“Memory is a machine,” he says, “and it is not flawless. Our conscious mind prioritizes things by importance, but on a cellular level, our memory does not. If you’re capable of forgetting your cellphone, you are potentially capable of forgetting your child.”
Swiss cheese model where catastrophic failures can occur in organizations despite multiple layers of defense.
A real sad article to read.
Full article here
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Thursday, June 23, 2016
.: Project Updates For 2016 :.
On-going Projects/KIV Projects (til the end of the year)
Project Wominjeka
Project Greenfield II
Project Joey
Project Houzz
Project Turf II
Completed Projects
Project Greenfield
Project Turf
Project Wallaby
Project Spring
Project Masterpiece
Project Umbrella
Project Scribe
Project Casa II
Project Casa III
Project Casa IV (Final)
Project Casa
Project Castle II
Project Castle
Project Downhill
Abandoned Projects
Project Moo Moo
Project Narnia
Project Island
Project Prince
Project Wominjeka
Project Greenfield II
Project Joey
Project Houzz
Project Turf II
Completed Projects
Project Greenfield
Project Turf
Project Wallaby
Project Spring
Project Masterpiece
Project Umbrella
Project Scribe
Project Casa II
Project Casa III
Project Casa IV (Final)
Project Casa
Project Castle II
Project Castle
Project Downhill
Abandoned Projects
Project Moo Moo
Project Narnia
Project Island
Project Prince
Friday, March 18, 2016
.: Flowers To You :.
I love receiving flowers, tho I rarely get them these days as I used to in the past (here & here) *big hint to The Husband*
Today is my mom's birthday, and even tho we have had an early birthday celebration during my short visit back KL a couple of weeks ago, I thought I should surprise her with a nice bouquet of flowers. I placed my order with HappyBunch last night, and they delivered it to her doorstep just earlier today.
She was exceptionally pleased, send pics to us on our wider whatsapps group (my maternal aunties, uncles & cousins group), to our immediate family group (the six of us) and also to me personally.
She modeled it on the table, on the floor, in a vase - everywhere!
I am glad that she is happy to have received such a small gift that really made her day.
Once, The Husband told me that every year, his dad would faithfully go to his late-mom's grave and bring her red roses, coz his mom loved red roses. So I asked The Husband "Did you dad buy flowers for you mom when she's alive?"."Never" he replied. And I think that is quite sad. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful gesture what his dad did there, but it would have been much better if he did all those while he is alive?
I learn from there that is is truly more meaningful to do certain things - like giving flowers, when one is alive.
The other is of giving eulogy - which is why I am so glad that during my late grandma's 80th birthday, we all made a video for her from all of us telling her what we love about here, what we remember her most by, what is our favorite food that she's made, etc. Everytime I think of her, I think of that day where we showed her that video and hope that she passed away knowing how much we love her.
Today is my mom's birthday, and even tho we have had an early birthday celebration during my short visit back KL a couple of weeks ago, I thought I should surprise her with a nice bouquet of flowers. I placed my order with HappyBunch last night, and they delivered it to her doorstep just earlier today.
She was exceptionally pleased, send pics to us on our wider whatsapps group (my maternal aunties, uncles & cousins group), to our immediate family group (the six of us) and also to me personally.
She modeled it on the table, on the floor, in a vase - everywhere!
I am glad that she is happy to have received such a small gift that really made her day.
Once, The Husband told me that every year, his dad would faithfully go to his late-mom's grave and bring her red roses, coz his mom loved red roses. So I asked The Husband "Did you dad buy flowers for you mom when she's alive?"."Never" he replied. And I think that is quite sad. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful gesture what his dad did there, but it would have been much better if he did all those while he is alive?
I learn from there that is is truly more meaningful to do certain things - like giving flowers, when one is alive.
The other is of giving eulogy - which is why I am so glad that during my late grandma's 80th birthday, we all made a video for her from all of us telling her what we love about here, what we remember her most by, what is our favorite food that she's made, etc. Everytime I think of her, I think of that day where we showed her that video and hope that she passed away knowing how much we love her.
Monday, September 15, 2014
.: Untitled :.
Currently listening to Gabrielle - Out Of Reach
Hello world! Yes, I am finally back from the long hiatus.
It's been quite a journey for me this past few months.
Left behind my family, friends, job, home and everything else that I grew up being so familiar with - packed what I could fit into a 30kg luggage and flew across the Indian Ocean (or Pacific Ocean - pardon my lack of knowledge when it comes to geography) out of my comfort zone, to this new place.
Started a new job. Stayed in a new place. Experiencing the new weather, the new culture and everything new. Trying to make new friends, whilst keeping in touch with old friends who are now based here.
It's been quite a journey, and I must admit it wasn't as easy for someone who have never left the comfort of home.
Currently listening to Eric Clapton - Blue Eyes Blue
Having said that, I have been very blessed to have had some pathways made easy - and for that I am absolutely thankful. I have had secured a job, I had found a good place to rent, have had the support of family based here, have made good new friends, and much more.
I have absolute joy in experiencing fun things to do - the weekly farmers market, the beautiful park nearby my workplace, the lovely beach, and so much more.
Having said that, I very much miss everything and everyone back home, and sometimes I feel sad thinking about the people and things I leave behind, but thankfully it's mitigated by technology! I could skype with grandma and hear her say "chiak pah beh?" which means have I eaten.
Currently listening to Al Green - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Today's one of the days where I'm beginning to feel a little down. A mixture of being homesickness - missing the friends and family back home, husband being away, a bad case of gastric, the general melancholy feel (hence the selection of songs that I'm listening to). But I am not going to dwell on that - and share all the ups that I have had last week.
The weekend started well with a dinner date with a ex-highschool mate. We had (or at least I had on my part) so much fun - catching up on anything and everything under the sun.
There was (wait, select another emo song on Youtube)....
Currently playing Faith Hill - Let Me Let Go
... there was this part where we had conversations about getting his parent's PR and one thing led to another, and to cut a really long story short - I said "Perhaps your sister (who is about 18 years old now), will marry someone and gain a PR here."
"No." he said. "She too young, it will take at least another five years or more."
"Who knows?" I said. "She might find her true love soon and the get married."
He gave a bemused smirk. "What? What are you smirking at?" I asked.
Currently playing Mandy Moore - Someday We'll Know
"TRUE LOVE" he said, and started laughing. I joined him laughing, shook my head and asked him since when we have all be so cynical about true love.
There was more to the conversation after that, but I still smile when I replay this conversation in my head. As we get older, do we really become so cynical? Or is it just what it is - that TRUE love is a myth?
If I can just ask God just one question - why aren't you hear with me?
Sorry, singing to the chorus of the song. Perks of being alone - sing my heart out (without disturbing the neighbors I hope). Gonna replay this song again, I love Mandy's vocals.
I was watching this movie "Kate and Leopold" on Saturday night, and I shared with my crazy bunch of friends on whatsapp this quote from the movie, which also coincidentally related to - LOVE.
Maybe that whole love thing is just a grown-up version of Santa Claus; just a myth we've been fed since childhood. So, we keep buying magazines, joining clubs, and doing therapy and watching movies with hit pop songs played over love montages all in a pathetic attempt to explain why our love Santa keeps getting caught in the chimney.
Then one conversation led to another, and then we had this really, really hot, steamy, X-rated conversations. It was so so so dirty that I just had to say this to them
"You guys, as we get older, we get dirtier. One day we'll end up being dirty old woman. Crap, I thought we will be sophisticated old ladies, drinking tea with pinky fingers sticking out and having scones."
To which the best respond to that was "We are sophisticated, just with sexy imagination!"
I love my crazy, horny bunch of friends. It's good to know that there are some things that never change! :) And that's why I miss them so much, coz no matter how good my new friends can be here, I can never take our conversations to the level that I take with this bunch of girls!
Currently listening to A Great Big World & Christina - Say Something
I can't believe I am going to be thirty next year. I always thought that when I reach the big 3-0, I would have know what I want to do with my life. Or at least have achieved something - whatever it may be. I still feel so inadequate at times.
And I..... will swallow my pride, you're the one that I love.... and I'm saying goodbye..
Currently listening to The Corrs - One Night
But for one night, it was so right, that I gave you my heart, my love, my heart. Just for one night, my body, my soul. Just for one night, my love, my love. For one night, one night, one night.
Currently listening to One Republic - Stop and Stare
Looks like I have nothing much else to type. And my stomach is still a little restless - I don't know why there's so much acidic activities going on. Hopefully it will be all better tomorrow.
Til we meet again, dear ol' faithful blog.
xoxo
Kathlynn
Sunday, April 29, 2012
.: Tanah Airku :.
