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Singapore study finds foreign domestic workers more likely to develop mental health problems

A new study has found that foreign domestic workers (FDW) have double the risk to develop mental health problems as compared to the general Singapore population.

The study, conducted by Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) and revealed today showed that almost a quarter (24 per cent) of the 670 FDWs surveyed, are facing poor mental health.

This means that more than two in 10 FDW have poor mental health as compared to a study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health in 2010, which showed that at least one in 10 people in Singapore will be stricken by mental illness in their lifetime.

Several factors such as working and living conditions proved to be significantly related to impact a FWD’s mental health, said the study.

“Having sufficient rest, one’s own room to sleep in, a stable social network and adequate nutritional and medical attention are crucial for good mental health in FDWs,” it added.

The study showed that the most severe symptoms amongst those surveyed were psychoticism — a mental state of “losing contact with reality” which includes symptoms such as hallucinations — depression and interpersonal sensitivity — which means they feel inferior or inadequate as compared to others.

“There are clear correlations between FDWs’ mental health issues and exploitative, restrictive and/or abusive working and living conditions,” said the study.

The survey also revealed that more than half (51 per cent) of the participants experienced some form of abusive behaviour such as yelling or screaming and even name-calling.

The survey was conducted between November 2013 and May last year. Almost half (48.1 per cent) of the FDWs surveyed — with an average age of 33 — were from Indonesia and more than a third (34.7 per cent) were from the Philippines. The other nationalities surveyed also include those from Myanmar.

BY AMANDA LEE

— TODAY

Russian Poll: China Friendliest Country For Russia, US - Most Hostile 

Russians believe that at the moment their country has the friendliest relations with China, Belarus and Kazakhstan and most hostile relations - with the US, suggests an opinion poll of the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) the results of which were made public on Wednesday, TASS news agency reported.

As many as 51 per cent of those polled said China had the friendliest attitude towards Russia among other countries. VCIOM experts said that this figure has more than doubled over the past six years - from 23 per cent in 2008.

The top three of the friendliest countries towards Russia also include Belarus (32 per cent of the polled) and Kazakhstan (20 per cent).

Sociologists say that these states have been more often named Russia's friends now, compared to 2008 (then 14 and 8 per cent of the polled, respectively, were of this view).

Meanwhile, only 2.0 per cent of respondents regard Germany as a friend at present, while in 2008 a total of 17 per cent were of this view.

Russians still regard the US as the most hostile country to Russia. Six years ago, one-third of respondents were of this view (25 per cent in 2008) and at present this figure has already reached three-thirds (73 per cent in 2014).

The share of those who believe Russia's relations with Ukraine are extremely strenuous has also considerably increased (from 21 to 32 per cent).

The VCIOM-initiated poll surveyed 1,600 people in 132 Russian localities. The error margin is within 3.5 per cent.

-- BERNAMA

The function of the bridesmaid

BRIDESMAIDS and best men, weddings can’t do without them, especially now that getting married has become all the more commercialized.

Far from an overnight thing, wedding planning has turned into a lucrative business.

What does a best man actually do in a wedding? To take the place of the groom accepting congratulatory drinks from guests during the wedding feast is probably not his main function. That’s only the basics.

He in fact is in the plot of the groom who by picking him as his best man, gives him the chance to get closer to the bridesmaid, or sisters, relatives or friends of the bride.

We can see ourselves that during the wedding, the best man is often preoccupied trying to impress the bridesmaid, instead of looking after the groom.


If the best man should get drunk, it probably is not because he has been given too much to drink. It’s because he has not got a thing for the bridesmaid, sisters, friends or relatives of the bride. Or, it’s the other way round; they have no interest in him, given him the cold shoulder.

So, he drinks to drown his sorrow.

The main job of the bridesmaid, on the other hand, is there to emphasize the prettiness of the bride, something they have made so obvious … the reason why the bridesmaid is more important than the best man.

If you have been invited several times to be somebody’s bridesmaid, do not despair. It probably is because your friends are either too confident or too generous.

If you have never been asked, neither should you feel happy. It probably is because you have not got a good enough friend who is willing to consider you as her bridesmaid on her big day.

The schoolgirls are daydreaming. One of them says to the other, When I get married, I must get you to be my bridesmaid, because I’m prettier than you.

How shocking. We should understand there and then how fragile friendships between girls are.

That can hurt for quite a while for the may be then plain-looking girl.

However, it turned out that when this girl married, she did not ask her ‘less- good looking’ friend to be her bridesmaid.

And a few years later, they bumped into each other in the street. The girl who married first already had two young sons. This girl who was supposed to look less pretty actually felt quite pleased that her married friend should look so haggard and is no longer pretty.

By comparison, boys are more loveable.

When he chooses his best man, he picks one who is a good friend, one who has a good relationship with him. He does not mind that he is taller, more handsome, wealthier or richer. It never occurs to him that he should use his best man to ‘big’ his good points, to make him appear better, more superior, classier…

But then, women, even on the day they marry themselves off, they are as insecure as ever. They must find other, according to them less-endowed women, to bring out their attractiveness, to magnify it further, to remind everybody present how lovely they are.

And that’s not all.

They jump on this opportunity chiefly to remind the grooms, now their husbands, how lucky they are and how smart they have been in their choice.

Source: newsabahtimes

Brand New 2015 Honda Jazz 

With Japanese car manufacturers, they say that the big jump when there’s major technological change occurs every two generations. They do this in order to save costs by extending the lifespan of their model platforms, besides the traditional multiple-body-single-chassis approach.

The last generations of the Honda Jazz were great; with plenty of features and sound engineering, they were also practical, compact hatchbacks. The only issue was the pricing with the first generation, which was of reach for most entry-level car buyers.


The introduction of the second generation Jazz helped to bridge the gap, without the need for cost-cutting measures. A higher volume and local assembly also helped to bring the price down, making it a solid contender.

But this third generation Jazz seems to be that big leap that we’ve been waiting for. It is, without a doubt, a proper step in the evolution of the model. Every aspect has been refined and improved, resulting in a product that feels properly premium.


Let’s start with the engine, a simple 1.5-litre power plant. It’s a single overhead cam unit (SOHC) which Honda doesn’t really shout about much since most modern engines are dual overhead cams (DOHC).

Some may feel that Honda is not on par with the market, but in reality Honda took the step from DOHC back to SOHC for the greater good. Having a SOHC system is easier to develop and tune, as well as having less complexity and lighter overall. For the purpose of an economy-oriented engine, the SOHC cylinder head is more than adequate, especially with the advancements in engine management technology.

