Ants Problem: Keep the skin of cucumbers near the place or ant hole.
To get pure and clean ice: Boil water first before freezing.
To make the mirror shine: Clean with spirit.
To remove chewing gum from clothes: Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.
To whiten white clothes: Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes.
To give a shine to hair: Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair, then wash hair.
To get maximum juice out of lemons: Soak lemons in hot water for one hour, and then juice them.
To avoid smell of cabbage while cooking: Keep a piece of bread on the cabbage in the vessel while cooking.
To rid the smell of fish from your hands: Wash your hands with a little apple vinegar.
To avoid tears while cutting onions: Chew gum.
To boil potatoes quickly: Skin one potato from one side only before boiling.
To boil eggs quickly: Add salt to the water and boil.
To check freshness of fish: Put it in a bowl of cold water. If the fish floats, its fresh.
To check freshness of eggs: Put the egg in water. If it becomes horizontal, its fresh. If it becomes slanting, its 3-4 days old. If it becomes vertical, its 10 days old. If it floats, its stale.
To remove ink from clothes: Put toothpaste on the ink spots generously and let it dry completely, then wash.
To skin sweet potatoes quickly: Soak in cold water immediately after boiling.
To get rid of mice or rats: Sprinkle black pepper in places where you find mice or rats. They will run away.
To get rid of mosquitoes at night: Keep leaves of mint near your bed or pillows and in around the room.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Time Value of Money- PV & FV
Let's talk Time Value of Money (TVM).
What is it really?? what does it mean??
Everytime when you buy something or make some financial decisions, you should consider the time value of money.
I'm just going to show some examples on this concept of time value of money. Note the followings:
Principal - sum of money initially saved or invested;
Interest - monetary return from the investment.
What is it really?? what does it mean??
Everytime when you buy something or make some financial decisions, you should consider the time value of money.
TVM is based on the concept that a ringgit you own today is worth more than a ringgit that you will receive in the future.. Because the money you hold today, you can invest it and earn interest. After all, you should receive some compensation for foregoing spending.
For instance, you can invest your ringgit for one year at a 10% annual interest rate and accummulate RM1.10 at the end of the year. You can say that the future value of the ringgit is RM1.10 given a 10% interest rate and a one-year period. It follows that the present value of the RM1.10 you expect to receive in one year is only RM1.I'm just going to show some examples on this concept of time value of money. Note the followings:
Principal - sum of money initially saved or invested;
Interest - monetary return from the investment.
Interest = Principal (P) x Rate of Interest (I) x Time or period (N)
~~~~~~~~
e.g 1: What is the future value after 5 years for a principal of RM10,000 at 6%interest compounded annually? PV= 10,000 ; i=0.06 ; n= 5
answer: FV= 10,000(1+.06) to the power of 5 =10,000 (1.3382255776 ) = 13,382.26
~~~~~~~~
Similarly, we can count backward to get the Present value (PV), if we are given the Future Value (FV), Interest (i) and Time (n).
e.g 2: You want to have total savings of RM20,000 in 20 years. Your annual interest rate is 6%, compounded yearly. How much principal must be invested now?
FV= 20,000 ; n=20 ; i = 6%
answer: PV = 6,236 (I just use my financial calculator, so no workings shown)
~~~~~~~~
These are just part of TVM computation, i.e. Single Sum models. Now we know that with every ringgit we spend now, there is a cost to it. You are losing out on the interest or return, should you not spend it, instead you saved it or invested it.
So folks, better spend wisely eh??
Intelligence Test
Below are four (4) questions and a bonus question. You have to answer them instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately. Let's find out just how clever you really are. 下列有四個問題及一個加分題，你必須立刻回答，不能花時間慢慢想，讓我們看看你有多聰明。準備好，向下捲！
First Question： 第一題 You are participating in a race. You overtake the second place person. What position are you in? 你參加賽跑，追過第 2 名，你是第幾名？
Answer： If you answered that you are first, then you are wrong! If you overtake the second place person, and you take their place, you are second!
