2 sweet potatoes. Cut each into 8 slices, and then toss with olive oil and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Turn and bake for 10 minutes more.

Blueberries
Brain stimulant, Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity

Host to more antioxidants than any other popular fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname "brain berry"). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 cup frozen or dried.

SUBSTITUTES: Açai berries, purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries

FIT IT IN: Blueberries maintain most of their power in dried, frozen, or jam form.

PINCH HITTER: Açai, an Amazonian berry, has even more antioxidants than the blueberry. Mix 2 Tbsp. of açai powder into OJ or add 2 Tbsp. of açai pulp to cereal, yogurt, or a smoothie.

Black Beans
Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Heart healthy

All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That's because they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily ½cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat.

SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans

FIT IT IN: Wrap black beans in a breakfast burrito; use both black beans and kidney beans in your chili; puree 1 cup black beans with ¼cup olive oil and roasted garlic for a healthy dip; add favas, limas, or peas to pasta dishes.

HOME RUN: Black Bean and Tomato Salsa Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapeños, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 2 limes.

Walnuts
Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity

Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts — about 1 ounce, or seven nuts — is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack.

SUBSTITUTES: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts

FIT IT IN: Sprinkle on top of salads; dice and add to pancake batter; spoon peanut butter into curries; grind and mix with olive oil to make a marinade for grilled fish or chicken.

HOME RUN: Mix 1 cup walnuts with ½ cup dried blueberries and ¼ cup dark chocolate chunks.

Oats
Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Heart healthy

The éminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA's first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per ½-cup serving, they deliver steady muscle-building energy.

SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, wild rice

FIT IT IN: Eat granolas and cereals that have a fiber content of at least 5 grams per serving. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed on cereals, salads, and yogurt.

PINCH HITTER: Quinoa Salad Quinoa has twice the protein of most cereals, and fewer carbs. Boil 1 cup quinoa in a mixture of 1 cup pear juice and 1 cup water. Let cool. In a large bowl, toss 2 diced apples, 1 cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, and 1 cup plain fat-free yogurt.

Source

If You’re Open to Growth, You Tend to Grow

2008-07-08T07:43:00.002+08:00

By JANET RAE-DUPREE (Adapted)

WHY do some people reach their creative potential in business while other equally talented peers don’t?

After three decades of painstaking research, the Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck believes that the answer to the puzzle lies in how people think about intelligence and talent. Those who believe they were born with all the smarts and gifts they’re ever going to have approach life with what she calls a “fixed mind-set.” Those who believe that their own abilities can expand over time, however, live with a “growth mind-set.”

“Society is obsessed with the idea of talent and genius and people who are ‘naturals’ with innate ability,” says Ms. Dweck, who is known for research that crosses the boundaries of personal, social and developmental psychology.

“People who believe in the power of talent tend not to fulfill their potential because they’re so concerned with looking smart and not making mistakes. But people who believe that talent can be developed are the ones who really push, stretch, confront their own mistakes and learn from them.”

In this case, nurture wins out over nature just about every time.

While some managers apply these principles every day, too many others instead believe that hiring the best and the brightest from top-flight schools guarantees corporate success.

The problem is that, having been identified as geniuses, the anointed become fearful of falling from grace.

“It’s hard to move forward creatively and especially to foster teamwork if each person is trying to look like the biggest star in the constellation,” Ms. Dweck says.

In her 2006 book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” she shows how adopting either a fixed or growth attitude toward talent can profoundly affect all aspects of a person’s life, from parenting and romantic relationships to success at school and on the job.

© Web Wealth ©

2008-07-07T08:39:00.001+08:00

The "Good Enough" Guide to Health

2008-07-06T10:30:00.003+08:00

By Camille Noe Pagán (adapted)

FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Up to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. And aiming to eat from at least three different color groups (such as green, orange/yellow, red, white, and blue/purple) a day will ensure you get a wide variety of nutrients.

EXERCISE
A study from McMaster University in Canada found that people who did a total of 2 to 3 minutes of high-intensity exercise in the form of 30-second all-out sprints improved their cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance as much as those who did 40 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise.

STAYING HYDRATED
Sipping water isn't the only way to stay hydrated. Other beverages (including caffeinated options such as coffee and tea) and foods that contain water (such as soup and fresh fruits and vegetables) contribute, too. In fact, food makes up about 20% of your water intake daily. Gulp before you eat. A study from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found that postmenopausal women who drank 1 ½ cups of water prior to eating a meal reported feeling fuller, and as a result consumed about 60 fewer calories than those who didn't drink beforehand.

STRENGTH-TRAINING
Research showed that people who lifted weights weekly for 2 months gained nearly as much lean muscle (about 3 pounds) as those who worked out three times a week.

WASHING YOUR HANDS
Wash for 10 seconds, then rinse. A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill showed that's enough to knock off more than 90% of infection-causing microbes. Skip the antibacterial soap. Regular soap and water is not only just as effective, but it may actually be better for your health, too.

A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Aim to lose 5 to 7% of your current body weight. That's equivalent to 8 to 11 pounds if you're 5-foot-4 and 165 pounds. A National Institute of Health study found that weight loss in this range can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58%. "Numerous other studies show that it's also enough to lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well as risk of heart disease," says David Arterburn, MD, MPH, an obesity researcher at the Group Health Center for Health Studies at the University of Washington.

Singapore's 40 Richest

2008-07-02T14:56:00.003+08:00

by Justin Doebele

1. Ng Teng Fong
Net Worth: $6.7 billion
Age: 79
Married, 6 children
Through Far East Organization has developed more than 700 hotels, malls, condos in Singapore. Has extensive Hong Kong portfolio. Other interests include food and drink maker Yeo Hiap Seng, partnering with U.S. foodmaker Hain Celestial Group to market organic foods in Asia. Older son Robert oversees Hong Kong interests; younger son, Philip. manages Singapore interests.

2. Khoo family
Net Worth: $5.7 billion
Late banker Khoo Teck Puat left fortune to 14 children. Family sold stake in Standard Chartered Bank 2006 for $4 billion. Real estate holdings include landmark hotel Goodwood Park. Recently gave $32 million to Peking University in China, $70 million for a hospital to be named after their father. Youngest son, Eric (in photo), is noted local filmmaker.

3. Wee Cho Yaw & family
Net Worth: $3.3 billion
Age: 78
Married, 5 children
Succession planning under way at Singapore's largest bank, United Overseas Bank, founded by Wee's father in 1935. Wee, who took control in 1974, stepped down as chief executive earlier this year, handing reins to son Wee Ee Cheong; remains chairman.

4. Zhong Sheng Jian
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Age: 48
Married
Moved from China in 1988. Began building luxury residences back in his native China 5years later. Yanlord Land Group now listed in Singapore.

5. Kwek Leng Beng & family
Net Worth: $1.1 billion
Age: 66
Married, 2 children
Heads Hong Leong Group, an international conglomerate started by father Kwek Hong Png and his three brothers in 1940s. Today interests include property company City Developments; Singapore's biggest finance group, Hong Leong Finance; and London-listed Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. Cousins Kwek Leng Kee (No. 20), Kwek Leng Peck (No. 30) and Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan have separate stakes in vast empire.

6. Kuok Khoon Hong
$960 million
Age: 58. Married, 4 children
Got start working for his uncle Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok's trading firms. Left in 1991 to cofound Indonesian palm oil producer Wilmar with Martua Sitorus, now an Indonesian rich lister. Merged with Kuok's palm oil business in June 2007 (kept Wilmar name); now building one of world's largest biofuel refineries.

7. Peter Lim
$830 million
Age: 54. Married, 2 children
Son of fishmonger became successful stockbroker for wealthy Indonesian clients; nicknamed King of the Remisiers (Singapore term for stockbroker). Stopped managing other people's money in 1996 to become full-time investor. Held on to stock of winning palm oil producer Wilmar; his initial $10 million investment now worth $700 million. Also second-largest investor in distributor FJ Benjamin.

8. Lee Seng Wee
Net Worth: $650 million
Age: 76
Former chairman of Singapore's third-largest bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., still sits on board. Also director of family's Lee Foundation. In May appointed chair of Temasek Trust, a civic initiative launched by the government. Fortune down due to new information on family split.

9. Denis Jen
Net Worth: $600 million
Age: 83
Married, 2 children
Orphan fled native China after Communist takeover. Launched textile and trading businesses in Taiwan, Hong Kong before landing in Australia and building real estate empire. Today portfolio includes 5 shopping malls in Australia and pork producer, KR Castlemaine. Keeps low profile.

10. Chew Hua Seng
Net Worth: $595 million
Age: 53
Married, 4 children
Former timber trader almost went bankrupt when a shipment was lost at sea and banks called in loans. Invested in Singapore government scheme to start private design school; turned initial stake into Raffles Education, which operates 26 private colleges from China to India to New Zealand.

11. Brian Chang
Net Worth: $590 million
Age: 64
Married, 3 children
South African-born Chang moved to Singapore and today chairs Yantai Raffles Shipyard, whose stock price has nearly doubled since last year's listing on Norway's over-the-counter board. Operates one of Asia's largest dry docks. Owns 289-foot yacht, Asean Lady, which survived 2005 Asian tsunami intact, despite being off Thai coast.

12. Tan Boy Tee
Net Worth: $520 million
Age: 58
Married, 2 children
Founder and chairman of tug and barge operator Labroy Marine. Company now building new rig-building yard; purchased 16% stake in Norway's Master Marine.

13. Chua Thian Poh
Net Worth: $500 million
Age: 59
Married, 4 children
High school dropout earned first million by age 21 making hooks and spikes for logging industry. Later founded luxury property developer Ho Bee Investment; owns land at Sentosa Cove, Singapore's popular waterfront address. Chairs the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Arts patron.

14. Robert Chandran
Net Worth: $490 million
Age: 57
Married, 2 children
Born in India; made first fortune in U.S. real estate. Founded marine fuel trader Chemoil in 1981; today group is one of world's largest suppliers of marine fuel. Also owns Franklin Baker, Philippines' coconut products company that supplies all the coconut for Girl Scout cookies.

15. Simon Cheong
$480 million
50. Married, 3 children
Former real estate investment banker set up own property firm in 1996; today his SC Global Developments is one of Singapore's largest residential property developers. It also owns 41% of Australia's housing developer AVJennings.

16. Cheng Wai Keung & family
Net Worth: $475 million
Age: 56
Married, 3 children
Inherited Wing Tai Holdings, a property, retail and textile firm started by his family in Hong Kong in the 1950s; remains chairman. With partners launched $1 billion fund to invest in Chinese real estate.

17. Ho Sim Guan
$460 million
Age: 81. Married
Low-profile tycoon with stake in Wee Cho Yaw's (No. 3) UOB was former bank executive. Also owns stakes in Malaysian beer and rubber companies.

18. Lee Kian Soo
Net Worth: $450 million
Age: 62
Married
Got start working in shipyards before founding Ezra Holdings with his wife in 1992; today firm provides vehicles and services for offshore oil and gas industry. Lee is executive chairman; son Lionel managing director.

19. Ng Chwee Cheng & family
$415 million
Age: 75. Married, 14 children
Former tire and battery service provider began trading second-hand construction equipment; grew into rental firm Tat Hong, now run by son Roland, who expanded into China, Australia this year. Family also owns 32% of construction engineering firm CSC.

20. Kwek Leng Kee
$360 million
Inherited stake in Hong Leong Group from father, Kwek Hong Khai, one of 4 brothers who founded firm. Cousin of Kwek Leng Beng (No. 5) and Kwek Leng Peck (No. 30) holds no management positions at family's companies.

21. Olivia Lum
$345 million
46. Single
Orphan and former chemist founded water treatment firm Hyflux in 1989. Learned to weld so she could personally build first water treatment projects. This year spun off assets into a listed infrastructure trust and struck joint venture with U.S. firm Marmon Water. Genesis IT President of Singapore Water Association.

22. Ow Chio Kiat
$335 million
Age: 62. Married, 2 children
Chairs shipping, logistics, real estate firms, all of which he built from a small tugboat company inherited from his father. Considering listing a REIT with assets from property company, Stamford Land. Has more than 1,000 bottles of wine.

23. Margaret Lien
$330 million
Age: 65. Widowed
Inherited shares in Wee Cho Yaw's (No. 3) UOB from her late husband, Lien Ying Chow, who merged his Overseas Union Bank with UOB in 2002. Collectively her family is second-largest individual shareholder in the bank after Wee family. Devout Christian focuses on charity work; heads Lien Foundation.

24. Kartar Singh Thakral
$305 million
Age: 73. Married, 5 children
Joined family's trading business in 1949; empire today includes large real estate holdings in Australia (Thakral Holdings) and consumer electronic manufacturing (Thakral Corp.). Kwek Leng Beng (No. 5) attempted to take over Thakral Corp. last year but failed.

25. John Chuang & family
$285 million
Age: 59. Married, 2 children
Son of a chocolate maker started own venture in 1984. Later merged with father's firm. With help from 2 brothers, William and Joseph, runs Southeast Asia's largest chocolate maker, Petra Foods. With European partner Armajaro Holdings, invested $21 million in cocoa plants in Germany and France this year.

26. Loo Choon Yong
$235 million
Age: 58. Married, 2 children
Medical doctor cofounded Raffles Medical 31 years ago. Today operates a hospital and more than 60 clinics in Singapore and Hong Kong. Began offering acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medical services.

27. Yao Hsiao Tung
$230 million
Age: 66. Married
Invested $33,000 in a lossmaking equipment manufacturer in 1980. It became Hi-P International, a contract electronics manufacturer with 25 plants as far-flung as China and Mexico and more than 15,000 employees. Remains chairman.

28. Wong Ngit Liong
$$225 million
Age: 65
Fulbright Scholar, trained electrical engineer founded Venture Corp. in 1994 after long career at Hewlett-Packard; today it is Singapore's largest contract electronics maker. Completed takeover of rival GES last year. Also owns stake in bulk container company Goodpack.

29. Oei Hong Leong
$210 million
Age: 59. Married, 4 children
Son of one of Indonesia's richest men, Eka Tjipta Widjaja, has made a name for himself as active investor. Stakes in steel, health care, tech companies. Bought land on which he'll reportedly build a Buddha artifacts museum; said to have personal collection of more than 10,000 items.

30. Kwek Leng Peck
$200 million
Inherited stake in Hong Leong Group from father, Kwek Hong Leong, cofounder of family firm. Accountant by training, sits on boards of various Kwek family companies and is executive director of family's Hong Leong Asia and City E-Solutions.

