The impact of chocolate's luxurious taste on the senses has been compared to the feeling of falling in love; in the 18th century, French doctors prescribed chocolate to women patients for a broken heart. It's got medicinal values and health benefits. Oh, and it's a great Valentine's Day gift, too.
Chocolate as medication
Studies have shown that chocolate triggers the release of feel-good endorphins (natural opiates) in the brain. Researchers at Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, California, have even reported that chocolate contains pharmacologically active substances that have the same effect on the brain as marijuana.
Chocolate also contains caffeine, theobromine (a mild stimulant) and phenylethylamine, which can raise levels of endorphins. Scientists believe the combination of such chemicals may provide the "high" (in addition to, of course, the aroma, taste and texture).
Chocolate as a health food
Chocolate contains very high levels of catechins - compounds that act as antioxidants. Just 25g of dark chocolate contains a much as 41mg of flavanols - the powerful antioxidants that guard against plaque build-up in artery walls. That's more antioxidants than a cup of green tea, an apple or a glass of red wine.
Chocolate is a significant source of essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, niacin and riboflavin.
Limit your intake
Chocolate can be included in a healthy diet, as long as you are active and are having plenty of fruit and vegetables. To obtain the benefits without adding too much fat to your diet, limit yourself to 25g a day - and savour the flavour. The dark variety has the highest cocoa content. Look for at least 70% cocoa solids.
RDFOOD
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
All in 2010 alone
Check this out.. its too scary. And not all is reported. Unprecedented heavy floods in Vietnam, Indonesia, germany, Poland, Czech republic, Romania and north korea, and the extreme heat waves in Europe all not in this VIDEO.
Mazhan
The new plan network - your "HOME" program
Free Report
Mazhan
The new plan network - your "HOME" program
Free Report
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tasty but deadly
They come in a tasty blend of sweet, sour and salty. They can also be deadly.
Yes, craving for that piece of dried sour plum can kill you, albeit slowly.
Many types of dried fruits imported from China , Taiwan and other Asian
countries have been found to contain high levels of lead.
On Thursday, the Government banned 18 important brands of dried fruits found
to have lead content of between 0.11 and 30.3 parts per million (ppm) or
milligram (mg)/kilogramme (kg). Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said only dried fruit products other than these brands would be allowed to be sold in the country.
Constant craving...two women buying dried plums in a hypermarket "Under Regulation 38 of the Food Regulations 1985, the level of lead accepted is two parts per million. Action will be taken if the lead content exceeds the amount," he said.
Those who distribute food products deemed to be harmful to health can be charged under Section 13(1) of the Food Act 1983. They can also be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to maximum of 10 years or both if found guilty.
Liow said the ministry would ensure that the brands of banned dried fruit do not
enter the country.
Lead is a metal that can be absorbed into the body over time. Excess consumption, especially by the young, can lead to serious health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies.
Many types of imported fried fruits countries have been found to contain high levels of lead Tasty but deadly http://dailychilli.com/news/267-tasty-but-deadly
1 of 2 9/10/2009 12:50 PM Lead also poses risks to pregnant women and infants.
Malaysia’s move to bar the 18 brands of dried fruits comes in the wake of last Friday’s move by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration’s(FDA) advisory against eating dried fruits imported from Asia.
Testing results in Texas found that dried plums and products containing dried plums contained lead as much as 300 times the acceptable level. The FDA doe not have lead limits specifically for prunes, but the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has advised avoiding consumption of any amount of lead.
The warning, however, did not apply to prunes from the US .
Yes, craving for that piece of dried sour plum can kill you, albeit slowly.
Many types of dried fruits imported from China , Taiwan and other Asian
countries have been found to contain high levels of lead.
On Thursday, the Government banned 18 important brands of dried fruits found
to have lead content of between 0.11 and 30.3 parts per million (ppm) or
milligram (mg)/kilogramme (kg). Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said only dried fruit products other than these brands would be allowed to be sold in the country.
Constant craving...two women buying dried plums in a hypermarket "Under Regulation 38 of the Food Regulations 1985, the level of lead accepted is two parts per million. Action will be taken if the lead content exceeds the amount," he said.
