Syed Muhammad al Naquib bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Muhsin al Attas (born September 5, 1931) is a prominent contemporary Muslim philosopher and thinker from Malaysia. He is one of the few contemporary scholars who is thoroughly rooted in the traditional Islamic sciences and who is equally competent in theology, philosophy, metaphysics, history, and literature. He is considered to be the pioneer in proposing the idea of Islamization of knowledge. Al-Attas' philosophy and methodology of education have one goal: Islamization of the mind, body and soul and its effects on the personal and collective life on Muslims as well as others, including the spiritual and physical non-human environment. He is the author of twenty-seven authoritative works on various aspects of Islamic thought and civilization, particularly on Sufism, cosmology, metaphysics, philosophy and Malay language and literature. By, YEIN,ec08034
Mother Teresa was an Romanian Roman Catholic nun with Indian citizenship. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta,India in 1950.For over forty years she helped poor, sick, orphaned and dying while guiding Missionaries of Charity.She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India's highest Civilian honor Bharat Ratna in 1980 for her humanitarian work.Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity continued to expand and at the time of her death it was operating 610 missions in 123 countries including hospitals and home for people with HIV or AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, children and family counseling programs, orphanage and schools.Following her death , she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title 'Blessed Teresa Of Calcutta'.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).[1] This condition progressively reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.[2][3] This transmission can involve anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.
AIDS is now a pandemic.[4] In 2007, an estimated 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide, and it killed an estimated 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children.[5] Over three-quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa,[5] retarding economic growth and destroying human capital.[6] Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century.[7] AIDS was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1981 and its cause, HIV, identified by American and French scientists in the early 1980s.[8]
Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the course of the disease, there is currently no vaccine or cure. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but these drugs are expensive and routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries.[9] Due to the difficulty in treating HIV infection, preventing infection is a key aim in controlling the AIDS epidemic, with health organizations promoting safe sex and needle-exchange programmes in attempts to slow the spread of the virus.
The first people seem to have reached India from Africa around 40,000BC. At first they were hunters and gatherers like other people around the world at this time. But by around 4000 BC, these people had begun farming and by 2500 BC settled in the Indus river valley, where they began to live in cities and use irrigation to water their fields. This is a little later than in West Asia, probably because India was not as crowded as West Asia at this time. A lot of people think that the reason they began to farm, and then build cities was that a gradual warning trend was making it harder to get water, and harder to find wild plants to eat, every year. So every year more and more people moved into the Indus river valley, where there was still plenty of water. When it got really crowded there, people began to build cities.
There were two main cities that we know of, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) away. Both are in modern Pakistan. The people of these cities lived in stone houses two and three stories high, and had sewage systems. They used bronze tools. They may have learned to make bronze from the Sumerians. The Harappa people used an early form of writing based on hieroglyphs, like the Egyptians. But we can't read it, because there isn't very much left of it. By around 2000 BC, though, the Harappan civilization had collapsed. We don't know what caused this collapse. Most people think the most likely reason is that the warming trend continued until there wasn't enough water even in the Indus river valley to support these cities and the farmers who fed them. Some people probably starved to death, while others moved up into the hills, where it was cooler and some rain fell.
A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions. The first devices that resemble modern computers date to the mid-20th century (1940-1945), although the computer concept and various machines similar to computers existed earlier. Early electronic computers were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers. Modern computers are based on tiny integrated circuits and are millions to billions of times more capable while occupying a fraction of the space. Today, simple computers may be made small enough to fit into a wristwatch and be powered from a watch battery. Personal computers in various forms are icons of the information age and are what most people think of "a computer" however the most the most common form of computer in use today is the embedded computer. Embedded computer are small, simple devices that are used to control other devices, for example they may be found in machines ranging from fighter aircraft to industrial robots, digital cameras and children toys. The ability to store and execute lists of instructions called programs makes computers extremely versatile and distinguished them from calculators. The Church-Turing thesis is a mathematical statement of this versatility where any computer with a certain minimum capability is in principle capable of performing the same tasks that any other computer can perform. Therefore, computers with capability and complexity ranging from that of a personal digital assistant to a supercomputer are all able to perform the same computational tasks given enough time and storage capacity.
So you've recovered from your divorce and you're ready to venture into the world of dating again, but the thought of meeting strangers at a bar or other haunts makes you cringe. Try having your friends spread the good word about you, instead. If you go this route, consider these five tips:
1. Consider your friends as matchmakers. If your friends are happy, successful people, they may know someone just right for you. But if your friends have more drama than Othello, you may not want their help. Remember what happened to Desdemona?
2. Get a good word - or two. Ask your friends whether they'd be interested in putting in a good word for you. Not everyone wants to play Cupid.
3. Don't put them in the middle. Don't use your friends as go-betweens. Don't pump them for information about what your date thought of you or where your relationship might be headed.
4. Create a romance resume. Some of your matchmaking friends may need a few more specifics about what you're looking for. So give it to them in writing.
5. Your friends deserve a thank you. Send them a simple handwritten note or a gift to show appreciation.
Malaysia does not have enough certified people in software testing to support the demand from our ICT (information and communications technology) industry, according to the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). MDeC is the caretaker of the MSC Malaysia initiative.
Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, its chief executive officer, said 80,000 software testers have earned the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) certification worldwide. “But only 91 are Malaysians,” he said at the MSTB Software Testing Conference 2008 here recently.
He hopes the newly formed MSTB — short for Malaysian Software Testing Board — will help address this issue.
MSTB is offering ISTQB’s Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) programme as a means to increase the number of certified software testers to 300 next year.
Mastura Abdul Samah, MSTB president said software testing is currently not taken seriously as a profession because it is still considered a back-room activity ... “an afterthought.”
She feels that software testing can be a lucrative career. “Software testers can get paid as much as software developers,” she said.
There are only 91 certified software testers out of an estimated 10,000 testers in the country, according to Mastura.
Mastura said that for every developer in the country, there is only one tester. “This is a five-to-one ratio. Ideally, the ratio should be three-to-one,” she added.
The CTFL programme has three stages; foundation, advanced and professional. Certification fees range from RM500 to RM1,000 and MSTB works with local trainer Custom Media Sdn Bhd to provide training.
“The standard has been around since 2002 and CTFL signifies a level of quality control that is recognised worldwide. It also provides a methodology,” Mastura said.
Badlisham added that sound software testing methodology shortens the time to market for new products and significantly reduces development and support costs because it is far more cost effective to catch and fix an error early in the development process.
Greenhouse Effect.. Greenhouse Effect is kind of phenomena of rise in temperature in Earth. This is because certain gases in the atmosphere traped the energy from sun then resulting the incresing temperature in Earth. The gases thet mention would be water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methana. If the Earth without this gases, the Earth will be at temperature around 60F colder. This situation will resulting many kind off living life in Earth suffering from dying. The gases are called as greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect is important to all the living life in Earth but it will course problem to human, plant, and animal if the greenhouse effect is too stronger then usual.
This article is about Olympic game, below is the information about the history of Olympic game.
"The Olympic Games[1] is an international multi-sport event. The original Olympic Games (Greek: Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες; [Olympiakoi Agones] (help·info)) were first recorded in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece, and were held until AD 393.[2] Interest in reviving the Olympic Games proper was first shown by the Greek poet and newspaper editor Panagiotis Soutsos in his poem "Dialogue of the Dead" in 1833.[3] Evangelos Zappas sponsored the first modern international Olympic Games in 1859. He paid for the refurbishment of the Panathinaiko Stadium for Olympic Games held there in 1870 and 1875.[3] This was noted in newspapers and publications around the world including the London Review, which stated that "the Olympian Games, discontinued for centuries, have recently been revived! Here is strange news indeed ... the classical games of antiquity were revived near Athens."[4]
The International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 on the initiative of a French nobleman, Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. The IOC has become the heart of the "Olympic Movement," a conglomeration of sporting federations that are involved in the organization of the Games. As the Olympic Movement has grown so has the profile and complexity of the Games. Participation in the Games has increased to the point that nearly every nation on earth is represented. With the proliferation of satellite communications, the internet, and the continuing trend towards globalization, the Olympics are consistently gaining supporters.[5] This growth has created numerous challenges, including political boycotts, the use of performance enhancing medications, bribery of officials, and terrorism.
Despite these challenges the Olympics have continued to thrive and flourish. Each successive Games attempts to add more events in order to keep up with the ever-evolving advance of athletic expression around the world. The 2008 games in Beijing had 302 events in 28 sports.[6] The most recent Winter Olympics in 2006 featured 84 events in 7 sports.[7] While the Olympic Games do continue to evolve, they also encompass many rituals that were established during their infancy in the late 19th and early 20th century. Most of these traditions are on display during the Opening and Closing ceremonies, and the medal presentations. For its part, the Olympic Movement has made considerable progress in fostering participation among as many nations as wish to compete, as well as focusing on the Olympic motto: Citius Altius Fortius - Faster, Higher, Stronger."
From the article, we will know that the Olympic Game is originate from Greece. The latest Olympic Game that been held is at China thet just having the closing ceremony at 24th of August 2008. Between that period, more then two hundred's record had been break by the athletics over the world.
The next Olympic Game will be held at London on year 2012. 4 years later.
The hazards of smoking. Smoking certainly is hazardous to health.A regular smoker is always coughing or clearing his throat. This is the obvious sign of a smoker.A perpetual cough is bad enough to have to put up with everyday. The greater danger is that it may deteriorate into something worse, like lung cancer or other diseases. Aiso it is an established fact that smokers are more prone to heart diseases and strokes.Their health are also generaly poorer.In the event of severe illness,a non-smoker has much better chance of surviving than smokers. smoking weakens the whole body.Pregnant mother who smoke may give birth to smaller and less healthy children. So it is not a very intelligent thing to smoke,considering the risks that a smoker has. However intelligence is powerless in the face of constant bombardment of cigarette advertisements via the mass media.Yellow teeth, yellow fingers and smelly clothes are sure signs of a smoker.The hazards of smoking are obvious likes poor health, a persistent cough, lack of stamina, wastage of money and a possible quicker and more painfl path to the grave all await the smoker. If you do not smoke, then it is always better to stop. If you do not smoke , then do not start. You will be glad you didn't.
The world's most expensive hotel rooms the Bridge Suite at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. It's cost $25,000 per day and with an average of $1,190 an hour for the privilege. According to the hotels, those who book this room would be wealthy families in the middle of remodelling their homes, film companies and corporations. Then, deposed dictator or pop star normally will just ho stays in a $10,000 hotel room. with this high amount of the money that paid to the hotels, each room will got huge living space, averaging more than 5,000 square feet, private cinema, and a personal butler or a chauffeured Rolls-Royce.
Global warming. Global warming is the observed and projected increases in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
The average global air temperature near the Earth's surface increased 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.33 ± 0.32 °F) during the 100 years ending in 2005.Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and ozone. Greenhouse gases are those gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. The largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the emission of carbon dioxide. When sunlight reaches Earth's surface some is absorbed and warms the earth and most of the rest is radiated back to the atmosphere at a longer wavelength than the sun light. Some of these longer wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they are lost to space. The absorption of this longwave radiant energy warms the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth some of the heat energy which would otherwise be lost to space. The reflecting back of heat energy by the atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect". warming and sea level rise are expected to continue for more than a thousand years even if greenhouse gas levels are stabilized. The delay in reaching equilibrium is a result of the large heat capacity of the oceans.
Increasing global temperature is expected to cause sea levels to rise, an increase in the intensity of extreme weather events, and significant changes to the amount and pattern of precipitation, likely leading to an expanse of tropical areas and increased pace of desertification. There are two major effects of global warming:
1)Increase of temperature on the earth by about 3° to 5° C (34° to 41° Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.
2)Rise of sea levels by at least 25 meters (82 feet) by the year 2100.
Increasing global temperatures are causing a broad range of changes. Sea levels are rising due to thermal expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of land ice. Amounts and patterns of precipitation are changing.
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of other extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes. Other effects of global warming include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, reduced summer stream flows, species extinctions. As a further effect of global warming, diseases like malaria are returning into areas where they have been extinguished earlier.
Although global warming is affecting the number and magnitude of these events, it is difficult to connect specific events to global warming.For a summary of the predictions for the future increase in temperature up to 2100.
What do you think about metrosexual? Is it same with gay man?Based on the article that i read in the internet,actually,not all metrosexual man is a gay man,just a little...the definition about metrosexual is a young man who got everything,handsome,stylish,a good appearance and so on..like david beckham,brad pitt,tj walker and me,maybe....I think better we be a metrosexual man...a lot of advantages,we always smart and maybe will get more girlfriend..hahaha.. by, YEIN ec08034
FRIEND..... what??? We all need friends for companionship and for meaningful relationship..actually,what the qualities that a good friend should posses?
Based on the article that i got in the internet,friend should have trustworthiness and dependability..friend should be there to share joys and sorrows,good times and bad.Besidaes that,friend should be honest and circumspect in their words and deeds.Lastly,they should not be afraid to admit his mistakes...It is easy to make friends but good friends are not easy to come by.. thats all... by, YEIN ec08034
Talking to Each Other is a fictional story about a young girl named Amanda, her stepfather Chris, and her mother. While Amanda and Chris are able to communicate with few words, Amanda and her mother don’t seem to communicate at all. This story provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of talking and listening to one another.That's discuss about what problem will happen if never have communicate. Also, give the moral value such as love, caring each other, sensitive with environment, tolerance and another else.The story good for reading especially for kids and adults to teach them about life and give the example about life.
The story I read is The Mystery of King Tut.Many mysteries surround the life and death of Egypt's young pharaoh, King Tutankhamun. In 1922, a British archaeologist discovered King Tut's tomb and made him the most famous of Egypt's rulers. He was just 9 years old when he took the throne in 1334 BC, during a time of great religious and political unrest. Many people were angered when King Tut's late father took away their religious freedoms and decreed many other changes in Egypt. Because Tut died when he was only 18, many believe he was murdered. In an effort to help clarify the many questions surrounding the young pharaoh's life and death, this story tells what is known about King Tut's homeland, his family, his friends and enemies, his tomb, and his mummified body. Photographs, a map, and illustrations support the text.
Who is the richest Bumiputera corporate figure in Malaysia? the person that i mean is Tan Sri syed Mokhtar Shah bin Syed Nor Al- Bukhary or normally known as Tan Sri Mokhtar Al-Bukhary. He has a net worth estimated to be US$2.00 billion according to Forbes making him the 7th richest Malaysian.
now, lets me tell his career...