31. Ho Kwon Ping
Net Worth: $195 million
Age: 55
Married, 3 children
Rebellious youth thrown out of Stanford University. Inherited conglomerate from late father and focused on upscale Banyan Tree resort chain; opening new properties in Barbados, Mexico, Greece and a maternity hospital in Kuwait that includes a spa. Wife Claire manages group's retail operations.

32. Victor Sassoon
$185 million
Age: 49. Married
With brother Sunny, runs privately held coffee chain Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Bought U.S. chain in 1998 from its American owners; now in 16 countries, more than 500 locations and growing. Buddies with Paula Abdul, who is a fan of his coffee. Also owns franchise to sell Rolex watches in Singapore.

33. Goh Lik Tuan
$170 million
Age: 55. Married, 2 children
Began selling electronic hobby kits in 1975, which turned into electronic contract manufacturer GES. Sold company last year to Wong Ngit Liong's (No. 28) Venture Corp. in deal valued at more than $600 million.

34. David Lam
$165 million
Age: 55. Married, 3 children
Patented a modular, reusable shipping container; started Goodpack Ltd., which rents boxes to shippers all over the world. Took company public in 2000, now holds 20%. Also patented an idea for a camcorder to be worn on the head.

35. Lee Seng Tee
$155 million
Brother of Lee Seng Wee (No. 8) has separate stake in Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Longtime director in Lee Group of companies is known for public service. Last year received honorary degree from New Zealand's Victoria University for financial support of Antarctic research.

36. Christina Ong
$150 million
Married, 2 children
Daughter of a late Singapore tycoon; married to Malaysian rich lister Ong Beng Seng. Managing director of Club 21, whose holdings include Ishop, which claims to be Asia's largest Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) reseller, and a stake in U.K. luxury brand Mulberry; also has joint venture with Giorgio Armani to expand A/X Armani Exchange. Through Como Group has portfolio of luxury hotels, spas. Chairman of Singapore's National Parks Board.

37. Ron Sim Chye Hock
$135 million
Age: 48. Married, 3 children
As a youngster sold noodles on street, earning 50 cents a day. In 1980 began selling kitchen appliances, household goods; later added massage chairs. His company, OSIM International, took over U.S. retailer Brookstone in 2005, now looking to expand in Mideast.

38. Albert H.C. Teo
$125 million
Inherited hotel and property developer Amara Holdings, founded by father, Teo Teck Huat, in 1930s. Expanding luxury hotels; has new resort in Sentosa that will benefit from area's casino boom.

39. Raymond Goh
$115 million
Studied business in Australia, became marketing executive at an offshore vessel service provider. Founded own service outfit, Swiber Group, in 1996. Took public last year; stock has quadrupled.

40. Sim Wong Hoo
Net Worth: $105 million
Age: 52
Single
Started small computer repair store in 1981, which became multimedia company Creative Technology. Company got $100 million from Apple last year as part of a patent infringement settlement, which also allows Creative to make iPod accessories, like external speakers.

The Management Unwritten Rules

2008-07-01T07:20:00.001+08:00

Source: William Swanson

1. Learn to say, "I don't know." If used when appropriate, it will be often.
2. It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
3. If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
4. Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what's there, but few can see what isn't there.
5. Viewgraph rule: When something appears on a viewgraph (an overhead transparency), assume the world knows about it, and deal with it accordingly.
6. Work for a boss with whom you are comfortable telling it like it is. Remember that you can't pick your relatives, but you can pick your boss.
7. Constantly review developments to make sure that the actual benefits are what they are supposed to be. Avoid Newton's Law.
8. However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
9. Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere in spite of difficulties, discouragement, or indifference. Don't be known as a good starter but a poor finisher.
10. In completing a project, don't wait for others; go after them, and make sure it gets done.
11. Confirm your instructions and the commitments of others in writing. Don't assume it will get done!
12. Don't be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.
13. Practice shows that those who speak the most knowingly and confidently often end up with the assignment to get it done.
14. Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written reports.
15. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
16. Don't overlook the fact that you are working for a boss.* Keep him or her informed. Avoid surprises!* Whatever the boss wants takes top priority.
17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.* You must make promises. Don't lean on the often-used phrase, "I can't estimate it because it depends upon many uncertain factors."
18. Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to "cc" a person's boss.
19. When dealing with outsiders, remember that you represent the company. Be careful of your commitments.
20. Cultivate the habit of "boiling matters down" to the simplest terms. An elevator speech is the best way.
21. Don't get excited in engineering emergencies. Keep your feet on the ground.
22. Cultivate the habit of making quick, clean-cut decisions.
23. When making decisions, the pros are much easier to deal with than the cons. Your boss wants to see the cons also.
24. Don't ever lose your sense of humor.
25. Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.

"Never was anything great achieved without danger." Niccolo Machiavelli

Seven Reasons NOT to Get Married

2008-06-24T07:15:00.003+08:00

"Those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this" (1 Corinthians 7:28b).

Can you imagine this passage of Scripture quoted as part of a wedding ceremony? The Apostle Paul's realistic take on marriage goes against the romantic ideal of "love at first sight" and, even more, the belief that wedlock will bring perpetual bliss. But Paul's opinion on marriage (not surprisingly, Paul chose to remain single) does spotlight a truth that couples cannot afford to ignore – whether they're contemplating getting married, are already engaged, or have been wed for years.

Being a husband or wife is not easy. More specific, marriage will, at times, bring great difficulty. Divorce remains prevalent because many couples do not realize this, so when trouble comes, they give up too soon, hurt and disillusioned as their definition of what a marriage should be becomes shattered.

Consider each one carefully and honestly. You should probably not get married if...

1. You are unwilling to put the needs of another person above your own.
Romans 12:10 says, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." In the Greek, "devoted" is defined in this verse as reciprocal tenderness, while "honor" is identified as showing deference to another person. How often are these characteristics apparent in how you behave toward your fiancé or spouse?

2. You are easily offended, carry grudges, and are unwilling to forgive.
An overly sensitive, vengeful or calloused attitude has no place in any relationship, especially a marriage. The Bible gives you the challenging yet correct standard: "Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13b).

3. You are an abusive person (mentally, emotionally, physically).
Author and domestic violence expert Lundy Bancroft finds that abusers – who, by the way, are primarily men but also include women – abuse for a variety of reasons. These include a need for power and control, finding someone to blame for their problems, and wanting to be the center of attention. Do you see yourself anywhere in these attributes?

4. You do not share the same beliefs, values, life priorities, or vision.
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Oneness is essential in marriage, and its foundation is built on these characteristics.

5. You have an unresolved addiction problem.
"Like a city whose walls are broken down," Proverbs 25:28 says, "is a man who lacks self-control." The Web site Addictions.org lists a variety of harmful addictions affecting millions of people, including addictions to sex, shopping, sleeping, people pleasing, perfectionism, pornography, and overworking. Each will undermine a marriage if ignored.

6. Your career is the most important thing in your life.
Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Selfish ambition is interpreted in the Greek as "a desire to put one's self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit," while vain conceit is identified as "groundless, empty pride." Examine how your profession shapes who you are. Does it bring out these traits in you?

7. You are unwilling to be an active sexual partner with your spouse.
As a couple, read 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. The Bible speaks directly to this vital issue; verse 3 is clear: "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband." There's no room in a healthy marriage for sexual games, and an active sexual relationship works to ward off temptation to sin.

Don't be discouraged if you struggle with any of the above reasons. A quality marriage is not defined as one that's perfect. But do yourself, and your future or current spouse, a favor by committing to change or grow stronger individually in each area. You won't regret it, and will be able to face and overcome the "troubles" of marriage with unity and in God's power.

– Dr. Randy Carlson (Reprinted from "Insights and Inspiration," Family Life Radio newsletter, November 2006.)

"I've made an odd discovery. Every time I talk to a servant I feel quite sure that happiness is no longer a possibility. Yet when I talk with my gardener, I'm convinced of the opposite." Bertrand Russell

7 Types of Tea

2008-06-10T07:02:00.000+08:00

Full Article: Health Benefits

Unlike coffee, where moderation is key, lots of tea means lots of health benefits. And nowadays, even your run-of-the-mill grocery store stocks a huge selection of teas in every flavor and color.

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, other than water, according to the Tea Association of the USA. Even in the United States, which is typically thought of as a coffee-drinking nation, tea is a mainstay in close to 80 percent of households.

Interestingly, ALL tea (except herbal tea) comes from the same plant, a warm-weather evergreen called Camellia sinensis. (Herbal teas are made from leaves, roots, bark, seeds or flowers of other plants, and technically are "infusions" or "tisanes," not "teas.") It's the way the plant is processed that makes the varieties take on their characteristic color and taste. Green tea, for instance, is not exposed to any oxygen, and its leaves are simply steamed, rolled and dried. Black tea, on the other had, is exposed to oxygen, or oxidized, for two to four hours.

1. Black Tea
Of all the tea Americans drank in 2007, 82 percent of it was black tea. Studies have shown that regularly drinking three or more cups of black tea a day can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. A study in the European Heart Journal also found that drinking black tea improves the ability of arteries to relax and expand to keep blood pressure healthy (but adding milk to the tea blocked this impact!).

2. Green tea
Accounted for 17 percent of Americans' tea consumption in 2007. It is one of the most talked about "healthy" teas, as it's a rich source of catechin polyphenols, namely epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a potent antioxidant. Here is just a short list of some of the conditions green tea is supposed to help:
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart disease
- Infection
- Impaired immune function
- Obesity, overweight
- High blood sugar levels

3. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea comes from leaves that are withered, rolled, semi-fermented and fired, resulting in a rich flavor and aroma. Oolong tea is especially rich in polyphenols and studies have found that it can help to reduce obesity, prevent tooth decay and improve atopic dermatitis. Research has also suggested that drinking oolong tea after a high-cholesterol meal may reduce the uptake of fats into your bloodstream.

4. White Tea
White tea is the least processed form of tea; the leaves and buds are only steamed and then dried. It is similar in health benefits to green tea, but in some cases may be even healthier. For instance, a study by the Linus-Pauling Institute found that white tea was more effective than green tea in inhibiting mutagenicity, an early step in the process leading to cancer. White tea also contained certain polyphenols in levels higher than in green tea brewed under the same conditions.

5. Matcha Tea
Matcha is a high-quality green tea in which the leaves are ground into a powder. The tea particles are therefore added right to the water, rather than being steeped and strained like typical teas, resulting in a strong, somewhat bitter flavor. Matcha is the only type of tea in which the whole leaf is consumed, so very high-quality leaves are used. It is said to be one of the healthiest green teas out there, known for helping to prevent cancer and heart disease and slow the aging process.

6. Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea is processed, fermented, formed into bricks or "cakes," and then aged (in fact, it's the only type of tea that is aged). Named for the town in Southwestern China where it is grown, pu-erh tea has been enjoyed by the Chinese for decades and is said to lower cholesterol, aid digestion and cure hangovers. This tea is known for its strong, earthy taste, and can be quite expensive the older it gets.

7. Red Tea
Red tea, also known as rooibos, is an herbal tisane grown only in South Africa. Like green tea, rooibos is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that may help to boost your immune system and protect you from free radical damage. This naturally caffeine-free infusion is also rich in healthy minerals such as iron, potassium and copper.

10 Secrets Banks Don't Want You to Know About Credit Cards

2008-05-31T13:03:00.002+08:00

Source: Military.com

Interest Backdating. Most card issuers charge interest from the day a charge is posted to your account if you don't pay in full monthly. But, some charge interest from the date of purchase, days before they have even paid the store on your behalf!
Remedy: Find another card issuer, or always pay your bill in full by the due date.

Two-Cycle Billing. Issuers which use this method of calculating interest, charge two months worth of interest for the first month you failed to pay off your total balance in full. This issue arises only when you switch from paying in full to carrying a balance from month to month.
Remedy: Switch issuers or always pay your balance in full.

The Right to Setoff. If you have money on deposit at a bank, and also have your credit card there, you may have signed an agreement when you opened the deposit account which permits the bank to take those funds if you become delinquent on your credit card.
Remedy: Bank at separate institutions, or avoid delinquencies.

Fees Are Negotiable. You may be paying up to $50 a year or more as an annual fee on your credit card. You may also be subject to finance charges of over 18%.
Remedy: If you are a good customer, the bank may be willing to drop the annual fee, and reduce the interest rate -- you only have to ask! Otherwise, you can switch issuers to a lower- priced card.

Interest Rate Hikes Are Retroactive. If you sign up for a credit card with a low "teaser" rate, such as 7.9%, when the low rate period expires, your existing balance will likely be subject to the regular and substantially higher interest rate.
Remedy: Pay in full before the rate increase or close the account.

Shortened Due Dates. Most card issuers offer a 25 day grace period in which to pay for new purchases without incurring finance charges. Some banks have shortened the grace period to 20 days--but only for customers who pay in full monthly.
Remedy: Ask to go back to 25 days.

Eldiminating Grace Periods. That fabulous offer you received in the mail for a gold card with a $10,000 credit limit, and lots of features may not be so great. The most common "string" attached is the card has no grace period. You are charged interest on everything from the day you buy it, even if you pay on time.
Remedy: Throw the offer out!

Disappearing Benefits. Many banks enticed you to sign up with extra benefits such as lifetime warranty, a 5% discount on all travel, or protection if an item purchased is lost. Now, some banks have cut back on these extras without the fanfare that launched them.
Remedy: Read annual disclosure of changes, and switch cards if need be.

Double Fees On Cash Advances. Most credit cards impose both finance charges and a transaction fee on cash advances. Interest starts from the day of the advance, and the transaction fee can be up to 2.5% of the amount taken. Beware of cards advertising "no finance charges." Transaction fees may still apply.
Remedy: Limit cash advances.

Misleading Monthly Minimums. You may think it is beneficial to have a card where you only need to pay 2%-3% of your balance monthly. It is just the opposite. The bank stands to make far more money from finance charges the longer you carry out payments--and you foot the bill.
Remedy: Pay all you can monthly.

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." Anonymous

Asia Hot Bloggers

2008-05-25T10:40:00.003+08:00

China - Xu Jinglei
Japan - Naoto Amaki
Singapore - Lee Kin Mun
Taiwan - Hu Jia-wei (wanwan)
India - Amit Agarwai
Malaysia - Ahiruddin Attain
Philippines - Bryan Boy

Source: Sunday Times 25 May 2008

"The aspects of things that are most important to us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity" Ludwig Wittgenstein

Buddha's Five Remembrances

2008-05-14T06:55:00.002+08:00

The Plum Village Chanting Book by Thich Nhat Hanh

I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.

