Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Please return back, you'll see why!!

A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package: 'This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package.'
He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
'She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion.
Well, I guess this is it..
He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died.
He turned to me and said:
'Never save something for a special occasion.
Every day in your life is a special occasion'.
I still think those words changed my life.
Now I read more and clean less.

I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.

I spend more time with my family, and less at work.
I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.
I no longer keep anything.
I use crystal glasses every day...
I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.

I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to.
The words 'Someday....' and ' One Day...' are fading away from my dictionary.

If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now.........
I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell.
I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.
She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.

I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favorite food.

It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come..

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.
Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one..
If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because, probably, there's someone you care about.

If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it 
'One of these days' , remember that 'One day' is far away... Or might never come......
No matter if you're superstitious or not, spend some time reading it.
It holds useful messages for the soul.

Don't keep this message.
Send copies and watch what goes on next
Credit to:bakar Paridah


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt-Speech to Congress on December 8, 1941.

    Yesterday, Dec 7,1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United State of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.  The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.  Indeed,one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message.  While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago..  During the intervening time the Japanese government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statement and expressions of hope for continued peace.
   The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian island has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces.  Very many American lives have been lost.  In additional American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
   Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
   Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong
   Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam
   Last night Japanese force attacked Philippine Island
   Last night Japanese force attacked Wake Island
   Last night Japanese force attacked Midway Island
   Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.  The facts of yesterday speak for themselves.  The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understanding the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
   As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures to be taken for our defense.
   Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.  No matter how long it may take use to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
   I believe i interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when i assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the utmost but will make very certain that this form treachery shall never endanger us again.
   Hostilities exist.  There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interest are in grave danger.
   
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounded determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God.  I ask that the congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec 7, a state of war has existed between the United State and the Japanese Empire.

Retirement oh retirement

Like or not, your need to start your retirement plan now. Not matter how old are your. please consider and take serious your future. if your already 40 years old, it not late and if your 20 years old, it doesn't mean you have a plenty time to plan it.  What i want to say here: PLAN IT NOW.


ask your self with this question?
 "will I be able to sustain my lifestyle the moment I venture out on my own or retire from my job?".  


In Malaysia alone, RM1 Million saving not enough to sustain the life after retirement. and the bad news it, only 10% from population in Malaysia have good saving. Most of Malaysian preferred lifestyle than saving.  This is are major problem and very dangerous for all of us.  Credit Card has been control of spending the most of Malaysian, they like to spend in advance for shopping and etc.
If your retired at age of 55 years old as what government implement now, it's still consider young compared to developed countries which most of the people retired at age 65. 
of course lots of Malaysian have the own KWSP saving(Employee Provident Fund).  but you must ask yourself if this saving enough for your until the last day you standing in this earth. after 55, your eligible to withdraw all this moneys. based on report and study, people who already withdraw this money will spent it only for few month before all the money gone.  SO WHAT LEFT FOR YOU AFTER THIS???????

8 Questions Financial Health Check

8 Questions Financial Health Check

THE LUCKIEST MAN ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH.


Lou Gehrig bade farewell to baseball at Yankee Stadium on July 4,1939. Suffering and dying from a crippling illness, Gehrig might have been expected to make and even been forgiven for making self-pitying remarks in his brief farewell address to his fans.  He didn’t.  In fact, he hardly spoke of himself.  He mentioned none of his many accomplishments.  He spoke instead of others and what they had meant to him:

Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got.  Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.  I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.
Look at these grand men.  Which of you wouldn’t consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day?
Sure, I’m lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert; also the builder of baseball’s greatest empire, Ed barrow; to have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow Miller Huggins; then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy!
Sure, I’m happy.  When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, ad vice versa, sends you a gift, that’s something! When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies, that’s something.
When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles against her own daughter, that’s something.  When you have a father and mother who work all their lives so that you can have an education and build your body, it’s a blessing! When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed, that’s the finest I know.
So I close in saying that I might have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for.  

Source: The Lost Art of the Great Speech by Richard Dowis

How Stressed Are You?


