Hahaha...yes! another working Saturday, same thing....the only supervisor working the full day and the one who has no pay anyway. The rest of the supervisors just work half day or totally didn't turn up at all. Same of old story...even when I work the full day, my boss's right hand woman still have the cheek to comment why was I working half day for the past 2 nights when I have already clear my annual leave. The thing was that she was one of those who didn't turn up at all on Friday...our Qtr-end closing day. See...what women are capable of. Can only see and pick on other's fault first without looking at own self or own actions.
Hope next year my luck is better, I tried my best not to be angry with these types of injustice. Just my luck....to work with under women.
From....my coffee's schedule, seem like this coming week is not a good week for me but thankfully I was informed early so that I can make other arrangements to make up for the slack. One of which is to read more of Osho's works. ( see below )
I am reading the good articles written by Osho. By the way, he was an Indian man. Wow....his works were profoundly deep and it will take some understanding to see what was the man's insight and what he tried to say in his articles. Yes! I really enjoyed them. If you are interested, you can click on this link below.
Just click the hyperlink below to see it
http://www.oshoworld.com/onlinemag/dec06/htm/osho_speaks_fear.asp
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
24/12 this is christmas's eve
hahaha....yes! and I am also the only supervisor working the full day without any pay but still ending staying till the morning. seen to be unfair but what to say, coz my boss is a woman. very petty....and must win at all cost type. just my luck ending up working under her.
anyway...remember about the above, stay back or go home made no different now too as it is already 4am in the morning.
to sum up this week....a shitty week by my normal standard as I spent the week without my coffee ( you know what I meant, right? ) and with the wet weather, things are kind of bleak. Hope my new week is better...still it depends whether I gotto have my coffee or not. so far, no answer....seem like better to delay the answer as long as impossible till the day comes. that goes to show my status....or my standing while I value the coffee highly. seem like I must wean off my dependent on the coffee for my own good or always putting myself in bad situation.
another week and it is already 2007.....maybe the new year will bring me better luck both in the money sense and at work. I really need that.
anyway...remember about the above, stay back or go home made no different now too as it is already 4am in the morning.
to sum up this week....a shitty week by my normal standard as I spent the week without my coffee ( you know what I meant, right? ) and with the wet weather, things are kind of bleak. Hope my new week is better...still it depends whether I gotto have my coffee or not. so far, no answer....seem like better to delay the answer as long as impossible till the day comes. that goes to show my status....or my standing while I value the coffee highly. seem like I must wean off my dependent on the coffee for my own good or always putting myself in bad situation.
another week and it is already 2007.....maybe the new year will bring me better luck both in the money sense and at work. I really need that.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
The end of WW24 - Saturday 16/12
Well....this is a very hard week at work and I am very happy to see the end of it. Man! I am looking forward to the 4 rest days hehehe.
Guess this is my sort of life....work hard then play hard too. What then to do if there is nothing to look forward to beside this.
Very soon....another year comes to a close too. Goodbye....2006 and welcome.....2007.
Hope this 2007 be better than 2006 for me. I really hope so.
Guess this is my sort of life....work hard then play hard too. What then to do if there is nothing to look forward to beside this.
Very soon....another year comes to a close too. Goodbye....2006 and welcome.....2007.
Hope this 2007 be better than 2006 for me. I really hope so.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Copied from Fate's People in your life
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant .
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.
~ Judy Garland ~
Man, yes! very true and power. I can see the deep thoughts that goes into writing this wonderful blog. Thanks....Fate, you are a "cheem" one hehehe. Even your second blog is great. Hope you don't mind that I copied it here to remind myself whenever I lost my way thru life.
Love is not to forget but to forgive,
not to see but to understand,
not to hearbut to listen,
not to let go but to HOLD ON!!!!
Don't ever leave the one you love for the one you like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant .
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.
~ Judy Garland ~
Man, yes! very true and power. I can see the deep thoughts that goes into writing this wonderful blog. Thanks....Fate, you are a "cheem" one hehehe. Even your second blog is great. Hope you don't mind that I copied it here to remind myself whenever I lost my way thru life.
Love is not to forget but to forgive,
not to see but to understand,
not to hearbut to listen,
not to let go but to HOLD ON!!!!
Don't ever leave the one you love for the one you like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The history of Seagate by founder Al Shugart
Speech to Seagate Employees at Company Meeting
I see so many new, young faces in the audience today. I’m sure that many - if not most - of you weren’t even born when I began working on the industry’s first disc drive. So I thought this would be a good time to round out your education, and give you a little first-hand history.
I came into the computer industry quite by accident. I graduated from the University of Redlands in 1951 after four years and four different majors, and took a job with IBM in Santa Monica, California as a customer engineer (that’s field engineer nowadays) because I could start the day after graduation. The pay was good, too: $275 per month. I was 20 years old, married, one kid, and dead broke.
I learned after one week at IBM that field engineers were the lowest on the totem pole when a field engineer in the office was PROMOTED to Salesperson. I’ll never forget that early lesson, and I’ve held it against salespeople ever since.
After having fixed all the troubles one could have with punch card accounting machines, in 1955, about when Scott McNealy was born, I transferred to a small IBM R&D lab in downtown San Jose, California.
I won’t ever forget the day that Don Johnson, one of the pioneers in disc development, invited me over to see how he created his discs. He was rotating this giant 24-inch platter. Then he poured a solution of iron oxide on the disc from a Dixie Cup. No clean room, equipment so crude that we rotated the disc with a foot pedal. And that dixie cup didn’t look out of place at all.
I certainly had no idea I was walking into the beginning of a technology and product development program that would have such a profound impact upon the computer industry.
The First Disc Drive
Using the accepted “big blue” approach, we made our disc drive big. Using these crude techniques, we produced a disc that supported a recording density of 2000 bits per square inch with 100 bits per inch and 20 tracks per inch. We stacked fifty of the 24-inch discs on a vertical shaft, and had a disc file that would store five million characters. And it weighed only One Ton! Average access time was a screaming 1-and a half seconds, and we spun the disc at 1200 rpm. No fire code, no ECC, no address marks, no flags for spare tracks. It should have made the controller easy, but it didn’t. We didn’t even know how to clock data without a clock track. Oh, by the way, the electronics were all in vacuum tubes. No volumes of semiconductors to choose from.
Who Could Use This Much Storage
Now that we had this big drive, we had a bigger marketing concern. Who could ever use this much storage? Five million characters was a lot. Notice that I said characters. This was long before the days of the 8-bit byte. A character was six data bits and one parity bit. Dark Ages!
RAMAC
Our magnetic head technology was equally crude. Although we had learned a lot from drum recording technology, the disc presented its own set of problems. To create an air bearing to separate the head from the disc, we routed compressed air through tiny orifices in the head carrier. We used this same air supply to load the head. Unfortunately, this required a big supply of external air. In fact, the thing required so much air that we could use a total of only two heads to serve the one hundred disc surfaces.
To reach another disc, the two heads were unloaded, removed horizontally from the disc stack, then moved vertically to the desired disc, then horizontally again to the desired track, then loaded. This was a lot of mass, moving pretty fast, and the file really rocked in its shock mounts during accessing.
Actually, it worked pretty well. After all, users thought in terms of seconds per function, not milliseconds and nanoseconds. And we gave the user five million characters of storage for a rental cost of about $750 per month. Of course, this didn’t include the controller or the air compressor you needed to supply all that external air.
I believe that IBM built about 5000 of these files. Most of them were used in a system called RAMAC or Random Access Method of Accounting.
A Better Air Bearing
During these early production years of the RAMAC file, we were looking for a better air bearing. Then sometime during the late fifties, a set of articles in the IBM Journal of Research & Development discussed a very old principle -- the self-acting air bearing or slider. These articles became the bible for anyone interested in disc files.
The self-acting air bearing did not require an external air supply. This meant we could place a magnetic head on each disc surface.
IBM Advanced Disc File
What a breakthrough. IBM introduced another 24-inch diameter disc file called the ADF, or Advanced Disc File. Although it was about the same size as our first RAMAC, it stored ten times as much data -- 50 million bytes. And by eliminating head movement between discs, we cut the average access time to 165 milliseconds. Recording density was also improved by a factor of 20 -- 25,000 bits per square inch with 500 bits per inch at a track density of 50 tracks per inch.
Many people read the Journal articles, our bible, and it wasn’t long before IBM had some competition. Two early competitors that I remember were Telex and Bryant.
I do have to credit IBM management. They backed the disc as the random access technology of the future. In fact, they bet all their marbles on the new disc files. On the other hand, Univac chose the magnetic drum rather than the disc. It wasn’t the only bad decision by Univac, but it ranks right up there with the worst.
Disc Pack/Standard 14-inch disc
In the early sixties, as IBM’s first disc file with slider bearing heads went into production, we came up with another breakthrough. This was the removable disc pack. And for the first time, we see the disc size that was to become the standard -- a 14-inch diameter disc.
It began with a pack holding about 3 million bytes, then the real standard, a disc pack that carried 7.5 million bytes.
Capacities Grew
Capacities continued to grow. The next pack held 29 million bytes. The recording density was now 220,000 bits per square inch or almost 100 times greater density than the first RAMAC file. This same general technology carried through to IBM’s first track following servo, with an aerial recording density of 1.5 million bits per square inch.
Technology Limits/The Winchester
It’s at this point that removable discs began hitting some technology limits. The height of the air bearing and the possibility of contamination were tough barriers for removable disc packs to overcome. The infamous head crash became an ever-present danger. This led to the development of the first hermetically sealed disc drive -- IBM’s Winchester.
Winchester technology featured low mass, lightly loaded heads, starting and stopping in contact with the disc.
More Improvements Needed/Fixed Discs
But improvements were still necessary. The disc packs, now sealed in a data module, were still removable and still expensive, so discs became fixed to further increase the recording density. Linear bit density was increased to 6425 bits per inch, and an incredible aerial density of over 3 million bits per square inch was achieved. This was followed by an aerial recording density of 7.8 million bits per square inch.
Compare this with the 2000 bits per square inch of the first RAMAC file. Density had improved by 3900 times.
And Then There Was The Floppy
As we reminisce about old times, we shouldn’t forget about a critical parallel development in data storage -- the humble but ubiquitous floppy.
The floppy disc was actually the result of advances in semiconductor technology. Here’s why:
In the early sixties with the introduction of the IBM 360, control memory was employed to a great extent in both CPU’s and peripheral controllers. This control storage was implemented in read only memory, because magnetic core and semiconductor memory were much too expensive.
However, by the time the IBM 370 was developed, semiconductor technology had advanced. Now, control storage could be implemented in semiconductor memory. Since this memory was volatile, a loading device was necessary. Magnetic tape was considered but the need for loading diagnostics as well as the control program seriously detracted from the desirability of this approach. Why not a cheap disc that would provide the random access speed needed for diagnostic loading?
With such a low cost disc, you would have an economical, random access, program-loading device. And once such a device was available, why not add a write capability for logging?
So semiconductor technology and the big IBM 370 set the stage for the floppy, the data storage that in turn, helped to launch the small systems revolution.
Many of us saw the great potential of this little disc. That’s why I formed my first company, Shugart Associates, in 1973.
On To Seagate
I was lucky to have played a role in the early days of floppies at Shugart Associates, and it led to a much more long-lived role at Seagate starting several years later.
The start of Seagate is sort of interesting, so I’d like to tell you about it.
In late September 1979, the desktop computer market was going bananas. Millions of units were being shipped annually and most of them had a small auxiliary memory device called a minifloppy disc drive. These minifloppies were a reduced size version of the original floppy disc drive introduced in volume about 5 years early by Shugart Associates.
I had been working around computers and disc drive memories for over 25 years, and had discovered one fundamental that transcends computer systems of any size; and that is: A computer system’s appetite for memory is insatiable.
And that was and is true for even very small computers. As more and more applications were put on these systems, the memory requirements grew. And in late 1979, these additional memory requirements were being met by adding a second and third and fourth minifloppy disc drive.
And Then Came Finis
Finis Conner, who joined me as a founder of Shugart Associates, came to me in late September of 1979 with the idea to build a fixed, rigid disc drive the same physical size as the minifloppy, with higher performance and higher reliability, and with 15 times the storage capacity at 3 times the cost. He said that if this were possible, he could sell to every desktop computer manufacturer that was shipping systems with more than one minifloppy; that is, our device would fill the memory need for more than one minifloppy.
I thought this was possible so we decided to go into business. On October 1, 1979, Finis and I hacked out an 8-page business plan that predicated our nearly taking over the world, and very quickly -- it was a very, very aggressive plan. It had to be. Finis and I had both run out of money and our personal habits needed recapitalizing.
The Search For Venture Capital
Each of us kicked in $10,000 and hit the road with our plan. We found a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, and an operations manager very quickly. It seems get-rich-quick schemes are easy to sell to poor people. We decided to let my daughter, Terry, who was in college, kept the books until we could afford a financial officer, since she worked cheap.
Finding the money to finance the venture wasn’t quite that easy. We reasoned that our idea was worth $2 million dollars, and that we would sell 25% of our plan for $500,000.
Page Mill Group
Our first stop was the Page Mill Group, a venture capital firm made up of very successful people from the electronics industry. They would surely see the wisdom in what we were doing. Bob Noyce, Lester Hogan, John Young, Ken Oshman, and several other equally famous and successful people.
After my presentation, John Young, who, if you don’t know, was the president of Hewlett -Packard, said: “Al, why should we pay half a million dollars for only 25% of a company that’s only an idea in the minds of you and Finis?”
I said: “John, perhaps you shouldn’t.” And they didn’t! (Finis said I needed to brush up on my marketing technique).
Exxon et. al.
But Finis and I decided that perhaps they didn’t have enough money. So we set our sights on bigger bucks. We knew that the Exxon Corporation made venture investments, and Exxon seemed to have a good balance sheet and a lot of cash. So we made an appointment with the Exxon guy in New York who handled that sort of thing and we flew off to New York.
We arrived early in the evening the day before the meeting, and went out for a really nice dinner. We decided to celebrate this big deal we were going to close in the morning, so we got a bottle of really fine (and expensive) wine. When we returned to the hotel, there was a message from the Exxon guy that said he had to leave town, the meeting was canceled, and he would call us in a few weeks. That was an expensive call.
But we weren’t discouraged. Following that, we got turned down by the Mayfield Fund, and Idanta Partners, and several funds didn’t even return our calls.
But we still weren’t discouraged. And money wasn’t our only problem. We needed a disc, and let me explain how important THAT was.
We Needed A Disc - 3M
In a rigid disc drive in those days, the data was magnetically recorded on an oxide coated aluminum disc. There was a great deal of technology, and a lot of tooling money involved in producing magnetic discs. We needed a commitment from a magnetic disc manufacturer to develop and manufacture a disc that was a different physical size from any in the industry. It would require a manufacturer to not only spend a lot of money on developing the disc, but an even greater amount in tooling for production. The total dollar requirement for this made our monetary needs seem small.
So first we flew to Minneapolis to see the 3M Corporation. The 3M people were very interested in the project, but they couldn’t do anything because our schedule was inconsistent with their view of reality.
But they were really nice people and agreed to help our effort to get the company off the ground by cutting down some larger discs to the required 5.25-inch size we needed. And even though the center hole of the disc was larger than we could tolerate in actual use, the disc should serve as a good visual aid.
While we were waiting for the 3M sample discs, we called on Memorex, but they never called us back. Within several days, 3M hand-delivered 6 disc samples to me in California, just to help us get going.
Dysan
With the disc samples in hand, we called on Norm Dion, president of Dysan Corporation in Santa Clara, a magnetic disc manufacturer. I handed Norm one of the sample 5.25-inch discs and he just held it and stared at it for what seemed like hours (probably 15 seconds). Dysan was just getting into production of an 8-inch disc, having manufactured 14-inch discs for several years. Finally, Norm said: “You know, 8 inches was the wrong size.” I figured we had him at that point. He saw the tremendous future in what we wanted to do, and agreed to develop and manufacture the 5.25-inch disc.
Then he asked us how we were doing on getting financed. Not wanting to show any weakness, I told him we expected to close something soon, trying to keep my voice from cracking. He said that was a shame since he thought it would make a good package for Dysan to fund our development effort as well as commit to the disc.
We quickly saw the wisdom in this and, on November 14, 1979, six weeks after we put our plan together; Norm gave me a check for $10,000, as a show of good faith for his agreement to invest $500,000. We shook hands, and we had a deal.