There will be many profound post written by many people about what happened in our country today.
Some support it.
Some oppose it.
And some don't give a rat's ass about it.
Whatever the case may be, all opinions should be and will be respected.
As for me & my opinion, well, let me just leave you with two things
"WWJD?"
And
"We often forget that we must be the change we wish to see"
This is my country. My birthplace. My tanah air. I want to see that change. Indeed, what would have Jesus done? And have we mirrored that today?
Friday, March 2, 2012
.: I Do, Or Do I? :.
The present Generation Y has been immersed in a culture of instant gratification, escapism, and self-centred inflexibility. Couples nowadays do not hesitate to take the plunge into marriage – or out of it.
A COUPLE of years ago, when I first started practising law, I was approached by a soon-to-be-married young couple, who wanted me to prepare a prenuptial agreement for them.
Despite my explanation that prenuptial agreements arguably have no legal effect in Malaysia, they were adamant.
Obviously, some valuable assets were at stake. A sense of numbness enveloped my heart and soul. (Hey, lawyers are mortal humans with emotions, too!)
I could not recall the previous time I actually felt that way. I was filled with a sense of disappointment, of great sympathy. Not for the young couple, but for the sacred institution of marriage.
A couple of weeks ago, amid the scorching Malaysian sun and the beautiful full moon, Valentine’s Day came and went. The roses have now dried, and died.
One wonders whether the couples are still able to wake up to smell love in the air. Or, has real love and genuine affection also died? Perhaps not an overnight death, but a gradual and painful one? And is that a death that should be mourned or celebrated?
It has been said that the longest distance known to man is not the distance between birth and death. Nor is it the distance between the North and the South.
The longest distance imaginable is actually when that person is standing right in front of you, but somehow cannot muster the courage or the opportunity to say that he loves you, and so you don’t even know it.
To those who have been lucky enough to close that distance, it is usually the result of some persistence.
It may sometimes take months or even years for a man to grab that special girl’s hand, and hold it gently but tightly on their wedding day, with primary promises of being a loving husband, and a good father.
However, statistics have shown that, as the years go by, couples evolve from walking hand in hand on their wedding day to walking down the corridors of exile, hands folded or in their pockets.
Here is a riddle for you: “What starts with ‘I Do’ and also ends with ‘I Do’?” Got it? No? It is marriage, which starts with an “I Do” to marry someone, and an “I Do” to divorce that same someone.
The present generation – Generation Y – has been immersed in a culture of instant gratification, escapism, and self-centred inflexibility.
“My way or the highway” is a common statement. Surfing on concurrent waves of escapism, scepticism and pessimism, couples nowadays do not hesitate to take the plunge into marriage – and out of it.
An “I Do” to try it out, and an “I Do” when it does not work out as imagined. It ends just as it began, with the simple “I Do”, which used to be a sacred phrase but is now used flippantly.
There is a fine line between love and hate, for both are forms of interchangeable extremism. Lovers may turn into haters, and vice versa.
As the divorce decree is pronounced, the sourness of love and hate becomes a poison in the respective memories of the individuals involved, which time will seek to erase.
It is difficult to reverse the chain of events once a married couple make arguments and conflict a habit.
Sometimes, conflict becomes such a habit that the couple do not even know what they are fighting about any more.
It gets to the stage where they cannot remember why they accepted each other to begin with, when they had a love to believe in as the foundation of all things beautiful – or so they believed.
At the very least, they used to have a love that they could work on. They see divorce as the only cure.
Sometimes, taking the easy way out is a form of escapism. Form turns into habit and habit evolves into attitude.
An attitude of love is vouchable, while an attitude of escapism only breeds more problems and issues as one escapes from one black hole to a bigger one as the main issues with oneself remain unresolved, unmitigated, and ultimately aggravated.
The alarming divorce rates we see today will inevitably have a domino effect. A Pandora’s box has been opened.
The increasing numbers of single parents bringing up children of broken marriages will potentially lead to the further erosion of the fabric of love and family.
Statistics show that child abusers or molesters usually have had traumatic childhood histories as victims of the offences that they have gone on to perpetrate.
It is not much of a stretch to imagine that children of broken marriages have a higher risk of growing up to break their own marriages.
Back to the young couple that started me on this contemplation about marriage, I told them flatly: “Sorry to be so direct, but the very fact that the thought of such agreements even crossed your mind indicates disturbing elements of doubt and distrust, both essential ingredients of a lasting union. The marriage, if pursued, may not be a lasting one, and I hope to be proven wrong.”
The door was slammed close then. Fast forward a couple of years, and the door was re-opened, the same couple walked in again, asking for a divorce.
Perhaps George Orwell was right after all when he said: “Happiness can exist only in acceptance” or “Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness.”
From TheStar
A COUPLE of years ago, when I first started practising law, I was approached by a soon-to-be-married young couple, who wanted me to prepare a prenuptial agreement for them.
Despite my explanation that prenuptial agreements arguably have no legal effect in Malaysia, they were adamant.
Obviously, some valuable assets were at stake. A sense of numbness enveloped my heart and soul. (Hey, lawyers are mortal humans with emotions, too!)
I could not recall the previous time I actually felt that way. I was filled with a sense of disappointment, of great sympathy. Not for the young couple, but for the sacred institution of marriage.
A couple of weeks ago, amid the scorching Malaysian sun and the beautiful full moon, Valentine’s Day came and went. The roses have now dried, and died.
One wonders whether the couples are still able to wake up to smell love in the air. Or, has real love and genuine affection also died? Perhaps not an overnight death, but a gradual and painful one? And is that a death that should be mourned or celebrated?
It has been said that the longest distance known to man is not the distance between birth and death. Nor is it the distance between the North and the South.
The longest distance imaginable is actually when that person is standing right in front of you, but somehow cannot muster the courage or the opportunity to say that he loves you, and so you don’t even know it.
To those who have been lucky enough to close that distance, it is usually the result of some persistence.
It may sometimes take months or even years for a man to grab that special girl’s hand, and hold it gently but tightly on their wedding day, with primary promises of being a loving husband, and a good father.
However, statistics have shown that, as the years go by, couples evolve from walking hand in hand on their wedding day to walking down the corridors of exile, hands folded or in their pockets.
Here is a riddle for you: “What starts with ‘I Do’ and also ends with ‘I Do’?” Got it? No? It is marriage, which starts with an “I Do” to marry someone, and an “I Do” to divorce that same someone.
The present generation – Generation Y – has been immersed in a culture of instant gratification, escapism, and self-centred inflexibility.
“My way or the highway” is a common statement. Surfing on concurrent waves of escapism, scepticism and pessimism, couples nowadays do not hesitate to take the plunge into marriage – and out of it.
An “I Do” to try it out, and an “I Do” when it does not work out as imagined. It ends just as it began, with the simple “I Do”, which used to be a sacred phrase but is now used flippantly.
There is a fine line between love and hate, for both are forms of interchangeable extremism. Lovers may turn into haters, and vice versa.
As the divorce decree is pronounced, the sourness of love and hate becomes a poison in the respective memories of the individuals involved, which time will seek to erase.
It is difficult to reverse the chain of events once a married couple make arguments and conflict a habit.
Sometimes, conflict becomes such a habit that the couple do not even know what they are fighting about any more.
It gets to the stage where they cannot remember why they accepted each other to begin with, when they had a love to believe in as the foundation of all things beautiful – or so they believed.
At the very least, they used to have a love that they could work on. They see divorce as the only cure.
Sometimes, taking the easy way out is a form of escapism. Form turns into habit and habit evolves into attitude.
An attitude of love is vouchable, while an attitude of escapism only breeds more problems and issues as one escapes from one black hole to a bigger one as the main issues with oneself remain unresolved, unmitigated, and ultimately aggravated.
The alarming divorce rates we see today will inevitably have a domino effect. A Pandora’s box has been opened.
The increasing numbers of single parents bringing up children of broken marriages will potentially lead to the further erosion of the fabric of love and family.
Statistics show that child abusers or molesters usually have had traumatic childhood histories as victims of the offences that they have gone on to perpetrate.
It is not much of a stretch to imagine that children of broken marriages have a higher risk of growing up to break their own marriages.
Back to the young couple that started me on this contemplation about marriage, I told them flatly: “Sorry to be so direct, but the very fact that the thought of such agreements even crossed your mind indicates disturbing elements of doubt and distrust, both essential ingredients of a lasting union. The marriage, if pursued, may not be a lasting one, and I hope to be proven wrong.”
The door was slammed close then. Fast forward a couple of years, and the door was re-opened, the same couple walked in again, asking for a divorce.
Perhaps George Orwell was right after all when he said: “Happiness can exist only in acceptance” or “Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness.”
