THIS PRESIDENT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYBODY IN THE PAST

The Obamamobile: New presidential limo is unveiled - and it can withstand rocket and chemical attacks. It's official call sign is Cadillac One, but it will always be known as the Obamobile.

But his Secret Service agents have already been familiarising themselves with the machine they call 'The Beast', built by General Motors in Detroit and based on a Cadillac chassis.

The company refuses to give precise details of how it will perform its primary purpose - protecting the president.

But bulletproof glass and armourplatingare standard throughout and the car is hermetically-sealed to withstand chemical weapons.

As with previous presidential limos it is packed with electronic communication systems to allow Mr Obama to keep in contact with the outside world.

One personal touch will be the remote-controlled ten-CD changer on which he can play his favourite artists, said to include Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan.

Despite the protection afforded by Cadillac One, the Secret Service will be taking no chances when Mr Obama is sworn in as the 44th president. A three-mile security perimeter will be thrown around the U.S. Capital, with no vehicles allowed inside, to prevent a car bomb attack.

The Beast: Cadillac One, Barack Obama's new presidential limo - also known as the Obamamobile.

Signs You're Headed for Money Trouble

#1: Your Finances are Disorganized
Overdue bill payments, unbalanced cheque books....


#2: You Borrow More Than You Save
If you borrow more than you save, it will catch up with you.


#3: You Spend Like There's No Tomorrow
Unfortunately, we live in a "I want it NOW" society. That's one reason why we use credit cards and personal loans to cover those immediate gratification must-haves.


#4: You Rob Peter to Pay Paul
If you don't know what it's means, that's good!


#5: You Write Cheques Your Bank Can't Cash
Here's a four-letter word for you if you're regularly bouncing cheques – STOP!


#6: You Pay Too Many Late and Penalty Fees
Stop throwing your money away! Be diligent (and punctual) today. There'll be more money to save tomorrow. You can COUNT on it!


#7: You Don't Have an Emergency Fund
What would you do if you lost your current job and couldn't find a new one? How would you pay your bills... eat... pay for petrol...loans? How would you LIVE?

1st thing that I did in office after a long CNY break

kan-na-sai..... got to clear 1313 emails in my office email. Took more than half a day to delete 'important' emails and reply 'junk' mails... hah hah

Recession survival guide

#1: Build Up On Emergency Funds

Make sure you have emergency funds that would cover three to six months' worth of living expenses. That way you'll be well-prepared for a sudden case of unemployment or other financial catastrophe!



#2: Cut Credit Card Spending

Can you? Try not to over spend using the plastic cards.



#3: Build (And Live Within) a Budget

It can help you SAVE more — for your retirement, kid's college funds, etc.

"KIAM" - so what!?



#4: Revise Your Investments

It's time to go for safer alternatives such as fixed deposits, short-term bonds and bond funds and Protected Investment-Linked funds.



#5: "Work" to Ensure Job Security

If you currently work in an industry that's on its way down - or if you're concerned about future job security for ANY reason - consider a career change.

Look at industries that will thrive for years to come, such as health and technology. At the same time, steer clear of problem industries.

And don't forget to network, network, network. One day, those contacts will come in handy!



#6: Save More at the Hypermarket

When money is tight, even the most basic of necessities can take a huge bite out of your income. Case in point: FOOD. Sure, we can't live without it, but we sure can live without its ever-rising prices!

Look for ways to save even more on high food costs. Buy in bulk ... but only buy non-perishables so you never have to waste food because you can't eat it fast enough. If you want to save on perishables like produce, look for locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

Busy!!!

Can only write Busy! Busy! Busy! Busy!

Got to rush and complete my works before CNY!!! :(

Truths about the germs under your fingernails

1. Your nails may be harboring germs that can make you sick. Researchers found that bacteria that cause vomiting and diarrhea are often found under people's fingernails. The culprits? Changing diapers, poor bathroom hygiene and handling raw meat--all can leave behind unwanted guests under your nails.


2. Artificial nails are ickiest. They may look cleaner, because they mask what's building up underneath, say experts. And, what's lurking under there, well, it's not so pretty. Researchers believe that more germs are found under artificial nails than under real ones. (Would your decline a handshake to avoid germs?)


3. Potentially "fatal" germs can lurk under hospital workers' nails. Ugh, just when you think hospitals are safe places--this unsettling research notes that dirty fingernails could be the source of deadly infections passed from doctors and nurses to patients. An important note: Don't be afraid of hospitals, but also, don't be afraid to ask your health care provider to wash her hands when she comes into the room to examine you--especially if you don't see her scrub up right away or do so carelessly (one doctor who treated my son didn't even use soap!). Speaking of hospitals, did you see this post about patient safety? Scary stuff.


4. Sorry guys, your nails are germier. According to experts, men have more germs camping out under their fingernails than women. Yes ladies, it's OK to ask him to wash his hands now and then--especially before getting romantic!


5. Surprise! Nail biters may actually have cleaner nails. But, the good news stops there. According to research, while the act of biting nails may clear out bacteria, nail biters ingest more germs. Yuck!


Source: Here

News on X'mas week

I am sure everyone is expecting, at least, some good news for the coming 2009.

I received an email from my company's management on late Tuesday's evening concerning the 2009 compensation package.

The email stating that the company is deferring the timing of annual salaries increases to March 2009 instead of January 2009. Reason: to allow time for the Company to collect more market information (down sizing, pay cut????) to ensure that the Company is making a fair and competitive decision about increases [or decreases kah??? -.-III ). Talking about bonus? No eyes see.

I am not sure whether to take this piece of news as a good or bad news - "to collect more market information".

One thing for sure, I am going to take some prudence steps (you too??) for the coming year and to save as much as possible for the worst days O.o

Got to defer my plan to replace my car again liao :(