When I wrote about medical treatment in United States, I was little hesitate to write about that, but I am glad I wrote that and it has been proved now. Check this article. The most stunning statistic, however, is that the total number of deaths caused by conventional medicine is an astounding 783,936 per year. It is now evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the US. I think most of the death are done by irregularity and careless in the medical treatment. Or entire medical industry is motivated by only one thing "PROFIT" and due to lobby in Government now it is out of control. Doctors are there for money not because they care, they look into insurance before treatment, covered or not, how the patient health and so on. How can they work well, if they have to work 18 hour continuously? Pharmacist never talk to you.
At the contrary, our medical industry are also responsible for the long life of the mankind. Due to such innovation in the treatment.
Every medicine you take there is some effect which cause known and unknown reaction in the body ( likely if you take multiple pills).
I think still better to consider Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, Chinese Traditional Medicine. Being said that you cannot use this for Bypass Surgery or other Life Threatening Emergencies.
Good Luck.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Execuses for the Jury Duty
I had to go to jury duty last week, thought its ok to serve country you lived in. There are around 100 people selected for this case. Everything was cool until Judge said that this trial will last 6 weeks. Immediately most of us shocked with that news and I can imagine everyone's mind has only one question. How can I avoid this? This days to claim financial hardship is very difficult for excuse. I saw Judge rejected few of them.
They gave us intial questionnaire to fill out. If you want to avoid jury duty you should be careful what you are writing there, neither you can write wrong/false information as you are under oath. But there are few question which try to measure your openion and view. I think you can use your writing skill there. Use the words that says you hate justice system, law are made for rich and corporate, lawyer can prove anything, witness can be baught etc. Mention that I am aware of the law suite that is related to this one. I did my best to express how I hate lawyer and justice system. But was not sure it will work. I have to wait until interview next day.
Next day, they called me says you finished your jury duty, I think those answers works. I relaxed as my job do not pay more than 2 week of service. But what if they call me for interview? I was prepared for that. I have to do a little role play, show some acting that I never did. This are the few thing you can do:
They gave us intial questionnaire to fill out. If you want to avoid jury duty you should be careful what you are writing there, neither you can write wrong/false information as you are under oath. But there are few question which try to measure your openion and view. I think you can use your writing skill there. Use the words that says you hate justice system, law are made for rich and corporate, lawyer can prove anything, witness can be baught etc. Mention that I am aware of the law suite that is related to this one. I did my best to express how I hate lawyer and justice system. But was not sure it will work. I have to wait until interview next day.
Next day, they called me says you finished your jury duty, I think those answers works. I relaxed as my job do not pay more than 2 week of service. But what if they call me for interview? I was prepared for that. I have to do a little role play, show some acting that I never did. This are the few thing you can do:
- Tell them that you exercise the independend judgement, I have my strong openion which is hard to change.
- Tell them you are biased, if it is lawsuite claiming money, you can say all corporate are cheater they cheat their employee and customers to pocket money by lying and wrong doing. Remeber merk, philip moris, enron etc. If it is criminal murder case then say they should be punished to death penalty.
- Use the phrase like jury nullification means everything in the lawsuite are right but its not suppose to be in my openion so I ignore those true fact and decided guilty based on what I think. This is powerful phrase to get out of this.
It is so funny that in a civil law suite case, both side make money Corporate by wrong doing and consumer for asking excessive money. But the people who judge get $15/day (oouch) and lawyer $15/min (wow) and they want best from jury. America is all about lawsuite where everyone is suing everyone to get money, and its easy to do so.
I am sure above will work. Good luck.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Dr. Nissen is God
Is pharmaceutical company devil? Not for the patient who suffer the diesesase. In fact, they do the business, they are capitalist. They hide the real information. They won't produce the drug if then don't make money. No offence with that though. Problem is they lie, and they lie again and again about the durg facts. So who are they Merk, Johnson and Johnson, Bristol Myer, Pfizer, and now Glaxo, basically whole industry work like that way.