We had always planned to get the lawyers to document the deal, but we never got around to it, and it was never really necessary. The following June, we raised another million dollars in capital through venture capitalists - they DID need to document the deal. So the total venture capital put into Seagate was only $1.5 million. An unbelievably small amount of money by today’s standards.
We Needed Parts - Turn Left At Leo’s Liquors
It was tough to find more believers at that time. We had 8 people in the loft of a suite in Scotts Valley, and we needed to place orders for parts; some big orders.
We knew we had to get magnetic heads on order quickly so we called the manufacturer’s representative. I told him we wanted to buy 100,000 magnetic heads (at the time this was about a $2 million deal). He said he’s come to see us. Where were we located, he asked. He had never heard of Scotts Valley.
I gave him directions . . . come down out of the mountains, turn onto Santa’s Village road, go a quarter of a mile, turn left at Leo’s Liquors, cross a little bridge and go into suite C in the only building there.
He repeated the directions and then said: “And you want to buy 100,000 magnetic heads?” I expected him to say, “come on now, who is this?”
Product Development
We completed our product development in 5 1/2 months and showed our product in a hotel suite at the National Computer Conference in Anaheim in May of 1980. We got orders during that show including a $200,000 prepayment, and began shipments 6 weeks later.
We shipped 50 units our first month, and by October we were shipping 10 units a day out of a 1000 square foot lab.
The ST506 disc drive stored 6.38 million bytes of data and sold for $1,500 in single quantities: down to $775 in quantities of 5,000.
A Huge Market
The market for this size disc drive was quite large. We projected that the worldwide market would grow from 1100 units in 1980 - which was our total production output - to one million units in 1983. And although our projected shipment grew at an astounding rate, we told people that we didn’t predict being able to maintain the 100% market share we enjoyed in 1980. In addition to Texas Instruments and CII-Honeywell Bull whom we had licensed to manufacture and market the product as a second source, we did expect to see several competitors in the marketplace later in 1981.
In our first full operating year we did about $12 million in revenues and made about $1.8 million net profit.
Things moved so fast that we had an initial public offering of our stock only 22 months from when we started.
What Makes The Great Opportunities Possible?
So what really makes these great opportunities? The availability of capital? Certainly. But I really think it has more to do with changes in our society. Let me talk a little about that.
When I was working at IBM, the corporation organized a science advisory board made up of a group of very distinguished scientists. This group met periodically with IBM management and senior technical people to give us the benefit of their wisdom and learning.
I was quite fortunate when in the 1960’s I was invited to a luncheon with the science advisory board in San Jose, along with other senior technical people from the lab I worked at.
Following lunch, the IBM host asked the members of this advisory board if they would each comment on the terrible unrest that was going on in our universities, and the apparent change in behavior of all our younger people.
If you don’t remember or weren’t around at the time, the 1960’s found a lot of our young people in jail for acts against public policy. I recall one columnist writing that while he was driving down the road he saw a sign that said “free firewood,” and his immediate thought was: Who is this guy Firewood, and why is he in jail?
Anyway, each of the 6 or so distinguished scientists addressed the subject:
Norbert Weiner, the famous nuclear physicist and Nobel Prize winner, began and expressed great disappointment in our youth with their erratic behavior, and concluded that we were going downhill. The following speakers expressed the same disappointment, and offered theories on the behavior, and proposals for fixing it.
The opinion was generally unanimous until the last distinguished scientist spoke. I can’t recall his name but I can picture him clearly. He was a world-renowned mathematician, long since retired from his position at Columbia. This quite elderly, gray-haired gentleman said that what was going on with our young people was the result of a change in society that was underway -- and that he was both pleased and excited about it. He mentioned individualism, opportunity, creativity, and a true thinking and nourishing of society. He said we could close our eyes and hide from the change, or open our eyes and participate in it -- because it was changing anyway. And he had no fear of the future.
<strong>(I thought at the time -- “Easy for him to say; the old bugger is in his 80’s and won’t be around when these crazies are running the country”).
But you know, the man was absolutely right. We were seeing an expression of individualism as a result of a change in society that had begun, and is still in process, and will continue as long as people have ideas.
The Information Society
We’ve moved from a mass industrial society to an INFORMATION Society, with a much more profound impact than the 19th century shift from an agricultural society to an industrial society.
We’ve moved to an age of the power of the individual. Where the strategic resource in the industrial society was capital; the strategic resource in the postindustrial society is Information and Knowledge. And that’s not only renewable, but it’s self-generating as well.
I believe that this provides for tremendous entrepreneurial activity in the world today. Because the strategic resource is now what we have in our heads. Access to the system is much easier. We have seen an impressive increase in the creation of small businesses over the last 20 years, and large institutions have restructured to encourage entrepreneurial activity within decentralized organizations.
In 1950, 65% of the people working in the country were working in the industrial sector, and only 17% in the information sector. Today, we’ve flipped that.
The age of the individual has brought decentralization. We have seen large airlines collapse while new local and regional airlines have been established.
Large circulation, general-purpose magazines have folded while thousands of special interest magazines are being published.
Great umbrella organizations like the American Medical Association continue to weaken as the groups within it -- pediatricians, plastic surgeons, and cardiologists -- specialize and get stronger, along with county and local medical groups.
And it’s happening all over the world. This great new age of individualism and its subsequent decentralization has led to the great number of opportunities for new leaders today.
Unfortunately, the age of individualism and special interest groups has also found a lot of jobs for a lot of lawyers, who are misusing our legal system. But that’s a story for another time.
Seagate is a leader in the new Information society. Seagate is in the Information business. We have not only survived, but thrived by preparing for, and embracing what we know is inevitable - CHANGE. <strong>We are leaders. So we will go out there again this year and do what we do best: “Find a parade, and get in front of it!
I see so many new, young faces in the audience today. I’m sure that many - if not most - of you weren’t even born when I began working on the industry’s first disc drive. So I thought this would be a good time to round out your education, and give you a little first-hand history.
I came into the computer industry quite by accident. I graduated from the University of Redlands in 1951 after four years and four different majors, and took a job with IBM in Santa Monica, California as a customer engineer (that’s field engineer nowadays) because I could start the day after graduation. The pay was good, too: $275 per month. I was 20 years old, married, one kid, and dead broke.
I learned after one week at IBM that field engineers were the lowest on the totem pole when a field engineer in the office was PROMOTED to Salesperson. I’ll never forget that early lesson, and I’ve held it against salespeople ever since.
After having fixed all the troubles one could have with punch card accounting machines, in 1955, about when Scott McNealy was born, I transferred to a small IBM R&D lab in downtown San Jose, California.
I won’t ever forget the day that Don Johnson, one of the pioneers in disc development, invited me over to see how he created his discs. He was rotating this giant 24-inch platter. Then he poured a solution of iron oxide on the disc from a Dixie Cup. No clean room, equipment so crude that we rotated the disc with a foot pedal. And that dixie cup didn’t look out of place at all.
I certainly had no idea I was walking into the beginning of a technology and product development program that would have such a profound impact upon the computer industry.
The First Disc Drive
Using the accepted “big blue” approach, we made our disc drive big. Using these crude techniques, we produced a disc that supported a recording density of 2000 bits per square inch with 100 bits per inch and 20 tracks per inch. We stacked fifty of the 24-inch discs on a vertical shaft, and had a disc file that would store five million characters. And it weighed only One Ton! Average access time was a screaming 1-and a half seconds, and we spun the disc at 1200 rpm. No fire code, no ECC, no address marks, no flags for spare tracks. It should have made the controller easy, but it didn’t. We didn’t even know how to clock data without a clock track. Oh, by the way, the electronics were all in vacuum tubes. No volumes of semiconductors to choose from.
Who Could Use This Much Storage
Now that we had this big drive, we had a bigger marketing concern. Who could ever use this much storage? Five million characters was a lot. Notice that I said characters. This was long before the days of the 8-bit byte. A character was six data bits and one parity bit. Dark Ages!
RAMAC
Our magnetic head technology was equally crude. Although we had learned a lot from drum recording technology, the disc presented its own set of problems. To create an air bearing to separate the head from the disc, we routed compressed air through tiny orifices in the head carrier. We used this same air supply to load the head. Unfortunately, this required a big supply of external air. In fact, the thing required so much air that we could use a total of only two heads to serve the one hundred disc surfaces.
To reach another disc, the two heads were unloaded, removed horizontally from the disc stack, then moved vertically to the desired disc, then horizontally again to the desired track, then loaded. This was a lot of mass, moving pretty fast, and the file really rocked in its shock mounts during accessing.
Actually, it worked pretty well. After all, users thought in terms of seconds per function, not milliseconds and nanoseconds. And we gave the user five million characters of storage for a rental cost of about $750 per month. Of course, this didn’t include the controller or the air compressor you needed to supply all that external air.
I believe that IBM built about 5000 of these files. Most of them were used in a system called RAMAC or Random Access Method of Accounting.
A Better Air Bearing
During these early production years of the RAMAC file, we were looking for a better air bearing. Then sometime during the late fifties, a set of articles in the IBM Journal of Research & Development discussed a very old principle -- the self-acting air bearing or slider. These articles became the bible for anyone interested in disc files.
The self-acting air bearing did not require an external air supply. This meant we could place a magnetic head on each disc surface.
IBM Advanced Disc File
What a breakthrough. IBM introduced another 24-inch diameter disc file called the ADF, or Advanced Disc File. Although it was about the same size as our first RAMAC, it stored ten times as much data -- 50 million bytes. And by eliminating head movement between discs, we cut the average access time to 165 milliseconds. Recording density was also improved by a factor of 20 -- 25,000 bits per square inch with 500 bits per inch at a track density of 50 tracks per inch.
Many people read the Journal articles, our bible, and it wasn’t long before IBM had some competition. Two early competitors that I remember were Telex and Bryant.
I do have to credit IBM management. They backed the disc as the random access technology of the future. In fact, they bet all their marbles on the new disc files. On the other hand, Univac chose the magnetic drum rather than the disc. It wasn’t the only bad decision by Univac, but it ranks right up there with the worst.
Disc Pack/Standard 14-inch disc
In the early sixties, as IBM’s first disc file with slider bearing heads went into production, we came up with another breakthrough. This was the removable disc pack. And for the first time, we see the disc size that was to become the standard -- a 14-inch diameter disc.
It began with a pack holding about 3 million bytes, then the real standard, a disc pack that carried 7.5 million bytes.
Capacities Grew
Capacities continued to grow. The next pack held 29 million bytes. The recording density was now 220,000 bits per square inch or almost 100 times greater density than the first RAMAC file. This same general technology carried through to IBM’s first track following servo, with an aerial recording density of 1.5 million bits per square inch.
Technology Limits/The Winchester
It’s at this point that removable discs began hitting some technology limits. The height of the air bearing and the possibility of contamination were tough barriers for removable disc packs to overcome. The infamous head crash became an ever-present danger. This led to the development of the first hermetically sealed disc drive -- IBM’s Winchester.
Winchester technology featured low mass, lightly loaded heads, starting and stopping in contact with the disc.
More Improvements Needed/Fixed Discs
But improvements were still necessary. The disc packs, now sealed in a data module, were still removable and still expensive, so discs became fixed to further increase the recording density. Linear bit density was increased to 6425 bits per inch, and an incredible aerial density of over 3 million bits per square inch was achieved. This was followed by an aerial recording density of 7.8 million bits per square inch.
Compare this with the 2000 bits per square inch of the first RAMAC file. Density had improved by 3900 times.
And Then There Was The Floppy
As we reminisce about old times, we shouldn’t forget about a critical parallel development in data storage -- the humble but ubiquitous floppy.
The floppy disc was actually the result of advances in semiconductor technology. Here’s why:
In the early sixties with the introduction of the IBM 360, control memory was employed to a great extent in both CPU’s and peripheral controllers. This control storage was implemented in read only memory, because magnetic core and semiconductor memory were much too expensive.
However, by the time the IBM 370 was developed, semiconductor technology had advanced. Now, control storage could be implemented in semiconductor memory. Since this memory was volatile, a loading device was necessary. Magnetic tape was considered but the need for loading diagnostics as well as the control program seriously detracted from the desirability of this approach. Why not a cheap disc that would provide the random access speed needed for diagnostic loading?
With such a low cost disc, you would have an economical, random access, program-loading device. And once such a device was available, why not add a write capability for logging?
So semiconductor technology and the big IBM 370 set the stage for the floppy, the data storage that in turn, helped to launch the small systems revolution.
Many of us saw the great potential of this little disc. That’s why I formed my first company, Shugart Associates, in 1973.
On To Seagate
I was lucky to have played a role in the early days of floppies at Shugart Associates, and it led to a much more long-lived role at Seagate starting several years later.
The start of Seagate is sort of interesting, so I’d like to tell you about it.
In late September 1979, the desktop computer market was going bananas. Millions of units were being shipped annually and most of them had a small auxiliary memory device called a minifloppy disc drive. These minifloppies were a reduced size version of the original floppy disc drive introduced in volume about 5 years early by Shugart Associates.
I had been working around computers and disc drive memories for over 25 years, and had discovered one fundamental that transcends computer systems of any size; and that is: A computer system’s appetite for memory is insatiable.
And that was and is true for even very small computers. As more and more applications were put on these systems, the memory requirements grew. And in late 1979, these additional memory requirements were being met by adding a second and third and fourth minifloppy disc drive.
And Then Came Finis
Finis Conner, who joined me as a founder of Shugart Associates, came to me in late September of 1979 with the idea to build a fixed, rigid disc drive the same physical size as the minifloppy, with higher performance and higher reliability, and with 15 times the storage capacity at 3 times the cost. He said that if this were possible, he could sell to every desktop computer manufacturer that was shipping systems with more than one minifloppy; that is, our device would fill the memory need for more than one minifloppy.
I thought this was possible so we decided to go into business. On October 1, 1979, Finis and I hacked out an 8-page business plan that predicated our nearly taking over the world, and very quickly -- it was a very, very aggressive plan. It had to be. Finis and I had both run out of money and our personal habits needed recapitalizing.
The Search For Venture Capital
Each of us kicked in $10,000 and hit the road with our plan. We found a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, and an operations manager very quickly. It seems get-rich-quick schemes are easy to sell to poor people. We decided to let my daughter, Terry, who was in college, kept the books until we could afford a financial officer, since she worked cheap.
Finding the money to finance the venture wasn’t quite that easy. We reasoned that our idea was worth $2 million dollars, and that we would sell 25% of our plan for $500,000.
Page Mill Group
Our first stop was the Page Mill Group, a venture capital firm made up of very successful people from the electronics industry. They would surely see the wisdom in what we were doing. Bob Noyce, Lester Hogan, John Young, Ken Oshman, and several other equally famous and successful people.
After my presentation, John Young, who, if you don’t know, was the president of Hewlett -Packard, said: “Al, why should we pay half a million dollars for only 25% of a company that’s only an idea in the minds of you and Finis?”
I said: “John, perhaps you shouldn’t.” And they didn’t! (Finis said I needed to brush up on my marketing technique).
Exxon et. al.
But Finis and I decided that perhaps they didn’t have enough money. So we set our sights on bigger bucks. We knew that the Exxon Corporation made venture investments, and Exxon seemed to have a good balance sheet and a lot of cash. So we made an appointment with the Exxon guy in New York who handled that sort of thing and we flew off to New York.
We arrived early in the evening the day before the meeting, and went out for a really nice dinner. We decided to celebrate this big deal we were going to close in the morning, so we got a bottle of really fine (and expensive) wine. When we returned to the hotel, there was a message from the Exxon guy that said he had to leave town, the meeting was canceled, and he would call us in a few weeks. That was an expensive call.
But we weren’t discouraged. Following that, we got turned down by the Mayfield Fund, and Idanta Partners, and several funds didn’t even return our calls.
But we still weren’t discouraged. And money wasn’t our only problem. We needed a disc, and let me explain how important THAT was.
We Needed A Disc - 3M
In a rigid disc drive in those days, the data was magnetically recorded on an oxide coated aluminum disc. There was a great deal of technology, and a lot of tooling money involved in producing magnetic discs. We needed a commitment from a magnetic disc manufacturer to develop and manufacture a disc that was a different physical size from any in the industry. It would require a manufacturer to not only spend a lot of money on developing the disc, but an even greater amount in tooling for production. The total dollar requirement for this made our monetary needs seem small.
So first we flew to Minneapolis to see the 3M Corporation. The 3M people were very interested in the project, but they couldn’t do anything because our schedule was inconsistent with their view of reality.
But they were really nice people and agreed to help our effort to get the company off the ground by cutting down some larger discs to the required 5.25-inch size we needed. And even though the center hole of the disc was larger than we could tolerate in actual use, the disc should serve as a good visual aid.
