'Dieting ruined my health'

Jane Elliott
BBC News Online health staff

An eating disorder in her teens left Dr Anna Richman with a legacy of ill-health.

Aged only 32, Anna has osteoporosis - a condition usually associated with menopausal women twice her age.

Formerly a statuesque six footer Anna, used to be taller than her sisters, but the osteoporosis has taken at least two inches from her height.

"The irony is that I wanted to lose weight to have a better-shaped body.

"When I lost the height from my spine my waist actually disappeared and I was left with a protruding stomach.

"I will never get that height back. It seems to have gone from the top half of my body and it affects the way I dress."

As well as osteoporosis, anorexia can have further drastic effects on the body.

A lack of food deprives the body of protein and prevents the normal metabolism of fat.

The effects of this can include an irregular heart beat caused by a change in the heart muscle - which in turn can lead to heart failure and death.

Other problems can include ceasing of menstruation, dehydration, kidney stones and kidney failure.

Some anorexics also develop a fine, downy body hair, called lanugo, on the face and arms and their muscles waste away. Some suffer constipation or bowel irritation.

Teenage diet

Anna, who now works as a hospital doctor in Liverpool, started to diet in her late teens.

"I was only dieting for 18 months, but the implications have gone on for years," she said.

It wasn't long after Anna started dieting that her weight got out of control.

Very soon she was hospitalised with anorexia.

"It did just start off as a bit of a diet. I lost a bit of weight and then it went from a diet to anorexia."

When Anna was first hospitalised her weight had plummeted to just seven-and-a-half stone.

Doctors helped her build her weight back up to over 10 stone.

But then she relapsed and needed hospitalisation as it slumped again to just six stone.

Rebuilding life

Watching her friends leave her behind as they gained their A' Levels and then university places, Anna struggled to take charge of her life again.

She took her exams and started to study medicine, but the damage had been done.

"When I was 19 I was just getting over the anorexia and had taken a part-time job in a nursing home.

Risks

One in three woman and one in 12 men over 50 have osteoporosis
Treating broken bones due to osteoporosis costs the NHS about £5 million a day

"I had a backache and was just told that everyone at the home used to get these.

"But then one day I was in excruciating pain with my back and I just fell to the floor. I could not walk and had to crawl back to bed."

Eventually doctors diagnosed Anna with osteoporosis and spotted that she had two compression fractures in the spine.

Her bone density was low and doctors recommended a high-dose pill to boost her levels.

But she found taking calcium tablets and doing weight bearing exercises worked better.

Fragile bones

Emma Burrows, of the National Osteoporosis Society, said young women like Anna are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.

"Oestrogen is essential for healthy bones in women. Over-dieting can cause a drop in oestrogen levels similar to that experienced at the menopause and can result in fragile bones that are liable to break easily.

"It is essential that we all protect our bones by eating a healthy, well-balanced and calcium rich diet, and that doesn't mean it has to be fattening.

"Low-fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk, actually contain more calcium than the full-fat varieties, and calcium can come from non-dairy sources too.

"Young women who miss their periods for six months or more as a result of over-dieting or over-exercising are at an increased risk of suffering a broken bone due to osteoporosis and should talk to their GP about a possible bone scan or treatment."

Diet is not an answer; it's a mean. Use it wisely or it will devour you.

Malaysia keeps its tiger caged

-------------------------------

William Pesek

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Those wondering where Malaysia is headed should keep an eye on Tony Fernandes. Perhaps no one personifies the promise of Asia's 10th-biggest economy better than the 43-year-old entrepreneur.

In 2001, he created a budget airline, beating the odds in a place dominated by government-linked companies that tend to abhor competition. AirAsia has been

turning heads ever since.

It was another airline magnate, Aristotle Onassis, who said the key to succeeding in business is knowing something others don't.

Fernandes knew that not only were Asians ready for no-frills carriers, but so were investors.

Fernandes is often called Southeast Asia's answer to Richard Branson. It seems highly appropriate, then, that the two men teamed to launch AirAsia X, a long-haul budget carrier that this month made its maiden flight.

Branson's Virgin Group is among its key backers.

For all his success, Fernandes also is a microcosm of why Malaysia's economy isn't on the upward trajectory it could be. Politicians' efforts over the years to protect the turf of Malaysian Airline System backfired, leaving Kuala Lumpur lagging behind in the

race for Asia's travel hub. Malaysia has effectively tied one hand behind its back to help out national champions at the expense of the bigger picture.

'I'm asking this for national interest, not MAS's interest or anything else,' says Fernandes of his battle to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. 'The consumers have suffered enough.'

Politicians continue to dither over another national champion: state- controlled carmaker Proton Holdings. While talks on an alliance with Volkswagen are

progressing, the saga is a reminder that Malaysia's leaders are wasting time the nation doesn't have.

In Proton's case, the exercise is about finding a partner to help revive sales and return the 24-year-old company to profit. Yet this, like Fernandes's fight to expand his innovative airline, is emblematic of how politicians often don't grasp that

Malaysia's place in Asia is rather tenuous.

The world has lots riding on multi- ethnic Malaysia. It's a place where micro-miniskirts comfortably exist next to women in headscarves. Yet the next 50 years will arguably be even harder than the last. It wasn't one of the original Asian tigers, yet Malaysia became one over the years. Now, amid Asia's boom, the economy

has its fair share of blemishes with which to grapple.

'The world is moving ahead at a rapid pace, and it won't wait for Malaysia,' says Razlan Mohamed, chief executive of Malaysian Rating Corp. The nation needs

to work harder and faster, he added.