解答： 如果你的回答是第 1 名，你就錯了！你如果追過第 2名，你只是取代那人的位置，你是第 2 名。
To answer the second question, don't take as much time as you took for the first question. 回答第 2 題，你不能使用與回答第 1 題相同的時間。
Second Question ： 第二題 If you are in a race, and you overtake the last person, then you are? 你參加賽跑，你追過最後一名，你是第幾名？
Answer ： If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST person?! You're not having a good time at this! Are you?
解答： 如果你的回答是倒數第 2 名，你又錯了！告訴我，你怎能追過最後一名？顯然你並未樂在其中！
Very tricky maths! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it. 很詭異的算術！這只能在腦中盤算。不要使用紙與筆或計算機，試試看。
Third Question： 第三題Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. now add 10. What is the total?
以 1000 加上 40 ，再加 1000 ，再加 30 ，再加 1000 ，現在加上 20 ，再加一次 1000 ，現在加上 10 ，總數是什麼？
Answer ： Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100. Don't believe it? Check with your calculator! 解答： 得到 5000 是嗎？正確答案是 4100 ，不相信，用計算機查證吧！
Today is definitely not your day. Maybe you will get the last question right? 今天對你鐵定諸事不宜，或許最後一題你會對？
Fourth Question： 第四題 Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter? Mary 的父親有 5 個女兒，第 1 個女兒 Nana ， 第 2 個女兒 Nene ， 第 3個女兒 Nini ，第 4 個女兒 Nono ，第 5 個女兒的名字是什麼？
Answer ： Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary. Read the question again!
解答： 答案是 Nunu 嗎？不！絕對不是，她的名字是 Mary ，請再讀一次問題！
Okay, now the bonus round. You can partially redeem yourself with this one ！ 好，現在是加分題。這題可稍稍解救﹝彌補﹞你！
Bonus Question 加分題 : There is a mute person who wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing one's teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Now if there is a blind man who wishes to buy a pair of sunglasses, how should he express himself? 一個啞巴想買牙刷，他模仿刷牙的動作，成功的向店主表達，也完成了購買。現在如果一個瞎子想買一副太陽眼鏡，他要如何表達？
Answer ： He just has to open his mouth and ask. He's blind, not mute - so simple.
解答： 他只要張開嘴問即可。他是瞎子，不是啞巴。就這麼簡單！
First Question： 第一題 You are participating in a race. You overtake the second place person. What position are you in? 你參加賽跑，追過第 2 名，你是第幾名？
Answer： If you answered that you are first, then you are wrong! If you overtake the second place person, and you take their place, you are second!
解答： 如果你的回答是第 1 名，你就錯了！你如果追過第 2名，你只是取代那人的位置，你是第 2 名。
To answer the second question, don't take as much time as you took for the first question. 回答第 2 題，你不能使用與回答第 1 題相同的時間。
Second Question ： 第二題 If you are in a race, and you overtake the last person, then you are? 你參加賽跑，你追過最後一名，你是第幾名？
Answer ： If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST person?! You're not having a good time at this! Are you?
解答： 如果你的回答是倒數第 2 名，你又錯了！告訴我，你怎能追過最後一名？顯然你並未樂在其中！
Very tricky maths! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it. 很詭異的算術！這只能在腦中盤算。不要使用紙與筆或計算機，試試看。
Third Question： 第三題Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. now add 10. What is the total?
以 1000 加上 40 ，再加 1000 ，再加 30 ，再加 1000 ，現在加上 20 ，再加一次 1000 ，現在加上 10 ，總數是什麼？
Answer ： Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100. Don't believe it? Check with your calculator! 解答： 得到 5000 是嗎？正確答案是 4100 ，不相信，用計算機查證吧！
Today is definitely not your day. Maybe you will get the last question right? 今天對你鐵定諸事不宜，或許最後一題你會對？
Fourth Question： 第四題 Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter? Mary 的父親有 5 個女兒，第 1 個女兒 Nana ， 第 2 個女兒 Nene ， 第 3個女兒 Nini ，第 4 個女兒 Nono ，第 5 個女兒的名字是什麼？
Answer ： Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary. Read the question again!