The engine puts out a decent 120 ps/145 Nm of torque, a good figure for its segment. What is surprising about this engine is how quiet and smooth it is at idle, beating almost imperceptibly in the background. I’m inclined to say this refinement is on par with continental models in this respect.

In fact, on more than one occasion, I tried to restart the engine as I thought it was not running!

Paired with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) again, power delivery is extremely smooth and fluid. The CVT, a re-engineered unit different from the one used earlier, may not appeal to driving enthusiasts but it is ideal for urban conditions.



Power train aside, there is plenty to be impressed with in the new Jazz. The interior has undergone a full re-work, while maintaining that driver-oriented switch positioning that has become commonplace across Honda’s model range.

On the higher spec variant like the one tested I tested, there’s also an impressive 7-inch touch screen unit. Unlike other companies that try to integrate an aftermarket unit into the dashboard, Honda’s system is properly incorporated and flush.

An innovation is touch-screen activated switches for adjusting air-conditioning temperature. However, there remains the problem of fingerprints on the glossy surface.

The platform of the Jazz is adapted from the City and what this means is that that despite not having the larger boot of a sedan for space, it manages to offer the impressively large amount of legroom that the sedan has. The Jazz allows for 4 adults to be seated comfortably, without those behind feeling cramped.

Also returning to this Jazz are the ULTRA seats which aim to maximise loading area and provide maximum practicality to Jazz owners. These seats fold up and down in numerous configurations, allowing one to load tall objects in the second row with ease (if you ever need to transport tall potted plants or fully assembled bicycles).

As for ride and handling, it goes without saying that they’re both quite impressive. The ride tends towards the limit of bumpiness, but this is more a result of the larger rims on the high spec variant rather than the suspension set-up itself.

Body control gets high marks while bumps and undulations are damped out quickly and effectively. The handling is nice and neutral, responding well to quick steering inputs and if the grip does diminish, it is progressive and predictable.

While the electric power steering system isn’t full of feel and feedback, it is still precise enough so you know what’s happening – which is really the most you can ask for in an entry level mass-market car.

On the whole, Honda has really improved the Jazz with this third generation which has prices starting from RM72, 135 in Sabah. They’ve capitalized on the mass market sales to help reduce the cost of premium items and to improve quality.

The styling may be a little more bulbous and MPV-esque, shifting away from the sporty look of the second generation. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing as younger customers who don’t seem to desire something sporty and quick anymore, instead opting for fuel efficiency and practicality. And the Jazz delivers.

Source: newsabahtimes

Credit Card fraud: How To Prevent Fraud

Credit card fraud is a serious crime which can cost you and credit card issuers huge losses. Credit card issuers have taken security measures to protect you against such possible frauds. However, you can also take the proper safety measures to avoid from being a victim of fraud.

Here’s what you can do to minimize your risk of being a victim of card fraud:


Safeguard your credit card

1.Sign on your credit card immediately after you received it.
2.Keep your credit card in the same place in your wallet or purse so that you will notice it immediately if it is lost or stolen.
3.Do not lend your credit card to anyone.
4.Do not provide your credit card details to an unknown party.
5.Do not write down your PIN number on the back of your credit card or keep it in your wallet. Always memorize your PIN number instead.
6.Keep the telephone number of your credit card issuer so that you can immediately report lost or stolen cards, unauthorized transaction or disclosure of PIN to a third party.
7.Cut your expired credit cards into two when you get a new one.

Check your credit card transactions to avoid unauthorized transactions

1.Check all details on the charge slip before signing or confirming the transaction.
2.Keep all your charge slips and check it against your credit card statement as soon as you receive it.
3.Notify your credit card issuer immediately of any error or possible unauthorized transactions and follow up in writing as soon as possible.
4.Destroy all your charge slips before throwing them away.

Source: Banking Info 

7 Steps to Digital Marketing Success

As digital marketing has unfolded it has been full of promises to simplify our lives, but the reality is that digital marketing has complicated them more than ever. As a result, 947 marketing technology companies have been created attempting to make digital marketing easier!

According to  Adobe’s recent Digital Distress Study:

76% of marketers feel marketing has changed more in past 2 years than the past 50

79% biggest concern is whether their programs are working

Only 48% of the digital marketers surveyed feel highly proficient in digital marketing..

Only 40% think their company’s marketing is effective

What’s worse than this self-doubt of most marketers? Our Bosses (The C-Level) are also riddled with their own digital self-doubt and worry about their team’s skills sets, as found in this IBM Study:

79% of CMOs expect a high or very high level of complexity (in their marketing responsibilities) over the next five years but only 48% feel prepared for it

56% of CMOs are unprepared for ROI accountability

61% of CXOs said lack of ROI certainty was preventing them from using/trying new tools

Clearly, digital marketing is not easy. That is why I have put together a list of 7 steps that technology marketers can take to build a better digital strategy:

Step 1 – Identify your goals
Step one in developing your digital strategy is to define your business goals.  Every tactic and measurement in your marketing effort is based on this. It is the foundation of the strategy but also identifying clear goals will give you the ability to accurately report the ROI or other impacts of your efforts.

Examples of common business goals would be to build reputability, enter new market(s), launch products, drive market share, identify acquisition candidates, develop the channel, international growth, vertical penetration, rebrand etc.

Step 2 – Know your KPIs
After you have identified your business goals, the next step is to identify how you will measure success against these goals.  Identify the most important KPIs that will show actionable impact against your goals. To help keep focused look for just 1 KPI at a time. Also it’s critical to establish benchmarks at this point.

As you get more sophisticated you can look to drill in on tactics and channels used as well as the relationship between the KPIs against segments and user cohorts (segments being demographics, cohorts being users that shared the same experience).

For example if the core KPIs are Leads, MQLs, and pipelined revenue, look at both the impact on these by distribution channel (content syndication channels, vs. paid search vs. website traffic) and by marketing tactic (think webcast vs. white paper vs. social media vs. mobile content). Go further and understand the relationship between the core KPIs (pipeline for example) and lifetime value of customers.

Common examples of various KPIs might be, Leads, pipeline, qualified opportunities, closed revenue, website visits, friends/followers/likes, clicks, conversions, downloads, etc.

Step 3 – Adjust marketing strategy for maturity levels
Maturity should be viewed from two viewpoints:

1: Understand where your brand stands in the market. Are you an up and coming player? Are you a legacy brand? Does your brand have a positive sentiment?

