"Frying" up to Tom-Yum Land - Part 1/3

I'm be making 3 trips to "Tom-Yum Land" (Thailand) thrice this year, leading to accusations of me having secretly gotten PR there!!

This trip will be my first time there on National Service-related purpose. We're going there for a Live-Firing Exercise. I was back in camp for ICT since last Monday, but that's the local phase (based in Singapore) in preparation for the 2weeks exercise starting next week.

The place we'd be based at isn't too technologically advanced and communication might be an issue, not to mention the hefty roaming charges I'm expecting to incur. However, in my bid to try and reduce this cost, I've done some research and came up with the following "battleplan" :

1. subscribed Auto-Roaming from my SG Telco.

2. Bought a Thai SIM-Card (True Corp.) via Trusling Communications to call back to SG.

3. Use the same Thai-SIM to access Internet if time/signal-strength permits.

4. Bought 600B worth of Top-Up value whilst in SG.

While I do not expect to use my SG-SIM much there, I still took up Auto-Roaming as an "Insurance" just in case I was not able to get a signal from True, I'd still be able to hook up to any available network in the area using my SG-SIM.

Should True have signals in both camps while I'd be, then Items 2 - 4 will come in handy and Item 1 will be used as Plan B. The above items costs me a total of $75... Hope they are sufficient for my use. I bet if I survive on Plan B alone, the charges will probably be triple of $75 and upwards!!

So much for now, see you folks when I'm back in SG 2 weeks from now.

PS : Sorry, cannot provide too much details regarding the Exercise for security reasons.

Why You'll Love a Mac

• It’s designed to be a better computer.
• It comes with software you'll love to use.
• It comes with the world's most advanced operating system.
• It comes with award-winning support.
• It runs Office and works with your existing PC files.
• It's compatible with your stuff.
• It doesn't get PC viruses.
• It's loaded with the latest technology.
• It runs Window and Windows applications.

For more details, refer to http://www.apple.com/why-mac/.

Cloud Computing

According to Wikipedia, Cloud Computing refers to Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, like the electricity grid.

In a nutshell, it means a company requiring a certain service (eg. Email) will engage the services of an Email services provider who will provide the company with email services using the provider's servers located with the provider.

Cloud-Computing's the IN-THING now, every IT Solutions company out there is talking about moving to the CLOUD.... Cloud, Cloud and MORE Cloud. But exactly what's the big deal with clouds?

Here's the benefits :

• Agility improves with users' ability to rapidly and inexpensively re-provision technological infrastructure resources.
• Cost is claimed to be greatly reduced and capital expenditure is converted to operational expenditure. This ostensibly lowers barriers to entry, as infrastructure is typically provided by a third-party and does not need to be purchased for one-time or infrequent intensive computing tasks. Pricing on a utility computing basis is fine-grained with usage-based options and fewer IT skills are required for implementation (in-house).
• Device and location independence enable users to access systems using a web browser regardless of their location or what device they are using (e.g., PC, mobile). As infrastructure is off-site (typically provided by a third-party) and accessed via the Internet, users can connect from anywhere.
• Multi-tenancy enables sharing of resources and costs across a large pool of users thus allowing for:
• Centralization of infrastructure in locations with lower costs (such as real estate, electricity, etc.)
• Peak-load capacity increases (users need not engineer for highest possible load-levels)
• Utilization and efficiency improvements for systems that are often only 10–20% utilized.
• Reliability is improved if multiple redundant sites are used, which makes well designed cloud computing suitable for business continuity and disaster recovery. Nonetheless, many major cloud computing services have suffered outages, and IT and business managers can at times do little when they are affected.
• Scalability via dynamic ("on-demand") provisioning of resources on a fine-grained, self-service basis near real-time, without users having to engineer for peak loads. Performance is monitored, and consistent and loosely coupled architectures are constructed using web services as the system interface. One of the most important new methods for overcoming performance bottlenecks for a large class of applications is data parallel programming on a distributed data grid.
• Security could improve due to centralization of data, increased security-focused resources, etc., but concerns can persist about loss of control over certain sensitive data, and the lack of security for stored kernels. Security is often as good as or better than under traditional systems, in part because providers are able to devote resources to solving security issues that many customers cannot afford. Providers typically log accesses, but accessing the audit logs themselves can be difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the complexity of security is greatly increased when data is distributed over a wider area and / or number of devices.
• Maintenance cloud computing applications are easier to maintain, since they don't have to be installed on each user's computer. They are easier to support and to improve since the changes reach the clients instantly.
• Metering cloud computing resources usage should be measurable and should be metered per client and application on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. This will enable clients on choosing the vendor cloud on cost and reliability (QoS).