This questionnaire will help you recognize some of the signs and see where you fit on the stress continuum. Score one point for each "yes" answer.
  • Do you have difficulty relaxing?
  • Do you often feel irritable?
  • Do you worry about the little events of the day, and find that you are unable to shut off your mind?
  • Do you smoke or drink excessively (especially by other people's standards)?
  • Are you competitive and aggressive?
  • Do you find it hard to relate to people?
  • Do you find yourself impatient with others?
  • Do you eat quickly?
  • Do you take on too much?
  • Do you have difficulty delegating?
  • Do you have aching limbs, tense muscles, or recurrent headaches?
  • Do you have a dry mouth and sweaty palms?
  • Do you feel a lack of interest in sex?
  • Do you have problems sleeping?
Scoring
1-5: Like most of us, you could use some practical ideas on how to calm down when challenges arise. Or you may want to reach states of even deeper peace. If so, read on for some inspiring ideas.
6-10: You are quite stressed. Pay attention to these warning signs. This is the only body you have. Treat it well. You'll see how to do this in the following pages.
11-14: You are very stressed. Clean up your act before there are serious consequences.


Read more on FamilyEducation:http://life.familyeducation.com/health/stress/36632.html#ixzz19OY1dsw0

Winston Churchill speech

This speech delivered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill on June 18,1940. 
   "THE FINEST HOUR"

      We may now ask ourselves in what way has our position worsened since the beginning of the war.  It is worsened by the fact that the Germans have conquered a large part of the coast of the Allies in Western Europe, and many small countries have been overrun by them.....We must not forget that from the moment we declared war on  September 3, it was always possible for German to turn all her air force on  this country.  There would be other devices of invasion, and France could do little or nothing to prevent her. We have therefore lived under this danger during all these months.....If we are now called upon to endure what (the France)have suffered,we will emulate their courage,and if final victory rewards our toils they shall share the gain-aye,freedom shall be restored to all.  We abate nothing in our just demands.
     What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over.  The battle of Britain is about to begin. On this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization.  Upon it depends our own British lift and the long continuity of our institutions and our empire.  The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned upon us.  Hitler knows he will have to breaks us in this island or lost the war
     If we can stand up to him all Europe may be freed and the lift of the world may move forward into broad sunlit uplands;but if we fail, The whole world, including the United State and all that we known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister and perhaps more prolonged by the lights of a perverted science.
     Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that if the British Commonwealth and Empire last for a thousand years, men will still say This was their finest hour.

Sumber: The last art of the great speech by Richard Dowis




WHAT ‘S YOUR MEMORY LIKE-GOOD OR BAD?

1.       I don’t concentrate for very long on what I am reading
2.       I don’t easily remember the name of people I’ve been introduced to
3.       I find it difficult to put a name to a face I know well
4.       I don’t recall the names of famous people very easily
5.       I am late for appointments
6.       I have to resort to my diary to remember my appointments.
7.       I need a list when I go shopping
8.       I forget what I have to do while going from one room to another.
9.       I find it difficult to remember telephone numbers  I use regularly
10.   I forget the day’s state.
11.   I find it difficult to concentrate on a task for long
12.   I have problems trying to remember where I’ve put my keys or galsses.
13.   I need time to adjust to any changes
14.   I forget the birthdays of my nearest and dearest.
15.   I am easily distracted by minor issues
16.   In conversation, I struggle to find the right word.
17.   I have problems finding my way around my neighborhood
18.   I tend to think that my memory can mislead me.
19.   I don’t find it easy to discuss a film I saw the previous day.
20.   I redo things I’ve already done
21.   I forget incidents that I don’t often talk about.
22.   I remember useless information
23.   I struggle to remember the code of my bank card.
24.   I have difficulty remembering anything that is of no immediate interest to me.
25.   I struggle to remember the price of the things I buy
26.   I quickly forget the title of books I have just read.
27.   I can remember no numbers whatsoever.
28.   I take much longer than I did before to learn anything by heart.
29.   I immediately forget what I have just watched on TV.
30.   I find it difficult to do crossword puzzles.

NEVER            =   0 POINT
SOMETIME    =   1 POINT
OFTEN           =   2 POINT

TEST RESULT:
0 TO 15 POINT
Your powers of concentration are good.