These are important questions as they can influence the placement and tactics needed to move the needle. For example in the Networking market, Cisco is the dominate brand. In surveys, when asked which vendor IT Buyers associate with various networking technologies, Cisco is on the top of most lists.  The tactics they need to use to influence buyers are different than those of a less established, or start-up brand.

2: Understand what stage of market maturity your technology is.

This is taking a step back from the brand level and looking at the technology level. Is the technology well established? Do buyers know the pain points associated with it and the product players? For example, look the difference of marketing mainframe management software vs. SDN. IT buyers know the mainframe players and already have short list created before doing research. SDN being newer is a environment where IT buyers need to do research and self-education before creating a short list.

Step 4 – Audit your content
Content is another highly dynamic element. You should view your content library mapped by types/ formats/ personas/ Authorship/ Personas/ CTAs/ buy stage, and in some cases, industry verticals (but that’s a whole separate blog post in itself). The action items based on the content library from these segments will also hinge on the first 3 elements (Goals, KPIs, Maturity) from your digital strategy.

The best starting point here is to run a content audit and identify what types of content you have, the formats they cover, the personas addressed, etc. For more on how to do this view this article or ask a TechTarget Client Consultant.

The content audit will result in a map that will illustrate where you have the content to address the needs of buyers, and expose where you have gaps.

For example – if your goal is international growth, and your KPI is lead generation and MQL conversion rates, identify if you need local language (translated) content or whether merely localized content (English content but content that has call outs for the region its used in) will suffice and then fill gaps.

When you map out your content, you will identify if you have the content needed to reach each buyer persona and help them navigate the buy cycle.  In your audit you might discover you have lots of content targeting a c-level persona, but nothing for an IT staff level. Furthermore,  you might discover you have lots of white papers, but no 3rd party coverage, or no streaming media. This process helps identify gaps to focus on for future content development.

Step 5 – Strategically distribute your content
There are many different distribution channels to consider using in your digital strategy.  Every channel will have different audience profiles and those audiences will have different engagement expectations. Even in social channels this is true, as a LinkedIn post looks very different than a tweet.

It’s your job to identify where your most relevant audience is, and find ways to engage with them.  Different channels will need to be adjusted with reasonable goals and expectations. For example the goals and KPIs of a social channel like twitter would be different than those of microsite you build out, or of a syndication campaign.

It’s best to identify where your audience is, map out paid, owned, and earned channels, and the Goals/KPIs each channel can drive toward.

Step 6 – Nurture, nurture, nurture

Perhaps the most critical understanding of digital marketing strategy is that all buy cycles (especially B2B) are going to require multiple touches or influences from your brand. You can’t just put out content and assume people will consume it and be inspired to make a purchase. You need to guide your prospects through the cycle.

In other words, develop tactics (like nurture streams) to continue to influence, engage, and educate the potential buyers.  This isn’t limited just to their inbox. In our quest to influence, engage, and educate, we can use any of the channels covered in the distribution section.

For example a user might enter our nurturing stream via a syndicated white paper; however their second touch might happen via social listening on twitter.

While automation tools are great to consider here, they are not the silver bullet many marketers hoped for. If you haven’t run through at least the first 4 steps here, automation won’t be backed by a strategy aligned to your goals.

Step 7 – Measure and optimize
The most dangerous phrase a marketer can utter is: “we’ve always done it that way.” This is a sharp contrast to modern digital amrketing where things can and will change on a daily basis. Modern marketers must adapt to changing environments and moving targets by Testing, Testing, and more Testing.

Use the data available in today’s digital marketing world and use it to not just be data driven, but to be intelligence driven. What intelligence can you synthesize from data?   According to VentureBeat, intelligence-driven marketers see 3x the conversion rates.

Put it all together
These 7 Steps, followed in order, will give you the foundation you need to build out a dynamic digital marketing strategy.

by Ben Bradley, Senior Client Consulting Manager

Car care tips for the holidays 

Before you pack up the car to head home for the holidays, the Car Care Council reminds you to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Conducting a thorough vehicle inspection will help you avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down miles away from home.

“It’s easy to remember to get your family ready for the holiday festivities, but what about preparing the car that’s going to get you there?” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Having a pre-inspection performed on your car will give you peace of mind as you travel and help make your journey safer.”

Before leaving home, the Car Care Council recommends a check of the following, often overlooked, items: tires and tire pressure, brakes, hoses and belts, air filters, wipers, exterior and interior lighting, and fluid levels, including engine oil, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

“A pre-trip inspection provides the opportunity to have service repairs made at home by your own trusted technician who knows the vehicle, and helps reduce the chance of costly and dangerous trouble on the road,” said Rich While.

The Car Care Council also recommends that drivers keep important telephone numbers in their cell phone or glove box in case of a breakdown or travel emergency. Vehicles should have a roadside emergency kit that includes items such as a first aid kit, a tire-changing jack, a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, a flashlight and a blanket.

Source: http://www.carcare.org

6 Ways You Can Prevent Hangovers

Are you meeting friends after work for some drinks? If you are, you probably want to avoid drinking to a point that you will wake up with a hangover because work and nursing a throbbing hangover is no fun at all. Here’s some things you can do to prevent yourself from having one and still be able to drink the night away:

1. Drink some green tea
You might want to load up on that green tea during the day because apparently it helps you from having a hangover the day after.

2. Don’t forget to eat
Whatever you do, don’t forget to eat before you go out for a night of drinking. Food should be in your stomach before you have your first glass of alcohol.

3. Stuff yourself with some healthy fat
We are talking about stuff like avocado and salmon. Fat helps slow down the process of food leaving your tummy, so the longer the food stays in your stomach, the less likely you are going to feel like crap the next morning.

4. Down water before and after
I can personally testify to this working. Before you get started on the vino, down a glass or two of water with some lemon. And after the night’s ended and before you hit the sack, down another bottle of water.

5. Replace your dinner with some fats
If you were too busy to grab dinner before going out to enjoy a couple of drinks with your friends, then make sure you order some olives and nuts at the bar. Both are good source of fat.

6. Avoid sugary mixers
Believe it or not, sugary mixers can contribute to your pounding hangover. You’re less likely to have a hangover if you mix your whisky with water as opposed to mixing it with some Red Bull.

Source: Lipstiq

Don’t know your cappuccino from your latte?

WITH the many variants of coffee drinks, it can get confusing if you are not familiar with them.