Wow, a whole lot of Pros for Cloud Computing.... but what about the Cons?

• Data Security : while there will surely be a Non-Disclosure Agreement in place, would you place complete trust in the provider to be able to safe-keep your data? Remember, with your data on the cloud (aka Internet), anyone with the right tools/expertise will have a chance of hacking into the server which houses those data.
• Lost of Control : with services hosted in-house, you have control over the configurations of the application. However, with outsourcing, you are surrendering these controls to your provider. Getting them to customise the application will only incur additional cost.
• Service Outage : you are at the mercy of your provider should the services be down. And you'd have no idea how long it will take for services to resume. However, having said so, the provider should have enough common-sense to cater for backup servers to minimise service downtime.

To sum up, whether or not to embrace The Cloud depends entirely on the nature of your business.... Just remember to consider the fallout should your sensitive data be compromised by your provider.

20 Things You Should Never Buy Used

The earlier post talks about some of the things that we can consider buying used, this post will be talking about some of the things which you should NEVER buy used.... For me, I'd never buy used items which are going to come into contact with my body such as clothes, shoes, gloves, etc. I'd also think twice, thrice and end up still not buying Laptops, Phones, Beddings/Mattresses and most other electronic stuffs....

Read on if you are keen to know what are the 20 Things You Should Never Buy Used......

21 Things You Should Never Buy New

What are some of the things that you'd never buy new? I think the answer should be zero. I mean, who DOESN'T like new things? I, for one, would love to get new things whenever possible.... However, I wouldn't mind getting used CDs, Books, certain furnitures and car....

Read on to see what are the 21 Things You Should Never Buy New...

Microsoft Office 2010

Yeah, the next version of Office is releasing this month, according to various sources. Had I not attended a recent product launch by Microsoft, I wouldn't have been so excited over the new Office Suite. Well, at least in the past, I couldn't really be bothered with it.

"The Future of Productivity" Launch by Microsoft was held @ Marina Bay Sands, 26 May 2010. Their CEO, Steve Ballmer dropped by to give a 45min keynote speech. Several reasons why I attended this launch although it's not related to my job scope.

Firstly, Steve Ballmer is THE keynote speaker! Come on, how often do you get to see the CEO of a MAJOR company talking on stage? And I've not even mentioned that the MAJOR company is Microsoft, the world's LARGEST software company in the world!

Secondly, the event was held @ Marina Bay Sands, one of the 2 newly completed Intergrated Resorts (aka casinos) in Singapore. I've never been there before until that day. The place is HUGE and I really mean HUGE!! However, having said that, I must also remind you that the place is not completed yet. There are still lots of constructions, renovations and touch-ups going on. So far, only the Convention Centre, Hotel and Casino are operational. The rest? Coming soon... I was looking through the MBS Shopping Guide and found 90% of the listed tenants marked with an asterisk and the asterisks is meant to mean "Opening Soon". I guess that goes to show you how completed MBS is.

Back to Office 2010, they had incorporated many new features into the new product, among them the "Paste with Preview", "Conversation View in Outlook" (imagine Gmail's thread-view for emails), "Quick Steps in Outlook". Do refer to Top 10 Things to Look Forward to in Office 2010 for the details. There were also a few of my personal favourites that is not mentioned in the article; "Ignore button in Outlook", "Image/Video Editor in PowerPoint/Word" & "Simultaneous Editing".