Sayed Mokhtar and Zainal started his business in Johor in the 1990s dealing in rice. More success followed and he moved to rice trading business. He worked even harder after awarded the rice trading license from Lembaga Padi Negara, and was later awarded successions of supplier contract government-linked corporations as partner with Zainal Hatim Hj Ambia Bukhary.
As his determination starting to skyrocket, he quickly moved to expand into diversifnication of other businesses. His next big move was in the logistics business, with initial goal to transport their trading materials. As the saying goes, 'the harder you work, the luckier you get'. Today, his business empire has grown into areas such as plantation, property development, construction, engineering, power generation, infrastructure and ports.
He owns 51.8% share in Malaysian Mining Corporation via his wholly-owned company, Syarikat Impian Teladan Sdn. Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal Hatim personally owns SKS Ventures, which was awarded the task of building the site for 2100MW gas-fired power station at Tanjung Bin, Johor. Tan Sri Syed Mohktar has a 32% share in PERNAS through his own company, Syarikat Ratu Jernih. He also has interest in Fiamma Holdings Berhad, whereby 18.68% of the said company is being held by him through his two companies, i.e. Syarikat Perdana Padu Sdn. Bhd. and Corak Kukuh Sdn. Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal are Board Members of Syarikat Bina Puri Holdings Berhad, whereby, on his own, he has 7.34% share. Apart from these, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal has varied interest in a number of companies, both in Malaysia as well as abroad.
One project that enhanced his stature in the international arena is the Museum of Islamic Art, Kuala Lumpur, whereby the idea was conceptualized by Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad himself. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal Hatim were responsible for luring the famous shopping mall in London, i.e. Harrods, to invest in Malaysia through his company, Amtek Holdings Sdn.Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar played a major role in the family-owned Al-Bukhary Foundation, whereby he is the Executive Chairman. Through Al-Bukhary Foundation, he has made several contributions towards the social sector, particularly the Islamic social and welfare activities. The foundation is also responsible in constructing the Al-Bukhary Mosque Complex, which is the latest landmark in Kedah.
he is the one of my legend. maybe, for the futere, i will go to the same way like him.
The history of rugby union follows from various football games played long before the 19th century, but it was not until the middle of that century that laws were formulated and codified. Most people believe rugby started when schoolboy Web Ellis picked up a football and ran with it, creating rugby.The code of football later known as rugby union can be traced to three events: the first set of written laws in 1845; the Blackheath Club's decision to leave the The Football Association in 1863 and; the formation of the Rugby Football Union in 1871. The code was originally known simply as "rugby football"; it was not until a schism, in 1895, which resulted in the separate code of rugby league, that the name "rugby union" was used for the game itself. Rugby union stuck to its ideals of amateurism and it was not until 1995 that the game turned professional.
Moko Shurai(Mongolia's qounqers on Japan) or Genko(qounqers from Mongolia) in 1274 and 1281 are the biggest military operation from Kublai Khan-the 5th and the last emperor in Mongol's empire,to qounqer Japan after they got Korea. Eventhough this are the big failure to them but it is very important in history-create a nation in Japan's history. This is first incident for word Kamikaze(Magic Wind) is used. Futhermore, other than World War 2, this failed Moko Shurai is the nearest try that can make Japan is qounqer with foreigner in 1500 years.
Badminton was known in ancient times; an early form of the sport was played in ancient Greece. In Japan, the related game Hanetsuki was played as early as the 16th century. In the west, badminton came from a game called battledore and shuttlecock, in which two or more players keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air with small racquets. The game was called "Poona" in India during the 18th century, and British Army officers stationed there took a competitive Indian version back to England in the 1860s, where it was played at country houses as an upper class amusement. Isaac Spratt, a London toy dealer, published a booklet, "Badminton Battledore - a new game" in 1860, but unfortunately no copy has survived.
The new sport was definitively launched in 1873 at the Badminton House, Gloucestershire, owned by the Duke of Beaufort. During that time, the game was referred to as "The Game of Badminton," and the game's official name became Badminton.
Hello!! Im quite interested with this article about healthy life-style. Actually,we don't have to struggle up with heavy exercise or taking exteremely diet habits.
You may have tried several times before to lose weight, but without much long-term success. That’s no reason to feel bad about yourself — losing weight is not easy. No magic formula will trim away extra pounds and keep them off. Gimmicks and get-thin-quick schemes don’t work. That’s why, over the long haul, fad diets are not the answer. We aren’t offering any magic either — quite the opposite. Instead, we offer you the tools you need to personalize a weight-loss plan to fit your lifestyle. You can design your own approach using three key concepts, or what we call the Circles of Success.
To lose weight effectively, you need to set realistic goals and create a personal action plan. Your planning should focus on you, your commitment to yourself, and the three essential circles — think smart, eat well and move more. These circles will overlap as you work toward your goals, and you will need to embrace all three to achieve successful weight control for life.
-JAYCELYNE LEMBA JERRY- _EC08055_ HAVE A NICE DAY....
This is the highlight and breaking news all over the world recently.
-Melamine Contamination In China-
On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of infant formula contaminated with melamine, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Asian communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants. No Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States.
The FDA contacted the companies that manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received information from the companies that they are not importing formula and do not source milk-based ingredients from China.
In addition, the FDA -– in conjunction with state and local officials – continues to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins.
The FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk or milk-derived ingredients from Chinese sources. FDA has recommended that consumers not consume certain products because of possible contamination with melamine.
BMW the German car that has grown in reputation to become the fashion accessory of every successful businessman in the UK today. If your looking for and nearly NEW BMW or a USED BMW then you have located the right website, we have a range of cars available from both dealers and trade suppliers to private sales. The BMW model line up starts with the BMW 1 series, the BMW 3 series is probably one of the more popular models. However the model range is wide and varied here at BMW series we have all the BMW used car range availble online. BMW 318, and BMW 323 to the 330 head up the 3 series. Then the BMW 5 series offering increased comfort and style. The powerful commanding BMW 6 and BMW 7 series head the lineup. The BMW M3 is another popular choice alongside the M5 and M6. Then the BMW x series MPV range the BMW X3 and BMW X5. A BMW line up would not be complete of course without the ever popular BMW Z3 and Z4.
A laptop computer, also known as a notebook computer, is a small personal computer designed for mobile use. A laptop integrates all of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, or a pointing stick) and a battery into a single portable unit. The rechargeable battery is charged from an AC/DC adapter and has enough capacity to power the laptop for several hours, enabling it to be used virtually anywhere.
A laptop is usually shaped like a large notebook with thickness of 0.7-1.5 inches (1.7-4cm) and dimensions ranging from 10x8 inches (27x22cm, 13" display) to 15x11 inches (39x28cm, 17" display) and up. Modern laptops weigh 3 to 12 pounds (1.4 to 5.4 kg), and some older laptops were even heavier. Most laptops are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed.
Originally aimed at professionals "on the go", early laptops were expensive, limited in capabilities and heavy. They were relatively incommon, with desktops occupying most of the personal computer market: in 1996, just 17% of personal computers sold worldwide were laptops [1]. However, as the advance of technology made notebook computers more capable, as prices fell from several thousand dollars to several hundreds for basic models, and as more and more people found themselves using computers daily, the compactness and the portability of laptops made them the personal computers of choice for many consumers. It is now expected that more laptops than desktops will be sold as soon as 2009
The excitement of going to new places may tempt you to let down your guard. Then you become easy prey for thieves or worse. As you prepare to hit the road on that mission trip, impress these safe travel tips in your memory:
1. Keep your luggage nearby and within your view. If traveling by air, check your baggage in as soon as you arrive at the airport. Only allow airline personnel and uniformed sky caps to handle your baggage. 2. Don’t flash cash in public. When buying something at a store, don’t pull out a huge wad of money (even if it seems like “play” money to you). When you travel, wear a money belt or sack under your clothes to carry your cash and small valuables. Don’t leave valuables in a car or hotel room when you’re not there. 3. Keep your address somewhat private. If you’re staying in a hotel, don’t disclose your room number when strangers are within earshot. Be reluctant about opening your door for unexpected visitors or deliveries without calling the front desk to verify the visitor’s identity. 4. Be alert for deliberate mishaps. Thieves and pickpockets distract people with ploys like bumping into someone or spilling a drink on people in a crowd. 5. Keep hotel room doors and windows locked. Don’t leave a hotel room door ajar while you go down the hall for an errand. If you find your room door open after you had left it closed, return to the hotel lobby and ask that someone go with you back to the room.
The problem in the Middle East has been going on for 1000 years, ever since the first Crusades. The situation there is a “real” problem. Some problems are not real. Some problems have a simple solution – some aggressor is clearly wrong, so the “solution” is to remove that aggressor and restore justice and freedom. Even if this is not easy to do, at least the problem might be clear. However, in the case of the conflict between the Moslems and the Jews, the conflict goes back and back and back. It is never useful to say that these people or those people are clearly wrong to do what they do. The problem is that they are acting in response to what those people or these people have been doing before. But you can carry the problem back and back and back, like the Hatfields and McCoys. After a while, the feud is so deeply ingrained on both sides, that it would seem that no possible resolution could ever be possible.
In the case of the present conflict, there really isn’t much basis to negotiate between the two positions. The Moslems want to force all of the Jews into the Mediterranean Sea, and the Jews want to kill every Moslem, to the last man, woman, and child, in much the same way that the American colonists decided to deal with the “Indians” who happened to be there first. These are their clear intentions, hardly even pretended otherwise (have the Israelis thought of donating blankets to the Palestinians, loaded with smallpox virus?). So what could anyone possibly propose, in order to resolve this conflict?
Well, I actually have a proposal, but no one is going to like it. But that, of course, is inevitable when you have two opposed camps who are so far apart in their attitudes as the Moslems and the Jews. What a thankless task to even propose any solutions! If no one is going to like any of my ideas, why don’t I just cultivate my fragrant roses, and forget about that conflict? I don’t live anywhere close to that region, and I have no desire to go back there (I have been to Israel, and I have been to many Moslem countries). However, I do live on the earth, and so the problem cannot be ignored. The earth is too small these days. The days when a Great Wall of China could be built to keep out the hordes of barbarians (or the Ugly American), are long gone. Any solution to the problems of the world must have a global consideration or the solution is worthless. If Iran and Israel have a nuclear confrontation (for example), where does that leave life on earth?
So my first premise is that any solution is better than no solution. This seems like a self-evident proposition, but to people in the heat of battle, it apparently is not so evident. Whenever any two people have a fight on their hands such that each will fight to the death before giving in, it is clear that any solution at all, even a bad one for one side or the other, is better than nothing, since at least it allows life to go on!
This is contrary to human nature. It is human nature to go on fighting “to the death” before accepting the short end of any deal. This is clearly folly, at least to my eyes. I remember when the deal was struck between Egypt and Israel. At the time everyone on both sides cried out in anger at the deal, yet the deal was made and accepted, and now there is no war on that front. For better or worse, a deal was made, and now there is at least one border where there is no war going on! The benefits of this are finally clear to both sides. Now, I am sure that neither side would wish to revert to the previous situation. A settlement has been reached, and, at least as far as that portion of the conflict is concerned, everyone can return to their roses or their rice fields.
In the same way, I am trying to find a solution which can work – some solution by which both the Israelis and the Palestinians can go on living. When you can spend your resources cultivating your fields instead of building weapons and waging war, you can increase your prosperity rapidly. Any solution that will allow for an end to hostilities, and allow the peace to be retained with only moderate peace-keeping forces, will be a great boon to the people of the region, on both sides of the conflict.
The problem is that the claims to that land go so far back that it is just no longer feasible to establish “rightful ownership.” The Palestinians claim recent history; the Israelis claim biblical history. As I look upon those claims, I find myself considering that biblical history just goes too far back to provide a credible basis on which to base a claim to the land. Status quo ante bellum is one thing; trying to revert to a political reality that is out of date by 2000 years seems a bit optimistic. On the other hand, the Jews are there, and not planning to leave any time soon. I consider that the seizure of the land is similar to when a government (by which we refer to a power stronger than you are that has a lot more guns than you have) seizes land by “eminent domain.” Basically, they say to the holders of the land, that they want it, so you have to move; so sorry. In this case, when they do this, at least they are constrained by custom to offer some compensation for taking the land.
So there is my solution. If the Israelis have taken the land, they must pay compensation. Now, of course, the Palestinians are going to say that they do not want “compensation” – they want their land back. However, it is evident that that solution is not liable to happen by means of any foreseeable continuations of this conflict. Nothing that the Palestinians can do is likely to result in the restoration of their lands. Notice that I am not trying to make any arbitration on the basis of “justice.” It has been a long, long time since I expected anything in the world to happen in accordance with “justice.” Politics is a business of pragmatic solutions to the real problems of the world, and no one’s platitudes are going to be of any use.
So, while no one is going to like this solution, at least it can provide a way in which everyone involved can go on living. The way it is now, the only advice the Israelis have for the Palestinians is for them to lay down and die. They should not be surprised, therefore, that when the Palestinians do this they at least want to take as many Israelis with them when they go (the suicide bombers). It is not practical for the Israelis to expect the Palestinians to accept defeat and simply go away. Not only do they have no place to go, but they don’t have any shoes.
If the displaced Palestinians are given a substantial sum of cash money to renounce their claims upon the land, they will not be penniless refugees living in tent camps, but will be welcomed anywhere. I think this is a serious proposal. I remember thinking during the war in Viet Nam that the American approach was all wrong. Instead of sending in armies of soldiers to destroy the country, they should have sent in some carnival hucksters in Hawaiian shirts, with carpet bags full of cash money.
“Hello, Johnny! Good day to you. And how are the wife and kids? Cigar? Fresh from Havana! – Well, I’m here representing the United States government, and we think your support of the communist regime is really foolish. I am authorized to offer you and your family $5,000 in cash to support our proposals for a capitalist regime here – oops, I mean a “democratic government.” I’ll be setting up an office in town, so send your friends over – same deal for everyone who agrees to sign up. Oh, and we have allocated a million dollars for a new hospital here, and another million for schools.”
Give me about fifty slick carpet baggers and about 10% of the budget for the war in Vietnam, and I would undertake to end the war to everyone’s satisfaction! The same could have been done in Iraq, also, only now the cost would have to be adjusted upwards. Back in the old days, $5,000 per person might have swung it, but now I’m afraid it will cost so much more that the proposal breaks down. No, nothing will work now except for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal. The country has already been destroyed, and there is little hope at all that anyone in the world will ever again support the American agenda, but if the Americans admit their mistake and withdraw their troops (say, during the next administration, after George W. Bush finally takes his bow and his curtain falls), pay massive reparations to the Iraqi people, and stay out of countries where their presence is not wanted, then, after a few generations, the bad smell may begin to dissipate. Of course, when the effects of all the depleted uranium begin to be seen clearly, it may significantly retard the rehabilitation of the United States’ reputation.