While we were waiting for the 3M sample discs, we called on Memorex, but they never called us back. Within several days, 3M hand-delivered 6 disc samples to me in California, just to help us get going.
Dysan
With the disc samples in hand, we called on Norm Dion, president of Dysan Corporation in Santa Clara, a magnetic disc manufacturer. I handed Norm one of the sample 5.25-inch discs and he just held it and stared at it for what seemed like hours (probably 15 seconds). Dysan was just getting into production of an 8-inch disc, having manufactured 14-inch discs for several years. Finally, Norm said: “You know, 8 inches was the wrong size.” I figured we had him at that point. He saw the tremendous future in what we wanted to do, and agreed to develop and manufacture the 5.25-inch disc.
Then he asked us how we were doing on getting financed. Not wanting to show any weakness, I told him we expected to close something soon, trying to keep my voice from cracking. He said that was a shame since he thought it would make a good package for Dysan to fund our development effort as well as commit to the disc.
We quickly saw the wisdom in this and, on November 14, 1979, six weeks after we put our plan together; Norm gave me a check for $10,000, as a show of good faith for his agreement to invest $500,000. We shook hands, and we had a deal.
We had always planned to get the lawyers to document the deal, but we never got around to it, and it was never really necessary. The following June, we raised another million dollars in capital through venture capitalists - they DID need to document the deal. So the total venture capital put into Seagate was only $1.5 million. An unbelievably small amount of money by today’s standards.
We Needed Parts - Turn Left At Leo’s Liquors
It was tough to find more believers at that time. We had 8 people in the loft of a suite in Scotts Valley, and we needed to place orders for parts; some big orders.
We knew we had to get magnetic heads on order quickly so we called the manufacturer’s representative. I told him we wanted to buy 100,000 magnetic heads (at the time this was about a $2 million deal). He said he’s come to see us. Where were we located, he asked. He had never heard of Scotts Valley.
I gave him directions . . . come down out of the mountains, turn onto Santa’s Village road, go a quarter of a mile, turn left at Leo’s Liquors, cross a little bridge and go into suite C in the only building there.
He repeated the directions and then said: “And you want to buy 100,000 magnetic heads?” I expected him to say, “come on now, who is this?”
Product Development
We completed our product development in 5 1/2 months and showed our product in a hotel suite at the National Computer Conference in Anaheim in May of 1980. We got orders during that show including a $200,000 prepayment, and began shipments 6 weeks later.
We shipped 50 units our first month, and by October we were shipping 10 units a day out of a 1000 square foot lab.
The ST506 disc drive stored 6.38 million bytes of data and sold for $1,500 in single quantities: down to $775 in quantities of 5,000.
A Huge Market
The market for this size disc drive was quite large. We projected that the worldwide market would grow from 1100 units in 1980 - which was our total production output - to one million units in 1983. And although our projected shipment grew at an astounding rate, we told people that we didn’t predict being able to maintain the 100% market share we enjoyed in 1980. In addition to Texas Instruments and CII-Honeywell Bull whom we had licensed to manufacture and market the product as a second source, we did expect to see several competitors in the marketplace later in 1981.
In our first full operating year we did about $12 million in revenues and made about $1.8 million net profit.
Things moved so fast that we had an initial public offering of our stock only 22 months from when we started.
What Makes The Great Opportunities Possible?
So what really makes these great opportunities? The availability of capital? Certainly. But I really think it has more to do with changes in our society. Let me talk a little about that.
When I was working at IBM, the corporation organized a science advisory board made up of a group of very distinguished scientists. This group met periodically with IBM management and senior technical people to give us the benefit of their wisdom and learning.
I was quite fortunate when in the 1960’s I was invited to a luncheon with the science advisory board in San Jose, along with other senior technical people from the lab I worked at.
Following lunch, the IBM host asked the members of this advisory board if they would each comment on the terrible unrest that was going on in our universities, and the apparent change in behavior of all our younger people.
If you don’t remember or weren’t around at the time, the 1960’s found a lot of our young people in jail for acts against public policy. I recall one columnist writing that while he was driving down the road he saw a sign that said “free firewood,” and his immediate thought was: Who is this guy Firewood, and why is he in jail?
Anyway, each of the 6 or so distinguished scientists addressed the subject:
Norbert Weiner, the famous nuclear physicist and Nobel Prize winner, began and expressed great disappointment in our youth with their erratic behavior, and concluded that we were going downhill. The following speakers expressed the same disappointment, and offered theories on the behavior, and proposals for fixing it.
The opinion was generally unanimous until the last distinguished scientist spoke. I can’t recall his name but I can picture him clearly. He was a world-renowned mathematician, long since retired from his position at Columbia. This quite elderly, gray-haired gentleman said that what was going on with our young people was the result of a change in society that was underway -- and that he was both pleased and excited about it. He mentioned individualism, opportunity, creativity, and a true thinking and nourishing of society. He said we could close our eyes and hide from the change, or open our eyes and participate in it -- because it was changing anyway. And he had no fear of the future.
<strong>(I thought at the time -- “Easy for him to say; the old bugger is in his 80’s and won’t be around when these crazies are running the country”).
But you know, the man was absolutely right. We were seeing an expression of individualism as a result of a change in society that had begun, and is still in process, and will continue as long as people have ideas.
The Information Society
We’ve moved from a mass industrial society to an INFORMATION Society, with a much more profound impact than the 19th century shift from an agricultural society to an industrial society.
We’ve moved to an age of the power of the individual. Where the strategic resource in the industrial society was capital; the strategic resource in the postindustrial society is Information and Knowledge. And that’s not only renewable, but it’s self-generating as well.
I believe that this provides for tremendous entrepreneurial activity in the world today. Because the strategic resource is now what we have in our heads. Access to the system is much easier. We have seen an impressive increase in the creation of small businesses over the last 20 years, and large institutions have restructured to encourage entrepreneurial activity within decentralized organizations.
In 1950, 65% of the people working in the country were working in the industrial sector, and only 17% in the information sector. Today, we’ve flipped that.
The age of the individual has brought decentralization. We have seen large airlines collapse while new local and regional airlines have been established.
Large circulation, general-purpose magazines have folded while thousands of special interest magazines are being published.
Great umbrella organizations like the American Medical Association continue to weaken as the groups within it -- pediatricians, plastic surgeons, and cardiologists -- specialize and get stronger, along with county and local medical groups.
And it’s happening all over the world. This great new age of individualism and its subsequent decentralization has led to the great number of opportunities for new leaders today.
Unfortunately, the age of individualism and special interest groups has also found a lot of jobs for a lot of lawyers, who are misusing our legal system. But that’s a story for another time.
Seagate is a leader in the new Information society. Seagate is in the Information business. We have not only survived, but thrived by preparing for, and embracing what we know is inevitable - CHANGE. <strong>We are leaders. So we will go out there again this year and do what we do best: “Find a parade, and get in front of it!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Another week came and gone - Saturday ( end of WW23 )
Hahaha....guess, this week is much better as compared to say last week. At work, things were much easier to close and the bosses were also less cranky. But for myself, my health is still a concern....esp my sinus thing. Still whenever I am in a cold room or area, I don't feel good....very funny as I really love the "coolness".
Now....it is the opposite, cannot take the cold as I can feel my sinus acting up whenever I get "cold". My headache will come....so too my body aches. A shitty feeling....to have.
Beside this issue....the Genting shares were up from the start from Monday. Was thinking of buying at 41 cents...and by the times it closed on that day, it was already at 44 cents. The next day....go cut my hair and luckily I didn't do any buying as it went from 47 cents at the start and end the day at 44 cents...flat.
Then on Wed...fell to 42.5 cents and on Thur again up to 43.5 cents again. But on fri, started well....at 44 cents then as the day went by....dropped to 41.5 cents.
Shit!!! luckliy it was confirmed to win the IR project for Sentosa. So...should run on Monday hahaha. Let keep my fingers crossed....hehehe. Had 25 lots at 38.5 cents since a month ago. Bought too early....hehehe.
Now....it is the opposite, cannot take the cold as I can feel my sinus acting up whenever I get "cold". My headache will come....so too my body aches. A shitty feeling....to have.
Beside this issue....the Genting shares were up from the start from Monday. Was thinking of buying at 41 cents...and by the times it closed on that day, it was already at 44 cents. The next day....go cut my hair and luckily I didn't do any buying as it went from 47 cents at the start and end the day at 44 cents...flat.
Then on Wed...fell to 42.5 cents and on Thur again up to 43.5 cents again. But on fri, started well....at 44 cents then as the day went by....dropped to 41.5 cents.
Shit!!! luckliy it was confirmed to win the IR project for Sentosa. So...should run on Monday hahaha. Let keep my fingers crossed....hehehe. Had 25 lots at 38.5 cents since a month ago. Bought too early....hehehe.
Beat the Blues - Treating Yourself for Mild Depression
The standard treatments for people with major depression are psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Yet many people with milder forms of depression find relief by pursuing various activities on their own. The challenge is overcoming the sense of inertia that often comes with depression.
Last month, a news release from Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, listed several activities that help some people with mild to moderate depression. Although none are clearly approved as treatments for depression, none are likely to cause harm and can be used along with psychotherapy and medications.
Here are some activities that may help you treat depression without a prescription:
Join a group. Group activities seem to be especially helpful.
Exercise. In addition to helping to relieve the symptoms of depression, exercise classes also offer opportunities to socialize with others.
Try less stressful activities. T'ai chi, yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture can help.
Interact with and care for pets.
Some people believe that herbal and dietary supplements may help with mild depression, although there is no evidence that they will help most people. St. John's Wort has been the most popular, but people taking this supplement must be cautious about possible interactions with other medications, including chemotherapy, they may be taking.
Deciding to participate and following through with these types of activities may help someone with mild depression regain a sense of control. But while they may have short-term benefit, these activities are not effective treatments for people with more severe depression.
Wah....man! for me, a "good pumping" will do the trick and clear my depression fast and also kick-start my engine for the rest of the day. If it is really a wonderful great pumping....then my week will also be great too hahaha. Guess...this applies to me only ( can talk about my own treatment )
Last month, a news release from Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, listed several activities that help some people with mild to moderate depression. Although none are clearly approved as treatments for depression, none are likely to cause harm and can be used along with psychotherapy and medications.
Here are some activities that may help you treat depression without a prescription:
Join a group. Group activities seem to be especially helpful.
Exercise. In addition to helping to relieve the symptoms of depression, exercise classes also offer opportunities to socialize with others.
Try less stressful activities. T'ai chi, yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture can help.
Interact with and care for pets.
Some people believe that herbal and dietary supplements may help with mild depression, although there is no evidence that they will help most people. St. John's Wort has been the most popular, but people taking this supplement must be cautious about possible interactions with other medications, including chemotherapy, they may be taking.
Deciding to participate and following through with these types of activities may help someone with mild depression regain a sense of control. But while they may have short-term benefit, these activities are not effective treatments for people with more severe depression.
Wah....man! for me, a "good pumping" will do the trick and clear my depression fast and also kick-start my engine for the rest of the day. If it is really a wonderful great pumping....then my week will also be great too hahaha. Guess...this applies to me only ( can talk about my own treatment )
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Why Men Cheat - Mysteries of the Sexes Explained
Of course, we all know that while men and women are both capable of cheating, it's often the guys who have the biggest problem keeping their belts firmly buckled. And we all know that no matter who it's with, why it's done, or where the after-hours canoodling takes place, cheating is, ( most of the time )the ultimate relationship death sentence. But instead of dwelling on what happens after the cheating takes place, one of the ways to perhaps prevent infidelity is by knowing a little bit about why men stray. I'm not offering them as excuses, merely explanations as to what happens in that brain (and other body parts) of his, in hopes that you might be able to prevent it. Here, the top reasons why men cheat:
To Fulfill His Biology:
You know the old anthropological tale. A man's main job, besides killing the saber-tooth, is to spread his seed in order to ensure the survival of his genetic legacy. It's a man's biology to want to wander. Does that mean he should, or that he can't help it? Of course not. But it does mean that a man is going to have strong (extremely strong)biological urges to knock on the doors of neighboring huts. I have had this argument/discussion/conversation with dozens of men and women: Are men predestined to cheat? My answer is no, they're not, despite their biology. But often times, they do have to fight it. Especially after a pitcher and two shots of Jack.
To Get the Attention:
News flash: Sure, some guys cheat because, well, maybe the sexual frequency has slowed a bit, and maybe hot and heavy happens at home about as often as Rob Schneider gets nominated for an Oscar. But the truth is that plenty of men who are having regular sex with their partner are also having sex with someone else. Why? Because cheating isn't just about the sex. Just as a woman who cheats may be seeking more affection than what she's getting at home, a man often cheats because he's seeking the attention that he no longer gets at home. Part of the allure of the mysterious woman isn't just to find out what she looks like naked; it's that the woman showers the man with flirtations, with seduction, with advances that make him feel like he's worthy of more than just fixing dents in the drywall.
To Get Out:
I know lots of guys who simply don't have the strength to end it. They may try ("I'm just not happy"), or they may take other tactics to drive a woman away. A lot of guys simply have trouble breaking off relationships because they don't want to be perceived as that bad guy, the jerk, the insensitive ass-hole who ended something good. So they tiptoe around the issue in hopes that she'll get so frustrated that she'll back out first. Well, if that doesn't work, then a man knows that the only way out is to commit the relationship sin that drives a woman away for good. It's not right, but it's what happens.
To Change Up His Play List:
Think about what's on your iPod. You have your favorite songs you play over and over, but every once in a while, you're in the mood to hear something you haven't played in a long time. You don't need to hear it but once every month or so, but still, you appreciate the change-up. Relationships need to be like good iPods lists. You're comfortable with your routine and you like your routine, but it's always nice to change things up. What men really want in relationships (and what I suspect women also want) is to be able to take comfort in the routine of a long-term commitment, as long as there are some surprises that make it feel like a new relationship every once in a while. In order to keep the relationship strong, you've got to change the songs every once in a while. That goes for in the bedroom and out.
Yeah....sound about right! Spot-on!
To Fulfill His Biology:
You know the old anthropological tale. A man's main job, besides killing the saber-tooth, is to spread his seed in order to ensure the survival of his genetic legacy. It's a man's biology to want to wander. Does that mean he should, or that he can't help it? Of course not. But it does mean that a man is going to have strong (extremely strong)biological urges to knock on the doors of neighboring huts. I have had this argument/discussion/conversation with dozens of men and women: Are men predestined to cheat? My answer is no, they're not, despite their biology. But often times, they do have to fight it. Especially after a pitcher and two shots of Jack.
To Get the Attention:
News flash: Sure, some guys cheat because, well, maybe the sexual frequency has slowed a bit, and maybe hot and heavy happens at home about as often as Rob Schneider gets nominated for an Oscar. But the truth is that plenty of men who are having regular sex with their partner are also having sex with someone else. Why? Because cheating isn't just about the sex. Just as a woman who cheats may be seeking more affection than what she's getting at home, a man often cheats because he's seeking the attention that he no longer gets at home. Part of the allure of the mysterious woman isn't just to find out what she looks like naked; it's that the woman showers the man with flirtations, with seduction, with advances that make him feel like he's worthy of more than just fixing dents in the drywall.
To Get Out:
I know lots of guys who simply don't have the strength to end it. They may try ("I'm just not happy"), or they may take other tactics to drive a woman away. A lot of guys simply have trouble breaking off relationships because they don't want to be perceived as that bad guy, the jerk, the insensitive ass-hole who ended something good. So they tiptoe around the issue in hopes that she'll get so frustrated that she'll back out first. Well, if that doesn't work, then a man knows that the only way out is to commit the relationship sin that drives a woman away for good. It's not right, but it's what happens.
To Change Up His Play List:
Think about what's on your iPod. You have your favorite songs you play over and over, but every once in a while, you're in the mood to hear something you haven't played in a long time. You don't need to hear it but once every month or so, but still, you appreciate the change-up. Relationships need to be like good iPods lists. You're comfortable with your routine and you like your routine, but it's always nice to change things up. What men really want in relationships (and what I suspect women also want) is to be able to take comfort in the routine of a long-term commitment, as long as there are some surprises that make it feel like a new relationship every once in a while. In order to keep the relationship strong, you've got to change the songs every once in a while. That goes for in the bedroom and out.
Yeah....sound about right! Spot-on!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Saturday again - 2nd Dec
Power! Copied a both of useful articles on health in my blog for today. Found them to be useful esp during this coming cold period.
