We human beings are subject to the same set of physical & natural laws as the rest of the world, & due to our gift of consciousness (self awareness) & the ability to choose our actions (choice and free will), we are further subject to these laws on a deeper, spiritual level. Inactivity of the body yields obvious results; atrophy, obesity etc. So do we become stagnant of mind & spirit through mental & spiritual inactivity. That's the reason why we need time for thinking & reflection, time for contemplation & devotion.
"We must be aware that nothing in this world holds stasis, but is constantly in motion, either growing or disintegrating. The mind and spirit are not excluded from these Laws. We must activate our mind and spirit to paint our dreams in vibrant color through visualisation and conversation, embellish your desires with fragrances, music or any image that would enhance those dreams. There is no such thing as over dreaming so long as you are continuing to follow through with intelligent plans and physical action. Manifest your dreams through activity of the mind, spirit and body and you will experience an abundance beyond belief."
- John Kanary
"Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold weather becomes frozen, even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind."
-Leonardo Da Vinci
King of the Birds, Lord of the Skies
Gather ye rose buds while ye may, old time is still a flying;
and this same rose that you see today, tomorrow will be dying.
CarpeDiem: Seize the Day!
- Dead Poets Society
Monday, April 30, 2007
The AK-47 Submachine Gun
The AK-47 (Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947; English: Kalashnikov's assault rifle, model of the year 1947) is a gas-operated assault rifle that was used in many Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War. Adopted & standardized in 1947, it was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov & produced by Russian manufacturer Izhevsk Mechanical Works. Compared with the auto-loading rifles used in World War II, the AK-47 was generally more compact, with a shorter range, a smaller 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, & was capable of selective fire. It was one of the first true assault rifles and remains the most widely used and known. More AK-47 rifles have been produced than any other assault rifle; production continues to this day.
Mikhail Kalashnikov began imagining his weapon while still in the hospital, after being wounded in the Battle of Bryansk. He had been informed that a new weapon was required for the 7.62 x 41mm cartridge developed by Elisarov and Semin in 1943. The genius in the design of the Kalashnikov rifle is in the simplification of those contributing designs & adaptation to mass production. The AK-47 can be seen as a fusion of the best that the M1 Garand offered combined with the best aspects of the StG44 made by the best processes was in the recombination of known elements into a compact, reliable & durable package.
Throughout the world, the AK-47 is among the plethora of commonly smuggled small arms that are sold to governments, rebels, criminals & civilians alike, with little international oversight. This trade ensures a ready supply of inexpensive weapons to a number of conflicts, including the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, & Somalia. In some countries that are recovering from war or that are at war, prices for AKs are very low, between $30–$125. After the Soviet retreat from Afghanistan, the Soviet Army left huge bulks of weapons including AK-47s which were used in its civil war between Taliban and Northern Alliance. Now, it is used a lot by tribes in Africa.
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During the Cold War, the Soviet Union, Communist China & the US supplied arms & technical knowledge to numerous client-state countries & rebel forces to promote their interests. This period saw the proliferation, sometimes free of charge, of AK-47s by the Soviet Union & Communist China to pro-communist countries and groups such as the Nicaraguan Sandinistas and Vietcong. The AK-47 design was spread to a total of 55 national armies.
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In the U.S., movie makers often arm criminals, gang members and terrorist characters with AK-47s. However, not all influences of the AK-47 have been violent. In 2006, Colombian musician & peace activist César López devised the escopetarra, an AK-47 converted into a guitar. One sold for US$17,000 in a fundraiser held to benefit the victims of anti-personnel mines, while another was exhibited at the United Nations' Conference on Disarmament.
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(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
United States Arms Trade
The U.S. is by far the largest exporter of weapons in the world, with a sales volume that exceeds the next 14 countries combined! Military sales equate to about 18 percent of the Federal budget, far & away the greatest proportion of any nation. John Ralston Saul states that the American government cannot reduce arms sales because of the consequent fall in GDP. (See John Ralston Saul's The Collapse of Globalism, 2005)
U.S. arms are sold either as Foreign Military Sales (FMS), in which The Pentagon is an intermediate negotiator, or as Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), where a company directly negotiates with its buyer. Many sales require a license from the State Department. The Defense Department manages the Excess Defense Articles (EDA), weapons from the US military given away or sold at bargain prices, emergency drawdowns, assistance provided at the discretion of the President, and International Military Education and Training (IMET).
From 1989 to 1996, the global value of DCS was US$257 billion, of which 45% was exported from the US. According to the 2005 annual US congress reports, 58% of all US arms trade contracts are made with developing countries. The most recent World Policy Report, an annual update issued by the Arms Trade Research Center, a more detailed breakdown of US military spending is offered.
In it, it was stated that "In 2003, the US transferred weaponry to 18 of the 25 countries involved in active conflicts. From Angola, Chad & Ethiopia, to Colombia, Pakistan and the Philippines, transfers through the two largest U.S. arms sales programs (Foreign Military Sales & Direct Commercial Sales) to these conflict nations totaled nearly $1 billion in 2003, with the vast bulk of the dollar volume going to Israel ($845.6 million).
In 2003, more than half of the top 25 recipients of U.S. arms transfers in the developing world were defined as undemocratic by the U.S. State Department’s Human Rights Report: in the sense that "citizens do not have the right to change their own government" or that right was seriously abridged. These nations received over $2.7 billion in U.S. arms transfers under the FMS & DCS programs in 2003, with the top recipients including Saudi Arabia ($1.1 billion), Egypt ($1.0 billion), Kuwait ($153 million), the UAE ($110 million) & Uzbekistan ($33 million)."
In fiscal year 2002, $70 million USD was spent on International Military Education & Training (IMET) for 113 countries. During this same year, $46 million worth of drawdowns were provided to Nigeria ($4 million), Afghanistan ($2 million), Georgia ($25 million), the Philippines ($10 million) & Tunisia ($5 million).
Defense contractors are weapon manufacturers or companies participating in weapon research & warfare simulation. A list of major weapon manufacturers are given below:
AAI Corporation
BAE Systems Inc.
Boeing
Carlyle Group
Colt's Manufacturing Company
General Atomics
General Electric
General Dynamics
Honeywell
Lockheed-Martin
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Raytheon Corporation
United Defense (now BAE Systems Land and Armaments)
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
U.S. arms are sold either as Foreign Military Sales (FMS), in which The Pentagon is an intermediate negotiator, or as Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), where a company directly negotiates with its buyer. Many sales require a license from the State Department. The Defense Department manages the Excess Defense Articles (EDA), weapons from the US military given away or sold at bargain prices, emergency drawdowns, assistance provided at the discretion of the President, and International Military Education and Training (IMET).
From 1989 to 1996, the global value of DCS was US$257 billion, of which 45% was exported from the US. According to the 2005 annual US congress reports, 58% of all US arms trade contracts are made with developing countries. The most recent World Policy Report, an annual update issued by the Arms Trade Research Center, a more detailed breakdown of US military spending is offered.
In it, it was stated that "In 2003, the US transferred weaponry to 18 of the 25 countries involved in active conflicts. From Angola, Chad & Ethiopia, to Colombia, Pakistan and the Philippines, transfers through the two largest U.S. arms sales programs (Foreign Military Sales & Direct Commercial Sales) to these conflict nations totaled nearly $1 billion in 2003, with the vast bulk of the dollar volume going to Israel ($845.6 million).
In 2003, more than half of the top 25 recipients of U.S. arms transfers in the developing world were defined as undemocratic by the U.S. State Department’s Human Rights Report: in the sense that "citizens do not have the right to change their own government" or that right was seriously abridged. These nations received over $2.7 billion in U.S. arms transfers under the FMS & DCS programs in 2003, with the top recipients including Saudi Arabia ($1.1 billion), Egypt ($1.0 billion), Kuwait ($153 million), the UAE ($110 million) & Uzbekistan ($33 million)."
In fiscal year 2002, $70 million USD was spent on International Military Education & Training (IMET) for 113 countries. During this same year, $46 million worth of drawdowns were provided to Nigeria ($4 million), Afghanistan ($2 million), Georgia ($25 million), the Philippines ($10 million) & Tunisia ($5 million).
Defense contractors are weapon manufacturers or companies participating in weapon research & warfare simulation. A list of major weapon manufacturers are given below:
AAI Corporation
BAE Systems Inc.
Boeing
Carlyle Group
Colt's Manufacturing Company
General Atomics
General Electric
General Dynamics
Honeywell
Lockheed-Martin
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Raytheon Corporation
United Defense (now BAE Systems Land and Armaments)
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Movie Review: Lord of War
Lord of War is a 2005 film written & directed by Andrew Niccol & starring Nicolas Cage. I chanced upon this movie on HBO and decided to research more. Cage plays the antiheroic protagonist, an illegal arms dealer with a striking similarity to real life Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Plot: Illegal Arms Dealing, & Lies
Place: U.S.; Russia; Africa
People: Yuri Orlov (Arms-Dealer), Jack Valentine (Interpol)
Punchline 1: Where there's a will, there's a weapon.
Punchline 2: He sells guns... & he's making a killing.
The movie begins with Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage) standing in a sea of spent shell casings (empty bullet) matter-of-factly stating, "There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do you arm the other eleven?" The opening credits follow the life of a bullet: from a munitions assembly line in Ukraine, to various arms dealing intermediaries, & ending in the head of a small African boy.
The rest of the movie is told in flashback, starting in the 1980s & ending in the completion of the opening scene.
Yuri Orlov describes how he first became an arms dealer. Yuri & his family came to U.S. from Ukraine when he was a young boy. His family owns a restaurant. After Yuri sees a Russian Mafia boss kill his two would-be assassins, he decides to provide another necessity: guns. He partners up with his brother, Vitaly (Jared Leto), & begins selling arms. Yuri keeps his multiple identities & paperwork in a security container. He starts small & begins selling Israeli Uzis & M-16 rifles that the US Army left behind from the 1982 Lebanon War.
As he grows, Yuri tells of his first incident with Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke), an Interpol agent who cannot be bought with money. During his latest business deal with a Bolivian drug lord, Yuri is paid in cocaine instead of cash. Vitaly is unsure of what to do next & asks Yuri what to do. Yuri answers by saying "let's celebrate." They both end up snorting cocaine, but Vitaly becomes addicted, & Yuri takes him to a rehabilitation center.
From then on, Yuri conducts the arms business alone. Shortly after this episode, he begins to court Ava Fontaine (Bridget Moynahan), a successful model who came from the same neighborhood. They marry, move into Manhattan and later have a son.
Yuri gets his big break when the Soviet Union dissolves. Yuri rushes to Russia after watching Gorbachev's Christmas Day 1991 resignation speech on television. He contacts his uncle, Dimitri, a general of the former Red Army, & begins buying Dimitri's tanks and AK-47s to expand his inventory. Shortly after this, Yuri moves on to selling arms to the West African dictator of Liberia, André Baptiste. Baptiste, pleased with the relationship, proclaims that Yuri is a "Lord of War".
Meanwhile, Jack continues his pursuit of Yuri. He discovers that Yuri will soon be making a cargo run to Sierra Leone & intercepts Yuri's cargo plane. Yuri instructs the pilot to land the plane on a dirt road. To destroy the evidence, he gives the entire arms shipment away to passers-by. When Jack finally arrives, the plane is empty, & there is no evidence of the arms shipment.
One day Jack reveals to Ava that Yuri is an arms dealer. At first, she does not believe him, but eventually realizes the truth. Ava confronts him about his business; he promises that he will stop. He makes more legal deals to exploit the resources of poor nations, but complains that the margins are low & competition is high. Six months later, Baptiste & his son come over & visit Yuri (on their way to United Nations headquarters for a peace talk) with another arms deal offer. Yuri initially refuses, but when Baptiste indicates that he will be much more generous than usual, Yuri relents.
He takes Vitaly along to the deal, which turns out to be in Sierra Leone. However, during the deal, Vitaly becomes distressed: he sees men kill a mother & child in a nearby village of unarmed civilians. He pleads with Yuri to cancel the shipment. Yuri tries to convince him that someone else will sell the weapons if they do not; he also argues that both of them will be killed if they try to cancel the deal. Vitaly pretends to agree. However, he takes two grenades, destroys half of Yuri's shipments, and kills Baptiste's son before nearby guards kill him. Yuri only receives half of the payment due to the destruction of the weapons. He then delivers one of the film's most memorable lines, "They say that 'evil prevails when good men fail to act.' They ought to say 'evil prevails.'"
Yuri ships his brother's remains back to the U.S.. He pays someone to remove the bullets from Vitaly's body & forge a death certificate, but one bullet remains, & Yuri is stopped by customs. Meanwhile, while being followed by Jack, Ava finds Yuri's security container, finally establishing the definitive proof of Yuri's guilt. Ava takes their son & leaves him. When Yuri calls his parents, his mother says, "Both my sons are dead."
Jack detains Yuri & tell tells him that he has a long jail sentence ahead of him, but Yuri abruptly brings him back to reality. He then proclaims himself as a "necessary evil," as he does transactions that the United States federal government is afraid to do. Yuri also explains that the U.S sells more guns than he does & that a trial would reveal these embarassing truths. Yuri is released as a result.
A free man again, & without his family and friends, he returns to selling arms without guilt. The movie ends by proclaiming on-screen that it is "based on actual events" and that, while arms traders like Yuri Orlov continue to thrive, the U.S., the UK, France, Russia and China (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council) are the world's leading arms dealers.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Plot: Illegal Arms Dealing, & Lies
Place: U.S.; Russia; Africa
People: Yuri Orlov (Arms-Dealer), Jack Valentine (Interpol)
Punchline 1: Where there's a will, there's a weapon.
Punchline 2: He sells guns... & he's making a killing.
The movie begins with Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage) standing in a sea of spent shell casings (empty bullet) matter-of-factly stating, "There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do you arm the other eleven?" The opening credits follow the life of a bullet: from a munitions assembly line in Ukraine, to various arms dealing intermediaries, & ending in the head of a small African boy.
The rest of the movie is told in flashback, starting in the 1980s & ending in the completion of the opening scene.