A word of caution.... use the "Ignore" button wisely and carefully. :)

Worst words to say at work

By Linnda Durre.

Let’s look at some specific words and phrases that are used by some people to buy time, avoid giving answers and escape commitment. If you use these words and phrases yourself, take a scalpel and cut them out of your thinking, speaking and writing. Words like these only weaken you and make you sound noncommittal, undependable and untrustworthy.

“Try”

Try is a weasel word. “Well, I’ll try,” some people say. It’s a cop-out. They’re just giving you lip service when they probably have no real intention of doing what you ask. Remember what Yoda says to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: “Do or do not–there is no try.” Take Yoda’s advice. Give it your all when you attempt something. And if it doesn’t work, start over.

Put passion into your work and give it your best effort, so you can know that you did all you could to make it happen. So if the outcome you were expecting didn’t come to fruition, it’s not because you didn’t do everything you could to make it happen. It just wasn’t the right time for it or it wasn’t meant to be.

“Whatever”

This word is a trusted favourite of people who want to dismiss you, diminish what you say or get rid of you quickly. “Whatever,” they will say as an all-purpose response to your earnest request. It’s an insult and a verbal slap in the face. It’s a way to respond to a person without actually responding. When you say whatever after another person has said his or her piece, you have essentially put up a wall between the two of you and halted any progress in communicating. It’s a word to avoid.

“Maybe” and “I don’t know”

People will sometimes avoid making a decision and hide behind words and phrases like “maybe” and “I don’t know.” There’s a difference between legitimately not knowing something and using words like these as excuses. Sometimes, during a confrontation, people will claim not to know something or offer the noncommittal response “maybe,” just to avoid being put on the spot. If that seems to be the case, ask, “When do you think you will know?” or “How can you find out?” Don’t let the person off the hook so easily.

“I’ll get back to you”

When people need to buy time or avoid revealing a project’s status, they will say, “I’ll get back to you,” and they usually never do. If people say they will get back to you, always clarify. Ask them when they will get back to you, and make sure they specify the day and time. If they don’t, then pin them down to a day and time and hold them to it. If they won’t give you a day or time, tell them you’ll call in a day or week and follow up. Make sure you call and get the information you need.

“If”

Projects depend on everyone doing his or her part. People who use if are usually playing the blame game and betting against themselves. They like to set conditions, rather than assuming a successful outcome. People who rely on conditional responses are fortifying themselves against potential failure. They will say, “If Bob finishes his part, then I can do my part.” They’re laying the groundwork for a “no fault” excuse and for not finishing their work.

There are always alternatives, other routes and ways to get the job done. Excuse makers usually have the energy of a slug, the vision of Mr. Magoo and the spine of a jellyfish. You don’t want them on your mountain climbing team up K-2 or Mount Everest.

“Yes, but …”

This is another excuse. You might give your team members suggestions or solutions and they come back to you with “Yes, but . . .” as a response. They don’t really want answers, help, or solutions. You need to call the “Yes, but . . .” people out on their avoidance tactic by saying something like: “You know, Jackie, every time I offer you a suggestion you say, ‘Yes, but . . . ,” which makes me think you don’t really want to solve this problem. That’s not going to work. If you want to play the victim, go right ahead, but I’m not going to allow you to keep this up and I may have to report you.” After a response like that, you can be assured that the next words you hear will not be, “Yes, but . . .”!

“I guess …”

This is usually said in a weak, soft-spoken, shoulder-shrugging manner. It’s another attempt to shirk responsibility–a phrase is only muttered when people half agree with you, but want to leave enough leeway to say, “Well, I didn’t really know. . . . I was only guessing.” If you use this phrase, cut it out of your vocabulary.

“We’ll see”

How many times did we hear our parents say this? We knew they were buying time, avoiding a fight or confrontation or really saying no. It’s better to be decisive and honest by saying, “I need more information. Please present your case or send me the data–both pro and con–so I can make an informed decision.” That way the interested parties will contribute to an in-depth, well-researched “verdict.”