From TheStar
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
.: Not-So-Simple Thoughts :.
Once upon a time we were kids. We had fun. We did things without dwelling so much into the consequences. We ran. We played. We laugh. Hakunamatata no?
Then we grew up. The “fun” is now replaced with "responsibilities". We are now doing things taking into consideration our future, our partners, our parents and much more. We stop running, and started working. We stopped playing, and started strategizing. We stopped laughing altogether (the obligatory polite laughs we make during small talk doesn’t count). In other words, we stopped being kids and we really didn’t live happily ever after now, did we?
I am at this crossroad where I need to make certain critical decisions that will make or break my future. Not as critical as the decision I made 10 months back (Happy 10 monthivarsary dear), but still, a big leap nonetheless.
I hate making decisions. Really, I do. It was never easy for me. And it never got easier now that there is another big stakeholder in my life to consider.
Low risk. Low returns. High risk. High returns. But, I might get burn in the process. Do it now, so that you don’t look back and regret. Stay put, perhaps there’s a bigger fish the next catch. Take it or leave it. Hold on to it as long as you can. Think of your future. Think of our future. Do this now while you are still young. You are still young, why do you need to do this now?
Just some (mind you, some not ALL) of the train of thoughts that run thru my head in my morning drive. That is why in the morning, I am like on autopilot mode all the way from home to my office. And that is also the reason why I have my so-called quiet time in the morning, so that let this train of thoughts just shoots out all the way so at least I have a clearer mind by the time I reach work. Come end of the working day, I will have the next new string of thoughts all the way home and even when I am asleep. The cycle repeats itself the next morning.
So.
Sigh.
It sucks being all grown up doesn’t it?
To make reality even worse, Joel called me aunty in Sunday school last Sunday.
OHH AMM GEE!
Friday, April 8, 2011
.: Male Chauvinist PIG! :.
Just when I thought it can't be more embarrassing when our local newspaper have been publishing bout the whole sex scandal thingy - I read this, this morning!
Like WTH?
Malaysian men have extramarital sex because of 'wives who neglect their responsibilities' to their husbands, a Malaysian lawmaker told Parliament on Thursday, reports AFP.
"Husbands driving home after work see things that are sexually arousing and go to their wives to ease their urges," said independent lawmaker Ibrahim Ali, as quoted by online portal Malaysiakini.
"But when they come home to their wives, they will say, 'wait, I'm cooking,' or 'wait, I'm getting ready to visit relatives'," Ali said.
"In Islam, wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husband's demands."
Ali heads Perkasa, a right-wing Malay nationalist group seeking to protect ethnic Malay dominance in politics.
His strident comments came as he asked about plans by the government's religious development department to educate wives on their responsibilities.
Wives failing in their duties pushed men to go to "private places to satisfy their urges", he said.
Source: The Straits Times/ANN
Published April 7 2011
Like WTH?
Malaysian men have extramarital sex because of 'wives who neglect their responsibilities' to their husbands, a Malaysian lawmaker told Parliament on Thursday, reports AFP.
"Husbands driving home after work see things that are sexually arousing and go to their wives to ease their urges," said independent lawmaker Ibrahim Ali, as quoted by online portal Malaysiakini.
"But when they come home to their wives, they will say, 'wait, I'm cooking,' or 'wait, I'm getting ready to visit relatives'," Ali said.
"In Islam, wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husband's demands."
Ali heads Perkasa, a right-wing Malay nationalist group seeking to protect ethnic Malay dominance in politics.
His strident comments came as he asked about plans by the government's religious development department to educate wives on their responsibilities.
Wives failing in their duties pushed men to go to "private places to satisfy their urges", he said.
Source: The Straits Times/ANN
Published April 7 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
.: Marriages :.
Reposting this post (with slight modification) which I have posted up earlier on 4th Sept 2007. Think I need to take a chill pill from all the wedding blues!
Why do people get married?
Well, this is a topic that has been brought up to my attention time and again by my two single aunts, my single and not-so-single friends and my single(or so they claimed) cousin sisters.
So....the answer to the BIG question of WHY DO PEOPLE GET MARRIED, right here *wink*
Well, to begin with, from an accountant’s point of view (yes, I had to put in the accountant's perspective of marriage), there could be a couple of reasons for that, namely:
Economies of scales
For those who do not have basic understanding of economics, the concept of economies of scales (EoS) is relatively simple. EoS is defined as a production process which the increase in number of units produced (or in this case bought) causes a decrease in the average cost of each unit. For example, a vendor in the night market is selling an apple for RM 1, but 10 apples for RM 8. If you’re living alone, there’s no need for you to get that much apples (unless you’re on a apple diet plan or planning to bake an apple pie). So the cost of an apple for you would be RM 1 (simple maths). However, if you’re married, you would intend to get the 10 apples for RM 8, as it would be consumed by you and your husband/wife. Hence, the average cost per apple would be RM 0.80. That’s a savings of RM 0.20 per apple. Yeah, as petty as it might sound, imagine how much you could save if you applied this to other perishable goods you would need to buy in a year.
Tax incentives
I’m only going to touch on Malaysian tax, since I’ve forgotten my UK tax already (sorry Mr Martin). So, for combined assessments, you would be able to claim a spouse relief of RM 3,000 (sad to inform that it’s only applicable to ONE spouse though). However, if your spouse is disabled (including mentally disabled - which I believe that ALL men are) you get a further relief of RM 3,500. Plus, if you have kids, you would be able to get a deduction of approximately RM1,000 per kid below 18 and RM 4,000 per kid above 18. This does not apply if you have kids but are not legally married. So yeah, you get that tax savings portion.
Synergy
The word synergy means to achieve mutually advantageous conjunction where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Synergy can arise where two person with different but complimentary skills work together, leveraging on both resources to achieve a common goal. Too technical? In short it's like 1+1=3.
From a point view of a layman, emphasis on the word MAN:
Regular sex
The TOP and ONLY reason why men marry in the first place. But hey, haven’t they heard of the saying “ You don’t need to get a cow if you just want milk”. Think about it.
From a pointview of women:
Family/Friends pressure
Constant nagging from mom even if it's your greatgrandaunt’s-son’s-maternal niece's-distant-cousin boyfriend's sister is getting married.
“You see lah, people your age already getting married! You want to wait until you’re a dried up prune before you find a husband ah? That time nobody want you already lah!”
Wah, if my husband-to-be is that shallow to begin with, what makes you think that he will still want me when I become a dried-up prune when I'm 50? Common sense.
Or the aunties that is giving out angpow during Chinese New Year, saying (out loud) something like "Wah, every year I give you angpow. This year will be the last ok?" while your cousins stand at the corner giggling over such comments!
Big wedding
The big-white-wedding gown by Vera Wang...
*awwwww*
....all-so-romantic, you feel like you’re on seventh heaven or cloud nine....
Wait till after the honeymoon is over,that's when the hard and cold reality begins to sink in. You'd go from cloud nine to ground zero before you even realised what happened.
To make your relationship secure
Well, I’m sorry to say this, but if security comes in a piece of signed paper, it says so much about your marriage doesn’t it? And HELLO!, reality check here, divorce rates are more than 50% in the USA, which means half of those who get married ends up being divorce anyways. So much to say for security, doesn't it?
So why do people actually want to get married? Sex? Security? Whatever you call it?
Marriage, I believe, it's a lifetime commitment, not a three-years commitment (if you watched an episod of The Simpsons where Bart has a serious girlfriend, you know what I mean *wink*). It's something that you have to think thoroughly. It's something where you can say to yourself "I can see myself with that person for the rest of my life". Not "He will look good in tuxedo/She's look dead drop gorgeous in a wedding gown" or "If my kids can have her/his looks" or "His pocket is deep enough to sustain my lifestyle". So in the near future where someone proposes, or if you want to propose to someone, ask yourself, what is/are your motive(s) for marrying this person?
Marry only for love, that will make you the happiest person, not only on your wedding day, but for the rest of your lives together.
Marry someone who would stick with you, through thicks and thins. Someone who have seen you in your worst and still says to you "I love you". The very person who have heard you scream and shout over things that you probably don't remember now, and still goes up to you to give you a hug and tell you that everything will be alright. The person who prays with you and prays with for over your fears and worries.
That's the sort of person that you want to marry.
A note to accountants out there... Yeah, so marriage gives you the EoS, tax incentives and possibly snergy as well, but look at it this way, you will be paying with your LIFE after that. For a couple of ringgit savings, I should think it's not worth it, unless your life is worth less than that. But then again, if your an accountant, you don't even have a life to begin with right? Ah, what the hey...
Why do people get married?