So, what is the specific proposal to the situation in the Middle East? I would say, set up a panel of arbitration and invite Palestinians to bring complaints for review. This could be set up like an ordinary court, with attorneys for both sides representing their clients – attorneys for the Palestinians (including a Palestinian “Public Defender” for the indigent), and attorneys representing the State of Israel, against which the judgments will be made. Jews could likewise make claims against the Palestinians, and cross judgments might be made. A final settlement would include a minimum sum to which all Palestinians are entitled, every man, woman, and child, with additional specific judgments as decreed by the court of arbitration.
Now why would the State of Israel accept any such terms? Is all this just a pipe dream, or what? I think that if it were understood as a final solution to this endless struggle, it could be understood as worth the money! Even if the final settlement runs into many millions, even billions of dollars, this could be seen as a cheap price to pay for a peaceful end to the conflict. If a settlement could be reached that would allow the Palestinians to accept the solution, and retire to within the borders left to them (obviously, any real solution will be far more complex than the broad outlines suggested here – some land would be set aside for a Palestinian State, for example) or find a new home and a new life, with the help of their compensation package somewhere outside the borders of the disputed territories, then everyone could return to their fields or their factories, and life could go on.
The Palestinians may prefer to have their land back than any amount of money, and the Jews may be very reluctant to pay out enormous sums of money to people they consider to be their enemy, but if this solution leads to peace, then everyone benefits. Within a generation or two, everyone involved would be far better off than they could possibly be if the status quo were to continue for all that time.
It might take ten years to work out all the details of such a settlement, but if the intervening ten years were spent in court rooms instead of battlefields, that is already an immense improvement.
I consider myself completely impartial in this conflict – I have no reason to favor either side, but I think that I would welcome such a resolution regardless of which side of the conflict I were on. The goal of peace at last would be worth any sacrifice – giving up their claim to the land on the part of the Palestinians, or agreeing to a very substantial payment of compensation by the Israelis, which might be the equivalent of their war budget for many years into the future. However, once the debt were paid off, then there could finally be a gradual restoration of prosperity to the whole region.
So you think that King George II’s war in Iraq is all about Oil and Money, do you? Well, you’re all wrong. This is the Great War of Alcohol against Cannabis.
The roots of this conflict go way back. Nearly a thousand years ago, in 1095, Pope Urban II urged the Christian Faithful to embark upon a war to seize control of the Holy Land from the Infidel. All the great Christian nobles thought this was a great idea. Motivated by lust for spoils and plunder, this large drunken host of iron-clad warriors comes riding out of the West, spoiling and plundering their way to Jerusalem, which they finally conquer and install with a King of their own selection.
All subsequent campaigns, however, were met with increasingly disappointing returns. Almost all of the many Crusades that followed were routed by the defending Moslems, who considered that they were justly defending the Holy Land from the Infidel. This conflict between the Judeo-Christian tradition of the West and the faithful of Islam in the East only settles in ever more deeply with each passing generation, with no end in sight.
It is fundamentally a very complicated theological conflict instigated by the Catholic Pope of the Christian world of the West against the “heathen” Moslems of the East. If you consider the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity, what is the most obvious and profound theological difference between them? Right! It is the Islamic ban on alcohol, as exhorted by Allah through his Prophet Mohammed. The Moslems fully understood that alcohol was a very dangerous drug. It can seriously undermine your health; it can impair your judgment; and it makes you belligerent and stupid. On the other hand, there is no record that Allah found any fault with cannabis, so faithful Moslems to this day avoid alcohol, turning to the benefits of cannabis when they wish to alter their mood. This is quite different from Christianity, whose Savior drank wine with his Disciples at the Last Supper. There are many Sects of Christianity, from the Orthodox who drink wine, to the Zealots who drink gin or whisky or vodka, to the Reformed who drink beer, but they all recognize Bacchus as their spiritual father.
What the problem comes down to theologically and metaphysically is the classic problem of “How many Angels can dance on the head of a pin?” Specifically, we want to know whether we can attain the greatest number of Angels dancing on that pin after they have been drinking wine, or after smoking some ganja. The Moslems have always maintained that a great many more dancing Angels are able to fit on that pin when they are using cannabis, and the Christian world has never been able to dispute it, so they fall back again and again to “the last argument of kings,” which is their cannon. (Never mind the phallic imagery of them shaking that stick in the faces of weaker people.)
(Then the clever idea occurred to me to consider that this theological conflict could be looked upon as the Opposition of Bacchus and Ganesh. But, upon reflection, I had to give it up, because, as everyone knows, the Christian God of the West is not really Bacchus, the God of Wine. It is Mammon, the God of Money. And as for the Moslems, everyone knows just as well that there is no god but Allah, so I had to turn to the Hindu Pantheon to find, in Ganesh, a suitable Cannabis God of the East.)
Now it is clear why those of us who consider that cannabis is far safer and more effective than alcohol, cigarettes, and most pharmaceutical drugs are looked upon as “siding with the enemy” by adopting such a dominant cultural distinction. This same “sympathy with the opposition” can be seen by the numbers of Black Americans who choose to adopt Islam. It is easy for them to feel a cultural affinity for Moslems, once they realize that there isn’t much room in the White Man’s Heaven for the likes of the dark brother. In fact, while we’re at it, not only Blacks, but Hispanics, Asians, Homosexuals, and Pot Smokers (and other riff-raff too numerous and impecunious to mention) needn’t trouble themselves with waving any American flags these days. Frankly, “they” would just as soon not see you waving any flags at all – certainly not the Red, White, and Blue, but neither the Rasta colors, nor any Rainbows, or Earth Flags. The True Patriots (the ones with the Money) will wrap themselves up in an ever shrinking American Flag, as they try to control and “own” the whole world for their continuing and increasing personal profit. (Non-American Internationals who nonetheless consider themselves part of the same Club may simply wrap themselves in their local currency, which has always been perfectly acceptable attire at any Country Club.)
This is a very, very dangerous game, however, and it is one which has never lasted all that long, historically. Machiavelli made it clear to the Rulers of the world that it were better to be Feared than Loved, but that hasn’t made the Hot Seat any safer. And, in today’s world, the rule of armed might is getting harder and harder to sustain. The overarching problem is that mankind now has such abundant available firepower that any serious confrontation will quickly mean the end of most of life on earth. It will be a question of whether the ants finally take over the earth, or whether they, too, will finally succumb, forcing the spirit of God, which is Life after all (and not really Money, Power, Drugs, or Oil – Sex is closer to God than any of the others) to start out all over again from viruses and bacteria.
The other problem is that it is so very much easier to destroy something than to build it. To get a clear perspective of last September, just consider Big Sister who has spent all morning patiently building a tower out of building blocks, and then Little Brother comes running in, laughing, and kicks it all down. Sure, Big Sister can pound Little Brother (Lucy and Linus), but that game has been going on for a million years, and it isn’t going to stop any time soon. But someone has already observed that the higher the tower, the greater the fall.
I was going to say something about wondering why nobody wants to destroy or conquer Canada, to see if there is any lesson there, but then I considered that, among plenty of other conspiracy theories going around, the notion is taken as a given that if (when?) Uncle Sam decides it is time to declare Martial Law and take over complete control of the country, Canada and Mexico would be routinely annexed “just to secure the peace.” So if there are any lessons here, it is pretty scary to think of what they are. You have heard that a Crisis is being deliberately manipulated in order to set the stage for a Declaration of Martial Law?
So what do we do? Stop pushing those polar opposites to extreme positions. Let us all drift back towards the center a little bit. Relax, sip a little wine with your cannabis, or try a little cannabis (vaporized, not smoked) to moderate that whiskey binge. Let us understand the inescapable connection between Freedom and Tolerance. You can’t have one without the other.
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.
Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.
When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,
Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered. "Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?" Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."
1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 2. Memorize your favorite poem. 3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. 4. When you say, "I love you", mean it. 5. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye. 6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. 7. Believe in love at first sight. 8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. 9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely. 10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. 11. Don't judge people by their relatives. 12. Talk slow but think quick. 13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?". 14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 15. Call your mom. 16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze. 17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. 18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions. 19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. 20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. 22. Marry a man you love to talk to. As you get older, his conversational skills will be as important as any other. 23. Spend some time alone. 24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values. 25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 26. Read more books and watch less TV. 27. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time. 28. Trust in God but lock your car. 29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home. 30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past. 31. Read between the lines. 32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality. 33. Be gentle with the earth. 34. Pray -- there's immeasurable power in it. 35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered. 36. Mind your own business. 37. Don't trust a man who doesn't close his eyes when you kiss him. 38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. 39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction. 40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck. 41. Learn the rules then break some. 42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other. 43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. 44. Remember that your character is your destiny. 45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
A little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?" "I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply. The lady took him by the hand and went into the store and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's Wife?"
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will When the road you're trudging seems all uphill When the funds are low and the debts are high And you want to smile, but you have to sigh When care is pressing you down a bit Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns As every one of us sometimes learns And many a fellow turns about When he might have won, had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up When he might have captured the victor's cup; And he learned too late when the night came down How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out The silver tint of the clouds of doubt And you never can tell how close you are It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.
1. *Don't smoke - Experiment from expert prove that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarette (chances of cancer higher).
2. *Don't eat fruit immediately - Immediately eat fruit after meal will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal. 3. *Don't drink tea - This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be harden thus difficult to digest.
4. *Don't loosen your belt - Loosen belt after meal will easily caused the intestine to be twisted & block.
5. *Don't bath - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.
6. *Don't walk about - People always say that after meal walk a hundred step will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.
7. *Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake were unable to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.
War is an international relations dispute, characterized by organized violence between national military units. In his seminal work, On War, Carl Von Clausewitz calls war the “continuation of political intercourse, carried on with other means.” War is an interaction in which two or more militaries have a “struggle of wills”.When qualified as a civil war, it is a dispute inherent to a given society, and its nature is in the conflict over state governance rather than sovereignty. War is not murder or genocide because of the usually organized nature of the military's participation in the struggle, and the organized nature of units involved.
War is also a cultural entity, and its practice is not linked to any single type of political organisation or society. Rather, as discussed by John Keegan in his “History Of Warfare”, war is a universal phenomenon whose form and scope is defined by the society that wages it. The conduct of war extends along a continuum, from the almost universal tribal warfare that began well before recorded human history, to wars between city states, nations, or empires.
A group of combatants and their support is called an army on land, a navy at sea, and air force in the air. Wars may be prosecuted simultaneously in one or more different theatres. Within each theatre, there may be one or more consecutive military campaigns. A military campaign includes not only fighting but also intelligence, troop movements, supplies, propaganda, and other components. Continuous conflict is traditionally called a battle, although this terminology is not always fed to conflicts involving aircraft, missiles or bombs alone, in the absence of ground troops or naval forces. A civil war is the use of force to resolve internal differences.
War is not limited to the human species; the ant and the chimpanzee, and perhaps other animals, engage in massive intra-species conflicts which might be termed warfare.
Trousers are an item of clothing worn on the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately (rather than with cloth stretching across both as in skirts and dresses). Such items of clothing are often referred to as pants in countries such as Canada, South Africa and the United States. Additional synonyms include slacks, breeches (sometimes pronounced [ˈbrɪtʃɨz]) or breeks. Historically, as for the West, trousers have been the standard lower-body clothing item for males since the 16th century; by the late 20th century, they had become prevalent for females as well. Trousers are worn at the hips or waist, and may be held up by their own fastenings, a belt, or suspenders (braces). Leggings are form-fitting trousers of a clingy material, often knitted cotton and lycra.
A pillow is a large cushion support for the head, usually used while sleeping in a bed, or for the body as used on a couch or chair. There are also throw pillows (also called toss pillows), which are pillows that are purely decorative and not designed for support or comfort. Outside the USA these are generally considered a type of cushion, with the term pillow reserved for the pillows on a bed. Pillows were originally used mainly by the wealthy, and have been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The difficulty of sophisticated dyes and sewing techniques led to the development of pillows as an art form, with highly decorated pillows becoming prized commodities first in China and Persia and later in Medieval Europe. The Industrial Revolution saw the mass production of decorated textiles and decorated pillows. Traditional Chinese pillows are often hard boxes made from stone, wood, metal, or porcelain instead of stuffed fabric.
Tecnique to improve your public speaking skills: 1. When you watch someone give a speech (and this includes on TV), evaluate the speaker. You don’t have to create a written review, but consider what the speaker did right, what they could have improved and whether or not he or she accomplished their goal. 2. Before starting a conversation, think about what you hope to accomplish with your conversation. Since a speech is simply a conversation with the audience, this will build you speech preparation muscles. 3. Listen to people when they’re speaking in conversation and note their language and how others (including you) react to them. Sometimes, replacing a word here and there can improve the impact of your speech. 4. Watch your TV on mute. Can you get a sense for what the person talking is communicating, their emotions or their passion? If you can, take note of what the speaker is doing so you can use the same techniques when you speak. 5. Listen to talk radio. Although political talk is great for this (since politics is communication intensive) a show on any subject you’re interested in will work fine for this (there are some great shows on personal finance, car care and home improvement that I especially like). You can evaluate the effectiveness of the communication of the host, guests and the callers. 6. Take a look at people you consider to be excellent speakers and make a list of what you feel makes them a good speaker. You can refer to this list as you work on your own speaking skills. 7. Ask people who have heard you speak for an honest opinion of your speaking style. Ask them what they feel you do well and what you can improve on.