Those who distribute food products deemed to be harmful to health can be charged under Section 13(1) of the Food Act 1983. They can also be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to maximum of 10 years or both if found guilty.
Liow said the ministry would ensure that the brands of banned dried fruit do not
enter the country.
Lead is a metal that can be absorbed into the body over time. Excess consumption, especially by the young, can lead to serious health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies.
Many types of imported fried fruits countries have been found to contain high levels of lead Tasty but deadly http://dailychilli.com/news/267-tasty-but-deadly
1 of 2 9/10/2009 12:50 PM Lead also poses risks to pregnant women and infants.
Malaysia’s move to bar the 18 brands of dried fruits comes in the wake of last Friday’s move by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration’s(FDA) advisory against eating dried fruits imported from Asia.
Testing results in Texas found that dried plums and products containing dried plums contained lead as much as 300 times the acceptable level. The FDA doe not have lead limits specifically for prunes, but the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has advised avoiding consumption of any amount of lead.
The warning, however, did not apply to prunes from the US .
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Benefits of eating PETAI
BENEFITS OF EATING PETAI
Just imagine what Klang Valley would smell like if all you people heal to Dr's advice. :)
ADVICE FROM UKM MEDICAL DOCTOR
Little did you know ...... after reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at petai in the same way again!
Petai contains three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose. Combined with fiber, petai gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two servings of petai provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder petai is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way petai can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating petai. This is because petai contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS(premenstrual syndrome):
Forget the pills - eat petai. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia:
High in iron, petai can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the petai industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power :
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating petai at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including petai in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a petai milkshake, sweetened with honey. The petai calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Petai has a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating petai for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness :
Snacking on petai between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites :
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of the petai skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Petai is high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
Petai is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control :
Many other cultures see petai as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In hoiland, for example, pregnant women eat petai to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) :
Petai can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.
Smoking:
Petai can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium petai snack.
Strokes:
According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine, ' eating petai as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%'.
Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of petai and place it on the wart. Carefully hold the petai in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, as you can see, petai really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A Petai a day keeps the doctor away'.
PM Dr.Aminuddin AHK Dept.of Physiology
Medical faculty of UKM Kuala Lumpur
Tel:6(03)40405157
fax:6(03)26939687
Just imagine what Klang Valley would smell like if all you people heal to Dr's advice. :)
ADVICE FROM UKM MEDICAL DOCTOR
Little did you know ...... after reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at petai in the same way again!
Petai contains three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose. Combined with fiber, petai gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two servings of petai provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder petai is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way petai can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating petai. This is because petai contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS(premenstrual syndrome):
Forget the pills - eat petai. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia:
High in iron, petai can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the petai industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power :
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating petai at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including petai in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a petai milkshake, sweetened with honey. The petai calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Petai has a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating petai for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness :
Snacking on petai between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites :
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of the petai skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Petai is high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
Petai is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control :
Many other cultures see petai as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In hoiland, for example, pregnant women eat petai to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) :
Petai can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.
Smoking:
Petai can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium petai snack.
Strokes:
According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine, ' eating petai as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%'.
Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of petai and place it on the wart. Carefully hold the petai in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, as you can see, petai really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A Petai a day keeps the doctor away'.
PM Dr.Aminuddin AHK Dept.of Physiology
Medical faculty of UKM Kuala Lumpur
Tel:6(03)40405157
fax:6(03)26939687
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Stay focus on your savings plan
Work out the amount of money that you would like to save each month and keep to the plan. Sign up for an automatic debit arrangement with your bank to deduct your salary into your savings account. Start to save early to benefit from the effect of compound interest where you will get interest on your original savings and the interest earned.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Borrow selectively
Borrow only to the extent you can afford to repay with your current level of income. Do not borrow based on what you expect to earn or receive in the future to avoid being burdened with a debt which you cannot afford if things do not turn out as planned. When considering a loan, do your homework and shop around so that you get the best deal.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Smowtion Media: Worth to Try
Smowtion Media: Worth to Try
I choose of using Smowtion Media to monetize my blog. For five days now, it’s running smoothly on my blog.