I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

Leadership From the Ultimate Leader

2008-05-11T10:58:00.002+08:00

He was born in a stable and lived only 33 years, yet he divided the calendar and changed the world.

“For many, Jesus of Nazareth became a leader among leaders because he never lost sight of his mission. He sparked a flame of hope and renewal, and provided leadership lessons we can all learn from,” Laurie Beth Jones wrote in Jesus CEO.

After more than 2,000 years, he's still viewed by much of the world as a leader for the ages. Here's why:

* He gave people a vision larger than themselves. We all hunger to be something larger or better than we are. Leaders tap into that need and give people the vision to achieve greatness.

“Jesus clearly and consistently conveyed to his staff (his disciples) the significance of what they were doing. He spoke long and often about the calling, and they could feel and see the long-lasting benefits of their work with him. They were changing people's lives for the good,” Jones said. They were working for something beyond themselves.

* He was bold. He didn't spend hours choosing the safest approach. He never led by committee. He didn't get permission to make a statement. Every action he took made a statement about his mission.

* “He walked into the temple as a 12-year-old and started teaching. He stormed into the temple as an adult and turned things upside down,” Jones said. “He called a spade a spade and apologized to no one - not out of arrogance, but out of boldness and clarity.”

* He did the difficult things. Doing the difficult thing means not letting public opinion sway you from what your heart, gut, spirit, or instinct is telling you. It means staying connected with your inner self.

“Peter warned Jesus against going to Jerusalem. Jesus was aware of the danger, and went anyway. He knew it was part of a larger plan,” Jones said. “He went to Jerusalem knowing the consequences.”

* He was visible. He proclaimed his message everywhere he could. He spoke in synagogues, streets and gardens, on mountaintops and in the countryside. He identified himself with his message.

* He refused to consider failure. “He was able to take the hit and keep on going,” Jones said. “People and circumstances can't keep you down unless you let them.”

* He was a turnaround specialist. He tried to change for the better every situation he encountered. When he saw a need, he wasted no time in filling it. Often, he anticipated a need before others even knew it existed, and set himself on a path to meet that need.

* He came to give us a new mind-set – one that has a turnaround mentality. “We are each called to be turnaround specialists, for ourselves and those around us,” Jones said.

* He looked for the best in others. Jesus saw greatness in the most flawed of men and women. “Yes, Peter. You denied me. But you will be my rock,” Jesus said.

“Yes, Mary (Magdalene), you've had men who weren't your husband. But you are capable of devoted love.”

* He forgave. He saw mistakes as lessons. He gave hope and a spirit of peace to people overwhelmed by life. “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden,” Jesus said, and I will give you rest.

– Cord Cooper

(Quoted from Investor's Business Daily, December 24, 2001.)

Where does creativity hide?

2008-04-25T07:38:00.002+08:00

Novelist Amy Tan digs deep into the creative process, journeying through her childhood and family history and into the worlds of physics and chance, looking for hints of where her own creativity comes from. It's a wild ride with a surprise ending.

Half Glass Full

2008-04-04T11:35:00.004+08:00

"Losers see thunderstorms, winners see rainbows; losers see icy streets, winners put on their ice skates!" -- Denis Waitley

"There are two ways of exerting one's strength; one is pushing down, the other is pulling up." -- Booker T. Washington

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." -- Charles A. Beard

"Learn from the negative as well as the positive, from the failures as well as the successes." -- Jim Rohn

"Keep your face in the sunshine and you can never see the shadow." -- Helen Keller

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in very difficulty." -- Winston Churchill

"Life, in all its uniqueness, would not be life without the negatives and the positives. That is why it is important to be a serious student of both." -- Jim Rohn

"The darkest nights bring the brightest days." -- Rick Beneteau

"If you train your mind to search for the positive things about other people, you will be surprised at how many good things you can observe in them and comment upon." -- Alan Loy Mcginnis

"Like taking a morning shower, make the planting of positive thoughts a daily practice." -- Neil Eskelin

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right. You'll be criticized anyway." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

"It is possible to be a sage in some things and a child in others, to be at once ferocious and retarded, shrewd and foolish, serene and irritable." -- Walter Lippmann

"A man's life is interesting primarily when he had failed – for it's a sign that he tried to surpass himself." -- Georges Clemenceau

"To different minds, the same world is a hell and a heaven." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"If you approach life with a sense of possibility and the expectation of positive results, you´re more likely to have a life in which possibilities are realized and results are positive." -- Lisa Funderburg

"No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway to the human spirit." -- Helen Keller

A Conditional Life

2008-04-02T13:25:00.004+08:00

"What's stopping me from doing exactly what I want to do right now?' It's the classic case of the chicken and the egg, only logic: Do you wait for the right conditions to manifest before moving forward, or do you create those conditions by moving forward, with trust and without fear?"

Friendship

2008-04-01T11:39:00.003+08:00

"A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." Arabian Proverb

Love is not about age or money

2008-03-31T10:58:00.003+08:00

"One thing I hate most about people is they tend to measure everything and try to explain love in numbers - whether it's in terms of age, the amount you have in the bank, or how many millimetres your cheeks have receded."

"I feel that love is love is love. There is no definition, and we shouldn't try to encompass love in words."

"As long as you make each other happy and support each other, as long as you know you're not doing anything wrong... then everything is okay." Dr Hayden Khom, 27, on his love.

Pairing with younger women?

It Might Be You

Let the World Laughs with You

2008-03-27T09:09:00.001+08:00

Just as watching someone yawn can induce the behavior in yourself, recent evidence suggests that laughter is a social cue for mimicry. Hearing a laugh actually stimulates the brain region associated with facial movements. Mimicry plays an important role in social interaction. Cues like sneezing, laughing, crying and yawning may be ways of creating strong social bonds within a group.

Source: 10 Things You Didn't Know About You

Art of Power

2008-03-24T09:54:00.003+08:00

"POWER is the ability to alter the behaviour of others to get what you want, and there are three ways to do that: coercion (sticks), payments (carrots) and attraction (soft power). If you are able to attract others, you can economise on the sticks and carrots."

What makes a country a world leader?
- Is it population?
- Is it military strength?
- Is it economic development?

In today's information era, he wrote, three types of countries are likely to gain soft power and so succeed:

- Those whose dominant cultures and ideals are closer to prevailing global norms (which now emphasise liberalism, pluralism, autonomy);
- Those with the most access to multiple channels of communication and thus more influence over how issues are framed; and
- Those whose credibility is enhanced by their domestic and international performance.
"As we speak of leveraging our soft power, we must also look within. We must ensure that we do enough to keep our people healthy, well-fed and secure, not just from jihadi terrorism but from the daily terror of poverty, hunger and ill health."

Preview: The Paradox Of American Power by Harvard's Professor Joseph Nye

"To govern... one must have one's hands on three levers of power - the treasury, the army and the voice." Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

"Power does not corrupt men; fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power." George Bernard Shaw

Consumer Rights

2008-03-21T10:25:00.001+08:00

What one can do to right one's experience... one individual's effort. How she got Nokia to pay up. She had to make three other personal claims before this and she won.

"Life is full of stress, why are we also getting stress when spending our hard-earn money?" Tan Geok Hoon

"Nokia has complied with the tribunal order and has made full payment to Ms Tan. Nokia sincerely apologises that the matter progressed to such a stage, when it could have been resolved earlier in a more amicable manner. We have noted Ms Tan's feedback." Grant McBeath, General Manager, Nokia Singapore

Genuine Service

2008-03-20T08:10:00.002+08:00

ST Forum:
IN 1977, my husband and I went to the United States on an exchange programme. When we settled into a pleasant town, Scarsdale in New York, a local representative was quick to make us feel at home. He invited us to his church and his home and I was invited to give a talk about Singapore.

To gather material, I visited our United Nations office in New York where the staff were very helpful. Busy as the ambassador was, he spared me a few minutes. The ambassador, Professor Tommy Koh, warmly welcomed me into his office, asked how he could help and loaned me a documentary about Singapore.

He noted my contact details. I didn't expect him to follow up as he was obviously a busy man. To my surprise, he did. We were among a group of newly arrived Singaporeans he and his wife hosted to a Singapore meal at their residence.

Subsequently, Mrs Koh arranged a visit for us to Chinatown to source for belacan, chillies and other Asian condiments. The Kohs invited us back on National Day. When I delivered my baby, Mrs Koh remembered. The Kohs made us feel proud to be Singaporean. We returned home to live because we are proud to be Singaporean.

It was different when my daughter enrolled in Cornell University. When the Public Service Commission (PSC) representative visited her university to meet Singapore scholarship-holders studying there, she hosted a dinner for the scholars. The few non-scholar Singaporeans who were excluded felt unappreciated and undervalued.

When my daughter was posted to Hong Kong by her company, she discovered no active organisation bringing Singaporeans, especially the younger ones, together. The website of the Singapore-Hong Kong Association was outdated.

Shouldn't our Singapore missions, and government officials when they are abroad, do more to reach out to their fellow Singaporeans, and shun them less?

Tan Gek Kim (Mdm)

"If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality." Norman Cousins

Ten Rules of Success

2008-03-19T08:58:00.002+08:00

by Donald J. Trump

1. Never give up! Do not settle for remaining in your comfort zone. Remaining complacent is a good way to get nowhere.

2. Be passionate! If you love what you're doing, it will never seem like work.

3. Be focused! Ask yourself: What should I be thinking about right now? Shut out interference. In this age of multitasking, this is a valuable technique to acquire.

4. Keep your momentum! Listen, apply and move forward. Do not procrastinate.

5. See yourself as victorious! That will focus you in the right direction.

6. Be tenacious! Being stubborn can work wonders.

7. Be lucky! The old saying, "The harder I work, the luckier I get" is absolutely right on.

8. Believe in yourself! If you don't, no one else will either. Think of yourself as a one-man or one-woman army.

9. Ask yourself: What am I pretending not to see? There may be some great opportunities right around you, even if things aren't looking so great. Great adversity can turn into great victory.

10. Look at the solution, not the problem. And never give up! Never never never give up. This thought deserves to be said (and remembered and applied) many times. It's that important.

"It is easy to get to the top after you get through the crowd at the bottom." Zig Ziglar

10 Careers Where You'll Be "In Demand"

2008-03-15T10:00:00.002+08:00

These ten careers--in four major job sectors--are likely to be rewarding because employees in these fields are expected to find themselves in an employee's market.

by Richard Barrington

Healthcare
Career possibility #1: Personal/Home Health Aide.
Career possibility #2: Medical Assistants.
Career possibility #3: Mental Health Counselors/Social Workers.

Information Technology
Career possibility #4: Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
Career possibility #5: Computer Software Applications Engineers.

Education
Career possibility #6: Teacher.

Professional Services
Career possibility #7: Paralegal/Legal Assistant.
Career possibility #8: Financial Services.
Career possibility #9: Accountants and Auditors.
Career possibility #10: Employment Services.

"A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both."
Francoise Rene Auguste Chateaubriand

The Corporate Survivor

2008-03-12T09:40:00.000+08:00

Tips from ann Airline Consultant working with an up and-coming airline like Jet Airways... Extracted from TODAY.

“It can be hard for parents to give advice to their children. They’ll say: ‘I know all this, Dad’.” Coming fresh from the university or polytechnic, the newbies tend to think a lot about their privileges and rights, such as wanting more benefits and not working long hours. So, they may not have the patience or perseverance to wait things out a bit.

Some mistakes may appear inconsequential at the start, but come back to haunt you — playing politics, for example. Politics in itself is not a bad thing, but it has consequences. Some people like to stab others in the back on their way up, something I think one should never indulge in.

Take your job seriously, but not to take yourself too seriously.

Inflation

2008-03-04T09:04:00.004+08:00

MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Inderjit Singh, pointed out that the "grow-at-all-costs" policy of the government might have overheated the economy and worsened the income divide.

"I feel a significant part of the inflation has been caused by factors that we could have controlled." Is his analysis flawed as charged?

"Children who ate less salt, drank fewer sugary soft drinks could reduce their risk of high blood pressure, reduce obesity, lower rates of heart attack and stroke in later life." Journal of Human Hypertension

Obesity up and Numbers up

Fortress Singapore

2008-02-29T10:44:00.018+08:00

The security that wasn't...
"This should never have happened. I am sorry that it has." Wong Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister, also Home Affairs Minister.

Development:
- Who is he?
- Public help sought
- The face that launched 5.5 million cellphone alerts
- INTERPOL issues global alert
- Commission of inquiry
- Coastal Alert

"Only when something like this happens, everyone suddenly wakes up and becomes security-conscious." Antonio Rappa

Save Money

2008-02-28T10:45:00.004+08:00

In the spirit of not overpaying anyone for anything...

Save Money on Investing
Nine ways to maximize your returns -- and minimize taxes and costly mistakes.

Save Money on Food
Satisfy the hunger without starving your wallet. Here are ten ways to save money on groceries and dining out.

Save Money on Transportation
Ten smart strategies to cut your fuel costs, insurance premiums and parking fees.

Save Money on Travel
Get away without breaking the bank with these 15 budget-friendly tips.

Save Money on Utilities
Fifteen quick, cheap and easy ways to cut your electricity, heat and water bills.

Save Money on Phone, Internet and TV
Talk is anything but cheap, not to mention Internet and cable TV. Try these ten tips to hang up on high costs.

Save Money on Credit, Debt & Banking
Don't pay more than you should -- and get all the benefits you deserve -- with these 12 tips.

Save Money on Entertainment
Having fun doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. Here are 12 ways to stretch your entertainment dollars further.

Source: 8 Spending Categories

LOVE ME, SPOIL ME!

2008-02-27T16:20:00.006+08:00

Sunday Times lifestyle frontpage news highlighted the demands of the Singaporean women and...

Ms fuji, 41, MD of an ad agency does not understand all the fuss, "In Japan, many women of my generation don't expect men to do anything special for them. It's nice if he opens the door for me, but I'm physically capable of opening them myself. If he's rich, he can settle the bill but I will be equally fine of going dutch."

Man enough to carry her handbag?

"Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent." Ludwig Wittgenstein

The Bald Truth

2008-02-26T10:19:00.003+08:00

"The true measure of a career is to be able to be content, even proud, that you succeeded through your own endeavors without leaving a trail of casualties in your wake." Alan Greenspan

Ten Ways to be a Leader

2008-02-25T09:31:00.002+08:00

Everyone can tell us to be a leader, but they have never tell us how. Here are Dale Carnegie's ten treats...