However, as the coffee culture is no longer confined to a familiar cup of java, it is time to know your cappuccino from your latte. Here’s a list of coffee-based drinks:

1. ESPRESSO

A strong, concentrated coffee made with dark roasted beans and brewed using pressurised steam.

A shot of espresso is made by forcing about 1.5 oz of nearly boiling water through tightly packed, finely ground espresso beans.

What you get is a dark brown, slightly thick liquid with a small amount of foam on top. When made correctly, an espresso has thick golden foam on the surface known as the crema. If sugar is added to correctly-made espresso, the sugar should sit on the surface for a moment before sinking to the bottom. For more flavour, add whipped cream and you get espresso con panna.

There are many variables in the process of making a shot of espresso. The temperature and pressure of the water, fineness of grounds and how tightly the coffee is packed are just a few.

One regular shot of espresso is roughly one ounce. Espresso is also the foundation for a variety of specialty coffee drinks, which are commonly known as espresso drinks.

2. CAPPUCCINO

Made primarily from espresso and milk. It is considered one of the original espresso drinks representative of Italian espresso cuisine and eventually Italian-American espresso cuisine.

To a shot of espresso, add an equal amount frothed milk and top with foam. In shops where latte art is performed, clear cups are used and, done right, one can see the three layers in succession in the cup. A slight variation is the latte, where instead of one third milk, just under 2/3 milk is used and there is a light layer of foam on top.

3. CAFFE LATTE

Caffe latte consists of one-third espresso, two-thirds heated milk and about 1cm of foam. Traditionally, it is a ratio of two parts coffee and one part steamed milk - also called cafe au lait.

Caffe latte is typically prepared in a 240ml glass or cup with one standard shot of espresso (either single, 30ml or double, 60ml) and filled with steamed milk, with a layer of foamed milk approximately 12mm thick on the top. A caffe latte also consists of strong coffee (sometimes espresso) mixed with scalded milk in approximately a 1:1 ratio.

4. CAFFE MOCHA

An American invention and a variant of caffe latte. It is typically one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk, but a portion of chocolate is added, typically in the form of sweet cocoa powder, although many varieties use chocolate syrup. Mochas can contain dark or milk chocolate.

Like cappuccino, cafe mocha contains milk froth on top, although it is sometimes served with whipped cream instead. It is usually topped with a dusting of either cinnamon or cocoa powder. Marshmallow can be added for flavour and decoration.

5. CAFFE MACCHIATO

Macchiato, meaning “stained”, is espresso with a dash of foamed milk. A macchiato has a much stronger and aromatic taste. The milk is foamed directly into the espresso cup, which is then put under the coffee outlet. The espresso is then drawn into the cup. Cocoa is then sprinkled over the drink. A long macchiato has two shots of espresso and a small amount of hot water (as per long black). A short macchiato will have one shot of coffee and less water (as per short black).

6. AMERICANO

Made by pouring a shot of espresso into a cup and then adding hot water. Americanos can be made with one, two or even three shots.

The first Americano coffee is thought to have come from the battlefield of World War 2. American soldiers in Europe tried to make a coffee similar to the one they were accustomed to by diluting it with hot water. Later on, it became popular in the US.

7. VIENNESE COFFEE

It is a traditional cream-based coffee beverage. Made by preparing two shots of strong black espresso in a standard sized coffee cup and infusing it with whipped cream (as a replacement for milk and sugar) until the cup is full. Then the cream is twirled and optionally topped off with chocolate sprinklings. The coffee is drunk through the creamy top.

~ NST

Reasons Men Leave Their Marriages

Marriages don't just fall apart overnight. They often end after months and years of both spouses trying to stick it out, firm in the belief that they can work out their issues and sustain their marriages.

Once it's over, though, most divorcés can look back and pinpoint one exact moment -- one overblown argument or one instance where their spouse showed his or her true colors -- that should have signaled to them that the marriage was damaged beyond repair.

On Tuesday, divorced men on Reddit shared the moment they realized their relationship didn't stand a chance. See some of the most interesting responses below.

1. When he got tired of her outbursts.
"I had a car accident. Lost my job. I was still depressed about family member passing away. My wife decides she really wants a gold watch that costs $999. I tell her I can't afford to spend money on something like that in our current situation. She shuts herself in the bathroom to cry. That was the first time I didn't react to that tactics. She comes out few hours later and asks me outright if I want a divorce. That wasn't even on my mind until that point, but that was the moment I knew."

2. When the trust was gone.
"It was when I caught myself photographing street signs on my 25-minute journey home from work so that there would be a timestamp of the entire route to disprove constant accusations that I was cheating on her... After that, I just left."

3. When his wife became a glorified roommate.
"The last year together we felt more like roommates than lovers. She stopped being interested in spending time with me, we stopped showering together and began sleeping at opposite times. She was generally unhappy all of the time. I really wanted to salvage the marriage, but I knew it was over when she finally told me that she just didn't love me."

4. When the math didn't add up.
"Came home from a seven-month deployment overseas to find a five-month pregnant wife. I'm no mathematician but I figured that one out."

5. When he was suffering from depression and she laughed it off.
"I was telling her about how depressed and hopeless I was feeling. I described it partially as an existential crisis. She laughed at me. She literally laughed in my face regarding my pain. That was the day I realized I didn't really matter to her."

6. When he realized she didn't believe in his dreams.
"Five years ago, I told her I wanted to get out of the military and study to become a doctor. She's a scientist but she acted like it was the most ridiculous thing I could ever try to do. Her exact words were, 'You can't just decide to be a doctor.' Imagine researching and thinking about something for an entire year and then telling your best friend your hopes and dreams and they just look at you like you're silly ... I started med school four weeks ago. I'm not bitter but she's going to be really f*cking surprised if she ever decides to do some Google stalking."

7. When he disagreed with her on how they'd raise their future children.
"When my wife stated that any children we had would be homeschooled by her (she never graduated high school) and weren't going to get vaccinations. This was non-negotiable. I was young at the time and honestly, it never occurred to me until we had that discussion how much it meant to me. I (naively) figured it was a given."

8. When he became indifferent to the cheating.
"The precise moment was a few months ago when her long and frequent infidelities stopped making me furious. The anger switched off and I realized, it's finally over, thank God. I can now plan the end of this toxic marriage."

9. When he decided to put his daughter first.
"My second wife and I got along great, but over time the relationship she had with my daughter from a previous marriage got worse and worse. I tried not to blame her; she just wasn't ready to be a mom to someone else's child. It was hard to accept that, though. We tried counseling briefly but she felt counseling was for 'crazy people and she [wasn't] crazy.' Eventually, my daughter and I left. I hoped she would change her mind and decide to work things out with us, but it didn't happen. I had to do what was right for my daughter even if it hurt."