As for work, again coming to a end for me. Happy to get thru this difficult week esp when I, myself is still not fully recovered from the sinusistis. Didn't really understand this thing "sinus". Just thought that, after medication and with some rest a person should be fully recovered from it until I got it myself. It is a shitty feeling even with rest and seeing so many doctors. The 1st time in my life that during a course of 2 mths....I can be "down". Well...I don't think it is due to my age or attitude but to this thing called "sinus infection or sinusistis in medical term". It reminds me of an equipment having "intermittent circuit-short" issue. Can make a person "pissed" hahaha.
Wow....just great, another 4 days rest after tonight. Only be working on Thursday night. Hopefully....more R & R hehehe to perk me up, and I am looking forward to that. :)
As for work, again coming to a end for me. Happy to get thru this difficult week esp when I, myself is still not fully recovered from the sinusistis. Didn't really understand this thing "sinus". Just thought that, after medication and with some rest a person should be fully recovered from it until I got it myself. It is a shitty feeling even with rest and seeing so many doctors. The 1st time in my life that during a course of 2 mths....I can be "down". Well...I don't think it is due to my age or attitude but to this thing called "sinus infection or sinusistis in medical term". It reminds me of an equipment having "intermittent circuit-short" issue. Can make a person "pissed" hahaha.
Wow....just great, another 4 days rest after tonight. Only be working on Thursday night. Hopefully....more R & R hehehe to perk me up, and I am looking forward to that. :)
Your Best Shot at Fighting the Flu.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Flu season is fast approaching, but the troublesome virus may not be a health threat if you take steps to protect yourself.
The best protection?
"The best way to guard against the flu is to get vaccinated, which helps to protect you, your loved ones, and your community," says Dr. Jeanne Santoli, deputy director of the Immunization Services Division at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A record 100 million-plus doses are ready to be distributed nationwide this year, which is welcome news after a manufacturing problem last year left many people scrambling for shots.
The increase in available shots reflects an expansion of flu-vaccine recommendations to targeted groups.
"For the 2006 flu season, the CDC recommendations have added on children ages 24 to 59 months, which also extends to household contacts of the children, and their caregivers outside the home," Santoli explained.
Everyone from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to the American Lung Association endorse flu shots. In fact, the AHA and ACC are asking heart doctors to do something they may not normally do -- give flu shots to their patients who are more likely to die from influenza than patients with any other chronic condition, the groups say.
Getting a flu shot each fall, before the flu season hits, is especially important if you're in a high-risk group. They include: children aged 6 months to 59 months of age; pregnant women; people 50 and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes or HIV; and people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
"It's also important to prevent the spread of infection from otherwise healthy, younger persons to those who are at high risk. People who live with or who provide care for high-risk individuals -- including health-care providers -- should also be vaccinated to reduce the chance that they get infected and spread the infection to others," said Dr. Wendy A. Keitel, associate professor of medicine at the Influenza Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"The optimal time to get your flu shot is in October or November, before the flu season typically begins," Santoli said. "That way, you have the greatest chance of protection, since it takes two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective."
However, flu season usually doesn't peak until January, so getting inoculated later is better than not at all. The flu season typically runs from November through April, but can start earlier and last longer.
Even if you get the flu, you should still get a shot, Keitel said. "Some epidemics are caused by more than one type of influenza virus. Having caught the flu early in the season would not protect you from getting infected by a different type of virus, but it should protect you from getting infected by the same virus later in the epidemic," she explained.
Each year, the flu vaccine is designed to include three of the most likely strains predicted to strike that season. Vaccination is kind of like giving a mug shot of a suspect -- i.e. the flu -- to your body, so it can be on alert should it see the virus in question, Santoli said.
The flu vaccine doesn't contain the live, active virus, but dead parts of the virus that the body recognizes as foreign bodies, which causes the immune system to produce antibodies to fight it when you encounter the virus for real, she added.
For the needle-shy, there's also a nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist that replaces the poke with a sniff. Available since 2003, it's only recommended for healthy, non-pregnant people ages 5 to 49. It differs from the flu shot in that it contains weakened, live flu viruses instead of dead ones.
Every year, about 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population is stricken with the flu, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations and about 36,000 deaths.
The seasonal flu is not the same as bird flu or pandemic flu, which have been international public-health concerns recently. There's no vaccine to prevent either of these diseases, Santoli said.
The good news is that no bird-flu cases with the deadly H5N1 strain have been reported in North America yet, although health officials are concerned that the virus could mutate, making human-to-human transmission much easier.
The CDC also suggests you take the following steps to help ward off the flu:
Avoid close contact with people who are infected.
Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs. Studies suggest that flu viruses can live on surfaces for two to eight hours.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Ask your doctor about antiviral drugs, which are not a substitute for the flu shot, but they do add another level of protection.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick, so you'll be less likely to pass on the virus.
The best protection?
"The best way to guard against the flu is to get vaccinated, which helps to protect you, your loved ones, and your community," says Dr. Jeanne Santoli, deputy director of the Immunization Services Division at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A record 100 million-plus doses are ready to be distributed nationwide this year, which is welcome news after a manufacturing problem last year left many people scrambling for shots.
The increase in available shots reflects an expansion of flu-vaccine recommendations to targeted groups.
"For the 2006 flu season, the CDC recommendations have added on children ages 24 to 59 months, which also extends to household contacts of the children, and their caregivers outside the home," Santoli explained.
Everyone from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to the American Lung Association endorse flu shots. In fact, the AHA and ACC are asking heart doctors to do something they may not normally do -- give flu shots to their patients who are more likely to die from influenza than patients with any other chronic condition, the groups say.
Getting a flu shot each fall, before the flu season hits, is especially important if you're in a high-risk group. They include: children aged 6 months to 59 months of age; pregnant women; people 50 and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes or HIV; and people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
"It's also important to prevent the spread of infection from otherwise healthy, younger persons to those who are at high risk. People who live with or who provide care for high-risk individuals -- including health-care providers -- should also be vaccinated to reduce the chance that they get infected and spread the infection to others," said Dr. Wendy A. Keitel, associate professor of medicine at the Influenza Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"The optimal time to get your flu shot is in October or November, before the flu season typically begins," Santoli said. "That way, you have the greatest chance of protection, since it takes two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective."
However, flu season usually doesn't peak until January, so getting inoculated later is better than not at all. The flu season typically runs from November through April, but can start earlier and last longer.
Even if you get the flu, you should still get a shot, Keitel said. "Some epidemics are caused by more than one type of influenza virus. Having caught the flu early in the season would not protect you from getting infected by a different type of virus, but it should protect you from getting infected by the same virus later in the epidemic," she explained.
Each year, the flu vaccine is designed to include three of the most likely strains predicted to strike that season. Vaccination is kind of like giving a mug shot of a suspect -- i.e. the flu -- to your body, so it can be on alert should it see the virus in question, Santoli said.
The flu vaccine doesn't contain the live, active virus, but dead parts of the virus that the body recognizes as foreign bodies, which causes the immune system to produce antibodies to fight it when you encounter the virus for real, she added.
For the needle-shy, there's also a nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist that replaces the poke with a sniff. Available since 2003, it's only recommended for healthy, non-pregnant people ages 5 to 49. It differs from the flu shot in that it contains weakened, live flu viruses instead of dead ones.
Every year, about 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population is stricken with the flu, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations and about 36,000 deaths.
The seasonal flu is not the same as bird flu or pandemic flu, which have been international public-health concerns recently. There's no vaccine to prevent either of these diseases, Santoli said.
The good news is that no bird-flu cases with the deadly H5N1 strain have been reported in North America yet, although health officials are concerned that the virus could mutate, making human-to-human transmission much easier.
The CDC also suggests you take the following steps to help ward off the flu:
Avoid close contact with people who are infected.
Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs. Studies suggest that flu viruses can live on surfaces for two to eight hours.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Ask your doctor about antiviral drugs, which are not a substitute for the flu shot, but they do add another level of protection.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick, so you'll be less likely to pass on the virus.
Cold or allergy: Which is it?
Cold or allergy: Which is it?
Provided by:
Last Updated: 12/13/2005
Q:I seem to get a lot of colds in the spring and fall. I'm wondering if maybe these "colds" are really seasonal allergies. How can I tell?
A:
If you tend to get frequent "colds" that develop suddenly and occur at the same time every year, it is possible that you are actually suffering from seasonal allergies. Although colds and allergies may share some of the same symptoms, they are very different diseases. Here's why:
Cause. Colds are caused by viruses. Allergies are an immune system response caused by exposure to an allergen — something you're allergic to — such as pollen or pet dander. Cold viruses are easily spread from person to person. You can't "catch" an allergy from someone who has an allergy.
Duration. Cold symptoms can develop at any time and usually last from two to 14 days. In contrast, seasonal allergy symptoms start at the same time every year and may last for months.
Treatment. Treatment of a cold may include rest, pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants. Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants.
Prevention. To help prevent colds, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. To help prevent allergy symptoms, avoid exposure to known allergens.
The only way to truly know if you have allergies is to be tested for them in your doctor's office.
Symptom checker: Is it a cold or an allergy?
Symptom Cold Allergies
Cough Usually Sometimes
General aches and pains Sometimes Never
Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes
Itchy eyes Rarely Usually
Sneezing Usually Usually
Sore throat Usually Sometimes
Runny nose Usually Usually
Stuffy nose Usually Usually
Fever Rarely Never
Source: Adapted from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
PS - hope this is helpful.
Provided by:
Last Updated: 12/13/2005
Q:I seem to get a lot of colds in the spring and fall. I'm wondering if maybe these "colds" are really seasonal allergies. How can I tell?
A:
If you tend to get frequent "colds" that develop suddenly and occur at the same time every year, it is possible that you are actually suffering from seasonal allergies. Although colds and allergies may share some of the same symptoms, they are very different diseases. Here's why:
Cause. Colds are caused by viruses. Allergies are an immune system response caused by exposure to an allergen — something you're allergic to — such as pollen or pet dander. Cold viruses are easily spread from person to person. You can't "catch" an allergy from someone who has an allergy.
Duration. Cold symptoms can develop at any time and usually last from two to 14 days. In contrast, seasonal allergy symptoms start at the same time every year and may last for months.
Treatment. Treatment of a cold may include rest, pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants. Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants.
Prevention. To help prevent colds, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. To help prevent allergy symptoms, avoid exposure to known allergens.
The only way to truly know if you have allergies is to be tested for them in your doctor's office.
Symptom checker: Is it a cold or an allergy?
Symptom Cold Allergies
Cough Usually Sometimes
General aches and pains Sometimes Never
Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes
Itchy eyes Rarely Usually
Sneezing Usually Usually
Sore throat Usually Sometimes
Runny nose Usually Usually
Stuffy nose Usually Usually
Fever Rarely Never
Source: Adapted from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
PS - hope this is helpful.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Reflection of life - put a smile on your face now once you understand life is not that bad.
There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He's always there for
her.
She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her
boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she can see
everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry
me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and
refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying.
"Just take care of my eyes dear."
This is how human brain changes when their status changed. Only few remember
what life was before, and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.
Life Is A Gift
Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who
can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who
has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's
crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too
early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires
children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks
the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Do remember that not one of us are without wrong doings or sin.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your
face and be thankful you're alive and still around.
Life is a gift from God. Be thankful. Amen.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He's always there for
her.
She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her
boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she can see
everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry
me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and
refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying.
"Just take care of my eyes dear."
This is how human brain changes when their status changed. Only few remember
what life was before, and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.
Life Is A Gift
Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who
can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who
has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's
crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too
early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires
children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks
the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Do remember that not one of us are without wrong doings or sin.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your
face and be thankful you're alive and still around.
Life is a gift from God. Be thankful. Amen.
Identity theft and prevention
Identity theft is a nightmare for its victims. Your personal data -- Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank account numbers -- can be stolen by a thief posing as you who uses this information to spend thousands of dollars or more.
The damage goes way beyond money. Identity theft can have a devastating impact on your entire life, destroying your credit score and taking you months or even years to recover from the damage.
Some Surprising Data
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that an estimated 95 million Americans have been exposed to some risk of identity theft in the last two years due to breaches at companies, institutions, and government offices.
USA Today also reported that by year's end there will be 8.9 million cases of identity fraud, resulting in an average loss of $6,383 per victim. This crime is an epidemic, and has quickly become a billion-dollar crisis.
The Javelin Strategy and Research 2006 Identity Fraud Survey Report, believed to be the largest ever on identity theft, reveals some surprising results. Ninety percent of identity fraud in which the source can be determined takes place through traditional means, not as a result of the Internet.
Don't Be a Victim
Lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks, and credit cards account for 30 percent of cases in which identity thieves gain access to personal information. That's right, it's the most frequent way that identities are stolen -- more than online transactions, more than stolen mail, and more than computer hacking.
According to the survey, the No. 1 misperception surrounding identity theft is that consumers are helpless to protect themselves. The truth is that many causes of identity theft are beyond our control. But taking a proactive stance to detect fraud will keep you from being a victim.
Here are six things you need to know to fight back against identity theft:
1. Keep your private information private.
Half of all identity theft in which the thief is identified is committed by a friend, coworker, neighbor, in-home employee, or relative of the victim. So make it a habit not to leave things lying around at home or in the office -- specifically your wallet, checkbook, or anything else containing private or financial information, including your mail.
Also, before you toss anything in the trash containing your private information, be sure to shred it. This isn't new advice, but I'd be remiss not to mention it.
2. Get a copy of your credit reports.
Often, victims of identity theft have no idea their credit is being used or destroyed until they apply for a loan and pull their credit score. So pull your credit report now, and make a plan to check it regularly.
By law, you're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- once every year. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and stagger your requests so that you'll receive one report from each credit bureau every four months. Put the dates on your calendar so you don't forget. Keep in mind that this is for your free credit report only, not your credit score.
For your credit score, you'll need to go to myFICO. While you're there, you may want to check out their Identity Theft Security Deluxe product, which monitors your credit score and credit report automatically for $49.95 a year.
3. Find out if your state has a credit freeze law.
Here's a virtually foolproof way to prevent a thief from stealing your identity and using your personal data to get approved for credit. With this new law you're able to block ("freeze") all access to your credit report and credit score.
It's not necessarily the most convenient solution to protect yourself from fraud. Anytime you need to have your credit checked -- for instance, if you're buying a car or cell phone or even interviewing for a job -- you'll need to lift the block ("thaw" your record), which takes about three days. But if you have real concerns about identity theft or perhaps are already a victim, this is an option you may want to consider.
Some states will only grant a credit freeze if you're already a victim of identity theft. Find out if your state has a credit freeze law, including what it costs, by visiting FinancialPrivacyNow.org.
4. Check your bank statements weekly.
One of the great things about online banking is that you can log on and check your account at any time. Make a point of checking your bank statement weekly to be sure there aren't any red flags.
The same goes for your credit card statements. In fact, you may want to consider canceling your paper statements altogether and opting for online statements. After all, you're more likely to have personal information stolen from your mail than from the Internet.
That said, be sure to always use a secure computer. Using a public computer, like one at your local library, is risky due to tracking software that thieves can use to steal your passwords.
5. Be computer savvy.
Even though a relatively small percentage of identity theft occurs online, you should still take necessary precautions.
In addition to being careful about surfing the web on public computers, you should also be aware of the risks involved when using a wireless connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result there's bound to be an increase in wireless hacking.
Wireless connectivity is the perfect platform for thieves to get your personal data. If you have a wireless network at home or work, make sure you're incorporating password-protection and encryption. When accessing public hotspots, use a personal firewall.
Also, keep your computer safe by updating your antivirus and anti-spyware programs regularly. Use passwords so that others can't log on to your computer, laptop, or even your PDA, and be sure to change your passwords often.
Be smart about phishing scams, too. That's when you're sent an email that requests your personal or financial information, or that prompts you to click a link to provide your personal or financial information. If you're unsure of the legitimacy of such a request, call the company that it was supposedly sent from. If an email seems suspicious, it usually is.
6. Be aware of "deleted" data.
The Washington Post recently ran an article on mobile phones -- specifically "smartphones" like the Palm Treo and BlackBerry -- that was quite an eye-opener.
According to the story, resetting your phone to wipe out personal data doesn't exactly delete information. It turns out that your phone's operating system never actually deletes data, only the pointers to where the data is located. Anyone with the right software can recover information that was stored on your phone once you sell or discard it
You need to do is contact the device manufacturer for complete instructions on what to do to wipe your data clean. You can also visit WirelessRecycling.com for instructions. And think twice about what information you store on your device in case it's ever lost or stolen.