1. Begin with praise and honest appreciation.

2. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.

3. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.

4. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.

5. Let the other person save face.

6. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.

7. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.

8. Use encouragement.

9. Make the fault easy to correct.

10. Make the other person happy about doing the thing that you suggest.

His Quotes
"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do."

"It is the way we react to circumstances that determines our feelings."

"Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare."

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

"Act enthusiastic and you become enthusiastic."

"Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all you heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours."

"Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see a bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses."

Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)

10 Things as an Entrepreneur

2008-02-23T13:11:00.002+08:00

by Sherry Couch of BizNiche

Children are the ultimate startup. And when they leave for college, it’s their IPO. And when they get married, it’s an M & A deal. And like most startups, these milestones usually take longer and cost more than you predicted. Parental success rates, however, are much better than even the best (seed-stage) venture capitalist’s.

1. I am very good at conceiving an idea.

2. I can commit to something mind, body, and soul for at least nine months.

3. I have the ability to over come adversity, such as eating healthily while puking all day.

4. I can adapt quickly to changing and expanding situations.

5. I stay focused and motivated even with a lack of oxygen to my brain.

6. I am creative: Did you know with satin pajamas and satin sheets you can roll over in bed even with an extra sixty pounds.

7. I am patient—ever known anyone ten months pregnant?

8. I am cool under pressure: I gave birth to a ten-pound baby without a C-section or a properly functioning epidural and did not curse out my husband.

9. I am resilient: I went back to work at my company four weeks after giving birth.

10. I create meaning in the world! Even with all the trials and tribulations of becoming a parent I have chosen to do it twice so far because each new life gives hope and meaning to our world. Just like each new business.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." Plato, philosopher, pupil of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle (428-347 BC)

Built from scratch

2008-02-22T10:22:00.002+08:00

Musashino Plateau - Nobuo Takahashi

"It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever - the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it." Vince Lombardi 1913-1970, American Football Coach

A History of Evil

2008-02-21T08:31:00.002+08:00

"Teach the young people how to think, not what to think." Sidney Sugarman

Up your relationship
Mary Jo Fay, RN, MSN, author of When Your “Perfect Partner” Goes Perfectly Wrong, offers these tips to help you and your partner develop trust in each other.

- Be consistent.
- Be on time. When you have to be late, call and say you’ll be late.
- Be fair, even in an argument.
- Be sensitive to the other’s feelings. You can still disagree, but don’t discount how your partner feels.
- Being a good listener.
- Carry out your fair share of chores.
- Respect your partner’s boundaries.
- Try not to overreact when things go wrong.
- Do what you say you will do, and call when you say you will call.
- Don’t lie — not even little white lies — to your partner or to others.
- Don’t dig up old wounds. Remember that once you say things, you can’t take them back.
- Don't be jealous.

Can Objective Morality Exist Without God?

2008-02-20T15:53:00.003+08:00

Can't people who don't believe in God be just as moral as those who do? Why say that the existence of human morality points to the existence of a "Higher Power"? by Michael Horner

If God does not exist then objective moral principles and obligations do not exist. Morality would only be a matter of individual or cultural opinion. But this would mean that torturing babies for fun, rape, & child abuse are not really objectively wrong, and are only a matter of opinion. How likely is it, though, that these atrocities are not really objectively wrong? Can you live with this conclusion? Our deepest intuitions inform us that these actions are horribly wrong.

This is really a summary of a moral argument for God’s existence. Formally it looks like this:

i) If God does not exist, objective moral principles & obligations do not exist
ii) Objective moral principles & obligations do exist
iii) Therefore, God exists

Full article

Anyway, a question, "Is being good a bad thing?"

"Confidence on the outside begins by living with integrity on the inside." Brian Tracy

A Yenn for Success

2008-02-19T08:28:00.007+08:00

I am reminded of a message by my school teacher, "If you want to get your picture published, at least do so with your permission and for your reason."

TODAY: Not even 30, Yenn Wong has built herself a mini hospitality empire comprising two boutique hotels — the award-winning JIA Hong Kong and JIA Shanghai — as well as four restaurants, Issimo in Shanghai, Opia in Hong Kong, Graze and Muse in Singapore. Her fifth, KHA, opens in Singapore next month — not bad for someone who has been in the industry for only four years...

"If you want to do something big, you have to have a passion and work very hard. Be humble, listen to those with experience and have a positive attitude. Don’t stress over failures and get too emotional. When you fail, examine why you went wrong and just push on. You won’t get things right the first time, but with every mistake you’ll get better at it. In ten years, I’ll still be dreaming big and doing things that I enjoy. I aim also to have a family, not just a career." Yenn Wong

Henry Ford once said: "If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability."

The SECRET to Happiness

2008-02-15T09:16:00.001+08:00

So, what is the true secret to happiness?

王若琳 Joanna Wang - Let's Start from Here

In a word: Attitude. If you think
that being rich or popular or wealthy
will make you happy, think again.
Happiness is a matter of the heart
and has little to do with external
events. It’s about how you see
things, not what happens, that
makes the difference.

The most well-adjusted people
are those who choose to look at the
bright side of life.

Instead of dwelling on negative
thoughts, they count their blessings.
They understand that gratitude is
integral to happiness. They develop
positive speech habits and learn to
speak out blessings, not curses.

How you say things makes a big difference
in how you perceive them.

Happy people don’t look for worth
in material things. They understand
that stuff will never fill that empty
void that life sometimes brings.

And finally, research shows that
truly happy people are those who
find peace and purpose in a strong
faith. BY DR BILL MAIER

"We become what we think about all day long. The question is, what do you think about?" Dr. Wayne Dyer

Valentine: The New Rules Of Attraction

2008-02-13T10:03:00.001+08:00

Old rule: You can tell if you’re truly attracted to someone in three seconds
New rule: You can’t tell if you’re truly attracted to someone until you’ve had three dates

Old rule: Your mate must meet all the criteria on your “must list”
New rule: A “must list” looks great on paper, but paper won’t keep you warm at night

Old rule: Opposites attract
New rule: Opposites distract

Old rule: Your date’s record collection (or DVD library, or bookshelf) mirrors yours—so you must be soul mates
New rule: You want a person, not an iPod playlist

Old rule: Your first kiss should be a toe-curling experience
New rule: Your first kiss is inconsequential

Old rule: When it’s true love, you think about this person constantly
New rule: When it’s true love, thinking about this person makes you feel good

Nina Malkin is the author of 6X: The Uncensored Confessions

Passing of Ah Meng

2008-02-11T10:27:00.000+08:00

SHE used to swing with seeming weightlessness from tree to tree.

Burial preparations: Zoo staff secure the 1,500kg sculpture onto a crane.

Now, the Ah Meng that remains at the zoo is a sculpture.

And it took a team of nine men almost an hour to move it just 50m.

The familiar 1,500kg Ah Meng sculpture was moved from beside the habitat area to her final resting place by the water's edge.

The sculpture was completed in August last year to honour the zoo's best-known resident.

She died of old age on Friday. About 4000 people were at the zoo to send her off. - TNP

Chinese New Year 2008

2008-02-04T11:17:00.003+08:00

5 Whys of Chinese New Year Traditions you may not know (adapted)

1. Why must the amount of cash in the hongbao be even-numbered?
Ans: There's a Chinese saying that "good things come in pairs" 好事成双. Odd-numbered amounts are generally associated with money given at funerals. Taipei 101?... Oh No!!!

2. Why must you stay up on the eve of Chinese New Year?
Ans: It is believed that the later children stay up on the eve of Chinese New Year, the longer their parents will live. Mahjong sessions... hehehe :)

3. Why do we wear red-coloured clothes on Chinese New Year?
Ans: Chinese legend tells of a man-eating beast called 'Nian' 年, which lived in the sea near a small village. Every Chinese New Year's Eve, Nian would come ashore to capture livestock and humans for its yearly sustenance. It seems that Nian was frightened by the sight of red banners flying about, the noise of the firecrackers and the light of the lanterns, thus it became a tradition for the Chinese to wear red to frighten it away.
♥ Paint The Town Red :D ♥

4. Why is the Chinese character 'fu' 福 placed upside down?Ans: Turning something upside down is known as 'dao' 倒 in Mandarin, which sounds similar to the Chinese word for 'arrive' 到.
Turning the word upside down means that blessings will arrive. Auspiciousness pours. :)))

5. Why are mandarin oranges exchanged during Chinese New Year?Ans: The Mandarin word for Mandarin word is 'ju' 桔, which sounds like 'ji' 吉, meaning good luck. Another version is that the oranges are called 'kam' 金 in Cantonese, which sound like the Cantonese word for gold. Mmm... Gold Exchange!? ;)

10 Lucky Symbols
Chinese New Year traditions
- All debts must be paid by New Year's Day. Nothing should be lent on this day anyone who does so will be lending all the year.
- One should not use bad language, unlucky words, negative terms and the word 'four', which sounds like the word for death.
- Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo.
- References to the past year are avoided as everything should be turned towards the New Year and a new beginning.
- It is believed that if you shouldn't cry as to cry on New Year's day means the coming year will be sorrowful. For this reason children are not told off on this day.
- On New Year's Day, you are not supposed to wash your hair or clean the house, for fear that good luck will be washed and swept away.
- Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming the New Year.
-On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, including windows, must be opened to allow the old year to go out.

The 15 Days of Chinese New Year
Day one: The first day of the lunar New Year. The gods of heaven and earth are welcomed and meat is avoided to promote longevity and happiness.
Day two: Prayers are sent to the gods and ancestors. Dogs receive extra kindness and are well fed; today is the birthday of all dogs.
Day three and four: Son-in-laws pay respect to their bride's parents.
Day five: Named Po Woo, this day is spent at home to welcome the God of Wealth. It is bad luck to visit anyone on this day.
Days six to ten: The Chinese are now free to visit their loved ones, and pray for good fortune in the temples.
Day seven: The birthday of all humans celebrated with a drink made by the farmers from seven types of vegetable. Raw fish is eaten to promote success, and noodles for longevity.
Day eight: Prayers are sent at midnight from the Fujian people, to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.
Day nine: Offerings are made to the jade Emperor.
Days 10 to 12: Invites are sent to friends and relatives, to visit for dinner.
Day 13: Simple foods are eaten so as to detox after rich foods at friends and relatives.
Day 14:Time is taken for preparation for the Lantern Festival celebration on the 15th night.
Day 15:Jai Cai, vegetarian dishes to be enjoyed by the family.

Tiscali

Chinese New Year exodus exposes Singapore generation gap

BMI & Health Risks

2008-02-02T12:25:00.001+08:00

Higher BMI numbers are associated with increased risks of disease and death, from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Research has found that the lowest and highest BMIs are associated with highest risks. So BMI numbers are grouped into categories meant to reflect the degree of risk a person faces. Those people with the lowest risks of disease seem to fall in the 18.5 to 24.9 BMI range, so they are considered to be “normal.” Martica Heaner, M.A., M.Ed.

Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI*

BMI Calculator*
"The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention." Richard Moss

Eating a Healthy Habit

2008-01-29T10:06:00.001+08:00

It takes only three weeks to form a habit, according to obesity researchers at New York Presbyterian Hospital. That's news and we can learn to cultivate simple steps to healthier living.

1. Drink a glass of water before each meal. Water is great for your skin, hair and digestion, but it will make you less hungry.
2. Replace one brown food or snack each day with a green food. Brown foods are typically meats, breads and pastries, potatoes, chips, and crackers. Green foods are steamed vegetables or raw greens.
3. Eat something red, purple, orange, yellow, and green each day. Eating a rainbow is the easiest way to get more vitamins and minerals into your diet.
4. Replace baked goods made with white flour with whole-grain versions. The more fiber, the better.
5. Don't eat after 6 p.m. Studies show that the easiest way to lose weight is to not eat at night. Sip hot herbal tea or seltzer water with lemon wedges in the evening after your meal.

Preview: Dr. Ro's Ten Secrets to Livin' Healthy
"Life has meaning only if you do what is meaningful to you." Alan Cohen

Eight Words With Two Meanings

2008-01-28T13:35:00.000+08:00

1. THINGY (thing-ee) n.
Female: Any part under a car's hood.
Male: The strap fastener on a woman's bra.

2. VULNERABLE (vul-ne-ra-bel) ad
Female: Fully opening up one's self emotionally to another.
Male: Playing football without a cup.

3. COMMUNICATION (ko-myoo-ni-kay-shon) n.
Female: The open sharing of thoughts and feelings with one's partner.
Male: Leaving a note before taking off on a fishing trip with the boys.

4. COMMITMENT (ko-mit-ment) n.
Female: A desire to get married and raise a family
Male: Trying not to hit on other women while out with this one.

5. ENTERTAINMENT (en-ter-tayn-ment) n.
Female: A good movie, concert, play or book.
Male: Anything that can be done while drinking beer.

6. FLATULENCE (flach-u-lens) n.
Female: An embarrassing byproduct of indigestion.
Male: A source of entertainment, self-expression, male bonding.

7 MAKING LOVE (may-king luv) n.
Female: The greatest expression of intimacy a couple can achieve.
Male: Call it whatever you want, just as long as we do it.

8. REMOTE CONTROL (ri-moht kon-trohl) n.
Female: A device for changing from one TV channel to another.
Male: A device for scanning through all 375 channels every 5 minutes.
Submitted by Jacob

"Trying to determine what is going on in the world by reading newspapers is like trying to tell the time by watching the second hand of a clock." - Ben Hecht

How do ants know what to do?

2008-01-27T12:19:00.001+08:00

Armed with a backhoe and a handful of markers, Deborah Gordon studies ant colonies in the Arizona desert. She asks: How do these chitinous creatures get down to business -- and even multitask when they need to -- with no language, memory or visible leadership? Her answers could lead to a better understanding of all complex systems, from the brain to the Web.

Ant biologist Deborah M. Gordon has spent decades digging in the Arizona desert to decipher the chemical, genetic and behavioral codes of ant colonies. Contrary to the popular notion that colonies have evolved into efficient, organized systems, she has instead discovered that the long evolution of the ant colony has resulted in a system driven by accident, adaptation and the chaos and "noise" of unconscious communication.

Her studies of the harvester ant have shed light on the evolution of aggregate systems, whether biological or virtual, and may someday yield clues tracing the evolution of the brain from neuron to cortex.