Yuri Orlov describes how he first became an arms dealer. Yuri & his family came to U.S. from Ukraine when he was a young boy. His family owns a restaurant. After Yuri sees a Russian Mafia boss kill his two would-be assassins, he decides to provide another necessity: guns. He partners up with his brother, Vitaly (Jared Leto), & begins selling arms. Yuri keeps his multiple identities & paperwork in a security container. He starts small & begins selling Israeli Uzis & M-16 rifles that the US Army left behind from the 1982 Lebanon War.
As he grows, Yuri tells of his first incident with Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke), an Interpol agent who cannot be bought with money. During his latest business deal with a Bolivian drug lord, Yuri is paid in cocaine instead of cash. Vitaly is unsure of what to do next & asks Yuri what to do. Yuri answers by saying "let's celebrate." They both end up snorting cocaine, but Vitaly becomes addicted, & Yuri takes him to a rehabilitation center.
From then on, Yuri conducts the arms business alone. Shortly after this episode, he begins to court Ava Fontaine (Bridget Moynahan), a successful model who came from the same neighborhood. They marry, move into Manhattan and later have a son.
Yuri gets his big break when the Soviet Union dissolves. Yuri rushes to Russia after watching Gorbachev's Christmas Day 1991 resignation speech on television. He contacts his uncle, Dimitri, a general of the former Red Army, & begins buying Dimitri's tanks and AK-47s to expand his inventory. Shortly after this, Yuri moves on to selling arms to the West African dictator of Liberia, André Baptiste. Baptiste, pleased with the relationship, proclaims that Yuri is a "Lord of War".
Meanwhile, Jack continues his pursuit of Yuri. He discovers that Yuri will soon be making a cargo run to Sierra Leone & intercepts Yuri's cargo plane. Yuri instructs the pilot to land the plane on a dirt road. To destroy the evidence, he gives the entire arms shipment away to passers-by. When Jack finally arrives, the plane is empty, & there is no evidence of the arms shipment.
One day Jack reveals to Ava that Yuri is an arms dealer. At first, she does not believe him, but eventually realizes the truth. Ava confronts him about his business; he promises that he will stop. He makes more legal deals to exploit the resources of poor nations, but complains that the margins are low & competition is high. Six months later, Baptiste & his son come over & visit Yuri (on their way to United Nations headquarters for a peace talk) with another arms deal offer. Yuri initially refuses, but when Baptiste indicates that he will be much more generous than usual, Yuri relents.
He takes Vitaly along to the deal, which turns out to be in Sierra Leone. However, during the deal, Vitaly becomes distressed: he sees men kill a mother & child in a nearby village of unarmed civilians. He pleads with Yuri to cancel the shipment. Yuri tries to convince him that someone else will sell the weapons if they do not; he also argues that both of them will be killed if they try to cancel the deal. Vitaly pretends to agree. However, he takes two grenades, destroys half of Yuri's shipments, and kills Baptiste's son before nearby guards kill him. Yuri only receives half of the payment due to the destruction of the weapons. He then delivers one of the film's most memorable lines, "They say that 'evil prevails when good men fail to act.' They ought to say 'evil prevails.'"
Yuri ships his brother's remains back to the U.S.. He pays someone to remove the bullets from Vitaly's body & forge a death certificate, but one bullet remains, & Yuri is stopped by customs. Meanwhile, while being followed by Jack, Ava finds Yuri's security container, finally establishing the definitive proof of Yuri's guilt. Ava takes their son & leaves him. When Yuri calls his parents, his mother says, "Both my sons are dead."
Jack detains Yuri & tell tells him that he has a long jail sentence ahead of him, but Yuri abruptly brings him back to reality. He then proclaims himself as a "necessary evil," as he does transactions that the United States federal government is afraid to do. Yuri also explains that the U.S sells more guns than he does & that a trial would reveal these embarassing truths. Yuri is released as a result.
A free man again, & without his family and friends, he returns to selling arms without guilt. The movie ends by proclaiming on-screen that it is "based on actual events" and that, while arms traders like Yuri Orlov continue to thrive, the U.S., the UK, France, Russia and China (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council) are the world's leading arms dealers.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Desire - Key to Energy
“The key that unlocks energy is desire. It's also the key to a long and interesting life. If we expect to create any drive, any real force within ourselves, we have to get excited”
- Earl Nightingale
- Earl Nightingale
Christian Bear
A country preacher decided to skip services one Sunday to spend the day hiking in the wilderness. Rounding a sharp bend in the trail, he collided with a bear and was sent tumbling down a steep grade. He landed on a rock and broke both legs. With the ferocious bear charging at him from a distance, the preacher prayed, "O Lord, I'm so sorry for skipping services today. Please forgive me and grant me just one wish - make a Christian out of that bear that's coming at me!"
At that very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to his knees, clasped his paws together, and began to pray aloud at the preacher's feet: "Dear God, please bless this food I am about to receive."
At that very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to his knees, clasped his paws together, and began to pray aloud at the preacher's feet: "Dear God, please bless this food I am about to receive."
Peanuts Anyone?
A preacher visits an elderly woman from his congregation. As he sits on the couch he notices a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. "Mind if I have a few?" he asks.
"No, not at all!" the woman replied.
They chat for an hour and as the preacher stands to leave, he realizes that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he emptied most of the bowl.
"I'm terribly sorry for eating all your peanuts, I really just meant to eat a few."
"Oh, that's all right," the woman says.
"Ever since I lost my teeth all I can do is suck the chocolate off them."
"No, not at all!" the woman replied.
They chat for an hour and as the preacher stands to leave, he realizes that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he emptied most of the bowl.
"I'm terribly sorry for eating all your peanuts, I really just meant to eat a few."
"Oh, that's all right," the woman says.
"Ever since I lost my teeth all I can do is suck the chocolate off them."
A Series of Reflections Leading to Mother's Day IV
GROWING OLD & GRAY
When you were 30, she called with some advice on the baby.
You thanked her by telling her, "Things are different now."
When you were 40, she called to remind you of an relative's birthday.
You thanked her by saying you were "really busy right now."
When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.
You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.
And then... and then, one day, she quietly died.... And everything you never did came crashing down like thunder.
"The hand who rocks the cradle...may rock the world".
Let us take a moment of the time just to pay tribute & show appreciation to the person called MOM though some may not say it openly to their mother. There's no substitute for her. Cherished every single moment. Though at times she may not be the best of friends, may not agree to our thoughts, she is still your mother! She will be there for you...to listen to your woes, your braggings, your frustations, etc.
Ask yourself:
Have you put aside enough time for her, to listen to her "blues" of working in the kitchen, her tiredness? Be tactful, loving and still show her due respect though you may have a different view from hers. Once gone, only fond memories of the past and also regrets will be left.
When you were 30, she called with some advice on the baby.
You thanked her by telling her, "Things are different now."
When you were 40, she called to remind you of an relative's birthday.
You thanked her by saying you were "really busy right now."
When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.
You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.
And then... and then, one day, she quietly died.... And everything you never did came crashing down like thunder.
"The hand who rocks the cradle...may rock the world".
Let us take a moment of the time just to pay tribute & show appreciation to the person called MOM though some may not say it openly to their mother. There's no substitute for her. Cherished every single moment. Though at times she may not be the best of friends, may not agree to our thoughts, she is still your mother! She will be there for you...to listen to your woes, your braggings, your frustations, etc.
Ask yourself:
Have you put aside enough time for her, to listen to her "blues" of working in the kitchen, her tiredness? Be tactful, loving and still show her due respect though you may have a different view from hers. Once gone, only fond memories of the past and also regrets will be left.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Board Games are Fun! So is Losing!!
I had 2 rounds of board games last night with 3 of my buddies. We had 'Around Africa in 10 Days' for round 1 and a very challenging game called 'Citadel' in round 2. It was hilarious; it was funny; it was confusing (it's always confusing in the first 20 mins or so trying to figure out the rules). Okay, I didn't win in any of those 2 rounds. But heck, who really cares? Afterall, when you are my age, winning really isn't everything. Strangely, I used to think the opposite when I was much younger. Winning really is...EVERYTHING.
As a young boy, I used to think and act competitively. I play and sing competitively. As a young adult, I sell and market competitively. Everything use to be a competition, and in this competition, there can only be one winner, and that winner must be ME. How miserable...expecially when I can't win all the time.
I have since repented years ago. And I was glad I did, because I finally realized that it's not about the winning (or losing). It's not about the destination, but the journey; not the product, but the process. When I focus on the journey instead of the destination, I start to enjoy the friendship and the company I am in. And guess what, when I arrive at the end, we all win!
I used to resent people who try to comfort me by saying, "Oh come on, it's only a game". Yeah right, try it on yourself when you are on the losing team. That was my attitude years ago. But now, the phrase "It's only a game" has more significant meaning to me. It's NOT JUST A GAME; it's a connection. I have a meaningful connection with another being who has chosen to spend time interacting with me apparently via an inconsequencial event: a board game. It's not a game anymore. It's relationship, and in relationship, everybody wins.
I regretted those years when I shunned away one too often from playing games with others because I know I cannot afford to lose. Now I feel that I cannot afford NOT to lose. Less is more. To win, we sometimes have to lose. Someone once quoted: You win the battle, but lose the war. You win an arguement, but lose a friend. You win the match, but lose the respect. How sad. Yes, I can afford to lose now. It's not a big deal anymore.
Nowadays, I have a wonderful feeling when I lost a game, because I know I have won something else: I have won my inner battle, the tension within, the struggle to base my self-worth on something so temporal as the status of a winner. Deep inside, it's okay now. Relationships take priority over personal immaturity.
It was a journey that had taken a great toll on my circles of friends and loved ones. It was a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness that had left a trail of dead bodies and dead-ends along the way. I felt guilty and ugly. What kind of outlook and motto is this anyway: In winning, I lose. I would rather now champion "In losing, I win".
Tonight, I have forgotten how bad it feels to be losing;
Tonight, I don't remember the pressure of not winning;
Tonight, I don't request for a draw or a tie;
Tonight, I finally enjoy losing.
And it is in such a wonderful night that I once again enjoy the marvelous fellowship and companionship of ...my friends!
As a young boy, I used to think and act competitively. I play and sing competitively. As a young adult, I sell and market competitively. Everything use to be a competition, and in this competition, there can only be one winner, and that winner must be ME. How miserable...expecially when I can't win all the time.
I have since repented years ago. And I was glad I did, because I finally realized that it's not about the winning (or losing). It's not about the destination, but the journey; not the product, but the process. When I focus on the journey instead of the destination, I start to enjoy the friendship and the company I am in. And guess what, when I arrive at the end, we all win!
I used to resent people who try to comfort me by saying, "Oh come on, it's only a game". Yeah right, try it on yourself when you are on the losing team. That was my attitude years ago. But now, the phrase "It's only a game" has more significant meaning to me. It's NOT JUST A GAME; it's a connection. I have a meaningful connection with another being who has chosen to spend time interacting with me apparently via an inconsequencial event: a board game. It's not a game anymore. It's relationship, and in relationship, everybody wins.
I regretted those years when I shunned away one too often from playing games with others because I know I cannot afford to lose. Now I feel that I cannot afford NOT to lose. Less is more. To win, we sometimes have to lose. Someone once quoted: You win the battle, but lose the war. You win an arguement, but lose a friend. You win the match, but lose the respect. How sad. Yes, I can afford to lose now. It's not a big deal anymore.
Nowadays, I have a wonderful feeling when I lost a game, because I know I have won something else: I have won my inner battle, the tension within, the struggle to base my self-worth on something so temporal as the status of a winner. Deep inside, it's okay now. Relationships take priority over personal immaturity.
It was a journey that had taken a great toll on my circles of friends and loved ones. It was a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness that had left a trail of dead bodies and dead-ends along the way. I felt guilty and ugly. What kind of outlook and motto is this anyway: In winning, I lose. I would rather now champion "In losing, I win".
Tonight, I have forgotten how bad it feels to be losing;
Tonight, I don't remember the pressure of not winning;
Tonight, I don't request for a draw or a tie;
Tonight, I finally enjoy losing.
And it is in such a wonderful night that I once again enjoy the marvelous fellowship and companionship of ...my friends!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
A Man Must be a Man
"There is a land where a man, to live, must be a man. It is a land of granite & marble & porphyry & gold - and a man's strength must be as the strength of the primeval hills. It is a land of oaks & cedars & pines - and a man's mental grace must be as the grace of the untamed trees. It is a land of far-arched & unstained skies, where the wind sweeps free & untainted, and the atmosphere is the atmosphere of those places that remains as God made them - and a man's soul must be as the unstained skies, the unburdened wind & the untainted atmosphere. It is a land of wild mesas, of wild rolling pasture & broad, untilled valley meadows - and a man's freedom must be that freedom which is not bounded by the fences of a too weak & timid conventionalism.
In this land every man is - by divine right - his own king; he is his own jury, his own counsel, his own judge, and - if it must be - his own executioner... In this land a man, to live, must be a man."
Harold Bell Wright
Early Twentieth-Century Novelist
From the Book 'Tender Warrior' by Stuart Weber
What makes a man?
"First, foremost, & above all else, it is vision. A vision for something larger than life. A vision of something out there ahead....call it a sense of destiny."
"A man must visualize ahead of time. Project. Think forward. Life his eyes & chart the course ahead...anticipate what the months and years may bring. A provisionary is one who lives at & beyond the horizns. This is the very essense of his leadership. This is the 'king' in every man... always looking ahead, watching out for his people, providing direction & order."
"As men we so often misplace our vision. We focus myopically on houses & cars & stock portfolios & bank accounts & piling up stuffs. We imagine we find status & security in these things, when in fact there is no status or security if you don't have relationships.... We revert to the things we can see, when in fact it is the unseen world, the world of the spirit, the world of relationships, where we ought to be majoring in our provision. Matters of character, heart, spirit, integrity, justice, humility - the kind of things that last. The character traits that outlives a man and leave, not a monument, but a legacy."
Stuart K Weber
Tender Warrior
In this land every man is - by divine right - his own king; he is his own jury, his own counsel, his own judge, and - if it must be - his own executioner... In this land a man, to live, must be a man."