Well, this is a topic that has been brought up to my attention time and again by my two single aunts, my single and not-so-single friends and my single(or so they claimed) cousin sisters.
So....the answer to the BIG question of WHY DO PEOPLE GET MARRIED, right here *wink*
Well, to begin with, from an accountant’s point of view (yes, I had to put in the accountant's perspective of marriage), there could be a couple of reasons for that, namely:
Economies of scales
For those who do not have basic understanding of economics, the concept of economies of scales (EoS) is relatively simple. EoS is defined as a production process which the increase in number of units produced (or in this case bought) causes a decrease in the average cost of each unit. For example, a vendor in the night market is selling an apple for RM 1, but 10 apples for RM 8. If you’re living alone, there’s no need for you to get that much apples (unless you’re on a apple diet plan or planning to bake an apple pie). So the cost of an apple for you would be RM 1 (simple maths). However, if you’re married, you would intend to get the 10 apples for RM 8, as it would be consumed by you and your husband/wife. Hence, the average cost per apple would be RM 0.80. That’s a savings of RM 0.20 per apple. Yeah, as petty as it might sound, imagine how much you could save if you applied this to other perishable goods you would need to buy in a year.
Tax incentives
I’m only going to touch on Malaysian tax, since I’ve forgotten my UK tax already (sorry Mr Martin). So, for combined assessments, you would be able to claim a spouse relief of RM 3,000 (sad to inform that it’s only applicable to ONE spouse though). However, if your spouse is disabled (including mentally disabled - which I believe that ALL men are) you get a further relief of RM 3,500. Plus, if you have kids, you would be able to get a deduction of approximately RM1,000 per kid below 18 and RM 4,000 per kid above 18. This does not apply if you have kids but are not legally married. So yeah, you get that tax savings portion.
SynergyThe word synergy means to achieve mutually advantageous conjunction where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Synergy can arise where two person with different but complimentary skills work together, leveraging on both resources to achieve a common goal. Too technical? In short it's like 1+1=3.
From a point view of a layman, emphasis on the word MAN:
Regular sex
The TOP and ONLY reason why men marry in the first place. But hey, haven’t they heard of the saying “ You don’t need to get a cow if you just want milk”. Think about it.
From a pointview of women:
Family/Friends pressure
Constant nagging from mom even if it's your greatgrandaunt’s-son’s-maternal niece's-distant-cousin boyfriend's sister is getting married.
“You see lah, people your age already getting married! You want to wait until you’re a dried up prune before you find a husband ah? That time nobody want you already lah!”
Wah, if my husband-to-be is that shallow to begin with, what makes you think that he will still want me when I become a dried-up prune when I'm 50? Common sense.
Or the aunties that is giving out angpow during Chinese New Year, saying (out loud) something like "Wah, every year I give you angpow. This year will be the last ok?" while your cousins stand at the corner giggling over such comments!
Big wedding
The big-white-wedding gown by Vera Wang...
Jimmy Choo’s shoes...
the beautiful garden wedding...
the big wedding cake...
the cute little flower girls...
the beautiful bridemaids...
*awwwww* ....all-so-romantic, you feel like you’re on seventh heaven or cloud nine....
Wait till after the honeymoon is over,that's when the hard and cold reality begins to sink in. You'd go from cloud nine to ground zero before you even realised what happened.
To make your relationship secure
Well, I’m sorry to say this, but if security comes in a piece of signed paper, it says so much about your marriage doesn’t it? And HELLO!, reality check here, divorce rates are more than 50% in the USA, which means half of those who get married ends up being divorce anyways. So much to say for security, doesn't it?
*****
So why do people actually want to get married? Sex? Security? Whatever you call it?
Marriage, I believe, it's a lifetime commitment, not a three-years commitment (if you watched an episod of The Simpsons where Bart has a serious girlfriend, you know what I mean *wink*). It's something that you have to think thoroughly. It's something where you can say to yourself "I can see myself with that person for the rest of my life". Not "He will look good in tuxedo/She's look dead drop gorgeous in a wedding gown" or "If my kids can have her/his looks" or "His pocket is deep enough to sustain my lifestyle". So in the near future where someone proposes, or if you want to propose to someone, ask yourself, what is/are your motive(s) for marrying this person?
Marry only for love, that will make you the happiest person, not only on your wedding day, but for the rest of your lives together.
Marry someone who would stick with you, through thicks and thins. Someone who have seen you in your worst and still says to you "I love you". The very person who have heard you scream and shout over things that you probably don't remember now, and still goes up to you to give you a hug and tell you that everything will be alright. The person who prays with you and prays with for over your fears and worries.
That's the sort of person that you want to marry.
A note to accountants out there... Yeah, so marriage gives you the EoS, tax incentives and possibly snergy as well, but look at it this way, you will be paying with your LIFE after that. For a couple of ringgit savings, I should think it's not worth it, unless your life is worth less than that. But then again, if your an accountant, you don't even have a life to begin with right? Ah, what the hey...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
.: The Art Of Persuasion :.
Everyone has little tactics for getting what he or she wants. Some use seduction, others beg, while there are those who use plain-old intimidation. But you don't have to resort to unseemly methods to get your way. The power of persuasion rests on getting people to do what you want willingly, resulting in a win-win scenario for everyone involved."Can't get your employees to meet deadlines or your husband to walk the dog? Then these 10 secrets are for you.
1. Start things off on their behalf. People are more likely to be persuaded to complete a task if it's already been started for them,. Next time the dishes need to get done, try cleaning the silverware, then asking if your partner wouldn't mind finishing the job.
2. Use the magic word “imagine.” I know it'll be a late night, but can you imagine how relieved we'll be if we get the job done before going home? This tactic paints a vivid picture in the person's mind of the pleasure if she/he does—or the pain if she/he doesn't—do what you asked, says Lee.
3. Stress their losses. Can't pry your hubby away from Sunday sports for a trip to the beach? No problem. Rather than guilting him into it with complaints about needing more "quality time" together, remind him that he's passing on one of the last days of summer. We’re more persuaded by the thought of losing something than the thought of gaining.
4. Be the first to give. People are psychologically conditioned to return a favor. And, instinctually, we've known this one all along—i.e., if you buy the first round of drinks, they'll buy the second. So think of doing the initial good deed as an investment. In turn, people will feel compelled to do things for you.
5. Ask for more than you need. People feel a sense of guilt when they refuse a request. If the second request (a.k.a. the real request) is something they can afford to comply with, then they'll grab the opportunity. This is a tactic kids know well: Can we go to Six Flags? No? OK, so how about the pool? The second request gives freedom of choice, like an escape route. They'll feel relieved, and you get what you want.
6. Make them laugh. If you want to be more persuasive, work on your sense of humor. And, if I can persuade you to laugh at a particular point that I make, by laughing at it you acknowledge it as true: People generally laugh at things when, for one reason or another, they identify with them.
7. Drop the “I” for “we.” Studies have shown that the reassurance of 'we' is more productive in persuading people to compromise than other approaches, including the threatening approach (If you don’t do this, I will) and the rational approach (You should do this for the following reasons). The use of "we" immediately conveys a sense of belonging, commonality and support: We've worked through this before; we can work through it again.
8. Rely on the majority. Energy reduction studies show that households are more likely to reduce their energy consumption if they see their more energy-efficient neighbors’ utility bills. When persuading, point to evidence of what others like the person you are trying to persuade are doing. After all, when making decisions on our own, he explains, we likely survey the scene for reassurance anyway.
9. Use the positive labeling technique. “You did a fantastic job with this—I’m sure you'll do even better next time.” One of the most powerful principles of persuasion rests on a person's need to remain consistent with his past actions. People are more likely to be persuaded to behave in certain ways if they have acted that way before—and it has been noticed.
10. Time your request. People are most persuadable immediately after thanking someone, and at their most persuasive after being thanked, so it's the perfect time to ask for a favor: My pleasure. In fact, I was hoping you might be able to help me out with something, too.
Modified from Woman's Day
1. Start things off on their behalf. People are more likely to be persuaded to complete a task if it's already been started for them,. Next time the dishes need to get done, try cleaning the silverware, then asking if your partner wouldn't mind finishing the job.
2. Use the magic word “imagine.” I know it'll be a late night, but can you imagine how relieved we'll be if we get the job done before going home? This tactic paints a vivid picture in the person's mind of the pleasure if she/he does—or the pain if she/he doesn't—do what you asked, says Lee.
3. Stress their losses. Can't pry your hubby away from Sunday sports for a trip to the beach? No problem. Rather than guilting him into it with complaints about needing more "quality time" together, remind him that he's passing on one of the last days of summer. We’re more persuaded by the thought of losing something than the thought of gaining.