This column is an excerpt of Surviving The Toxic Workplace (McGraw-Hill, 2010) by Linnda Durré, a psychotherapist, business consultant and columnist.

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Which ones are you guilty of? I'm guilty of all of them but what the heck? You all know that I'm dying to flee!!

PS : I love the title of the McGraw-Hill book, Surviving The Toxic Workplace.... at least mine was toxic enough :s

Negotiating your Compensation Package

Looking for a job is not easy. As you enter the job market and decide on the job that suits you best, there are many angles you need to examine. One of them is your compensation package. It would be wise to be prepared to be asked and be expected to answer questions pertaining to your salary at the interview. When these questions arise, you will need to have well-thought-out responses. You should be comfortable enough with what you are going to say so that there is no hesitation. You can then move quickly to another subject without drawing undue attention to the issue. The key to this is preparation. The following key points of negotiation will prepare you to discuss your salary with prospective employers whilst not disadvantaging yourself in the process.

1. Discuss your total compensation, not just your salary.

It is important to assure a potential employer of your value first before discussing the compensation package. In this way, both of you can reach a middle ground satisfactorily. When the time comes to discuss the compensation package, do so without hesitation and reflection. Do not divulge your base salary per se, but remember to include all the perks you receive (car allowance, reimbursement for club dues, expense accounts, deferred compensation, stock and stock options, pension benefits, company-paid insurance etc) and better still, be as ambiguous as possible. For example, you can say: "My salary per annum ranges between $40,000 and $50,000 depending on the bonuses received, allowances, medical benefits etc." By describing your compensation in this way, you are communicating that you take the fact that you will earn a bonus for granted and that you consider it to be part of your basic compensation package.

A candidate's current salary is the single most important factor an employer will use in determining what to offer. As a rule, if a new job doesn't involve a promotion or a relocation to a higher-cost area, an employer will offer a 10 to 15 percent increase over the employee's current salary. Even when a promotion or relocation is involved, an employer will use current salary as the starting point in deciding what to offer.

2. Always take into account future raises and bonuses.

If you are asked specifically about your salary and cannot avoid the subject, be sure to describe your salary in its most favourable light. Because your bonus may vary from year to year, it can provide you with a certain amount of flexibility in the way you describe you compensation.

For example, if the bonus you earned last year was much larger than what you anticipate receiving this year, be sure that you state your compensation in terms of what you earned last year. If, on the other hand, you expect that this year's bonus will be larger than last year's, discuss what you expect to earn this year. Thus you could say that you are earning $50,000 in base salary and expect to receive a $15,000 bonus this year.

3. Never tell untruths.

When responding to questions about your compensation, bear in mind the fifth commandment of employment negotiations: "Never lie, but use the truth to your advantage." Not only is it wrong to lie about your salary; it is a tactical error as well. Remember that your current employer can easily confirm your salary. In fact, in most cases, you may be asked to provide a copy of your last pay slip after you are hired.

4. Focus on market data, if your salary is below the market rate.

A problem you may encounter if you have been with the same employer for a lengthy period of time is that your salary has not kept up with the market. If your current salary is used in setting the salary at a new job, you will continue to be paid less than you are worth. Under these circumstances it is critical to concentrate the discussion on the market rate for the position, and delay discussing your specific salary for as long as possible. Having information as to what other companies are paying for similar positions will help you highlight the value of the job, as opposed to your current salary. When the time comes to disclose your salary, not only should you make it clear that you know you are being underpaid, but you should also explain the reason without being defensive about it.

For example, you might state: "Companies are paying between $50,000 and $75,000 for graphic designers. Although I have been earning only $35,000 at my current company, I have improved myself professionally by taking relevant courses and therefore, I expect to be paid the going rate." Whatever the reason for your below-market salary, be prepared to explain why you have been willing to accept it and to demonstrate what other companies are paying for people with your skills. It would also be good if you could justify your value and thereby the salary you are asking for.