Harold Bell Wright
Early Twentieth-Century Novelist
From the Book 'Tender Warrior' by Stuart Weber
What makes a man?
"First, foremost, & above all else, it is vision. A vision for something larger than life. A vision of something out there ahead....call it a sense of destiny."
"A man must visualize ahead of time. Project. Think forward. Life his eyes & chart the course ahead...anticipate what the months and years may bring. A provisionary is one who lives at & beyond the horizns. This is the very essense of his leadership. This is the 'king' in every man... always looking ahead, watching out for his people, providing direction & order."
"As men we so often misplace our vision. We focus myopically on houses & cars & stock portfolios & bank accounts & piling up stuffs. We imagine we find status & security in these things, when in fact there is no status or security if you don't have relationships.... We revert to the things we can see, when in fact it is the unseen world, the world of the spirit, the world of relationships, where we ought to be majoring in our provision. Matters of character, heart, spirit, integrity, justice, humility - the kind of things that last. The character traits that outlives a man and leave, not a monument, but a legacy."
Stuart K Weber
Tender Warrior
A Commodity under the Radar
Gold is within a mere 7% of a new 26-year high. The culprit: the U.S. dollar is heading south. That in turn causes inflation to rev higher, & other natural resources to climb virtually non-stop. I have no doubt that market will soon see record new highs in gold and oil. The black gold is also a mere $12 or so away from a record high. But I want to talk about another natural resource: A forgotten metal that is well on its way to new all-time record highs: Platinum.
Platinum is among the world's rarest metals. New mine production totals about five million troy ounces a year. Compare that to gold, where mines produce approximately 82 million ounces a year. 76% comes from South Africa; 14% from Russia & North America contributes about 6%. The rest of the world makes up the other 4%. In terms of total platinum reserves in the ground, it's estimated that there are only about 3.5 billion ounces left.
Meanwhile, above-ground platinum reserves have been practically wiped out! That's because demand for platinum has been soaring. Back in 1975, demand was about 2.6 million ounces a year. Today, it's virtually tripled to seven million ounces. In the last 10 years, demand has exceeded mine supply by nearly 8.3 million ounces.
About half of all platinum goes to the automobile industry for use in catalytic converters, which reduce the toxicity of emissions from engines. Never mind that the U.S. auto industry is suffering from miserably slow sales or that energy prices are rising around the world. The fact is that cars are now becoming affordable for hundreds of millions of people in: China! The country's auto production soared in Q1 of this year. There were 2.19 million vehicles produced in Q1, up 22.6% from the same period last year. In March alone, China puts nearly 854,000 new cars on the street. And for all of 2006, China put out 7.22 million autos! The country needed 58% more platinum for catalytic converters in 2006 than it did in 2005!
And, by 2010, China will overtake Japan as Asia's largest carmaker, producing an estimated 11 million vehicles per year. What do you think will happen to the price of platinum by then? And don't forget, China is just one of the emerging giants: South Korea and Thailand are each producing more than a million vehicles per year. India is putting out about a million vehicles a month, pushing up demand for platinum even more. So is Brazil, which saw production jumped 7.4% in March.
This natural built-in and growing demand for platinum — in the face of severely limited supplies — is a major reason why platinum prices are exploding higher. And in my opinion, the price of platinum could double over the next couple of years from a current $1,300-an-ounce level to $2,500 an ounce.
Also, new clean air legislation in the U.S. and in many of the world's fastest-growing economies will keep sending demand for platinum through the roof. The global warming issue, and attempts by authorities around the world to cut down on pollution, will have a major effect on the way cars are produced. The new & more stringent environmental regulations involve a greater number of countries than ever before. Countries that a decade ago had little or no environmental regulation will soon have restrictions on auto emissions.
Everything I have been warning you about is coming to pass. The dollar is ill; inflation is soaring and natural resource prices are climbing skyward. Be prepared for profit or be prepared to watch others take profit. And don't say I never say, for I have said it here already. Your call.
Platinum is among the world's rarest metals. New mine production totals about five million troy ounces a year. Compare that to gold, where mines produce approximately 82 million ounces a year. 76% comes from South Africa; 14% from Russia & North America contributes about 6%. The rest of the world makes up the other 4%. In terms of total platinum reserves in the ground, it's estimated that there are only about 3.5 billion ounces left.
Meanwhile, above-ground platinum reserves have been practically wiped out! That's because demand for platinum has been soaring. Back in 1975, demand was about 2.6 million ounces a year. Today, it's virtually tripled to seven million ounces. In the last 10 years, demand has exceeded mine supply by nearly 8.3 million ounces.
About half of all platinum goes to the automobile industry for use in catalytic converters, which reduce the toxicity of emissions from engines. Never mind that the U.S. auto industry is suffering from miserably slow sales or that energy prices are rising around the world. The fact is that cars are now becoming affordable for hundreds of millions of people in: China! The country's auto production soared in Q1 of this year. There were 2.19 million vehicles produced in Q1, up 22.6% from the same period last year. In March alone, China puts nearly 854,000 new cars on the street. And for all of 2006, China put out 7.22 million autos! The country needed 58% more platinum for catalytic converters in 2006 than it did in 2005!
And, by 2010, China will overtake Japan as Asia's largest carmaker, producing an estimated 11 million vehicles per year. What do you think will happen to the price of platinum by then? And don't forget, China is just one of the emerging giants: South Korea and Thailand are each producing more than a million vehicles per year. India is putting out about a million vehicles a month, pushing up demand for platinum even more. So is Brazil, which saw production jumped 7.4% in March.
This natural built-in and growing demand for platinum — in the face of severely limited supplies — is a major reason why platinum prices are exploding higher. And in my opinion, the price of platinum could double over the next couple of years from a current $1,300-an-ounce level to $2,500 an ounce.
Also, new clean air legislation in the U.S. and in many of the world's fastest-growing economies will keep sending demand for platinum through the roof. The global warming issue, and attempts by authorities around the world to cut down on pollution, will have a major effect on the way cars are produced. The new & more stringent environmental regulations involve a greater number of countries than ever before. Countries that a decade ago had little or no environmental regulation will soon have restrictions on auto emissions.
Everything I have been warning you about is coming to pass. The dollar is ill; inflation is soaring and natural resource prices are climbing skyward. Be prepared for profit or be prepared to watch others take profit. And don't say I never say, for I have said it here already. Your call.
The Smartest Man In the World
A doctor, a Wall Street Investment Banker, a little boy and a priest were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble. In spite of the best efforts of the pilot the plane started to go down. Finally the pilot grabbed a parachute, yelled to the passengers that they had better jump, and bailed out.
Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining. The doctor grabbed one and said, "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live" and jumped out.
The Investment Banker then said, "I am the smartest man in the world, I deserve to live!" He grabbed a parachute and jumped.
The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace."
The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The smartest man in the world just took off with my backpack."
Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining. The doctor grabbed one and said, "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live" and jumped out.
The Investment Banker then said, "I am the smartest man in the world, I deserve to live!" He grabbed a parachute and jumped.
The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace."
The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The smartest man in the world just took off with my backpack."
Over-Compensation?
o·ver·com·pen·sa·tion/ˈoʊvərˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃən/ [oh-ver-kom-puhn-sey-shuhn]1. striving to neutralize & conceal a strong but unacceptable character trait by substituting for it an opposite trait.
2. compensation to an unnecessary or unreasonable degree; Excessive in the exertion of effort needed to compensate for a physical or psychological characteristic or defect.
2. compensation to an unnecessary or unreasonable degree; Excessive in the exertion of effort needed to compensate for a physical or psychological characteristic or defect.
3. an attempt to overcome a real or imagined defect or unwanted trait by overly exaggerating its opposite
4. the exertion of effort beyond what is needed to substitute for a physical or psychological characteristic or defect.
5. An extreme neurotic striving for power or prestige because of a feeling of inferiority.
5. An extreme neurotic striving for power or prestige because of a feeling of inferiority.
Yesterday, I posted something about over-confidence. Today's the opposite. Now, that's a little bit too OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), isn't it buddy?
Looks like this is going to be the case for a lot of investors. Why?
.
When the market dives, I don't think they will have sufficient time to unlock their positions.
.
This picture also reminds me about those who choose to play it TOO SAFE; the non-investor group. This group typically keep their assets in cash and cash only. To them, investment is a dirty word. They are overly-concerned with capital preservation, at the expense of capital erosion. They don't realize that NOT investing is also a risk!
How Much is Two Plus Two?
A university committee was selecting a new dean. They had narrowed the candidates down to a mathematician, an economist and a lawyer. Each was asked this question during their interview: "How much is two plus two?"
The mathematician answered immediately, "Four."
The economist thought for several minutes and finally answered, "Four, plus or minus one."
Finally the lawyer stood up, peered around the room and motioned silently for the committee members to gather close to him. In a hushed, conspiratorial tone, he replied,
"How much do you want it to be?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"There is no better way to exercise the imagination than the study of the law. No artist ever interpreted nature as freely as a lawyer interprets the truth."
- Jean Giradoux
The mathematician answered immediately, "Four."
The economist thought for several minutes and finally answered, "Four, plus or minus one."
Finally the lawyer stood up, peered around the room and motioned silently for the committee members to gather close to him. In a hushed, conspiratorial tone, he replied,
"How much do you want it to be?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"There is no better way to exercise the imagination than the study of the law. No artist ever interpreted nature as freely as a lawyer interprets the truth."
- Jean Giradoux
A Series of Reflections Leading to Mother's Day III
THOSE TEENAGE & YOUNG ADULT YEARS
When you were 19, she paid for your college tuition, drove you to campus, carried your bags.
You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn't be embarrassed in front of your friends.
When you were 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
You thanked her by saying, "It's none of your business."
When you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future.
You thanked her by saying, "I don't want to be like you."
When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.
When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
When you were 24, she met your fiance and asked about your plans for the future.
You thanked her by glaring and growling, "Muuhh-ther, please!"
When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told you how deeply she loved you.
You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
When you were 19, she paid for your college tuition, drove you to campus, carried your bags.
You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn't be embarrassed in front of your friends.
When you were 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
You thanked her by saying, "It's none of your business."
When you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future.
You thanked her by saying, "I don't want to be like you."
When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.
When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
When you were 24, she met your fiance and asked about your plans for the future.
You thanked her by glaring and growling, "Muuhh-ther, please!"
When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told you how deeply she loved you.
You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Resolve to Succeed
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.
And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years that matters.
- Abraham Lincoln
And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years that matters.
- Abraham Lincoln
Bonhoeffer on Boarding the Wrong Train
The problem for investors is that, as the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote,
“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”
(Bonhoeffer opposed Nazism and was executed in prison for his involvement in a plot to overthrow Hitler.)
“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”
(Bonhoeffer opposed Nazism and was executed in prison for his involvement in a plot to overthrow Hitler.)
心计
曲名：心计
歌手：李克勤
专辑：男人魅
走进五星级酒店
渡华丽假期
连人生也要当主角
成就冲天飞
淡薄里 三餐一宿
渡过生老病死
不如凭勇气
挺而走险
石破天惊你看得起
遗忘自己
成全自己
受过伤懂得怎戒备
甜蜜储起
仇恨至死
哪个猜心者不卑鄙
让我毫无余地
机关算尽
博全场赞美
却比不起
预计中欢喜
在我得到整个宇宙突然怀念你
走进这一出戏
回头没了期
慈祥嘴脸手执兵器
无十秒预备
就让我 衣冠楚楚
用我心去做戏
攻陷全世界
突然很想
对你讲一声对不起
遗忘自己
成全自己
受过伤懂得怎戒备
甜蜜储起
仇恨至死
哪个猜心者不卑鄙
但我无从逃避
机关算尽
发现唯有你
我舍不得
我也输不起
在我得到整个宇宙突然怀念你
歌手：李克勤
专辑：男人魅
走进五星级酒店
渡华丽假期
连人生也要当主角
成就冲天飞
淡薄里 三餐一宿
渡过生老病死
不如凭勇气
挺而走险
石破天惊你看得起
遗忘自己
成全自己
受过伤懂得怎戒备
甜蜜储起
仇恨至死
哪个猜心者不卑鄙
让我毫无余地
机关算尽
博全场赞美
却比不起
预计中欢喜
在我得到整个宇宙突然怀念你
走进这一出戏
回头没了期
慈祥嘴脸手执兵器
无十秒预备
就让我 衣冠楚楚
用我心去做戏
攻陷全世界
突然很想
对你讲一声对不起
遗忘自己
成全自己
受过伤懂得怎戒备
甜蜜储起
仇恨至死
哪个猜心者不卑鄙
但我无从逃避
机关算尽
发现唯有你
我舍不得
我也输不起
在我得到整个宇宙突然怀念你
The Sins of Three Nuns
There are three nuns and a Mother Superior. The Mother Superior tells the three nuns that before they can receive their Saint name they had one final test. She told them to go commit one sin so that they would not have urges to be bad.
After the three nuns return, the Mother Superior says, "Did you commit your sins?" They all shake their heads yes. The first two nuns are crying, the third is giggling. The Mother Superior says to the first one, "What sin did you commit child?"
The first nun answers with tears in her eyes. "I was just rotten, I picked flowers from someone's garden." The Mother Superior says, "Go drink the Holy Water and it will be alright." The third nun is dancing around in laughter.
The Mother Superior asks the second one. Her whole body is shaking and she is crying. "I stole candy from a baby." The Mother Superior says, "My child, drink the Holy Water and you are forgiven. The third nun falls on the floor hysterically laughing.
The Mother Superior is disgusted and asks, "What are you laughing at?" The third nun is barely able to answer through her tears of laughter, "I peed in the Holy Water."
After the three nuns return, the Mother Superior says, "Did you commit your sins?" They all shake their heads yes. The first two nuns are crying, the third is giggling. The Mother Superior says to the first one, "What sin did you commit child?"
The first nun answers with tears in her eyes. "I was just rotten, I picked flowers from someone's garden." The Mother Superior says, "Go drink the Holy Water and it will be alright." The third nun is dancing around in laughter.