4. Be the first to give. People are psychologically conditioned to return a favor. And, instinctually, we've known this one all along—i.e., if you buy the first round of drinks, they'll buy the second. So think of doing the initial good deed as an investment. In turn, people will feel compelled to do things for you.
5. Ask for more than you need. People feel a sense of guilt when they refuse a request. If the second request (a.k.a. the real request) is something they can afford to comply with, then they'll grab the opportunity. This is a tactic kids know well: Can we go to Six Flags? No? OK, so how about the pool? The second request gives freedom of choice, like an escape route. They'll feel relieved, and you get what you want.
6. Make them laugh. If you want to be more persuasive, work on your sense of humor. And, if I can persuade you to laugh at a particular point that I make, by laughing at it you acknowledge it as true: People generally laugh at things when, for one reason or another, they identify with them.
7. Drop the “I” for “we.” Studies have shown that the reassurance of 'we' is more productive in persuading people to compromise than other approaches, including the threatening approach (If you don’t do this, I will) and the rational approach (You should do this for the following reasons). The use of "we" immediately conveys a sense of belonging, commonality and support: We've worked through this before; we can work through it again.
8. Rely on the majority. Energy reduction studies show that households are more likely to reduce their energy consumption if they see their more energy-efficient neighbors’ utility bills. When persuading, point to evidence of what others like the person you are trying to persuade are doing. After all, when making decisions on our own, he explains, we likely survey the scene for reassurance anyway.
9. Use the positive labeling technique. “You did a fantastic job with this—I’m sure you'll do even better next time.” One of the most powerful principles of persuasion rests on a person's need to remain consistent with his past actions. People are more likely to be persuaded to behave in certain ways if they have acted that way before—and it has been noticed.
10. Time your request. People are most persuadable immediately after thanking someone, and at their most persuasive after being thanked, so it's the perfect time to ask for a favor: My pleasure. In fact, I was hoping you might be able to help me out with something, too.
Modified from Woman's Day
Sunday, January 3, 2010
.: Goodbye To You :.
I can’t believe that it’s already a year now since I met you.
At first, I was reluctant to let you in as I was still clingin on to two-thousand-and-eight. But alas, I had no choice but to embrace the changes that you are gonna bring.
Afterall, the only thing constant in life is change…
Two-thousand-and-nine,
We have really spent so much time at the movie didn’t we? Our dear friend, Nuffnang has been absolutely generous in giving out free movie premiers. And of course a couple of more tickets won thru other contest. And it wasn’t all about movies was it? Remember all the books I have read in your company? Yes, the Jodi Picoult’s, the Nicholas Sparks’, the Nora Roberts’? How I do enjoy spending my lazy weekends reading with you.
And two-thousand-and-nine, although it isn’t very much the year of traveling, it was with you that I first flew a thousand miles away from home to UK. I really enjoyed my trip in London, Edinburgh & Stradclyde very much. And of course there was the Church Camp in Kampar (my first time there) & also a short trip to Cameron a couple of months back.
Dear two-thousand-and-nine
The whole drama on my career was indeed very nerve-wrecking for me. It has been a roller coaster ride where I was presented with way too many choices, but in the end, I strongly believe that this is the right choice I have made in terms of my career progression. Even to this day, I am still getting offers after offers, but for now, I am gonna settle down with this choice I’ve made.
Two-thousand-and-nine, as much as the moolah was flowing in, it flowed out just the same. It was with you that I realize that I have achieved the minimum level of cash I need as a buffer, hence, it was time that I took some calculated risk into other investment. I tried investing a small amount into Threadbarn, an online blogshop. On top of that, I bought myself a medium cost apartment. And then, on top of that, JC and I bought a Nikon DSLR D5000 kit. Phew, that’s quite a heavy outflow for me. Not to take into account my lil lil shopping expenditures (note the lil lil) *wink*
Two-thousand-and-nine, as introvert as I am, with you, I was given a chance to give a talk on stage in Sunway College and an opportunity to play the piano for Sunday School Christmas recital. As nervous as I was, I am glad that I manage to pull thru it. I guess it’s sorta like my very own lil personal achievement for the year. *beaming smile*
Another of my personal achievement is to have tried and tested many recipes with you. There are some that turned out really great – like my oreo cheesecake & scones, but there are some that didn’t – like my peanut butter cookies & chocolate peanut butter marshmallow fudge. But it is really a year of experimenting and trial-and-error in the kitchen for me.
Two-thousand-and-nine,
Tho I know that there are lotsa things that have changed, what I do love is that even with you, the family ties never changes. I love that with you, I still can spend time with my dearest cousins and all. The BBQs we have, the gatherings, the singing-out-loud-in-the-car-moments, the sacarstic pokes at each other, the lame jokes shared, oh two-thousand-and-nine, I am so glad I still have those moments
Dear two-thousand-and-nine,
I do hate you for one thing tho, you took away someone so precious and so dear to many of us here. Markus Ng & Mrs Betty Young both fell asleep and woke in the arms of Jesus. It is sad that the world has lost two precious, loving individuals, but its comforting to know that I will meet them in heaven when my time is up.
Well, two-thousand-and-nine, as reluctant as I am to let you go, I know I have to, to give way to two-thousand-and-ten.
But no matter one, the memories we shared will always be treasured and remembered
At first, I was reluctant to let you in as I was still clingin on to two-thousand-and-eight. But alas, I had no choice but to embrace the changes that you are gonna bring.
Afterall, the only thing constant in life is change…
Two-thousand-and-nine,
We have really spent so much time at the movie didn’t we? Our dear friend, Nuffnang has been absolutely generous in giving out free movie premiers. And of course a couple of more tickets won thru other contest. And it wasn’t all about movies was it? Remember all the books I have read in your company? Yes, the Jodi Picoult’s, the Nicholas Sparks’, the Nora Roberts’? How I do enjoy spending my lazy weekends reading with you.
And two-thousand-and-nine, although it isn’t very much the year of traveling, it was with you that I first flew a thousand miles away from home to UK. I really enjoyed my trip in London, Edinburgh & Stradclyde very much. And of course there was the Church Camp in Kampar (my first time there) & also a short trip to Cameron a couple of months back.
Dear two-thousand-and-nine
The whole drama on my career was indeed very nerve-wrecking for me. It has been a roller coaster ride where I was presented with way too many choices, but in the end, I strongly believe that this is the right choice I have made in terms of my career progression. Even to this day, I am still getting offers after offers, but for now, I am gonna settle down with this choice I’ve made.
Two-thousand-and-nine, as much as the moolah was flowing in, it flowed out just the same. It was with you that I realize that I have achieved the minimum level of cash I need as a buffer, hence, it was time that I took some calculated risk into other investment. I tried investing a small amount into Threadbarn, an online blogshop. On top of that, I bought myself a medium cost apartment. And then, on top of that, JC and I bought a Nikon DSLR D5000 kit. Phew, that’s quite a heavy outflow for me. Not to take into account my lil lil shopping expenditures (note the lil lil) *wink*
Two-thousand-and-nine, as introvert as I am, with you, I was given a chance to give a talk on stage in Sunway College and an opportunity to play the piano for Sunday School Christmas recital. As nervous as I was, I am glad that I manage to pull thru it. I guess it’s sorta like my very own lil personal achievement for the year. *beaming smile*
Another of my personal achievement is to have tried and tested many recipes with you. There are some that turned out really great – like my oreo cheesecake & scones, but there are some that didn’t – like my peanut butter cookies & chocolate peanut butter marshmallow fudge. But it is really a year of experimenting and trial-and-error in the kitchen for me.
Two-thousand-and-nine,
Tho I know that there are lotsa things that have changed, what I do love is that even with you, the family ties never changes. I love that with you, I still can spend time with my dearest cousins and all. The BBQs we have, the gatherings, the singing-out-loud-in-the-car-moments, the sacarstic pokes at each other, the lame jokes shared, oh two-thousand-and-nine, I am so glad I still have those moments
Dear two-thousand-and-nine,
I do hate you for one thing tho, you took away someone so precious and so dear to many of us here. Markus Ng & Mrs Betty Young both fell asleep and woke in the arms of Jesus. It is sad that the world has lost two precious, loving individuals, but its comforting to know that I will meet them in heaven when my time is up.
Well, two-thousand-and-nine, as reluctant as I am to let you go, I know I have to, to give way to two-thousand-and-ten.
But no matter one, the memories we shared will always be treasured and remembered
Thursday, July 16, 2009
.: Tsunami Prediction : Real or Hoax? :.