10. When he realized that having hobbies of his own was off-limits.
"My ex and I were watching 'Knocked Up.' It came to the scene where the wife is tracking the husband down to catch him while he was 'cheating.' Turns out, he had just snuck off to go to a baseball draft. My ex turned to me and said, 'See how terrible and selfish he is for sneaking around like that?' I looked at her and said, 'See how terrible she is for oppressing his hobbies and dreams so much that he has to resort to sneaking around in order to enjoy them?' I realized right then that she'd done that to me. She had oppressed me, chained me with guilt over my hobbies being immature and childish. She guilt-tripped me because my hobbies took time away from her. Meanwhile, she would never take up any hobbies or interests of her own despite me encouraging her."

11. When he had the commute from hell and she didn't care.
"I had to work late one dark winter night, missed my regular train, took a loooong bus and had to walk home a couple of miles from the bus stop in the freezing cold. She couldn't be bothered to come pick me up because she didn't want to leave her yoga class early. It had been 20 years of bad stuff, but that was the night I decided it was over. She realized what she had done later, but it was too late then."

The Huffington Post  | By Brittany Wong

source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

10 GOLDEN RULES IN PROPERTY INVESTMENT

Here are 10 golden rules to consider before taking the plunge into property investment.

1 Know your budget

Before investing in property it is vital to have a thorough understanding of your cash flow. Also, ask your bank for a preapproval of your investment loan, so you know how much you are able to borrow before you start hunting for properties.

2 Don't underestimate ongoing costs

Make sure you budget enough for rates, insurance and general repairs. And when you have purchased your ideal investment property, do what you can to prevent costly maintenance issues arising, such as replace ageing taps.

3 Buy in a growth areas

Choose an investment property in an area where there is strong demand for rental accommodation. Buying a property close to transport, universities and schools will make it more attractive to renters.

4 Be realistic about your investment goals

Are you looking for fast capital growth or wanting to hold the property long-term? During boom periods, it's much easier to renovate properties and turn them over for a quick profit. In slower economic times, it may take many years to achieve the same growth.

5 Build sweat equity

Paying contractors to renovate your investment property is costly. If you are prepared to get your hands dirty you can save money and increase your profit margin by doing the work yourself.

6 Look for liveable not luxury

Remember a rental property only has to be clean and functional. Don't get tricked into buying a property simply because it has a stylish interior.

7 Buy with your head not your heart

When house hunting it is very easy to get caught up in emotions. While a home on a steep block may have a stunning view, it could be a nightmare to renovate due to retaining or excavation costs. Be sure you weigh the pros and cons.

8 Think carefully before negative gearing

If your repayments on the investment loan won't be fully covered by the rent, your property will be negatively geared. While this can have tax advantages, it can also lead to financial stress if you don't have enough cash flow to cover the loan repayments, rates, or corporate fees, so consider your budget carefully before buying.

9 Still paying off your own home?

It isn't necessary to have your own home fully paid off before buying an investment property, however it is important to be comfortable with your current debt levels. Ideally you would want to have a large portion of your own home paid off and other debts, such as credit cards, under control.

10 Get a building inspection

Before signing a purchase contract, take the time to understand the building report to avoid expensive repairs down the track. Termites are one potential problem to watch out for.



Real estate agent Alexander Woo from Kuala Lumpur said there are many criteria to consider to ensure a good buy.

"Yes there are good properties out there. I have bought a few below market value and have seen many people do it. There will always be some around and it depends how willing are you to look for it.

"Once you are familiar with a certain area, you will immediately recognize a deal that is selling below the normal market price," he said.

In terms of rental returns, Woo said we have to put ourselves in the shoes of the tenants to determine where they would want to rent, and compare rental rates to determine if the place will command a good return.

"For secondary markets, we can see from the track record if a place is easy to rent out and if the rental is high. This saves us some guess work.

"For own stay, families tend to want security and proximity to good schools and to their work place; parents are often willing to give priority to children's education, opting for a place near a good school, even if it mean they have to travel further to work," he added.

Woo said single or younger home owners tend to want some lifestyle is the surrounding area and of course they would want proximity to workplace.

Where distance is concerned, he said the trend has been that people are buying properties further away from the city centre, because some of those developments offer attractive prices and the surrounding is more pleasant to the city centre, as long as it is easily accessible through highways, the distance is not such a major factor.

So, how many properties can one reasonably expect to buy?

"Keep a close watch and be ready when such opportunities come. You do not need to find one every day, or every week, or even every month; if you get one a year and buy one each year, you will make a lot of money after a few years," added Woo.

Maximise Your Car Resale Value

Car value will depreciate straight when it is out from the showroom. However taking care of your car well will reduce your losses when you sell, or trade it later on. Below are some tips to help you maximise its resale value:

1 Buy a car with higher resale value - Analyse before you buy. When you are in the market for a car, bear in mind that some types of car simply hold their resale value better than others due to a number of factors. You may find it beneficial to consult current reports reflecting which vehicles have been found to hold value best, and keep this information in consideration when shopping for your next vehicle.

2 Drive safely - Avoid getting into an accident, as any history of collision damage can reduce your car's resale value, and a trained used car appraiser can spot the body work from a mile away. If your car is in a collision, use an experienced repair shop with a good reputation, and insist on using OEM factory parts.

3 Maintain your car well -One of the most important things you can do after purchasing your car is keeping a regular routine maintenance schedule. Fix any problems as soon as they arise, and keep a well-documented history of all services performed by technicians. Having your car serviced at dealerships will ensure a future buyer that the vehicle was always maintained by certified mechanics. Use your warranty to your advantage, and be sure to quickly replace any interior or exterior parts that have broken. A well maintained vehicle is a rare find and significantly increases value.

4 Keep it as original as possible - Adding accessories can actually decrease the car value. Besides, you do not get to charge the buyer for the extra items, and will have to spend more to remove the parts later if you do not want to pass them to the new owner. Anything that you permanently modify may make your car more difficult to sell. If you add window treatments, be sure that they meet the legal standards.

5 Use original and brand name parts in your car - Original or quality brand name parts last longer and usually comes with a warranty. Prospective buyers will be more likely to recognise the brand name parts and this added credibility increases the value of the car.