Recently, Dr. Nissen has pointed out that the drug called "Avandia" has a risk of Heart Attack, while treating the Diabetes. My mother takes this drug, I asked her to stop taking it and take alternative after his report in medical journal. Thanks Dr.Nissen. Glaxo-Smithkline, producer of Avandia, denied such report.
Earlier he warned for Vioxx (later Merck agreed), Pargluva, Natrecor, and few more. He and his team making interesting study about how drug affect our body. Dr. Nissen has a strong record as an early and ultimately accurate critic on drug safety.
Recently, Dr. Nissen has pointed out that the drug called "Avandia" has a risk of Heart Attack, while treating the Diabetes. My mother takes this drug, I asked her to stop taking it and take alternative after his report in medical journal. Thanks Dr.Nissen. Glaxo-Smithkline, producer of Avandia, denied such report.
Earlier he warned for Vioxx (later Merck agreed), Pargluva, Natrecor, and few more. He and his team making interesting study about how drug affect our body. Dr. Nissen has a strong record as an early and ultimately accurate critic on drug safety.
Is China good for us, California?
On May 9, 2007, at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, a delegation of Chinese business leaders from more than 200 Chinese companies kicked off their visit to the U.S. by signing contracts committing them to buy more than $3 billion worth of California-produced high technology products. This company include Oracle, Cisco, Qualcomm, HP, Lam Research, KLA Tencor, Variant, Applied Materials, Paramount forms and few others.
We have a huge trade deficit against China. This is a little gift of doing so. Our (California) export to China is 10B compare to 5.5B in 2003. Last year they have a record surplus. They want US economy in good shape, to make sure that, they make both Consumer and Corporate America happy. Consumer sentiment they control using Treasury they buy enough to keep rate low; and Corporate by doing business and buying products.
The growth of the economy of the People's Republic of China has been remarkable. By the end of 2008, China is predicted (measured by exchange rate) to overtake Germany as the third largest economy. China's global trade exceeded $1.758 trillion at the end of 2006.
This is good for Govt. and people of California, at it reduce the tax liabilities to certain extnent.
We have a huge trade deficit against China. This is a little gift of doing so. Our (California) export to China is 10B compare to 5.5B in 2003. Last year they have a record surplus. They want US economy in good shape, to make sure that, they make both Consumer and Corporate America happy. Consumer sentiment they control using Treasury they buy enough to keep rate low; and Corporate by doing business and buying products.
The growth of the economy of the People's Republic of China has been remarkable. By the end of 2008, China is predicted (measured by exchange rate) to overtake Germany as the third largest economy. China's global trade exceeded $1.758 trillion at the end of 2006.
This is good for Govt. and people of California, at it reduce the tax liabilities to certain extnent.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Bravo! Ron Paul
In the GOP Presidential Debate there was something unusual happened. Republican Congress men Sam Paul stand out and blame US Foreign Policy for the 9/11 attack. Actually he has not said anything new, it was already there in the 9/11 Commission Report and CIA Report. Here is the executive summary of it. He said brilliantly in his answer that 9/11 event would not have occurred if we did not have our base in Middle East. Our base now in Iraq is more than the Vetican City. Further he said that What if China want to build base on our country what do we do? He also said that we make Bin Landen very happy by sending troop to Iraq. That make him very easy to kill American (so far 3400 troop killed) than attack in US. Rudy Giuliani was very upset and angry about it, he acted like he is president of GOP (is he?) and he asked to take the statement back, and he didn't.
Another topic, he said that he get rid of lot of extra taxes, one he mention inflation tax. He said, we are printing money for the war and give the money to wall street. So this will increase inflation where rich getting richer and poor getting poor.
Most of the American will hate him but to me his every answer was great.
Another topic, he said that he get rid of lot of extra taxes, one he mention inflation tax. He said, we are printing money for the war and give the money to wall street. So this will increase inflation where rich getting richer and poor getting poor.