I like their banner ads (image ads) as its advertising medium because it complements with my blog’s header. It also looks good with my other ads.
Another thing that I like is that Smowtion banner is compatible with other ad networks such as Google Adsense which in the coming months, I am planning to join.
How will I earn?
a. I will get 60% of share earning. It means that when an advertiser pay $1.00/click, I will get $0.6.
b. And 80% for referring others
There are contrasting feedbacks I read about Smowtion Media, the low spots are the following: that it is a scam, the ads loads slowly, pays very low and high pay-out ($10).
The high spots are it is the best Adsense alternative, has prompt and friendly customer service.
I think these feedbacks are useful to me. At this instant, I am very contented using Smowtion Media. It’s worth a try and then I will evaluate my experience.
Come, join now and get it a try.
https://publisher.smowtion.com/users/signup/zhanbiz
I choose of using Smowtion Media to monetize my blog. For five days now, it’s running smoothly on my blog.
I like their banner ads (image ads) as its advertising medium because it complements with my blog’s header. It also looks good with my other ads.
Another thing that I like is that Smowtion banner is compatible with other ad networks such as Google Adsense which in the coming months, I am planning to join.
How will I earn?
a. I will get 60% of share earning. It means that when an advertiser pay $1.00/click, I will get $0.6.
b. And 80% for referring others
There are contrasting feedbacks I read about Smowtion Media, the low spots are the following: that it is a scam, the ads loads slowly, pays very low and high pay-out ($10).
The high spots are it is the best Adsense alternative, has prompt and friendly customer service.
I think these feedbacks are useful to me. At this instant, I am very contented using Smowtion Media. It’s worth a try and then I will evaluate my experience.
Come, join now and get it a try.
https://publisher.smowtion.com/users/signup/zhanbiz
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Spend less than you earn
To grow your wealth and achieve your financial goals, you need to spend less than you earn. This is true even if you have earn a lot. Regularly check your spending and assess if you spend on things which you can do without. A "Ringgit" saved is a "Ringgit" earned.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
When Global Warming Comes Calling
June 16, 2010 14:27 PM
When Global Warming Comes Calling
By Melati Mohd Ariff
This six-part articles dwells on several environmental issues namely global warming, water vitality, ecosystems, biodiversity and Green Economy. This is the first of the six-part series.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (BERNAMA) -- The global warming is one of the most critical environmental threats of the 21st century.
However, climate change is here to stay and the earth will naturally adapt to the change.
S. Piarapakaran, a vocal environmental activist explained, the Earth in fact has been exposed to climate change all this while but it was in a slow pace that allowed the earth's inhabitants to adapt to the changes.
The current fast rate of change however does not give ample time to both humans and other beings to adapt to the new climatic pattern.
The current problem was somewhat hastened when the Industrial Revolution that took the world by storm in the early 19th century with major transformations in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and transport.
The accelerated growth of human activities ever since has significantly contributed to the greenhouse gases that trapped heat within the atmosphere.
MALAYSIA AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change in Malaysia reportedly would manifest in several ways, namely extreme drought, extreme flooding, rise in sea level and erosion in coastal areas.
Already in terms of temperature increase, the analysis made on Malaysia's temperature has been consistent with the global warming trend.
On average, the country's temperature has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius over the last 50 years.
Piarapakaran, who is also the Senior Manager of Environment, Energy & Water of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), added that the country's climate change would contribute to freak weather conditions like typhoon and high-speed wind.
This is already being observed here in small scale or as isolated incidents.
MORE FLOODS
Meanwhile, Anthony Tan, the Executive Director of Centre for Environment, Technology and Development (Cetdem) recalled the 2007 massive floods that hit Johor, Penang and Melaka.
"The last major flood in Melaka was in 1971, I was in standard one then. In the 2007 flood, one of the inundated areas was Melaka Sentral, which used to be a paddy field.
"Was the flood due to global warming or one of those freak events? Some blame it on the changing of the monsoons or inter-monsoon period," he said.
Tan also pointed out that there is no clear-cut rain and dry period in Malaysia these days.
As far as he is concerned, all these are an indication of climate change.
POLICIES TO NEGATE CLIMATE CHANGE
Tan who regards himself as a practical environmentalist took note of the Malaysian government's concern over the climate change issues.