Chrisanne Chin, finance faculty head at MIMS Business School, Malaysian Institute of Management & INTI University College, puts it this way: 'It's not so much what Malaysia is lacking, but that China, India, Vietnam and even Thailand and Indonesia have improved so much that they are very capable of leapfrogging Malaysia in a short span of another five years because of specific comparative advantages, from low costs to human capital to technology.'

Human capital is a particular concern. The government needs to do more to train the leaders of tomorrow and import the talent that firms require to thrive. It also has to win more of the foreign direct investment flowing elsewhere in Asia.

There's much backslapping about how the US$147 billion (HK$1.15 trillion) economy may expand 6 percent this year and 6.5 percent in 2008. The real picture can be

found in the World Economic Forum's latest competitiveness survey, in which Malaysia slipped two spots to 21st.

A huge obstacle for Malaysia is something that can barely be discussed: a 37-year-old affirmative-action program favoring the predominant Malay community. It alienates non-Malays, limits foreign investment, stifles competition and keeps the economy from moving toward a meritocracy.

Yet it's a third-rail issue. Most Malaysians won't even discuss it without first looking around to see who is listening.

A sense of political drift doesn't help. Four years in office, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has spent more time trying to solidify the influence of his party, the United Malays National Organization, than bringing the economy to the next level.

Investors and entrepreneurs complain that Abdullah, who, oddly, also serves as finance minister, hasn't attacked subsidies on products such as oil, or tackled

corruption as promised.

Malays are angry too

Umar Mukhtar Nov 28, 07 6:22pm

The Indians are unhappy and angry. So are the Malays and we know it is pretty much the same with the Chinese, Kadazans and Ibans. What they are unhappy about is pretty much the same: A government that does not listen, an electoral process that is so questionable that it is not a real hope for change and the eventual destruction of a nation through the abuse of power by people in government.

By this measure, never have Malaysians been so united in the single cause of changing the way the nation is governed, no matter how much BN tries to spin communal tensions into this. It does not matter if Hishammuddin Hussein brings a million government supporters to the streets Mugabe-style. Like all simple-minded, self-serving myopics, he has missed the point. This is a democracy. Whilst numbers decide a lot, the government in power is still the government of all the people.

Just in case Khairy Jamaluddin and gang has not been made aware, by now they should have gotten the message that people are angry enough to risk their freedom and limbs.

A police force, with members who bullies, kills with dynamites and is corrupt at the highest levels, may be feared but certainly not respected enough for it to be an effective protector. An election that is a farce can never be a hope or even a valve for frustrations. Nor can a judiciary that can be bought and sold or a prime minister who sleeps on the job.

Of course, we can expect the government to listen only to its cronies and continue to believe the lies told to the simple kampung folks. But the people will find ways to make the government listen. In the absence of a fair electoral process, street marches are only one of the many avenues that the downtrodden have resorted - all over the world, throughout the centuries - including my forefathers in their fight for independence.

People like me are thankful to Bersih and Hindraf, not necessarily because I support their causes. Their bravery are the barometers of the people's anger and desperation. The government should listen hard or risk the consequences of a chaotic society when people lose hope. My family and I should not have to bear the inconvenience caused by a government that pushes the people beyond the limit.

Every decent Malaysian, with enough sense in his head, finds the government's lies in its media revolting and insulting our intelligence. The rest of us are blinded by some misguided sense of nationalism, racism and patriotism - messed up into some cheap rojak, spiced up with fear, insecurities and a huge ego that hides an inferiority complex. Every now and then, an expensive and glossy Petronas commercial is commissioned to tug at our hearts as if they depict real life in Malaysia today. How I really wish.

I have no time to justify a renters' economy, rationalise my leaders' indiscretions in the name of my race or turn a deaf ear to their arrogance so unbecoming of my culture.

I am a Malay and proud of it until you guys made into a lunch ticket. I am angry.

A lot of truth in this

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."


Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards.


Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

A Thankful Thanksgiving by Jim Rohn

You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren't all Thanksgivings Thankful? Unfortunately, no. As a person who has experienced over 70 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.

If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn't lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled weekend in America. Airports are full, and not always providing much room for contemplation of your good fortune.

This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.

Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply; something you can use right away in your quest for becoming more thankful:

Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds up from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it". But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things that you have that you may typically take for granted and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I'm thankful for.

Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, "I sure wish I had what he does." That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank. And not just during the holidays - everybody works there then - but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.

Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask him or her what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.

Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.

Of course we should do what we can to make the most of the day we call Thanksgiving, but wouldn't it be a shame if the only time we reflected on our blessings was that one Thursday in November? And the answer is, of course! So let's do our best to be aware of the many great gifts that we have each and every day of the year. As we do so we will see our hearts soar and our minds will experience more and more at peace as we regularly remember and remain aware of our good fortune.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jim Rohn

Learn another language.

Guys and girls, I'd like you, especially those who fancies Spanish, to take a look at these two sites:

Learn Spanish
http://www.webspanish.com

Thanks to this revolutionary advance in education you can now learn Spanish one-to-one from anywhere in the world that has access to a broadband Internet connection.

Spanish tests online
http://www.practicespanishonline.com

Practice Spanish Online is an informed, thorough and up-to-date review of the main online Spanish learning resources available. Now you can check the quality of online Spanish resources with just one click!

I assure you that by visiting these sites, and following the system they've come up with, you'd be able to master the language. I wouldn't say in no time, though, as language requires just 3 things: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!

Update in Life

Hi there,

It has been quite sometime, hasn't it. Sorry for the long hiatus. Had
been quite busy. Especially when you have an employer who is looking
at you as his successor. I guess life is being more and more generous
to me.