16 TO 35 POINT
You have minor memory problems that should not worry you unduly

MORE THAN 35 POINT
You may have a tendency to judge yourself too severely, or to be unduly pessimistic

SOURCE:101 way to improve your memory_Reader's Digest book

Monday, December 27, 2010

Are You Working Yourself to Death?


Replenish your body and soul with this age-old remedy

Chronic stress and overcommitment to work have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and mortality. Yep, not taking a vacation will make your more older. Much older.
Whatever your excuse for not taking a break -- your job can't live without you, you can't afford the expense, there simply aren't enough days in the year -- toss them out the window.
The truth is, you're not doing anyone any favors by not taking time off. Not your family. Not your employer. And definitely not yourself. Research suggests that reducing stress and taking regular vacations -- once or twice a year -- may be as vital to your emotional and physical well-being as exercise or a healthful diet. And the benefits don't stop there. Vacations seem to have a positive impact on families and organizations as well.
People who take frequent vacations:
  • Are less likely to be depressed, tense or tired
  • Have a reduced risk of heart disease and all-cause mortality
  • Tend to spend more time with their spouse and children and are more satisfied with their marriages
  • Report being more interested and more productive in their work when they return from time off
So change your mindset. Stop thinking of vacation as a luxury you can live without and start thinking of it as a healthy habit. Let's face it: making time off a regular recuperative part of your life is probably the easiest lifestyle change you'll ever make.

Ticket to Health

The number one rule for a rejuvenating vacation? Leave the work and worries behind. And that'll be much easier to accomplish if you turn off -- or leave at home -- your cell phone, BlackBerry, and laptop.
It was once predicted that by the year 2000, Americans would be using mobile phones, working 20-hour weeks, and enjoying more than 3 months of vacation each year. Unfortunately, only one of these predictions has come true.
Technological developments, once expected to precipitate the end of the 5-day workweek, have in fact had the opposite effect. These advancements have blurred the boundary between work life and personal life, making it trickier rather than easier to find the right work/home balance.

Best Bets for a Recuperative Getaway

There's no need to break the bank at a pricey spa retreat to get the health benefits of vacation, but some variables do improve your odds of returning home relaxed and recharged. Use the tips below to help plan a health-enhancing holiday you won't soon forget.
Lucky Number 7
It usually takes people 2 to 3 days to really relax and get into the groove of vacation time. Longer vacations are associated with greater psychological benefits than shorter ones, so try to plan a break that's at least 7 days.
Pack Your Flip-Flops (and Your Sunscreen)
Warm, sunny destinations are the way to go if you're looking for a vacation that'll soothe your soul and lift your spirits, according to a recent study. Just make sure the heat won't be too extreme, and don't forget to wear your sunscreen.
Other factors that promote a sense of well-being on vacation include free time to do as you please (don't try to fit too much into your time off), exercise, lots of rest, and time spent getting to know new people.
Family vs. Fancy-Free
Spending time with family can be a great source of support and can foster a sense of belonging. But family vacations? They can be downright stressful. Nevertheless, if your family lives far away, vacation time may be the only time you get to see them. So if you're planning to spend your break with relatives, make sure you set aside some time for yourself. And consider alternating your vacations between family and frivolity.
Leave the laptop
Fess up. Did you work during your last vacation?
Yes
No


If you think working while on vacation will make your return easier, think again. Compared with people who don't work during their vacations, those who do are more likely to feel overwhelmed when they return to work and are less likely to feel relaxed and energized.
Make your next vacation a work-free zone: Leave the laptop at home.

Indulgences

It's your vacation. Indulge. But try to avoid overindulging in food and alcohol. Excessive drinking and overeating may disrupt your sleep, upset your stomach, and leave you feeling worse for the wear.
So go ahead and enjoy the local cuisine, let your hair down, and have a good time -- but do so in moderation. And try to stay physically active while you're on vacation. You don't have to go to a gym or do a full workout. Take a walk to explore the area, go for a swim, or try your hand at something new and adventurous: windsurfing, rowing, golf, snorkeling, skiing, horseback riding -- the possibilities are endless.