Step to be a good friend. 1. Be real. Are you trying to be friends with someone to be accepted into a certain clique, or because you'd like to get to know someone else that he or she knows? That's not friendship, it's opportunism. Every new person you meet has the right to be accepted (or not) on his or her own merits, rather than being appraised and appropriated by some weird Professor Henry Higgins who thinks he can mold you or who wants you to change for his sake. 2. Be honest. A dishonest person has no chance of having true friends. Keep your promises, do what you say you are going to do, and most importantly, don't lie! Lying leads to more lies, and people will eventually figure you out. If you found yourself lying about something, be honest - go up to them, tell them the truth and how you felt, as well as how you may think they would've felt (explain that you were second-guessing rather than trusting your friendship). Don't be a coward; if you know you were at fault for the whole dilemma, own up. Simply talk about it, hope your friend will forgive you. They'd most likely appreciate it in the future, to look back and say, 'wow!' I have/had an amazing friend by my side. 3. Be loyal. If your friend tells you something in confidence, don't blab about it to anyone else. Don't talk about your friend behind his/her back. Nobody likes a backstabber. Never say anything about your friend that you would not want to repeat face to face. Don't let others say bad things about your friend until you've had a chance to hear your friend's side of the story. If someone says something that shocks you and doesn't seem like a thing your friend would do or say, tell them, "I know him/her, and that just doesn't sound right. Let me talk to him/her, find out his/her perspective on this. If it turns out to be true, I'll let you know. Otherwise, I would appreciate it if you didn't spread that around, because it might not be." You can't play both sides of the fence. 4. Be respectful. Know the boundaries. Things you and your friend discuss should be treated with care - your friend is not sharing this information with just anyone, and may not want to. She shared it with you - and only you, as far as you know. Example: If your friend doesn't want to name her crush, don't push her into it. If she has named her crush, don't tell anyone else. This is just common courtesy anyone and everyone deserves the expectation that you will keep confidences. 5. Watch out for your friend. If you sense that s/he is getting drunk at a party, help him or her to get away from the alcohol. Don't allow your friend to drive drunk - take his or her keys and/or drive your friend home personally. If your friend begins talking about running away or committing suicide, tell someone about it. This rule overrides the "respect privacy" step, because even if your friend begs you not to tell anyone, you should do it anyway. Suggest a help line or professional to your friend. Talk to your and your friend's parents or spouse first (unless they are the ones causing the problems) before involving anyone else. 6. Pitch in for friends during times of crisis. If your friend has to go to the hospital, you could help pack his or her bags; if her/his dog runs away, help to find it, if he/she needs someone to pick him/her up, be there. Take notes for your friend in school and give them their homework assignments when they're absent and sick at home. Send cards and care packages. If there is a death in his/her family, you might want to attend the funeral or cook dinner for them. Care about your friend enough to help him or her open up and let tears roll. Give them a tissue and listen. You don't have to say anything, just be with them. 7. If your friend is going through a crisis, don't tell them everything is going to be all right if it's not going to be. This goes right along with keeping it real. It's hard not to say this sometimes, but false reassurance can often be worse than none, and it may undermine your friend's ability to get through the crisis as well as they might. Instead, tell your friend that whatever they need, you are there for them. If they need to talk, talk; if they need to sit quietly, sit with them; if they need to get their mind.
The signs of psoriasis may only be seen on the surface, but its burden is felt deep down by those who live with it. OFTEN unexpectedly, psoriasis makes its entrance into people’s lives through various ways. Some experience it first as dandruff with big flakes along with itching and burning on their scalps. Some come face-to-face with red patches covering parts of their body after a bout of intense stress at work, or after an infection. . For Mary (not her real name), it began with a seemingly harmless fall. “I was running around my house when I fell and injured myself. A huge part of the skin around my arms was scraped off. Somehow it took a very long time to heal. Plus, the skin around that area began to look scaly and rough. After some time, it began to spread to other areas. “I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with psoriasis. My playmates started to ask me ‘what’s that?’ and made fun by calling me all sorts of names. To avoid too many questions I just started to wear long sleeves all the time since then,” she said. As Mary is the first member in her family to experience such symptoms, her family supported her by going to different places across the globe to find a cure for it. “I started off with the modern medication of steroids and UV light treatment. It did help to contain it at first, but somehow after some time, they stopped working. Now I’m turning to alternative medicine and strict control of my food consumption,” Mary said. But perhaps more than her physical condition, one of Mary’s greatest challenges is dealing with the scrutinising eyes of people around her. I don’t think our society is (that) open yet to judge a person beyond skin deep. I’d rather just be normal than having sympathy or being treated differently, she said. Indeed, psoriasis is a relatively unknown disease in many parts of the world. “Especially in developing countries, the possibility of getting a correct diagnosis of psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis is extremely limited,” said Lars Ettarp, President of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations. “For example, in Tanzania and Kenya, there is only one dermatologist available per one million people. This means a patient has a bigger chance to win the highest score in the national lotto than having a right diagnosis.” As the visible signs of psoriasis on the skin are often confused with other skin diseases, even amongst general practitioners, problems with stigmatisation arise. As a result, patients face socio-psychological problems in gaining employment, living with their family and functioning within society. “In a majority of countries in the world, psoriasis is still considered to be just a ‘cosmetic’ disease. And new findings and research results about psoriasis are not spread among the general public, not even among physicians,” said Ettarp, who also has psoriasis. “Psoriasis is not only a skin disease. It is, in fact, a serious chronic, non-communicable inflammatory disease that affects big parts of the body,” he added. This year, on World Psoriasis Day (Oct 29), the IFPA aims to create awareness on the burden of disease that greatly impacts the lives of people living with psoriasis (PLWP). Understanding psoriasis As global statistics indicate that about two to three people in a hundred could be affected by psoriasis, Mary is not alone. There are now about 1,500 members registered with the Psoriasis Association of Malaysia (PAM), and most of them have psoriasis, said PAM president Eugene Cross. A PLWP himself, Cross had spent the past 40 years living with the flares and flakes of psoriasis. From a mild dandruff to being immobilised, he experienced the mildest and worst manifestations of the disease. “At first it started on my scalp and my doctor thought it was just dandruff. “But there was a time where I spent eight months completely paralysed as psoriasis lesions covered 80 to 90% of my body. I could not move and had to be carried to the bathroom. I could not flex my arms and legs because my skin could tear just like that.” While psoriasis symptoms can range from just a mild itch to extreme cases of skin damage like Cross, it is not contagious. According to consultant dermatologist Dr Allan Yee Kim Chye, the prevalence of psoriasis is not as high as acne or atopic eczema, but the disease burden is still substantial. Although psoriasis is often hereditary, it can arise in persons with no family history. Some of the telltale signs of psoriasis include pink, scaly patches on the outsides of their knees and elbows on patient’s scalps. “What distinguishes scalp psoriasis from dandruff is that the lesions in psoriasis are discrete patches and have thicker scales, whereas dandruff €“ even the severe ones €“ is usually spread over the scalp and the scales are finer,” said Dr Yee, who is also the medical advisor to PAM. Some PLWP may also find their nails discoloured or separated from their nail beds. In 10-20% of cases, there may be disruption of the joints, Dr Yee said. Apart from the physical pain from the itching, burning, flaking and scaling from patient’s skin, the social and psychological impact are equally painful. “Skin disease, whether it is psoriasis or acne or scars, often come with disproportionate social penalties,” Dr Yee said. “Studies have shown that acne sufferers have lower job prospects than unblemished persons. Psoriasis sufferers with visible disease on the face or other cosmetic areas and also the hands may suffer some degree of stigmatisation from the lay public who do not understand that the condition is not contagious.” Among the five types of psoriasis €“ plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, inverse psoriasis and pustular psoriasis €“ plaque psoriasis is the most common. An alteration in the immune system speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing the cells to pile up and form thickened scales on the skin surface rather than shedding it slowly. The exact cause of psoriasis is not yet known, but a preliminary report of a pilot study of the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry in 2005 found 57% of patients who reported one or multiple factors which aggravated their psoriasis. The most common factor was stress, followed by sunlight, infection, trauma and other factors such as drugs, alcohol, some topical medication and pregnancy. “Different people have different triggers. So, we tell our members that when you have a flare-up of psoriasis, if you have no stress, look at your food. If you find a certain food that irritates you, stop taking it,” Cross said. By identifying the triggers, people with psoriasis could tailor their lifestyles and habits to prevent flare-ups. As there is currently no cure for psoriasis, avoiding factors that triggers its symptoms is of utmost importance. The skin and beyond Today, we know that psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis) is a systemic disease involving the immune system, Ettarp said. An alteration in the immune system speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing the cells to pile up and form thickened scales on the skin surface rather than shedding it slowly. In other words, the amount of skin shed in a psoriasis patient in three days can be almost similar to the amount a person without psoriasis would shed in 28 days, Cross explained. However, recent studies have compelled doctors to look beyond the skin into other complications associated with psoriasis. “In adults, severe psoriasis is associated with the metabolic syndrome, entailing a risk for type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The first study which showed increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality was published in Sweden in year 2005, and has been followed by a number of other studies,” Ettarp said. With more data, various health recommendations for people with psoriasis were issued by health organisations. The American Heart Association recommends psoriasis patients above 40 years old to screen for blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting lipids, and fasting sugar every two years. Patients are also advised to stop smoking, take alcohol moderately, and exercise. As psoriasis is not a fatal disease, its progress in research is often hampered by inadequate funding as priorities are given to diseases like cancer, Cross said. Fortunately, with increased advocacy and awareness, more research has been done, and patients could have more treatment options now and in the future, he added. To keep its members updated, PAM sends out bulletins to all their members at least two or three times a year. Relevant information €“ from new treatment options to how to date €“ are included to make the bulletin an informative and interesting read. “My advise to psoriasis patients out there is to join the association so that we can counsel and support them. If they keep it to themselves, it will be an extra burden for them,” Cross said. “When you share your experiences, you will find your burden lighter and easier to live with. You can also come to learn more about psoriasis and how to deal with it.”
Secrets to success GOOD habits are important because the right attitude enhances aptitude,” said Traders Hotel Penang general manager, Karl Karlsson. In his lively dialogue session with Kolej Disted-Stamford (DISTED) hospitality students held recently, Karlsson shared the winning habits he practises, and related interesting anecdotes based on his own experiences. The event was part of the DISTED-INSPiRE programme to groom industry-savvy graduates. An element critical for success in life is being proactive, Karlsson said. “In facing challenges in life and at the workplace, we need to be proactive rather than reactive. “This requires energy and the ability to control negative emotions,” said the hotelier, who hails from Sweden. “For instance, if we wish to be proactive in planning, we begin by visualising the end we want. “Before you start a project, think in broad terms what you want your objectives and goals to be. “What do you actually hope to achieve?” said Karlsson. who has 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working in various countries around the world inclduing Sweden, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Hong Kong and China. “Put first things first and stay focused on the task at hand,” Karlsson added. “You must be passionate about what you do and believe that you can achieve what you hope to achieve. Karlsson also advised the students to practise self-discipline and time management. “Learn to say ‘no’ to anything which may hinder you as you strive to achieve your goals. So, how can a person who is busy climbing the corporate ladder balance work commitments and a healthy lifestlye, Karlsson was asked. “I divide my life into compartments,” he said. “During my working hours, I focus on my job and the people around me. “After work, I devote my full attention to my family, recreation and travel,” added the certified Tai Chi Chuan instructor and silat practitioner. “It is important to maintain a favourable ying and yang balance in the three most important compartments of life €“ health, family and work. “If you have good health, you can enjoy time with your family. If you’re happy with your family, then you’ll be more effective in your workplace,” Karlsson said, adding that he had learnt this invaluable lesson from the Traders Hotel Group chief executive officer
Down to earth: My garden, my sanctuary By : Desmond Ho
2008/10/30 Friends, like fortunes, may come and go but you can always count on your family and garden.
Did you know that your garden is a place you can escape to in times of gloom?
WITH the economic crisis looming large across the globe, our survival instinct tells us to batten the hatches and tighten our belts.
And for most of us, that means going without things we consider a luxury.
This sombre thought came to mind as I watched yet another gloomy business report; this time, the plunge of the Nikkei Index earlier in the week.
Clearly, even the world’s second largest economy is not immune to current global financial woes. But it got me thinking; just what are the luxuries that we’re prepared to do without? Say, for instance, one is building or renovating a house. What are some of the things that one is prepared to live without? Perhaps, instead of using imported marble, we may opt for the local variety. Likewise, fittings and furnishings.
But what about a garden?
Would you consider a garden a luxury or a necessity?
To me, the answer is obvious; giving up on luxury should never mean giving up on your garden.
In fact, when times are tough, we need our gardens more than ever.
A garden provides us with not just the means to save money, it is also a place for us to escape to, away from all the economic gloom and doom.
For starters, we can all start growing our own herbs and vegetables to help save on grocery bills.
On a more spiritual level, a garden is also a sanctuary, a place to find peace and tranquillity.
But it’s not just avid gardeners who find solace in their garden amid turbulent times.
I know of high-flyers who choose times like these to take stock, slow down and cut back on their business activities.
With time on their hands, many will turn to their house and garden and undertake renovations to fill their time.
A few will be fairly successful at it but more often than not, many will flounder.
As a professional landscaper, I am often called upon to rescue projects started by people who may have perhaps overestimated their ability to create their dream garden.
One may be very good managing the boardroom and planning mergers but it does not necessarily follow that one will be able to apply the same skills when it comes to planning what Mother Nature has to offer.
They forget that when it comes to nature, money is not always everything.
Some make the mistake of listening to the wrong advice from the wrong people. There are even those who instruct their designers to change completely an original plan just because of a comment made by a nosey neighbour.
Just ask yourself: who is actually designing your garden?
So my tip this week is for all you garden enthusiasts out there intent on remodelling your garden.
Please do take time to contemplate your lifestyle and consider what you want from your garden instead of merely looking at the cost.
Consider the functional aspect rather than the aesthetics and prestige; for example, you may think a koi pond or a tea-house will look beautiful tucked away in a corner of your garden — but just how much use will you derive from it?
Why not consider a meditation corner instead; a simple pangkin or platform to sit in quiet contemplation and to commune with Nature.
And instead of forking out thousands of ringgit on a prized koi or an imported ornamental tree, consider a cheaper indigenous fish or plant that can bring back memories of your own carefree childhood back in the kampung.
Remember the pleasure you had as a child catching ikan puyu or ikan betok from a stream. Isn’t this the very essence of what a Malaysian garden is all about?
This is what I’m trying to recreate through Terra Garden; the art of outdoor living. If you imagine your garden as a living room, instead of filling it with expensive furniture, just make do with the basics.
Picture your lawn as a tikar or mat to sit on and the plants as paintings hanging on the wall.
And rather than a cast-iron Victorian garden bench, why not install an extra pangkin to remind you of your kampung days when you used to sit and read under a tree? Or a swing for your children?
And always remember that when it comes to Nature, it’s never about the cost.