6 Keep it clean - If a car looks neat and taken care of, potential buyers will assume the car is more valuable. To keep the exterior of your car in mint condition, you should wash and wax it often. You can also use a custom car cover to protect the paint finish and your investment. A car cover made specifically for your make and model of vehicle, will keep it protected from harsh elements and the weather.

7 Protect the interior -Properly caring for the interior of your vehicle will not only keep it looking new for you, it will also increase your chances of obtaining the best resale value for the vehicle when the time comes. Caring for the interior of a vehicle involves keeping it clean as well as protected. Refrain from habits such as eating in the vehicle, which can lead to stains and odours. You may want to take cleaning a step further and apply protectant to the hard surfaces to protect against damaging UV rays.

Benefits OF Wooden Flooring

WOODEN flooring has long been prized for adding beauty, warmth and value to almost any home. It has an individual character that appeals to many home buyers.

In a survey of real estate agents, 90 percent said homes with wooden flooring sells faster and for higher prices than those without.

This bit of information only supports what many people already realise - that wooden flooring equates with quality.

This idea of wood as the preferred flooring is not just a fuzzy generalisation.

Real reasons account for the perception.

VALUE

Too many variables exist to calculate precisely how much value a hardwood floor will add to your house, but you can rely on history to show you that.

As a lifetime product, the value of hardwood floor rises along with the value of the house. Though real estate prices move in periodic waves, the overall trend is that hardwood floors increase in value and adds value to a house. In contrast, carpeted floors usually get worn down and have to be replaced.

MAINTENANCE

You probably know how quickly a carpet gets dirty if not vacuumed regularly.

Today 's hardwood floors need little more than a quick sweep and occasional application of cleaning products thanks to the latest in stains and finishes.

You should take care only to use a product compatible with your type of wood. Your local flooring store should be a good source of information.

RENEWABLE

Often overlooked is the fact that wood is a renewable resource. Parts of houses, barns, and wooden furniture get recycled into homes being built today. This "second life" of wood flooring combines utility with history to provide a nuance that is simply unavailable from a spiffy new laminate.

Leading health associations say you should remove carpets from your house to reduce airborne allergens. Smooth surfaces like wood are a healthier choice since they don't collect dust or allergens as readily.

VARIETY

The tremendous variety of wood species available for hardwood flooring is a benefit often overlooked.

No matter what room of the house or style of decor, there is bound to be a wooden flooring to meet your needs.

KEEPING YOUR BOSS HAPPY

You go through life trying to seek approval from your superiors. You constantly want to please your parents with good grades, impress your coaches on the field, and wow your professors in the classroom. And as an adult, you want to win over your boss at work.

Al Coleman Jr., author of Secrets to Success: The Definitive Career Development Guide for New and First Generation Professionals said: "For young professionals trying to win over their boss, my advice would fall into three categories: do great work, assist and support your boss in accomplishing his or her professional goals, and consistently demonstrate an interest in the success of your boss and the organisation you work for."

Five O'Clock Club career and executive coach Anita Attridge, shared some tips for impressing your boss to win his or her approval: "Building a strong relationship with your boss will give you a better understanding of his or her expectations. Your boss's perception of you affects your salary increases and bonuses, opportunities for visibility in the organisation, and advancement opportunities."

DO YOUR JOB, AND DO IT WELL

It may seem obvious, but many employees fail to accomplish the basic tasks that are required of them. If you make a diligent effort and do a good job, your boss will be impressed.

Coleman said: "Employees who do good work, consistently, efficiently and professionally, are a joy to manage, and ultimately allow their manager to focus on critical issues within the organisation. The less your boss has to focus on you accomplishing your daily tasks, the more he or she can focus on accomplishing his or hers." It all starts here:.

TIPS

* Focus on getting the job done right, on schedule, and only work late when you really have to.

* Don't make false promises or sugar coat things. When your boss asks you a question, give her the facts, even when you know it is not what he wants to hear.

* Provide relevant information in the format your boss can absorb best. For some, it may be via the printed page, and for others it may be through an email, or a face-to-face meeting.

* Be proactive in your own opportunity for advancement. Take initiative and ask for more responsibility. If you can prove yourself, you will make great strides towards a future promotion and show your boss just how valuable you are.

* Be cordial to everyone at work, share a smile and be positive. A happy worker makes the workplace a happier environment and your boss will definitely like having you around.

* Socialise with your boss, but know your limits. This will tell the boss that you enjoy his company on a personal level and that you wish to include him in your inner-circle.

HOW TO WRITE BETTER

EFFECTIVE writing takes time, perseverance and practice; but with good practical approach and determination, you can turn your creative desire into concrete writing, and accomplish your purpose in writing. To get past the point of just sitting there, here are a few things you can do to make sure you write more effectively.

1 Pull out the keyword list that you have readied for whatever niche or topic you are going to write about.

2 Make sure you have a specific purpose in mind - Ask yourself: What am I writing for? Is it is for a blog, or maybe an article submission site? Am I trying to sell something, or sell me? Am I trying to get customers or traffic? It is important to know what your purpose is.

3 Know who you are writing for - You may do a variety of writing and each group that you write to may need something different from you. Is it information that you are trying to impart, or are you solving a problem? Should you write laid back style or more sophisticated? You need to know who you are writing for, before effective writing can be a part of your article.

4 Spend most of your time writing an effective article title - This is the most important part. If they do not like the title, they will not read the article. You want to grab their attention and make them want to read what you have to say. It is best to use a benefit. What can this article do for them?.

5 Write a very simple outline then - It will have the title, the introduction, thought, and each paragraph that comes from that. Then make sure your ending has the same points that the introduction had. It is like completing a circle.

6 Write bullet points of important things that you want to share - Start your introduction with a strong benefit and build on it. Never wait until the end to share something vital as they may never get there.

7 Do not use a bunch of big technical words or use any sarcasm or insinuations - People read to get an answer, not to figure out what you are trying to say.

8 Write as if you are talking to a friend and you really want to help them - Be yourself and write the things that you would want to hear and know if you were the one doing the reading. It is important to be familiar and warm, letting them know that you understand what they are going through. Never write down to someone.

9 Readers tend to get bored easily, so keep your paragraphs short and simple - Give them the information that they seek easily so they do not need to hunt for it.

10 The last thing is to use a good word processor and fix the easy errors - You should proof read it until you almost have it memorised, and then still get someone to read it. Sometimes you are just too close to the article to see the mistakes.

Remember that practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to writing articles. There will come a time when writing articles gets easier, especially when you follow the steps above.