Gordon, a Stanford professor, wrote the acclaimed book Ants at Work, outlining her discoveries in generous, nontechnical detail.
"What (Gordon) has discovered by charting the life cycles of 300 ant colonies spread across a 25-acre swath of chapparal are findings which upset many of our assumptions about how the world works."
APF Reporter

Stickgal

2008-01-25T13:43:00.002+08:00

Mr. Wrong - 10 Types

Stickgal, an attractive and intelligent cabin gal muses about her (un)desirable other half in her blog?!

Mr. Wrong 1 - The Swindler

Mr. Wrong 2 -The Big Flirt

Mr. Wrong 3 -The Married Man

Mr. Wrong 4 -The Abuser

Mr. Wrong 5 -The Miser

Mr. Wrong 6 -The Clinger

Mr. Wrong 7 -The Narcissist

Mr. Wrong 8 -The Obviouslycannotmakeit

Mr. Wrong 9 -The Two Timer

Mr. Wrong 10 -The one who's never there

HER MR. Right

Anyone with the Ms Wrong - 10 Types?

Fresh, Fast and Casual

2008-01-22T09:25:00.001+08:00

Just 3 items on the menu

Chipotle is succeeding thanks to an elegantly simple business model, one its 42-year-old founder and chief executive, Steve Ells, can sum up in a single sentence: "Focus on just a few things, and do them better than anybody else." Thus, the menu contains only three items: burritos, tacos and salads. (The last was added only in 2005.)

Of course, Chipotle's taquería-style format, in which 16 basic ingredients are displayed in front of customers on a glass-covered assembly line, affords a panoply of variations on its Mexican theme...

A Chinese Dream

2008-01-21T11:24:00.001+08:00

A Chinese man from rural, impoverished Enkitsu fulfills his dream - to build a school in his hometown.

"Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in." Robert Frost

Speech by a Zainichi North Korean High School Student

2008-01-18T11:06:00.000+08:00

A Zainichi North Korean is a North Korean National who lives in Japan. Almost all Zainichi North Koreans have been in Japan for decades, because North Korea does not let it's citizens out. They are a very clannish people, and tend to goto their own schools (comprising a curriculum based around the history of the dear leader Kim Jong-Il), work at their own companies, and socialize within their own circles - all while being under the watchful eye of the Chongryon, a North Korean Nationals Association.

Although North Korea related groups are known to tell their people what to say, there is no information to the contrary so as far as Oniazuma knows this is a genuine speech.

5 Lessons in Life
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:
'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an elderly African-American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached..
It read:
'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's bedside just before he passed away... God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others.' Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.
'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.
'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the
waitress was growing impatient.
'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..
You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the s ide of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will
save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Source: Internet

13 Things Not to Share with Your Co-workers

2008-01-17T10:31:00.001+08:00

This is an interesting article by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

It’s happened to everyone before. The constant flow of words that just keep coming, long after you’ve made your point (if there ever was one) and even longer after people stopped caring. The kind of gibberish that just won’t stop unless someone else starts talking. The type of chatter that inevitably ends with you wishing you’d put a sock in it.

Yes, verbal diarrhea is never a good thing – but it can be worse in some places more than others...

... here are 13 things to never share or discuss with your co-workers.

1. Salary information
What you earn is between you and Human Resources, Solovic says. Disclosure indicates you aren’t capable of keeping a confidence.

2. Medical history
“Nobody really cares about your aches and pains, your latest operation, your infertility woes or the contents of your medicine cabinet,” Lopeke says. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee.

3. Gossip
Whomever you’re gossiping with will undoubtedly tell others what you said, Solovic says. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.

4. Work complaints
Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch, Solovic warns. If you don’t agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.

5. Cost of purchases
The spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, Lopeke says, but you don’t want others speculating on the lifestyle you’re living –or if you’re living beyond your salary bracket.

6. Intimate details
Don’t share intimate details about your personal life. Co-workers can and will use the information against you, Solovic says.

7. Politics or religion
“People have strong, passionate views on both topics,” Solovic says. You may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively in a way that could impact your career.

8. Lifestyle changes
Breakups, divorces and baby-making plans should be shared only if there is a need to know, Lopeke says. Otherwise, others will speak for your capabilities, desires and limitations on availability, whether there is any truth to their assumptions or not.

9. Blogs or social networking profile
What you say in a social networking community or in your personal blog may be even more damaging than what you say in person, Solovic warns. “Comments online can be seen by multiple eyes. An outburst of anger when you are having a bad day … can blow up in your face.”

10. Negative views of colleagues
If you don’t agree with a co-worker’s lifestyle, wardrobe or professional abilities, confront that person privately or keep it to yourself, Lopeke says. The workplace is not the venue for controversy.

11. Hangovers and wild weekends
It’s perfectly fine to have fun during the weekend, but don’t talk about your wild adventures on Monday, Solovic advises. That information can make you look unprofessional and unreliable.

12. Personal problems and relationships – in and out of the office
“Failed marriages and volatile romances spell instability to an employer,” Lopeke says. Office romances lead to gossip and broken hearts, so it’s best to steer clear. “The safest way to play is to follow the rule, ‘Never get your honey where you get your money.’”

13. Off-color or racially charged comments
You can assume your co-worker wouldn’t be offended or would think something is funny, but you might be wrong, Solovic says. Never take that risk. Furthermore, even if you know for certain your colleague wouldn’t mind your comment, don’t talk about it at work. Others can easily overhear.

What traits you have in common with millionaires?

2008-01-16T15:10:00.001+08:00

Wealth personalities: 6 types of millionaires By Laura Bruce

*Wealthy is defined in this survey as $1 million or more in net worth, not including the primary residence.

Satisfied Savers
These are the folks you would love to have as your parents or grandparents -- happy, well-adjusted, and rich! They make up 24% of the wealthy* population and share these characteristics.
Average age: 60
Built wealth through hard work, by living below their means and taking moderate risks
Financially savvy
Lost relatively little in the bear market
Know how to make their money work for them
Enjoy making a difference through charitable efforts

Status Chasers
You've met them. You may envy their possessions, but you wouldn't want to be them. They comprise 18% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 55
Achieved wealth through work and some inheritance
Want it all but haven't been able to achieve their major goals yet
Define wealth as a level three times their current net worth
Pessimistic about their own financial future
Less financially knowledgeable than their counterparts
Think of financial situation daily as a source of concern

Altruistic Achievers
These are the do-gooders of the bunch. Most of us can learn from them. Roughly 17% of the wealthy* population is composed of the philanthropists who share these qualities.
Average age: 54
Achieved wealth through work, some inheritance, good investments, owning a business, and living below their means
Self-made, driven to succeed, work hard, take risks
Use their wealth to help the less fortunate
Lack the time, interest, and know-how to manage finances; rely on professional management
Lost the most in the bear market
Only one-quarter plan to retire completely

Secret Succeeders
These people worked hard and had some luck and should be very happy, but they're not. They make up 17% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 55
Self-made: built fortunes through working in professional and managerial positions, making one or two particularly good investments and not spending
Live below their means
Suspicious of showing their wealth -- fear they'll lose it
Among the least charitable
Group includes the greatest percentage that admit they'll do whatever it takes, including compromise principles, to stay ahead
Not especially financially savvy, but having financial control is key
Somewhat optimistic about their financial futures

Disengaged Inheritors
Fortunately, not all who inherit money fall into this category. These folks are proof that having money doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. They compose 13% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 58
Received and built their wealth largely through inheritance, and living below their means
Second-wealthiest and second-oldest group
Lack the goals and drive to succeed
Think about their financial situation the least out of apathy and ambivalence
Not charitable, generally unhappy
Least financial know-how of the high-net worth segment

Deal Masters
The Donald Trumps of the world. "You're fired!" No, actually, if you have a fairly strong personality, these folks would be fun to know. They make up 11% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 49
Have amassed the greatest wealth, self-made, self-reliant
Built wealth by setting goals, working hard, being persistent, taking risks, relying on their own financial know-how
Segment comprises the largest number of small business owners
"Winner takes all" attitude
Confident and optimistic
Enjoy the challenge of making money
Think about financial situation daily -- source of challenge, fun, and happiness
Lost the least in the bear market
One of the least charitable groups
Living their dream, little inclination to stop working
62% would rather be stressed than have nothing to do
Source: The Phoenix Companies Inc.

Jim Rogers

2008-01-15T12:10:00.000+08:00

Who is he?

Preview: Jim Rogers

Preview: $$$

Inevitable Stages of Growth

2008-01-14T11:26:00.001+08:00

Everything in the universe grows through the Natural Stages of Growth and each stage has its own problems, opportunities and solutions. Check out Michael Masterson's Zero to $100 Million in No Time.

Daniel Goleman: Why aren’t we all Good Samaritans?

2008-01-12T14:54:00.001+08:00

Daniel Goleman

Your Friend, Your LOve

2008-01-11T10:26:00.000+08:00

沒有一百分的另一半，只有五十分的兩個人。

付出真心，才會得到真心，卻也可能傷得徹底；
保持距離，就能保護自己，卻也註定永遠寂寞。

通常願意留下來跟你爭吵的人，才是真正愛你的人。

有時候不是對方不在乎你，而是你把對方看得太重。

冷漠有時候並不是無情，只是一種避免被傷害的工具。

如果我們之間有１０００步的距離，
你只要跨出第１步，我就會朝你的方向走其餘的９９９步

為你的難過而快樂的，是敵人；
為你的快樂而快樂的，是朋友；
為你的難過而難過的，就是那些，該放進心裡的人。

就算是ｂｅｌｉｅｖｅ中間也藏了一個ｌｉｅ。

真正的好朋友，並不是在一起就有聊不完的話題；
而是在一起，就算不說話，也不會感到尷尬。

朋友就是被你看透了，還能喜歡你的人

Stephy Tang 鄧麗欣日久生情

Real Friends, Fake Friends

2008-01-10T13:14:00.001+08:00

FAKE FRIENDS: are the reason you have no food.
REAL FRIENDS: never ask for food.

FAKE FRIENDS: never seen you cry.
REAL FRIENDS: cry with you

FAKE FRIENDS: borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
REAL FRIENDS: keep your shit so long they forget its yours.

FAKE FRIENDS: know a few things about you.
REAL FRIENDS: could write a book about you with direct quotes from you.

FAKE FRIENDS: will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing.
REAL FRIENDS: will kick the whole crowds ass that left you.

FAKE FRIENDS: would knock on your front door.
REAL FRIENDS: walk right in and say “I’M HOME!”

FAKE FRIENDS: are for awhile.
REAL FRIENDS: are for life.

FAKE FRIENDS: will take your drink away when they think you’ve had enough.
REAL FRIENDS: will look at you stumbling all over the place and say “Hey drink the rest of that you know we don’t waste.” Anon

The Way to Make Friends 交友之道

Take the Entrepreneurship Test

2008-01-09T09:36:00.000+08:00

The Hawker and The Banker

Scott Shane of Case Western recently published The Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths That Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy Makers Live By. In the book, he bursts many of the bubbles of entrepreneurship in America. Says he, “People start businesses based on the myths we tell ourselves about entrepreneurship and then are hurt when confronted by reality. Investors believe these myths and invest money and they’re disappointed when they don’t hold true. Policy makers make policy based on these myths and then wonder why the economy isn’t growing with all these entrepreneurs now in it.” If you think you already really know the scoop about entrepreneurship, try taking his test (U.S.). If you score less than 80%, maybe you should buy the book. The Illusions of Entrepreneurship

The 8 Frugal Billionaires

2008-01-08T14:02:00.000+08:00

1. Warren Buffett, $57 billion, Country: United States
Despite his billions, America's most admired investor still lives in the same modest Nebraska home he bought in 1958 for $31,500.

2. Ingvar Kamprad & Family, $33 billion, Country: Sweden
Ikea's pennywise founder is famous for being cheap. He flies coach, drives a 1993 Volvo and often dines at lower-tier restaurants. He also reportedly furnishes his home with Ikea's affordable merchandise.

3. Azim Premji, $17.1 billion, Country: India
Parsimonious Premji inherited a cooking-oil business from his father and transformed it into technology-services giant Wipro. He drove a Ford Escort for eight years before trading it in for a new Toyota Corolla, but he usually walks to work from his nearby home. Premji often stays at budget hotels when traveling in India.

4. Jim C. Walton, $16.4 billion, Country: United States
The Wal-Mart scion and member of America's richest family inherited his billions--and spending habits--from his father Sam. Like his billionaire sister Alice, Jim prefers sturdy pickup trucks to flashy, expensive sports cars.

5. Richard Kinder, $2.9 billion, Country: United States
The former Enron president left the firm in 1996, claiming he was uncomfortable with its "asset-light" strategy... He believes in efficiency, flying coach on company business.

6. John Caudwell, $2.2 billion, Country: U.K.
The former auto-repair shop owner and Michelin engineer entered the cellphone business in 1987... An avid sportsman, he used to bike 14 miles to work. He cuts his own hair because, he says, going to a barber is a waste of time, and buys his clothes at affordable British retailer Marks & Spencer. Eschews three-figure bottles of wine when a two-figure bottle will do just as nicely: "I don't need to spend money to bolster my own esteem."

7. Frederik Meijer & Family, $2 billion, Country: United States
The reclusive retail tycoon was raised to be a penny-pincher. His father Hendrik was a barber, but switched to supermarkets after the Depression reduced his clientèle, opening Meijer Grocery in 1934, where he kept prices low.

8. David Cheriton, $1.4 billion, Country: Canada
The Stanford professor introduced students Sergey Brin and Larry Page to venture capitalists at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; he was rewarded with a large chunk of Google stock. Cheriton prefers to ride his bike, though he also drives a 1993 Honda Accord or a 1986 Volkswagen camper. Lives in the same Palo Alto home he bought in 1981. He flies commercial, and cuts his own hair rather than wasting time and money going to a barber.

Source: Forbes

Rat Race

2008-01-06T12:43:00.000+08:00

Change the World

2008-01-03T08:36:00.000+08:00

A company with a mission to create the largest public computing grid benefiting humanity. "Donate the time your computer is turned on, but is idle, to projects that benefit humanity. We provide the secure software that does it all for free, and you become part of a community that is helping to change the world. Once you install the software, you will be participating in World Community Grid"... Help Change the World

Here's to an Intelligent New Year!

2008-01-02T10:28:00.000+08:00

"The most influential person you will talk to all day is you." Zig Ziglar

The Fox and the Grapes by Aesop
A famished fox saw some clusters of ripe black grapes hanging from a trellised vine. She resorted to all her tricks to get at them, but wearied herself in vain, for she could not reach them. At last she turned away, hiding her disappointment and saying: "The grapes are sour, and not ripe as I thought."