There’s as much pleasure to be had watching an ikan puyu swim around in a pond as there is from a koi that may well cost a thousand times more
40 comments:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Syed_Muhammad_Naquib_al-Attas
Syed Muhammad al Naquib bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Muhsin al Attas (born September 5, 1931) is a prominent contemporary Muslim philosopher and thinker from Malaysia. He is one of the few contemporary scholars who is thoroughly rooted in the traditional Islamic sciences and who is equally competent in theology, philosophy, metaphysics, history, and literature. He is considered to be the pioneer in proposing the idea of Islamization of knowledge. Al-Attas' philosophy and methodology of education have one goal: Islamization of the mind, body and soul and its effects on the personal and collective life on Muslims as well as others, including the spiritual and physical non-human environment. He is the author of twenty-seven authoritative works on various aspects of Islamic thought and civilization, particularly on Sufism, cosmology, metaphysics, philosophy and Malay language and literature.
By,
YEIN,ec08034
Mother Teresa was an Romanian Roman Catholic nun with Indian citizenship.
She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta,India in 1950.For
over forty years she helped poor, sick, orphaned and dying while guiding Missionaries of Charity.She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India's highest Civilian honor Bharat Ratna in 1980 for her humanitarian work.Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity continued to expand and at the time of her death it was operating 610 missions in 123 countries including hospitals and home for people with HIV or AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, children and family counseling programs, orphanage and schools.Following her death , she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title 'Blessed Teresa Of Calcutta'.
By
R.Then Moli
AIDS???
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).[1] This condition progressively reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.[2][3] This transmission can involve anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.
AIDS is now a pandemic.[4] In 2007, an estimated 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide, and it killed an estimated 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children.[5] Over three-quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa,[5] retarding economic growth and destroying human capital.[6] Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century.[7] AIDS was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1981 and its cause, HIV, identified by American and French scientists in the early 1980s.[8]
Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the course of the disease, there is currently no vaccine or cure. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but these drugs are expensive and routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries.[9] Due to the difficulty in treating HIV infection, preventing infection is a key aim in controlling the AIDS epidemic, with health organizations promoting safe sex and needle-exchange programmes in attempts to slow the spread of the virus.
The first people seem to have reached India from Africa around 40,000BC. At first they were hunters and gatherers like other people around the world at this time. But by around 4000 BC, these people had begun farming and by 2500 BC settled in the Indus river valley, where they began to live in cities and use irrigation to water their fields. This is a little later than in West Asia, probably because India was not as crowded as West Asia at this time. A lot of people think that the reason they began to farm, and then build cities was that a gradual warning trend was making it harder to get water, and harder to find wild plants to eat, every year. So every year more and more people moved into the Indus river valley, where there was still plenty of water. When it got really crowded there, people began to build cities.
There were two main cities that we know of, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) away. Both are in modern Pakistan. The people of these cities lived in stone houses two and three stories high, and had sewage systems. They used bronze tools. They may have learned to make bronze from the Sumerians.
The Harappa people used an early form of writing based on hieroglyphs, like the Egyptians. But we can't read it, because there isn't very much left of it.
By around 2000 BC, though, the Harappan civilization had collapsed. We don't know what caused this collapse. Most people think the most likely reason is that the warming trend continued until there wasn't enough water even in the Indus river valley to support these cities and the farmers who fed them. Some people probably starved to death, while others moved up into the hills, where it was cooler and some rain fell.
Computer
A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions. The first devices that resemble modern computers date to the mid-20th century (1940-1945), although the computer concept and various machines similar to computers existed earlier. Early electronic computers were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers. Modern computers are based on tiny integrated circuits and are millions to billions of times more capable while occupying a fraction of the space. Today, simple computers may be made small enough to fit into a wristwatch and be powered from a watch battery. Personal computers in various forms are icons of the information age and are what most people think of "a computer" however the most the most common form of computer in use today is the embedded computer. Embedded computer are small, simple devices that are used to control other devices, for example they may be found in machines ranging from fighter aircraft to industrial robots, digital cameras and children toys.
The ability to store and execute lists of instructions called programs makes computers extremely versatile and distinguished them from calculators. The Church-Turing thesis is a mathematical statement of this versatility where any computer with a certain minimum capability is in principle capable of performing the same tasks that any other computer can perform.
Therefore, computers with capability and complexity ranging from that of a personal digital assistant to a supercomputer are all able to perform the same computational tasks given enough time and storage capacity.
By
R.THEN MOLI
5 Simple Steps: Friends as matchmakers?
So you've recovered from your divorce and you're ready to venture into the world of dating again, but the thought of meeting strangers at a bar or other haunts makes you cringe. Try having your friends spread the good word about you, instead. If you go this route, consider these five tips:
1. Consider your friends as matchmakers. If your friends are happy, successful people, they may know someone just right for you. But if your friends have more drama than Othello, you may not want their help. Remember what happened to Desdemona?
2. Get a good word - or two. Ask your friends whether they'd be interested in putting in a good word for you. Not everyone wants to play Cupid.
3. Don't put them in the middle. Don't use your friends as go-betweens. Don't pump them for information about what your date thought of you or where your relationship might be headed.
4. Create a romance resume. Some of your matchmaking friends may need a few more specifics about what you're looking for. So give it to them in writing.
5. Your friends deserve a thank you. Send them a simple handwritten note or a gift to show appreciation.
Malaysia does not have enough certified people in software testing to support the demand from our ICT (information and communications technology) industry, according to the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). MDeC is the caretaker of the MSC Malaysia initiative.
Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, its chief executive officer, said 80,000 software testers have earned the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) certification worldwide. “But only 91 are Malaysians,” he said at the MSTB Software Testing Conference 2008 here recently.
He hopes the newly formed MSTB — short for Malaysian Software Testing Board — will help address this issue.
MSTB is offering ISTQB’s Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) programme as a means to increase the number of certified software testers to 300 next year.
Mastura Abdul Samah, MSTB president said software testing is currently not taken seriously as a profession because it is still considered a back-room activity ... “an afterthought.”
She feels that software testing can be a lucrative career. “Software testers can get paid as much as software developers,” she said.
There are only 91 certified software testers out of an estimated 10,000 testers in the country, according to Mastura.
Mastura said that for every developer in the country, there is only one tester. “This is a five-to-one ratio. Ideally, the ratio should be three-to-one,” she added.
The CTFL programme has three stages; foundation, advanced and professional. Certification fees range from RM500 to RM1,000 and MSTB works with local trainer Custom Media Sdn Bhd to provide training.
“The standard has been around since 2002 and CTFL signifies a level of quality control that is recognised worldwide. It also provides a methodology,” Mastura said.
Badlisham added that sound software testing methodology shortens the time to market for new products and significantly reduces development and support costs because it is far more cost effective to catch and fix an error early in the development process.
Greenhouse Effect..
Greenhouse Effect is kind of phenomena of rise in temperature in Earth. This is because certain gases in the atmosphere traped the energy from sun then resulting the incresing temperature in Earth. The gases thet mention would be water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methana.
If the Earth without this gases, the Earth will be at temperature around 60F colder. This situation will resulting many kind off living life in Earth suffering from dying. The gases are called as greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect is important to all the living life in Earth but it will course problem to human, plant, and animal if the greenhouse effect is too stronger then usual.
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/greenhouse.html
by,
chio
This article is about Olympic game, below is the information about the history of Olympic game.
"The Olympic Games[1] is an international multi-sport event. The original Olympic Games (Greek: Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες; [Olympiakoi Agones] (help·info)) were first recorded in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece, and were held until AD 393.[2] Interest in reviving the Olympic Games proper was first shown by the Greek poet and newspaper editor Panagiotis Soutsos in his poem "Dialogue of the Dead" in 1833.[3] Evangelos Zappas sponsored the first modern international Olympic Games in 1859. He paid for the refurbishment of the Panathinaiko Stadium for Olympic Games held there in 1870 and 1875.[3] This was noted in newspapers and publications around the world including the London Review, which stated that "the Olympian Games, discontinued for centuries, have recently been revived! Here is strange news indeed ... the classical games of antiquity were revived near Athens."[4]
The International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 on the initiative of a French nobleman, Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. The IOC has become the heart of the "Olympic Movement," a conglomeration of sporting federations that are involved in the organization of the Games. As the Olympic Movement has grown so has the profile and complexity of the Games. Participation in the Games has increased to the point that nearly every nation on earth is represented. With the proliferation of satellite communications, the internet, and the continuing trend towards globalization, the Olympics are consistently gaining supporters.[5] This growth has created numerous challenges, including political boycotts, the use of performance enhancing medications, bribery of officials, and terrorism.
Despite these challenges the Olympics have continued to thrive and flourish. Each successive Games attempts to add more events in order to keep up with the ever-evolving advance of athletic expression around the world. The 2008 games in Beijing had 302 events in 28 sports.[6] The most recent Winter Olympics in 2006 featured 84 events in 7 sports.[7] While the Olympic Games do continue to evolve, they also encompass many rituals that were established during their infancy in the late 19th and early 20th century. Most of these traditions are on display during the Opening and Closing ceremonies, and the medal presentations. For its part, the Olympic Movement has made considerable progress in fostering participation among as many nations as wish to compete, as well as focusing on the Olympic motto: Citius Altius Fortius - Faster, Higher, Stronger."
From the article, we will know that the Olympic Game is originate from Greece. The latest Olympic Game that been held is at China thet just having the closing ceremony at 24th of August 2008. Between that period, more then two hundred's record had been break by the athletics over the world.
The next Olympic Game will be held at London on year 2012. 4 years later.
by,
chio
The hazards of smoking.
Smoking certainly is hazardous to health.A regular smoker is always coughing or clearing his throat. This is the obvious sign of a smoker.A perpetual cough is bad enough to have to put up with everyday. The greater danger is that it may deteriorate into something worse, like lung cancer or other diseases. Aiso it is an established fact that smokers are more prone to heart diseases and strokes.Their health are also generaly poorer.In the event of severe illness,a non-smoker has much better chance of surviving than smokers. smoking weakens the whole body.Pregnant mother who smoke may give birth to smaller and less healthy children. So it is not a very intelligent thing to smoke,considering the risks that a smoker has. However intelligence is powerless in the face of constant bombardment of cigarette advertisements via the mass media.Yellow teeth, yellow fingers and smelly clothes are sure signs of a smoker.The hazards of smoking are obvious likes poor health, a persistent cough, lack of stamina, wastage of money and a possible quicker and more painfl path to the grave all await the smoker. If you do not smoke, then it is always better to stop. If you do not smoke , then do not start. You will be glad you didn't.
THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE HOTEL ROOMS.
The world's most expensive hotel rooms the Bridge Suite at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. It's cost $25,000 per day and with an average of $1,190 an hour for the privilege.
According to the hotels, those who book this room would be wealthy families in the middle of remodelling their homes, film companies and corporations. Then, deposed dictator or pop star normally will just ho stays in a $10,000 hotel room.
with this high amount of the money that paid to the hotels, each room will got huge living space, averaging more than 5,000 square feet, private cinema, and a personal butler or a chauffeured Rolls-Royce.
http://www.forbes.com/2002/03/07/0307feat.html
by,
chio
Global warming.
Global warming is the observed and projected increases in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
The average global air temperature near the Earth's surface increased 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.33 ± 0.32 °F) during the 100 years ending in 2005.Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and ozone. Greenhouse gases are those gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. The largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the emission of carbon dioxide.
When sunlight reaches Earth's surface some is absorbed and warms the earth and most of the rest is radiated back to the atmosphere at a longer wavelength than the sun light. Some of these longer wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they are lost to space. The absorption of this longwave radiant energy warms the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth some of the heat energy which would otherwise be lost to space. The reflecting back of heat energy by the atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect".
warming and sea level rise are expected to continue for more than a thousand years even if greenhouse gas levels are stabilized. The delay in reaching equilibrium is a result of the large heat capacity of the oceans.
Increasing global temperature is expected to cause sea levels to rise, an increase in the intensity of extreme weather events, and significant changes to the amount and pattern of precipitation, likely leading to an expanse of tropical areas and increased pace of desertification. There are two major effects of global warming:
1)Increase of temperature on the earth by about 3° to 5° C (34° to 41° Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.
2)Rise of sea levels by at least 25 meters (82 feet) by the year 2100.
Increasing global temperatures are causing a broad range of changes. Sea levels are rising due to thermal expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of land ice. Amounts and patterns of precipitation are changing.
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of other extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes. Other effects of global warming include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, reduced summer stream flows, species extinctions. As a further effect of global warming, diseases like malaria are returning into areas where they have been extinguished earlier.
Although global warming is affecting the number and magnitude of these events, it is difficult to connect specific events to global warming.For a summary of the predictions for the future increase in temperature up to 2100.
What do you think about metrosexual? Is it same with gay man?Based on the article that i read in the internet,actually,not all metrosexual man is a gay man,just a little...the definition about metrosexual is a young man who got everything,handsome,stylish,a good appearance and so on..like david beckham,brad pitt,tj walker and me,maybe....I think better we be a metrosexual man...a lot of advantages,we always smart and maybe will get more girlfriend..hahaha..
by,
YEIN ec08034
FRIEND.....
what???
We all need friends for companionship and for meaningful relationship..actually,what the qualities that a good friend should posses?
Based on the article that i got in the internet,friend should have trustworthiness and dependability..friend should be there to share joys and sorrows,good times and bad.Besidaes that,friend should be honest and circumspect in their words and deeds.Lastly,they should not be afraid to admit his mistakes...It is easy to make friends but good friends are not easy to come by..
thats all...
by,
YEIN ec08034
Talking to Each Other is a fictional story about a young girl named Amanda, her stepfather Chris, and her mother. While Amanda and Chris are able to communicate with few words, Amanda and her mother don’t seem to communicate at all. This story provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of talking and listening to one another.That's discuss about what problem will happen if never have communicate. Also, give the moral value such as love, caring each other, sensitive with environment, tolerance and another else.The story good for reading especially for kids and adults to teach them about life and give the example about life.
The story I read is The Mystery of King Tut.Many mysteries surround the life and death of Egypt's young pharaoh, King Tutankhamun. In 1922, a British archaeologist discovered King Tut's tomb and made him the most famous of Egypt's rulers. He was just 9 years old when he took the throne in 1334 BC, during a time of great religious and political unrest. Many people were angered when King Tut's late father took away their religious freedoms and decreed many other changes in Egypt. Because Tut died when he was only 18, many believe he was murdered. In an effort to help clarify the many questions surrounding the young pharaoh's life and death, this story tells what is known about King Tut's homeland, his family, his friends and enemies, his tomb, and his mummified body. Photographs, a map, and illustrations support the text.
Who is the richest Bumiputera corporate figure in Malaysia?
the person that i mean is Tan Sri syed Mokhtar Shah bin Syed Nor Al- Bukhary or normally known as Tan Sri Mokhtar Al-Bukhary. He has a net worth estimated to be US$2.00 billion according to Forbes making him the 7th richest Malaysian.
now, lets me tell his career...