解答： 答案是 Nunu 嗎？不！絕對不是，她的名字是 Mary ，請再讀一次問題！
Okay, now the bonus round. You can partially redeem yourself with this one ！ 好，現在是加分題。這題可稍稍解救﹝彌補﹞你！
Bonus Question 加分題 : There is a mute person who wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing one's teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Now if there is a blind man who wishes to buy a pair of sunglasses, how should he express himself? 一個啞巴想買牙刷，他模仿刷牙的動作，成功的向店主表達，也完成了購買。現在如果一個瞎子想買一副太陽眼鏡，他要如何表達？
Answer ： He just has to open his mouth and ask. He's blind, not mute - so simple.
解答： 他只要張開嘴問即可。他是瞎子，不是啞巴。就這麼簡單！
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Can You Retire? When?
We often hear people saying, "I don't wanna work anymore, I am tired of working!" or "I wish I can retire and enjoy life now!" etc...
The funny thing is, we just wanna retire... without thinking how or when or what we are going to do when we retire. *wink wink*
Look at this.
This article was taken from NST sometime ago, it says that the current trend is:
1) People are living longer - life expectancy for women is 76 and men 72.
2) They are marrying and having children later. At retirement age, children are still in school or university.
3) 70% of retirees use up ALL their EPF money within 3 years after retiring.
It also states that at an Inflation rate of 6%, RM500,000 in your EPF or bank account at retirement may have the purchasing power of RM145,053 in 20 years.
Now, the Inflation rate NO longer stands at 6%.
In Sept 08, our published Inflation rate was at 8.2%!
That means your money is shrinking faster that you expect, and any money in the FD account is giving you a NEGATIVE growth of 5%! So, whatever you are trying so hard to save for old age, will not be able to provide for you to sustain your lifestyle when you retire.
Oh, let's not forget about Medical costs inflation.. it is 15% each year...
As surveyed, most Malaysians DO NOT have financial security when they retire... some people put off retirement plan until it is too near retirement. Ideally, as I learnt from my CFP class, one should apply the 20-20 Rule when you plan for retirement. For e.g. if you plan to retire at 55, you should start your Retirement plan at age 35, and reap the investment harvest at 55, so that you can enjoy for another 20 years.. before you 'migrate'.
How much should we have when we retire?
Well, it's really differs from one another, but don't we all want to enjoy ourselves when we retire?? Travel around the world? Play golf everyday? Drive a nice big car? Stay in a comfortable big bungalow? or able to do some charity? etc.. etc..
So how to achieve all that?
1) Ask yourself - how much do you want to have when you retire, think of a number.
2) Look at your financial status now - how much do you have?
3) Start a Retirement Plan NOW!
It's never to early to start, the earlier you start, the better off you are.. Set aside some money EVERY month to do regular INVESTMENT, not FD la.. told you FD will not give you a positive growth, but you can keep some money for emergency use la..
If you can, put 30% of your income into investment account like Unit Trust, which is being managed professionally by Fund managers and is liquid enough to withdraw anytime you wish to, and it's flexible, meaning you can easily switch or change your portfolio from one fund type to another. The return from Unit Trust is in the range of 15% to >20% on average for a long term horizon.
Act now!
Monday, November 10, 2008
About Mothers
Below is from an email that I received from my sis-in-law, circulated email.. I am sure you have received it before. I think it's so true...
~~~~~~~
The Images of Mother:
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart,the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
~~~~~~~
I missed the days when I was a still a young girl. I remembered my mother used to bring me to movies, just the two of us, we watched Starwars, Superman, E.T, and some chinese movies.. We also went shopping in town.. We took bus to P.D, to my mother's maiden home where I spent a lot of weekends and holidays there with my cousins playing at the beach and swam at the Yatch Club... and during the year end school holidays, we would take train to Singapore, every year! I really had a splendid childhood come to think of it. I was very lucky to be the youngest among my siblings, to get so much attention and pamper.. but then, when I was younger I didn't realise that, I always thought everyone in the family was always controlling me.. and off course when I was a teenager, I would argue with my mom a lot and hurt her... Then, as I started college in KL, I started to miss home and my parents a lot. I still remember the first time I took the bus home to S'ban, my parents eagerly waited for me at the bus terminal and prepared fried rice for me to eat in the car, fearing that I was hungry... This is exactly how it was, growing up.. and exactly how it felt, like the above email...
