Alcohol More Harmful Than Heroin, Crack Cocaine: Study

LONDON (AFP) - – Alcohol is more harmful than illegal drugs like heroin and crack cocaine, a new study by British researchers said Monday.


     Scientists looked at the dangers to both the individual and to wider society and found that alcohol was the most dangerous substance, according to the study by the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs (ISCD).

     The results fly in the face of long-held opinions about which drugs pose the greatest dangers, with the authors claiming they demonstrate "the present drug classification systems have little relation to the evidence of harm."

     "They also accord with the conclusions of previous expert reports that aggressively targeting alcohol... is a valid and necessary public health strategy," said the authors.

     Drug experts on the committee devised their own system to judge substances and believe their consensus provides a valuable assessment which could guide policymakers.

     The research, published in medical journal The Lancet, looked at the how much a drug harms the human body as well as other factors such as what its use costs the health care and prison systems.

     Heroin, crack cocaine and methamphetamine -- or crystal meth -- were found to be the most deadly. But when the wider social effects were factored in, alcohol was the most dangerous, followed by heroin and crack cocaine, said the study.

     Substances were given a mark from zero to 100 based on certain criteria, with alcohol scoring 72 overall followed by 55 for heroin and 54 for crack.

     One of the study's authors was David Nutt, a former British government drugs adviser during the previous Labour administration.

     He was sacked after a disagreement with the government over the decision to upgrade the classification of cannabis.

     The ISCD says its remit is to investigate and review scientific evidence relating to drugs, free from political concerns.

Great Interview But No Offer: Why You Didn't Get the Job

1. You sounded desperate.
Hiring manager and recruiters can tell when someone is genuinely interested in their position or in any position. Knowing as much as you can about the opportunity and asking smart questions during the interview will show the hiring manager you've taken the time to evaluate the opportunity.
Companies want to hire people who are passionate about what they do and who want to work with them. You need to be able to articulate what it is about this opportunity and this company that interests you. If you don't, you might seem willing to take anything you are offered--and that's a big turnoff!

2. You didn't sell yourself.
Part of your responsibility in the interview is to tell your story. The stories you share will depend on the types of questions you're asked, but it doesn't hurt to anticipate some of those questions and prepare a few stories beforehand. Be specific and detailed in your answers and back up your experience with anecdotes that illustrates how you qualify for the job.
Consider using the STAR model: talk about situation, task, action, and results. Even if you don't have a chance to tell these specific stories, the exercise of preparing to tell them, of thinking them through, will make you a more prepared candidate.

3. You oversold yourself.
There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance--and crossing it is a deal breaker. Stay away from "what's in it for me?" types of questions. Know what you don't know and readily admit your mistakes if asked about them. Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn are all qualities you want to exude as a confident job seeker.

4. An employee referral or internal candidate popped up.
If two candidates have a similar background and one comes with an internal referral, the company is more likely to take the safer path. The employer already has an idea of how an internal candidate will perform in a role based on their experience working together. A referred candidate, too, typically has a working relationship with someone in the company who can attest to his or her work ethic. Companies trust these referrals because they expect their employees to refer only candidates who would reflect well on them.

5. The job specifications changed.
This is a common occurrence, especially with newly created positions. As hiring authorities meet potential candidates and hear about their experiences, they sometimes recognize new priorities or goals that relate to the position, which may cause them to shift their hiring focus.

Top 10 Property Investment Tips

1. Location
It’s important to reiterate how important this is. The location will determine a property’s price, risk and returns. An average property, for example a three bedroom HDB, in Holland Village, can expect to fetch more on the resale market than a two-floor mansionette that’s twice the size in Jurong West.

2. Developer’s philosophy and standards
Does the developer have a track record of producing quality products? If it’s a new project, do your homework and tour previous developments built by them. Don’t be overawed by a big name. A travel writer acquaintance of mine stayed in a new five-star villa resort in Bali recently, and reported that, while beautiful, the unit’s fittings were substandard with tiles falling off the bath and sockets loose in the wall.

3. Management
What level of oversight will be provided by the management of the development? If you’re staying in the property as an owner-occupier, this is less critical, but as a landlord, especially in absentia, it’s vital.

4. Future prospects
For property as an investment, the bottom line is how much income it can generate for you. Again, research the market, getting different opinions on what the capital appreciation and rental returns will be for this property.

5. Practicality / Design / Layout / Usability / Desirability
Who is this property going to appeal to? I looked at the Urban Lofts project, located on Rangoon Road next to Farrer Park MRT. While its location is fantastic and the lower floor flats had their own hot tubs, the extremely limited floor space would make it unsuitable for any but childless couples and singles. Always consider who would live here before you purchase?