Currently I am working with Sheffield Resources Sdn Bhd, a HR
solutions company. It is a wholly owned by a New Zealand-based
company. 3 years old, with a staff of less than 10 people including
myself. The office here is being headed by Chris and Vignes. The two
of them has a cumulative HR experience of over 40 years. I really
enjoyed working with them, since the working environment is more or
less like a family. With me being the eldest son hehe.

So far I've been working on 3 positions, with 2 of them busted due to
the lack of cooperation from the client. But along the way, I managed
to secure some new contacts, mostly HR Managers and Directors.
Hopefully, in the long run, my dream of being a freelance consultant
will come true. With their guidance of course.

Today, I'm going to Gemas to help my boss to conduct a training
program. He actually asked me to design some game activities for the
program, and conduct them.

As for the future planning, they wanted to create a newsletter, as
well as conduct a forum periodically. And looking at the current
composition of the staff, I might be the person in charge for them.

As for the pay, I don't get any basics. The commission is quite
lucrative, though. 20% for executive search, and 10% for training
programs.

Do look up the company for more info as to what we have to offer:
www.sheffieldresource.com

Your Achievement Article

Your Thoughts Brought You Here
by Vic Johnson (excerpted from Day by Day with James Allen)

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." - Above Life's Turmoil

This principle was not easy for me to accept and I fought it for a long time. As miserable as my life was at the time I learned this concept, I was certain that there was no way that it was due to the thoughts that I had held. There were too many other reasons why things had gone bad: my ex-spouse, the economy, a client who had wronged me, and on and on and on. Since I wasn't responsible for my "bad luck," then certainly my thoughts had nothing to do with it.

But I was wrong. Like the biblical Job who said, "the thing I feared most has come upon me," I, too, had thought myself to the situation I was in.

Dr. Walter Doyle Staples, writing in Think Like a Winner! says, "I credit one simple concept with getting me started on my journey into self-discovery. After a great deal of study and contemplation, I came to the conclusion that people have in their lives today exactly what they keep telling their mind they want."

Like Dr. Staples, it was a moment of great illumination for me! The logical side of me said, "if you and you alone can think yourself into such a mess, then surely you and you alone can think yourself out of it."

And that I did. It wasn't overnight and it wasn't easy, but it was a sure thing! And by accepting all of the responsibility for where I was, and all of the responsibility for where I was going, I experienced a tremendous joy and freedom. I knew in my knower that if I got myself into the predicament, I could get myself out.

Of course, I had some great inspiration along the way. And I will always remember Les Brown's three steps to take during "hard time:"

1. Have Faith (didn't Paul say, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for...")
2. Remind yourself: "No matter how hard it is or how hard it gets, I'm going to make it!"
3. Have patience and engage in consistent action.

And that's worth thinking about.

Small Update

Got the job :p. Grueling working lif starts on Monday. Working 7-7, a.m to p.m. And I think someone is trying to use my comment space to spread mayhem. By the way, I'm looking for a new house for rent. Any help?

Suryakanta

I'm writing this on behalf of a dear _____________ (fill in the blank).

Suryakanta is a song composed by Sharon Paul. Lyrics by Fedtri Yahya and Ihab Ismail (THE Ihab Ismail listed in my blog). Vocals by Zehra Zambri. World Music rocks, Mawi sucks.

Here's the song: Suryakanta. Right-click to download, left-click to listen.

And please, leave a few words of comments.

One Down, More To Go...

Okay, Marcus Evans' interview done and over. And Winnie, the officer who interviewed me asked to call her back at 4pm today to confirm whether I'm qualified for the second interview. My presentation didn't go that well, although she did praise me for the efforts I put in. I got a rating of 6.5 out of 10, which is a B-. Oh well, I did my best, and if I failed, I'll just apply again. I don't think I want to work with another company. Other than Marcus Evans.

Dani had tagged me, but I think I'll do the tag after my return. Have to finish my clearance first. See you guys soon.

EDIT

I qualified for the second session. ROUND 2, START!

Raja Petra summoned to Dang Wangi 11.00am today

Raja Petra Kamarudin has been summoned to the Dang Wangi Police Station, Jalan Stadium, at 11.00am today (25 July 2007) for his statement to be recorded with regards to the police report made by the Umno Information Chief. It is believed a second police report has also been made with regards to the article Raja Petra wrote called ‘See you in hell Muhamad son of Muhamad’.

Hmmm... Bloggers! ASSEMBLE, AND FORM MAGNA-BLOGGER!!

Wish me ALL THE BEST

3 days, 5 interviews. Reminds me a lot of my varsity years. The exam period, to be exact, where the unlucky gets double exam on a day. Wait, I've heard that some got triple exams on a day...

27th July:

8.30am - Marcus Evans: Sales Executive
2.30pm - Recruit Express: Admin Assistant


30th July:

11.00am - Pacific Powerhouse: Business Development Trainee
2.00pm - JTM: Trainee Manager

31st July:
10.45am - Creative-KT: Fresh Graduate Business Development Trainee

I expect to leave for JB on 1st August. For the position with Marcus Evans, I need to do a presentation. A sales presentation. On such a short notice... Oh well, time to put my rusty brain to the test. Anyway, I need a lot of prayers from you guys. Hopefully one of the position is meant for me...

A Secular State or an Islamic State?

Written by Chandra Muzaffar
Monday, 23 July 2007

Malaysia is not a secular state within the conventional use of the term. Neither is it an Islamic state in the classical sense.

It is not a secular state since the Malaysian state formulates policies and organizes activities from the building of mosques and the administration of the Hajj, on the one hand, to the establishment of Islamic schools and the dissemination of Islamic awareness through public broadcasting channels, on the other, which demonstrate that it is actively involved in sustaining and strengthening the position of Islam in society. Judicial pronouncements and political utterances from the past which suggest that Malaysia is a secular state do not in any way negate the fact that the state has functioned in a non-secular mode, especially in the last three decades.