Sayed Mokhtar and Zainal started his business in Johor in the 1990s dealing in rice. More success followed and he moved to rice trading business. He worked even harder after awarded the rice trading license from Lembaga Padi Negara, and was later awarded successions of supplier contract government-linked corporations as partner with Zainal Hatim Hj Ambia Bukhary.
As his determination starting to skyrocket, he quickly moved to expand into diversifnication of other businesses. His next big move was in the logistics business, with initial goal to transport their trading materials. As the saying goes, 'the harder you work, the luckier you get'. Today, his business empire has grown into areas such as plantation, property development, construction, engineering, power generation, infrastructure and ports.
He owns 51.8% share in Malaysian Mining Corporation via his wholly-owned company, Syarikat Impian Teladan Sdn. Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal Hatim personally owns SKS Ventures, which was awarded the task of building the site for 2100MW gas-fired power station at Tanjung Bin, Johor. Tan Sri Syed Mohktar has a 32% share in PERNAS through his own company, Syarikat Ratu Jernih. He also has interest in Fiamma Holdings Berhad, whereby 18.68% of the said company is being held by him through his two companies, i.e. Syarikat Perdana Padu Sdn. Bhd. and Corak Kukuh Sdn. Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal are Board Members of Syarikat Bina Puri Holdings Berhad, whereby, on his own, he has 7.34% share. Apart from these, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal has varied interest in a number of companies, both in Malaysia as well as abroad.
One project that enhanced his stature in the international arena is the Museum of Islamic Art, Kuala Lumpur, whereby the idea was conceptualized by Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad himself. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and Zainal Hatim were responsible for luring the famous shopping mall in London, i.e. Harrods, to invest in Malaysia through his company, Amtek Holdings Sdn.Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar played a major role in the family-owned Al-Bukhary Foundation, whereby he is the Executive Chairman. Through Al-Bukhary Foundation, he has made several contributions towards the social sector, particularly the Islamic social and welfare activities. The foundation is also responsible in constructing the Al-Bukhary Mosque Complex, which is the latest landmark in Kedah.
he is the one of my legend. maybe, for the futere, i will go to the same way like him.
THE HISTORY OF RUGBY...
The history of rugby union follows from various football games played long before the 19th century, but it was not until the middle of that century that laws were formulated and codified. Most people believe rugby started when schoolboy Web Ellis picked up a football and ran with it, creating rugby.The code of football later known as rugby union can be traced to three events: the first set of written laws in 1845; the Blackheath Club's decision to leave the The Football Association in 1863 and; the formation of the Rugby Football Union in 1871. The code was originally known simply as "rugby football"; it was not until a schism, in 1895, which resulted in the separate code of rugby league, that the name "rugby union" was used for the game itself. Rugby union stuck to its ideals of amateurism and it was not until 1995 that the game turned professional.
by: hazil
Moko Shurai
Moko Shurai(Mongolia's qounqers on Japan) or Genko(qounqers from Mongolia) in 1274 and 1281 are the biggest military operation from Kublai Khan-the 5th and the last emperor in Mongol's empire,to qounqer Japan after they got Korea.
Eventhough this are the big failure to them but it is very important in history-create a nation in Japan's history. This is first incident for word Kamikaze(Magic Wind) is used. Futhermore, other than World War 2, this failed Moko Shurai is the nearest try that can make Japan is qounqer with foreigner in 1500 years.
a litle bit about badminton...
Badminton was known in ancient times; an early form of the sport was played in ancient Greece. In Japan, the related game Hanetsuki was played as early as the 16th century. In the west, badminton came from a game called battledore and shuttlecock, in which two or more players keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air with small racquets. The game was called "Poona" in India during the 18th century, and British Army officers stationed there took a competitive Indian version back to England in the 1860s, where it was played at country houses as an upper class amusement. Isaac Spratt, a London toy dealer, published a booklet, "Badminton Battledore - a new game" in 1860, but unfortunately no copy has survived.
The new sport was definitively launched in 1873 at the Badminton House, Gloucestershire, owned by the Duke of Beaufort. During that time, the game was referred to as "The Game of Badminton," and the game's official name became Badminton.
Hello!! Im quite interested with this article about healthy life-style. Actually,we don't have to struggle up with heavy exercise or taking exteremely diet habits.
You may have tried several times before to lose weight, but without much long-term success. That’s no reason to feel bad about yourself — losing weight is not easy. No magic formula will trim away extra pounds and keep them off. Gimmicks and get-thin-quick schemes don’t work. That’s why, over the long haul, fad diets are not the answer.
We aren’t offering any magic either — quite the opposite. Instead, we offer you the tools you need to personalize a weight-loss plan to fit your lifestyle. You can design your own approach using three key concepts, or what we call the Circles of Success.
To lose weight effectively, you need to set realistic goals and create a personal action plan. Your planning should focus on you, your commitment to yourself, and the three essential circles — think smart, eat well and move more. These circles will overlap as you work toward your goals, and you will need to embrace all three to achieve successful weight control for life.
-JAYCELYNE LEMBA JERRY-
_EC08055_
HAVE A NICE DAY....
This is the highlight and breaking news all over the world recently.
-Melamine Contamination In China-
On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of infant formula contaminated with melamine, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Asian communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants. No Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States.
The FDA contacted the companies that manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received information from the companies that they are not importing formula and do not source milk-based ingredients from China.
In addition, the FDA -– in conjunction with state and local officials – continues to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins.
The FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk or milk-derived ingredients from Chinese sources. FDA has recommended that consumers not consume certain products because of possible contamination with melamine.
-JAYCELYNE LEMBA JERRY-
-EC08055-
USED BMW Cars
BMW the German car that has grown in reputation to become the fashion accessory of every successful businessman in the UK today. If your looking for and nearly NEW BMW or a USED BMW then you have located the right website, we have a range of cars available from both dealers and trade suppliers to private sales. The BMW model line up starts with the BMW 1 series, the BMW 3 series is probably one of the more popular models. However the model range is wide and varied here at BMW series we have all the BMW used car range availble online. BMW 318, and BMW 323 to the 330 head up the 3 series. Then the BMW 5 series offering increased comfort and style. The powerful commanding BMW 6 and BMW 7 series head the lineup. The BMW M3 is another popular choice alongside the M5 and M6. Then the BMW x series MPV range the BMW X3 and BMW X5. A BMW line up would not be complete of course without the ever popular BMW Z3 and Z4.
-adha-
-ec 08080-
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A laptop computer, also known as a notebook computer, is a small personal computer designed for mobile use. A laptop integrates all of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, or a pointing stick) and a battery into a single portable unit. The rechargeable battery is charged from an AC/DC adapter and has enough capacity to power the laptop for several hours, enabling it to be used virtually anywhere.
A laptop is usually shaped like a large notebook with thickness of 0.7-1.5 inches (1.7-4cm) and dimensions ranging from 10x8 inches (27x22cm, 13" display) to 15x11 inches (39x28cm, 17" display) and up. Modern laptops weigh 3 to 12 pounds (1.4 to 5.4 kg), and some older laptops were even heavier. Most laptops are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed.
Originally aimed at professionals "on the go", early laptops were expensive, limited in capabilities and heavy. They were relatively incommon, with desktops occupying most of the personal computer market: in 1996, just 17% of personal computers sold worldwide were laptops [1]. However, as the advance of technology made notebook computers more capable, as prices fell from several thousand dollars to several hundreds for basic models, and as more and more people found themselves using computers daily, the compactness and the portability of laptops made them the personal computers of choice for many consumers. It is now expected that more laptops than desktops will be sold as soon as 2009
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5 TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVEL
The excitement of going to new places may tempt you to let down your guard. Then you become easy prey for thieves or worse. As you prepare to hit the road on that mission trip, impress these safe travel tips in your memory:
1. Keep your luggage nearby and within your view. If traveling by air, check your baggage in as soon as you arrive at the airport. Only allow airline personnel and uniformed sky caps to handle your baggage.
2. Don’t flash cash in public. When buying something at a store, don’t pull out a huge wad of money (even if it seems like “play” money to you). When you travel, wear a money belt or sack under your clothes to carry your cash and small valuables. Don’t leave valuables in a car or hotel room when you’re not there.
3. Keep your address somewhat private. If you’re staying in a hotel, don’t disclose your room number when strangers are within earshot. Be reluctant about opening your door for unexpected visitors or deliveries without calling the front desk to verify the visitor’s identity.
4. Be alert for deliberate mishaps. Thieves and pickpockets distract people with ploys like bumping into someone or spilling a drink on people in a crowd.
5. Keep hotel room doors and windows locked. Don’t leave a hotel room door ajar while you go down the hall for an errand. If you find your room door open after you had left it closed, return to the hotel lobby and ask that someone go with you back to the room.
A SOLUTION TO THE WAR IN MIDDLE EAST
The problem in the Middle East has been going on for 1000 years, ever since the first Crusades. The situation there is a “real” problem. Some problems are not real. Some problems have a simple solution – some aggressor is clearly wrong, so the “solution” is to remove that aggressor and restore justice and freedom. Even if this is not easy to do, at least the problem might be clear. However, in the case of the conflict between the Moslems and the Jews, the conflict goes back and back and back. It is never useful to say that these people or those people are clearly wrong to do what they do. The problem is that they are acting in response to what those people or these people have been doing before. But you can carry the problem back and back and back, like the Hatfields and McCoys. After a while, the feud is so deeply ingrained on both sides, that it would seem that no possible resolution could ever be possible.
In the case of the present conflict, there really isn’t much basis to negotiate between the two positions. The Moslems want to force all of the Jews into the Mediterranean Sea, and the Jews want to kill every Moslem, to the last man, woman, and child, in much the same way that the American colonists decided to deal with the “Indians” who happened to be there first. These are their clear intentions, hardly even pretended otherwise (have the Israelis thought of donating blankets to the Palestinians, loaded with smallpox virus?). So what could anyone possibly propose, in order to resolve this conflict?
Well, I actually have a proposal, but no one is going to like it. But that, of course, is inevitable when you have two opposed camps who are so far apart in their attitudes as the Moslems and the Jews. What a thankless task to even propose any solutions! If no one is going to like any of my ideas, why don’t I just cultivate my fragrant roses, and forget about that conflict? I don’t live anywhere close to that region, and I have no desire to go back there (I have been to Israel, and I have been to many Moslem countries). However, I do live on the earth, and so the problem cannot be ignored. The earth is too small these days. The days when a Great Wall of China could be built to keep out the hordes of barbarians (or the Ugly American), are long gone. Any solution to the problems of the world must have a global consideration or the solution is worthless. If Iran and Israel have a nuclear confrontation (for example), where does that leave life on earth?
So my first premise is that any solution is better than no solution. This seems like a self-evident proposition, but to people in the heat of battle, it apparently is not so evident. Whenever any two people have a fight on their hands such that each will fight to the death before giving in, it is clear that any solution at all, even a bad one for one side or the other, is better than nothing, since at least it allows life to go on!
This is contrary to human nature. It is human nature to go on fighting “to the death” before accepting the short end of any deal. This is clearly folly, at least to my eyes. I remember when the deal was struck between Egypt and Israel. At the time everyone on both sides cried out in anger at the deal, yet the deal was made and accepted, and now there is no war on that front. For better or worse, a deal was made, and now there is at least one border where there is no war going on! The benefits of this are finally clear to both sides. Now, I am sure that neither side would wish to revert to the previous situation. A settlement has been reached, and, at least as far as that portion of the conflict is concerned, everyone can return to their roses or their rice fields.
In the same way, I am trying to find a solution which can work – some solution by which both the Israelis and the Palestinians can go on living. When you can spend your resources cultivating your fields instead of building weapons and waging war, you can increase your prosperity rapidly. Any solution that will allow for an end to hostilities, and allow the peace to be retained with only moderate peace-keeping forces, will be a great boon to the people of the region, on both sides of the conflict.
The problem is that the claims to that land go so far back that it is just no longer feasible to establish “rightful ownership.” The Palestinians claim recent history; the Israelis claim biblical history. As I look upon those claims, I find myself considering that biblical history just goes too far back to provide a credible basis on which to base a claim to the land. Status quo ante bellum is one thing; trying to revert to a political reality that is out of date by 2000 years seems a bit optimistic. On the other hand, the Jews are there, and not planning to leave any time soon. I consider that the seizure of the land is similar to when a government (by which we refer to a power stronger than you are that has a lot more guns than you have) seizes land by “eminent domain.” Basically, they say to the holders of the land, that they want it, so you have to move; so sorry. In this case, when they do this, at least they are constrained by custom to offer some compensation for taking the land.
So there is my solution. If the Israelis have taken the land, they must pay compensation. Now, of course, the Palestinians are going to say that they do not want “compensation” – they want their land back. However, it is evident that that solution is not liable to happen by means of any foreseeable continuations of this conflict. Nothing that the Palestinians can do is likely to result in the restoration of their lands. Notice that I am not trying to make any arbitration on the basis of “justice.” It has been a long, long time since I expected anything in the world to happen in accordance with “justice.” Politics is a business of pragmatic solutions to the real problems of the world, and no one’s platitudes are going to be of any use.
So, while no one is going to like this solution, at least it can provide a way in which everyone involved can go on living. The way it is now, the only advice the Israelis have for the Palestinians is for them to lay down and die. They should not be surprised, therefore, that when the Palestinians do this they at least want to take as many Israelis with them when they go (the suicide bombers). It is not practical for the Israelis to expect the Palestinians to accept defeat and simply go away. Not only do they have no place to go, but they don’t have any shoes.
If the displaced Palestinians are given a substantial sum of cash money to renounce their claims upon the land, they will not be penniless refugees living in tent camps, but will be welcomed anywhere. I think this is a serious proposal. I remember thinking during the war in Viet Nam that the American approach was all wrong. Instead of sending in armies of soldiers to destroy the country, they should have sent in some carnival hucksters in Hawaiian shirts, with carpet bags full of cash money.
“Hello, Johnny! Good day to you. And how are the wife and kids? Cigar? Fresh from Havana! – Well, I’m here representing the United States government, and we think your support of the communist regime is really foolish. I am authorized to offer you and your family $5,000 in cash to support our proposals for a capitalist regime here – oops, I mean a “democratic government.” I’ll be setting up an office in town, so send your friends over – same deal for everyone who agrees to sign up. Oh, and we have allocated a million dollars for a new hospital here, and another million for schools.”