Most of the American will hate him but to me his every answer was great.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Stock Market Return
Most of the financial analyst and guru would say it always make sense to invest in stock market for a long time. That means do not look your portfolio for short time check every 5 year or so and you will be richer. Yes its true it happens stock market (S$P 500) from 1950's to now return almost avg 11% annualy, and so what Dow. It is very important to know that its not the stock you own its the index. The index mean they remove underpeformer company and add good performing company. For example, there is only one stock in Dow since the begining and that is GE. So over the time most of the company in Dow was out of the business. So, if you do with individual stock you may not get that return.
Now the same though has a different angle. Barron's reported these stock market returns:
1901-1921, real returns averaged 0.2%/year
1929-1949, real returns averaged 0.4%/year
1966-1986, real returns averaged 1.9%/year
So avg 1% return for 60 years mentioned above. Sure, there were more substantial gains from 1921-1929, 1950-1965, and 1987-2000, but for more than 60% of the time in the 20th Century, the stock market returned an average of less than one percent.Then there's the matter of the large negative performance so far this century.
So what they says "Time does not matter" or "Don't time the market", I have to think twice.
Now the same though has a different angle. Barron's reported these stock market returns:
1901-1921, real returns averaged 0.2%/year
1929-1949, real returns averaged 0.4%/year
1966-1986, real returns averaged 1.9%/year
So avg 1% return for 60 years mentioned above. Sure, there were more substantial gains from 1921-1929, 1950-1965, and 1987-2000, but for more than 60% of the time in the 20th Century, the stock market returned an average of less than one percent.Then there's the matter of the large negative performance so far this century.
So what they says "Time does not matter" or "Don't time the market", I have to think twice.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Do something better than it's been done before
Yes that's (one of ) the formula to become wealthy according to Smart money article. Human basic characteristics are to protect, collaborate and to become adaptable. Those who don't cannot survive. Well, I don't mean we die soon but we live measurably. This theory can also apply to individual to become successful. We all do work everyday, sometimes same thing. Then, we should ask the question, "Have I done better than it has been done before?" If we cannot answer most probably we don't. If we can answer we are on track of increasing the productivity. Productivity is the measure of increase in the wealth. It is a the leading indication, you can see what will happen. IMO, wealth does not necessarily means money. But its the term I use for happiness. Money make you happy but that's not only thing make you happy. Does it influence? Sure it is. Anyway, other thing we need is the openness, don't think we are right, because most of the time we are not. If you stop listening different opinion you cannot grow your brain your thinking will never change. You cannot do better solely on your thinking you constantly need input in your brain and learn from the past.
This is what Charles Darwin says "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. "
And this is what Benjamin Franklin says
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
This is what Charles Darwin says "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. "
And this is what Benjamin Franklin says
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Some noteworthy California Driving Law
This post is for my wife as she got couple of tickets based on following. Hope she read here.
Disclaimer: these are paraphrased, and therefore may be wrong. If you need to know exactly what the law says, please look it up!
Disclaimer: these are paraphrased, and therefore may be wrong. If you need to know exactly what the law says, please look it up!