I received a fwded email from my colleague this morning
Subject : July 22nd 2009 Another Tsunami
Hello there. I just wanted 2 let you know that please stay away from the beaches all around in the month of July. There is a prediction that there will be another tsunami hitting on July 22nd. It is also when there will be sun eclipse. Predicted that it is going 2 be really bad and countries like Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), Singapore, Maldives, Australia, Mauritius, Si Lanka, India, Indonesia, Philippines are going 2 be badly hit. Please try and stay away from the beaches in July. Better 2 be safe than sorry. Please pass the word around. Please also pray for all beings.
Thanks and have a nice day.
And you know these fwded emails where you do not know the credibility of such mails, I did what any curious person would do - I Googled.
And there are two website that I picked - Snopes.com and About.com. This is what they have to say:
Snopes.com
Conclusion : Claim false, coz apparently the whole theory that there will be an earthquake coz by the gravitational pull (hence the solar eclipes) is not valid as earthquakes are not caused by gravitational pull. And, apparently, earthquake are not predictable as scientist who have spend their whole lives studying it still can't divine when and where one will hit.
For full article, please click here.
About.com : Urban Legends
Conclusion : Claim is a hoax as Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes, not eclipses and though astronomers are able to predict eclipses, no such capability exists for earthquakes, nor is there any known correlation between the two phenomena.
For full article, please click here.
So there you go, the tsunami myth busted.
If you have time to spare, you can try reading this and this articles.
Subject : July 22nd 2009 Another TsunamiHello there. I just wanted 2 let you know that please stay away from the beaches all around in the month of July. There is a prediction that there will be another tsunami hitting on July 22nd. It is also when there will be sun eclipse. Predicted that it is going 2 be really bad and countries like Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), Singapore, Maldives, Australia, Mauritius, Si Lanka, India, Indonesia, Philippines are going 2 be badly hit. Please try and stay away from the beaches in July. Better 2 be safe than sorry. Please pass the word around. Please also pray for all beings.
Thanks and have a nice day.
And you know these fwded emails where you do not know the credibility of such mails, I did what any curious person would do - I Googled.
And there are two website that I picked - Snopes.com and About.com. This is what they have to say:
Snopes.com
Conclusion : Claim false, coz apparently the whole theory that there will be an earthquake coz by the gravitational pull (hence the solar eclipes) is not valid as earthquakes are not caused by gravitational pull. And, apparently, earthquake are not predictable as scientist who have spend their whole lives studying it still can't divine when and where one will hit.
For full article, please click here.
About.com : Urban Legends
Conclusion : Claim is a hoax as Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes, not eclipses and though astronomers are able to predict eclipses, no such capability exists for earthquakes, nor is there any known correlation between the two phenomena.
For full article, please click here.
So there you go, the tsunami myth busted.
If you have time to spare, you can try reading this and this articles.
Monday, June 1, 2009
.: GM Files For Bankruptcy :.
GM filed for bankruptcy protection today, the largest automobile bankruptcy in US history as the company is said to be in USD 172.8 billion debt vs only USD 82.2 billion in assets.
How does this affect the US - taxpayers and President Obama?
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama couldn't let General Motors fail, but he won't concede he's taking over the company.
With a 60 percent equity stake in the carmaker and $50 billion in taxpayer money riding on GM's success, the federal government isn't exactly a hands-off investor.
As GM enters into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Obama's economic team is stressing that its goals are to maximize the return to taxpayers and to exit from its involvement as quickly as possible. But as one administration official put it Sunday night, there is an inevitable tension between those two objectives.
And the snap in that tension could sting — politically for Obama, economically for the auto industry and fiscally for the taxpayer.
How well a leaner GM adjusts after a trip through bankruptcy court is an open question. So is the payback to taxpayers. Administration officials already have warned that $2 of every $5 pumped into GM might be difficult to recover.
Given the current economic crisis, the Obama administration's aggressive intervention is a defining moment for capitalism. Whether the president's actions serve as a private sector lifeline or a tether is a question that Obama and his economic team must confront not only with GM and Chrysler, another bailed out automaker, but with the financial sector as well.
But the sheer size of GM's bankruptcy protection filing, the magnitude of the government's role and the company's status as a fallen symbol of American industrial might make this intervention perhaps the most remarkable.
For more, read Yahoo! News.
How does this affect the US - taxpayers and President Obama?
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama couldn't let General Motors fail, but he won't concede he's taking over the company.
With a 60 percent equity stake in the carmaker and $50 billion in taxpayer money riding on GM's success, the federal government isn't exactly a hands-off investor.
As GM enters into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Obama's economic team is stressing that its goals are to maximize the return to taxpayers and to exit from its involvement as quickly as possible. But as one administration official put it Sunday night, there is an inevitable tension between those two objectives.
And the snap in that tension could sting — politically for Obama, economically for the auto industry and fiscally for the taxpayer.
How well a leaner GM adjusts after a trip through bankruptcy court is an open question. So is the payback to taxpayers. Administration officials already have warned that $2 of every $5 pumped into GM might be difficult to recover.
Given the current economic crisis, the Obama administration's aggressive intervention is a defining moment for capitalism. Whether the president's actions serve as a private sector lifeline or a tether is a question that Obama and his economic team must confront not only with GM and Chrysler, another bailed out automaker, but with the financial sector as well.
But the sheer size of GM's bankruptcy protection filing, the magnitude of the government's role and the company's status as a fallen symbol of American industrial might make this intervention perhaps the most remarkable.
For more, read Yahoo! News.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
.: Jesus Wept :.
Jesus wept.
John 11 : 35 (NIV)
The most shortest verse. Yet the most profound.
Meditate on this.
Why did he wept even when he subsequently did raise Lazarus from the dead?
John 11 : 35 (NIV)
The most shortest verse. Yet the most profound.
Meditate on this.
Why did he wept even when he subsequently did raise Lazarus from the dead?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
.: Swine Flu :.
It was once said that a black man would be president "when pigs fly". Indeed, 100 days into Obama's presidency.... SWINE FLU!
Ok, jokes aside, on a more serious note - what is this swine flu all about?
Stay tune to find out! :)
What is swine flu (H1N1)?
Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has changed in ways that allow it to spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs. What happen is the pig's respiratory cells can be affected by many type of flue (bird, human, mammals) and functions as a mixing pot. This is when the virus evolves and become this H1N1 we have today. And bear in mind, this virus is continueosly mutating, hence, vaccine that is effective last year may not be effective this year.
The Symptoms.
The symptoms are exactly the same as your regular flu symptoms, which includes (but not limited to) runny nose, body aches, chills, coughs, fever, vommiting, diarrea. So this could only mean that you or your doctor couldn't tell the difference. The only way is to have your blood tested by the lab.
The Cure
Well, if you are infected with swine flu - here's the good news. You can be cured by antiviral drugs such as Relenza (zanamivir) & Tamiflu (oseltamivir), provided that flu like symptoms are only present for less than 48 hours. In fact, according to scientist, some people that contracted this virus are able to recover without any treatment at all.
The Prevention
Well, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The simplest steps such as maintaining good hygene such as washing your hands more frequently, avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose, etc are recommended by CDC. And of course, refrain visiting countries such as Mexico.
Want to know more? Here are some links for you to note.
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.medicinet.com/
Which brings me to the final, most important question -
Can I still eat pork?
Well, good news is yes, you can. Swine flu virus is not transmitted by food, tho you must make sure that the pork is thoroughly cooked and all the germs are killed (recommended internal temp of 160 degrees).
Thinking of having your bakuteh now?
Don't forget to invite me along!~
Ok, jokes aside, on a more serious note - what is this swine flu all about?
Stay tune to find out! :)
What is swine flu (H1N1)?
Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has changed in ways that allow it to spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs. What happen is the pig's respiratory cells can be affected by many type of flue (bird, human, mammals) and functions as a mixing pot. This is when the virus evolves and become this H1N1 we have today. And bear in mind, this virus is continueosly mutating, hence, vaccine that is effective last year may not be effective this year.
The Symptoms.
The symptoms are exactly the same as your regular flu symptoms, which includes (but not limited to) runny nose, body aches, chills, coughs, fever, vommiting, diarrea. So this could only mean that you or your doctor couldn't tell the difference. The only way is to have your blood tested by the lab.
The Cure
Well, if you are infected with swine flu - here's the good news. You can be cured by antiviral drugs such as Relenza (zanamivir) & Tamiflu (oseltamivir), provided that flu like symptoms are only present for less than 48 hours. In fact, according to scientist, some people that contracted this virus are able to recover without any treatment at all.
The Prevention
Well, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The simplest steps such as maintaining good hygene such as washing your hands more frequently, avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose, etc are recommended by CDC. And of course, refrain visiting countries such as Mexico.
Want to know more? Here are some links for you to note.
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.medicinet.com/
Which brings me to the final, most important question -
Can I still eat pork?