Give me about fifty slick carpet baggers and about 10% of the budget for the war in Vietnam, and I would undertake to end the war to everyone’s satisfaction! The same could have been done in Iraq, also, only now the cost would have to be adjusted upwards. Back in the old days, $5,000 per person might have swung it, but now I’m afraid it will cost so much more that the proposal breaks down. No, nothing will work now except for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal. The country has already been destroyed, and there is little hope at all that anyone in the world will ever again support the American agenda, but if the Americans admit their mistake and withdraw their troops (say, during the next administration, after George W. Bush finally takes his bow and his curtain falls), pay massive reparations to the Iraqi people, and stay out of countries where their presence is not wanted, then, after a few generations, the bad smell may begin to dissipate. Of course, when the effects of all the depleted uranium begin to be seen clearly, it may significantly retard the rehabilitation of the United States’ reputation.
So, what is the specific proposal to the situation in the Middle East? I would say, set up a panel of arbitration and invite Palestinians to bring complaints for review. This could be set up like an ordinary court, with attorneys for both sides representing their clients – attorneys for the Palestinians (including a Palestinian “Public Defender” for the indigent), and attorneys representing the State of Israel, against which the judgments will be made. Jews could likewise make claims against the Palestinians, and cross judgments might be made. A final settlement would include a minimum sum to which all Palestinians are entitled, every man, woman, and child, with additional specific judgments as decreed by the court of arbitration.
Now why would the State of Israel accept any such terms? Is all this just a pipe dream, or what? I think that if it were understood as a final solution to this endless struggle, it could be understood as worth the money! Even if the final settlement runs into many millions, even billions of dollars, this could be seen as a cheap price to pay for a peaceful end to the conflict. If a settlement could be reached that would allow the Palestinians to accept the solution, and retire to within the borders left to them (obviously, any real solution will be far more complex than the broad outlines suggested here – some land would be set aside for a Palestinian State, for example) or find a new home and a new life, with the help of their compensation package somewhere outside the borders of the disputed territories, then everyone could return to their fields or their factories, and life could go on.
The Palestinians may prefer to have their land back than any amount of money, and the Jews may be very reluctant to pay out enormous sums of money to people they consider to be their enemy, but if this solution leads to peace, then everyone benefits. Within a generation or two, everyone involved would be far better off than they could possibly be if the status quo were to continue for all that time.
It might take ten years to work out all the details of such a settlement, but if the intervening ten years were spent in court rooms instead of battlefields, that is already an immense improvement.
I consider myself completely impartial in this conflict – I have no reason to favor either side, but I think that I would welcome such a resolution regardless of which side of the conflict I were on. The goal of peace at last would be worth any sacrifice – giving up their claim to the land on the part of the Palestinians, or agreeing to a very substantial payment of compensation by the Israelis, which might be the equivalent of their war budget for many years into the future. However, once the debt were paid off, then there could finally be a gradual restoration of prosperity to the whole region.
And, best of all, everyone could go on living.
THE GREAT WAR OF ALCOHOL AGAINST CANNABIS
So you think that King George II’s war in Iraq is all about Oil and Money, do you? Well, you’re all wrong. This is the Great War of Alcohol against Cannabis.
The roots of this conflict go way back. Nearly a thousand years ago, in 1095, Pope Urban II urged the Christian Faithful to embark upon a war to seize control of the Holy Land from the Infidel. All the great Christian nobles thought this was a great idea. Motivated by lust for spoils and plunder, this large drunken host of iron-clad warriors comes riding out of the West, spoiling and plundering their way to Jerusalem, which they finally conquer and install with a King of their own selection.
All subsequent campaigns, however, were met with increasingly disappointing returns. Almost all of the many Crusades that followed were routed by the defending Moslems, who considered that they were justly defending the Holy Land from the Infidel. This conflict between the Judeo-Christian tradition of the West and the faithful of Islam in the East only settles in ever more deeply with each passing generation, with no end in sight.
It is fundamentally a very complicated theological conflict instigated by the Catholic Pope of the Christian world of the West against the “heathen” Moslems of the East. If you consider the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity, what is the most obvious and profound theological difference between them? Right! It is the Islamic ban on alcohol, as exhorted by Allah through his Prophet Mohammed. The Moslems fully understood that alcohol was a very dangerous drug. It can seriously undermine your health; it can impair your judgment; and it makes you belligerent and stupid. On the other hand, there is no record that Allah found any fault with cannabis, so faithful Moslems to this day avoid alcohol, turning to the benefits of cannabis when they wish to alter their mood. This is quite different from Christianity, whose Savior drank wine with his Disciples at the Last Supper. There are many Sects of Christianity, from the Orthodox who drink wine, to the Zealots who drink gin or whisky or vodka, to the Reformed who drink beer, but they all recognize Bacchus as their spiritual father.
What the problem comes down to theologically and metaphysically is the classic problem of “How many Angels can dance on the head of a pin?” Specifically, we want to know whether we can attain the greatest number of Angels dancing on that pin after they have been drinking wine, or after smoking some ganja. The Moslems have always maintained that a great many more dancing Angels are able to fit on that pin when they are using cannabis, and the Christian world has never been able to dispute it, so they fall back again and again to “the last argument of kings,” which is their cannon. (Never mind the phallic imagery of them shaking that stick in the faces of weaker people.)
(Then the clever idea occurred to me to consider that this theological conflict could be looked upon as the Opposition of Bacchus and Ganesh. But, upon reflection, I had to give it up, because, as everyone knows, the Christian God of the West is not really Bacchus, the God of Wine. It is Mammon, the God of Money. And as for the Moslems, everyone knows just as well that there is no god but Allah, so I had to turn to the Hindu Pantheon to find, in Ganesh, a suitable Cannabis God of the East.)
Now it is clear why those of us who consider that cannabis is far safer and more effective than alcohol, cigarettes, and most pharmaceutical drugs are looked upon as “siding with the enemy” by adopting such a dominant cultural distinction. This same “sympathy with the opposition” can be seen by the numbers of Black Americans who choose to adopt Islam. It is easy for them to feel a cultural affinity for Moslems, once they realize that there isn’t much room in the White Man’s Heaven for the likes of the dark brother. In fact, while we’re at it, not only Blacks, but Hispanics, Asians, Homosexuals, and Pot Smokers (and other riff-raff too numerous and impecunious to mention) needn’t trouble themselves with waving any American flags these days. Frankly, “they” would just as soon not see you waving any flags at all – certainly not the Red, White, and Blue, but neither the Rasta colors, nor any Rainbows, or Earth Flags. The True Patriots (the ones with the Money) will wrap themselves up in an ever shrinking American Flag, as they try to control and “own” the whole world for their continuing and increasing personal profit. (Non-American Internationals who nonetheless consider themselves part of the same Club may simply wrap themselves in their local currency, which has always been perfectly acceptable attire at any Country Club.)
This is a very, very dangerous game, however, and it is one which has never lasted all that long, historically. Machiavelli made it clear to the Rulers of the world that it were better to be Feared than Loved, but that hasn’t made the Hot Seat any safer. And, in today’s world, the rule of armed might is getting harder and harder to sustain. The overarching problem is that mankind now has such abundant available firepower that any serious confrontation will quickly mean the end of most of life on earth. It will be a question of whether the ants finally take over the earth, or whether they, too, will finally succumb, forcing the spirit of God, which is Life after all (and not really Money, Power, Drugs, or Oil – Sex is closer to God than any of the others) to start out all over again from viruses and bacteria.
The other problem is that it is so very much easier to destroy something than to build it. To get a clear perspective of last September, just consider Big Sister who has spent all morning patiently building a tower out of building blocks, and then Little Brother comes running in, laughing, and kicks it all down. Sure, Big Sister can pound Little Brother (Lucy and Linus), but that game has been going on for a million years, and it isn’t going to stop any time soon. But someone has already observed that the higher the tower, the greater the fall.
I was going to say something about wondering why nobody wants to destroy or conquer Canada, to see if there is any lesson there, but then I considered that, among plenty of other conspiracy theories going around, the notion is taken as a given that if (when?) Uncle Sam decides it is time to declare Martial Law and take over complete control of the country, Canada and Mexico would be routinely annexed “just to secure the peace.” So if there are any lessons here, it is pretty scary to think of what they are. You have heard that a Crisis is being deliberately manipulated in order to set the stage for a Declaration of Martial Law?
So what do we do? Stop pushing those polar opposites to extreme positions. Let us all drift back towards the center a little bit. Relax, sip a little wine with your cannabis, or try a little cannabis (vaporized, not smoked) to moderate that whiskey binge. Let us understand the inescapable connection between Freedom and Tolerance. You can’t have one without the other.
LOVE AND TIME
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.
Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.
When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,
Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE
1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorize your favorite poem.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, "I love you", mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slow but think quick.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?".
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15. Call your mom.
16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22. Marry a man you love to talk to. As you get older, his conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23. Spend some time alone.
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV.
27. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray -- there's immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust a man who doesn't close his eyes when you kiss him. 38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
41. Learn the rules then break some.
42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
SOCKS AND SHOES
A little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?" "I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply. The lady took him by the hand and went into the store and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's Wife?"
DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won, had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.
..:: 7 Don'ts After Meal ::..
Below are 7 DON'Ts after meal:
1. *Don't smoke -
Experiment from expert prove that smoking a cigarette after meal
is comparable to smoking 10 cigarette (chances of cancer higher).
2. *Don't eat fruit immediately -
Immediately eat fruit after meal will cause stomach to be bloated
with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.
3. *Don't drink tea -
This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume
to be harden thus difficult to digest.
4. *Don't loosen your belt -
Loosen belt after meal will easily caused the intestine to be
twisted & block.
5. *Don't bath -
Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs &
body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore
decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.
6. *Don't walk about -
People always say that after meal walk a hundred step will live
till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the
digestive system unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we
intake.
7. *Don't sleep immediately -
The food we intake were unable to digest properly. Thus will
lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.
Do take good care of yourself.
War is an international relations dispute, characterized by organized violence between national military units. In his seminal work, On War, Carl Von Clausewitz calls war the “continuation of political intercourse, carried on with other means.” War is an interaction in which two or more militaries have a “struggle of wills”.When qualified as a civil war, it is a dispute inherent to a given society, and its nature is in the conflict over state governance rather than sovereignty. War is not murder or genocide because of the usually organized nature of the military's participation in the struggle, and the organized nature of units involved.
War is also a cultural entity, and its practice is not linked to any single type of political organisation or society. Rather, as discussed by John Keegan in his “History Of Warfare”, war is a universal phenomenon whose form and scope is defined by the society that wages it. The conduct of war extends along a continuum, from the almost universal tribal warfare that began well before recorded human history, to wars between city states, nations, or empires.
A group of combatants and their support is called an army on land, a navy at sea, and air force in the air. Wars may be prosecuted simultaneously in one or more different theatres. Within each theatre, there may be one or more consecutive military campaigns. A military campaign includes not only fighting but also intelligence, troop movements, supplies, propaganda, and other components. Continuous conflict is traditionally called a battle, although this terminology is not always fed to conflicts involving aircraft, missiles or bombs alone, in the absence of ground troops or naval forces. A civil war is the use of force to resolve internal differences.
War is not limited to the human species; the ant and the chimpanzee, and perhaps other animals, engage in massive intra-species conflicts which might be termed warfare.
Trousers are an item of clothing worn on the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately (rather than with cloth stretching across both as in skirts and dresses). Such items of clothing are often referred to as pants in countries such as Canada, South Africa and the United States. Additional synonyms include slacks, breeches (sometimes pronounced [ˈbrɪtʃɨz]) or breeks. Historically, as for the West, trousers have been the standard lower-body clothing item for males since the 16th century; by the late 20th century, they had become prevalent for females as well. Trousers are worn at the hips or waist, and may be held up by their own fastenings, a belt, or suspenders (braces). Leggings are form-fitting trousers of a clingy material, often knitted cotton and lycra.
A pillow is a large cushion support for the head, usually used while sleeping in a bed, or for the body as used on a couch or chair. There are also throw pillows (also called toss pillows), which are pillows that are purely decorative and not designed for support or comfort. Outside the USA these are generally considered a type of cushion, with the term pillow reserved for the pillows on a bed.
Pillows were originally used mainly by the wealthy, and have been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The difficulty of sophisticated dyes and sewing techniques led to the development of pillows as an art form, with highly decorated pillows becoming prized commodities first in China and Persia and later in Medieval Europe. The Industrial Revolution saw the mass production of decorated textiles and decorated pillows. Traditional Chinese pillows are often hard boxes made from stone, wood, metal, or porcelain instead of stuffed fabric.
Tecnique to improve your public speaking skills:
1. When you watch someone give a speech (and this includes on TV), evaluate the speaker. You don’t have to create a written review, but consider what the speaker did right, what they could have improved and whether or not he or she accomplished their goal.
2. Before starting a conversation, think about what you hope to accomplish with your conversation. Since a speech is simply a conversation with the audience, this will build you speech preparation muscles.
3. Listen to people when they’re speaking in conversation and note their language and how others (including you) react to them. Sometimes, replacing a word here and there can improve the impact of your speech.
4. Watch your TV on mute. Can you get a sense for what the person talking is communicating, their emotions or their passion? If you can, take note of what the speaker is doing so you can use the same techniques when you speak.
5. Listen to talk radio. Although political talk is great for this (since politics is communication intensive) a show on any subject you’re interested in will work fine for this (there are some great shows on personal finance, car care and home improvement that I especially like). You can evaluate the effectiveness of the communication of the host, guests and the callers.
6. Take a look at people you consider to be excellent speakers and make a list of what you feel makes them a good speaker. You can refer to this list as you work on your own speaking skills.
7. Ask people who have heard you speak for an honest opinion of your speaking style. Ask them what they feel you do well and what you can improve on.
Step to be a good friend.
1. Be real. Are you trying to be friends with someone to be accepted into a certain clique, or because you'd like to get to know someone else that he or she knows? That's not friendship, it's opportunism. Every new person you meet has the right to be accepted (or not) on his or her own merits, rather than being appraised and appropriated by some weird Professor Henry Higgins who thinks he can mold you or who wants you to change for his sake.
2. Be honest. A dishonest person has no chance of having true friends. Keep your promises, do what you say you are going to do, and most importantly, don't lie! Lying leads to more lies, and people will eventually figure you out. If you found yourself lying about something, be honest - go up to them, tell them the truth and how you felt, as well as how you may think they would've felt (explain that you were second-guessing rather than trusting your friendship). Don't be a coward; if you know you were at fault for the whole dilemma, own up. Simply talk about it, hope your friend will forgive you. They'd most likely appreciate it in the future, to look back and say, 'wow!' I have/had an amazing friend by my side.