Online Banking : 6 Ways to St ay Safe Online

Internet banking allows you to conduct funds transfer, repay your loans, pay your credit card and other bills in a fast and convenient wa y. Instead of going to the bank and waiting in an unending queue, Internet banking has made banking accessible through a few clicks.

Fo llow the safety tips below to ensure that you enjoy the convenience of secured Internet banking services :

1 ENTER A SECURED WEBSITE FOR INTERNET BANKING

* Enter the URL of the website directly into the web browser and ensure that it begins with "https". You should also look for a display of a closed padlocked symbol on the status bar of the browser.

* Do not access the website via a hyperlink from an e-mail, SMS or pop-ups.

* Do not access your bank account using unsecured Wi-Fi connection and computers in cyber cafes or in other public areas.

2 KEEP LOGIN DETAILS CONFIDENTIAL

* Do not store login details on the computer, mobile devices or at any publicly accessible areas.

* Choose strong passwords which are not easily guessable and change your password regularly.

* Keep the password confidential at all times.

* Do not reveal, share or divulge your username or login details, PIN or transaction authorisation code (TAC) or security code generated by security token with anyone. Your bank or any authorities such as Bank Negara Malaysia will not ask such details from you.

* If you suspect your username or login details may have been compromised, contact your bank immediately.

3 ENSURE THE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION IS NOT COMPROMISED

* Be alert of the details of the TAC received via SMS to ensure that the name of the beneficiary recorded in the TAC matches with the beneficiary details keyed in.

* Do not enter any TAC for transactions that you did not initiate or request. If you receive a TA C for a transaction you did not perform, contact your bank immediately.

4 LOG-OUT PROPERLY

* Do not leave your computer unattended before you log-out.

* Clear the memory cache and transaction history after logging out.

5 ALWAYS USE LICENCED UP-TO-DATE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

* To protect your computer from new viruses, ensure that you always use licenced anti-virus software.

6 CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT REGULARLY

* Check your account after making any transaction online. Verify whether the right amount has been deducted from your account. If you see any discrepancies in the amount, inform your bank immediately.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITY IN 2014

According to the biannual survey from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Singapore has taken the accolade of being the most expensive city in the world to live in 2014.

The survey calculates the cost of living for 131 metropolises around the world and compares price tags on hundreds of goods and services such as food, clothing and utilities.

The EIU compares more than 400 individual prices across 160 products and services in 131 cities, including food, drink, clothing, household supplies and personal care items, home rents, transport, utility bills, private schools, domestic help and recreational costs.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Among the contributing factors for Singapore's position are inflation, high transportation expenses and a lack of natural resources.

The report said: "As a city-state with very few natural resources to speak of, Singapore is reliant on other countries for energy and water supplies, making it the third-most expensive destination for utility costs.

"Cars have very high related certificate of entitlement fees attached to them, which makes Singapore significantly more expensive than any other location when it comes to running a car.

"It is also the most expensive place in the world to buy clothes.".

Other cities making up the top five most expensive cities to live in are Paris, Oslo, Zurich and Sydney, with Tokyo being the most expensive in 2013 fall to sixth place.

The 10 World's Most Expensive cities this year have been dominated by Asian and Australasian cities as well as some in Europe. They are: Singapore, Paris, Oslo, Zurich, Sydney, Caracas, Geneva, Melbourne, Tokyo and Copenhagen.

WORLD'S LEAST EXPENSIVE CITY IN 2014

* On the other hand, the EIU noted that Asian cities continue to make up many of the world's cheapest, especially in the Indian subcontinent. India's major cities Mumbai and New Delhi - were found to be amongst the least expensive in the world.

Mumbai's prices are kept low by large income inequality.

The low wages of many of the city's workers keep spending low, and government subsidies have helped them stay that way.

Outside of the subcontinent, Damascus in Syria saw the largest drop, becoming the fourth cheapest city in the world as the country's ongoing conflict has led to plummeting prices.

For more information visit the website: www.worldwidecostofliving.com.

STRATEGISE YOUR WORK

STRATEGY may be defined as a plan for reaching a goal, and is focused on transformation, as opposed to maintenance.

Follow these guidelines on how to work strategically:

1 Think about what you want to accomplish - Look beyond the immediate and into the future in order to get a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future.

2 Set clear goals - These goals should be specific to your future vision. For example, if you envision enlarging your small, local delivery business, then you may work strategically toward the goals of expanding your delivery area into three more townships, owning a large fleet of delivery trucks, having 200 employees and running a shipping/packing warehouse.

3 Research your goals - Gather all the data you need to determine what it will take, materially and time-wise, to accomplish your goals.

4 Create a plan - Following a carefully constructed order of operations is necessary to working strategically. For each of your goals, you need to define a series of steps that will lead to achieving that goal, taking all the information you gathered into account. Create a plan in the following way:

* Organise your goals - Write each goal out, including the method(s) you will use toward accomplishment, costs, resource requirements, delegation and the time it takes to achieve the goal.

* Prioritise your goals - Consider immediacy, importance and ease of execution. Some goals may be very important to your future vision, but may not be immediate, as they will take the most time and money to execute, while other goals may be less vital, but immediately and easily executable.

* Put your plan on paper - Once you identify, organise, and prioritise your goals, outline the strategic work steps you will take towards those goals in chronological format. You may do this by hand, or you may implement any of a number of computer-based planning or time management applications.

5 Implement your plan - Keeping your goals in mind and being conscientious of time constraints, follow the steps you have outlined in your plan.

6 Re-evaluate your plan as necessary - As you work strategically toward your goals, regularly assess the following:

* Determine if your goals are realistic to the time frame you have outlined - You may find that your plan is not resulting in timely results, or you are accomplishing steps faster than you had expected. Either way, you should reframe your goals or plans so they are in line with reality.

* Redefine your priorities as necessary - Strategic work involves setting priorities so as to most efficiently accomplish tasks. Those priorities may shift regularly, due to a number of external circumstances, and you need to be able to identify the shift to reallocate your resources accordingly.

* Delegate tasks in order to increase your productivity - Define the task, outline every step it will take to accomplish the job (action plan), give the plan to the person you are delegating to, and use the input to revise the plan as necessary.

10 TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER USAGE

Some scientists predict water shortages will be the most important challenge facing the world in the next decade. Due to factors including increasing population and use, as well as climate change, water is becoming an increasingly precious resource. Given these concerns, conserving water usage in the home is an important step to take.