6. Comparative prices for comparable product
If you can, try and see how similar properties in the area have done in the past in terms of price per square foot and capital appreciation in order to compare and work out whether the property is an attractive investment opportunity.

7. Connectivity / Convenience
We have written before on the importance of a condominium’s proximity to schools, work places, and shopping and leisure facilities – but transport links are often the biggest drivers of value. Research has shown that condos near MRT stations often gain the most capital appreciation in Singapore.

8. Security
Less of an issue in Singapore, where crime rates are amongst the lowest in the world, in Malaysia and Indonesia – while crime levels are perhaps overstated by the media – the range of a development’s security options – gated communities, 24-hour guards, first-response alarms, etc – are an important factor.

9. Facilities
A property’s facilities do add value to a unit – a landed property with a pool, for example, can add around 8% to the value of the property – while many condo facilities now include gyms, spa facilities and games rooms.

10. Rentability
A rented property can produce a greater passive income than simply investing it in a bank but you need to ensure that is attractive to renters.

Most Expensive Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2009-2010

1. Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000. This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+. However, the title for the fastest car goes to the SSC Ultimate Aero which exceed 253 mph pushing this car to 2nd place for the fastest car.

2. Lamborghini Reventon $1,600,000. The most powerful and the most expensive Lamborghini ever built is the second on the list. It takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and it has a top speed of 211 mph. Its rarity (limited to 20) and slick design are the reasons why it is so expensive and costly to own.

3. McLaren F1 $970,000. In 1994, the McLaren F1 was the fastest and most expensive car. Even though it was built 15 years ago, it has an unbelievable  top speed of 240 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Even as of today, the McLaren F1 is still top on the list and it outperformed many other supercars.

4. Ferrari Enzo $670,000. The most known supercar ever built. The Enzo has a top speed of 217 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Only 400 units were produced and it is currently being sold for over $1,000,000 at auctions.

5. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321. Produced by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the 5th fastest car in the world. It promises to delivery a top speed of 215 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.

6. SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400. Don't let the price tag fool you, the 6th most expensive car is actually the fastest street legal car in the world with a top speed of 257 mph+ and reaching 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. This baby cost nearly half as much as the Bugatti Veyron, yet has enough power to top the most expensive car in a speed race. It is estimated that only 25 of this exact model will ever be produced.

7. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo $555,000. The first true American production certified supercar, this cowboy is also rank 3rd for the fastest car in the world. It has a top speed of 248 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. If you are a true American patriot, you can be proud to show off this car.

8. Koenigsegg CCX $545,568. Swedish made, the Koenigsegg is fighting hard to become the fastest car in the world. Currently, it is the 4th fastest car in the world with a top speed of 245 mph+, the car manufacture Koenigsegg is not giving up and will continue to try and produce the fastest car. Good luck with that!

9. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster $495,000. A GT supercar, the SLR McLaren is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world with a top speed of 206 mph+ and reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. It is a luxurious convertible with a really powerful engine, which results in outstanding performances and style.

10. Porsche Carrera GT $440,000. A supercar with dynamic stability control and a top speed of 205 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Porsche Carrera GT applies the absolute calibers of a true racing car to offer an unprecedented driving feeling on the road.

p/s : gaji penulis sepanjang hayat, belum tentu dapat beli..

Tips Berhenti Merokok

1. Lengahkan masa sekurang-kurangnya 5 minit sebelum menyalakan rokok.

2. Minum air masak dan elakkan minuman berkafein.

3. Sibukkan diri untuk mengalih perhatian dan melupakan rokok.

4. Jauhi diri daripada orang yang merokok.

5. Elakkan diri dari tempat ramai orang merokok.

6. Tarik nafas 3 kali secara perlahan-lahan.

7. Kunyah gula-gula getah dan buah-buahan tapi elakkan benda manis.

8. Basuh tangan kerana tangan yang basah mengelakkan anda memegang rokok.

9. Mandi dengan kerap.

10. Lakukan senaman ringan apabila merasa mengantuk.

11. Berdoa agar dikuatkan azam dan ditingkatkan usaha.

p/s : harap-harap berkesan bagi orang yang merokok...

Siapakah kita?

Siapakah orang yang sombong?
Orang yang sombong adalah orang yang di beri penghidupan tapi tidak mahu sujud pada yang menjadikan kehidupan itu iaitu Allah Rabbul Aalamin, Tuhan sekelian alam. Maka bertasbihlah segala apa yang ada di bumi dan langit pada TuhanNya kecuali jin dan manusia yang sombong diri.

