10 Great Habits

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction.

This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way.

All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. There is God to look after everything. Why are you bothered? Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it.

Get over this bad habit. Believe in the justice of God and the doctrine of Karma. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you.

Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely and leave therest to God.

4. Do Not Be Jealous

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not.

You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous?

No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his or her previous Karma, which has now become his destiny. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either.

Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment.

As you do this, even the environment, which has beenunfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things.

We must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "God wills it so, so be it."

God's plan is beyond our comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries?

You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself.

If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before.

You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily mediation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile.

Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind.

Your hobby, like social work or temple work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating.

You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember, God has His own plan, too for you. Value you time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing.

Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Take it as the Will of God. You do not have the power to alter the course of God's Will. Why cry over spilt milk

World's Highest Bridge

This Cable-Stayed Bridge Project is on schedule to be completed January 2005. (39 month construction contract). This project is being financed privately. This project has the highest bridge piers in world. Thus the title of the Highest Bridge in the World. The tallest will be 240 meters high. Overall height an outstanding 336.4 meters. This project will consist of seven separate cable-stays.

Bridges are often considered to belong to the engineer's realm rather than the architect's. But the architecture of infrastructure has a powerful impact on the environment. The Millau Viaduct, designed in collaboration with engineers, illustrates how the architect can play an integral role in bridge design.

Located in southern France, the bridge will connect the motorway from Paris to Barcelona at the point where it is interrupted by the River Tarn, which runs through a wide gorge between two plateaus. A reading of the topography suggested two possible approaches: to cross the river, the geological generator of the landscape; or there was the challenge of spanning the 2.5 kilometers from one plateau to the other in the most economical manner.

The structural solution follows from the latter philosophical standpoint. The bridge has the optimum span between cable-stayed columns. It is delicate, transparent, and uses the minimum material, which makes it less costly to construct. Each of its sections spans 350 meters and its columns range in height from 75 meters to 235 meters - higher than the Eiffel Tower - with the masts rising a further 90 meters above the road deck. To accommodate the expansion and contraction of the concrete deck, each column splits into two thinner, more flexible columns below the roadway, forming an A-frame above deck level. This structure creates a dramatic silhouette - and crucially it makes the minimum intervention in the landscape.


Construction Date: 2001
Completion Date: 2005
Statistics: Length: 2.5 km
Height: 280 m

Get More Omega 3 From Catfish

KOTA BAHARU, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- If you are among those who love freshwater fish dishes, then a catfish cooking may be one of the favourites in your daily menu.

Now in the market, there is a type of catfish named 'Omega 3 catfish' that has higher content of the Omega 3 fatty acid as compared to the other catfish variety.

According to the operations manager of the fisheries graduates group, Nik Mohd Firdaus Nik Daud, the Omega 3 content of Omega 3 catfish is about 2.3-2.5 percent as compared to only 0.02 percent in the other catfish breeds.

"The Omega 3 catfish is different as we formulated ourselves its feed by using a special mix of fish feed, starch pellets, soya bean, fish oil and a mix of minerals, vitamins and palm oil," he told BERNAMA here recently.

Nik Mohd Firdaus said the group collaborates with the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in conducting research to improve the quality of Omega 3 catfish.

This catfish is reared at the fish breeding centre in Bukit Belah, Machang near here.

FATTY ACID

The Omega 3 catfish has a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acid that comes from phytoplankton.

Nik Mohd Firdaus said the Omega 3 fatty acid can also be found in walnut oil, marine plankton and high-fat content fish.

"Omega 3 fatty acid can reduce the risk of contracting cancer and heart problems. The fish oil in Omega 3 catfish reduces heart fibrillations," he said.

"Hence, this fatty acid can reduces the possibility of heart attacks by reducing the blood cholesterol content and blood clots," Nik Mohd Firdaus said.

Apart from that, the Omega 3 catfish is good for brain and child growth due to its DHA content.

"The human brain needs more than 20 gm of DHA. A low DHA level means a low serotonin level and this can cause emotional stress," said Nik Mohd Firdaus.

CANVAS PONDS

The Omega 3 catfish is reared in canvas ponds, a new method formulated by the group with assistance from the Kelantan Fisheries Department.

This breeding concept, which entails easy handling with low costs, is capable of providing good income for aquaculture farmers. Kelantan is the pioneer for this fish-breeding method and the Omega 3 catfish is the first aquaculture product to be produced via this technology.

Via this method, only 90 days are needed for the fish to be harvested and ready for the market.

The wholesale price of Omega 3 catfish is RM3 a kg. It retails at RM6 a kg. The Omega 3 catfish also appears in the market in the form of meat floss and fish balls.

-- BERNAMA

Stop Snoring Treatment Tips

By David Richards

If like me you sound like a bear growling a cave when your asleep, then you will no that snoring has a big impact on life. Regardless of the health issues (which are significant) , snoring can play havoc with your relationship.

If you are at you wits end with being woken up every hour either to the sound of your own snoring, or being dug in the back and told to "Roll Over"; or if you are the long suffering sufferer of a snorer, then read over these five tips to snoring treatment.

SNORING TREATMENT TIP 1.

Take a look at your diet. Although this probably won't be the complete snoring treatment answer, it is worth starting with what you're eating and drinking. You could well have intolerance to certain foods which affects your breathing, especially when lying on you back. For example, too much (or an intolerance to) dairy produce is likely to cause you to become blocked up with mucus, when horizontal, this collects causing heavy breathing and snoring. Alcohol is another common offender.