The Mother Superior asks the second one. Her whole body is shaking and she is crying. "I stole candy from a baby." The Mother Superior says, "My child, drink the Holy Water and you are forgiven. The third nun falls on the floor hysterically laughing.
The Mother Superior is disgusted and asks, "What are you laughing at?" The third nun is barely able to answer through her tears of laughter, "I peed in the Holy Water."
In Whose Hands?
My life in my own hands is a pain and a problem.
My life in God's Hands is a possibility and power!
- Author Unknown
My life in God's Hands is a possibility and power!
- Author Unknown
Over-Confidence?
o·ver·con·fi·dent/ˈoʊvərˈkɒnfɪdənt/[oh-ver-kon-fi-duhnt] – adjective
Meaning..........: too confident.
Synonyms........: cocksure, brash, arrogant, reckless, heedless.
Other meanings : Excessively confident; presumptuous;
Meaning..........: too confident.
Synonyms........: cocksure, brash, arrogant, reckless, heedless.
Other meanings : Excessively confident; presumptuous;
.....................Total certainty than circumstances warrant
>
Sound like the stock market, isn't it?
A Series of Reflections Leading to Mother's Day II
WHEN YOU WERE IN THOSE ADOLESCENT YEARS
When you were 13, she suggested a haircut that was becoming.
You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.
When you were 14, she paid for a month away at summer camp.
You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.
When you were 16, she taught you how to driver her car.
You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.
When you were 17, she was expecting an important call.
You thanked her by being on the phone all night.
When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation.
You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.
When you were 13, she suggested a haircut that was becoming.
You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.
When you were 14, she paid for a month away at summer camp.
You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.
When you were 16, she taught you how to driver her car.
You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.
When you were 17, she was expecting an important call.
You thanked her by being on the phone all night.
When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation.
You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
My Thoughts on the DJIA's 13,000 Mkt Milestone
To begin with, positive earnings & huge stock buybacks so far have managed to push the blue-chip index above 13,000 for the first time. The bulls were crushing the bears, literally. 25 of the 30 Dow stocks are higher. Meanwhile, bidding war for one of Europe's biggest banks also added to the upbeat mood. My banker friends in ABN AMRO should be happy.
The Fed's Beige Book report portrays a sluggish economy, but the market was shrugging off the conclusion of the Fed's report that its member banks were seeing "only modest or moderate expansions." Manufacturing is sluggish, and housing is weak, the report said. But Wall Street was cheered by the report's comment that "retail sales across the Districts were generally positive."
To me, it's all form without foundation. Housing remains in a secular bear market, & I believe it won't end soon. U.S. auto sales continue to sag with unemployment levels in that industry soaring. Do you know that, together, housing & automotive comprises about 18% of U.S. economy's output?
But let's suppose the market has already discounted the worst of the housing & the auto industry's woes. Well, there's more bearish data & it should raise investors' concerns. Corporate capital spending continues to decline since Q12007. This suggests that companies aren't positive on economic growth & future earnings. Instead, companies pour hundreds of billions of dollars into stock buybacks &, to a lesser extent, raise dividends to shareholders. In addition, I think the consumer looks increasingly fragile. Most retailers also looked like they are off their best highs already. The Conference Board's index of leading indicators dropped below its level of a year earlier, which is a very bearish signal since a negative reading has accurately predicted every recession since 1967. Finally, corporate earnings as measured by the S&P 500 Index have declined to the mid-single digits from double-digits just12 months earlier.
I hate to spoil the party, but I think this rally is mostly fluff. If you strip-out share buybacks & massive private equity trading from this market, we have a flat or down market in 2007. Period. The only positive trend for earnings remains a weak dollar, which is a boon for U.S. MNCs. Here is my forecast: Expect a brutal stock market correction this May or Sept 07. That happened, load-up on stocks again in late October. The worst time to be invested in the market is from May to September. Remember this, or forever hold your peace. And don't say I didn't say hor, for I said it here already.
FYI, May is just next week. Need I put up the picture of a bear again?
The Fed's Beige Book report portrays a sluggish economy, but the market was shrugging off the conclusion of the Fed's report that its member banks were seeing "only modest or moderate expansions." Manufacturing is sluggish, and housing is weak, the report said. But Wall Street was cheered by the report's comment that "retail sales across the Districts were generally positive."
To me, it's all form without foundation. Housing remains in a secular bear market, & I believe it won't end soon. U.S. auto sales continue to sag with unemployment levels in that industry soaring. Do you know that, together, housing & automotive comprises about 18% of U.S. economy's output?
But let's suppose the market has already discounted the worst of the housing & the auto industry's woes. Well, there's more bearish data & it should raise investors' concerns. Corporate capital spending continues to decline since Q12007. This suggests that companies aren't positive on economic growth & future earnings. Instead, companies pour hundreds of billions of dollars into stock buybacks &, to a lesser extent, raise dividends to shareholders. In addition, I think the consumer looks increasingly fragile. Most retailers also looked like they are off their best highs already. The Conference Board's index of leading indicators dropped below its level of a year earlier, which is a very bearish signal since a negative reading has accurately predicted every recession since 1967. Finally, corporate earnings as measured by the S&P 500 Index have declined to the mid-single digits from double-digits just12 months earlier.
I hate to spoil the party, but I think this rally is mostly fluff. If you strip-out share buybacks & massive private equity trading from this market, we have a flat or down market in 2007. Period. The only positive trend for earnings remains a weak dollar, which is a boon for U.S. MNCs. Here is my forecast: Expect a brutal stock market correction this May or Sept 07. That happened, load-up on stocks again in late October. The worst time to be invested in the market is from May to September. Remember this, or forever hold your peace. And don't say I didn't say hor, for I said it here already.
FYI, May is just next week. Need I put up the picture of a bear again?
Market Today
In the U.S., the Dow Jones notched up triple-digit gains & went on to close above 13,000 for the first time ever! At the bell, the industrials index was 135 points higher at 13,089. The Nasdaq added 23 points to end the day at 2,547. And the S&P 500 also closed in positive territory, at 1,495, having gained 15 points.
In London, stocks ended the day in the blue as drug stock Shire & mortgage lender HBOS reported strong trading, & the good start on Wall Street boosted sentiment. The blue-chip FTSE 100 added 32 points to end the day at 6,461. On the Continent, the Paris CAC-40 hit a six-year closing high of 5,947, having added 61 points. In Frankfurt, the DAX-30 closed 72 points higher, at 7,343.
In Asia, investor sentiment was also boosted by the gains on Wall Street. The Nikkei rose 193 points to close at 17,429. And in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng jumped 274 points to close at 20,749. STI also ended well, added 44 points to close at 3,406.
Crude oil futures had fallen slightly to $65.67 a barrel today, whilst Brent spot was down to $67.86 in London.
Spot gold rose to $686.40 overnight, from $684.50 late in New York, as the higher oil price prompted buying. Silver had climbed to $13.81.
On currencies, the pound had risen to 2.0031 against the dollar this morning whilst the euro had climbed to 1.3642 against the dollar. Meanwhile, the dollar was up to 118.96 against the Japanese yen.
In London, stocks ended the day in the blue as drug stock Shire & mortgage lender HBOS reported strong trading, & the good start on Wall Street boosted sentiment. The blue-chip FTSE 100 added 32 points to end the day at 6,461. On the Continent, the Paris CAC-40 hit a six-year closing high of 5,947, having added 61 points. In Frankfurt, the DAX-30 closed 72 points higher, at 7,343.
In Asia, investor sentiment was also boosted by the gains on Wall Street. The Nikkei rose 193 points to close at 17,429. And in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng jumped 274 points to close at 20,749. STI also ended well, added 44 points to close at 3,406.
Crude oil futures had fallen slightly to $65.67 a barrel today, whilst Brent spot was down to $67.86 in London.
Spot gold rose to $686.40 overnight, from $684.50 late in New York, as the higher oil price prompted buying. Silver had climbed to $13.81.
On currencies, the pound had risen to 2.0031 against the dollar this morning whilst the euro had climbed to 1.3642 against the dollar. Meanwhile, the dollar was up to 118.96 against the Japanese yen.
Bullish on Commodities
A strong global economy, and particularly intense demand from Asia, is playing a role in rising natural resource prices. But there are other forces at work, too. Let's look at a few:
In crude oil, Mexico's big oil field is tapping out! Drying! Tah-liao! From January 2006 through February 2007, Mexico's supergiant oil field, Cantarell, lost a staggering one-fifth of its production! And in March, Cantarell's production fell by another 5%! In fact, the Wall Street Journal reports that Cantarell is fading so fast that Mexico may become an oil importer within eight years. Mexico is U.S. second-biggest supplier of imported petroleum, below Canada and above Saudi Arabia, accounting for more than 11% of U.S. imports. The Americans could feel the squeeze very soon. More and more analysts are calling for $4-a-gallon gasoline this May!
For gold, production (supply) is falling around the world. It's falling in South Africa, the U.S., Australia, Peru, Russia and Canada! And that's despite more spending by miners and rising gold prices. Plus, investment demand is exploding! ETFs have made it easier than ever for U.S. investors to buy gold, and two gold ETFs just made their debut in India. I believe we're on the way to $750-an-ounce gold.
Then there's uranium, where supply just can't keep up with demand. In fact, some analysts say mine production won't catch up to demand until 2017! We're looking at a 10-year bull market in uranium, minimum. Maybe that's why the NYMEX recently signed an agreement to introduce uranium futures on its electronic platforms next month.
And I have no time to touch on copper yet, or steel, or silver. But bottom line is: For natural resource investors, the current market ambivalence is something to be aware of, but not something to worry about. If the U.S. economy keeps trucking along, and the U.S. dollar recovers, Americans will have more money to buy things, and thus commodities go up. And if America falters and Asia stays in the lead, commodities will still go up. Talk about a win-win situation, this is never a better one!
In crude oil, Mexico's big oil field is tapping out! Drying! Tah-liao! From January 2006 through February 2007, Mexico's supergiant oil field, Cantarell, lost a staggering one-fifth of its production! And in March, Cantarell's production fell by another 5%! In fact, the Wall Street Journal reports that Cantarell is fading so fast that Mexico may become an oil importer within eight years. Mexico is U.S. second-biggest supplier of imported petroleum, below Canada and above Saudi Arabia, accounting for more than 11% of U.S. imports. The Americans could feel the squeeze very soon. More and more analysts are calling for $4-a-gallon gasoline this May!
For gold, production (supply) is falling around the world. It's falling in South Africa, the U.S., Australia, Peru, Russia and Canada! And that's despite more spending by miners and rising gold prices. Plus, investment demand is exploding! ETFs have made it easier than ever for U.S. investors to buy gold, and two gold ETFs just made their debut in India. I believe we're on the way to $750-an-ounce gold.
Then there's uranium, where supply just can't keep up with demand. In fact, some analysts say mine production won't catch up to demand until 2017! We're looking at a 10-year bull market in uranium, minimum. Maybe that's why the NYMEX recently signed an agreement to introduce uranium futures on its electronic platforms next month.
And I have no time to touch on copper yet, or steel, or silver. But bottom line is: For natural resource investors, the current market ambivalence is something to be aware of, but not something to worry about. If the U.S. economy keeps trucking along, and the U.S. dollar recovers, Americans will have more money to buy things, and thus commodities go up. And if America falters and Asia stays in the lead, commodities will still go up. Talk about a win-win situation, this is never a better one!
Dollar and Stock Decoupling
There's a major disconnect in the markets: the U.S. dollar is going down while U.S. stocks are going up. Some call it a decoupling; others dichotomy.You know what? If the dollar was a stock, we'd be talking about a potential bankruptcy! Why is the dollar in the dumps?
The U.S. Fed is afraid to raise rates despite the fact inflation is well above its stated comfort zone; and because the housing market is still choked in the toilet. Meanwhile, both economic growth and inflation is surging overseas. So, foreign central banks are hiking interest rates. As a result, capital is migrating to foreign countries and away from the U.S. dollar.
That's pretty negative! And it begs the question: How can stocks be hitting new highs when the basic unit of trust in the American economy, the dollar, is careening into the gutter?
Well, if history is our guide, this shouldn't be happening! Take a look at the dollar vs. the S&P 500 index, you will see that the dollar and U.S. stocks used to trade in tandem. But no longer after 2003! It's interesting to see such a decoupling, among major asset classes in the same country — both of which are supposed to express some degree of confidence in that said country. For one, this decoupling is telling us relative to the value of the dollar, that stocks have NEVER been more expensive!
That is a pretty bearish view! Personally, I'm more sanguine when it comes to the U.S. because I think the world's largest economy has more resiliency than a lot of people realize. But here's the point: If you're invested solely in U.S. stocks and dollar-denominated investments, this is a crucial juncture, and it's actually not easy to say which direction things will head next. That's why I'm following the natural resources markets. Why?
Even if the U.S. falters, Asia can pick up the economic slack!
This is already happening, my friend. The TREMENDOUS demand we're seeing out of Asia for commodities of all types — energy, precious metals, uranium and more — combined with an ocean of global liquidity, is probably enough to keep commodity prices and commodity stocks humming along no matter what happens in the U.S.
Remember, I mentioned previously that commodity demand from Asia is enormous and growing. China is the world's #1 user of copper, steel and zinc, and she is becoming a bigger and bigger buyer of gold, silver and uranium. India is right up there, too. What's more, mining and materials stocks are in a M&A frenzy. The IMF's World Economic Outlook, which came out in April 2007, said the world economy should grow at a robust 4.9% in both 2007 and 2008. And it indicated that this rate should hold even if oil goes up to $75 per barrel!
One last thing to consider: Natural resources like gold and silver are priced in dollars. So as the dollar goes down, they usually go up! In other words, those with a more global perspective, as well as those who diversify their portfolio into precious metals could not only survive a bear market in the U.S., they could actually thrive!
Solve these Mysteries
Question 1
A man was found murdered on Sunday morning. His wife immediately called the police. The police questioned the wife and staff and got these alibis:
The Wife said she was sleeping.
The Cook was cooking breakfast.
The Gardener was picking vegetables.
The Maid was getting the mail.
The Butler was cleaning the closet.
The police instantly arrested the murderer. Who did it and how did they know?