Nonetheless, for the majority of contemporary Muslim jurists, Malaysia is not an Islamic state since its constitution does not state that governance is based upon the Qur’an and Sunnah (the way of the Prophet Muhammad). Neither is shari’ah the supreme law of the land. Hudud (the Islamic criminal code) is not in force anywhere in Malaysia. These are legal and political attributes of state which are found in almost all those countries that are acknowledged as ‘Islamic’.

More than the actual situation prevalent in Malaysia, there are perceptions of what a ‘secular state’ is, and what an ‘Islamic state’ will be, which have shaped the outlooks of both Muslims and non-Muslims in the country. For a lot of Muslims, the term ‘secular’ connotes antipathy towards, or worse, rejection of, religion in the life of the nation. Since Islam encompasses all aspects of life, including government and politics, the idea of a ‘secular state’ has become anathema to them. Similarly, for many non-Muslims, an ‘Islamic state’ conjures up a frightening vision of Malay dominance reinforced by religious dogmatism. These perceptions – even if they are misconceived – carry tremendous weight and impact directly upon inter-ethnic ties.

This is why it is unwise to insist that Malaysia is a secular state or an Islamic state. There is no need to do this. It will only widen the chasm between the communities. It will exacerbate ethnic tensions.

Why is it necessary to categorize Malaysia as a secular state or an Islamic state when the character of the Malaysian state, its guiding principles and goals, and its vision of the future, have already been spelt out with such lucidity and clarity in the three fundamental documents that were meant to be our signposts in the last 50 years? The most important of these --- the Malaysian Constitution--- embodies a dozen or so basic principles which tell us what this nation is. In a nutshell Malaysia means;-

1. A parliamentary form of government based upon the concept of one person, one vote.
2. A federal system of governance.
3. A constitutional monarchy.
4. The supremacy of the rule of law.
5. An independent judiciary.
6. Protection of fundamental liberties.
7. Malay as the national and official language.
8. The right to use and study other languages.
9. Islam as the religion of the Federation.
10. Recognition of the right of non-Muslims to practise their religions.
11. The special position of the Malays and other indigenous peoples.
12. The legitimate interests of the other communities.

These principles enunciated in 1957 when we achieved Merdeka were reiterated in one form or other in the Rukunegara, the nation’s charter, in August 1970. It is significant that the first of the five principles of the Rukunegara is Belief in God. Young Malaysians recite this and the other four principles in school every morning but what is not emphasized at all are the five goals of the Rukunegara--- the goals of a united, just, democratic, liberal and progressive nation. Twenty-one years after the Rukunegara, its principles and goals were further elaborated in the nine strategic challenges of Vision 2020 which include the creation of a moral and ethical society.

If we reflected upon the Malaysian Constitution, the Rukunegara and Vision 2020, it would appear that they represent a trajectory in the evolution of the nation’s identity and character. It is as if the three documents embody the steady maturation of the Malaysian state and society.

It is important to emphasize at the same time that most of the principles and goals articulated by the three documents do not in any way contradict the universal values of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Indeed, in certain respects, they seek to give meaning to some of the eternal concerns of the religion about justice, accountability and ethical conduct. Likewise, those who subscribe to a secular vision of society which is not antagonistic to the Divine, would applaud the fact that the Constitution, the Rukunegara and Vision 2020 uphold such principles and goals. In other words, when we go beyond labels such as ‘secular’ and ‘Islamic’ and connect with the substance of our three principal documents we will discover that there is a degree of congruence between the two positions.

This is why as we observe the fiftieth year of our Merdeka, we should reiterate our trust and confidence in the three documents that speak to the spirit of the Malaysian people and their shared destiny. To embroil ourselves in the unending controversy about whether we are a secular state or an Islamic state is to forfeit our future.

A Case of a Pot Calling a Kettle Black?

Yesterday, one of the bloggers whom I respect, the loudest, bravest, and most resourceful, got a police report lodged against him by UMNO (or so the person who lodged the report claimed to be acting on behalf).

Umno lodges police report against Malaysia Today

By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has lodged a police report against Malaysia Today for carrying a series of comments and remarks that it deemed as insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, degrading Islam and inciting hatred and violence in Malaysia's multi-racial society.

Party information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib lodged the report at 12.57pm at Tun H.S. Lee police station here Monday.

He said the comments and remarks, consisting of criminal elements and inciting religious and racial sentiments which could affect the country’s security, were carried by the blog on July 11.

The report was lodged under Section 121 (B) and Section 123 of the Penal Code, Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 263 and Section 266 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

"I think they are very irresponsible," he told reporters at the police station. (And so were you.)

And here's the reply and refutation and revelation by that blogger:

See you in hell Muhamad son of Muhamad

Raja Petra Kamarudin



It seems there is a certain ex-Menteri Besar who made a police report against Malaysia Today and me. This ex-Menteri Besar who has two Muhamads is his name does not have even half the qualities of Prophet Muhamad S.A.W. let alone twice the qualities although he carries two Muhamads in his name.

This is the Muhamad who started life as a schoolteacher but does not speak a word of English. When caught carrying millions of dirty money into Australia, he pleaded ignorance of the English language and was acquitted by the Australian court the crime of smuggling money. What many people failed to realise is that when he resigned as a schoolteacher to contest the general election, the government made a claim of RM80,000 against him because he was on contract and was bound by this contract to serve the government to pay off what he owed.

You see, Malaysia has this unique system of giving underprivileged Malays government loans to further their studies. They must, however, serve the government for a certain period of time once they graduate and if they refuse to do so or resign before the expiry of their contract then they have to pay back the government the amount of their loan. This ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name therefore owed the government RM80,000 and if he did not pay back the amount then he would be denying other Malays the benefit of this money and therefore would in that same process be denying other Malays the benefit of a tertiary education.

This ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name then appealed to the then Minister of Education, Anwar Ibrahim, for exemption from paying back the government the RM80,000 that he owed and Anwar, being the smart politician that he was (or maybe still is, I am not sure of that), waived the rule so that this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name need not pay back the nation the RM80,000 that he owed and which could have gone to other less-fortunate Malays who needed government assistance to further their studies.

What boggles the mind is how this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name could suddenly have millions in his pocket and which he was arrested for as he entered Australia when just barely a few years before that he could not even pay back the government the RM80,000 that he owed and needed Anwar Ibrahim to exempt him from the rule of paying back the money.

This ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name has made a police report against Malaysia Today and me saying that I insulted the Agong and Islam and that I raised racial sentiments which could probably result in racial conflicts in Malaysia. He was of course acting on behalf of Umno and represented Umno as its Information Chief.

It is mind-boggling that this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name would accuse me of insulting the Agong who is also the Sultan of Terengganu when the Agong is my buddy. When the Agong, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu, was merely the Raja Muda of Terengganu, I used to ride horses with him along the beach in Kuala Terengganu. I also made trips to London to meet the Agong who is also the Sultan of Terengganu when he was still just the Raja Muda of Terengganu and a student in London.

The then Raja Muda of Terengganu who is now the Agong and I would drive around London in his Ferrari and together with my sisters and wife would visit the famous London night-spots such as Longfellows where all the action is. When he was back in Kuala Lumpur I would take him to the then famous Tin Mine where we would just sit and talk as he was not a disco-dancer but preferred to just enjoy the music and talk.

Would I insult my long-time friend who is now the Agong when I sembah and kiss his hand and he would withdraw it and refuse to allow me to kiss his hand as he considered me a buddy rather than a subject? This, the ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name did not realise when he made that police report against Malaysia Today and me.

I will offer to make an audience (mengadap) with the Agong who was my buddy since the days he was merely the Raja Muda of Terengganu and if His Royal Highness is of the opinion that I have insulted him then I will subject myself to any form of punishment befitting a subject who has insulted his Agong. Such a punishment befitting the crime of insulting the Agong can include the death sentence and I will walk to the gallows to have my head separated from my body with the dignity of a true subject of the Agong. An Anak Raja Bugis is loyal to his Agong and a true Anak Raja Bugis looks death in the face with the dignity expected of an Anak Raja Bugis. I am not a descendant of Upu Tenribong Daeng Rilaka in vain and I shall not smear the name of my ancestors by avoiding the punishment of insulting his Agong. The Agong is one of the Raja-Raja Melayu and I am more than just an Anak Raja Melayu; I am an Anak Raja Bugis.

This ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name accuses me of insulting the Agong when he himself insulted the late Agong who was the Sultan of Selangor and my uncle. This ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name eloped with the Sultan’s daughter who is also my cousin and secretly married her in Thailand.

When the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor, my uncle, asked this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name whether he (the ex-Menteri Besar with the two Muhamads in his name) had married his (the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor) daughter, this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name denied it. Marrying secretly in Thailand is a crime and one can be punished for it. Furthermore, marrying a woman without the consent of her father goes against Islam and Malay culture and, being a Menteri Besar, this is even more of a no-no. After all, a Menteri Besar is not a man-on-the-street but the head of government of a state. But this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name denied he had married the Sultan’s daughter secretly in Thailand and swore in the name of Allah that the allegation is a lie.

Eventually, this ex-Menteri Besar with the two Muhamads in his name divorced the Sultan of Selangor’s daughter, my cousin, and paid her RM12 million as a divorce settlement. This upset the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor, my uncle, who made a photocopy of the RM12 million cheque. The late Agong and Sultan of Selangor, my uncle, was not upset that his Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name had divorced his daughter, my cousin. He did not mind this. The late Agong and Sultan of Selangor was upset that his Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name had paid his daughter RM12 million as a divorce settlement. The late Agong and Sultan of Selangor then made a photocopy of the cheque and showed it to the Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and demanded to know how a mere Menteri Besar could afford to pay RM12 million as a divorce settlement to his daughter, my cousin. This proves that Selangor has a corrupt Menteri Besar, said the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor, my uncle.

And this is the ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name who made a police report against Malaysia Today and me. This ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name is corrupt, a liar who married the late Agong’s and Sultan of Selangor’s daughter and denied it, and who insulted the Malays and Islam by secretly marrying someone’s daughter in another country without the permission of her father.

But this man is not a mere man-on-the-street. This man was then a Menteri Besar. And this man had two Muhamads in his name. And the woman is not a mere woman-on-the-street. This woman is the daughter of the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor. So this crime of the ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name is ten times worse. And any other man would have been arrested and convicted of the crime of marrying a woman secretly in Thailand. But this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name was not arrested and put on trial. He was also not arrested and put on trial when he paid RM12 million as a divorce settlement and could not explain where he got the money from and how he could afford to pay such an amount on his meagre Menteri Besar’s salary.

I understand that this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name can’t speak English. This is what the Australian court said and this is why the court acquitted him of the crime of smuggling dirty money into Australia. This means he also can’t read English. How this ex-Menteri Besar with two Muhamads in his name managed to figure out that I insulted the Agong in my article is beyond me when I write in English and not in Malay. Umno should have chosen another man who can speak English to make that police report against Malaysia Today and me.