Finally, whatever job you are looking for, remember never to settle for anything less than what you are worth. When you are negotiating your compensation, you are selling your assets for a price, so remember to get the best value for your assets.

by Sophia Su

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More articles @ http://sg.jobstreet.com/career/search/default.htm

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You ?

The Foetus : Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sleep position sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

Log (15%) : Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

The yearner (13%) : People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.
 

Soldier (8%) : Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don’t like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

Freefall (7%) : Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don’t like criticism, or extreme situations.

Starfish (5%) : Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don’t like to be the centre of attention.

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Which one are you? I'm Foetus....

HTC Magic shipped with Virus

Users and potential users of HTC Magic, BEWARE!!!

According to an article @ ZDNET, a batch of HTC Magic Cellphones from Vodafone seemed to be shipped with a virus 'bundled', not a bad deal, huh??

Wanna read more info? Here goes....

Radiation Levels of Cell Phones

 Have been eyeing that dream Cell Phone for the past few months but could not get it as your contract's yet to expire? Here's another reason not to get it... the "Cell phone radiation levels" by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, USA.

Luckily, my iPhone is within range :)

Phishing Hits SingNet!!!

Not sure if I'm slow or it is really the first time SingNet, a Singapore-based ISP is hit by Phishers.

Just like those Nigierian Scams, we should also NEVER EVER respond to such emails for no decent Service Providers will ask you to go to their site and provide information via email. They will do so via snail mail if need be. Read on for more tips...

What is Phishing?

Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing....

How to react when you're being phished (not after you've been phished)?

The MOST BASIC action you can take is to IGNORE the phishing email. NEVER EVER believe in its content.

PS : Do not forget to delete the email too.

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooogle

Nope, there's no typo in the title above. I've indeed spelt Google with 25 "O"s.

Why 25? Its for a very simple reason of there having 25 additional ways by which you can search for information using Google other than the usual way of punching in whatever search terms you wish into the Google Searchbox. They actually have various syntax for you to key in in order to find information such as :

• Exchange Rate
• Weather
• Stock Quotes
• Time
• Simple Arithmetic
• Unit Conversion
• etc....

Amazing? Try it @ any Google Searchbox.... For more information, do check out http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/features.html for more details!!

Securing Your Wireless Networks

With the increase in recent years of the popularity of broadband access, connection sharing and falling prices of wireless routers, it's not at all surprising to observe the mushrooming of numerous wireless networks around the island be it in the residential nor commercial areas.

While it makes sense to use wireless technology to share internet access, one very worrying trend emerges; that many of these hotspots are lacking in basic security... Just like how you do not allow strangers into your home, there are plenty of such networks everywhere that failed to secure it's doors, allowing anyone out there to hook onto the unsecured network for the most harmless activity of FREE surfing to the most damaging acts of stealing your data for malicious intent.

It is precisely with securing your wireless network in mind that I've decided to pen this entry today... There are 101 ways to secure a wireless network but I'd not be able to cover all. I shall just stick to the basic defenses that you can deploy with out-of-the-box features that your wireless router should come with...

1. Do not broadcast your network SSID. The SSID is the name of your wireless network. Broadcasting it is equivalent to telling the whole world your home address, potentially inviting a whole lot of junk mails and other unwanted attentions.

2. Enable MAC Filtering. Each devices that needed to access the network must have a MAC Address and by limiting only those MAC Address which you are aware of, you are simply 'distributing your house keys only to those whom you know and trust'.

3. Limit IP Address Range to only as many as you need. Do not over allocate as this is similar to 'leaving excess sets of your house keys lying around'.

4. Change the default IP Range of your router. Change the default IP Range of the router to something similar but not the default. Some IT savvy folks may be able to guess your IP Range and conduct malicious tasks against you. As such, changing the default IP Range is similar to why some home owners prefered to change the locks to their homes when they initially bought it.

5. Enable encryption (WEP or WPA) on your wireless network. These 2 are the most common standards available in all of today's routers. WEP had been cracked before while WPA had proven resilient so far (phew). What happens now is that with either of the standards enabled, your communication between the PC/Laptop to the router is now secured. Think of it as if you are talking in some lingo that only you and your colleagues understand such that you boss will not be able to catch that you 2 are actually gossiping about him!