I am really fortunate that I have parents who are so loving, so caring, they are simply the most selfless parents in the world.. never expecting or demanding for anything in return..
I love you, Pa, Ma!!!
~~~~~~~
The Images of Mother:
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart,the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
~~~~~~~
I missed the days when I was a still a young girl. I remembered my mother used to bring me to movies, just the two of us, we watched Starwars, Superman, E.T, and some chinese movies.. We also went shopping in town.. We took bus to P.D, to my mother's maiden home where I spent a lot of weekends and holidays there with my cousins playing at the beach and swam at the Yatch Club... and during the year end school holidays, we would take train to Singapore, every year! I really had a splendid childhood come to think of it. I was very lucky to be the youngest among my siblings, to get so much attention and pamper.. but then, when I was younger I didn't realise that, I always thought everyone in the family was always controlling me.. and off course when I was a teenager, I would argue with my mom a lot and hurt her... Then, as I started college in KL, I started to miss home and my parents a lot. I still remember the first time I took the bus home to S'ban, my parents eagerly waited for me at the bus terminal and prepared fried rice for me to eat in the car, fearing that I was hungry... This is exactly how it was, growing up.. and exactly how it felt, like the above email...
I am really fortunate that I have parents who are so loving, so caring, they are simply the most selfless parents in the world.. never expecting or demanding for anything in return..
I love you, Pa, Ma!!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Genting is always crowded..
You know, we went on a weekday and were expecting to see a quieter Genting, but as we arrived at the First World hotel, there were quite a number of people there. see this photo.
We had to wait for about an hour before we can check in. Emmph... I guess a lot of people are on holiday.. aren't they?
Wanted to go for the outdoor theme park, but apparently it was drizzling and was too misty, some rides are closed.. So, we stayed indoor instead. Played some games at the indoor theme park, but decided to move on to something more exciting.. the Casino!
I was so enthusiasted to try my luck at the slot machine, my favorite Mega Fortune. I just love the sound of the machine when you win or strike, the money dropping sound/ tune is so lovely! LOL! So, we sat there for about 2 hours, at the same machine... Started with $50, and when the credit got less and less, I was not about to give up, I put in more money, all in $150.. Did we win??? At one point, we strike and won 500 credits, got lucky and strike again... recovered our 'investments' and even made some ... But the thing is, when you are at it, you will be addicted and keep wanting to play more, wanting to believe that you will win, win, win! haha... in the end? you guess. Anyway, we stopped or break for dinner..
And after dinner, we went back again. This time, we decided to play at the Tai-Sai table. haha! (still didn't learn our lesson.. ) Our 'investment' this time is $200.. like wise, we win some, lose some. But as the saying goes, in chinese -- ten bets, nine losses.. direct translation la.. lol*..
So folks, after reading my encounter, please just go Genting to play at theme parks or watch some shows instead. Don't have that 'sure win' mindset, eventhough you are feeling lucky.. It was good lesson and we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless, we played for fun, so it was ok la.. (trying to justify my 'gambling' session into something right!) haha.
Oh ya, share with you the view from my room. Looks good, can see KL clearly. see..
Overall, ya. I enjoyed the Genting trip.. next time will just go and enjoy the rides and shows... :)
We had to wait for about an hour before we can check in. Emmph... I guess a lot of people are on holiday.. aren't they?Wanted to go for the outdoor theme park, but apparently it was drizzling and was too misty, some rides are closed.. So, we stayed indoor instead. Played some games at the indoor theme park, but decided to move on to something more exciting.. the Casino!
I was so enthusiasted to try my luck at the slot machine, my favorite Mega Fortune. I just love the sound of the machine when you win or strike, the money dropping sound/ tune is so lovely! LOL! So, we sat there for about 2 hours, at the same machine... Started with $50, and when the credit got less and less, I was not about to give up, I put in more money, all in $150.. Did we win??? At one point, we strike and won 500 credits, got lucky and strike again... recovered our 'investments' and even made some ... But the thing is, when you are at it, you will be addicted and keep wanting to play more, wanting to believe that you will win, win, win! haha... in the end? you guess. Anyway, we stopped or break for dinner..