Question 2
A man walks into his bathroom and shoots himself right between the eyes using a real gun with real bullets. He walks out alive, with no blood anywhere. And no, he didn't miss and he wasn't Superman or any other caped crusader.
How did he do this?
Question 3
If you touch me, you will die, but you can only live without me. I am a big part of your life, and will eventually be the only thing left. You will learn to embrace me finally and rest.
What am I?
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
ANSWERS:
1. It was the Maid. She said she was getting the mail...There is no mail on Sunday!
2. He shot his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
3. Death
A man was found murdered on Sunday morning. His wife immediately called the police. The police questioned the wife and staff and got these alibis:
The Wife said she was sleeping.
The Cook was cooking breakfast.
The Gardener was picking vegetables.
The Maid was getting the mail.
The Butler was cleaning the closet.
The police instantly arrested the murderer. Who did it and how did they know?
Question 2
A man walks into his bathroom and shoots himself right between the eyes using a real gun with real bullets. He walks out alive, with no blood anywhere. And no, he didn't miss and he wasn't Superman or any other caped crusader.
How did he do this?
Question 3
If you touch me, you will die, but you can only live without me. I am a big part of your life, and will eventually be the only thing left. You will learn to embrace me finally and rest.
What am I?
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
ANSWERS:
1. It was the Maid. She said she was getting the mail...There is no mail on Sunday!
2. He shot his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
3. Death
Why?
1. Why do they call bulidings buildings, when they're already finished? Shouldn't they be called builts?
2. Why are they called apartments, when they're all stuck together?
3. Why do sour cream have an expiry date?
4. The light went out, but where to?
5. Why do banks charge you a "non-sufficient funds fee" on money, when they already know you don't have?
6. Why do people go to Burger King and order a Double Whopper with Large Fries and insists on getting a Diet Coke?
7. Why is carrot more orange than orange?
8. When two planes almost collide, why do they called it a miss? It sounds like a near hit to me!!
9. How come abbreviated is such a long word?
10. How do "Keep off the grass" signs get where they are?
11. Why do scientists called it research, when they are actually looking for something new?
12. If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?
2. Why are they called apartments, when they're all stuck together?
3. Why do sour cream have an expiry date?
4. The light went out, but where to?
5. Why do banks charge you a "non-sufficient funds fee" on money, when they already know you don't have?
6. Why do people go to Burger King and order a Double Whopper with Large Fries and insists on getting a Diet Coke?
7. Why is carrot more orange than orange?
8. When two planes almost collide, why do they called it a miss? It sounds like a near hit to me!!
9. How come abbreviated is such a long word?
10. How do "Keep off the grass" signs get where they are?
11. Why do scientists called it research, when they are actually looking for something new?
12. If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?
Greeks vs Italians
A Greek and an Italian were sitting down one day debating who had the superior culture.
The Greek says, "We have the Parthenon."
The Italian says, "We have the Coliseum."
The Greek says, "We had great mathematicians."
The Italian says, "We had the Roman Empire."
And so on and so on for hours, until finally the Greek lights up and says... "We invented sex."
The Italian nods slowly and thinks, then replies, "That is true -- but it was Italians who introduced it to women."
The Greek says, "We have the Parthenon."
The Italian says, "We have the Coliseum."
The Greek says, "We had great mathematicians."
The Italian says, "We had the Roman Empire."
And so on and so on for hours, until finally the Greek lights up and says... "We invented sex."
The Italian nods slowly and thinks, then replies, "That is true -- but it was Italians who introduced it to women."
Guys: Sex is Good for You - R(A)
Dear Guys
It has been known for many years that sex is good exercise, but until recently nobody had made a scientific study of the caloric expenditure of different sexual activities. Now after original and proprietary research they are proud to present the results.
REMOVING HER CLOTHES:
With her consent............................ 12 Calories
Without her consent.................... 387 Calories
OPENING HER BRA:
With both hands.......................... 8 Calories
With one hand............................ 22 Calories
With your teeth........................ 185 Calories
PUTTING ON A CONDOM:
With an erection.............................. 6 Calories
Without an erection.................... 315 Calories
PRELIMINARIES:
Trying to find the clitoris................... 8 Calories
Trying to find the G-Spot.............. 892 Calories
POSITIONS:
Missionary............................. 112 Calories
69 lying down.......................... 178 Calories
69 standing up......................... 312 Calories
Wheelbarrow............................ 386 Calories
Doggy Style............................ 400 Calories
Italian chandelier..................... 972 Calories
ORGASMING:
Real................................... 112 Calories
Fake.................................. 515 Calories
POST ORGASM:
Lying in bed hugging...........................................18 Calories
Getting up immediately........................................36 Calories
Explaining why you got out of bed immediately...........916 Calories
GETTING A SECOND ERECTION:
If you are:
20-29 years old........................ 36 Calories
30-39 years............................ 80 Calories
40-49 years............................ 124 Calories
50-59 years............................ 972 Calories
60-69 years............................ 2916 Calories
70 and over.............................Results are still pending…
DRESSING UP AFTERWARDS:
Calmly........................................................ 32 Calories
In a hurry.................................................. 98 Calories!
With her father knocking at the door............. 1218 Calories!!
With your wife knocking at the door.............. 3521 Calories!!!
P.S.: Results for gals are still indefinite and pending, partly due to their sporadic moods and irregular behaviourial patterns. Keep coming to this blog and you may find out one day.
It has been known for many years that sex is good exercise, but until recently nobody had made a scientific study of the caloric expenditure of different sexual activities. Now after original and proprietary research they are proud to present the results.
REMOVING HER CLOTHES:
With her consent............................ 12 Calories
Without her consent.................... 387 Calories
OPENING HER BRA:
With both hands.......................... 8 Calories
With one hand............................ 22 Calories
With your teeth........................ 185 Calories
PUTTING ON A CONDOM:
With an erection.............................. 6 Calories
Without an erection.................... 315 Calories
PRELIMINARIES:
Trying to find the clitoris................... 8 Calories
Trying to find the G-Spot.............. 892 Calories
POSITIONS:
Missionary............................. 112 Calories
69 lying down.......................... 178 Calories
69 standing up......................... 312 Calories
Wheelbarrow............................ 386 Calories
Doggy Style............................ 400 Calories
Italian chandelier..................... 972 Calories
ORGASMING:
Real................................... 112 Calories
Fake.................................. 515 Calories
POST ORGASM:
Lying in bed hugging...........................................18 Calories
Getting up immediately........................................36 Calories
Explaining why you got out of bed immediately...........916 Calories
GETTING A SECOND ERECTION:
If you are:
20-29 years old........................ 36 Calories
30-39 years............................ 80 Calories
40-49 years............................ 124 Calories
50-59 years............................ 972 Calories
60-69 years............................ 2916 Calories
70 and over.............................Results are still pending…
DRESSING UP AFTERWARDS:
Calmly........................................................ 32 Calories
In a hurry.................................................. 98 Calories!
With her father knocking at the door............. 1218 Calories!!
With your wife knocking at the door.............. 3521 Calories!!!
P.S.: Results for gals are still indefinite and pending, partly due to their sporadic moods and irregular behaviourial patterns. Keep coming to this blog and you may find out one day.
Problems in Different Hands
My life in my own hands is a pain and a problem.
My life in God's Hands is a possibility and power!
- Author Unknown
My life in God's Hands is a possibility and power!
- Author Unknown
Write While the Iron is Hot
While a call to action is definitive in the search for success, when the fire in you has risen and the heat is raging it is important to take an objective look at yourself and your situation. You must be able to step back and view the possibilities. Although passion is an invaluable asset for which we all yearn, it can also fuel a train on it's way to a wreck, sometimes blinding us to the possibilities before us.
We must also take note of our moments of passion because we may not experience that same mindset ever again, not to say that we won't experience a similar level of passion but certainly not in the same moment and under the same circumstances. This is why it is vital to take down our thoughts and feelings at that time, as this recording of our most exciting spiritual moments has a way of prolonging them.
"Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience."
- Henry David Thoreau
We must also take note of our moments of passion because we may not experience that same mindset ever again, not to say that we won't experience a similar level of passion but certainly not in the same moment and under the same circumstances. This is why it is vital to take down our thoughts and feelings at that time, as this recording of our most exciting spiritual moments has a way of prolonging them.
"Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience."
- Henry David Thoreau
That Thing Call FEAR
Fear does not have any special power unless you empower it by submitting to it.
- Les Brown
The fear of becoming a 'has-been' keeps some people from becoming anything.
- Eric Hoffer
To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.
- Bertrand Russell
Fear clogs; faith liberates.
- Elbert Hubbard
- Les Brown
The fear of becoming a 'has-been' keeps some people from becoming anything.
- Eric Hoffer
To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.
- Bertrand Russell
Fear clogs; faith liberates.
- Elbert Hubbard
A Series of Reflections Leading to Mother's Day I
As Mother's Day draws near, I decided to put up a series of reflections leading to that wondrous day. May each entry prepares your heart and posture towards these group of women who deserve so much but was given so little so often, so many times. Read on:
WHEN YOU WERE A BABY -
When you came into the world, she held you in her arms.
You thanked her by wailing like a banshee.
When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you.
You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk.
You thanked her by running away when she called.
When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love.
You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.
When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons.
You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.
When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays.
You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud.
When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school.
You thanked her by screaming, "I'M NOT GOING!"
When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball.
You thanked her by throwing it through the next-door-neighbor's window.
When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream.
You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano lessons.
You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.
When you were 10 years old, she drove you all day, from soccer to gymnastics to one birthday party after another.
You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.
When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies.
You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.
When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows.
You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.
More tomorrow...
WHEN YOU WERE A BABY -
When you came into the world, she held you in her arms.
You thanked her by wailing like a banshee.
When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you.
You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk.
You thanked her by running away when she called.
When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love.
You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.
When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons.
You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.
When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays.
You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud.
When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school.
You thanked her by screaming, "I'M NOT GOING!"
When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball.
You thanked her by throwing it through the next-door-neighbor's window.
When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream.
You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano lessons.
You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.
When you were 10 years old, she drove you all day, from soccer to gymnastics to one birthday party after another.
You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.
When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies.
You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.
When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows.
You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.
More tomorrow...
A Definitive Purpose
Let's not fail our Maker by dwindling away our time, misusing our great talents and abilities. Everyone of us has deeply rooted talent and ability. But have you ever wonder, whether consciously or not, why it seem there are those who have been gifted far beyond the general public? Those are the people who have more than just talent and gifts. They have uncovered a definitive purpose for their life and created a roaring flame of desire to achieve it.
I believe talent deserves its credit, and that talent is a wondrous thing to observe as well as a spiritual experience; witnessing an Olympian achieve gold or admiring a master's painting. Talent is certainly noticeable. However, the source of this talent is not, at least not without believing. Within every one of us lies a spark whose only hope is to be fanned into a blazing inferno, a base desire to achieve and experience the greatest things in life. This almost unnatural sense of desire is revealed through a definitive purpose in our lives, a higher ideal that we connect to emotionally and spiritually; a single clear thought that defines us and our actions. I encourage you to take your time to find your purpose and begin fanning your flames of desire by focusing on that thought each and every moment you can.
"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to possess it."
-Napoleon Hill
"We are told that talent creates its own opportunities. But it sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents."
-Eric Hoffer
I believe talent deserves its credit, and that talent is a wondrous thing to observe as well as a spiritual experience; witnessing an Olympian achieve gold or admiring a master's painting. Talent is certainly noticeable. However, the source of this talent is not, at least not without believing. Within every one of us lies a spark whose only hope is to be fanned into a blazing inferno, a base desire to achieve and experience the greatest things in life. This almost unnatural sense of desire is revealed through a definitive purpose in our lives, a higher ideal that we connect to emotionally and spiritually; a single clear thought that defines us and our actions. I encourage you to take your time to find your purpose and begin fanning your flames of desire by focusing on that thought each and every moment you can.
"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to possess it."
-Napoleon Hill
"We are told that talent creates its own opportunities. But it sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents."
-Eric Hoffer
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Plane Crash
A passenger jet looses all of its engines and the passengers know they are going to crash. There are three women sitting next to each other in one of the rows.
The Italian woman opens her purse and begins pinning money all over her clothing. The other women ask why and she says that when the rescuers begin searching the crash site they will see the money and rescue her first.
The Jewish woman begins putting on all of her jewelry, saying that the rescuers will see the gems and rescue her first.
The black woman begins taking off all of her clothing. The two other women ask why she is undressing. She says, "Everybody knows the first thing they always look for is the black box."
The Italian woman opens her purse and begins pinning money all over her clothing. The other women ask why and she says that when the rescuers begin searching the crash site they will see the money and rescue her first.
The Jewish woman begins putting on all of her jewelry, saying that the rescuers will see the gems and rescue her first.
The black woman begins taking off all of her clothing. The two other women ask why she is undressing. She says, "Everybody knows the first thing they always look for is the black box."
Market Today
The losing trend continued as US investors consolidated the previous week's strong gains. The Dow Jones closed 42 points lower, at 12,919, despite hitting a record intraday high of 12,983. The tech-rich Nasdaq was two points off, at 2,523, whilst the broader S&P 500 was 3 points lower, at 1,480.
In London, the FTSE 100 was boosted by a late rally yesterday but still failed to stay out of the red, closing 7 points lower at 6,479. Blue chip financial Barclays fell by over 2% as investors expressed doubts over its tie-up with Dutch bank ABN Amro, and pharma AstraZeneca tumbled over 4% despite an 11% rise in first-qurater profits. The Frankfurt DAX-30 also closed down 13 points, at 7,335, whilst the Paris CAC-40 was 20 points lower, at 5,917.
In Asia, the Nikkei was little-changed at 17,452 today - a 3-point fall - as investors awaited results from the likes of Canon and Fanuc, due after the close. STI did not shine much, closing at 3,374 today, 14 points below yesterday. The Han Seng was also relatively flat today, closing just 16 points higher to find 20,572.
Crude oil had climbed to $66.09 in New York and Brent spot was at $67.84 in London.
Spot gold had fallen back to $685.70 this morning, whilst silver had edged up to $13.93.