Well, good news is yes, you can. Swine flu virus is not transmitted by food, tho you must make sure that the pork is thoroughly cooked and all the germs are killed (recommended internal temp of 160 degrees).
Thinking of having your bakuteh now?
Don't forget to invite me along!~
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
.: Be Careful :.
Edited (7th May) : Another similiar incident in Kota Bahru.
Robbed of her most precious thing - her life. Such irresponsible acts of such snatch thieves!
JOHOR BARU: The killers on motorcycles have done it again — this time, snatch thieves took two lives when they tried to rob pregnant Jamilah Selamat.
Jamilah, 31, suffered severe head injuries after falling from her motorcycle on Sunday. She died at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital at 7.30am yesterday without regaining consciousness.
Her husband of seven months, trader Razali Ahmad, 41, was a distraught man yesterday.
For him, the tragedy was harder to take because he had just started to taste happiness again after five years when his first wife died of cancer.
The tragedy also leaves Jamilah’s two children from her first marriage — Norasyikin Salleh, seven, and Mohd Khairi Ridwan Salleh, five — without their mother. They looked dazed and clung to their crying stepfather.
Razali said he was told by an eyewitness — his older brother’s friend — that his wife had hit the pavement face first and did not move after that.
“The witness told me that he saw two men on a motorcycle flee the scene immediately after Jamilah fell, and her bag was nowhere to be seen,” he told reporters at the hospital mortuary yesterday.
Razali said Jamilah, a handicraft dealer, was on her way home to Taman Mekar after work that day.
Jamilah had lost her handbag to snatch thieves last year but escaped unharmed. A friend advised her to twirl the handbag around the rearview mirror for a tighter hold.
That move may have been fatal.
In mourning: Razali with his stepchildren Norasyikin and Mohd Khairi at the mortuary yesterday.
When the snatch thieves grabbed Jamilah’s bag, they pulled her motorcycle, causing Jamilah to fall.
“I never thought that I would lose her this way. We were expecting our child, we have only been married for seven months ... I lost my first wife to bone cancer and now, I have lost Jamilah and baby,” he said.
Razali has two teenage children from his previous marriage.
Jamilah and the unborn child were buried at the Ayer Hitam cemetery yesterday.
Batu Pahat OCPD Asst Comm Ibrahim Arif confirmed police received a report on the incident.
Eyewitnesses are urged to contact the police hotline at 07-2212999.
In 2004, a Nanyang Siang Pau clerk, Chong Fee Cheng, 37, died after she lapsed into a coma following a snatch theft in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru.
In December last year, snatch theft victim Lim See Nya, 58, was run over by a three-tonne truck when she lost her balance and fell onto the road, after a motorcycle pillion rider grabbed her handbag in Bukit Mertajam.
Source : The Star
Robbed of her most precious thing - her life. Such irresponsible acts of such snatch thieves!
JOHOR BARU: The killers on motorcycles have done it again — this time, snatch thieves took two lives when they tried to rob pregnant Jamilah Selamat.
Jamilah, 31, suffered severe head injuries after falling from her motorcycle on Sunday. She died at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital at 7.30am yesterday without regaining consciousness.
Her husband of seven months, trader Razali Ahmad, 41, was a distraught man yesterday.
For him, the tragedy was harder to take because he had just started to taste happiness again after five years when his first wife died of cancer.
The tragedy also leaves Jamilah’s two children from her first marriage — Norasyikin Salleh, seven, and Mohd Khairi Ridwan Salleh, five — without their mother. They looked dazed and clung to their crying stepfather.
Razali said he was told by an eyewitness — his older brother’s friend — that his wife had hit the pavement face first and did not move after that.
“The witness told me that he saw two men on a motorcycle flee the scene immediately after Jamilah fell, and her bag was nowhere to be seen,” he told reporters at the hospital mortuary yesterday.
Razali said Jamilah, a handicraft dealer, was on her way home to Taman Mekar after work that day.
Jamilah had lost her handbag to snatch thieves last year but escaped unharmed. A friend advised her to twirl the handbag around the rearview mirror for a tighter hold.
That move may have been fatal.
In mourning: Razali with his stepchildren Norasyikin and Mohd Khairi at the mortuary yesterday.
When the snatch thieves grabbed Jamilah’s bag, they pulled her motorcycle, causing Jamilah to fall.
“I never thought that I would lose her this way. We were expecting our child, we have only been married for seven months ... I lost my first wife to bone cancer and now, I have lost Jamilah and baby,” he said.
Razali has two teenage children from his previous marriage.
Jamilah and the unborn child were buried at the Ayer Hitam cemetery yesterday.
Batu Pahat OCPD Asst Comm Ibrahim Arif confirmed police received a report on the incident.
Eyewitnesses are urged to contact the police hotline at 07-2212999.
In 2004, a Nanyang Siang Pau clerk, Chong Fee Cheng, 37, died after she lapsed into a coma following a snatch theft in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru.
In December last year, snatch theft victim Lim See Nya, 58, was run over by a three-tonne truck when she lost her balance and fell onto the road, after a motorcycle pillion rider grabbed her handbag in Bukit Mertajam.
Source : The Star
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
.: Vote Earth :.
Earth hour 2009 is a global call to action!A call to stand up, to take responsibility and to get involve in working towards a sustainable future.
VOTE EARTH
YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour.
In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from.
VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.
VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.
Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.
I am doing my part!
What about you?
Monday, February 23, 2009
.: For The Love Of Money :.
Bernard Lawrence "Bernie" Madoff founder of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, also known for his Ponzi scheme (a hedge fund scheme that was all one BIG LIE) may be the largest investor fraud committed by a single person.
His sales method was to offer his clients a modest return on their investments and his investments was often marketed as "too complicated for outsiders to understand".
So what was his scheme all about? How did he manage to pay out such high yield from his funds - way above market returns? How did many "intelligent" companies/individuals get fooled into this? It's not the housewives-next-door that gets caught in this scheme. Investors includes HSBC, BNP Paribas, RBS, Ascot Partners, etc.
Well, in a nutshell, it works like a pyramid scheme (MLM, Network Marketing or whatever you may want to market it as).
A very simple, yet explains-it-all lesson I learn from my lecturer is this - to look at the cash flow of the company. Where is it getting it's profits (which will later on translate to cash) from? And more importantly, is it sustainable?
Bernie's scheme is such where new investors invest cash into the scheme. Existing investors who wants to draw out cash would be able to do so, but the cash actually comes from the new investors rather than actual profits made by the funds.
In this scheme, it's like a musical chair. Everyone is happy when the music is playing, but once the music stop, the one left without the chair is in the losing end (and it's usually the later investors, while the earlier investors who have already withdrawn from such schemes are safe).
It's really quite sad for I've seen this type of scheme presented to me a couple of times, which I must admit, the returns are really good. The testimonials from the investors of such scheme are so convincing. They are not of older people, but of people my age, who claims to have make it big, driving a Beamer, shopping at KLCC boutiques and all that. But take a more closer look at these schemes, push asides the greed in us for high & fast returns, and you will unravel the wolf behind sheep's clothing.
The main reason why this type of scheme is still around, despite numerous warnings from media, etc is because of human greed. High returns without having to do anything. This young girl came up to me and begin to testify in one of the talks I went to. She began to tell of how she loves to shop, and want to buy branded goods - and because of this scheme, she doesn't have to slave and work, and she can just earn money just like that and can buy whatever goods she wants. I can see why many people will buy that, especially those of my age range. Easy money. No HARD WORK (albeit, no boring 9-5 jobs, sitting behind the office desk). So much time to spend shopping and holidaying and spending money.
Yes, I never dispute the fact that one could make money from such a scheme. Just have to be the pioneers, the top end of the pyramid, extracting money from the bottom end of the pyramid. These schemes are to a certain way legitimate (if it's marketed the right way) but in substance, it is morally wrong.
I have seen and heard, all of this with an open mind, but one should never let greed get in the way of rational. I've seen intelligent friends, some even from accounting backgrounds, who got fooled into such scheme, and got burned in the end.
Sometimes, the money invested and lost can be viewed as "education fees". You learn from your mistakes. And move on. But some, who has poured in their lifelong savings - have literally nothing to live by. Because of the collapse of the Bernie's funds, there were a couple of people who decided to take their life. There was this elderly man who had to go back to work, instead of enjoying his retirement - all because his savings were wiped off overnight.
I really feel very strongly against such schemes but have been keeping mumps about it until recently. I just hope that people would be able to wake up and realize all this and make a wise decision before it's too late.
Remember, money is not the root to all evil. The love of money is.
(1 Timothy 6:10)
His sales method was to offer his clients a modest return on their investments and his investments was often marketed as "too complicated for outsiders to understand".