Many people from the media phoned me today to ask me my comments on the police report against Malaysia Today and me. Well, this is my response to that police report against Malaysia Today and me. I would just like to say: go to hell Muhamad the son of Muhamad. You are a disgrace to the Muhamad name. And let me tell you Muhamad the son of Muhamad: you should thank your lucky stars that this is 2007 and not 1907. If this was 1907 instead of 2007 I would challenge you to a duel. It would be a man-to-man, one-to-one duel. It would be a duel to the death with kerises.

But no, I don’t think you would accept my challenge to a duel with kerises. You may have two Muhamads in your name but you have no class. You eloped with the late Agong’s and Sultan of Selangor’s daughter and secretly married her in Thailand. Then you denied it when the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor asked you about it. Only someone with no balls would do this. A man with balls would not deny it. So there is no way you would accept my challenge to a duel with kerises.

I know that when the late Agong and Sultan of Selangor, my uncle, found out that you had in fact married his daughter, my cousin, and that you had lied about it, you arranged for Umno Youth to organise an anti-Sultan demonstration. The late Agong and Sultan of Selangor was very hurt and he cancelled his birthday celebration that year. So that year no datukships were awarded and you had to return the money to all those who had paid you for their datukships.

This act of yours, Muhamad the son of Muhamad, is treasonous. If this was 1907 instead of 2007 you would have been put to death. And you accuse me of insulting the Agong? You committed treason. You can send me to jail if you wish. You would have been put to death if this was 1907 instead of 2007.

But I know why you made that police report against Malaysia Today and me, Muhamad the son of Muhamad. You want to make a political comeback. You want to contest a parliament seat in the next general election. And you want to be made a federal minister when you win that parliament seat. You hope that the present Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, will fall and that you can take his job. That is why you made that police report against Malaysia Today and me, Muhamad the son of Muhamad.

Muhamad the son of Muhamad, see you in hell. And if I go there first I will wait at the gates of hell to greet you on your arrival, Muhamad the son of Muhamad. Ini Anak Raja Bugis bercakap yang mati dengan keris di dalam tangan.

Nice one, Raja Petra. Spoken like a true Anak Raja Bugis you are. Now, will they cancel the report, or go ahead with it?

UPDATE
I checked Raja Petra's blog, for the 11th July post that is "consisting of criminal elements and inciting religious and racial sentiments which could affect the country’s security". I found none of that. Well, if the report is made to the author of the blog, we should look at the main articles, right? Comments and remarks may be made by people who wish to degrade the author. And if they say that the report is being made because they PERCEIVED the articles, comments and remarks are seditious in nature, it'll be a case of their perception versus other people's perception, which is a useless case to be debated upon.

A Ray of Hope?

This week will be a bit of a busy week. Got 3 interviews to attend. Well, 4 actually, if they allow my session to be postponed to a later date.

Agensi Pekerjaan Recruit Express Sdn Bhd, Position: Admin Assistant
Date and Time: Jul 27 2007 3:00PM
Venue: Suite 23A.03 Level 23A,
Menara Standard Chartered,
30 Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 -, Kuala Lumpur

Creative-KT Group Sdn Bhd, Position: Fresh Graduate Business Development Executive
Date and Time: 30th or 31st July 2007 11.15am
Venue: B-2-15,
Megan Avenue II,
Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur

EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - TRAINEE MANAGER position, Jack Tan Marketing Sdn Bhd
Date : 30th July 2007(Monday)
Time : 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue : Suites 12.03,Level 12th Unit 3
Wisma Goldhill
67,Jalan Raja Chulan
50200 Kuala Lumpur.

Well, I'll be in KL from 25th July until 1st August. Now, where do I stay...

Comedy of errors in subtitling

KUALA LUMPUR: Anticipating a suspenseful evening in front of the big screen, ardent fans of the latest thriller waited for the “murderer in an ice hockey mask” to start slashing and killing partying teenagers.

However, some 15 minutes into the movie, there were sniggers among the audience, which later erupted into guffaws.

The reason?

“Serial killer” was subtitled as “pembunuh bijirin” (cereal killer) in Bahasa Malaysia.

In another cops-and-robbers movie shown on TV, during a shootout scene, “fire” was subtitled “api”. And when a man kissed his daughter and told her, “Goodnight, cutie pie”, the subtitles read, “Selamat malam, kuih manis.”

Such scenarios have placed translators of subtitles in a bad light.

However, according to Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer Dr Hasuria Che Omar, audiovisual translation in the country has improved in recent times.

“It was quite bad many years ago due to factors like hiring untrained and inexperienced subtitlists. Some of the subtitlists did not really understand and had no knowledge in the target language,” said Dr Hasuria, the Human Sciences Studies head for Bahasa Malaysia and Interpretation Programme.

There were also phrases in the figurative form and these had posed problems, as they could not be translated directly, she said.

Dr Hasuria said this was where the subtitlist’s experience and skills came into play, to relay the right message to the audience.

She commended RTM and TV3 for bringing about improvements in the field of subtitling.

“They may have trained in-house staff or hired those who are really qualified to translate.”

However, the quality of subtitles on the big screen has yet to reach the desired stage, said Dr Hasuria, who authored Penterjemahan Audiovisual Televisyen (Audiovisual Television Translation).

She said that apart from making the TV programmes “more interesting”, subtitling also improved the language skills of viewers.

Translating was not an easy task, she said, and not everyone could provide good translation, despite knowing more than one language.

“Good subtitling is supported by, among others, the subtitlist's intellectual level, skills, general knowledge and familiarity with other cultures,” she said.

To boost the quality of subtitles translation in the country, TV stations, post-production firms, film producers, distributors and advertising and communication firms should play the role of language protectors, she said.

This would maintain their credibility.

However, there were TV stations which hired unqualified translators and the results were usually disastrous, she said.

She said there were also calls for professionals to be involved in the translation of subtitles, especially in relation to technical terms, and added that degree holders and those with a high education should also join the industry.