Suggestion for the day:
Play safe, please! The month of May is just round the corner. The U.S. dollar is not done with its falling. The housing woes in the U.S. are not over yet. In fact, they're getting worse. And no matter what the profit potential may be overseas, no matter what earnings report comes out, I feel strongly that your first priority NOW must be capital preservation.
That means putting SAFETY first.
That means keeping a good chunk of your core holdings in the most conservative investments you can find.
And don't say I didn't say hor, for I have said already!
In London, the FTSE 100 was boosted by a late rally yesterday but still failed to stay out of the red, closing 7 points lower at 6,479. Blue chip financial Barclays fell by over 2% as investors expressed doubts over its tie-up with Dutch bank ABN Amro, and pharma AstraZeneca tumbled over 4% despite an 11% rise in first-qurater profits. The Frankfurt DAX-30 also closed down 13 points, at 7,335, whilst the Paris CAC-40 was 20 points lower, at 5,917.
In Asia, the Nikkei was little-changed at 17,452 today - a 3-point fall - as investors awaited results from the likes of Canon and Fanuc, due after the close. STI did not shine much, closing at 3,374 today, 14 points below yesterday. The Han Seng was also relatively flat today, closing just 16 points higher to find 20,572.
Crude oil had climbed to $66.09 in New York and Brent spot was at $67.84 in London.
Spot gold had fallen back to $685.70 this morning, whilst silver had edged up to $13.93.
Suggestion for the day:
Play safe, please! The month of May is just round the corner. The U.S. dollar is not done with its falling. The housing woes in the U.S. are not over yet. In fact, they're getting worse. And no matter what the profit potential may be overseas, no matter what earnings report comes out, I feel strongly that your first priority NOW must be capital preservation.
That means putting SAFETY first.
That means keeping a good chunk of your core holdings in the most conservative investments you can find.
And don't say I didn't say hor, for I have said already!
Water as a Commodity?
The oil price headed higher again yesterday. This time the excuse was violence in Nigeria following elections of dubious democratic merit. The fear is that the unrest may delay oil production in the Nigerian delta. The price of a barrel of Brent headed over $68, while in New York, it rose to more than $65 a barrel.
But vital though it may be, oil is not the most precious commodity. At this price, alternatives become much more viable. Everything from corn-based ethanol to engines that run on lard is being touted as the new petrol.
However, there’s one commodity for which there is no replacement at any price - water.
“The global water industry combines the best underlying business model with the most inexorable future demand of any existent industry, and this fundamental fact is not likely to change”, said an analyst.
Populations are growing rapidly. They are also moving en masse from country to cities. More people need more water - for food, drink and hygiene. Wealthier, urbanized people use more water. We use way more per head in the West than in developing countries - in the US, the population has grown by just 50% in the past 30 years, but water use has tripled.
Meanwhile, supply is finite, and we are polluting supplies and using them up faster than they can replenish themselves. Nowhere are these problems more obvious - or more pressing - than in China. China, the world’s next economic superpower, is also one of the 13 countries in the world with the lowest amount of water per head. The Chinese know they won’t get far on the world stage if most of their population is dying of thirst - so they’re looking to spend $128bn on the problem by 2010.
As another analyst says: “Any company that can help solve this China crisis is looking at a bright future.”
Cheers!
But vital though it may be, oil is not the most precious commodity. At this price, alternatives become much more viable. Everything from corn-based ethanol to engines that run on lard is being touted as the new petrol.
However, there’s one commodity for which there is no replacement at any price - water.
“The global water industry combines the best underlying business model with the most inexorable future demand of any existent industry, and this fundamental fact is not likely to change”, said an analyst.
Populations are growing rapidly. They are also moving en masse from country to cities. More people need more water - for food, drink and hygiene. Wealthier, urbanized people use more water. We use way more per head in the West than in developing countries - in the US, the population has grown by just 50% in the past 30 years, but water use has tripled.
Meanwhile, supply is finite, and we are polluting supplies and using them up faster than they can replenish themselves. Nowhere are these problems more obvious - or more pressing - than in China. China, the world’s next economic superpower, is also one of the 13 countries in the world with the lowest amount of water per head. The Chinese know they won’t get far on the world stage if most of their population is dying of thirst - so they’re looking to spend $128bn on the problem by 2010.
As another analyst says: “Any company that can help solve this China crisis is looking at a bright future.”
Cheers!
Reckless Driver Finally Charged...
Reckless driver finally charged ...
Two years after test drive that left salesgirl passenger dead
Two years after test drive that left salesgirl passenger dead
ANSLEY NG
ansley@mediacorp.com.sg
AFTER a protracted investigation that took almost two years, the youth blamed for causing the death of a car salesgirl was finally charged in court yesterday with reckless driving. Regan Lee Da Wen, 26, was accused of causing the death of Ms He Xueli, 22, by driving a Mazda MX-5 convertible dangerously during a test drive in October 2005. Minutes after taking the wheel, Lee lost control of the $110,000 silver sports car along Upper Paya Lebar Road. The vehicle flew over the road divider and crashed head on with a BMW before flipping over and smashing into a van in another lane.
Lee, a warehouse supervisor, reportedly drives a Fiat Punto HGT — a high-performance car that was a gift from his father - and had no intention of buying the Mazda. He escaped unhurt in the accident but Ms He — the only child of an odd-job labourer and a bakery assistant — died in hospital. Lee, who was Ms He’s last customer for the day, was later arrested but released on $10,000 bail.
The five BMW passengers were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and chest pains, while the van’s occupants, a couple, escaped unscathed. Lee, who will appear in court on June 18 for a pre-trial conference, faces a maximum five-year jail term if found guilty. Yesterday, his lawyer Julian Tay said his client was
“haunted” by the accident.
Earlier this month, the youth incurred the rage of Netizens and car enthusiasts after he wrote in a motoring forum that he was shopping for sports cars and could not decide between a Subaru WRX and a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Many were angry that he was allowed to drive while investigations were ongoing.
Yesterday, Lee’s indictment sparked a host of comments on several Internet forums.
“He is boasting about which sports car to buy ... Does he look like he has been ‘haunted’?” asked Flyer_king, in a sammyboy.com post.
Aside from the criminal charge, Lee also faces civil proceedings brought against him by other parties in the accident. According to lawyer Daniel Goh, who is acting for the driver of the BMW, his client is suing Lee for damage caused to the former’s car as well as injuries suffered by those in it.
ansley@mediacorp.com.sg
AFTER a protracted investigation that took almost two years, the youth blamed for causing the death of a car salesgirl was finally charged in court yesterday with reckless driving. Regan Lee Da Wen, 26, was accused of causing the death of Ms He Xueli, 22, by driving a Mazda MX-5 convertible dangerously during a test drive in October 2005. Minutes after taking the wheel, Lee lost control of the $110,000 silver sports car along Upper Paya Lebar Road. The vehicle flew over the road divider and crashed head on with a BMW before flipping over and smashing into a van in another lane.
Lee, a warehouse supervisor, reportedly drives a Fiat Punto HGT — a high-performance car that was a gift from his father - and had no intention of buying the Mazda. He escaped unhurt in the accident but Ms He — the only child of an odd-job labourer and a bakery assistant — died in hospital. Lee, who was Ms He’s last customer for the day, was later arrested but released on $10,000 bail.
The five BMW passengers were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and chest pains, while the van’s occupants, a couple, escaped unscathed. Lee, who will appear in court on June 18 for a pre-trial conference, faces a maximum five-year jail term if found guilty. Yesterday, his lawyer Julian Tay said his client was
“haunted” by the accident.
Earlier this month, the youth incurred the rage of Netizens and car enthusiasts after he wrote in a motoring forum that he was shopping for sports cars and could not decide between a Subaru WRX and a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Many were angry that he was allowed to drive while investigations were ongoing.
Yesterday, Lee’s indictment sparked a host of comments on several Internet forums.
“He is boasting about which sports car to buy ... Does he look like he has been ‘haunted’?” asked Flyer_king, in a sammyboy.com post.
Aside from the criminal charge, Lee also faces civil proceedings brought against him by other parties in the accident. According to lawyer Daniel Goh, who is acting for the driver of the BMW, his client is suing Lee for damage caused to the former’s car as well as injuries suffered by those in it.
_
Dear friends, I got this from Mediacorp's Newspaper 'Today', 24 Apr 07.
What's your view?
The Paradox of our Time
par·a·dox/ˈpærəˌdɒks/ [par-uh-doks]/noun
1. a proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
2. a self-contradictory and false proposition.
3. any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.
4. an opinion or statement contrary to commonly accepted opinion.
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;
we spend more, but have less;
we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time;
we have more degrees, but less sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment;
more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry too quickly,
stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we've added years to life, not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space;
we've done larger things, but not better things;
we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
we've split the atom, but not our prejudice;
we write more, but learn less;
plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
we have higher incomes; but lower morals;
more food but less appeasement;
more acquaintances, but fewer friends;
more effort but less success.
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication;
we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men, and short character;
steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
more leisure and less fun;
more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce;
of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
throwaway morality, one-night stands,
overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window,
and nothing in the stockroom.
Think about it.
Read it again.
Value and embrace your family, your faith, your friends, and your life dearly.
- Unknown Author
1. a proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
2. a self-contradictory and false proposition.
3. any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.
4. an opinion or statement contrary to commonly accepted opinion.
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;
we spend more, but have less;
we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time;
we have more degrees, but less sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment;
more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry too quickly,
stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we've added years to life, not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space;
we've done larger things, but not better things;
we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
we've split the atom, but not our prejudice;
we write more, but learn less;
plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
we have higher incomes; but lower morals;
more food but less appeasement;
more acquaintances, but fewer friends;
more effort but less success.
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication;
we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men, and short character;
steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
more leisure and less fun;
more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce;
of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
throwaway morality, one-night stands,
overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window,
and nothing in the stockroom.
Think about it.
Read it again.
Value and embrace your family, your faith, your friends, and your life dearly.
- Unknown Author
Learn the 5 Language of Apology Part VI
After going through the 5 language of apology, here are some practical steps you can take:
Discover your primary apology language.
As you consider the five languages of apology, think about which one is most natural for you. Ask yourself: “What do I expect a person who has offended me to say or do that would make it possible for me to genuinely forgive him or her?”, “What hurts me most deeply about this situation?”, and “When I apologize to others, which of the five languages do I think is most important?”
Discover someone else’s apology language.
When you realize you’ve offended someone, ask: “What hurts you most about what I said or did?” In general, you can also ask: “Describe an apology someone once gave you that you considered insufficient. What was lacking?” and “When you express an apology to someone for something you have done that hurt him or her, what do you think is the most important part of an apology?”
Overcome barriers to apologizing.
Realize that all relationships are worth the effort to apologize. Ask God to motivate you to value your relationships enough to apologize whenever you’ve offended someone. Understand that even when the other person is most at fault in a certain situation, you can’t justify your own wrong behavior based on that fact. Be willing to apologize for your own part in marring the relationship. If you view apologizing as a sign of weakness, recognize that you have low self-esteem and seek counseling to develop a healthy self-image. Know that apologizing actually will enhance your self-esteem, because it will lead people to respect and admire you.
Don’t cheapen apologies.
Recognize that you don’t need to apologize anytime there’s any tension in one of your relationships, or anytime you simply irritate someone. Understand that apologies are designed to deal with moral failures. Don’t just assume that a stressful situation is your fault without truly thinking about it, and don’t apologize simply to avoid conflict and get an issue settled quickly. Know that a “peace at any price” mentality will only lead to simmering resentment. Don’t forgive someone too easily for seriously negative behavior that he or she should deal with; instead, hold the person accountable for it. Ask God to give you the courage you need to face issues honestly and wisely.
Adapted from:
The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships
by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas, 2006
Discover your primary apology language.
As you consider the five languages of apology, think about which one is most natural for you. Ask yourself: “What do I expect a person who has offended me to say or do that would make it possible for me to genuinely forgive him or her?”, “What hurts me most deeply about this situation?”, and “When I apologize to others, which of the five languages do I think is most important?”
Discover someone else’s apology language.
When you realize you’ve offended someone, ask: “What hurts you most about what I said or did?” In general, you can also ask: “Describe an apology someone once gave you that you considered insufficient. What was lacking?” and “When you express an apology to someone for something you have done that hurt him or her, what do you think is the most important part of an apology?”
Overcome barriers to apologizing.
Realize that all relationships are worth the effort to apologize. Ask God to motivate you to value your relationships enough to apologize whenever you’ve offended someone. Understand that even when the other person is most at fault in a certain situation, you can’t justify your own wrong behavior based on that fact. Be willing to apologize for your own part in marring the relationship. If you view apologizing as a sign of weakness, recognize that you have low self-esteem and seek counseling to develop a healthy self-image. Know that apologizing actually will enhance your self-esteem, because it will lead people to respect and admire you.
Don’t cheapen apologies.
Recognize that you don’t need to apologize anytime there’s any tension in one of your relationships, or anytime you simply irritate someone. Understand that apologies are designed to deal with moral failures. Don’t just assume that a stressful situation is your fault without truly thinking about it, and don’t apologize simply to avoid conflict and get an issue settled quickly. Know that a “peace at any price” mentality will only lead to simmering resentment. Don’t forgive someone too easily for seriously negative behavior that he or she should deal with; instead, hold the person accountable for it. Ask God to give you the courage you need to face issues honestly and wisely.
Adapted from:
The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships
by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas, 2006
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
What a Coincidence!
A chicken farmer went to a local bar, sat next to a woman, and ordered a glass of champagne.
The woman perks up and says, "How about that? I just ordered a glass of champagne, too!"
"What a coincidence," he said, "This is a special day for me, I'm celebrating."
"This is a special day for me, too, and I'm also celebrating!," says the woman.
"What a coincidence," says the man. As they clinked glasses he asked, "What are you celebrating?"
"My husband and I have been trying to have a child, and today my gynaecologist told me I'm pregnant!"
"What a coincidence," says the man. "I'm a chicken farmer.
For years all my hens were infertile, but today they're finally laying fertilized eggs."