You're the Boss

Most important: Take a vacation that suits your soul. When you're planning your next getaway, you may want to think back to some of the most memorable moments of previous vacations and choose a break with similar elements. Or consider a vacation that brings balance to your life. If you lead a hectic life, maybe a relaxing break would do you good. If you lead a calm life, an active or stimulating vacation might make for a refreshing change of pace.
Whether your ideal vacation involves lounging on a beach, hiking through the hills, or exploring the museums, early-morning markets, and historic sights of a foreign city, just make it happen. Doctor's orders.
Are your happy with this article? you can read more about how your look after your health at :

What is Financial Planning?

What is Financial Planning?

According to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standard, financial planning is the process of meeting your life goals through the proper management of your finances. Life goals can include buying a home, saving for your child's education or planning for retirement.The financial planning process consists of six steps that help you take a "big picture" look at where you are financially. Using these six steps, you can work out where you are now, what you may need in the future and what you must do to reach your goals.
Financial planning is the process of meeting your life goals through the proper management of your finances.
The process involves gathering relevant financial information, setting life goals, examining your current financial status and coming up with a strategy or plan for how you can meet your goals given your current situation and future plans. As life and circumstance change, so your financial plan will need to be reviewed and revised on a regular basis: 
  • Ensure you are on track to meet your goals
  • Identify and address new goals and
  • Make sure the financial tools you are employing still meet your needs.

Steps to the Financial Planning Process:
1. Identifying and setting short, intermediate and long-term goals. Ideally, each goal will have a date and dollar amount attached to it. 
2. Evaluating your current situation - cashflow analysis and calculating your net worth. You need to honestly assess your current financial status, including positives and negatives. 
3. Review your insurance coverage, including life, disability, home, auto, umbrella liability and long-term care. 
4. Review your current tax situation to identify tax-saving opportunities and potential deductions. 
5. Review your estate plan to ensure that your will, living will, healthcare power of attorney and other estate planning documents (revocable living trusts and durable power of attorney) are up-to-date and valid. 
6. Develop a retirement funding plan that covers when you plan to retire and how much you will need to support your retirement lifestyle.
7. If you have children, develop a college funding plan to help cover higher education expenses.
8. Develop an overall investment plan with proper investment portfolio that supports your goals, while staying within your investment time horizon and risk tolerance.
All of these areas will help you develop your initial financial roadmap.
Finally, review your plan and progress periodically by giving yourself an annual check up to make sure you are staying on track. Life will throw you a curveball from time to time; divorce, a serious illness and an unexpected job loss can all affect your financial plan. So be prepared and be flexible.
 
How To Make Financial Planning Work For You
You can achieve your wealth through proper financial and wealth planning.You are the focus of the financial planning process. To achieve the best results from your financial planning, you will need to be prepared to avoid some of the common mistakes by considering the following advice:
1. Set measurable financial goals.
Set specific targets of what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve results. For example, instead of saying you want to be "comfortable" when you retire or that you want your children to attend "good" schools, you need to quantify what "comfortable" and "good" mean so that you'll know when you've reached your goals. 
2. Understand the effect of each financial decision.
Each financial decision you make can affect several other areas of your life. For example, an investment decision may have tax consequences that are harmful to your estate plans. Or a decision about your child's education may affect when and how you meet your retirement goals. Remember that all of your financial decisions are interrelated. 
3. Re-evaluate your financial situation periodically.
Financial planning is a dynamic process. Your financial goals may change over the years due to changes in your lifestyle or circumstances, such as an inheritance, marriage, birth, house purchase or change of job status. Revisit and revise your financial plan as time goes by to reflect these changes so that you stay on track with your long-term goals. 
4. Start planning as soon as you can.
Don't delay your financial planning. People who save or invest small amounts of money early, and often, tend to do better than those who wait until later in life. Similarly, by developing good financial planning habits such as saving, budgeting, investing and regularly reviewing your finances early in life, you will be better prepared to meet life changes and handle emergencies. 
5. Be realistic in your expectations.
Financial planning is a common sense approach to managing your finances to reach your life goals. It cannot change your situation overnight; it is a lifelong process. Remember that events beyond your control such as inflation or changes in the stock market or interest rates will affect your financial planning results. 
6. Realize that you are in charge.
If you're working with a financial planner, be sure you understand the financial planning process and what the planner should be doing. Provide the planner with all of the relevant information on your financial situation. Ask questions about the recommendations offered to you and play an active role in decision-making. 

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