SNORING TREATMENT TIP 2.

Being overweight is another significant contributor. Excess weight in the neck and chest puts pressure on the breathing passage.

SNORING TREATMENT TIP 3

Sleep on you side or front. Now this is easier said than done, because it's hard to control your sleeping position when you are asleep! However, there is an old trick that may be worth considering. You could sow a walnut, table tennis ball or similar size object into the back of a shirt and wear that in bed. Each time you roll on your back it will dig into you, causing you to roll back again providing you don't take your shirt of in your sleep.

SNORING TREATMENT TIP 4

Use nasal strips. I found these to be very helpful, at least to start with. Nasal strips (often used by athletes) open the air passage for you, thus removing or preventing blockages. If your desperate it's worth a try, but the cost can add up over the days, months and years.

SNORING TREATMENT TIP 5

I've saved the best until last. Exercising the muscles in your throat, tongue and doing breathing exercises can completely cure your snoring. It worked for me and I know it can for you.

IS EVERYONE’S BLOOD THE SAME?

In the first blood transfusion ever performed, the patient was given animal blood. The patient soon died, but nobody could understand why.

When the blood of different animals proved useless, the idea was born of transfusion from human being to human being. Experiments were performed with individuals thought to possess plenty of blood and who were selected at random. Most of these experiments also ended in failure, however. The first physicians engaged in blood transfusions were unable to fully analyze and understand this important fluid, because of two of its properties. One was the way that blood swiftly clots outside the body, and the other was the likelihood of the person to whom they gave the transfusion dying.79 There had to be some different factor in blood that the physicians were unable to unravel. This factor was not discovered until the appearance of the science of biochemistry.

It was possible to fully understand the blood and the various factors in it only in the last century. Yet blood has been flowing through our veins and fulfilling its functions ever since human beings were first created. No doubt this is the superior creation of God, Who reveals His greatness and infinite power in all things.

Not until the early 20th century did scientists discover that blood does not consist of a simple red fluid. Various factors may make one person's blood different to another's. Therefore, in order for blood transfusions to be given, these factors must be compatible in both parties. What we refer to as blood type is the determination of these special factors. There are more than 300 of these factors that determine blood type, each one of which distinguishes you from most other people.

The properties that determine blood type are concealed in the red blood cells. Among the 200 different molecules in the red blood cell membrane, those of perhaps the most interest are the molecules that give the blood its type—A, B or 0. Red blood cells carry either type A or type B molecules, or very occasionally, both together (AB), or none (0).

Red blood cells with type A molecules also contain antibodies against type B molecules. Therefore, when anyone with type A blood is given type B blood, the immune system goes into action within a few seconds and tries to destroy this foreign substance. The consequences are exceedingly severe. Blood cells burst, blood coagulates. The liver and kidneys become unable to function properly. Unless intervention takes place immediately, the result is generally death.

Type 0 people, who have neither molecule in their blood, have developed antibodies against both these molecules. They can receive blood only from people lacking the two molecules—in other words, from people with type 0 blood like themselves. People with both molecules, with type AB blood, on the other hand, have not developed antibodies against either molecules. They can receive blood from either type A or type B individuals.

Another molecule on the red blood cell of just as much importance as these others is the Rhesus (or Rh) factor. If this is in the red blood cells, then the blood type will be Rh-positive (Rh+); otherwise, it will be Rh-negative (Rh-). The major significance of the Rh factor manifests itself in blood incompatibilities during pregnancy. A Rhesus negative pregnant woman will produce antibodies to the Rhesus positive fetal blood. These antibodies do no harm to the first baby. However, any second baby with the Rhesus factor is subjected to attack by these antibodies, now ready and waiting in the mother's bloodstream. The antibodies target the baby and destroy its fresh erythrocytes. Anemia and heart diseases manifest themselves. The baby may well be stillborn, and even if it is born alive, toxic bilirubin will have formed in its body as a result of the breaking down of its red blood cells. This substance generally damages the brain and gives rise to mental impairments, or even death.80

It became possible to understand the nature of blood only in the last century. Yet blood has been flowing in the veins of every human being who has ever lived, discharging its duties and carrying various materials, factors and molecules. That human beings cannot even fully comprehend this miracle should increase their submission to and adoration of God.

God is the Almighty, superior to all things, Who has the power to perform all that He desires. He is the Shaper, the Giver of Form (Al-Musawwir). He is the Safeguarder (Al-Muhaymin), the Protector. And God is the Supremely Great (Al-Mutakabbir), He Who reveals His might in all places and events. We must appreciate Him properly, and see and understand the names of our Lord in the things He has created, and must turn to Him. Those who turn to Him will reap the benefit in this world and in the Hereafter. In one verse God reveals:

He is God—there is no god but Him. He is the King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the Trustworthy, the Safeguarder, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to God above all they associate with Him. (Surat al-Hashr: 23)

4 FAST FACTS ABOUT FIRE

Fire is FAST!

There is little time!

a.. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!

Heat is more threatening than flames.

a.. A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!

Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.

a.. Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!

Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.

a.. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.

Knowledge!!!

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.

A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.

A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.

A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

A snail can sleep for three years.


Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

Butterflies taste with their feet.

Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.

The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).

There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

There are more chickens than people in the world.

There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."

There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewable Vitamins.

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.

........ Now you know everything