Do note that the above are not foolproof. They are only able to provide some basic defenses against evil-intentioned folks. To the experts, these defenses can be easily breached in hours, if not minutes. However, in the normal context, this is just about sufficient protection.

Focus on Problems vs Focus on Solutions

One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soap box, which happened in one of Japan's biggest cosmetics companies.

The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soap box that was empty. Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly line, which transported all the packaged boxes of soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soap box went through the assembly line empty.

Management asked its engineers to solve the problem. Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high-resolution monitors manning by two people to watch all the soap boxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent whoopee amount to do so.

But when a rank-and-file employee in a small company was posed with the same problem, did not get into complications of X-rays, etc but instead came out with another solution. He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line. He switched the fan on, and as each soap box passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line.

Moral of the story :

Always look for simple solutions. Devise the simplest possible solution that solves the problem..

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When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (Ink won't flow down to the writing surface). In order to solve this problem, it took them one decade and $12 million.. They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C.

And what did Russians do....................??

The Russians used a PENCIL !!!

==========================

So, learn to focus on solutions not on problems.

"If you look at what you do not have in life, you don't have anything".

"If you look at what you have in life, you have everything"

Extracted from an email....

12 quick tips for boosting your happiness at work

1. Check for eyestrain by putting your hand to your forehead in a salute. If your eyes feel relieved, your work space is too bright.

2. Sit up straight with your shoulders down — every time I adjust my sitting position, I instantly feel more energetic and cheerier.

3. Get a phone headset. I resisted for a long time, because it looks so preposterous, but it’s really much more comfortable. Also, it lets me pace while I talk on the phone, which also looks preposterous, but is energizing.

4. Don’t keep candy on your desk. Studies show that people are much more likely to snack when a treat is within easy reach, and a handful of M&Ms each day could mean a weight gain of five pounds by year’s end.

5. Never say “yes” on the phone; instead, say, “I’ll get back to you.” When you’re actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say “yes” without enough consideration. Along the same lines…

6. When deciding whether to say “yes,” imagine that you’re accepting a job that you’ll have to do next week. Don’t agree to something just because it seems so far off that it doesn’t seem onerous.

7. Don’t let yourself get too hungry. My husband goes without eating for hours and hours at a time, so once, trying to be helpful, I bought him a big bag of granola to keep in his desk. He ate the whole bag in one day and ended up sick as a dog. Lesson: eat regularly.

8. Take care of difficult calls, tasks, or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating makes them harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy.

9. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, think hard about how you spend your time. Be honest. How much time do you spend surfing the internet, looking for things you’ve misplaced, or doing a task that’s really someone else’s job? Also…

10. Let yourself stay ignorant of things you don’t need to know.

11. Go outside at least once a day, and if possible, take a walk. The sunlight and activity is good for your focus, mood, and retention of information.

12. Say “Good morning” to everyone. Social contact is cheering, and if you feel that you’re on good terms with all the people in your office, you’ll be happier each day. Also, it’s polite.

Warren Buffet's New Year Letter

Warren Buffet's New Year Letter

We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism.

Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and nations.

Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness and help them recover their financial health.

They expect the financial experts to provide them with remedies, forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this financial mess.

Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my future.

This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I grow wiser and not older.

This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders along with me, and become financially wiser.

Hard work: All hard work brings profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income.

Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.

Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.

Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.

Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

Auditing: Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.

Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet.

Investment: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy.

I'm equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health.

Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.



Warren Buffet

101 Ways To Score Points With A Woman

I've been on this book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus for the past few weeks. Its proving itself to be a very informative and insightful guide into how men and women handle relationships. I found that quite a few of the ideas and case-studies as discussed in the book happening to me. As such, if you are clueless about BGR or would like to improve upon your's, I'd recommend that you take a look at this book.