How many times have we had "sour grapes" because we did not get something we wanted but could not get? Instead of bemoaning that the grapes are sour, perhaps we should look at ourselves to determine if it is we -- and not the grapes -- that have the shortcoming... Get hold of 'real efforts' at Intelligence: Best Resources

Ideal Personalities
At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning.
At thirty, I stood firm.
At forty, I had no doubts.
At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven
At sixty, my ear could accept the truth with ease. At seventy, I could follow my heart's desire,without going against what was right."
Analects,II:4)

A Miraculous 2008!

2008-01-01T10:23:00.000+08:00

"Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know - that man is here for the sake of other men." Albert Einstein

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be." Pantanjali

Grow like Tiger

2007-12-31T12:58:00.000+08:00

"The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today. And that's how I look at my life. I will be better as a golfer, I will be better as a person, I will be better as a father, I will be a better husband, I will be better as a friend. That's the beauty of tomorrow. There is no such thing as a setback. The lessons I learn today I will apply tomorrow, and I will be better." Tiger Woods

10 Commandments of Investment

2007-12-29T11:20:00.000+08:00

Save Now or Die Trying by Mark Bruno

1. Retirement is a Reality
Don't wait to see if you can play catch up.
2. Not some one else, do something now
It's up to you to take care of yourself.
3. Whenever there is free money, take it
Work for a boss who will make matching contributions to your retirement plan.
4. Treat retirement as part of saving plan
Have contributions deducted automatically from pay cheque.
5. If you aren't saving, you're setting yourself up
A little saving a month will help to accumulate for long term wealth.
6. The power of compounding
The earlier you save, the more money will work for you.
7. Don't count on any future help
There are no sure things in life and retirement.
8. The difference between good and bad debts
Credit card is bad debt when you don't pay it off expeditiously.
9. No stupid questions, only stupid decisions.
Financial independence equals ability to save?!
10. Live life
Don't save for tomorrow at the expense of today.

Free Personal Finance Websites...
Clear CheckBook
Mint
Wesabe
"If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy." Anon

Spring Cleaning

2007-12-28T10:20:00.000+08:00

As the New Year approaches, traditionally, every households would be busy clearing old stuff...

... more so, it's been found that people living in a moldy home may be more likely to suffer from depression, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the Brown School of Medicine in Providence, R.I., and published in the American Journal of Public Health.

... so clean up... for the better... hehehe

Goals for 2008

2007-12-27T14:49:00.000+08:00

Goals setting

How about being flexible, open and practical rather than giving yourself a rigid reach you stress yourself with?

1) Embrace change
2) Enjoy process
3) Just spark it!

Some tips from Bruce Mau

The 2007 Web Celeb 25

2007-12-26T11:49:00.000+08:00

Source: Forbes

1)Mario Lavandeira Age: 29 What: Celebrity gossip blogger
2)Michael Arrington Age: 37 What: Tech blogger
3)Mark Frauenfelder Age: 46 What: Editor, blogger, illustrator
4)Seth Godin Age: 47 What: Marketing guru
5)Cory Doctorow Age: 36 What: Author and blogger
6)Matt Drudge Age: 41 What: News Web site editor
7)Gina Trapani Age: 32 What: Productivity blogger
8)Mark Zuckerberg Age: 23 What: Facebook founder
9)Harry Knowles Age: 36 What: Movie critic
10)Robert Scoble Age: 42 What: Tech blogger
11)Frank Warren Age: 43 What: Online artist
12)Om Malik Age: 41 What: Tech blogger
13)Will Leitch Age: 32 What: Sports blogger
14)Jeff Jarvis Age: 53 What: Media critic
15)Kevin Rose Age: 30 What: Digg founder, videoblogger
16)Kathy Sierra Age: 50 What: Programming instructor, blogger
17)Dan Lyons (Fake Steve Jobs) Age: 47 What: Journalist, author, blogger
18)Markos Moulitsas Zúniga Age: 36 What: Political blogger
19)Xeni Jardin Age: 35 What: Journalist, blogger
20)Ryan Block Age: 25 What: Gadget blogger
21)Glenn Reynolds Age: 47 What: Political blogger
22)Pete Cashmore Age: What: Tech blogger/consultant, media expert, author
23)Steve Rubel Age: 38 What: PR expert, blogger
24)Heather Armstrong Age: 32 What: Blogger, mom
25)Darren Rowse Age: 35 What: Blogging expert

Bomb-Bing! Bomb-Bing!

2007-12-25T11:02:00.000+08:00

GI saves Iraqi boy in long-shot adoption

"Baba! Baba! The water is getting all over me!"
"It's not water, it's snooooow."

"It's just another ordinary miracle today. Life is like a gift they say. Wrapped up for you everyday." Ordinary Miracle sung by Sarah McLachlan.

12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-24T11:27:00.000+08:00

"Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect." Oren Arnold

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

Smart Money Moves

2007-12-22T09:54:00.001+08:00

25種你該遠離的男人

2007-12-21T09:46:00.000+08:00

1. 有過出軌紀錄
　　同時與數位女性交往，又和每一位感情很好，愛來愛去，不知在愛哪一個；或者是已經有要好女友，卻又愛上其他女人，這些都表示這個男人無法接受傳統的一夫一妻制。

2. 過度自戀自以為了不起
　　喜歡吹噓自己的長處，並否認短處；在外人面前很會裝腔做勢；在自己人面前則挑剔別人缺點，而且死不承認問題出在自己身上。喜愛自己勝過一切，而且認為所有人都該吹捧他，喜歡那種被吹捧的優越感，這種人會把自己犯的過錯都推給身邊最親近的人。小心他失意時，會把妳貶損到一文不值。

3. 自卑感過重
　　非常害怕遭遇挫折，會因為禁不起打擊而自動放棄。這種性格軟弱的男人，雖然表現得十分謙卑溫順，但也會以自己的軟弱來博取許多大女人或女強人的愛心和同情心。他一方面以征服女強人來滿足自卑心理，另一方面也依賴女強人吃軟飯。表面上，他可能是善理家務的新好男人，但仔細觀察後，妳會發現他其實很幼稚。

4. 喜歡吹噓交女友經驗
　　津津樂道交女友的各種方法、手段，還不自覺地流露出下流的語氣，以交女友經驗豐富為榮。這種男人十分懂得衣著打扮和討女人歡心，他追求妳的時候像情聖，其卻只是個愛情騙子。他愛妳的時候像個人，不愛的妳時候像畜生。他根本沒有感情，重視的是「性」，妳對他而言只是「發洩的對象」。

5. 時常被女性追求，又不善拒絕
　　他有許多吸引女人的條件，尤其容易吸引一些大膽的女子追求他，而他又是那種不善拒絕的人，會以各種不得已的理由來解釋、搪塞，表示被女人追求是防不勝防的事，希望妳忍耐、包容。如果不及早離開他，當因緣際會時機成熟時，他遲早會背棄妳。

6. 經常做出不雅動作
　　這種男人天生淫蕩，不知道經常撫摸自己下體是不雅的動作，他非常喜歡女人撫摸或口交他的下體，甚至為解決當時的性衝動，便要求妳不用脫衣服，要在不適當的場所做愛。這種男人天生就不是一夫一妻制的男人，會四處尋找性伴侶。

7. 生性叛逆
　　隨口說髒話、罵人，或因家教良好、接受良好教育，使他雖然外表文雅但牢騷滿腹。他天生就有叛逆性格，沒有絲毫感恩之心。反傳統、反道德、反社會、反制度。這種人無人可以駕馭他，妳對他再好、付出再多，也不會換來他一丁點感激，他可以在無任何理由下，與妳翻臉，因為他很可能是個精神有問題的男人。

8. 喜歡追求刺激的快感
　　喜歡到處亂跑，結交各類朋友，增廣見識，好像人緣很好、吃得開，很能幹。但是因為好奇心重，喜歡新鮮刺激的事物，因此常瞞著大家去碰觸禁忌事物，藉此帶來許多快感。這種男人一定會去嘗試外遇、偷情和與眾不同的性行為方式。小心他傳染性病給妳。

9. 家庭背景複雜
　　家中有三姨太、四姨太，或父親一生風流韻事不斷，表示他天生有風流男人的遺傳因子。如果他的家庭對他父親的風流保密和默認，表示他還有大男人主義思想，妳對他的風流外遇連干涉的權利都沒有。

10. 朋友們異性關係複雜
　　如果他有很多朋友異性關係複雜，以嫖妓為樂，並同時與各種類型的女性交往。他遲早也會受影響，成為同樣類型的男人，妳得小心！

11. 猜疑心重
　　太多的嫉妒使他變成神經質的猜疑者，永遠對妳的行為做最壞的假設，使妳百般困擾。他可能攻擊妳的性格缺點、外貌缺失，以貶低妳的價值來控制妳，實際上，他自己有滿腦子的偷腥念頭，不得不投射到妳的身上。妳嚴重受他約束，但對他的偷腥行為卻被蒙在鼓裡。
12. 不願意「有固定工作」或「固定工作時間」的男人
　　經常換工作、不喜歡有固定工作，表示他也不會受妳約束，或對妳負起責任。工作時間不固定，出差、開會，輪班、加班、和工作地點不固定的男人，比較有機會外遇，也比較容易找到藉口外遇，妳可能被蒙騙很久都不知道，必須提高警覺。

13. 喜歡圍繞在不同女人身邊
　　不管自己身旁是否有女伴，在公共場所中，他特別喜歡圍繞在形形色色的女性身邊說笑話，逗她開心，看到美女特別起勁。這種男人會使妳誤以為他只是好玩，而非好色，剛開始時或許他並不想追求這些女性，但是當他們友情熱絡之後，交往越密切就越可能發生戀情，這也算是會偷腥的男人。

14. 他的父母反對你們交往
　　他的父母反對你們交往，必定有他們的理由，也或許他們天生就是非常挑剔刻薄型的父母，如果妳不能解決反對的理由，婚後必定難以應付。甚至，他的父母可能會在婚後鼓勵他外遇，以另結新歡來拋棄妳。這種父母在台灣非常多，妳得小心這種男人聯合他的父母一起來欺負妳。

15. 自稱工作狂
　　即使是工作狂的男性，在愛上一個女人時，無論多麼繁忙，也會抽空見她一面來舒解壓力，畢竟，與相愛的人在一起是件很開心的事。如果他經常以工作忙碌為藉口，工作到很晚，使妳感到他已經忽略妳的存在，無論他有多好的理由，妳都應該另尋對象。因為妳不是他的最愛，更何況他可能另有其他女人。總之，你們的親密關係不存在。

16. 不能許下承諾
　　每當妳把話題帶到穩定兩人關係，如：彼此不再交往其他異性朋友訂婚、結婚，或想認識他的家人和朋友們時，他總是閃爍其詞，用盡各種理由推託，表示他根本不想和妳維繫長期關係。他目前尚未與妳分手，可能是他暫時沒找到比妳更合適的女人，也可能妳還有其他利用價值。

17. 貪玩又有一群死黨
　　他非常重視朋友，在乎朋友的感受甚於妳的感受。這群男人在一起比親兄弟還親密，因此，他很可能會隨朋友去搞七捻三，使他的變數太多而難以駕馭。一旦這群人達成共識，會互相把風，彼此交換抵禦女友的方法，使妳防不勝防。如果妳不能討好他這群些死黨，反過來，他的死黨們還很可能遊說他拋棄妳。

18. 有毒癮經驗
　　迷上吸毒是挫折感較重和易受挫折的象徵，這些人無法面對真實的人生和自己，不善於處理問題而開始吸毒。當他們染上毒癮後，就封閉情感，即使原本是非常重感、講義氣的人，也會因此而變成最沒有感情的男人。不僅有異常性行為，在平時也有許多異於常人的觀念與行為，絕不是妳能約束和了解的男人。

19. 酗酒成癮
　　喜歡喝點酒是許多人的習慣，但有些男人一遇到困難，就不能積極地去解決，反而藉酒澆愁或找其他藉口，因此養成酗酒的惡習，藉酗酒放縱他的獸行，亂說亂喊，隨意摸女人，任意要求性行為。或招致一些債務，要老婆代為償還，藉故打人、打老婆，將所有過錯歸罪他人，無法自我反省。妳無法掌握他何時會使出暴虐行為，長期處於驚恐之中，嚴重時他還可能會殺了妳，還是溜之為妙。

20. 經常挑剔妳的缺點
　　生活中他給妳極大的壓力，使妳深信妳配不上他；或是用怪異的眼神藐視妳，好像妳身上有什麼不對勁和對不起他的地方。這種男人終有一天會令妳崩潰，即使他有再好的條件吸引妳，妳都必須遠離他。因為他不時打擊妳的自信，並不斷尋找比妳更好的女人，讓其他女人把妳比下去，否則，他會要妳竭盡所能伺候他，妳為此勞心勞力像個奴隸一般，最後還是一場空，還有可能罹患精神病。

21. 貧賤夫妻百事哀
　　他和妳在一起是為了錢，當妳幫助他的能力消失時，他會露出非常慌張害怕的神情，這種男人絕不會和妳過貧窮的日子，他不會為了愛情而留在女人身邊，即使妳救過他，幫助他渡過一場致命的大病，他也不會因為妳的付出，犧牲掉自己的一生幸福。妳不應該為他賺得榮華富貴，讓他享受，應該及早離開他。他的特徵是永遠要衣著考究、生活舒服、飲食講究、有品味、有氣派、一副上流社會男人的模樣。

22. 他認為靠近妳是下賤的事
　　每當他與妳相處或靠近妳，就有莫可奈何的表情，很無趣、想打瞌睡、缺少共同話題，或隱約露出厭惡的表情。他渴望離開妳已經表現得十分明顯，也許妳費盡心思照顧他太久、也太多，妳自貶身價才使得他待妳如此惡劣。對這種男人，妳應該抬高身價，像個高高在上的公主，他才會捧著妳；如果妳卑賤地去遷就他，他就將妳視為下賤的女人。

23. 喜歡妳為他爭風吃醋
　　他喜歡向妳炫耀過往女友有哪些比妳好的地方，或誇耀目前一些條件好的女人，當妳不高興或露出吃醋的表情時，他會辯解沒有惡意，並露出很冤枉委屈的樣子。其實他根本就是心懷惡意的男人，他知道自己沒有什麼了不起的條件，但總有辦法找到條件好的女人來自抬身價。他是最下流的男人，因為他沒有條件，還不斷利用其他女人來打擊妳。

24. 永遠不體貼妳
　　他從來不知道妳生病和辛苦勞累，不願意照顧妳，當妳需要他時，他就借機開溜。妳連續發現他有這種徵兆，表示他是非常自私的男人，他很會投機取巧、甜言蜜語、裝成很懂事、很體貼各種人、很重感情。他利用這些裝出來的優點吸引別人和他的朋友，也吸引妳愛上他，但是妳真正需要他時，他卻一再開溜，或無可奈何地虛假陪伴，這些都表示他不是可以長久信賴的男人，妳必須學習照顧自己或安排其他出路。

25. 一個沒感情的男人
　　表面上看起來你們好像性格不合，他處處都在忍受妳的嘮叨，即使妳罵他，他也不回嘴，默默承受妳的憤怒。最明顯的是在溝通時，妳無論問什麼，他都沒意見一副淡漠態度，不管妳死活。為什麼他這麼冷漠？當然是他的心已遠離，很可能另有新歡。妳對他那麼好，他怎麼會去另結新歡呢？信不信由妳，這種沒感情沒良心男人，會找藉口對妳說：你們「性格不合」的原因，而他必須另外找一個更了解他的女人！不如妳先放棄他，也不要管他死活，好好地過自己的人生。古人說「君子好交，小人難防」，連做朋友都難防，何況與小人做夫妻更是防不勝防，尤其要注意「有才能的小人」「沒有才能的小人」還要難防。

I AM

2007-12-20T14:52:00.000+08:00

Extract from an interesting article by Michael Litman...