1 Check your home for leaky faucets and toilets - Have the leaks repaired, or fix them yourself. Install low-flow faucet aerators and low-flow shower head in the bathroom to keep the water pressure high, but reduce your household water use by up to 170 litres a day.

2 Consider replacing older toilets with newer low-flush models - Toilets from 1992 or earlier, tend to be much less efficient, using at least three gallons of water per flush. Newer toilets are designed for efficiency, which use less than five litres per flush.

3 Make sure all your faucets are equipped with aerators - Check your showerhead. If your shower can fill up a four-litre bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a low-flow version.

4 If you water your lawn, consider installing a drip irrigation system. Water is delivered directly to the grass, so less is wasted due to wind and evaporation.

5 Turn off the water when brushing your teeth, shaving, or during other times when you are not actively using the water. Simply turning off the water during these times can save up to 30 litres of water per day.

6 Take showers instead of baths - A five-minute shower uses an average of 35 to 95 litres of water, versus nearly 265 litres to fill a bath.

7 Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, or adjust the water level for smaller loads.

8 When washing dishes by hand, fill a dish pan with water rather than constantly running the faucet. Give each person in your household a designated glass, or reusable water bottle, so they don't grab a new glass each time, which also reduces the number of dishes you have to wash.

9 If you have to water your lawn or garden, do it in the morning or evening. Less water will be lost to evaporation when you avoid watering during the warmest and sunniest time of the day.

10 If you wash your car at home, park it on the lawn and recycle car wash water as irrigation for your lawn. Catch what you can. Place a bucket in the shower or under the rain spout, to collect water and use it to water your plants and lawn.

7 reasons why fogging will not kill mosquitoes

Does fogging work?

No, it will not work.

In the long term control of dengue at least.

We have been fogging all our life. It is a well-known symptom of dengue. You can diagnose dengue from one kilometre away – by seeing the wafting fog filling up the air in your neighbourhood. It is so well known that people have become oblivious with fogging that they thought cigarette smoke can repel mosquitoes. Smoking is unhealthy. Fogging may save lives.

Despite the special effects that comes from your neighbourhood friendly fog men that look like Van Halen and Metallica making a theatrical entrance with a loud guitar roar and artificial smoke, the impact of fogging may not last, as you would, reminiscing the lingering effect of your first ever rock concert! For some, seeing the fog men at work create a false sense of security that whatever is causing the disease is under control.

Let us see some of the reasons why we should not depend too much on fogging.

Fogging only kills the adult mosquitoes.

Yes, it does kill the adult mosquitoes and bring down their numbers. You would sense an unusually quiet night when you do not have to roll up the newspapers hitting yourself like a mad man trying to kill the little vampires.

But that is only temporary.

Although the adult mosquitoes are killed, the young ones – the larvae, are protected from the insecticide laden fog, only waiting for a few more days to emerge into adult mosquitoes and replace their dead comrades.

Fogging does not kill the larvae.

To kill the baby mosquitoes – the larvae, fogging is not the answer. As a reminder, all standing clean water, indoors and outdoors, needs to be removed. Bodies of clean water are perfect for the growth of the larvae.

In situations when you cannot remove the water collection, such as an aquarium, bath and potting plants, adding abate into the water can help kill the larvae and prevent the mosquito from reaching a complete cycle. This is your only license to kill.

You can easily buy abate from your local pharmacy. If the salesperson does not know what abate is, just tell them “ubat bunuh jentik” or any of your favourite local parlance, to get one.

You are not at home when the fog men came.

The adult mosquitoes are actively looking for food at dusk and dawn. Therefore, fogging is done at those times have a high chance of killing the mosquitoes.

Since mosquitoes are also active indoors, the fog men must fog indoors too. They can’t fog indoors if no one is at home to let them in. The adult mosquitoes that may be resting indoors may be spared.

You would not let the fog men in when they come.

With a spate of incidents resulting in harm, injuries and even kidnapping, homeowners find it difficult to allow strangers to come into their house.

It is your right to not allow them in for fear of your safety.

But men carrying the heavy fogging machine all bundled up in protective gear bearing the ministry of health emblem – you could not be wrong to identify them as genuine health personnel doing their jobs – preventing other people from getting dengue.

Some pointers to note, the affected neighbourhood will be informed earlier of fogging activities through flyers or announcement. If you are still not sure, you can always call the local health office to verify.

You are afraid that the fog can kill both the mosquitoes and you.

“No, we can’t let you in, our cat will die once you start spraying,” One lady cat lover blurted behind the security grilles of her home. Please lady, people are dying!

There are some issues regarding the effect of pesticides used on human during fogging. The concentration of pesticides used is lethal to the mosquitoes but it is not enough to even kill a pet rabbit or cat.

In addition, fogging is a targeted and limited activity. The chemicals used are also biodegradable by sunlight. It cannot accumulate over time and cause toxicity.

On the other hand, with the low concentration of pesticides, we fear that fogging alonemay not be effective.

It is expensive to fog and maintain the fogging machine.

Machines, like cars, need maintenance after a certain mileage. Maintenance may be overlooked when the fogging machines are overused in outbreak situations.

The nozzles of the fog machine may be clogged with dirt. As a result, the fogs are merely white thick smoke, creating a few coughs in the neighbourhood, leaving the mosquitoes unharmed.

Lack of staff, the lack of machines and too many outbreak sites to be covered.

With such limitations, fogging cannot be done efficiently if there are many outbreak areas to be controlled.

Fogging is not just spraying “smoke” in a vicinity. There are techniques involved. Besides the concentration of the pesticides, the nozzle width, the speed of fogmen, the swing techniques, the wind direction etc. are all important in killing more mosquitoes.

The high number of outbreaks inundated our workers that in a recent report, only 40% of houses were fogged within 5 days after the first case was reported. This is below par, as the target set is 85%.

Where do we go from here?

Fogging is effective as the first blow to stop a possible dengue outbreak. Blow for blow, like a tired boxer, the fire power of fogging will reduce over time. It is not sustainable.

Other sources of energy will be needed to sustain the boxer. Gatorade, hair blowing motivation during intervals and the cheering crowd will spur him on to emerge the eventual winner. Same goes for dengue.

Fogging is not the answer. Source reduction is. It needs to begin in the community. Nothing high tech – just common sense – keeping clean, dispose of all items that can collect water and we are all heading to a dengue free Malaysia.

- By Dr. Helmy Hazmi

Dr. Helmy Hazmi is a community medicine specialist with a major in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He is currently working in his hometown, Kuching, as a medical lecturer.