If Your Identity Is Stolen
Take the above steps and -- should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having had your identity stolen -- you'll commend yourself for being proactive enough to identify a problem before too much damage was done.
Don't waste a minute once you've discovered suspicious activity -- go directly to the website of the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint and access their comprehensive guide on the steps you'll need to follow to resolve the situation.
Some states will only grant a credit freeze if you're already a victim of identity theft. Find out if your state has a credit freeze law, including what it costs, by visiting FinancialPrivacyNow.org.
4. Check your bank statements weekly.
One of the great things about online banking is that you can log on and check your account at any time. Make a point of checking your bank statement weekly to be sure there aren't any red flags.
The same goes for your credit card statements. In fact, you may want to consider canceling your paper statements altogether and opting for online statements. After all, you're more likely to have personal information stolen from your mail than from the Internet.
That said, be sure to always use a secure computer. Using a public computer, like one at your local library, is risky due to tracking software that thieves can use to steal your passwords.
5. Be computer savvy.
Even though a relatively small percentage of identity theft occurs online, you should still take necessary precautions.
In addition to being careful about surfing the web on public computers, you should also be aware of the risks involved when using a wireless connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result there's bound to be an increase in wireless hacking.
Wireless connectivity is the perfect platform for thieves to get your personal data. If you have a wireless network at home or work, make sure you're incorporating password-protection and encryption. When accessing public hotspots, use a personal firewall.
Also, keep your computer safe by updating your antivirus and anti-spyware programs regularly. Use passwords so that others can't log on to your computer, laptop, or even your PDA, and be sure to change your passwords often.
Be smart about phishing scams, too. That's when you're sent an email that requests your personal or financial information, or that prompts you to click a link to provide your personal or financial information. If you're unsure of the legitimacy of such a request, call the company that it was supposedly sent from. If an email seems suspicious, it usually is.
6. Be aware of "deleted" data.
The Washington Post recently ran an article on mobile phones -- specifically "smartphones" like the Palm Treo and BlackBerry -- that was quite an eye-opener.
According to the story, resetting your phone to wipe out personal data doesn't exactly delete information. It turns out that your phone's operating system never actually deletes data, only the pointers to where the data is located. Anyone with the right software can recover information that was stored on your phone once you sell or discard it
You need to do is contact the device manufacturer for complete instructions on what to do to wipe your data clean. You can also visit WirelessRecycling.com for instructions. And think twice about what information you store on your device in case it's ever lost or stolen.
If Your Identity Is Stolen
Take the above steps and -- should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having had your identity stolen -- you'll commend yourself for being proactive enough to identify a problem before too much damage was done.
Don't waste a minute once you've discovered suspicious activity -- go directly to the website of the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint and access their comprehensive guide on the steps you'll need to follow to resolve the situation.
Or the last action you can take is to buy a ID Guard insurance plan from AIA which will cover you for up to a limit lost due to stolen ID or if you got rob at the ATM machine/or on the way home after drawing money from an ATM machine.
Personally had my ID stolen when I paid for buying things using my credit card via the internet. Luckily the bank officer called me to check whether did I make the purchase in Spain at that actual moment. I was driving at that time...normally I won't answer the call but on that day, I picked up the call and told the officer that I was driving on the CTE...and that I cannot be in Spain doing any purchase at the same time. He confirmed my statement but at the end of the month, I still received a bank charge of the fraud. Shithead....but only after I rang the bank to complain about the charge, they sent me a form to fill and sign before they cancel off the charges. Man...2K. So, I am a strong believer of the ID Guard Plan hahaha.
The damage goes way beyond money. Identity theft can have a devastating impact on your entire life, destroying your credit score and taking you months or even years to recover from the damage.
Some Surprising Data
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that an estimated 95 million Americans have been exposed to some risk of identity theft in the last two years due to breaches at companies, institutions, and government offices.
USA Today also reported that by year's end there will be 8.9 million cases of identity fraud, resulting in an average loss of $6,383 per victim. This crime is an epidemic, and has quickly become a billion-dollar crisis.
The Javelin Strategy and Research 2006 Identity Fraud Survey Report, believed to be the largest ever on identity theft, reveals some surprising results. Ninety percent of identity fraud in which the source can be determined takes place through traditional means, not as a result of the Internet.
Don't Be a Victim
Lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks, and credit cards account for 30 percent of cases in which identity thieves gain access to personal information. That's right, it's the most frequent way that identities are stolen -- more than online transactions, more than stolen mail, and more than computer hacking.
According to the survey, the No. 1 misperception surrounding identity theft is that consumers are helpless to protect themselves. The truth is that many causes of identity theft are beyond our control. But taking a proactive stance to detect fraud will keep you from being a victim.
Here are six things you need to know to fight back against identity theft:
1. Keep your private information private.
Half of all identity theft in which the thief is identified is committed by a friend, coworker, neighbor, in-home employee, or relative of the victim. So make it a habit not to leave things lying around at home or in the office -- specifically your wallet, checkbook, or anything else containing private or financial information, including your mail.
Also, before you toss anything in the trash containing your private information, be sure to shred it. This isn't new advice, but I'd be remiss not to mention it.
2. Get a copy of your credit reports.
Often, victims of identity theft have no idea their credit is being used or destroyed until they apply for a loan and pull their credit score. So pull your credit report now, and make a plan to check it regularly.
By law, you're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- once every year. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and stagger your requests so that you'll receive one report from each credit bureau every four months. Put the dates on your calendar so you don't forget. Keep in mind that this is for your free credit report only, not your credit score.
For your credit score, you'll need to go to myFICO. While you're there, you may want to check out their Identity Theft Security Deluxe product, which monitors your credit score and credit report automatically for $49.95 a year.
3. Find out if your state has a credit freeze law.
Here's a virtually foolproof way to prevent a thief from stealing your identity and using your personal data to get approved for credit. With this new law you're able to block ("freeze") all access to your credit report and credit score.
It's not necessarily the most convenient solution to protect yourself from fraud. Anytime you need to have your credit checked -- for instance, if you're buying a car or cell phone or even interviewing for a job -- you'll need to lift the block ("thaw" your record), which takes about three days. But if you have real concerns about identity theft or perhaps are already a victim, this is an option you may want to consider.
Some states will only grant a credit freeze if you're already a victim of identity theft. Find out if your state has a credit freeze law, including what it costs, by visiting FinancialPrivacyNow.org.
4. Check your bank statements weekly.
One of the great things about online banking is that you can log on and check your account at any time. Make a point of checking your bank statement weekly to be sure there aren't any red flags.
The same goes for your credit card statements. In fact, you may want to consider canceling your paper statements altogether and opting for online statements. After all, you're more likely to have personal information stolen from your mail than from the Internet.
That said, be sure to always use a secure computer. Using a public computer, like one at your local library, is risky due to tracking software that thieves can use to steal your passwords.
5. Be computer savvy.
Even though a relatively small percentage of identity theft occurs online, you should still take necessary precautions.
In addition to being careful about surfing the web on public computers, you should also be aware of the risks involved when using a wireless connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result there's bound to be an increase in wireless hacking.
Wireless connectivity is the perfect platform for thieves to get your personal data. If you have a wireless network at home or work, make sure you're incorporating password-protection and encryption. When accessing public hotspots, use a personal firewall.
Also, keep your computer safe by updating your antivirus and anti-spyware programs regularly. Use passwords so that others can't log on to your computer, laptop, or even your PDA, and be sure to change your passwords often.
Be smart about phishing scams, too. That's when you're sent an email that requests your personal or financial information, or that prompts you to click a link to provide your personal or financial information. If you're unsure of the legitimacy of such a request, call the company that it was supposedly sent from. If an email seems suspicious, it usually is.
6. Be aware of "deleted" data.
The Washington Post recently ran an article on mobile phones -- specifically "smartphones" like the Palm Treo and BlackBerry -- that was quite an eye-opener.
According to the story, resetting your phone to wipe out personal data doesn't exactly delete information. It turns out that your phone's operating system never actually deletes data, only the pointers to where the data is located. Anyone with the right software can recover information that was stored on your phone once you sell or discard it
You need to do is contact the device manufacturer for complete instructions on what to do to wipe your data clean. You can also visit WirelessRecycling.com for instructions. And think twice about what information you store on your device in case it's ever lost or stolen.
If Your Identity Is Stolen
Take the above steps and -- should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having had your identity stolen -- you'll commend yourself for being proactive enough to identify a problem before too much damage was done.
Don't waste a minute once you've discovered suspicious activity -- go directly to the website of the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint and access their comprehensive guide on the steps you'll need to follow to resolve the situation.
Some states will only grant a credit freeze if you're already a victim of identity theft. Find out if your state has a credit freeze law, including what it costs, by visiting FinancialPrivacyNow.org.
4. Check your bank statements weekly.
One of the great things about online banking is that you can log on and check your account at any time. Make a point of checking your bank statement weekly to be sure there aren't any red flags.
The same goes for your credit card statements. In fact, you may want to consider canceling your paper statements altogether and opting for online statements. After all, you're more likely to have personal information stolen from your mail than from the Internet.
That said, be sure to always use a secure computer. Using a public computer, like one at your local library, is risky due to tracking software that thieves can use to steal your passwords.
5. Be computer savvy.
Even though a relatively small percentage of identity theft occurs online, you should still take necessary precautions.
In addition to being careful about surfing the web on public computers, you should also be aware of the risks involved when using a wireless connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result there's bound to be an increase in wireless hacking.
Wireless connectivity is the perfect platform for thieves to get your personal data. If you have a wireless network at home or work, make sure you're incorporating password-protection and encryption. When accessing public hotspots, use a personal firewall.
Also, keep your computer safe by updating your antivirus and anti-spyware programs regularly. Use passwords so that others can't log on to your computer, laptop, or even your PDA, and be sure to change your passwords often.
Be smart about phishing scams, too. That's when you're sent an email that requests your personal or financial information, or that prompts you to click a link to provide your personal or financial information. If you're unsure of the legitimacy of such a request, call the company that it was supposedly sent from. If an email seems suspicious, it usually is.
6. Be aware of "deleted" data.
The Washington Post recently ran an article on mobile phones -- specifically "smartphones" like the Palm Treo and BlackBerry -- that was quite an eye-opener.
According to the story, resetting your phone to wipe out personal data doesn't exactly delete information. It turns out that your phone's operating system never actually deletes data, only the pointers to where the data is located. Anyone with the right software can recover information that was stored on your phone once you sell or discard it
You need to do is contact the device manufacturer for complete instructions on what to do to wipe your data clean. You can also visit WirelessRecycling.com for instructions. And think twice about what information you store on your device in case it's ever lost or stolen.
If Your Identity Is Stolen
Take the above steps and -- should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having had your identity stolen -- you'll commend yourself for being proactive enough to identify a problem before too much damage was done.
Don't waste a minute once you've discovered suspicious activity -- go directly to the website of the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint and access their comprehensive guide on the steps you'll need to follow to resolve the situation.
Or the last action you can take is to buy a ID Guard insurance plan from AIA which will cover you for up to a limit lost due to stolen ID or if you got rob at the ATM machine/or on the way home after drawing money from an ATM machine.
Personally had my ID stolen when I paid for buying things using my credit card via the internet. Luckily the bank officer called me to check whether did I make the purchase in Spain at that actual moment. I was driving at that time...normally I won't answer the call but on that day, I picked up the call and told the officer that I was driving on the CTE...and that I cannot be in Spain doing any purchase at the same time. He confirmed my statement but at the end of the month, I still received a bank charge of the fraud. Shithead....but only after I rang the bank to complain about the charge, they sent me a form to fill and sign before they cancel off the charges. Man...2K. So, I am a strong believer of the ID Guard Plan hahaha.
"Understanding Sleeplessness: Perspectives on Insomnia."
In Salt Lake City at this year's major annual meeting of sleep researchers and clinicians, I recently spoke to a group of attendees about the various ways of viewing insomnia described in my book, "Understanding Sleeplessness: Perspectives on Insomnia."
Insomnia usually is caused by several different influences. Rarely is there a single answer that solves the problem. People with chronic insomnia generally improve gradually as different issues are addressed. Success usually results from some combination of behavior changes, psychotherapeutic interventions, and schedule modifications, sometimes with the aid of medications.
One way of understanding insomnia is with a motivated behavior perspective. The idea behind this perspective is that people have various natural biological drives, one of which is the drive for sleep.
After being awake long enough, we all become sleepy. However, there are times when a person might expect to be able to sleep but doesn't have a sufficient sleepiness drive.
For instance, an afternoon nap might decrease the sleepiness drive at bedtime and make it difficult for the person to fall asleep quickly. Caffeine in the evening certainly can affect the balance of wakefulness and sleepiness, contributing to insomnia.
Another point of view is called the dimensional perspective. We all have characteristics along different spectra, some of which might influence our ability to sleep well.
One continuum relates to our biological clocks. While most of us sleep beginning at about 10 p.m. to midnight until about 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., others may be early birds or night owls.
People at the extreme ends of this spectrum are more likely to have difficulty with their sleep. The night owls often have trouble getting to sleep as early as they would like, and the early birds tend to awaken much earlier than they would like.
Recently I wrote about the different ways of viewing the problem of insomnia discussed in my book "Understanding Sleeplessness: Perspectives on Insomnia." I described the motivated behavior and dimensional perspectives in my last entry. Here I'll write about the life-story and disease model views.
It's natural for us to search for meaning by trying to explain things, and that includes why we have certain problems, such as difficulty sleeping. There is a type of logic in the stories we create. We might explain insomnia as the result of an upsetting experience, a work schedule change, or a habit of drinking coffee after dinner. In other words, insomnia may make sense because of something we've done or something that has happened to us.
With the disease model we try to explain insomnia in relation to biological functioning. The disease model considers clusters of symptoms that might represent particular disorders. From this point of view, insomnia might be viewed as one feature of a mood or anxiety disorder.
Difficulty falling asleep is a characteristic of the delayed sleep phase syndrome. Some people have insomnia as a disorder that is not obviously caused by another disorder. The ultimate goal of the disease model approach is understanding the underlying biological cause of a symptom.
The motivated behavior, dimensional, life-story, and disease model perspectives all may provide valuable insights regarding a patient's sleep problems. None of them is the single right answer; rather, these four points of view complement each other. In addition to helping us understand insomnia, these types of reasoning are used in understanding many different psychiatric problems. That is the subject of the book "Perspectives of Psychiatry" by Paul McHugh and Phillip Slavney.
More points of view should help doctors highlight the different possible ways they can help their patients. Someone with an anxiety disorder may also have an advanced sleep phase "early bird" tendency and feel distressed about family problems. Addressing all of them probably will be the best solution for the insomnia.
Insomnia usually is caused by several different influences. Rarely is there a single answer that solves the problem. People with chronic insomnia generally improve gradually as different issues are addressed. Success usually results from some combination of behavior changes, psychotherapeutic interventions, and schedule modifications, sometimes with the aid of medications.
One way of understanding insomnia is with a motivated behavior perspective. The idea behind this perspective is that people have various natural biological drives, one of which is the drive for sleep.
After being awake long enough, we all become sleepy. However, there are times when a person might expect to be able to sleep but doesn't have a sufficient sleepiness drive.
For instance, an afternoon nap might decrease the sleepiness drive at bedtime and make it difficult for the person to fall asleep quickly. Caffeine in the evening certainly can affect the balance of wakefulness and sleepiness, contributing to insomnia.
Another point of view is called the dimensional perspective. We all have characteristics along different spectra, some of which might influence our ability to sleep well.
One continuum relates to our biological clocks. While most of us sleep beginning at about 10 p.m. to midnight until about 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., others may be early birds or night owls.
People at the extreme ends of this spectrum are more likely to have difficulty with their sleep. The night owls often have trouble getting to sleep as early as they would like, and the early birds tend to awaken much earlier than they would like.
Recently I wrote about the different ways of viewing the problem of insomnia discussed in my book "Understanding Sleeplessness: Perspectives on Insomnia." I described the motivated behavior and dimensional perspectives in my last entry. Here I'll write about the life-story and disease model views.
It's natural for us to search for meaning by trying to explain things, and that includes why we have certain problems, such as difficulty sleeping. There is a type of logic in the stories we create. We might explain insomnia as the result of an upsetting experience, a work schedule change, or a habit of drinking coffee after dinner. In other words, insomnia may make sense because of something we've done or something that has happened to us.
With the disease model we try to explain insomnia in relation to biological functioning. The disease model considers clusters of symptoms that might represent particular disorders. From this point of view, insomnia might be viewed as one feature of a mood or anxiety disorder.