I used to think my self worth and SELF esteem were tied to how much money I made. So if I did well, I was awesome. And if I didn't I was a fool.

I later learned this is a one way ticket to unhappiness and never feeling truly fulfilled. I thought 'who I was' was in how much money I made or the applause from others at that moment. What a lie we've been taught. What a lie our culture has ingrained in many.

You are not the money you've made or haven't made yet. You're not. Your SELF is the most important part of you. If you feel good about yourSELF, you soar. If you don't, you struggle. Have you bought into the lie that attaches your self worth with your income? You are not your weekly check.

You are a GIFT to this world. You're a PRESENT for a certain population or group of people. WHO you are is much bigger than your monthly salary or latest commission check. You can feel good about your SELF whether you're making millions or barely getting by (you'll turn things around).

What happens is most people's self worth is too attached to their income and then when their income is down they beat up their SELF. Their SELF gets hit. They stop loving their SELF. They start disrespecting their SELF through negative selftalk. They then go to other's for approval or acceptance because they've lost themSELVES.

Your SELF is the 'I AM' part of you.

"Wow, my life really does matter. People need me. I make a difference. Wow, this feels good."... I AM.

"My dream is to always have dreams. When you don't have dreams, it's extremely dangerous." Victor Li (Son of Billonaire Li Ka Shing)

"I can't ever change myself to cater to the world. A man should contend with the world according to his own lifestyle." Andy Lau

How are you being served?

2007-12-18T08:57:00.001+08:00

Source: web syndicate

A man recently paid a visit to a millionaire's house, and ended up not having anything to drink despite the offer...

Question: 'What would you like to have... Fruit juice, Soda, Tea, Chocolate, Milo, or Coffee?'
Answer: 'Tea please.'

Question: 'Ceylon tea, Herbal tea, Bush tea, Honey bush tea, Ice tea or green tea?'
Answer: 'Ceylon tea.'

Question: 'How would you like it? Black or white?'
Answer: 'White.'

Question: 'Milk, whitener, or condensed milk?'
Answer: 'With milk.'

Question: 'Goat milk, camel milk or cow milk?'
Answer: 'With cow milk please.'

Question: 'Milk from Freezeland cow or Afrikaner cow?'
Answer: 'Mmmm... I will take Afrikaner.'

Question: 'Would you like it with sweetener, sugar or honey?'
Answer: 'With sugar.'

Question: 'Beet sugar or cane sugar?'
Answer: 'Cane sugar.'

Question: 'White, brown or yellow sugar?'
Answer: 'Walau! Forget about tea, just give me a glass of water instead.'

Question: 'Mineral water or plain water?'
Answer: 'Mineral water'

Question: 'Flavored or non-flavored?'
Answer: Argh! Wat e fish! Forget it.

Does going the extra miles help? Are you being served right?

McDonald's and Children's Health: The Production of New Customers

2007-12-17T10:50:00.001+08:00

I once chatted with an inmate who lamented that his grand children would never join him at the heartland coffee shop nearby but prefer the further away 'posh' eatery at the central shopping center, of course, such distances are narrowed...

In a recent study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 1 researchers found that low income 3 to 5 year old children preferred the taste of hamburgers, chicken, French fries, carrots or low fat milk if they thought the products were from McDonald's, whether or not they actually were...

According to its 2006 Annual Report, McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants serving 52 million people in more than 100 countries each day. Its 2006 revenues were $ 21.6 billion, up 16% from 2004...

In 1998, 89% of children in the United States eight years of age or younger had visited a McDonald's at least once a month. In response to this information, R.J. Milano, a Mcdonald's Vice President stated that their goal for the following year was to reach 100%. He boasted "I'm going to own every kid transaction out there." 3(p. 291)...

Obesity is now responsible for 300,000 deaths a year, according to a U.S. Surgeon General’s report.

"One quarter of what you eat keeps you alive; the other three-quarters keeps your doctor alive." Unknown
Hospital Bill Size

Love

2007-12-15T14:36:00.002+08:00

Keeping the Love Tank Full by Gary Chapman

The Need for Love
Straying 'love'? Focus on the kind of love that is essential to our emotional health: the need to feel loved.

Running on Empty
When people don't see eye to eye? When a child really feels loved, he will develop normally, but when the love tank is empty, the child will misbehave. Their misbehavior is a misguided search for the love they did not feel.

Speak Their Language
Do what you say more important? Make it your goal to discover it and speak it, and their love tank will be full.

Love is Learned
Why to love is to learn. Meeting our deep need for intimacy and love.

Discover them through The 5 Languages of Love

"Life is the dancer and you are the dance." Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

"Of all forms of caution, caution in love is the most fatal." Anonymous

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!" Hamilton Wright Mable

"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Signs that your relationship is over

2007-12-14T10:46:00.001+08:00

You may be in an abusive relationship if he or she:
- Is jealous or possessive toward you.
(Jealousy is the primary symptom of abusive relationships; it is also a core component of Sexual Addictions and Love Addiction.)
- Tries to control you by being very bossy or demanding.
- Tries to isolate you by demanding you cut off social contacts and friendships.
- Is violent and / or loses his or her temper quickly.
- Pressures you sexually, demands sexual activities you are not comfortable with.
- Abuses drugs or alcohol.
- Claims you are responsible for his or her emotional state. (This is a core diagnostic criteria for Codependency.)
- Blames you when he or she mistreats you.
- Has a history of bad relationships.
- Your family and friends have warned you about the person or told you that they are concerned for your safety or emotional well being.
- You frequently worry about how he or she will react to things you say or do.
- Makes "jokes" that shame, humiliate, demean or embarrass you, weather privately or around family and friends.
- Your partner grew up witnessing an abusive parental relationship, and/or was abused as a child.
- Your partner "rages" when they feel hurt, shame, fear or loss of control.
- Both parties in abusive relationships may develop or progress in drug or alcohol dependence in a (dysfunctional) attempt to cope with the pain.
- You leave and then return to your partner repeatedly, against the advice of your friends, family and loved ones.
- You have trouble ending the relationship, even though you know inside it's the right thing to do.

He says; she says
Woman: Would you get married again if I died?
Man: Definitely not!
Woman: Why not -- don't you like being married?
Man: Of course I do.
Woman: Then why wouldn't you remarry?
Man: Okay, I'd get married again.
Woman: You would? (With a hurtful look on her face)
Man: (audible groan)
Woman: Would you sleep with her in our bed?
Man: Where else would we sleep?
Woman: Would you put away my pictures, and replace them with pictures of her?
Man: That would seem like the proper thing to do.
Woman: And would you let her use my golf clubs?
Man: She can't use them -- she's left-handed.
Woman: (silence)
Man: Sh*t.

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." Ralph Waldo Emerson

50 essential websites for every writer!

2007-12-13T12:42:00.001+08:00

Adapted from presentation by Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

1. 30+ Tools For The Amateur Writer
2. 40 Useful Firefox Add-Ons for Librarians
3. 48 classic books to boost your learning experience
4. 50 things that can improve your writing skills
5. 57 Tips for Writing Your Term Paper
6. 100 Tools Freelancers Can’t Live Without
7. 100+ In-Depth Resource Collections for Web Workers
8. 150 Resources to Help You Write Better, Faster, and More Persuasively
9. A Guide to Writing Well
10. Action writing word list
11. Advice to writers
12. Conjunctions
13. Creativity and how to get motivated to write
14. Cure writers block : inspiration
15. Descriptive words
16. Do you recognize the 10 mental blocks for writers?
17. Find rhyme and alliteration
18. Flash charts
19.Find words fast -- Fast like a ninja
20. Grammar right
21. Grammar mistakes
22. Grammar and such
23. GRE Words
24. Grammar Girl
25. Great Words
26. Headlines
27. Headline Templates
28. How to Use English Punctuation Correctly
29. How to Write More Clearly, Think More Clearly
30. How to Write a Novel: The Snowflake Method
31. How to improve your writing
32. How to begin a GREAT story
33. How to write a dissertation
34. How to cite with APA citation
35. Ideas on how to write better
36. Knowing Poe: Home
37. Periodic table of visualization methods
39. Recommendation Letters
40. Synonym Finder
41. Tools for reading, writing, thinking
42. Transitional phrases
43. Tips on journal writing
44. Ways to improve your writing
45. When to write out the number vs just writing the number(nine vs. 9)
46. Writerisms and other Sins: A Writer's Shortcut to Stronger Writing
47. Writing Links & Links for Writers
48. Write like Hemmingway
49. Write like Stephen King
50. Writing tips everyone must know

Preview 50 Essentials

20 Shocking Smoking Facts

2007-12-12T09:24:00.001+08:00

According to Terry Martin, use the smoking facts below, to fuel the fire in your belly that will help you beat your smoking habit, once and for all.

Smoking Facts and Tobacco Statistics
1) There are 1.1 billion smokers in the world today, and if current trends continue, that number is expected to increase to 1.6 billion by the year 2025.

2) China is home to 300 million smokers who consume approximately 1.7 trillion cigarettes a year, or 3 million cigarettes a minute.

3) Worldwide, approximately 10 million cigarettes are purchased a minute, 15 billion are sold each day, and upwards of 5 trillion are produced and used on an annual basis.

4) Five trillion cigarette filters weigh approximately 2 billion pounds.

5) It's estimated that trillions of filters, filled with toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke, make their way into our environment as discarded waste yearly.

6) While they may look like white cotton, cigarette filters are made of very thin fibers of a plastic called cellulose acetate. A cigarette filter can take between 18 months and 10 years to decompose.

7) A typical manufactured cigarette contains approximately 8 or 9 milligrams of nicotine, while the nicotine content of a cigar is 100 to 200 milligrams, with some as high as 400 milligrams.

8) There is enough nicotine in four or five cigarettes to kill an average adult if ingested whole. Most smokers take in only one or two milligrams of nicotine per cigarette however, with the remainder being burned off.

9) Ambergris, otherwise known as whale vomit is one of the hundreds of possible additives used in manufactured cigarettes.

10) Benzene is a known cause of acute myeloid leukemia, and cigarette smoke is a major source of benzene exposure. Among U.S. smokers, 90 percent of benzene exposures come from cigarettes.

11) Radioactive lead and polonium are both present in low levels in cigarette smoke.

12) Hydrogen cyanide, one of the toxic byproducts present in cigarette smoke, was used as a genocidal chemical agent during World War II.

13) Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemical compounds, 11 of which are known to be Group 1 carcinogens.

14) The smoke from a smoldering cigarette often contains higher concentrations of the toxins found in cigarette smoke than exhaled smoke does.

15) Kids are still picking up smoking at the alarming rate of 3,000 a day in the U.S., and 80,000 to 100,000 a day worldwide.

16) Worldwide, one in five teens age 13 to 15 smoke cigarettes.

17) Approximately one quarter of the youth alive in the Western Pacific Region (East Asia and the Pacific) today will die from tobacco use.

18) Half of all long-term smokers will die a tobacco-related death.

19) Every eight seconds, a human life is lost to tobacco use somewhere in the world. That translates to approximately 5 million deaths annually.

20) Tobacco use is expected to claim one billion lives this century unless serious anti-smoking efforts are made on a global level.

Tobacco offers us a life of slavery, a host of chronic, debilitating illnesses and ultimately death. And think about it: We pay big bucks for those "benefits." Sad, but true. Take your life back! If you're a smoker wishing you could quit, make your mind up to dig your heels in and do the work necessary to get this monkey off your back now. You'll never regret it.

Preview

Experts say the vast majority of head and neck cancer cases are linked to tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco. Heavy drinking also increases one's risk. If found early, these cancers are often curable - showing the need for early detection of the tumours.

'We know who gets head and neck cancer - people who smoke and drink a lot and tend to be at an older age. The problem is that it's sometimes difficult to diagnose until it's at its late stages and difficult to treat and cure,' researcher Dr Joseph Califano of the Johns Hopkins department of head and neck surgery.

Hospital Bill Size

Anger!!!

2007-12-11T14:59:00.001+08:00

Many of us would never think about our actions in a long term perspective, we're just too busy trying to use our influence over an encounter with someone to gain attention/privilege without realizing the harm it can cause to others or ourselves, especially so within a group of people who are close to one another...

Here is an interesting story regarding the behavior.

There was once a little boy with a bad temper. So his father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he was to hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had already driven 37 nails into the fence. Then the number of nails gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the boy thought that he would not lose his patience again or randomly had a fit of temper. He told his father about it who then suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. It's like you plunge a knife into a man and then draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say sorry, the wound will forever be there."

A verbal abuse is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they are there to want to open their hearts with us.

Think about it the next time you lose your temper with someone. You'll never know when they may be your only source of assistance in a time of need.