And after dinner, we went back again. This time, we decided to play at the Tai-Sai table. haha! (still didn't learn our lesson.. ) Our 'investment' this time is $200.. like wise, we win some, lose some. But as the saying goes, in chinese -- ten bets, nine losses.. direct translation la.. lol*..
So folks, after reading my encounter, please just go Genting to play at theme parks or watch some shows instead. Don't have that 'sure win' mindset, eventhough you are feeling lucky.. It was good lesson and we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless, we played for fun, so it was ok la.. (trying to justify my 'gambling' session into something right!) haha.
Oh ya, share with you the view from my room. Looks good, can see KL clearly. see..
Overall, ya. I enjoyed the Genting trip.. next time will just go and enjoy the rides and shows... :)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I love to go for holidays! Outings! Whatever!
I simply love to plan for holidays!
Every now and then, I would think of going somewhere, either near or far, just to get out of the house, away from all these boring routine of going to shopping malls over and over again and doing the same thing over and over again i.e. window-shopping, shopping for groceries, going for movies, cooking at home or eating at the usual places... isn't that familiar?? isn't that what we do every weekends???
So, I have told my husband, every weekend, I want to go for walks or hikes at different locations or join some groups for mountain climbing or any outdoor activities.. I don't want to just do the same thing, or sit at home. Fyi, I used to go for a lot of mountain climbing and camping when I was younger, those were really fun times.. I miss doing all that. Not that I can't do that anymore, but I guess as we age or grow older, we just become less active, a lot more lazy, and prefer more comfort, wanna go for comfortable, luxury holidays instead! Right??? lol **
I shall plan more for this kinda adventure outing.. but for now, we are going to Genting Highland first. Tommorow, no, it's past midnight, so it's later this morning. Going for one night stay. Shall update you later. :)
Every now and then, I would think of going somewhere, either near or far, just to get out of the house, away from all these boring routine of going to shopping malls over and over again and doing the same thing over and over again i.e. window-shopping, shopping for groceries, going for movies, cooking at home or eating at the usual places... isn't that familiar?? isn't that what we do every weekends???
So, I have told my husband, every weekend, I want to go for walks or hikes at different locations or join some groups for mountain climbing or any outdoor activities.. I don't want to just do the same thing, or sit at home. Fyi, I used to go for a lot of mountain climbing and camping when I was younger, those were really fun times.. I miss doing all that. Not that I can't do that anymore, but I guess as we age or grow older, we just become less active, a lot more lazy, and prefer more comfort, wanna go for comfortable, luxury holidays instead! Right??? lol **
I shall plan more for this kinda adventure outing.. but for now, we are going to Genting Highland first. Tommorow, no, it's past midnight, so it's later this morning. Going for one night stay. Shall update you later. :)
My First Attempt - Baked Potato with Chicken Cubes
One of my favorite hobby these days is cooking. Since my hubby and I moved to our new home about 2 years ago, the passion for cooking grew more and more intensed. Besides cooking dishes that I already know, mostly learnt from eating my mom's signature dishes, I've been browsing through some food blogs, trying to learn new recipes. So far, I have whipped up more new dishes, and I am happy to say that I am actually quite good at it! haha :P
I've decided to try a new recipe today, Baked Potato with Chicken Cubes. This is quite a tedious dish I find, but the outcome is rather satisfying. :)
1) You'll need to marinate some chicken cubes, with dash of salt and pepper.
2) Boil 2 large potatoes. Then mashed them while hot, add some salt, pour few tablespoon of hot milk and some butter to make it fluffy.
3) Cut some carrots, broccoli, mushroom or any other vegie you fancy. Cook them with some water till semi cooked. Leave aside.
4) Stir fry chicken cubes with garlic, add some corn flour liquid. Add in the vegie together with sauce. Pour just 2 tablespoon of milk, to make the sauce thick, season to taste.
5) Place all ingredients into a baking ware or corningware. Spread mashed potatoes on top. I have also added some butter and cheese to make it tastier. Put into oven and cook for 15mins at 180C.
Emmmm.. the Baked Potato pie is just delicious! The aroma of potato with vegie and chicken is simply wonderful!
Well, I have learnt a new dish today. I am Happy!
Learning something new everyday, isn't it good?!
cheers..
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