Difficulty falling asleep is a characteristic of the delayed sleep phase syndrome. Some people have insomnia as a disorder that is not obviously caused by another disorder. The ultimate goal of the disease model approach is understanding the underlying biological cause of a symptom.
The motivated behavior, dimensional, life-story, and disease model perspectives all may provide valuable insights regarding a patient's sleep problems. None of them is the single right answer; rather, these four points of view complement each other. In addition to helping us understand insomnia, these types of reasoning are used in understanding many different psychiatric problems. That is the subject of the book "Perspectives of Psychiatry" by Paul McHugh and Phillip Slavney.
More points of view should help doctors highlight the different possible ways they can help their patients. Someone with an anxiety disorder may also have an advanced sleep phase "early bird" tendency and feel distressed about family problems. Addressing all of them probably will be the best solution for the insomnia.
Saturday....coming to an end of another working week
Man! not too bad week for me except that I didn't have the chance to be with my honey but beside that, no complaint. For my review on Thursday with the doctor on my sinusistis, still on medication for another 2 weeks to help clear the whole situation. Personally....still not too hot at the moment, the aching feeling is lesser but I can still feel it when in a cold room or when it is cold.
At work....so so week, had the chance to welcome my old friends to my section. But due to the fact that there are 2 bosses around....and me going home later because I must call to report to them before going off, not so shiok lor.
Luck....too bad, no luck yet. So....just keep a low profile until things improve next year.
Yet...spent time with kid on monday and tuesday, going to Vivo City, Funan and Sim Lim Sq for the X-box 360, games and to fix up the home pc. All done....now. Learned one thing...the youngster now will feel shy of their parents if their parents are too "out-of-date". I got this feeling when I went to the Funan to get the games for the X-box. I want to try out the games with my kid at the game station but due to my lack of knowledge I end-up shutting down the game instead of playing the game. hahaha my kid pretends that she does not know me. Just act blur...and play with her hp when I asked her what happened as the screen went "blank". Shithead! Just go to show....better don't put too much hope on our kids as they will sell us to the wolves
when things turn "bad". Of course...when they need us to sponsor or buy them something, they act so sweet. That's life. So "REAL"....sad but a fact.
hahaha...also posted a few interesting posts on some subjects that I find on the internet. So enjoy....and comment.
At work....so so week, had the chance to welcome my old friends to my section. But due to the fact that there are 2 bosses around....and me going home later because I must call to report to them before going off, not so shiok lor.
Luck....too bad, no luck yet. So....just keep a low profile until things improve next year.
Yet...spent time with kid on monday and tuesday, going to Vivo City, Funan and Sim Lim Sq for the X-box 360, games and to fix up the home pc. All done....now. Learned one thing...the youngster now will feel shy of their parents if their parents are too "out-of-date". I got this feeling when I went to the Funan to get the games for the X-box. I want to try out the games with my kid at the game station but due to my lack of knowledge I end-up shutting down the game instead of playing the game. hahaha my kid pretends that she does not know me. Just act blur...and play with her hp when I asked her what happened as the screen went "blank". Shithead! Just go to show....better don't put too much hope on our kids as they will sell us to the wolves
when things turn "bad". Of course...when they need us to sponsor or buy them something, they act so sweet. That's life. So "REAL"....sad but a fact.
hahaha...also posted a few interesting posts on some subjects that I find on the internet. So enjoy....and comment.
Sleep Problems, Treatment and Prevention for Age 12 and Older
Topic Overview
Everyone has a "bad night" once in a while. Dogs barking, the wind howling, or overeating may make it difficult to sleep. It is estimated that 35% of adults have occasional sleep problems, which can have many causes.
Insomnia
The medical term for difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is insomnia. Insomnia can include:
Difficulty getting to sleep (taking more than 45 minutes to fall asleep).
Frequent awakenings with inability to fall back to sleep.
Early morning awakening.
Feeling very tired after a night of sleep.
However, insomnia usually is not a problem unless it makes you feel tired during the day. If you are less sleepy at night or wake up early but still feel rested and alert, there usually is little need to worry. Fortunately, home treatment measures successfully relieve occasional insomnia.
Occasional insomnia may be caused by noise, extreme temperatures, jet lag, changes in your sleep environment, or a change in your sleep pattern, such as shift work. Insomnia may also be caused by temporary or situational life stresses, such as a traumatic event or an impending deadline. Your insomnia is likely to disappear when the cause of your sleep problem goes away.
Short-term insomnia may last from a few nights to a few weeks and be caused by worry over a stressful situation.
Long-term insomnia, which may last months or even years, may be caused by:
Advancing age. Insomnia occurs more frequently in adults older than age 60.
Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, or mania.
Medications. Many prescription and nonprescription medications can cause sleep problems.
Chronic pain, which often develops after a major injury or illness, such as shingles or back problems, or after a limb has been amputated (phantom limb pain).
Other physical problems, such as asthma, coronary artery disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Alcohol and illegal drug use or withdrawal.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is one of several sleep disorders. Sleep apnea refers to repeated episodes of not breathing during sleep for at least 10 seconds (apneic episodes). It usually is caused by a blockage in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper airways). When airflow through the nose and mouth is blocked, breathing may stop for 10 seconds or longer. People who have sleep apnea usually snore loudly and are very tired during the day. It can affect children and adults. See illustrations of a normal upper airway during sleep and a blocked upper airway.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that has distinct symptoms, including:
Sudden sleep attacks, which may occur during any type of activity at any time of day. You may fall asleep while engaged in an activity such as eating dinner, driving the car, or carrying on a conversation. These sleep attacks can occur several times a day and may last from a few minutes to several hours.
Sudden, brief periods of muscle weakness while you are awake (cataplexy). This weakness may affect specific muscle groups or may affect the entire body. Cataplexy is often brought on by strong emotional reactions, such as laughing or crying.
Hallucinations just before a sleep attack.
Brief loss of the ability to move when you are falling asleep or just waking up (sleep paralysis).
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are undesirable physical activities that occur during sleep involving skeletal muscle activity, nervous system changes, or both. Night terrors and sleepwalking are two types of parasomnias. Sleep can be difficult for people who experience parasomnias. While “asleep,” a person with parasomnia may walk, scream, rearrange furniture, eat odd foods, or wield a weapon.
Parasomnia can cause odd, distressing, and sometimes dangerous nighttime activities. These disorders have medically explainable causes and usually are treatable.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that produces an intense feeling of discomfort, aching, or twitching deep inside the legs. Jerking movements may affect the toes, ankles, knees, and hips. Moving the legs or walking around usually relieves the discomfort temporarily.
The exact cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown. The symptoms of restless legs syndrome most often occur while a person is asleep or is trying to fall asleep. The twitching or jerking leg movements may wake the person up, causing insomnia, unrestful sleep, and daytime sleepiness.
When a sleep problem or lack of time keeps you from getting a good night's sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness may occur. While almost everyone experiences daytime sleepiness from time to time, it can have serious consequences such as motor vehicle accidents, poor work or school performance, and work-related accidents.
Sleep problems may be a symptom of a medical or mental health problem. It is important to consider whether a medical or mental health problem is causing you to sleep poorly. Treating a long-term sleep problem without looking for the cause may hide the real reason for your poor sleep.
Home Treatment
How much sleep a person needs varies from person to person. The number of hours you sleep is not as important as how you feel when you wake up. If you to do not feel refreshed, you probably need more sleep. Feeling tired during the daytime is another sign you are not getting enough sleep. The average total nightly sleep time is 7.5 to 8 hours. Healthy adults can require anywhere from 4 to 10 hours of sleep. Many times, simple home treatment can help you get the sleep you need.
If your sleep problem does not require a visit to your health professional, establish a routine to promote good sleep habits:
Set a bedtime and time to get up, and stick to them, even on weekends. This will help your body get used to a regular sleep time.
Exercise during the day. Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime.
Wind down toward the end of the day. Don't take on problem-solving conversations or challenging activities in the evening.
Take a warm bath before bed.
Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
Remove distractions, such as a clock, telephone, or radio, from your bedroom.
Use a humidifier or "white noise" machine to block out background noise in your bedroom throughout the night.
Try using a sleep mask and ear plugs at night.
If you take medication that may be stimulating, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or asthma medications, take them as long before bedtime as possible.
Reserve the bedroom for sleeping and sexual activities so that you come to associate it with sleep. Go to another room to read, watch television, or eat.
After getting into bed, make a conscious effort to let your muscles relax. Imagine yourself in a peaceful, pleasant scene. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
When you cannot get to sleep, try the following:
If you are still awake after 15 or 20 minutes, get up and read in dim light or do a boring task until you feel drowsy. Don't lie in bed and think about how much sleep you're missing or watch TV.
Avoid activities that might keep you from a good night's sleep:
Do not take naps during the day, especially in the evening.
Do not drink or eat caffeine after 3:00 p.m. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Nicotine can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time. Smokers report more daytime sleepiness and minor accidents than do nonsmokers, especially in younger age groups.
Prevention
Many sleep problems can be prevented. Avoid activities that might keep you from a good night's sleep.
Use your bed only for sleeping. Do not read, watch television, or do paperwork in bed. Reserve the bedroom for sleeping and sexual activities so that you come to associate it with sleep.
Do not take naps during the day, especially in the evening.
Do not drink or eat caffeine after 3:00 p.m. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime.
Exercise during the day. Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Nicotine can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time. Smokers report more daytime sleepiness and minor accidents than do nonsmokers, especially in younger age groups
Everyone has a "bad night" once in a while. Dogs barking, the wind howling, or overeating may make it difficult to sleep. It is estimated that 35% of adults have occasional sleep problems, which can have many causes.
Insomnia
The medical term for difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is insomnia. Insomnia can include:
Difficulty getting to sleep (taking more than 45 minutes to fall asleep).
Frequent awakenings with inability to fall back to sleep.
Early morning awakening.
Feeling very tired after a night of sleep.
However, insomnia usually is not a problem unless it makes you feel tired during the day. If you are less sleepy at night or wake up early but still feel rested and alert, there usually is little need to worry. Fortunately, home treatment measures successfully relieve occasional insomnia.
Occasional insomnia may be caused by noise, extreme temperatures, jet lag, changes in your sleep environment, or a change in your sleep pattern, such as shift work. Insomnia may also be caused by temporary or situational life stresses, such as a traumatic event or an impending deadline. Your insomnia is likely to disappear when the cause of your sleep problem goes away.
Short-term insomnia may last from a few nights to a few weeks and be caused by worry over a stressful situation.
Long-term insomnia, which may last months or even years, may be caused by:
Advancing age. Insomnia occurs more frequently in adults older than age 60.
Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, or mania.
Medications. Many prescription and nonprescription medications can cause sleep problems.
Chronic pain, which often develops after a major injury or illness, such as shingles or back problems, or after a limb has been amputated (phantom limb pain).
Other physical problems, such as asthma, coronary artery disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Alcohol and illegal drug use or withdrawal.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is one of several sleep disorders. Sleep apnea refers to repeated episodes of not breathing during sleep for at least 10 seconds (apneic episodes). It usually is caused by a blockage in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper airways). When airflow through the nose and mouth is blocked, breathing may stop for 10 seconds or longer. People who have sleep apnea usually snore loudly and are very tired during the day. It can affect children and adults. See illustrations of a normal upper airway during sleep and a blocked upper airway.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that has distinct symptoms, including:
Sudden sleep attacks, which may occur during any type of activity at any time of day. You may fall asleep while engaged in an activity such as eating dinner, driving the car, or carrying on a conversation. These sleep attacks can occur several times a day and may last from a few minutes to several hours.
Sudden, brief periods of muscle weakness while you are awake (cataplexy). This weakness may affect specific muscle groups or may affect the entire body. Cataplexy is often brought on by strong emotional reactions, such as laughing or crying.
Hallucinations just before a sleep attack.
Brief loss of the ability to move when you are falling asleep or just waking up (sleep paralysis).
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are undesirable physical activities that occur during sleep involving skeletal muscle activity, nervous system changes, or both. Night terrors and sleepwalking are two types of parasomnias. Sleep can be difficult for people who experience parasomnias. While “asleep,” a person with parasomnia may walk, scream, rearrange furniture, eat odd foods, or wield a weapon.
Parasomnia can cause odd, distressing, and sometimes dangerous nighttime activities. These disorders have medically explainable causes and usually are treatable.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that produces an intense feeling of discomfort, aching, or twitching deep inside the legs. Jerking movements may affect the toes, ankles, knees, and hips. Moving the legs or walking around usually relieves the discomfort temporarily.
The exact cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown. The symptoms of restless legs syndrome most often occur while a person is asleep or is trying to fall asleep. The twitching or jerking leg movements may wake the person up, causing insomnia, unrestful sleep, and daytime sleepiness.
When a sleep problem or lack of time keeps you from getting a good night's sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness may occur. While almost everyone experiences daytime sleepiness from time to time, it can have serious consequences such as motor vehicle accidents, poor work or school performance, and work-related accidents.
Sleep problems may be a symptom of a medical or mental health problem. It is important to consider whether a medical or mental health problem is causing you to sleep poorly. Treating a long-term sleep problem without looking for the cause may hide the real reason for your poor sleep.
Home Treatment
How much sleep a person needs varies from person to person. The number of hours you sleep is not as important as how you feel when you wake up. If you to do not feel refreshed, you probably need more sleep. Feeling tired during the daytime is another sign you are not getting enough sleep. The average total nightly sleep time is 7.5 to 8 hours. Healthy adults can require anywhere from 4 to 10 hours of sleep. Many times, simple home treatment can help you get the sleep you need.
If your sleep problem does not require a visit to your health professional, establish a routine to promote good sleep habits:
Set a bedtime and time to get up, and stick to them, even on weekends. This will help your body get used to a regular sleep time.
Exercise during the day. Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime.
Wind down toward the end of the day. Don't take on problem-solving conversations or challenging activities in the evening.
Take a warm bath before bed.
Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
Remove distractions, such as a clock, telephone, or radio, from your bedroom.
Use a humidifier or "white noise" machine to block out background noise in your bedroom throughout the night.
Try using a sleep mask and ear plugs at night.
If you take medication that may be stimulating, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or asthma medications, take them as long before bedtime as possible.
Reserve the bedroom for sleeping and sexual activities so that you come to associate it with sleep. Go to another room to read, watch television, or eat.
After getting into bed, make a conscious effort to let your muscles relax. Imagine yourself in a peaceful, pleasant scene. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
When you cannot get to sleep, try the following:
If you are still awake after 15 or 20 minutes, get up and read in dim light or do a boring task until you feel drowsy. Don't lie in bed and think about how much sleep you're missing or watch TV.
Avoid activities that might keep you from a good night's sleep:
Do not take naps during the day, especially in the evening.
Do not drink or eat caffeine after 3:00 p.m. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Nicotine can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time. Smokers report more daytime sleepiness and minor accidents than do nonsmokers, especially in younger age groups.
Prevention
Many sleep problems can be prevented. Avoid activities that might keep you from a good night's sleep.
Use your bed only for sleeping. Do not read, watch television, or do paperwork in bed. Reserve the bedroom for sleeping and sexual activities so that you come to associate it with sleep.
Do not take naps during the day, especially in the evening.
Do not drink or eat caffeine after 3:00 p.m. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime.
Exercise during the day. Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Nicotine can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time. Smokers report more daytime sleepiness and minor accidents than do nonsmokers, especially in younger age groups
Sadness & Depression: What Is the Difference?
We all know sadness. It is part of being human.
We experience personal losses -- large and small -- and we feel the losses of others, near and far. If I were to write about the news stories that sadden me, I'd have to stop writing. Sometimes we are so overcome with sadness or grief we wonder how we will ever continue to do normal things again.
And yet we do, perhaps a little at a time. We all know depression to some degree. Normally, when we do feel depressed we know exactly why, and deep down we know that eventually we'll feel better.
What, then, is abnormal about major depression, a psychiatric disorder that can and should be treated?
Often with major depression there is no reason for feeling so low, although an episode certainly can be initiated by an understandable loss. Major depression can hijack your thinking and your body. It can steal your sleep, appetite, and interest in sex. People with severe major depression can feel that they don't deserve to live or want to end their lives to escape their pain. Tragically, in the depths of their despair, some of them often do end their lives.
When I was 15, my friend Steve was at my house when he got the call that his bright, beautiful, and creative 16-year-old sister, Monica, had shot herself in the head and was dead. What was she thinking that she needed to stop so emphatically, so permanently? Years later I came upon Monica's file in the medical examiner's office when I was doing research on suicide among children and adolescents. For my research, it was just another case; for me, personally, it wasn't. Each of the files represented immense pain for the victim of depression and his or her loved ones. It is important to understand major depression so we can recognize it in ourselves or those in our lives.