"The prime minister has made a pledge at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen last year to reduce our carbon emission by 40 per cent.
"Now how do we translate this into a government policy, how the industry and business are going to react and how a person on the street will also want to participate in that?" he asked.
What is deemed important now is for the government to work hand in hand with non-governmental organisations such as Cetdem in establishing more concrete programmes.
"It is not just about bringing awareness but also showing people what are the practical actions they can take to stop climate change," he said.
Tan said he learnt that the Government is coming up with a policy on climate change.
"This policy is a good start. It should be comprehensive. It should not be one ministry taking the lead but should be across all ministries," said Tan.
CHANGING VIEWS
Even the Malaysian public's perception on climate change has improved compared with the early part of the millennium.
Tan said in those days it was quite difficult to get even 50 people to attend talks on climate change but the general public are now starting to appreciate this whole issue of climate change.
"Each time I give a public talk I can see the surprise in the faces of the participants. Only then they realise that what they have been doing actually contributed to climate change.
"One of the things that I pointed out to them is that for every one kilowatt hour of electricity that they use, the power station has released carbon dioxide that is equivalent to one kilogram.
"Every one liter of diesel or fuel that you use, you release two and a half kilogram of carbon dioxide. So lets say you pump in 200 liters per month, you are actually contributing to 500 kilograms of carbon dioxide," said Tan.
"If fuel is the highest contributor of green house gas, then shouldn't we be looking at reducing our private car use and switch to public transport?" asked Tan.
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION
As for Piarapakaran, who is also the Secretary General of the Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (WECAM), sustainable consumption and production (SCP) should be considered as part of the solution to adapt to the climate change.
According to him, most of the manufacturing processes in Malaysia involved the linear process - extract, process, manufacture, consume and dispose.
"This is not a sustainable way of utilising any resources. It also means we will consume and finish all resources without preserving it or even replenishing it.
"A sustainable process involves a cycle and it involves material reduction, optimisation, reusing and recycling and finally recovery of waste.
"These simple initiatives can help reduce dependency on raw material straight from the environment," he stressed.
As global warming descends upon the earth, Malaysians indeed have to learn to be climate friendly.
We need not go far, we just have to learn from our ancestors. They have lived their life in moderation and in sustainable manner. They have also learnt to live with the nature.
"We are not asking Malaysians to opt for tree houses or even live in caves. We are talking about simple change in behaviour. We are talking about caring more for the environment we live in by doing simple things like reducing energy usage by being energy efficient as one of them.
"Practicing the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles in waste management, buying only what we need, using more public transport or car pooling, rainwater harvesting and many more simple things.
"By doing simple things, 28 million Malaysians definitely can make a difference. I believe in them. I believe Malaysia Boleh!" said Piarapakaran.
-- BERNAMA
We provide (subscription-based)
news coverage in our Newswire service.
When Global Warming Comes Calling
By Melati Mohd Ariff
This six-part articles dwells on several environmental issues namely global warming, water vitality, ecosystems, biodiversity and Green Economy. This is the first of the six-part series.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (BERNAMA) -- The global warming is one of the most critical environmental threats of the 21st century.
However, climate change is here to stay and the earth will naturally adapt to the change.
S. Piarapakaran, a vocal environmental activist explained, the Earth in fact has been exposed to climate change all this while but it was in a slow pace that allowed the earth's inhabitants to adapt to the changes.
The current fast rate of change however does not give ample time to both humans and other beings to adapt to the new climatic pattern.
The current problem was somewhat hastened when the Industrial Revolution that took the world by storm in the early 19th century with major transformations in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and transport.
The accelerated growth of human activities ever since has significantly contributed to the greenhouse gases that trapped heat within the atmosphere.
MALAYSIA AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change in Malaysia reportedly would manifest in several ways, namely extreme drought, extreme flooding, rise in sea level and erosion in coastal areas.
Already in terms of temperature increase, the analysis made on Malaysia's temperature has been consistent with the global warming trend.
On average, the country's temperature has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius over the last 50 years.
Piarapakaran, who is also the Senior Manager of Environment, Energy & Water of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), added that the country's climate change would contribute to freak weather conditions like typhoon and high-speed wind.
