Are We Any Poorer?

The price of many leading bank stocks has dropped by 80%. The price of oil has dropped by 70% from its peak. Our investments are now valued at a fraction of their peak values. We must be so much poorer.
photo credit: http://www.socsci.umn.edu/~alaniz/, mother-teresa-with-baby.jpg

Here's what I think:

The price of many leading bank stocks has dropped by 80%. The price of oil has dropped by 70% from its peak. Our investments are now valued at a fraction of their peak values. We must be so much poorer. Yes, only to the extent that we are meaner. Most of us living in developed countries are still filthy rich by the following standards:
Of the world's population,
only the richest 1/5 live in standard or above housing,
only the richest 1/3 can read,
only the richest 1/2 are well-nourished,
only the richest 2/3 have clean water,
only the richest 3/5 have good sanitation,
only the richest 3/4 have electricity,
only the richest 7% have access to the internet,
only the richest 1% have been to college.

You and I, are not doing too badly, my friend.
Be thankful, always.
Be cautious, yes.
You are only poor indeed, if you are too poor to be kind.

Fatal Attraction ( a thrilling short story)

In the silence of the closet, I could work out every motion she went through just by listening.


photo credit: the wanted 2008



Hiding in the darkness of her closet, I was vigilant and staying perfectly still. I was feeling both calm and aroused. I was naked, sexy and dangerous. In the silence of the closet, I could work out every motion she went through just by listening. I heard her turn off the shower. She dried herself with the pink fluffy towel. First her hair, then her long and slender neck, her smooth back, her curvy hips, her tight calves and finally her toes. She was taking her time. She blow-dried her hair. She put on her eye-lift and moisturizer. She brushed her teeth and gargled with a mouthwash which I could smell even through the door of the closet. I could work-out her footsteps approaching. I was psyching myself up. I was ready for action. I went through the plan one last time in my head. I would jump on her. I would be all over her, do what I am best at and make her scream. The closet door opened. The light was transiently blinding but I didn’t need to see well. I jumped on to the half-naked back-lit shadow.

I was snatched by a firm grip around my neck.

“Darling, look what I have here. Don’t worry. It’s quite cute. Not a cockroach, I promise.”

“Ya-ak, a pink lizard. I’m glad it didn’t jump on me. I would have been petrified. You hold it there. Don’t come too close. You do anything funny and I’ll stop talking to you for a week. Don’t look so interested. You can’t keep it. ”

“What am I supposed to do with it? Let it go?”

“As long as you don’t kill it and I am not seeing it again, I don’t want to know.”

Outside the house, he finally let me go. I was glad to have survived the siege. I promised myself, yet again, not to play this silly game ever again. It’s exciting but hardly worth the risk. I headed quickly back to the comfort of the darkness. I suddenly smelled something familiar but somehow felt most uneasy inside myself. My eyes turned into tiny slits and I dashed into the backyard lawn. I might just make it. Their neighbor’s cat had been getting old and much slower these days. I have to go now and promise to write soon, if I could get out of this one alive.

Seven Things To Do To Survive The Financial Tsunami

Don't blame yourself, or your boss, or your spouse, or anyone else for the mess you (and we) are in now.



In 1932, in the depths of States' deepest depression, President Roosevelt gave the commencement address at Oglethorpe University: "The country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." It is human nature to shy away from action in times of uncertainty. While observation, planning and preparation can be helpful. These will not work without action. Here's my list of suggested actions to cope with this financial tsunami:

1. Get up 10 minutes earlier. Use the 10 minutes to plan your day so you can make it run smoother and happier. At least, you won't need to feel so stressed trying to beat the traffic to work. Use one of the 10 minutes to quickly count your blessings.

2. Smile to your fellow human beings who might feel the pressure of this economic climate. Positivity spreads, just like frowning would. We need more positive attitude in every street corner, work place, school and home.

3. Press on with your goals previously set before 18 September 08. You set those goals for a good reason. You might well want to amend these goals. Do so if you have to. Otherwise, continue through. That's the greatest service you can do for yourself and those around you.

4. Don't blame yourself, or your boss, or your spouse, or anyone else for the mess you (and we) are in now. You need the energy and mindset to dig a way out. All these people will help you when you try to help each other.

5. Stay away from alcohol and tranquilizers. These will sooth the pain but make things worse as they don't help you to think clearly. Brain and mind power is the silver bullet to kill the were-wolf in this particular dire situation.

6. Watch your family and friends. They are gifts from heaven for you to enjoy and look after. Love, friendship and ability to help others are what we are all after. Success in career and wealth are often substitutes before we achieve the real thing. Go for what’s more important, especially at this very important time.

7. Look at your life, family and work and think of one new thing to do in each of these areas which can improve the situation and start doing it till it’s accomplished. Then decide on the next one and try again.

They Can Have Their Cake And Eat It Too

click here to read my short story on a candle light dinner filled with surprises.

Old Man And The Star

click here to read my tribute to Mr Tin Ka Ping

Are You Sure This Is Not A Scheme

Click here to read one of my attempts to write a short story, tell me whether you like it.

"On the wedding day, Rosemary looked great, and the slimmest she had been in ten years. She had the high cheeks of make-up models...

The Surgeon Learns His Lesson

click here to read about the surgeon's lesson