Dr Hasuria, who is also course programme director of the Malaysian Translators Association, said the association was willing to offer short-term courses and workshops on subtitles translation to TV stations and other companies.

Among the courses already being held were translating and editing subtitles, she said.

She said Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka had also offered incentives and prizes for television subtitlists. – Bernama

Hmm... A job opportunity for me? Can anyone tell me how to apply?

Quotes for Success

DISCIPLINE

"Your philosophy determines whether you will go for the disciplines or continue the errors." -- Jim Rohn

"Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability." -- Roy L. Smith

"The only competition you will ever have is the competition between your disciplined and undisciplined mind." -- James A. Ray

"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." -- Stephen King

DO IT NOW!

"... focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." -- Greg Anderson

"Now is the only time there is. Make your now wow, your minutes miracles, and your days pay. Your life will have been magnificently lived and invested, and when you die you will have made a difference." -- Mark Victor Hansen

"Stop rationalizing, stop stewing. Get up out of your chair and start doing." -- Denis Waitley

"It's a strange thing, you have said it thousands of times I am sure… you will never know what you can do until you try. However the sad truth is, that most people never try anything until they know they can do it." -- Bob Proctor

DREAM BIG DREAMS

"Live your best life. Dream big. Live fully." -- Oprah Winfrey

"…when you have a sense of your own identity and a vision of where you want to go in your life, you then have the basis for reaching out to the world and going after your dreams for a better life." -- Stedman Graham

"Live out of your imagination, not your history." -- Stephen Covey

"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate accomplishments." -- Napoleon Hill

I'll See It When I Believe It!

I'll See It When I Believe It! by Tony Alessandra

It has been estimated that we each have upwards of 50,000 thoughts per day. How many of yours are negative? Sometimes you have to do a mental spring-cleaning to get rid of those negative thoughts that have become ingrained attitudes. Stopping self-destructive thoughts is like stopping any other bad habit - it takes time and effort.

Among the most effective ways to do this are visualization and affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements about yourself that you repeat over and over in your head until they are programmed into your subconscious.

Visualization is mentally picturing yourself the way you want to be. You've heard the old saying "I'll believe it when I see it". Well, the reverse is also true: "I'll see it when I believe it!" Affirmations and visualizations may not feel true at first. They may not even be true! However, they can become so.

Consider what happens when you tell yourself repeatedly, "I'm lousy at remembering names." There will never be any improvement there. Therefore, if you catch yourself saying it, stop and immediately say to yourself, "I'm good at remembering names."

Consider the effect of telling yourself, "I'm feeling pretty good today." Or "I can lose ten pounds." Or "I am good at getting people to see things my way." Anything you say to yourself repeatedly will actually influence your reality.

Writing down your affirmations and putting them in some handy place - above your desk, on your bathroom mirror, on the dashboard of your car - will help keep them in mind as well as in sight. Use affirmations and visualizations to project what success will feel like and look like. Imagine, in as much detail as you possibly can, how you feel as the boss singles you out for exceeding your quota, or how the audience hangs on your every word during your speech, or how your confident presence causes heads to turn everywhere you go.

To enhance your charisma and persuasion (while making others feel good about themselves), you can apply the very same techniques by turning them outward. Begin thinking positive affirmations about people you work and live with.

For example, "Bob seems much calmer and patient of late. I wonder what has changed in him." During your next interaction with Bob, you will most likely remember your positive thought about him and start your conversation with, "Bob, I've noticed a change in you. You seem really kind and patient while counseling your new employees recently and I admire that. How did you acquire this wonderful characteristic?"

Bob would likely respond with a smile and a story about a book he found, a consultant he hired, or a seminar he attended. Regardless of his reply, you have sincerely complimented another person, put out a positive thought, and begun a new habit of approaching others using "appreciative inquiry"... finding the good in another person or situation first, instead of finding fault or flaws.

Criticizing is easy and sometimes becomes habit, but re-training your mind to find the positive attributes in yourself and others will win you friends, increase your income, and make you feel better about being a better you.

Here's to more personal insight,
Tony Alessandra

Now you can easily understand in a matter of hours what took Tony Alessandra thirty years to research, refine, and now reveal to you. This week Tony has generously offered his complete package of MP3 downloadables, eBooks, workbooks and e-reports at an amazing discount to our subscribers only! Buy individually or SAVE a bundle on the whole package (includes 31 products). For descriptions of each product visit http://alessandra.yoursuccessstore.com or call 877-929-0439.

Act to Create It

Reproduced with permission from author
Act to Create It

by Jack Canfield, America's Success Coach

If you want to live your dreams, not only must you decide what you want, turn your dream into measurable goals, break those goals down into specific action steps, and visualize and affirm your desired outcomes — you must start taking action.

I recommend making the commitment to do something every day in at least three different areas of your life that moves you in the direction of your dreams.

If one of your goals is physical fitness, make a commitment to do some sort of exercise — aerobics, weight training, stretching — four to five times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes.

I read recently that if you simply go for a 30 minute walk four times a week, that would put you in the top 1% of those people getting physical exercise!

If your goal is financial independence, start saving and investing a portion of your income every month with no exceptions.

If your goal is to write a book, write for a minimum of one hour every day.

DON'T LET FEAR STOP YOU
Most people never get what they want because they let their fears stop them. They are afraid of making a mistake, looking foolish, getting ripped off, being rejected, being hurt, wasting their time, and feeling uncomfortable.

Fear is self-created by imagining catastrophic consequences that have yet to happen. It is all in your mind. In fact, you can actually scare yourself by imagining negative and harmful images. But simply stop the catastrophic thoughts and images, and the fear goes away.