This is already being observed here in small scale or as isolated incidents.
MORE FLOODS
Meanwhile, Anthony Tan, the Executive Director of Centre for Environment, Technology and Development (Cetdem) recalled the 2007 massive floods that hit Johor, Penang and Melaka.
"The last major flood in Melaka was in 1971, I was in standard one then. In the 2007 flood, one of the inundated areas was Melaka Sentral, which used to be a paddy field.
"Was the flood due to global warming or one of those freak events? Some blame it on the changing of the monsoons or inter-monsoon period," he said.
Tan also pointed out that there is no clear-cut rain and dry period in Malaysia these days.
As far as he is concerned, all these are an indication of climate change.
POLICIES TO NEGATE CLIMATE CHANGE
Tan who regards himself as a practical environmentalist took note of the Malaysian government's concern over the climate change issues.
"The prime minister has made a pledge at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen last year to reduce our carbon emission by 40 per cent.
"Now how do we translate this into a government policy, how the industry and business are going to react and how a person on the street will also want to participate in that?" he asked.
What is deemed important now is for the government to work hand in hand with non-governmental organisations such as Cetdem in establishing more concrete programmes.
"It is not just about bringing awareness but also showing people what are the practical actions they can take to stop climate change," he said.
Tan said he learnt that the Government is coming up with a policy on climate change.
"This policy is a good start. It should be comprehensive. It should not be one ministry taking the lead but should be across all ministries," said Tan.
CHANGING VIEWS
Even the Malaysian public's perception on climate change has improved compared with the early part of the millennium.
Tan said in those days it was quite difficult to get even 50 people to attend talks on climate change but the general public are now starting to appreciate this whole issue of climate change.
"Each time I give a public talk I can see the surprise in the faces of the participants. Only then they realise that what they have been doing actually contributed to climate change.
"One of the things that I pointed out to them is that for every one kilowatt hour of electricity that they use, the power station has released carbon dioxide that is equivalent to one kilogram.
"Every one liter of diesel or fuel that you use, you release two and a half kilogram of carbon dioxide. So lets say you pump in 200 liters per month, you are actually contributing to 500 kilograms of carbon dioxide," said Tan.
"If fuel is the highest contributor of green house gas, then shouldn't we be looking at reducing our private car use and switch to public transport?" asked Tan.
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION
As for Piarapakaran, who is also the Secretary General of the Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (WECAM), sustainable consumption and production (SCP) should be considered as part of the solution to adapt to the climate change.
According to him, most of the manufacturing processes in Malaysia involved the linear process - extract, process, manufacture, consume and dispose.
"This is not a sustainable way of utilising any resources. It also means we will consume and finish all resources without preserving it or even replenishing it.
"A sustainable process involves a cycle and it involves material reduction, optimisation, reusing and recycling and finally recovery of waste.
"These simple initiatives can help reduce dependency on raw material straight from the environment," he stressed.
As global warming descends upon the earth, Malaysians indeed have to learn to be climate friendly.
We need not go far, we just have to learn from our ancestors. They have lived their life in moderation and in sustainable manner. They have also learnt to live with the nature.
"We are not asking Malaysians to opt for tree houses or even live in caves. We are talking about simple change in behaviour. We are talking about caring more for the environment we live in by doing simple things like reducing energy usage by being energy efficient as one of them.
"Practicing the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles in waste management, buying only what we need, using more public transport or car pooling, rainwater harvesting and many more simple things.
"By doing simple things, 28 million Malaysians definitely can make a difference. I believe in them. I believe Malaysia Boleh!" said Piarapakaran.
-- BERNAMA
We provide (subscription-based)
news coverage in our Newswire service.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Household planning is a family affair
Involve your family in drawing up the household budget together. This will make it easier to keep to the household budget since the intire family has agreed and accepted it. Beside, your children will also learn the benefits and value of having a household budget and the difference between needs and wants.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Achieve your goals with financial planning
If you want to achieve your financial dreams, you should put them down in writing together with your plans on how you intend to achieve them. Beside giving you a clearer idea of what you want, a written plan will allow you to track your progress and take any corrective steps needed for you to reach your goals.