- both license plates issued for a vehicle must be displayed [CVC 5200]
- a seller of a vehicle has 5 days to notify the DMV of the sale [CVC 5900]
- a new owner must apply to the DMV for transfer of registration within 10 days [CVC 5902]
- an accident must be reported within 10 days to the DMV in Sacramento if there is death, bodily injury, or property damage > $500 [CVC 16000]
- U-turns are permitted on any green light unless signs prohibit[CVC 21451]
- a driver may not stop IN the crosswalk for a red light [CVC 21453(a)]
- right turn on circular red (not a red arrow!), and left turn on circular red from a one-way street onto a one-way street, are permitted after stopping and unless otherwise posted [CVC 21453(b)]
- a driver may not turn against a red arrow for the indicated turn regardless of signals shown for other movements [CVC 21453(c)]
- curb markings [CVC 21458}:
red: no stopping, standing, or parking
yellow: stopping only for loading or unloading passengers or freight
white: loading/unloading passengers, or depositing mail in adjacent box
green: time limit parking specified by local ordinance
blue: handicap parking - a double parallel solid line may be crossed to make a left or U-turn, or turn into or out of a driveway or private road [CVC 21460]
- a two-way left-turn lane may only be used to prepare for and make a left turn or permitted U-turn from or into a highway; a vehicle shall not be driven in that lane for more than 200 feet [CVC 21460.5(c)]
- a _pair_ of double parallel solid lines may not be crossed [CVC 21651(a)]
- a U-turn can be made wherever a left turn can be made on a divided highway [CVC 21651(a)(2)], although see references to 22102-3 below
- notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, a vehicle driven at less than the normal speed of traffic must be driven in the right-hand laneexcept when passing or preparing for a left turn [CVC 21654]
- motorcycles can make use of high occupancy lanes unless explicitly prohibited by traffic control devices [CVC 21655.5]
- the descending vehicle shall yield to the ascending vehicle on a grade if the roadway is of insufficient width for both [CVC 21661]
- when preparing to turn, you must drive into a bicycle lane, if one, no more than 200 feet from the intersection [CVC 21717]
- pedestrians have right-of-way in crosswalks, but pedestrians shall not walk or run into the path of a vehicle [CVC 21950]
- right turns must be made into the rightmost lane except when turning from a terminating highway with three or more lanes or from a one-way highway at an intersection [CVC 22100(a)]
- left turns may be made into any available lane [CVC 22100(b)]
- U-turns must be made from the two-way left turn lane, if one, or leftmost lane otherwise [CVC 22100.5, 22102]
- U-turns are prohibited in a business district except at intersections or through openings in a divided roadway [CVC 22102]
- U-turns are permitted in a residential district only if no vehicle approaching is closer than 200 feet or where protected by sign or signal [CVC 22103]
- turn signals are required for turns and lane changes which may affect any other vehicle [CVC 22107]
- signals are required during the last 100 feet before turning [CVC 22108]
- vehicles shall be stopped or parked, where permitted, with the right-hand wheels within 18 inches of the right-hand curb; if no curbs, right-hand parallel parking is required unless otherwise indicated [CVC 22502(a)]
- it is unlawful to drive a vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug [CVC 23152(a)]
- it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle [CVC 23152(b)]
- During darkness, lights shall not project glaring rays into the eyes of oncoming drivers when approaching within 500 feet. The use of low beams shall be deemed to avoid glare regardless of road contour. Low beam headlamps shall be used when following another vehicle within 300 feet. In all cases, foglamps and/or auxiliary passing lamps may be used with low beams if they are aimed so as to avoid projecting glaring rays into the eyes of oncoming drivers. [CVC 24403-9]
- The operator of a private motor vehicle is responsible for the use of seat belts by him/herself and all passengers 4 years of age or over [CVC 27315(d)]; in addition, passengers 16 years of age or over are responsible for their own seat belt use [CVC 27315(e)]. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $20 for the first offense and $50 thereafter [CVC 27315(h)].
- you can be stopped and ticketed for _not_ wearing your seat belt - currently, you can only be ticketed if the officer stopped you for another infraction, then noticed that you were not
wearing your seatbelt. - a passenger seat restraint must be used for children under 4 [CVC 27360]
- there doesn't appear to be a law giving right-of-way to either party in a merge onto a freeway, although the Spring 1991 DMV California Driver Handbook states "Freeway traffic has the right of way." [p. 48].
- there is no law specifically prohibiting a lane change in the middle of an intersecting. There is no section in the CVC specifically outlawing a lane change in the middle of an intersection. HOWEVER, many revenue ... uh, law officers will ticket you under the blanket section generally known as "Unsafe Lane Change" [CVC 21658(a)].