REJECTION IS A MYTH
One of the biggest fears that stops people from asking for support, guidance, advice, money, a date, a job, the sale, or anything else is the fear of rejection. In fact, it’s been known to literally paralyze people. They become tongue-tied and refuse to reach for the phone or get up and walk across the room. They break out in a sweat at the mere thought of asking for what they want.

I have come to realize that the whole concept of rejection is false — that rejection doesn’t really exist. Think about it for a moment. If you asked someone to join you for dinner, and they said no, you could tell yourself that you had been rejected. But think about it. Did you have anyone to eat dinner with before you asked them? No! Did you have anyone to eat dinner with after you asked them? No! Did your life really get worse? No. It stayed the same!

ACT AS IF
One of the secrets of success is to start acting like a success before you are one. Act as if. If you had already achieved your dream, what kinds of clothes would you be wearing? How would you act? How would you treat others? Would you tithe a portion of your income to your church or favorite charities? Would you have more self-confidence? Would you take more time to spend with your loved ones?

I suggest that you begin to do those things now.

When I decided that I wanted to be an “international” consultant, I immediately went and applied for a passport, bought an international clock that told me what time it was anywhere in the world, printed business cards with the words “International Self-Esteem and Peak Performance Consultant,” and decided I would like to first go to Australia. I bought a poster of the Sydney Opera House and placed it on my refrigerator.

Within one month, I received an invitation to speak in Sydney and Brisbane. Since then, I have spoken and conducted trainings in over 20 countries and continue to expand my business around the globe.

Start acting as if you already have everything you want. Most people think that if they have a lot of money, they could do the things they want to do, and they would be much happier. In fact, the reverse is true. If you start by creating a state of happiness and abundance, then do the things you are inspired to do from that state of being, you will end up having all the things you ultimately desire.

You may not be able to fill your closets with expensive Italian suits and designer clothing, but why not invest in one or two really great outfits, so that when you do need them, they are there. When you dress like you have already made it, you will look the part, and successful people will naturally be attracted to you and invite you to participate with them.

The Law of Attraction states that you will attract to you those things that match your state of being. If you focus on having gratitude for what you do have, you will feel rich, and you will attract more abundance into your life. If you focus on what you don't have, you will send out a message of lack and you will attract more lack into your life.

For more on The Law of Attraction, I recommend reading and watching The Secret, a ground-breaking, feature-length movie presentation and bestselling book.

© 2007 Jack Canfield

Stay Focus Focused on Your Core Genius

Reproduced with permission from author

Success Principle #39
Stay Focused on Your Core Genius

I believe you have inside you a core genius... some one thing that you love to do, and do so well, that you hardly feel like doing anything else. It’s effortless for you and a whole lot of fun. And if you could make money doing it, you’d make it your lifetime’s work.

In most cases, your Core Genius is directly tied to your passions and life-purpose.

Successful people believe this, too. That's why they put their core genius first. They focus on it—and delegate everything else to other people on their team.

For me, my core genius lies in the area of teaching, training, coaching and motivating. I love to do it! I do it well, and people report that they get great value from it.

Another core genius is writing and compiling books. Along with my co-author Mark Victor Hansen and others, I have written, co-authored, compiled and edited more than 100 books.

Compare that to the other people in the world who go through life doing everything, even those tasks they’re bad at or that could be done more cheaply, better, and faster by someone else. They can’t find the time to focus on their core genius because they fail to delegate even the most menial of tasks.

When you delegate the grunt work—the things you hate doing or those tasks that are so painful, you end up putting them off—you get to concentrate on what you love to do. You free up your time so that you can be more productive. And you get to enjoy life more.

So why is delegating routine tasks and unwanted projects
so difficult for most people?

Surprisingly, most people are afraid of looking wasteful or being judged as being above everyone else. They are afraid to give up control or reluctant to spend the money to pay for help. Deep down, most people simply don't want to let go.

Others (potentially you) have simply fallen into the habit of doing everything themselves. "It's too time-consuming to explain it to someone," you say. "I can do it more quickly and better myself anyway." But can you?

Delegate Completely

One of the strategies I use and teach is complete delegation. It simply means that you delegate a task once and completely - rather than delegating it each time it needs to be done.

Ladies, you'll LOVE this one...

When my niece came to stay with us one year while she attended the local community college, we made a complete delegation - the grocery shopping. We told her she could have unlimited use of our van if she would buy the groceries every week. We provided her with a list of staples that we always want in the house (eggs, butter, milk, ketchup, and so on), and her job was to check every week and replace anything that was running low.

In addition, my wife planned meals and let her know which items she wanted for the main courses (fish, chicken, broccoli, avocados, and so on). The task was delegated once and saved us hundreds of hours that year that could be devoted to writing, exercise, family time, and recreation.

Most entrepreneurs spend less than 30% of their time focusing on their core genius and unique abilities.

In fact, by the time they've launched a business, it often seems entrepreneurs are doing everything but the one thing they went into business for in the first place.

Many salespeople, for example, spend more time on account administration than they do on the phone or in the field making sales, when they could hire a part-time administrator (or share the cost with another salesperson) to do this time-consuming detail work. In most cases, in a fraction of the time it would take them and at a fraction of the cost.

Most female executives spend too much time running their household, when they could easily and inexpensively delegate this task to a cleaning service or part-time mother's helper, freeing them to focus on their career or spend more quality time with their family.

Don't let this be your fate.

Identify your core genius, then delegate completely to free up more time to focus on what you love to do.

I believe that you can trade, barter, pay for and find volunteer help to do almost everything you don't want to do, leaving you to do what you are best at - and which will ultimately make you the most money and bring you the most happiness.

© 2007 Jack Canfield