I came across a list of little things that men can do to 'score' points with their ladies :

1. Upon returning home, find her first before doing anything else and give her a hug.

2. Ask her specific questions about her day that indicate an awareness of what she was planning to do. (e.g., "How did your day go? Did you have fun at the mall?")

3. Practice listening and asking questions.

4. Resist the temptations to solve her problems.

5. Give her twenty minutes of unsolicited, quality attention (don't read the newspaper or be distracted by anything else during this time).

6. Bring her cut flowers as a surprise as well as on special occasions.

7. Plan a date several days in advance, rather than waiting for Friday night and asking her what she wants to do.

8. If she generally makes dinner or if it is her turn and she seems tired or really busy, offer to make dinner.

9. Compliment her on how she looks.

10. Validate her feelings when she is upset.

11. Offer to help her when she is tired.

12. Schedule extra time when traveling so that she doesn't have to rush.

13. When you are going to be late, call her and let her know.

14. When she asks for support, say yes or no without making her wrong for asking.

15. Whenever her feelings have been hurt, give her some empathy and tell her "I'm sorry you feel hurt." Then be silent; let her feel your understanding of her hurt. Don't offer solutions or explanations why her hurt is not your fault.

16. Whenever you need to pull away, let her know you will be back or that you need some time to think about things.

17. When you've cooled off and you come back, talk about what was bothering you in a respectful, non-blaming way, so she doesn't imagine the worst.

18. Offer to build a fire in wintertime.

19. When she talks to you, put down the magazine or turn off the TV and give her your full attention.

20. If she usually washes the dishes, occasionally offer to wash the dishes, especially if she is tired that day.

21. Notice when she is upset or tired and ask what she has to do. Then offer to help by doing a few of her "to do" items.

22. When going out, ask if there is anything she wants you to pick up at the store, and remember to pick it up.

23. Let her know when you are planning to take a nap or leave.

24. Give her four hugs a day.

25. Call her from work to ask how she is or to share something exciting or to tell her "I love you."

26. Tell her "I love you" at least a couple of times every day.

27. Make the bed and clean up the bedroom.

28. If she washes your socks, turn your socks right side out so she doesn't have to.

29. Notice when the trash is full, and offer to empty it.

30. When you are out of town, call to leave a telephone number when you can be reached an to let her know you arrived safely.

31. Wash her car.

32. Wash your car and clean up the interior before a date with her.

33. Wash before having sex or put on a cologne if she likes that.

34. Take her side when she is upset with someone.

35. Offer to give her a back or neck or foot massage (or all three).

36. Make a point of cuddling or being affectionate sometimes without being sexual.

37. Be patient when she is sharing. Don't look at you watch.

38. Don't flick the remote control to different channels when she is watching TV with you.

39. Display affection in public.

40. When holding hands don't let your hand go limp.

41. Learn her favorite drinks so you can offer her a choice of the ones that you know she already likes.

42. Suggest different restaurants for going out; don't put the burden of figuring out where to go on her.

43. Get season tickets for th theater, symphony, opera, ballet, or some other type of some other type of performance she likes.

44. Create occasions when you both can dress up.

45. Be understanding when she is late or decides to change her outfit.

46. Pay more attention to her than to others in public.

47. Make her more important than the children. Let the children see her first and foremost.

48. Buy her little presents- like a small box of chocolates or perfume.

49. Buy her an outfit (take a picture of your partner along with her sizes to the store and let them help you select it).

50. Take pictures of her on special occasions.

51. Take short romantic getaways.

52. Let her see that you carry a picture of her in your wallet and update it for time to time.

53. When staying in a hotel, have them prepare the room with something special, like a bottle of champagne or sparkling apple juice or flowers.

54. Write a note or make a sign on special occasions such as anniversairies and birthdays.

55. Offer to drive the car on long trips.

56. Drive slowly and safety, respecting her preferences. After all, she is sitting powerless in the front seat.

57. Notice how she is feeling and comment on it- "You look happy today" or "You look tired"- and then ask a question like "How was your day?"