Stage 1 - Set your financial goalsFinancial goals reflect things you want to achieve with your money within a specified time. Setting the goals help you understand the value of money and encourage prudent spending. Be sure you know how much time is needed for each goal.
Stage 2 - Write down your income, debts, savings, investments and insuranceStart by writing down your household income, including your spouse's income. Then, list down all your outstanding loans and financial commitments, including repayments of loans you have to make during the month. We suggest that you repay your debts first, then you pay yourself by putting aside at least 10 percent of your disposable income into savings or investments. At this stage, it is also advisable to set aside a sum of money for your insurance.
In Stage 2, there are three steps:
Stage 1 : Compute/ add your disposable income (Family income for the month)
Stage 2 : Add up all debts, investments and insurance paid during the month (loan + savings, investments and insurence);
Stage 3 : Deduct the amount from your disposable income. The balance of this money is referred to as cash-in-hand.
Stage 3 - Write down your expenses
Stage 3 guides you on how to prepare your daily expenses based on the amount of cash-in-hand. Although you have made full commitment on your loans, savings, investments and insurance, the money left for your daily expenses must be spent wisely. Knowing the difference between needs and wants will make a significant impact on your spending behavior. Your decisions on what you need or want will affect your budget and your monthly spending. Remember, live within your means and only spend the money you have.
Stage 4 - Assess your financial positionReview and assess your financial position every month. If you need to reduce your spending, look at the expenses you can do without or cut down. You may need to take a look at household expenses, personal items and other expenses, particularly entertainment. You may even have to revise your investment portfolio it your spending budget is too tight for you to live on. If necessary, you may even revise your financial goals if you think some of these are no longer realistic in relation to your income
Stage 1 - Set your financial goalsFinancial goals reflect things you want to achieve with your money within a specified time. Setting the goals help you understand the value of money and encourage prudent spending. Be sure you know how much time is needed for each goal.
Stage 2 - Write down your income, debts, savings, investments and insuranceStart by writing down your household income, including your spouse's income. Then, list down all your outstanding loans and financial commitments, including repayments of loans you have to make during the month. We suggest that you repay your debts first, then you pay yourself by putting aside at least 10 percent of your disposable income into savings or investments. At this stage, it is also advisable to set aside a sum of money for your insurance.
In Stage 2, there are three steps:
Stage 1 : Compute/ add your disposable income (Family income for the month)
Stage 2 : Add up all debts, investments and insurance paid during the month (loan + savings, investments and insurence);
Stage 3 : Deduct the amount from your disposable income. The balance of this money is referred to as cash-in-hand.
Stage 3 - Write down your expenses
Stage 3 guides you on how to prepare your daily expenses based on the amount of cash-in-hand. Although you have made full commitment on your loans, savings, investments and insurance, the money left for your daily expenses must be spent wisely. Knowing the difference between needs and wants will make a significant impact on your spending behavior. Your decisions on what you need or want will affect your budget and your monthly spending. Remember, live within your means and only spend the money you have.
Stage 4 - Assess your financial positionReview and assess your financial position every month. If you need to reduce your spending, look at the expenses you can do without or cut down. You may need to take a look at household expenses, personal items and other expenses, particularly entertainment. You may even have to revise your investment portfolio it your spending budget is too tight for you to live on. If necessary, you may even revise your financial goals if you think some of these are no longer realistic in relation to your income
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Manage Your Money Wisely
Whether you earn a little or a lot, it's always wise to budget and plan your finances smartly. Common mistakes that most people would make when it comes to money is getting too deep in debt, paying bills late, and not knowing how to save for the future. You can avoid making these mistakes by always keeping track of where your money goes and knowing what you can spend on.
www.bankinginfo.com.my
"It's not the plan that is important, it's the planning" (Dr Graeme Edwards)
Involve your entire family in preparing a budget and agreeing on the family's income and expenditure. Teach your children how to save and spend wisely.
www.bankinginfo.com.my
"It's not the plan that is important, it's the planning" (Dr Graeme Edwards)
Involve your entire family in preparing a budget and agreeing on the family's income and expenditure. Teach your children how to save and spend wisely.
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