Siapakah orang yang telah mati hatinya?
Orang yang telah mati hatinya adalah orang yang diberi petunjuk melalui ayat-ayat Qur'an, Hadith dan cerita – cerita kebaikan namun merasa tidak ada apa – apa kesan di dalam jiwa untuk bertaubat.

Siapakah orang dunggu kepala otaknya?
Orang yang dunggu kepala otaknya adalah orang yang tidak mahu lakukan ibadat tapi menyangka bahawa Tuhan tidak akan menyiksanya dengan kelalaiannya itu dan sering merasa tenang dengan kemaksiatannya.

Siapakah orang yang kuat?
Orang yang kuat adalah orang yang dapat menahan kemarahannya ketika ia di dalam kemarahan.

Siapakah orang yang lemah?
Orang yang lemah adalah orang yang melihat akan kemaksiatan di depan matanya tidak sedikit pun ada kebencian di dalam hatinya akan kemungkaran itu.

Siapakah orang yang bakhil?
Orang yang bakhil lagi kedekut adalah orang yang berat lidahnya untuk membaca selawat ke atas junjungan Rasulullah s.a.w.

Siapakah orang yang buta?
Orang yang buta adalah orang yang tidak mahu membaca dan meneliti akan kebesaran Al Qur'an dan tidak mahu mengambil pelajaran daripadanya.

Siapakah orang yang tuli?
Orang yang tuli adalah orang yang di beri nasihat dan pengajaran yang baik namun tidak
diendahkannya.

Siapakah orang yang sibuk?
Orang yang sibuk adalah orang yang tidak mengambil berat akan waktu solatnya seolah olah ia mempunyai kerajaan seperti kerajaan Nabi Sulaiman a.s.

Siapakah orang yang manis senyumannya?
Orang yang mempunyai senyuman yang manis adalah orang yang di timpa musibah lalu dia kata "Inna lillahi wainna illaihi rajiuun." Lalu sambil berkata,"Ya Rabbi (Wahai Tuhanku) Aku redha dengan ketentuanMu ini", sambil mengukir senyuman.

Siapakah orang yang menangis airmata mutiara?
Orang yang menangis airmata mutiara adalah orang-orang yang sedang bersendiri lalu mengingat akan kebesaran Tuhan dan menyesal akan dosa-dosanya lalu mengalir airmatanya.

Siapakah orang yang kaya?
Orang yang kaya adalah orang yang bersyukur dengan apa yang ada dan tidak lupa akan kenikmatan dunia yang sementara ini.

Siapakah orang yang miskin?
Orang yang miskin adalah orang tidak puas dengan nikmat yang ada sentiasa menumpuk-numpukkan harta.

Siapakah orang yang pandai?
Orang yang pandai adalah orang yang bersiap siap untuk hari kematiannya kerana dunia ini berusia pendek sedang akhirat kekal abadi

Siapakah orang yang bodoh?
Orang yang bodoh adalah orang yang beriya-iya berusaha sekuat tenaga untuk dunianya sedangkan akhiratnya diabaikan.

Siapakah orang yang maju dalam hidupnya?
Orang yang maju dalam hidupnya adalah orang-orang yang senantiasa mempertingkat ilmu agamanya.

Siapakah orang-orang yang mundur hidupnya?
Orang yang mundur dalam hidupnya adalah orang yang tidak memperdulikan akan halal dan haramnya akan sesuatu perkara itu.

Siapakah orang yang gila itu?
Orang yang gila itu adalah orang yang tidak sembahyang kerana hanya dua syarat saja yang memperbolehkan akan seorang itu meninggalkan sembahyang, pertama sekiranya ia haid dan kedua ketika ia tidak siuman akalnya.

Siapakah orang yang rugi?
Orang yang rugi adalah orang yang sudah sampai usia pertengahan namun masih berat untuk melakukan ibadat dan amal-amal kebaikkan.

Siapakah orang yang selalu ditipu?
Orang yang selalu ditipu adalah orang muda yang menyangka bahawa kematian itu berlaku hanya pada orang tua.

Siapakah orang yang paling cantik?
Orang yang paling cantik adalah orang yang mempunyai akhlak yang baik.

Siapakah orang yang mempunyai rumah yang paling luas?
Orang yang mempunyai rumah yang paling luas adalah orang yang mati membawa amal amal kebaikan di mana kuburnya akan di perluaskan saujana mata memandang.