3. Be loyal. If your friend tells you something in confidence, don't blab about it to anyone else. Don't talk about your friend behind his/her back. Nobody likes a backstabber. Never say anything about your friend that you would not want to repeat face to face. Don't let others say bad things about your friend until you've had a chance to hear your friend's side of the story. If someone says something that shocks you and doesn't seem like a thing your friend would do or say, tell them, "I know him/her, and that just doesn't sound right. Let me talk to him/her, find out his/her perspective on this. If it turns out to be true, I'll let you know. Otherwise, I would appreciate it if you didn't spread that around, because it might not be." You can't play both sides of the fence.
4. Be respectful. Know the boundaries. Things you and your friend discuss should be treated with care - your friend is not sharing this information with just anyone, and may not want to. She shared it with you - and only you, as far as you know. Example: If your friend doesn't want to name her crush, don't push her into it. If she has named her crush, don't tell anyone else. This is just common courtesy anyone and everyone deserves the expectation that you will keep confidences.
5. Watch out for your friend. If you sense that s/he is getting drunk at a party, help him or her to get away from the alcohol. Don't allow your friend to drive drunk - take his or her keys and/or drive your friend home personally. If your friend begins talking about running away or committing suicide, tell someone about it. This rule overrides the "respect privacy" step, because even if your friend begs you not to tell anyone, you should do it anyway. Suggest a help line or professional to your friend. Talk to your and your friend's parents or spouse first (unless they are the ones causing the problems) before involving anyone else.
6. Pitch in for friends during times of crisis. If your friend has to go to the hospital, you could help pack his or her bags; if her/his dog runs away, help to find it, if he/she needs someone to pick him/her up, be there. Take notes for your friend in school and give them their homework assignments when they're absent and sick at home. Send cards and care packages. If there is a death in his/her family, you might want to attend the funeral or cook dinner for them. Care about your friend enough to help him or her open up and let tears roll. Give them a tissue and listen. You don't have to say anything, just be with them.
7. If your friend is going through a crisis, don't tell them everything is going to be all right if it's not going to be. This goes right along with keeping it real. It's hard not to say this sometimes, but false reassurance can often be worse than none, and it may undermine your friend's ability to get through the crisis as well as they might. Instead, tell your friend that whatever they need, you are there for them. If they need to talk, talk; if they need to sit quietly, sit with them; if they need to get their mind.
More than skin deep
By LIM WEY WEN
The signs of psoriasis may only be seen on the surface, but its burden is felt deep down by those who live with it.
OFTEN unexpectedly, psoriasis makes its entrance into people’s lives through various ways. Some experience it first as dandruff with big flakes along with itching and burning on their scalps. Some come face-to-face with red patches covering parts of their body after a bout of intense stress at work, or after an infection.
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For Mary (not her real name), it began with a seemingly harmless fall. “I was running around my house when I fell and injured myself. A huge part of the skin around my arms was scraped off. Somehow it took a very long time to heal. Plus, the skin around that area began to look scaly and rough. After some time, it began to spread to other areas.
“I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with psoriasis. My playmates started to ask me ‘what’s that?’ and made fun by calling me all sorts of names. To avoid too many questions I just started to wear long sleeves all the time since then,” she said.
As Mary is the first member in her family to experience such symptoms, her family supported her by going to different places across the globe to find a cure for it.
“I started off with the modern medication of steroids and UV light treatment. It did help to contain it at first, but somehow after some time, they stopped working. Now I’m turning to alternative medicine and strict control of my food consumption,” Mary said.
But perhaps more than her physical condition, one of Mary’s greatest challenges is dealing with the scrutinising eyes of people around her.
I don’t think our society is (that) open yet to judge a person beyond skin deep. I’d rather just be normal than having sympathy or being treated differently, she said.
Indeed, psoriasis is a relatively unknown disease in many parts of the world. “Especially in developing countries, the possibility of getting a correct diagnosis of psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis is extremely limited,” said Lars Ettarp, President of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.
“For example, in Tanzania and Kenya, there is only one dermatologist available per one million people. This means a patient has a bigger chance to win the highest score in the national lotto than having a right diagnosis.”
As the visible signs of psoriasis on the skin are often confused with other skin diseases, even amongst general practitioners, problems with stigmatisation arise. As a result, patients face socio-psychological problems in gaining employment, living with their family and functioning within society.
“In a majority of countries in the world, psoriasis is still considered to be just a ‘cosmetic’ disease. And new findings and research results about psoriasis are not spread among the general public, not even among physicians,” said Ettarp, who also has psoriasis.
“Psoriasis is not only a skin disease. It is, in fact, a serious chronic, non-communicable inflammatory disease that affects big parts of the body,” he added.
This year, on World Psoriasis Day (Oct 29), the IFPA aims to create awareness on the burden of disease that greatly impacts the lives of people living with psoriasis (PLWP).
Understanding psoriasis
As global statistics indicate that about two to three people in a hundred could be affected by psoriasis, Mary is not alone.
There are now about 1,500 members registered with the Psoriasis Association of Malaysia (PAM), and most of them have psoriasis, said PAM president Eugene Cross.
A PLWP himself, Cross had spent the past 40 years living with the flares and flakes of psoriasis. From a mild dandruff to being immobilised, he experienced the mildest and worst manifestations of the disease.
“At first it started on my scalp and my doctor thought it was just dandruff.
“But there was a time where I spent eight months completely paralysed as psoriasis lesions covered 80 to 90% of my body. I could not move and had to be carried to the bathroom. I could not flex my arms and legs because my skin could tear just like that.”
While psoriasis symptoms can range from just a mild itch to extreme cases of skin damage like Cross, it is not contagious.
According to consultant dermatologist Dr Allan Yee Kim Chye, the prevalence of psoriasis is not as high as acne or atopic eczema, but the disease burden is still substantial. Although psoriasis is often hereditary, it can arise in persons with no family history.
Some of the telltale signs of psoriasis include pink, scaly patches on the outsides of their knees and elbows on patient’s scalps. “What distinguishes scalp psoriasis from dandruff is that the lesions in psoriasis are discrete patches and have thicker scales, whereas dandruff €“ even the severe ones €“ is usually spread over the scalp and the scales are finer,” said Dr Yee, who is also the medical advisor to PAM.
Some PLWP may also find their nails discoloured or separated from their nail beds. In 10-20% of cases, there may be disruption of the joints, Dr Yee said.
Apart from the physical pain from the itching, burning, flaking and scaling from patient’s skin, the social and psychological impact are equally painful.
“Skin disease, whether it is psoriasis or acne or scars, often come with disproportionate social penalties,” Dr Yee said.
“Studies have shown that acne sufferers have lower job prospects than unblemished persons. Psoriasis sufferers with visible disease on the face or other cosmetic areas and also the hands may suffer some degree of stigmatisation from the lay public who do not understand that the condition is not contagious.”
Among the five types of psoriasis €“ plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, inverse psoriasis and pustular psoriasis €“ plaque psoriasis is the most common.
An alteration in the immune system speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing the cells to pile up and form thickened scales on the skin surface rather than shedding it slowly.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not yet known, but a preliminary report of a pilot study of the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry in 2005 found 57% of patients who reported one or multiple factors which aggravated their psoriasis.
The most common factor was stress, followed by sunlight, infection, trauma and other factors such as drugs, alcohol, some topical medication and pregnancy.
“Different people have different triggers. So, we tell our members that when you have a flare-up of psoriasis, if you have no stress, look at your food. If you find a certain food that irritates you, stop taking it,” Cross said.
By identifying the triggers, people with psoriasis could tailor their lifestyles and habits to prevent flare-ups. As there is currently no cure for psoriasis, avoiding factors that triggers its symptoms is of utmost importance.
The skin and beyond
Today, we know that psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis) is a systemic disease involving the immune system, Ettarp said.
An alteration in the immune system speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing the cells to pile up and form thickened scales on the skin surface rather than shedding it slowly. In other words, the amount of skin shed in a psoriasis patient in three days can be almost similar to the amount a person without psoriasis would shed in 28 days, Cross explained.
However, recent studies have compelled doctors to look beyond the skin into other complications associated with psoriasis.
“In adults, severe psoriasis is associated with the metabolic syndrome, entailing a risk for type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The first study which showed increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality was published in Sweden in year 2005, and has been followed by a number of other studies,” Ettarp said.
With more data, various health recommendations for people with psoriasis were issued by health organisations.
The American Heart Association recommends psoriasis patients above 40 years old to screen for blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting lipids, and fasting sugar every two years. Patients are also advised to stop smoking, take alcohol moderately, and exercise.
As psoriasis is not a fatal disease, its progress in research is often hampered by inadequate funding as priorities are given to diseases like cancer, Cross said. Fortunately, with increased advocacy and awareness, more research has been done, and patients could have more treatment options now and in the future, he added.
To keep its members updated, PAM sends out bulletins to all their members at least two or three times a year. Relevant information €“ from new treatment options to how to date €“ are included to make the bulletin an informative and interesting read.
“My advise to psoriasis patients out there is to join the association so that we can counsel and support them. If they keep it to themselves, it will be an extra burden for them,” Cross said.
“When you share your experiences, you will find your burden lighter and easier to live with. You can also come to learn more about psoriasis and how to deal with it.”
Secrets to success
GOOD habits are important because the right attitude enhances aptitude,” said Traders Hotel Penang general manager, Karl Karlsson.
In his lively dialogue session with Kolej Disted-Stamford (DISTED) hospitality students held recently, Karlsson shared the winning habits he practises, and related interesting anecdotes based on his own experiences.
The event was part of the DISTED-INSPiRE programme to groom industry-savvy graduates.
An element critical for success in life is being proactive, Karlsson said.
“In facing challenges in life and at the workplace, we need to be proactive rather than reactive.
“This requires energy and the ability to control negative emotions,” said the hotelier, who hails from Sweden.
“For instance, if we wish to be proactive in planning, we begin by visualising the end we want.
“Before you start a project, think in broad terms what you want your objectives and goals to be.
“What do you actually hope to achieve?” said Karlsson. who has 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working in various countries around the world inclduing Sweden, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Hong Kong and China.
“Put first things first and stay focused on the task at hand,” Karlsson added.
“You must be passionate about what you do and believe that you can achieve what you hope to achieve.
Karlsson also advised the students to practise self-discipline and time management.
“Learn to say ‘no’ to anything which may hinder you as you strive to achieve your goals.
So, how can a person who is busy climbing the corporate ladder balance work commitments and a healthy lifestlye, Karlsson was asked.
“I divide my life into compartments,” he said.
“During my working hours, I focus on my job and the people around me.
“After work, I devote my full attention to my family, recreation and travel,” added the certified Tai Chi Chuan instructor and silat practitioner.
“It is important to maintain a favourable ying and yang balance in the three most important compartments of life €“ health, family and work.
“If you have good health, you can enjoy time with your family. If you’re happy with your family, then you’ll be more effective in your workplace,” Karlsson said, adding that he had learnt this invaluable lesson from the Traders Hotel Group chief executive officer
Down to earth: My garden, my sanctuary
By : Desmond Ho
2008/10/30
Friends, like fortunes, may come and go but you can always count on your family and garden.
Did you know that your garden is a place you can escape to in times of gloom?
WITH the economic crisis looming large across the globe, our survival instinct tells us to batten the hatches and tighten our belts.
And for most of us, that means going without things we consider a luxury.
This sombre thought came to mind as I watched yet another gloomy business report; this time, the plunge of the Nikkei Index earlier in the week.
Clearly, even the world’s second largest economy is not immune to current global financial woes. But it got me thinking; just what are the luxuries that we’re prepared to do without?
Say, for instance, one is building or renovating a house. What are some of the things that one is prepared to live without? Perhaps, instead of using imported marble, we may opt for the local variety. Likewise, fittings and furnishings.
But what about a garden?
Would you consider a garden a luxury or a necessity?
To me, the answer is obvious; giving up on luxury should never mean giving up on your garden.
In fact, when times are tough, we need our gardens more than ever.
A garden provides us with not just the means to save money, it is also a place for us to escape to, away from all the economic gloom and doom.
For starters, we can all start growing our own herbs and vegetables to help save on grocery bills.
On a more spiritual level, a garden is also a sanctuary, a place to find peace and tranquillity.
But it’s not just avid gardeners who find solace in their garden amid turbulent times.
I know of high-flyers who choose times like these to take stock, slow down and cut back on their business activities.
With time on their hands, many will turn to their house and garden and undertake renovations to fill their time.
A few will be fairly successful at it but more often than not, many will flounder.
As a professional landscaper, I am often called upon to rescue projects started by people who may have perhaps overestimated their ability to create their dream garden.
One may be very good managing the boardroom and planning mergers but it does not necessarily follow that one will be able to apply the same skills when it comes to planning what Mother Nature has to offer.
They forget that when it comes to nature, money is not always everything.
Some make the mistake of listening to the wrong advice from the wrong people. There are even those who instruct their designers to change completely an original plan just because of a comment made by a nosey neighbour.
Just ask yourself: who is actually designing your garden?
So my tip this week is for all you garden enthusiasts out there intent on remodelling your garden.
Please do take time to contemplate your lifestyle and consider what you want from your garden instead of merely looking at the cost.
Consider the functional aspect rather than the aesthetics and prestige; for example, you may think a koi pond or a tea-house will look beautiful tucked away in a corner of your garden — but just how much use will you derive from it?
Why not consider a meditation corner instead; a simple pangkin or platform to sit in quiet contemplation and to commune with Nature.
And instead of forking out thousands of ringgit on a prized koi or an imported ornamental tree, consider a cheaper indigenous fish or plant that can bring back memories of your own carefree childhood back in the kampung.
Remember the pleasure you had as a child catching ikan puyu or ikan betok from a stream. Isn’t this the very essence of what a Malaysian garden is all about?
This is what I’m trying to recreate through Terra Garden; the art of outdoor living. If you imagine your garden as a living room, instead of filling it with expensive furniture, just make do with the basics.
Picture your lawn as a tikar or mat to sit on and the plants as paintings hanging on the wall.
And rather than a cast-iron Victorian garden bench, why not install an extra pangkin to remind you of your kampung days when you used to sit and read under a tree? Or a swing for your children?
And always remember that when it comes to Nature, it’s never about the cost.
There’s as much pleasure to be had watching an ikan puyu swim around in a pond as there is from a koi that may well cost a thousand times more
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