58. When taking her out, study in advance the directions so that she does not have to feel responsible to navigate.

59. Take her dancing or take dancing lessons together.

60. Surprise her with a love note or poem.

61. Treat her in ways you did at the beginning of the relationship.

62. Offer to fix something around the house. Say "What needs to fixed around here? I have some extra time." Don't take on more than you can do.

63. Offer to sharpen her knives in the kitchen.

64. Buy some good SuperGlue to fix things that are broken.

65. Offer to change light bulbs as soon as they go out.

66. Help with recycling the trash.

67. Read out loud or cut out sections of the newspaper that would interest her.

68. Write out neatly any phone messages you make take for her.

69. Keep the bathroom floor clean and dry it after taking a shower.

70. Open the door for her.

71. Offer to carry the groceries.

72. Offer to carry heavy boxes for her.

73. On trips, handle the luggage and be responsible for packing it in the car.

74. If she washes the dishes or it is her turn, offer to help scrub pots or other difficult tasks.

75. Make a "to fix" list and leave it in the kitchen. When you have extra time do something on that list for her. Don't let it get out too long.

76. When she prepare a meal, compliment her cooking.

77. When listening to her talk, use eye contact.

78. Touch her with your hand sometimes when you talk to her.

79. Show interest in what she does during the day, in the books she reads and the people she relates to.

80. When listening to her, reassure her that you are interested by making little noises like as ha, uh-huh, oh, mmhuh, hmmmm.

81. Ask her how she is feeling.

82. If she has been sick in some way, ask for an update and ask how she is doing or feeling.

83. If she is tired offer to make her some tea.

84. Get ready to go to sleep together and get in bed at the same time.

85. Give her a kiss and say ggod-bye when you leave.

86. Laugh at her jokes and humor.

87. Verbally say thank you when she does things for you.

88. Notice when she gets her hair done and give her a reassuring compliment.
89. Create special time to be alone together.

90. Don't answer the phone at intimate moments or if she is sharing vulnerable feelings.

91. Go bicycling together, even if it's just a short ride.

92. Organize and prepare a picnic. (Remember to bring to picnic cloth.)

93. If she handles the laundry, bring the clothes to the cleaners or offer to do the wash.

94. Take her for a walk without the children.

95. Negotiate in a manner that shows her that you want her to get what she wants and you also want what you want. Be caring, but don't be a martyr.

96. Let her know that you missed her when you went away.

97. Bring home her favourite pie or dessert.

98. If she normally shop for the food, offer to do the food shopping.

99. Eat lightly on romantic occasions so that you don't become stuffed and tired later.

100. Ask her to add her thoughts to this list.

101. Leave the bathroom seat down.

I scored 52/101. What about you?

10 Tips for Social Networking Safety

Ever wonder how does spammers obtain your email address? Or how scammers are able to ring you with a fake kidnap claim on your loved ones? These had somewhat to do with our online habits.

How so? Think about it... when was the last time you readily provided your personal information online? You probably did so within the past week. This is not uncommon. I just did 20mins ago while applying for some account. As you can see, with the abundance of personal information going around in cyberspace, it's not difficult at all to pick up information about practically anyone on this earth using the correct tools.

How can we reduce the chances of our data being picked up? The best method would be to not use the internet at all. But then again, how many of us can truly give up the internet for good? I dare say a BIG FAT ZERO. My confidence is derived from the saying that "Once the lion had tasted human flesh, it's unlikely to go back to animal flesh." Similarly in the case here, once you've seen the convenience and rich vein of information the internet can offer, are you willing to simply plug yourself off from it? I know I wouldn't... not even over my dead body. So if we can't give it up, the next best solution would be to try and minimise our chances of getting hit. I've included herein an article which I hope can give you some insights into the precautions you can adopt.

May the internet be a safer place.....

IT Tips...

Maybe its an occupational habit but I simply can't resist posting IT Tips here whenever I find something which may be useful... Here's a few more :

1. 6 Tips for Reducing Email Overload
2. Top 10 Most Useful Secret Ninja Moves in Office (2007)

Enjoy...