Saw a true life interview with a professor who suffered from a major depression but failed to kill himself and later with proper medical treatment, he was able to overcome his depression to talk about his story on BBC last week. And he said that he has totally no good reason to be depressed in the first place. He is very rich and he has a very supportive family....but as he aged, he became lonely because his wife has different interests. He felt neglected and when he fell sick with a stroke, his whole world seem to fall apart. That is when his depression really get to him.
He doesn't want pity when people paid more attentions to him due to his stroke and so on until one day....he over-dosed himself with sleeping pills but he was found in time and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Only after that, he was able to understand his condition better together with the family's support and understanding able to overcome his situation. During the interview...he spoke about the "real lows"
he felt and that no one can really understand his feeling at the moment. That is what a major depression can do....if it gets to that point. Very suicidal too.
We experience personal losses -- large and small -- and we feel the losses of others, near and far. If I were to write about the news stories that sadden me, I'd have to stop writing. Sometimes we are so overcome with sadness or grief we wonder how we will ever continue to do normal things again.
And yet we do, perhaps a little at a time. We all know depression to some degree. Normally, when we do feel depressed we know exactly why, and deep down we know that eventually we'll feel better.
What, then, is abnormal about major depression, a psychiatric disorder that can and should be treated?
Often with major depression there is no reason for feeling so low, although an episode certainly can be initiated by an understandable loss. Major depression can hijack your thinking and your body. It can steal your sleep, appetite, and interest in sex. People with severe major depression can feel that they don't deserve to live or want to end their lives to escape their pain. Tragically, in the depths of their despair, some of them often do end their lives.
When I was 15, my friend Steve was at my house when he got the call that his bright, beautiful, and creative 16-year-old sister, Monica, had shot herself in the head and was dead. What was she thinking that she needed to stop so emphatically, so permanently? Years later I came upon Monica's file in the medical examiner's office when I was doing research on suicide among children and adolescents. For my research, it was just another case; for me, personally, it wasn't. Each of the files represented immense pain for the victim of depression and his or her loved ones. It is important to understand major depression so we can recognize it in ourselves or those in our lives.
Saw a true life interview with a professor who suffered from a major depression but failed to kill himself and later with proper medical treatment, he was able to overcome his depression to talk about his story on BBC last week. And he said that he has totally no good reason to be depressed in the first place. He is very rich and he has a very supportive family....but as he aged, he became lonely because his wife has different interests. He felt neglected and when he fell sick with a stroke, his whole world seem to fall apart. That is when his depression really get to him.
He doesn't want pity when people paid more attentions to him due to his stroke and so on until one day....he over-dosed himself with sleeping pills but he was found in time and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Only after that, he was able to understand his condition better together with the family's support and understanding able to overcome his situation. During the interview...he spoke about the "real lows"
he felt and that no one can really understand his feeling at the moment. That is what a major depression can do....if it gets to that point. Very suicidal too.
Suicide - not always a cry for help
Not Always a Cry for Help
Last Updated: May 6, 2003
This is not your grandmother's take on suicide. It's not just a whole new way of looking at suicide, it's a counterintuitive view of self-destruction that makes many mental health professionals squirm.
But in nearly 20 years of studying threats, attempts and events leading up to the deaths of young people who killed themselves, and implementing policies to prevent it, psychologist Paul Joffe, Ph.D., has come to see that suicide isn't always a cry for help. Sometimes--perhaps more often than not, especially among people of college age--it's an instrument of power and control.
The idea that pain and distress lead to suicide makes so much common sense that no one stops to question it, says Joffe, who is head of the suicide prevention team at the University of Illinois and a clinical counselor in the student health center.
"If suicide is a cry for help we should wait and assume that person is going to come in on their own as soon as they make that cry," he recently told a national conference on Depression on College Campuses, which was sponsored by the University of Michigan. There's only one problem. Evidence he has gathered and scrutinized shows that they don't, certainly not on their own. "They refuse to make use of resources."
And it's not because of stigma, he insists. Rather, it's part of a longstanding dance with death, what's known in the psych biz as a "suicide career." These are not victims but masters of their own fate, people for whom the thought of suicide takes up long-term residence in the brain and for whom the risk of suicide doesn't fade after a threat or attempt. Suicidal intent is less a natural response to distress than a "virulent ideology." "Suicidal ideation hardens into a stiff shell of belief. These students feel good about suicide. It makes them feel in control," Joffe says. They contemplate, fantasize, plan, practice and rehearse taking their own lives.
Because they have been thinking about it for years, suicide becomes part of their personal identity. They feel proud of the power to control their own fate. They feel superior to others in that they have this avenue of power that others don't.
"A young adult committing suicide is in a basic power struggle either with their feelings or the environment around them," Joffe claims. "They're basically saying, 'You can't fire me; I quit. You can't control how I feel; you can't direct the circumstances around me. I'm going to trump you by making myself unavailable to those consequences.'" It's not so much a matter of a person being in so much pain they can't see any other option. It's more a refusal to accept either emotional or interpersonal consequences.
"It would surprise campus administrators to know that while suicidal student might or might not feel distressed about conditions in their lives, they generally don't feel distressed about being suicidal. Many will openly admit that being suicidal; it's one of the few, if not the only, bright spots in their lives."
Joffe began his career as a psychologist by examining coroner's reports and other data on 19 University of Illinois students who had died by suicide between 1976 and 1983. Most had demonstrated prior intent to kill themselves. Twelve of the 19 had made overt attempts before their successful one. None had seen a counselor on the university staff.
When, in 1984, the university became the first to introduce a formal suicide prevention program, the goal was to "invite and encourage" students to meet with psychologists after a suicide threat or attempt. In the three months the program existed in that form, it was "totally ineffective" at increasing the rate of contact.
But when he did manage to contact students who had recently made a suicide threat or attempt, Joffe couldn't miss a power struggle, a "contest of privilege." Students would deny they had made threats despite hard evidence, such as suicide notes and eyewitness accounts, they had done so. Or they'd dismiss threats as "ancient history." Or with a "ferocity of response," they would tell him "you have no right here; this is my right to do this. It's not an area of my life that I'm going to discuss with you."
Or they would agree to make an appointment with a counselor but not actually do it, or make an appointment and just not show up. If they kept the appointment they would never even discuss the fact of the suicide threat. "If suicide was a cry for help and we were offering help, they weren't accepting. We met denial and resistance. It was a power struggle to make contact and to talk about what happened."
Even if you stick to the belief that suicide is a distress signal, in its nature and style the request for help has a power-and-control aspect as well, observes Joffe, "Most of us ask for help straightforwardly; we put it on the table that there is some kind of need."
But asking for help by engaging in self-destructive behavior has a compulsory aspect to it that hijacks the interpersonal environment. It's tantamount to saying, "Well, you have to help me because the stakes are so high and my life is on the line."
Looking at it this way has enabled Joffe to evolve a suicide prevention program that is singularly effective. The new policy, implemented in October 1984, abandoned "invite and encourage" and mandates four sessions with a counselor by all enrolled students who attempt or threaten suicide. The first appointment must be within one week of the incident or release from the hospital and the remaining assessment at weekly intervals.
Students are informed that if they don't follow through they risk withdrawal from the university. The program takes considerable effort; sometimes a counselor has to make 20 phone calls to get a student to complete four visits.
It has cut the death rate by more than 55%, while the suicide rate at other universities has remained stable over the same time frame. In the seven years before the suicide prevention program was started, there were 16 suicides at the University of Illinois, or 2.3 per year. In the 18 years since, there have been 19 suicides, or 1.05 suicides per year.
The program has been 100% successful in eliminating suicides among students who engage in "public rehearsals" prior to their actual suicide. The suicides that have occurred have been limited to those that were "out of the blue," in which the students made no prior attempts or threats.
The percentage of students in therapy following a suicide attempt is now more than 90%. By contrast, a mere 5% engaged in therapy before the program was instituted.
Now in its nineteenth year, the program has had experience with 1,531 reported incidents. Twenty students, all of them male, have died--representing an overall decline in suicide deaths of 55%. All 20 of the completed suicides were so-called "out of the blue," or unforeseeable, in which the students had never had prior contact with a mental health professional.
The dramatic decline of suicides at Illinois stands in high contrast to what has been going on elsewhere during this time. The national rate of suicide among all 15- to 24-year-olds increased 2%. The suicide rate among students at Big Ten universities increased 9%.
While the program has been remarkably successful in reducing suicides among undergraduates, it has not impacted deaths among graduate students. These students are more private about their intent.
The conventional "distress model" of suicide is actually dangerous, Joffe contends. To regard threatened or attempted suicide as a cry for help that flows naturally from overwhelming distress invites compassion and pity. But not attempts to challenge that or intervene--because of the prevailing belief among professionals that that just might push someone over the edge, that the suicidal are fragile and on the brink and the caring response is to pull back and support them.
But to Joffe, the suicidal students he dealt with didn't seem too frail, certainly strong enough to engage in a power struggle. And he came to see that "it doesn't pay to give that person that kind of power. There's a community responsibility to challenge that person and to make a statement about violence and violence to yourself." He thinks the community-based challenge to the student's privilege to heap violence upon himself may be the most important ingredient of success.
The program not only saves lives, it keeps students in the educational system. What it isn't is politically correct. It recalibrates rights and responsibilities to put some responsibilities on students.
In general, universities promote rights and privileges, Joffe asserts. While agreeing with that general trend, his program singles out two areas in which responsibility is emphasized. One is that students have a responsibility to self-welfare, self-guardianship and self-care. The second is that they have a responsibility to the university community to carry themselves in a way that is not violent or disruptive.
Students are held accountable. Among those students who have threatened or attempted suicide, protecting themselves becomes a condition of living in the community. That's the leverage a college can exert: as the University of Illinois does, it can make self-guardianship a condition of continued enrollment.
It's the standard of guardianship that is novel. "The main problem with suicide prevention is that in the absence of a standard of self-welfare, there's little the mental health community can do to help." He points out that suicide prevention has something to learn from statutes to prevent cruelty to animals. "In at least 48 states, it's now a crime to commit violence to companion animals, and in six states there's mandated treatment. The privilege of ownership that permitted violence towards a pet has been replaced by a standard of guardianship. Something similar needs to happen with suicide. Perhaps we don't have the privilege to harm ourselves."
College and suicide are "unlikely companions," says Joffe. College is a time of promise and hope. Suicide is seen as the last resort of the hopeless. If college is an unlikely setting in which to commit suicide, it is the ideal setting in which to prevent it.
Phil Satow agrees. Satow knows a lot about suicide, and he learned it the hard way. He runs the Jed Foundation, named for his son, who committed suicide "out of the blue" while a student at the University of Arizona in 1998. The foundation has a very clear mission: to dramatically lower the suicide rate on college campuses.
He thinks Joffe's approach to dealing with kids who talk about or attempt suicide is necessary. And he admires Joffe's concept of self-guardianship. "You have a responsibility for taking care of yourself," says Satow. "It becomes part of the culture of the campus. And you take care of other kids in the community. That creates a healthy environment."
But no single approach to preventing suicide is sufficient. Satow contends that the long-term answer is not waiting for kids who attempt suicide. He would go all the way to having prevention strategies that change the culture on campus to promote health.
Power!...I find this very interesting as I too have this suicidal thoughts for a long long time. The funny thing is that thru this thought I am not fearful about the future when I become so sick that I need to die. "It wouldn't be a surprise to know that while suicidal person might or might not feel distressed about conditions in their lives, they generally don't feel distressed about being suicidal. Many will openly admit that being suicidal; it's one of the few, if not the only, bright spots in their lives." Yes! I fully agreed to this statement. In fact, I am not distressed about being suicidal at all but I find this as "empowering" myself when the final moment come. Would hate myself being in that helpless situation with all the tubes going thru the veins and openings, and being not in control or able to do anything to change the situation. That is also why I would support any movement by the government to stop life support once the patient choose to end his/her own life.
Last Updated: May 6, 2003
This is not your grandmother's take on suicide. It's not just a whole new way of looking at suicide, it's a counterintuitive view of self-destruction that makes many mental health professionals squirm.
But in nearly 20 years of studying threats, attempts and events leading up to the deaths of young people who killed themselves, and implementing policies to prevent it, psychologist Paul Joffe, Ph.D., has come to see that suicide isn't always a cry for help. Sometimes--perhaps more often than not, especially among people of college age--it's an instrument of power and control.
The idea that pain and distress lead to suicide makes so much common sense that no one stops to question it, says Joffe, who is head of the suicide prevention team at the University of Illinois and a clinical counselor in the student health center.
"If suicide is a cry for help we should wait and assume that person is going to come in on their own as soon as they make that cry," he recently told a national conference on Depression on College Campuses, which was sponsored by the University of Michigan. There's only one problem. Evidence he has gathered and scrutinized shows that they don't, certainly not on their own. "They refuse to make use of resources."
And it's not because of stigma, he insists. Rather, it's part of a longstanding dance with death, what's known in the psych biz as a "suicide career." These are not victims but masters of their own fate, people for whom the thought of suicide takes up long-term residence in the brain and for whom the risk of suicide doesn't fade after a threat or attempt. Suicidal intent is less a natural response to distress than a "virulent ideology." "Suicidal ideation hardens into a stiff shell of belief. These students feel good about suicide. It makes them feel in control," Joffe says. They contemplate, fantasize, plan, practice and rehearse taking their own lives.
Because they have been thinking about it for years, suicide becomes part of their personal identity. They feel proud of the power to control their own fate. They feel superior to others in that they have this avenue of power that others don't.
"A young adult committing suicide is in a basic power struggle either with their feelings or the environment around them," Joffe claims. "They're basically saying, 'You can't fire me; I quit. You can't control how I feel; you can't direct the circumstances around me. I'm going to trump you by making myself unavailable to those consequences.'" It's not so much a matter of a person being in so much pain they can't see any other option. It's more a refusal to accept either emotional or interpersonal consequences.
"It would surprise campus administrators to know that while suicidal student might or might not feel distressed about conditions in their lives, they generally don't feel distressed about being suicidal. Many will openly admit that being suicidal; it's one of the few, if not the only, bright spots in their lives."
Joffe began his career as a psychologist by examining coroner's reports and other data on 19 University of Illinois students who had died by suicide between 1976 and 1983. Most had demonstrated prior intent to kill themselves. Twelve of the 19 had made overt attempts before their successful one. None had seen a counselor on the university staff.
When, in 1984, the university became the first to introduce a formal suicide prevention program, the goal was to "invite and encourage" students to meet with psychologists after a suicide threat or attempt. In the three months the program existed in that form, it was "totally ineffective" at increasing the rate of contact.
But when he did manage to contact students who had recently made a suicide threat or attempt, Joffe couldn't miss a power struggle, a "contest of privilege." Students would deny they had made threats despite hard evidence, such as suicide notes and eyewitness accounts, they had done so. Or they'd dismiss threats as "ancient history." Or with a "ferocity of response," they would tell him "you have no right here; this is my right to do this. It's not an area of my life that I'm going to discuss with you."
Or they would agree to make an appointment with a counselor but not actually do it, or make an appointment and just not show up. If they kept the appointment they would never even discuss the fact of the suicide threat. "If suicide was a cry for help and we were offering help, they weren't accepting. We met denial and resistance. It was a power struggle to make contact and to talk about what happened."
Even if you stick to the belief that suicide is a distress signal, in its nature and style the request for help has a power-and-control aspect as well, observes Joffe, "Most of us ask for help straightforwardly; we put it on the table that there is some kind of need."
But asking for help by engaging in self-destructive behavior has a compulsory aspect to it that hijacks the interpersonal environment. It's tantamount to saying, "Well, you have to help me because the stakes are so high and my life is on the line."
Looking at it this way has enabled Joffe to evolve a suicide prevention program that is singularly effective. The new policy, implemented in October 1984, abandoned "invite and encourage" and mandates four sessions with a counselor by all enrolled students who attempt or threaten suicide. The first appointment must be within one week of the incident or release from the hospital and the remaining assessment at weekly intervals.
Students are informed that if they don't follow through they risk withdrawal from the university. The program takes considerable effort; sometimes a counselor has to make 20 phone calls to get a student to complete four visits.
It has cut the death rate by more than 55%, while the suicide rate at other universities has remained stable over the same time frame. In the seven years before the suicide prevention program was started, there were 16 suicides at the University of Illinois, or 2.3 per year. In the 18 years since, there have been 19 suicides, or 1.05 suicides per year.