- there appears to be no maximum permitted number of lane changes per mile, although CVC 22108 does require one to signal at least 100 feet before executing a lane change
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
New World Cup Cricket playing rules needed
The 2007 Cricket World Cup has no excitement (atleast for 1 Bil+ people) as two main country (India and Pakistan) was out of the world cup very early. Both team not qualified based on the judgement of one damn game. Is it fair? Not really, as cricket is a game of chance. Last worldcup South Africa was out and Kenya was into the Super Six, this time, we saw Bangladesh and Ireland are in Super Eight.
In this world cup i.e 2007, you will see top 4 strong team will come into semi final. Nice. But Semi-final and Final is again the game of chance, one bad decision, good catch, or bad luck, or rain screw the champion out of the tournament easily. This is repatedly happens in the world cup so far.
ICC should re-think the Rules and Regulation the way world cup will plays. The existing model works perfectly for other sports but it is just not right for the Cricket.
Here is what I think they should do:
Pre Qualification Round:
Goal : Pick one team from ICC ranking of 11 and above
Five Teams : Bermuda, Canada, Netherland, Ireland, Scottland
Matches : Every Team play with every team
Total Matches: 10
Result: Those who win/point more will Qualify for World Cup First round.
First Round:
Goal: Pick one team from the team of ICC ranking of 8 and above
Four Teams: Most Probable Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kenya and one from Pre Qualification Round
Matches : Every teams play with every team
Total Matches: 6
Result : Pick one with more win/points
Prequalify and First Round will prevent lot of one day record to be broken like India did with Bermuda and RSA with Scottland. This was done in first three worldcups.
Second Round or Super 8 Round:
Goal: Pick Four Teams for semi finals
Teams : All the team with ICC ranking from 1 to 7 and Winner of First Round, so total eight.
Matches: Every team play with every team
Total Matches: 28
Result: Pick top 4 team based on wins/points.
Semi-Final Round:
Goal: To pick top two teams for final.
Teams: Top four team from the second round
Matches: Play again with everyone
Total Matches: 6
Result: Top two team go to Final Round:
Comment: They are the strongest as they played with each of them.
Final Round:
Goal: Champion Trophy
Teams: Top two from semi final round
Matches: Three matches with each other
Total Matches: 3
Result: Best of three is champion
Comment: Same model Australia use in their Summer Triangular Series.
Total Matches: 53 (Just like last two world cup)
I hope they (ICC) get it at some point before next world cup.
Anywas this is my prediction for this worldcup
Semi Finalist
1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. RSA
4. Sri Lanka
Final : Australia & RSA
Winner: Australia
In this world cup i.e 2007, you will see top 4 strong team will come into semi final. Nice. But Semi-final and Final is again the game of chance, one bad decision, good catch, or bad luck, or rain screw the champion out of the tournament easily. This is repatedly happens in the world cup so far.
ICC should re-think the Rules and Regulation the way world cup will plays. The existing model works perfectly for other sports but it is just not right for the Cricket.
Here is what I think they should do:
Pre Qualification Round:
Goal : Pick one team from ICC ranking of 11 and above
Five Teams : Bermuda, Canada, Netherland, Ireland, Scottland
Matches : Every Team play with every team
Total Matches: 10
Result: Those who win/point more will Qualify for World Cup First round.
First Round:
Goal: Pick one team from the team of ICC ranking of 8 and above
Four Teams: Most Probable Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kenya and one from Pre Qualification Round
Matches : Every teams play with every team
Total Matches: 6
Result : Pick one with more win/points
Prequalify and First Round will prevent lot of one day record to be broken like India did with Bermuda and RSA with Scottland. This was done in first three worldcups.
Second Round or Super 8 Round:
Goal: Pick Four Teams for semi finals
Teams : All the team with ICC ranking from 1 to 7 and Winner of First Round, so total eight.
Matches: Every team play with every team
Total Matches: 28
Result: Pick top 4 team based on wins/points.
Semi-Final Round:
Goal: To pick top two teams for final.