So what was his scheme all about? How did he manage to pay out such high yield from his funds - way above market returns? How did many "intelligent" companies/individuals get fooled into this? It's not the housewives-next-door that gets caught in this scheme. Investors includes HSBC, BNP Paribas, RBS, Ascot Partners, etc.
Well, in a nutshell, it works like a pyramid scheme (MLM, Network Marketing or whatever you may want to market it as).
A very simple, yet explains-it-all lesson I learn from my lecturer is this - to look at the cash flow of the company. Where is it getting it's profits (which will later on translate to cash) from? And more importantly, is it sustainable?
Bernie's scheme is such where new investors invest cash into the scheme. Existing investors who wants to draw out cash would be able to do so, but the cash actually comes from the new investors rather than actual profits made by the funds.
In this scheme, it's like a musical chair. Everyone is happy when the music is playing, but once the music stop, the one left without the chair is in the losing end (and it's usually the later investors, while the earlier investors who have already withdrawn from such schemes are safe).
It's really quite sad for I've seen this type of scheme presented to me a couple of times, which I must admit, the returns are really good. The testimonials from the investors of such scheme are so convincing. They are not of older people, but of people my age, who claims to have make it big, driving a Beamer, shopping at KLCC boutiques and all that. But take a more closer look at these schemes, push asides the greed in us for high & fast returns, and you will unravel the wolf behind sheep's clothing.
The main reason why this type of scheme is still around, despite numerous warnings from media, etc is because of human greed. High returns without having to do anything. This young girl came up to me and begin to testify in one of the talks I went to. She began to tell of how she loves to shop, and want to buy branded goods - and because of this scheme, she doesn't have to slave and work, and she can just earn money just like that and can buy whatever goods she wants. I can see why many people will buy that, especially those of my age range. Easy money. No HARD WORK (albeit, no boring 9-5 jobs, sitting behind the office desk). So much time to spend shopping and holidaying and spending money.
Yes, I never dispute the fact that one could make money from such a scheme. Just have to be the pioneers, the top end of the pyramid, extracting money from the bottom end of the pyramid. These schemes are to a certain way legitimate (if it's marketed the right way) but in substance, it is morally wrong.
I have seen and heard, all of this with an open mind, but one should never let greed get in the way of rational. I've seen intelligent friends, some even from accounting backgrounds, who got fooled into such scheme, and got burned in the end.
Sometimes, the money invested and lost can be viewed as "education fees". You learn from your mistakes. And move on. But some, who has poured in their lifelong savings - have literally nothing to live by. Because of the collapse of the Bernie's funds, there were a couple of people who decided to take their life. There was this elderly man who had to go back to work, instead of enjoying his retirement - all because his savings were wiped off overnight.
I really feel very strongly against such schemes but have been keeping mumps about it until recently. I just hope that people would be able to wake up and realize all this and make a wise decision before it's too late.
Remember, money is not the root to all evil. The love of money is.
(1 Timothy 6:10)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
.: Branding :.
Your personal brand is what people say about you behind you back. It's the word they use to describe you to other people and its how you make other people feel about you - just like a corporate brand or a product brand.
We are now in a business world where people represent a brand more strongly than any slick website or glossy brochure ever can.
The top ten things to do to create a strong and memorable personal brand:
1) Make sure it's authentic
- uncover and clarify your strenghts...
2) Measure the perceptions
- get feedback from others on how they see you...
3) Be clear on your uniqueness
- if you were to write your life story so far, what would the title of the book be?
4) Clarify your target market
- write down the top 100 people - people who will help you reach your business, career and personal goal...
5) Increase your visibility and exposure
- how can you be more visible - write an article, attend networking groups,etc...
6) Check out your first impressions
- it takes seven seconds to make a first impression - do it right the first time...
7) Don't dilute the brand with inconsistencies
- be consistant in all ways you communicate, be it via email or face-to-face conversations or on the phone...
8) Pay attention to your brand packaging
- how do you present yourself? your voice, tone, dress, appearance, etc...
9) Clearly define your goals
- if you don't clearly articulate your goals, you are very unlikely to reach them - write it out and stick them somewhere...
10) Start NOW!
- don't delay and do it NOW!
Article from Lesley Everett
We are now in a business world where people represent a brand more strongly than any slick website or glossy brochure ever can.
The top ten things to do to create a strong and memorable personal brand:
1) Make sure it's authentic
- uncover and clarify your strenghts...
2) Measure the perceptions
- get feedback from others on how they see you...
3) Be clear on your uniqueness
- if you were to write your life story so far, what would the title of the book be?
4) Clarify your target market
- write down the top 100 people - people who will help you reach your business, career and personal goal...
5) Increase your visibility and exposure
- how can you be more visible - write an article, attend networking groups,etc...
6) Check out your first impressions
- it takes seven seconds to make a first impression - do it right the first time...
7) Don't dilute the brand with inconsistencies
- be consistant in all ways you communicate, be it via email or face-to-face conversations or on the phone...
8) Pay attention to your brand packaging
- how do you present yourself? your voice, tone, dress, appearance, etc...
9) Clearly define your goals
- if you don't clearly articulate your goals, you are very unlikely to reach them - write it out and stick them somewhere...
10) Start NOW!
- don't delay and do it NOW!
Article from Lesley Everett
Thursday, September 18, 2008
.: Financial Crisis? :.
Worst Crisis Since '30s, With No End Yet in Sight
The financial crisis that began 13 months ago has entered a new, far more serious phase.
Lingering hopes that the damage could be contained to a handful of financial institutions that made bad bets on mortgages have evaporated. New fault lines are emerging beyond the original problem -- troubled subprime mortgages -- in areas like credit-default swaps, the credit insurance contracts sold by American International Group Inc. and others firms. There's also a growing sense of wariness about the health of trading partners.
The consequences for companies and chief executives who tarry -- hoping for better times in which to raise capital, sell assets or acknowledge losses -- are now clear and brutal, as falling share prices and fearful lenders send troubled companies into ever-deeper holes. This weekend, such a realization led John Thain to sell the century-old Merrill Lynch & Co. to Bank of America Corp. Each episode seems to bring intervention by the government that is more extensive and expensive than the previous one, and carries greater risk of unintended consequences.
Expectations for a quick end to the crisis are fading fast. "I think it's going to last a lot longer than perhaps we would have anticipated," Anne Mulcahy, chief executive of Xerox Corp., said Wednesday.
"This has been the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. There is no question about it," said Mark Gertler, a New York University economist who worked with fellow academic Ben Bernanke, now the Federal Reserve chairman, to explain how financial turmoil can infect the overall economy. "But at the same time we have the policy mechanisms in place fighting it, which is something we didn't have during the Great Depression."
Extracted from : Aaron Lucchetti, Mark Whitehouse, Gregory Zuckerman and Sudeep Reddy contributed to this article.
Write to Jon Hilsenrath at jon.hilsenrath@wsj.com, Serena Ng at serena.ng@wsj.com and Damian Paletta at damian.paletta@wsj.com
Copyrighted, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved
The financial crisis that began 13 months ago has entered a new, far more serious phase.
Lingering hopes that the damage could be contained to a handful of financial institutions that made bad bets on mortgages have evaporated. New fault lines are emerging beyond the original problem -- troubled subprime mortgages -- in areas like credit-default swaps, the credit insurance contracts sold by American International Group Inc. and others firms. There's also a growing sense of wariness about the health of trading partners.
The consequences for companies and chief executives who tarry -- hoping for better times in which to raise capital, sell assets or acknowledge losses -- are now clear and brutal, as falling share prices and fearful lenders send troubled companies into ever-deeper holes. This weekend, such a realization led John Thain to sell the century-old Merrill Lynch & Co. to Bank of America Corp. Each episode seems to bring intervention by the government that is more extensive and expensive than the previous one, and carries greater risk of unintended consequences.
Expectations for a quick end to the crisis are fading fast. "I think it's going to last a lot longer than perhaps we would have anticipated," Anne Mulcahy, chief executive of Xerox Corp., said Wednesday.
"This has been the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. There is no question about it," said Mark Gertler, a New York University economist who worked with fellow academic Ben Bernanke, now the Federal Reserve chairman, to explain how financial turmoil can infect the overall economy. "But at the same time we have the policy mechanisms in place fighting it, which is something we didn't have during the Great Depression."
Extracted from : Aaron Lucchetti, Mark Whitehouse, Gregory Zuckerman and Sudeep Reddy contributed to this article.
Write to Jon Hilsenrath at jon.hilsenrath@wsj.com, Serena Ng at serena.ng@wsj.com and Damian Paletta at damian.paletta@wsj.com
Copyrighted, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved
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