The program has been 100% successful in eliminating suicides among students who engage in "public rehearsals" prior to their actual suicide. The suicides that have occurred have been limited to those that were "out of the blue," in which the students made no prior attempts or threats.
The percentage of students in therapy following a suicide attempt is now more than 90%. By contrast, a mere 5% engaged in therapy before the program was instituted.
Now in its nineteenth year, the program has had experience with 1,531 reported incidents. Twenty students, all of them male, have died--representing an overall decline in suicide deaths of 55%. All 20 of the completed suicides were so-called "out of the blue," or unforeseeable, in which the students had never had prior contact with a mental health professional.
The dramatic decline of suicides at Illinois stands in high contrast to what has been going on elsewhere during this time. The national rate of suicide among all 15- to 24-year-olds increased 2%. The suicide rate among students at Big Ten universities increased 9%.
While the program has been remarkably successful in reducing suicides among undergraduates, it has not impacted deaths among graduate students. These students are more private about their intent.
The conventional "distress model" of suicide is actually dangerous, Joffe contends. To regard threatened or attempted suicide as a cry for help that flows naturally from overwhelming distress invites compassion and pity. But not attempts to challenge that or intervene--because of the prevailing belief among professionals that that just might push someone over the edge, that the suicidal are fragile and on the brink and the caring response is to pull back and support them.
But to Joffe, the suicidal students he dealt with didn't seem too frail, certainly strong enough to engage in a power struggle. And he came to see that "it doesn't pay to give that person that kind of power. There's a community responsibility to challenge that person and to make a statement about violence and violence to yourself." He thinks the community-based challenge to the student's privilege to heap violence upon himself may be the most important ingredient of success.
The program not only saves lives, it keeps students in the educational system. What it isn't is politically correct. It recalibrates rights and responsibilities to put some responsibilities on students.
In general, universities promote rights and privileges, Joffe asserts. While agreeing with that general trend, his program singles out two areas in which responsibility is emphasized. One is that students have a responsibility to self-welfare, self-guardianship and self-care. The second is that they have a responsibility to the university community to carry themselves in a way that is not violent or disruptive.
Students are held accountable. Among those students who have threatened or attempted suicide, protecting themselves becomes a condition of living in the community. That's the leverage a college can exert: as the University of Illinois does, it can make self-guardianship a condition of continued enrollment.
It's the standard of guardianship that is novel. "The main problem with suicide prevention is that in the absence of a standard of self-welfare, there's little the mental health community can do to help." He points out that suicide prevention has something to learn from statutes to prevent cruelty to animals. "In at least 48 states, it's now a crime to commit violence to companion animals, and in six states there's mandated treatment. The privilege of ownership that permitted violence towards a pet has been replaced by a standard of guardianship. Something similar needs to happen with suicide. Perhaps we don't have the privilege to harm ourselves."
College and suicide are "unlikely companions," says Joffe. College is a time of promise and hope. Suicide is seen as the last resort of the hopeless. If college is an unlikely setting in which to commit suicide, it is the ideal setting in which to prevent it.
Phil Satow agrees. Satow knows a lot about suicide, and he learned it the hard way. He runs the Jed Foundation, named for his son, who committed suicide "out of the blue" while a student at the University of Arizona in 1998. The foundation has a very clear mission: to dramatically lower the suicide rate on college campuses.
He thinks Joffe's approach to dealing with kids who talk about or attempt suicide is necessary. And he admires Joffe's concept of self-guardianship. "You have a responsibility for taking care of yourself," says Satow. "It becomes part of the culture of the campus. And you take care of other kids in the community. That creates a healthy environment."
But no single approach to preventing suicide is sufficient. Satow contends that the long-term answer is not waiting for kids who attempt suicide. He would go all the way to having prevention strategies that change the culture on campus to promote health.
Power!...I find this very interesting as I too have this suicidal thoughts for a long long time. The funny thing is that thru this thought I am not fearful about the future when I become so sick that I need to die. "It wouldn't be a surprise to know that while suicidal person might or might not feel distressed about conditions in their lives, they generally don't feel distressed about being suicidal. Many will openly admit that being suicidal; it's one of the few, if not the only, bright spots in their lives." Yes! I fully agreed to this statement. In fact, I am not distressed about being suicidal at all but I find this as "empowering" myself when the final moment come. Would hate myself being in that helpless situation with all the tubes going thru the veins and openings, and being not in control or able to do anything to change the situation. That is also why I would support any movement by the government to stop life support once the patient choose to end his/her own life.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Gemini man - Sat's horoscope
Dear Goh,
Here is your horoscope
for Saturday, November 25:
All of your efforts pay off when you realize there's a whole new way to look at this situation. You may not understand what the point of all this work is, but you'll soon see that you were meant to be on this new path.
Hahaha....well, hope this path will be a good one. So far this year, I didn't have the luck to follow the right path. The right path to me....is one that does not give me more worries and stress. It is okay if things remain at low profile at work, as I am not seeking fame or to be a hero. All said....just want to have peace of mind and to stay healthy.
Here is your horoscope
for Saturday, November 25:
All of your efforts pay off when you realize there's a whole new way to look at this situation. You may not understand what the point of all this work is, but you'll soon see that you were meant to be on this new path.
Hahaha....well, hope this path will be a good one. So far this year, I didn't have the luck to follow the right path. The right path to me....is one that does not give me more worries and stress. It is okay if things remain at low profile at work, as I am not seeking fame or to be a hero. All said....just want to have peace of mind and to stay healthy.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thursday
Went to the polyclinic this morning for the review of my sinusistis, but had to see another doctor. So now, I can understand why it may not be possible to see the same doctor. There are many doctors in the polyclinic.
For my sinusistis, still having the tail-end of the problem and I am still not out of the problem. Had to take 2 extra strength panadol in order to continue with my work for today.
But after waking up from my afternoon nap, I had problem with the whole body aching.
Could be due to the air-con.
At work....there are also changes. Vincent Lim has already being transferred over to our area starting on last Monday morning. Then Mariana came in the evening....hahaha be reporting together with us in the "D" team.
For my sinusistis, still having the tail-end of the problem and I am still not out of the problem. Had to take 2 extra strength panadol in order to continue with my work for today.
But after waking up from my afternoon nap, I had problem with the whole body aching.
Could be due to the air-con.
At work....there are also changes. Vincent Lim has already being transferred over to our area starting on last Monday morning. Then Mariana came in the evening....hahaha be reporting together with us in the "D" team.
Another power comment from Anonymous
The Purpose of Life - Rick Warren
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said: People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven..
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity.
This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness. This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore..
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain."
But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.
It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder.
For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence.
He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.
We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions?
Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness?Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)? When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God , if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better ...
God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.
I would rather live my life as if there is a God,
And die to find out there isn't,
Than live my life as if there isn't,
And die to find out there is.
4:12 AM
POWER....thanks Anonymous for your interesting comment above.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said: People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven..
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity.
This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness. This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore..
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain."
But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.
It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder.
For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence.
He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.
We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions?
Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness?Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)? When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God , if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better ...
God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.
I would rather live my life as if there is a God,
And die to find out there isn't,
Than live my life as if there isn't,
And die to find out there is.
4:12 AM
POWER....thanks Anonymous for your interesting comment above.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Hahaha... more comments from Anonymous
Some of life's quick fixes
WHY make things difficult for yourself?
Sometimes simplicity is the best solution to life's nagging problems. You just have to be creative when you look for a solution.
1. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
2. Avoid all arguments about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
3. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
4. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.
5. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Also remember the basic rules of living:
i) Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
ii) Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
iii) Be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
4:00 AM
Hahaha...thank you again for taking time to share your thoughts here.
Man! very interesting but I think I will just stick to remember Anonymous's basic rules of living. As it makes the most senses
WHY make things difficult for yourself?
Sometimes simplicity is the best solution to life's nagging problems. You just have to be creative when you look for a solution.
1. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
2. Avoid all arguments about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
3. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
4. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.
5. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Also remember the basic rules of living:
i) Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
ii) Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
iii) Be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
4:00 AM
Hahaha...thank you again for taking time to share your thoughts here.
Man! very interesting but I think I will just stick to remember Anonymous's basic rules of living. As it makes the most senses
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Interesting Comments from Anonymous
Comment No 1
Everything that happens in this world, there is no absolute good or bad. Sometimes good things turned out to be bad things eventually, while bad things become a gain.
Whatever good things that happen to you, enjoy it, but don't have to hold too tight to it, treat it as a surprise in your life. Whatever bad things that happen to you, don't have to feel too sad or
despair, in the end, it might not be a total bad thing after all.
If one can understand this, he or she will find life much easier.
6:00 PM
Comment No 2
Work Smarter! very good example
Subject: Focus on Problems vs. Focus on Solutions
-- Don't miss reading One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soap box, which happened in one of Japan's biggest cosmetics companies. The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soap box that was empty. Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly line, which transported all the packaged soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soap box went
through the assembly line empty. Management asked its engineers to solve the problem.
Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high-resolution monitors manned by two people to watch all the soap boxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent whoopee amount to do so.
But when a rank-and-file employee in a small company was posed with the same problem, did not get into complications of X-rays, etc but instead came out with another solution. He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line. He switched the fan on, and as each soap box passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line.
Moral of the story:
KISS (Keep It Simple,Stupid)
i.e. always look for simple solutions. Devise the simplest possible solution that solves the problem.
----------------------------------
When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (Ink won't flow down to the writing surface).
In order to solve this problem, it took them one decade and $12 million. They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside
down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C.
And what did Russians do ....??
The Russians used a Pencil!!!
6:21 PM
Comment No 3
Lesson In Life
A young executive was leaving the office at 6 p.m.
When he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.
"Listen," said the CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young executive.
He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent!" said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the machine.
"I just need one copy."
Lesson learnt:
Never, never assume that your BOSS knows everything.
-------------
A crusty old man walks into a bank and says to the teller at the window: "I want to open a damn checking account."
To which the astonished woman replies: "I beg your pardon, sir; I must have misunderstood you. What did you say?"
"Listen up bitch! I said, I want to open a damn checking account right now!"
"I'm very sorry sir, but we do not tolerate that kind of language in this bank."
Having said this, the teller leaves the window and goes over to the bank manager to tell him about her problem customer.
They both return and the manager asks the old geezer: "What seems to be the problem here?"
"There's no damn problem, sonny," the elderly man says. "I just won 50 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to open a damn checking account in this damn bank!"
"I see," says the manager thoughtfully.
"And you're saying that this bitch here is giving you a hard time?"
Lesson Learnt:
If you are RICH, you can get away with almost anything.
-------------
An American and a Japanese were sitting on the plane on the way to LA when the American turned to the Japanese and asked, "What kind of -ese are you?"
The Japanese confused, replied, "Sorry but I don't understand what you mean."
The American repeated, "What kind of -ese are you?"
Again, the Japanese was confused over the question.
The American, now irritated, then yell, "What kind of * ese are you... Are you a Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese,etc......"
The Japanese then replied, "Oh, I am a Japanese."
A while later the Japanese turned to the American and asked what kind of '-key' was he.
The American, frustrated, yelled, "What do you mean what kind of '-key' am I ?!"
The Japanese said, "Are you a monkey, donkey or a Yankee?"
Lesson : Never insult anyone.
-------------
There were these 4 guys, a Russian, a German, an American and a French, who found this small genie bottle.
4 guys had released him out of the bottle, he said, Next to you all are 4 swimming pools, I will give each of you a wish.
When you run towards the pool and jump, you shout what you want the pool of water to become, then your wish will come true."
The French wanted to start. He ran towards the pool, jumped and shouted "WINE". The pool immediately changed into a pool of wine.
The Frenchman was so happy swimming and drinking from the pool.
Next is the Russian's turn, he did the same and shouted, "VODKA" and immersed himself into a pool of vodka.
The German was next and he jumped and shouted, "BEER". He was so contented with his beer pool.
The last is the American.
He was running towards the pool when suddenly he steps on a banana peel.
He slipped towards the pool and shouted, "SHIT!!!!!!!........."
Lesson:
Think twice before you say something, because sometimes accidents do happen.
Always believe in retribution !!!!
6:24 PM
Conclusion....I must thanks anonymous for taking time to post these interesting comments. A very big "THANK YOU" and I shall learn from what was posted esp the good parts.
By the way, I hope you won't mind me posting your comments so that I can see clearly as to remind myself whenever I feeled vexed.
Everything that happens in this world, there is no absolute good or bad. Sometimes good things turned out to be bad things eventually, while bad things become a gain.
Whatever good things that happen to you, enjoy it, but don't have to hold too tight to it, treat it as a surprise in your life. Whatever bad things that happen to you, don't have to feel too sad or
despair, in the end, it might not be a total bad thing after all.
If one can understand this, he or she will find life much easier.
6:00 PM
Comment No 2
Work Smarter! very good example
Subject: Focus on Problems vs. Focus on Solutions
-- Don't miss reading One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soap box, which happened in one of Japan's biggest cosmetics companies. The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soap box that was empty. Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly line, which transported all the packaged soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soap box went
through the assembly line empty. Management asked its engineers to solve the problem.
Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high-resolution monitors manned by two people to watch all the soap boxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent whoopee amount to do so.
But when a rank-and-file employee in a small company was posed with the same problem, did not get into complications of X-rays, etc but instead came out with another solution. He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line. He switched the fan on, and as each soap box passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line.
Moral of the story:
KISS (Keep It Simple,Stupid)
i.e. always look for simple solutions. Devise the simplest possible solution that solves the problem.
----------------------------------
When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (Ink won't flow down to the writing surface).
In order to solve this problem, it took them one decade and $12 million. They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside
down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C.
And what did Russians do ....??
The Russians used a Pencil!!!
6:21 PM
Comment No 3
Lesson In Life
A young executive was leaving the office at 6 p.m.
When he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.
"Listen," said the CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young executive.
He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent!" said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the machine.
"I just need one copy."
Lesson learnt:
Never, never assume that your BOSS knows everything.
-------------
A crusty old man walks into a bank and says to the teller at the window: "I want to open a damn checking account."
To which the astonished woman replies: "I beg your pardon, sir; I must have misunderstood you. What did you say?"
"Listen up bitch! I said, I want to open a damn checking account right now!"
"I'm very sorry sir, but we do not tolerate that kind of language in this bank."
Having said this, the teller leaves the window and goes over to the bank manager to tell him about her problem customer.
They both return and the manager asks the old geezer: "What seems to be the problem here?"
"There's no damn problem, sonny," the elderly man says. "I just won 50 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to open a damn checking account in this damn bank!"
"I see," says the manager thoughtfully.
"And you're saying that this bitch here is giving you a hard time?"
Lesson Learnt:
If you are RICH, you can get away with almost anything.
-------------
An American and a Japanese were sitting on the plane on the way to LA when the American turned to the Japanese and asked, "What kind of -ese are you?"
The Japanese confused, replied, "Sorry but I don't understand what you mean."
The American repeated, "What kind of -ese are you?"
Again, the Japanese was confused over the question.
The American, now irritated, then yell, "What kind of * ese are you... Are you a Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese,etc......"
The Japanese then replied, "Oh, I am a Japanese."
A while later the Japanese turned to the American and asked what kind of '-key' was he.
The American, frustrated, yelled, "What do you mean what kind of '-key' am I ?!"
The Japanese said, "Are you a monkey, donkey or a Yankee?"
Lesson : Never insult anyone.
-------------
There were these 4 guys, a Russian, a German, an American and a French, who found this small genie bottle.
4 guys had released him out of the bottle, he said, Next to you all are 4 swimming pools, I will give each of you a wish.
When you run towards the pool and jump, you shout what you want the pool of water to become, then your wish will come true."
The French wanted to start. He ran towards the pool, jumped and shouted "WINE". The pool immediately changed into a pool of wine.
The Frenchman was so happy swimming and drinking from the pool.
Next is the Russian's turn, he did the same and shouted, "VODKA" and immersed himself into a pool of vodka.
The German was next and he jumped and shouted, "BEER". He was so contented with his beer pool.
The last is the American.
He was running towards the pool when suddenly he steps on a banana peel.
He slipped towards the pool and shouted, "SHIT!!!!!!!........."
Lesson:
Think twice before you say something, because sometimes accidents do happen.
Always believe in retribution !!!!
6:24 PM
Conclusion....I must thanks anonymous for taking time to post these interesting comments. A very big "THANK YOU" and I shall learn from what was posted esp the good parts.
By the way, I hope you won't mind me posting your comments so that I can see clearly as to remind myself whenever I feeled vexed.
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