"That's great!" says the woman, "How did your chickens become fertile?"
"I switched cocks," he replied.
She smiled and said, "What a coincidence!"
The woman perks up and says, "How about that? I just ordered a glass of champagne, too!"
"What a coincidence," he said, "This is a special day for me, I'm celebrating."
"This is a special day for me, too, and I'm also celebrating!," says the woman.
"What a coincidence," says the man. As they clinked glasses he asked, "What are you celebrating?"
"My husband and I have been trying to have a child, and today my gynaecologist told me I'm pregnant!"
"What a coincidence," says the man. "I'm a chicken farmer.
For years all my hens were infertile, but today they're finally laying fertilized eggs."
"That's great!" says the woman, "How did your chickens become fertile?"
"I switched cocks," he replied.
She smiled and said, "What a coincidence!"
Gordon Gekko: "Greed is Good"
Gekko: Well, I appreciate the opportunity you're giving me, Mr. Cromwell, as the single largest shareholder in Teldar Paper, to speak.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, we're not here to indulge in fantasy, but in political and economic reality. America, America has become a second-rate power. Its trade deficit and its fiscal deficit are at nightmare proportions. Now, in the days of the free market, when our country was a top industrial power, there was accountability to the stockholder. The Carnegies, the Mellons, the men that built this great industrial empire, made sure of it because it was their money at stake. Today, management has no stake in the company!
Well, ladies and gentlemen, we're not here to indulge in fantasy, but in political and economic reality. America, America has become a second-rate power. Its trade deficit and its fiscal deficit are at nightmare proportions. Now, in the days of the free market, when our country was a top industrial power, there was accountability to the stockholder. The Carnegies, the Mellons, the men that built this great industrial empire, made sure of it because it was their money at stake. Today, management has no stake in the company!
All together, these men sitting up here [Teldar management] own less than 3 percent of the company. And where does Mr. Cromwell put his million-dollar salary? Not in Teldar stock; he owns less than 1 percent.
You own the company. That's right - you, the stockholder.
You own the company. That's right - you, the stockholder.
And you are all being royally screwed over by these, these bureaucrats, with their steak lunches, their hunting and fishing trips, their corporate jets and golden parachutes.
Cromwell: This is an outrage! You're out of line, Gekko!
Gekko:
Cromwell: This is an outrage! You're out of line, Gekko!
Gekko:
Teldar Paper, Mr. Cromwell, Teldar Paper has 33 different vice presidents, each earning over 200 thousand dollars a year. Now, I have spent the last two months analyzing what all these guys do, and I still can't figure it out. One thing I do know is that our paper company lost 110 million dollars last year, and I'll bet that half of that was spent in all the paperwork going back and forth between all these vice presidents.
The new law of evolution in corporate America seems to be survival of the unfittest. Well, in my book you either do it right or you get eliminated. In the last seven deals that I've been involved with, there were 2.5 million stockholders who have made a pretax profit of 12 billion dollars. Thank you.
I am not a destroyer of companies. I am a liberator of them!
The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed - for lack of a better word - is good.
Greed is right.
Greed works.
Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
Greed, in all of its forms - greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge - has marked the upward surge of mankind.
And greed - you mark my words - will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.
Thank you very much.
I am not a destroyer of companies. I am a liberator of them!
The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed - for lack of a better word - is good.
Greed is right.
Greed works.
Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
Greed, in all of its forms - greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge - has marked the upward surge of mankind.
And greed - you mark my words - will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.
Thank you very much.
Gordon Gekko: Address to Teldar Paper Stockholders
From the movie "Wall Street" (1987)
The Seven Wonders (Economic Giants) of the World!
I won't keep you guessing as to who the giants are.
They're Russia, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Australia and Canada. (not in order of preference)
I will simply refer to them as “BRIC JAC”.
There is nothing that you do every day that is not connected to, or dependent upon, these seven countries. Quietly, invisibly, they have penetrated every corner of your daily life. If you do not hold significant investments related to these seven global giants, you are already missing out a lot. I am seeing a series of largely untold economic miracles:
China
Consumer spending recently jumped from virtually zero to nearly $1 trillion. She currently boasts 1.3 billion consumers! Her stock market grew 130%. China plans to boost natural gas consumption by 500%, invest $4 billion in IT & infrastructure, expand fiber optic networks, beef up telco capacity, establish digital capable HDTV transmission & use GPS technology for traffic control. China is building massive skyscrapers, highways, city expressways, subway lines, & intra-city light rail. It's expanding the airports, improving water, electric, gas, & heating facilities. And it's investing billions to build 112,000 miles of rural roads — enough to circle the globe four times over.
Just imagine: raw materials & natural resources like cement, asphalt, tar & steel required to feed that kind of growth. That's why consumption of just about every imaginable resource is flying off the charts.
Gold & silver are surging. Ditto for copper. Aluminum prices are skyrocketing. Demand for zinc, lead, nickel & tungsten is roaring. Thanks to surging demand from countries like China and India, the price of uranium has also tripled in two years. Oil has zoomed from $20 to as high as $70 a barrel in three years.
India
India is like China 15 or 20 years ago. Look at these statistics:
i) India is currently home to more than 1 billion people and projected to surpass China as the most populous country on Earth by 2015.
ii) India's economy is growing 8 percent a year — the second fastest rate in the world.
iii) The Indian stock market has tripled in three years — creating a record number of billionaires.
One reason: Foreign investors have poured $30 billion into India's stock market in 36 months. Just like China, India needs massive amounts of natural resources & commodities to feed its booming economy. And this is not just a passing trend. It's an economic appetite that could last for a long time.
Brazil
Brazil's market, despite a relatively slower economy last year, delivered double the gains of S&P 500. The national leadership has implemented the most disciplined fiscal and monetary policy the country has seen in half a century. Brazil's currency was up by 69%, trade surplus by 225% from $14.1 billion to $45.8 billion. Her debts to the International Monetary Fund was 100% paid off! The Bank of Brazil (the equivalent to the US Fed) slashed its benchmark interest rate 14 times, to the lowest level in recent history. The economy is responding:
Retail sales have jumped 8.5%. Capital goods production jumped 18%. And Brazil's key stock index, the Bovespa, which rose 32.9% last year, is making new highs again. In just four years, Brazil's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has transformed the Brazilian economy and forged monumental deals with China. Brazil's trade balance has gone from an $8 billion deficit to a $46 billion surplus. Brazil's natural resources are quivalent to those of the U.S. and Canada combined. But even those resources alone can't feed the needs of China, India, and all of Asia.
Canada
Canada is one of the strongest, most stable natural resource nation in the world. Unlike emerging nations, Canada has all the technology and expertise it needs to exploit its vast resources. Even more important, Canada has modern deep-water ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts — giving it easy access to both European and Asian markets. Best of all, Canada is sitting on massive deposits of gold, uranium, coal, oil & other vital resources! And they're already cashing in. Canada recently recorded its fifth-best trade surplus in history. The reason? China.
Chinese importers are buying all the raw materials that Canada can sell them. That, plus a boom in mining projects and fattening margins, helps explain why the TSX-Venture exchange (Canada's small-cap market has outperformed the S&P 500 by 153% over the past five years. You know what? China has blanketed the country with a vast network of representatives to scoop up coal mines, oil sand fields, natural gas pipelines & metals.
Australia
In the 1800s, Chinese miners flocked to Australia for the great gold rush. Today, it's happening again. Only the Chinese aren't looking for gold; they're after uranium. They're coming with mountains of money. Why?Because Australia happens to sit on the world's largest known deposits of uranium — with more reserves than the United States, Canada, Russia & Brazil combined. And with more than 900 new nuclear plants now being planned, the hunger for uranium is just beginning.
Australia's abundant natural resources — including iron ore, nickel, coal, uranium, & more — are in such huge demand in nearby Asia. Australia's economy is now in its sixteenth consecutive year of expansion. Job growth has been the strongest in 17 years! Result: Consumer spending is growing & consumer confidence recently hit a 19-month high. There's no better indicator of a country's future than its currency, and the Aussie dollar recently reached its highest level since 1996 against the greenback.
Japan
The Sun is rising again! Japan is now enjoying its longest, non-stop, sustained expansion since World War II. Automakers are soaring. Banks are thriving. Unemployment just hit a record low. And the stock market has doubled in 24 months. So what's the mega-force behind Japan's remarkable recovery? You guessed it — China.
Japan's trade with China jumped to $189 billion last year, the seventh straight annual record. This year, it should easily top $200 billion. Just when most people (myself included) were giving up on Japan a few years ago, the country was cleaning up its balance sheet & starting to capitalize on China's economic boom. At the same time, Japan is also solidifying trade & security links with Australia. It's currently the biggest buyer of that country's coal, natural gas, oil, & agricultural goods. And if the two countries hammer out a free trade agreement, both economies will get an additional boost. Companies are now making more money & they're much more optimistic about the future. But investors aren't quite as bullish. So valuations on Japanese stocks are still among the lowest in the world.
Mother Russia
The Russian Bear used to use its military might to keep its European neighbors in check, but today Russia's vast natural resources are the weapons of choice. Europe has grown increasingly dependent on Russian oil - & especially natural gas - to power its economies. In fact, Russia really has a stranglehold on fast-growing Eastern & Central European nations. And the state-controlled Gazprom conglomerate now holds all the cards. According to a recent article in The Economist, Poland, Hungry, & the Czech Republic each depend on Mother Russia for more than 60% of their natural gas imports - while Bulgaria gets nearly ALL of its gas from Russia. In Western Europe, over 40% of Germany's gas imports come from Russia, while in Italy & France the figures are 30% and 20% respectively. What's her future? You do the maths.
This worldwide growth and expansion has come, and it will represents the greatest wealth-building opportunity ever. I hope I've managed to communicate the colossal magnitude of the expansion that's now happening. We will still be focusing on the US market, but we can intelligently diversify into these exploding markets and watch our portfolio multiply.
Remember: BRIC JAC!
Best of luck for your week ahead.
They're Russia, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Australia and Canada. (not in order of preference)
I will simply refer to them as “BRIC JAC”.
There is nothing that you do every day that is not connected to, or dependent upon, these seven countries. Quietly, invisibly, they have penetrated every corner of your daily life. If you do not hold significant investments related to these seven global giants, you are already missing out a lot. I am seeing a series of largely untold economic miracles:
China
Consumer spending recently jumped from virtually zero to nearly $1 trillion. She currently boasts 1.3 billion consumers! Her stock market grew 130%. China plans to boost natural gas consumption by 500%, invest $4 billion in IT & infrastructure, expand fiber optic networks, beef up telco capacity, establish digital capable HDTV transmission & use GPS technology for traffic control. China is building massive skyscrapers, highways, city expressways, subway lines, & intra-city light rail. It's expanding the airports, improving water, electric, gas, & heating facilities. And it's investing billions to build 112,000 miles of rural roads — enough to circle the globe four times over.
Just imagine: raw materials & natural resources like cement, asphalt, tar & steel required to feed that kind of growth. That's why consumption of just about every imaginable resource is flying off the charts.
Gold & silver are surging. Ditto for copper. Aluminum prices are skyrocketing. Demand for zinc, lead, nickel & tungsten is roaring. Thanks to surging demand from countries like China and India, the price of uranium has also tripled in two years. Oil has zoomed from $20 to as high as $70 a barrel in three years.
India
India is like China 15 or 20 years ago. Look at these statistics:
i) India is currently home to more than 1 billion people and projected to surpass China as the most populous country on Earth by 2015.
ii) India's economy is growing 8 percent a year — the second fastest rate in the world.
iii) The Indian stock market has tripled in three years — creating a record number of billionaires.
One reason: Foreign investors have poured $30 billion into India's stock market in 36 months. Just like China, India needs massive amounts of natural resources & commodities to feed its booming economy. And this is not just a passing trend. It's an economic appetite that could last for a long time.
Brazil
Brazil's market, despite a relatively slower economy last year, delivered double the gains of S&P 500. The national leadership has implemented the most disciplined fiscal and monetary policy the country has seen in half a century. Brazil's currency was up by 69%, trade surplus by 225% from $14.1 billion to $45.8 billion. Her debts to the International Monetary Fund was 100% paid off! The Bank of Brazil (the equivalent to the US Fed) slashed its benchmark interest rate 14 times, to the lowest level in recent history. The economy is responding:
Retail sales have jumped 8.5%. Capital goods production jumped 18%. And Brazil's key stock index, the Bovespa, which rose 32.9% last year, is making new highs again. In just four years, Brazil's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has transformed the Brazilian economy and forged monumental deals with China. Brazil's trade balance has gone from an $8 billion deficit to a $46 billion surplus. Brazil's natural resources are quivalent to those of the U.S. and Canada combined. But even those resources alone can't feed the needs of China, India, and all of Asia.
Canada
Canada is one of the strongest, most stable natural resource nation in the world. Unlike emerging nations, Canada has all the technology and expertise it needs to exploit its vast resources. Even more important, Canada has modern deep-water ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts — giving it easy access to both European and Asian markets. Best of all, Canada is sitting on massive deposits of gold, uranium, coal, oil & other vital resources! And they're already cashing in. Canada recently recorded its fifth-best trade surplus in history. The reason? China.
Chinese importers are buying all the raw materials that Canada can sell them. That, plus a boom in mining projects and fattening margins, helps explain why the TSX-Venture exchange (Canada's small-cap market has outperformed the S&P 500 by 153% over the past five years. You know what? China has blanketed the country with a vast network of representatives to scoop up coal mines, oil sand fields, natural gas pipelines & metals.
Australia
In the 1800s, Chinese miners flocked to Australia for the great gold rush. Today, it's happening again. Only the Chinese aren't looking for gold; they're after uranium. They're coming with mountains of money. Why?Because Australia happens to sit on the world's largest known deposits of uranium — with more reserves than the United States, Canada, Russia & Brazil combined. And with more than 900 new nuclear plants now being planned, the hunger for uranium is just beginning.