"Anger corrupts faith in the same way that vinegar destroys honey." Prophet Muhammad

Michael Forbes, hero of Balmedie

2007-12-10T08:07:00.001+08:00

Scottist Farmer took on Trump

"Scotland isn't going to make anything out of it. The only person who will make anything is Mr. Trump... It's all about the houses - and not affordable housing. Houses for rich people - there are too many of them running the world. It's nothing to do with the golf course... They say that money talks; not with me, it doesn't. He (Trump) has no change of getting it." Michael Forbes

"You are going to teach him a very valuable lesson in life, and that is the value of one's house, home, land and true happiness. You have it and he does not. Stay put." Well-wisher from Adelaide, Australia.

The 'rich' and the 'poor'
A rich man was horrified when he found a fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, with his hands folded behind his head, admiring the far-out ocean scenery.

The rich man: "Why aren’t you out fishing?"
The fisherman: "Because I have caught enough fish for the day."

The rich man: "Why don’t you catch some more?"
The fisherman: "What would I do with them?"

The rich man: "You could earn more money. With that, you could buy a new motor so your boat could go into deeper waters and catch more fishes. Then you could make enough money to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fishes and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats ... maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me."
The fisherman: "What would I do then?"

The rich man: "Then you could really enjoy life."
The fisherman: "What do you think I am doing right now?"

It's easy to get caught in the world's trap of working harder... the stonecutter story

Contentment is a difficult attitude to learn, but so important. It's easy to get caught in the world's trap of working harder and harder to earn more and more, when we may well already have what can provide us with the greatest possible happiness.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Seven Deadly Workplace Sins

2007-12-08T10:27:00.001+08:00

The 7 deadly sins order teachings used by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th Century AD to educate and instruct followers...

A leaf off Donald J. Trump's thoughts on WorkPlace Sins
Pride
In one sense, pride is absolutely necessary. You have to be proud of your work, proud of your accomplishments, proud of your abilities. That’s an undeniable given. Personally, I don’t want people working for me who aren’t confident in their talents and skills and aren’t pleased with their success.
But there’s a fine line. Rarely do people achieve everything alone. Be sure to acknowledge the work and the contributions of your co-workers. If your ego gets too big for the room, you lose the respect and the support of your team. And no one can go it alone.

Envy
Jealousy is stupid. It is a waste of time and it’s destructive. Nothing good can ever come of it, so there’s definitely no room for it in the workplace. If a co-worker gets a project or a promotion that you wanted, then don’t spend time stewing over it or lamenting that it should’ve been yours. Instead, turn the opportunity around.
Use the situation to motivate yourself to work harder, to achieve more so that next time you’ll be the one who gets the chance to make the big deal or who gets the big client or the big raise.
In addition, if your peers see that you are envious of their success, it will do nothing but create a rift between you and that creates an unhealthy working environment. You have to work as a team and that just can’t happen when there’s an underpinning of resentment.
Use someone else’s success to fuel your own motivation.

Anger
This is a tough one. In general, I’d have to agree that anger doesn’t belong in the workplace. It can create a hostile environment and people who are prone to angry outbursts are often seen as unprofessional by their employers.
However, I think that leaders occasionally may have to use their anger in the workplace. I don’t mean that they should run around yelling at their employees, slamming doors and punching walls. But often people who are too soft-spoken and easy-going are steamrolled by those who work for them and with them. If they use their tempers wisely and show people that they mean business, all of a sudden those clients and employees and co-workers will sit up and take notice.
Like in all aspects of life, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You don’t want to be squeaking (or in this case, yelling and screaming and pounding the desk) too often. But if you do it occasionally, you’ll make your point.

Greed
One of my often-quoted sayings is “Greed is good,” so I have mixed feelings about greed being a workplace sin. I believe that you have to be motivated by some sort of insatiability for success. I guess that’s greed in a way. If you’re not driven, you won’t succeed.
Where greed can hurt you is if you want too much too soon and you only consider the short term, forgetting that some time you have to sacrifice the here-and-now in order to plan ahead. It’s worth it in the end when you work hard toward a long-term goal instead of only living in the present.
So, yes, greed is good, because it inspires you and drives you to work hard so you achieve and win and succeed. But don’t let it get in the way of long-term success.

Sloth
There are few things I hate more than laziness. I work very, very hard and I expect the people who work for me to do the same. So if you’re lazy at work, you will get absolutely nowhere. While you’re sitting back twiddling your thumbs, you will watch everyone else whiz right by you on the fast tracks of their careers.
If you want to succeed, you cannot relax. You can’t do just the minimum, just what it takes to get by. Complacency is ridiculous for anyone who has aspirations of success. Treat every day, every project, every client as if your entire career depends upon how you handle it.
I never take vacations because I can’t handle the time away from my work. I recently read that these days, a high percentage of the people who do take vacations tend to check email and voicemail and call in to the office when they leave. Those are the people I want working for me.
Never be lazy. Never be complacent. When you sit down to do nothing, everyone will race by you.

Gluttony
When it comes to success, it’s hard not to want it all. And, to be honest, I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing. This, to me, is a lot like greed. If you have high aspirations and yearnings for big things, then you work hard and long and fast to get it.
But the caution here is that if you gorge yourself on just one thing - like someone sitting down at an incredibly prepared meal who later can’t push away from the table - then you lose. You become overwhelmed by that one experience and maybe too sluggish to tackle other projects or maybe even other parts of your life.
Some people think my work is my life. That’s true in a sense. But I also have time for a wonderful family and some fun, especially golf. Even then, I do business while I’m out on the links, but I enjoy what I do.
Overindulging in any one thing isn’t healthy - even if it’s work. Find a way to maintain some kind of balance and you’ll succeed.

Lust
First of all, it’s not what you’re thinking. Get your mind out of the gutter. When I’m discussing lust in the office, I mean an intense longing for other people’s success or other people’s work instead of your own. (Not an intense longing for the attractive person in the next cubicle.)
Here, they liken the sin of lust in the office to the “grass is always greener” theory. If you are obsessed with what your co-workers are accomplishing or striving for, then it’s guaranteed that your own achievements will pale in comparison.
Don’t become consumed with anything but your own work and your own triumphs. Any other obsession will create a negative environment and foster resentment and just not be constructive.
In the office, the only passion you should have is for your own work and your own victory. Don’t watch anyone else climb the ladder of success. Focus on yourself and you will succeed.

Gandhi's Seven Deadly Sins
1. Wealth without Work
2. Pleasure without Conscience
3. Science without Humanity
4. Knowledge without Character
5. Politics without Principle
6. Commerce without Morality
7. Worship without Sacrifice

Cave Cave Deus Videt

"Even though it looks like a no-brainer, it's very difficult for people to change their behavior. That's part of where we come in. It's hard to convey how much this work has to do with helping clients see their world in a new way. It's challenging them on who they really are." Chris Wahl on Career Coaching.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

"The good people in the world outnumber the bad, but the bad often make a bigger splash." Dr. Michael Stone

Most Prestigious Occupations

2007-12-07T10:07:00.001+08:00

According to Harris Interactive, the 2007 poll measured the American public perceptions of 23 professions.

These professions as having:-
'Very great prestige'
'Considerable prestige'
'Some prestige'
'Hardly any prestige at all'
'Not ranked'
'Not sure'

The most prestigious occupation on the list:
61% of adults consider Firefighters
54% of adults consider Scientists and Teachers
52% of adults consider Doctors and Military Officers &
Half of the adults polled consider the Nurses

For a fuller report by Kate Lorenz, among the least prestigious occupations...
Fire Fighter
"No task is so humble that it does not offer an outlet for individuality." William Feather

The Laws of Work

2007-12-06T09:19:00.001+08:00

- If you can't get your work done in the first 24 hours, work nights.
- If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done.
- Following the rules will not get the job done.
- Getting the job done is no excuse for not following the rules.
- No matter how much you do, you never do enough.
- A pat on the back is only a few centimetres from a kick in the butt.
- Don't be irreplaceable, if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
- It doesn't matter what you do, it only matters what you say you've done, and what you're going to do.
- After any salary raise, you will have less money at the end of the month than you did before.
- If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a fool about it. Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he/she is supposed to be doing.
- If you are good, you will complete all your assigned work. If you're really good, you'll get out of it.
- You are always doing something marginal when the boss drops by your desk.
- People who go to conferences are the ones who shouldn't.
- The last person that quit or was fired will be held responsible for everything that goes wrong.

"Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs." Malcolm Forbes

I’m the Initiative

2007-12-05T09:58:00.001+08:00

I'm making a difference...

water as energy!
"You cannot be grateful and unhappy at the same time." Anonymous

Top 10 'Outstanding Chinese Youths'

2007-12-04T11:50:00.000+08:00

Source: Xinhua

Promoting people of values...

They are as follows:-
1. Zeng Manwu, battalion leader, with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)
2. Yang Wei, gymnast, won several international competitions
3. Li Changsong, "hero", from the Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP)
4. Pei Chunliang, village head, from Henan Province
5. Wang Jie, handicapped person, who runs a secondary school for the handicapped
6. Xu Chuanxi, dean, of the Sino-US Law Institute of the China University of Political Science and Law
7. Wu Qiang, police officer, who has participated in United Nations peace-keeping missions
8. Dong Yuexia, female expert, from the oil field
9. Xu Benyu, postgraduate student, who has devoted himself to teaching in a remote hilly village
10. Lu Meng, prize-winning ballet actress

The 10 were selected from 45 candidates recommended by 30 local organizations of the Chinese Communist Youth League and the All-China Youth Federation, as well as the General Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The judges, who were selected from 600 people by random computer generation, cast a secret vote to choose the winners.

Brainwaves

2007-12-03T09:33:00.001+08:00

Cash prizes for essays on wider income gap by Chua Hian Hou

STUDENTS are being invited to write essays on one of Singapore's hottest topics today - with the added lure of sizeable cash prizes.

The essay competition, organised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS), has this theme:

Singapore's Growing income disparities: Causes, Consequences And Policy Options

The topic, according to an MAS-ESS press statement, is one that has 'captured the attention of not just policymakers but also analysts, commentators, academics and the general public'.

For students, the competition offers a timely opportunity to 'debate and analyse', as well as to suggest ways for Singapore to meet this challenge, the release said.

Essays submitted, it added, should 'provide in-depth analysis of the factors underlying the trends in income distribution in Singapore... There should be both breadth and depth in discussing policy options to meet present and future challenges'.

Competition topics in previous years have included lessons learnt from the Asian financial crisis, how Singapore can stay competitive, and the role of the government in an increasingly borderless world.

There are two categories: one for university students and one for pre-university students. The top prize for the university category is $5,000 and for the pre-university category, $2,000. Winners and runners-up will be offered internships with the MAS.

Dateline: 31st March 2008
MAS-ESS Essay Competition 2007/2008

Top 10 Deadliest Animals

2007-12-02T09:18:00.001+08:00

According to LiveScience the top 10 deadliest animals...
10. Poison Dart Frog - Each frog produces enough of the toxin to kill 10 humans.
9. Cape Buffalo - When faced with a predator, cape buffaloes charge head on. That's 1,500 pounds of beast topped off with two big, sharp horns.
8. Polar Bear - Get between one and its cub and it could easily rip off your head with one swipe of its giant paw.
7. Elephant - They kill more than 500 people a year worldwide.
6. Australian Saltwater Crocodile - In the blink of an eye, it'll lunge at prey, pulling it under water to drown and dismember.
5. African Lion - These big cats are near perfect hunters.
4. Great White Shark - Blood in the water can excite these sharks into a feeding frenzy, where they'll use all 3,000 of their teeth to bite anything that moves.
3. Australian Box Jellyfish - This salad-bowl sized jellyfish can have up to 60 tentacles each 15 feet long. Each tentacle has 5,000 stinging cells and enough toxin to kill 60 humans.
2. Asian Cobra - responsible for the largest chunk of 50,000 deaths by snakebite a year.
1. Mosquito - responsible for the deaths of more than two million people a year.

Knowing & Being

2007-11-30T08:34:00.000+08:00

Michael Polanyi, 11-3-1891 to 22-2-1976, Theorist of Science.

Here are two Polanyi Principles, derived from his work, adapted from Wally Bock's article, 'Everyday realities of helping groups to be more productive'.

Polanyi Principle: It doesn't matter what you know if it doesn't affect results.
Polanyi calls this "personal knowledge." Using knowledge of inquiry for use of systematic doubt to drive positive outcomes. Ask yourself: "How will I use this?" and "How can I apply this?" Hmmm, right, practice makes perfect. Discovering the value of 'tacit knowledge' and turning inner inferential experiences to documented live lessons.

Polanyi Principle: We don't start with facts.
Polanyi studied how scientists worked and his conclusions work for us, too. He pointed out that scientists' skills, biases, and passions determine what they work on and how they work... Think about how we normally describe 'problem solving'. We usually say that we are objective and therefore begin with the facts, but that's not exactly accurate. Rather, most of the time, we begin with the opinions based on our own biases, tendencies and backgrounds. These opinions determine where and what we look for as facts. There's nothing wrong with this. It's just humanity at work. But if we know that most of us begin problem solving and decision making with unstated assumptions and opinions, we can spend quality time rooting them out and exposing them in the light of brain storming and discussion thus preventing the pursuit of something unattainable (wild goose chase).

"Common experience also tells us that in teaching we rely on an intellectual effort of the learner for recognizing that which we are conveying to him."

"Human beings exercise responsibilities within a social setting and a framework of obligations which transcend the principle of intelligence."

"I shall suggest, on the contrary, that all communication relies, to a noticeable extent on evoking knowledge that we cannot tell, and that all our knowledge of mental processes, like feelings or conscious intellectual activities, is based on a knowledge which we cannot tell."

"So long as we use a certain language, all questions that we can ask will have to be formulated in it and will thereby confirm the theory of the universe which is implied in the vocabulary and structure of the language."

"The process of philosophic and scientific enlightenment has shaken the stability of beliefs held explicitly as articles of faith."

"We could not, for example, arrive at a principle like that of entropy without introducing some additional principle, such as randomness, to this topography."

"If we understand and feel that here in this life we have a link with the infinite, desires and attitudes change. In the final analysis, we count for something only because of the essential we embody, and if we do not embody that, life is wasted. . . . As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being." Carl Jung

"Showing gratitude, however, is a key interpersonal skill. I see it as a leadership skill." Ruth Sherman, communication consultant
Preview Michael Polanyi & Wally Bock

Self discipline vs Self indulgence

2007-11-29T11:30:00.001+08:00

THE CENTURY OF SELF

'Propaganda' aside, consider...
"Self-indulgenceand self-absorptionmasquerading as self-actualizing... recognize the need for self-discipline and behavioral self-regulation, delaying gratification..."

The Humanistic Movement