Siapakah orang yang mempunyai rumah yang sempit lagi dihimpit?
Orang yang mempunyai rumah yang sempit adalah orang yang mati tidak membawa amal-amal kebaikkan lalu kuburnya menghimpitnya.

Siapakah orang yang mempunyai akal?
Orang yang mempunyai akal adalah orang-orang yang menghuni syurga kelak kerana telah mengunakan akal sewaktu di dunia untuk menghindari seksa neraka.

Siapakah orang yang bijak?
Orang yang bijak ialah orang yang tidak membiar atau membuang risalah ini begitu sahaja, malah dia akan menyampaikan pula pada orang lain.

p/s : adakah kita salah seorang daripadanya? Fikir-fikirkanlah..

15 Things You Shouldn't Be Paying For

So much money and energy is wasted on things we could get for free. If you're into new, shiny things and collecting stuff, this is not for you. But if you want less clutter in your life and want to keep more of your money, then check out these 15 things you shouldn't be paying for.

1) Basic Computer Software -- Thinking of purchasing a new computer? Think twice before you fork over the funds for a bunch of extra software. There are some great alternatives to the name brand software programs. The most notable is OpenOffice, the open-source alternative to those other guys. It's completely free and files can be exported in compatible formats.

2) Your Credit Report -- You don't have to pay for your credit report. You could sign up for one of the free credit monitoring services online to get a quick look at your credit report. You just have to remember to cancel the service before the end of the free trial. Or you could do one better and visit www.annualcreditreport.com, the only truly free place to see all three of your credit reports for free once a year.

3) Cell Phone -- The service plan may be expensive, but the phone itself doesn't have to cost a thing. Most major carriers will give you a free phone, even a free smart phone, with a two-year contract.

4) Books -- There's a cool place in your town that's renting out books for free: the library. Remember that place? Stop by and put your favorite book on reserve. And if you don't feel like getting out, visit www.paperbackswap.com and find your books there (small shipping fees apply).

5) Water -- Besides the monthly utility bill, there's no reason to shell out $1 for every bottle of water you drink. Bottled water is so last decade anyway. We're over it, and into tap, filters, and reusable water bottles. It's cheaper for you and better for the environment.

6) Credit Card -- With as many credit cards as there are available on the market today, it's easy to avoid a credit card with an annual fee. Unless you're dead set on a particular perk that a fee card brings, skip the annual fee card and pocket that money yourself.

7) Debt Reduction Help -- Speaking of credit cards, if you're in over your head with credit card help, there are many free sources you can turn to for help with your debt. No one is going to be able to magically wipe away your debts, but there is help out there that will set you up on a debt reduction plan you can handle. Start with a visit to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

8) Basic Tax Preparation -- If your tax situation isn't that complicated, then you should probably be preparing your own tax return using one of the many free online services. It's now common for e-filing to be free as well with many services. You won't even need a stamp.

9) The News -- Leave it to a blogger to try and kill off traditional print. I'm not anti-newspaper. I just don't find them practical anymore. Skip the daily .50 cents and get your news online. And for you dedicated coupon clippers, you can get most of your Sunday coupons online now too.

10) Budgeting Tools -- There are many budgeting tools (both online and desktop) that offer up the service for free. Don't ask me how they do this, but who cares. If you're looking to reign in some of your spending, the good news is you can do it for free.

11) Pets -- This is a controversial one, I know. But there are likely many pets down at your local animal shelter that could use just as much love as the pure-bred types. There may be a small fee due to the shelter for shots and basic care, but you'll have your pet home without paying a mini-fortune.

12) Shipping -- If you like to buy online, you probably use coupons to get a percentage off of your purchase. Take your skills to the next level and look for coupons or promotion codes that offer free shipping. If in doubt, visit a site like www.freeshipping.org.

13) Checking Account -- Isn't it nice when a bank takes your money, lends it out to earn money, and then has the audacity to charge you for the service? What a joke. Checking should be free. If yours isn't free then move to one of the many banks that offers a checking account for free. And the same can be said for ATM fees, teller fees, and checks.

14) DVD Rentals -- Did you know that you can rent DVDs from RedBox locations for $1 a night? And better yet, if you use one of the coupon codes from www.insideredbox.com you can avoid the $1 charge. Free DVD rentals! Most libraries now have free DVD rental as well.

15) Exercise -- Skip the expensive gym memberships. Visit your local park for a walk or run. Do basic push-up and sit-up programs in your living room. Rent a workout DVD from the library. There are many free workout programs you can download online as well.

p/s : kalau camni, jimatlah kita...