Australia's abundant natural resources — including iron ore, nickel, coal, uranium, & more — are in such huge demand in nearby Asia. Australia's economy is now in its sixteenth consecutive year of expansion. Job growth has been the strongest in 17 years! Result: Consumer spending is growing & consumer confidence recently hit a 19-month high. There's no better indicator of a country's future than its currency, and the Aussie dollar recently reached its highest level since 1996 against the greenback.
Japan
The Sun is rising again! Japan is now enjoying its longest, non-stop, sustained expansion since World War II. Automakers are soaring. Banks are thriving. Unemployment just hit a record low. And the stock market has doubled in 24 months. So what's the mega-force behind Japan's remarkable recovery? You guessed it — China.
Japan's trade with China jumped to $189 billion last year, the seventh straight annual record. This year, it should easily top $200 billion. Just when most people (myself included) were giving up on Japan a few years ago, the country was cleaning up its balance sheet & starting to capitalize on China's economic boom. At the same time, Japan is also solidifying trade & security links with Australia. It's currently the biggest buyer of that country's coal, natural gas, oil, & agricultural goods. And if the two countries hammer out a free trade agreement, both economies will get an additional boost. Companies are now making more money & they're much more optimistic about the future. But investors aren't quite as bullish. So valuations on Japanese stocks are still among the lowest in the world.
Mother Russia
The Russian Bear used to use its military might to keep its European neighbors in check, but today Russia's vast natural resources are the weapons of choice. Europe has grown increasingly dependent on Russian oil - & especially natural gas - to power its economies. In fact, Russia really has a stranglehold on fast-growing Eastern & Central European nations. And the state-controlled Gazprom conglomerate now holds all the cards. According to a recent article in The Economist, Poland, Hungry, & the Czech Republic each depend on Mother Russia for more than 60% of their natural gas imports - while Bulgaria gets nearly ALL of its gas from Russia. In Western Europe, over 40% of Germany's gas imports come from Russia, while in Italy & France the figures are 30% and 20% respectively. What's her future? You do the maths.
This worldwide growth and expansion has come, and it will represents the greatest wealth-building opportunity ever. I hope I've managed to communicate the colossal magnitude of the expansion that's now happening. We will still be focusing on the US market, but we can intelligently diversify into these exploding markets and watch our portfolio multiply.
Remember: BRIC JAC!
Best of luck for your week ahead.
Spend Time Planning & Dreaming
Spend time planning; you can only benefit from a good plan.
Spend the same amount of time focusing your ability to believe.
Focus on thoughts of how you will feel once your goals are achieved and elevate your beliefs to expect those things you desire, as this belief is what will carry your spirit through any potential obstacles with ease and give you the courage to act.
Also, never be so busy with activities that you have no time to dream. Take the time to use your mind to extend your reach beyond your grasp. Balance your time between intellectual plans and emotional connection, between physical activity and spiritual dreaming and you will experience a divine sense of abundance and fulfillment.
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."
- Anatole France
Spend the same amount of time focusing your ability to believe.
Focus on thoughts of how you will feel once your goals are achieved and elevate your beliefs to expect those things you desire, as this belief is what will carry your spirit through any potential obstacles with ease and give you the courage to act.
Also, never be so busy with activities that you have no time to dream. Take the time to use your mind to extend your reach beyond your grasp. Balance your time between intellectual plans and emotional connection, between physical activity and spiritual dreaming and you will experience a divine sense of abundance and fulfillment.
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."
- Anatole France
Finding Good in Every Situation
If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation,
you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude,
a feeling that nurtures the soul.
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude,
a feeling that nurtures the soul.
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
Sorry
歌曲：Sorry
歌手：苏永康
Sorry, I'm really sorry
我又一次把你气哭在陌生街头
爱你......我当然爱你
自从第一眼到现在
甚至没人敢预测的将来
请你相信
不是我不愿意改变我自己
而是一再努力
又一再放弃
那个软弱的自己
其实我恨透了我自己
没有认输的勇气
让你受尽了不安和委屈
你是我这一生 这一生
最最最害怕去伤害到的人
也是我这一生 这一生
唯一能让我安定下来的人
虽然我并没有 并没有
并没有一身温驯的灵魂
但是我很愿意 很愿意
做那个永远照顾你的人
我的爱人 请听
我有颗不善言语的心
只能够
看着你远去的背影
歌手：苏永康
Sorry, I'm really sorry
我又一次把你气哭在陌生街头
爱你......我当然爱你
自从第一眼到现在
甚至没人敢预测的将来
请你相信
不是我不愿意改变我自己
而是一再努力
又一再放弃
那个软弱的自己
其实我恨透了我自己
没有认输的勇气
让你受尽了不安和委屈
你是我这一生 这一生
最最最害怕去伤害到的人
也是我这一生 这一生
唯一能让我安定下来的人
虽然我并没有 并没有
并没有一身温驯的灵魂
但是我很愿意 很愿意
做那个永远照顾你的人
我的爱人 请听
我有颗不善言语的心
只能够
看着你远去的背影
The Rose & the Thorns
A man planted a rose and watered it faithfully, and before it blossomed, he examined it. He saw the bud that would soon blossom and also the thorns. And he thought, "How can any beautiful flowers come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?" Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and before it was ready to bloom, it died.
So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose. Qualities planted in us at birth growing amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects. We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies. We never realize our potential.
Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns and find the rose within others. This is the characteristic of love, to look at a person, and knowing his faults, recognize the nobility in his soul, and help him realize that he can overcome his faults. If we show him the rose, he will conquer the thorns. Then will he blossom, blooming forth thirty, sixty, a hundred-fold as it is given to him.
Our duty in this world is to help others by showing them their roses and not their thorns. Only then can we achieve the love we should feel for each other; only then can we bloom in our own garden.
Source: Unknown
So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose. Qualities planted in us at birth growing amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects. We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies. We never realize our potential.
Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns and find the rose within others. This is the characteristic of love, to look at a person, and knowing his faults, recognize the nobility in his soul, and help him realize that he can overcome his faults. If we show him the rose, he will conquer the thorns. Then will he blossom, blooming forth thirty, sixty, a hundred-fold as it is given to him.
Our duty in this world is to help others by showing them their roses and not their thorns. Only then can we achieve the love we should feel for each other; only then can we bloom in our own garden.
Source: Unknown
Time Management
"No matter how much time you’ve wasted in the past, you still have an entire today."
- Denis Waitley
"Minutes are worth more than money. Spend them wisely."
- Thomas P. Murphy
"With excellent time management, you get more living out of life, more time for the people and things you enjoy."
- Brian Tracy
- Denis Waitley
"Minutes are worth more than money. Spend them wisely."
- Thomas P. Murphy
"With excellent time management, you get more living out of life, more time for the people and things you enjoy."
- Brian Tracy
If You want Happiness
If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else.
- Chinese Proverb
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else.
- Chinese Proverb
Monday, April 23, 2007
Be Courageous and True
Dance like there's nobody watching,
Love lke you'll never get hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening,
Live like it's heaven on earth.
And speak from the heart to be heard.
- William W. Purkey
Love lke you'll never get hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening,
Live like it's heaven on earth.
And speak from the heart to be heard.
- William W. Purkey
Girls Night Out
Why females should avoid a girl's night after they are married:
The other night I was invited out for a night with "the girls." I told my husband that I would be home by midnight, "I promise!"
Well, the hours passed and the margaritas went down way too easy.Around 3 a.m., a bit loaded, I headed for home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hall started up and cuckooed 3 times. Quickly, realizing my husband would probably wake up, I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for coming up with such a quick-witted solution (even when totally smashed), in order to escape a possible conflict with him.
The next morning my husband asked me what time I got in, and I told him "Midnight". He didn't seem p*ssed off at all.
Phew! Got away with that one!
Then he said, "We need a new cuckoo clock." When I asked him why, he said, "Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said, "Oh sh*t!", cuckooed 4 more times, cleared it's throat, cuckooed another 3 times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the coffee table and f*rted."
The other night I was invited out for a night with "the girls." I told my husband that I would be home by midnight, "I promise!"
Well, the hours passed and the margaritas went down way too easy.Around 3 a.m., a bit loaded, I headed for home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hall started up and cuckooed 3 times. Quickly, realizing my husband would probably wake up, I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for coming up with such a quick-witted solution (even when totally smashed), in order to escape a possible conflict with him.
The next morning my husband asked me what time I got in, and I told him "Midnight". He didn't seem p*ssed off at all.
Phew! Got away with that one!
Then he said, "We need a new cuckoo clock." When I asked him why, he said, "Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said, "Oh sh*t!", cuckooed 4 more times, cleared it's throat, cuckooed another 3 times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the coffee table and f*rted."
Fatherlessness
“Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this generation…It is the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to child sexual abuse, to domestic violent against women… we seldom acknowledge the underlying phenomenon that binds together these otherwise disparate issues: the flight of males from their children’s lives…Masculinity became less domesticated, defined less by effective paternity and more by individual ambition and achievement.”
- David Blankenhorn, Fatherlessness in America, 1995
From 'The Four Pillars of a Man's Heart' by Stu Weber
I‘d like to clarify that sometimes having fathers around is as harmful as not having them there at all. To me, fatherlessness is not a word to describe the absence of being, but rather the absence of character role model. Another word for fatherlessness would be a lack of manhood, a lack of applied masculinity. True fatherhood has really very little to do with one’s biological association, but everything to do with responsible character molding and modeling. It is about looking out for the next generation rather than looking out for themselves.
- David Blankenhorn, Fatherlessness in America, 1995
From 'The Four Pillars of a Man's Heart' by Stu Weber
I‘d like to clarify that sometimes having fathers around is as harmful as not having them there at all. To me, fatherlessness is not a word to describe the absence of being, but rather the absence of character role model. Another word for fatherlessness would be a lack of manhood, a lack of applied masculinity. True fatherhood has really very little to do with one’s biological association, but everything to do with responsible character molding and modeling. It is about looking out for the next generation rather than looking out for themselves.
Heaven and Hell - You Choose.
One day the young King visited a Wiseman residing in the domain of his kingdom. The King said: "Wiseman, I am going to ask you a question and if you can't give me an answer that will please me...off with your head".
The Wiseman nodded.
King: What exactly is "HELL" and "HEAVEN"?
Wiseman: You're son of a bitch.
King: Jump-up with great anger, sword in hand and was about to decapitate the Wiseman....
Wiseman: That, my dear king, is "HELL"
King: I am ashamed of my un-Kingly behavior.
Wiseman: That, my dear king, is "HEAVEN"
We are that young King. We are in charge of our own self-conscious domain and we can determined how "heavenly" or "hellish" we want to live our lives.
The Wiseman nodded.
King: What exactly is "HELL" and "HEAVEN"?
Wiseman: You're son of a bitch.
King: Jump-up with great anger, sword in hand and was about to decapitate the Wiseman....
Wiseman: That, my dear king, is "HELL"
King: I am ashamed of my un-Kingly behavior.
Wiseman: That, my dear king, is "HEAVEN"
We are that young King. We are in charge of our own self-conscious domain and we can determined how "heavenly" or "hellish" we want to live our lives.
Learn to Surrender - Let Go, and Let God.
Each and every day when we wake up, we have a choice; our progress can be a struggle or not. Most people view their current circumstances (eg., difficulty with boss, children's school grades, etc..) as an obstacle, as something to be overcome, rather than the reality of their situation. This leads to a great deal of conflict and struggle, wherein the conflict is really with the Self.
We can choose to cease this fight with a change in our perspectives and attitudes. Learn to surrender.
Accept reality on its own terms, thereby conquering our inner mountain and releasing ourselves to a greater purpose.
Any circumstance that seems to be a conflict or struggle is always a matter of attitude or perspective first, and once we learn to conquer ourselves, we have learned to release ourselves to the world and change our reality. Reframe our worldviews, and stop laying unrealistic demands on our own back. What value there is if you conquer the world but lose your soul?
Surrender your day and this coming week to the Almighty's hand.
"The first and the best victory is to conquer self."
-Plato
"Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty."
- Henri Frederic Amiel
Man has set for himself the goal of conquering the world but in the processes loses his soul.
- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
We can choose to cease this fight with a change in our perspectives and attitudes. Learn to surrender.
Accept reality on its own terms, thereby conquering our inner mountain and releasing ourselves to a greater purpose.
Any circumstance that seems to be a conflict or struggle is always a matter of attitude or perspective first, and once we learn to conquer ourselves, we have learned to release ourselves to the world and change our reality. Reframe our worldviews, and stop laying unrealistic demands on our own back. What value there is if you conquer the world but lose your soul?
Surrender your day and this coming week to the Almighty's hand.
"The first and the best victory is to conquer self."
-Plato
"Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty."
- Henri Frederic Amiel
Man has set for himself the goal of conquering the world but in the processes loses his soul.
- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Love Letter
My Dear Wife,
Your love lights up my life. Although I know I am the romantic type, I sometimes forget to be romantic. I realize that so often romance gets lost in the shuffle of our eveyday lives. But right now, I want to make plan to enjoy a wonderful evening with you, just the two of us. Let's play some romantic music. Let's light some of those scented candles . Let's dim the houselight a bit. Let's scatter some of those rose petals. You know what, my love, there is something very special about the warm glow of your skin under the candlelight. I love the way it casts a rosy reflection across your pretty complexion.
Let's take lots of time to relax and simply enjoy the soft romantic light and atmosphere. We can talk quietly and intimatley, just enjoying each other's presence. I love watching your eyes, luminescent and warm in the flickering candlelight.
Because I Love You,
Your Husband.
Your love lights up my life. Although I know I am the romantic type, I sometimes forget to be romantic. I realize that so often romance gets lost in the shuffle of our eveyday lives. But right now, I want to make plan to enjoy a wonderful evening with you, just the two of us. Let's play some romantic music. Let's light some of those scented candles . Let's dim the houselight a bit. Let's scatter some of those rose petals. You know what, my love, there is something very special about the warm glow of your skin under the candlelight. I love the way it casts a rosy reflection across your pretty complexion.
Let's take lots of time to relax and simply enjoy the soft romantic light and atmosphere. We can talk quietly and intimatley, just enjoying each other's presence. I love watching your eyes, luminescent and warm in the flickering candlelight.
Because I Love You,
Your Husband.
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