Teams: Top four team from the second round
Matches: Play again with everyone
Total Matches: 6
Result: Top two team go to Final Round:
Comment: They are the strongest as they played with each of them.
Final Round:
Goal: Champion Trophy
Teams: Top two from semi final round
Matches: Three matches with each other
Total Matches: 3
Result: Best of three is champion
Comment: Same model Australia use in their Summer Triangular Series.
Total Matches: 53 (Just like last two world cup)
I hope they (ICC) get it at some point before next world cup.
Anywas this is my prediction for this worldcup
Semi Finalist
1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. RSA
4. Sri Lanka
Final : Australia & RSA
Winner: Australia
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Free Cricket World Cup Broadcast
Medical Treatment in US
Most of the people on the other side of this country thinks that the Medical Treatment is best in the United States. I simple hope they are true. While I notices that there are lot of new technology/computers they used in medical treatment, there is a pros and cons of them.
Nowadays, in the hospitals, all goes by number generated by digital instruments for the test of Blood Suger, Blood Pressure, Heart beats, Cholestrol level, Fever etc. They even don't bother to look at the other sympotoms which is critical and use this as a reliable instumensts which is not IMO. Doctor just look at the Reports generated by RNs rather than on looking at the patient. And yes, doctor need more administrative skill (70%) than the medical skill, except for the surgon I guess. Most of the medical works done by the nurses and doctors give the orders. They need to know more about insurance and paper works. And their treatment is based on your medical insurance.
I have also noticed that sometime doctor give order over the phone by chating with the nurse. Hmmm this sound familer. Do Doctor have to worry about their job can outsource? You bet! It can be done either by do consultation over the phone or by simple patient going to other country to do the medical procedures as it is so much costly here. Some of the Medical Facilities has already tried first option. You have to pay $35 for consultation over the phone compared to over $100 personally. The medical facility that I go they already doing this over the email, yes that is consultation with doctor through email, and it is so much cheap ie $65/year.
Nowadays, in the hospitals, all goes by number generated by digital instruments for the test of Blood Suger, Blood Pressure, Heart beats, Cholestrol level, Fever etc. They even don't bother to look at the other sympotoms which is critical and use this as a reliable instumensts which is not IMO. Doctor just look at the Reports generated by RNs rather than on looking at the patient. And yes, doctor need more administrative skill (70%) than the medical skill, except for the surgon I guess. Most of the medical works done by the nurses and doctors give the orders. They need to know more about insurance and paper works. And their treatment is based on your medical insurance.
I have also noticed that sometime doctor give order over the phone by chating with the nurse. Hmmm this sound familer. Do Doctor have to worry about their job can outsource? You bet! It can be done either by do consultation over the phone or by simple patient going to other country to do the medical procedures as it is so much costly here. Some of the Medical Facilities has already tried first option. You have to pay $35 for consultation over the phone compared to over $100 personally. The medical facility that I go they already doing this over the email, yes that is consultation with doctor through email, and it is so much cheap ie $65/year.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Recession !!! Are we there yet?
Mr Greenspan has warned that he see the recession within one year. (See the news) However today he realized that it has big negative impact on the financial market. So today, he corrected that recession is possible not probable. I think he just try investor not to panic, which they already. First correction happens in India, down 5%, then in China down 9% (Remeber China Stock Market went up from 1000 to 2200 in just one year), then US down 3.5%, then Europe down 2%, who is next? It can be any of above.
What is Recession? It is the name of period where economic growth is negative for two consecutive quarters. I do not belive completely with this defination. To me, when corporate profit are sinking and household income/cash flow are reducing cause slowing economic activities. This can happen in cycle, corporate profit sinks followed by increase in unemployment and then hit by consumer and eventually hit hard on corporate.
We have not faced real recession for 15+ years. What we saw in 2001-2002 was sinking in corporate profit only and dot com bust, but the consumer spending were never went down significantly, and eventually it brougt up the corporate profit. How did consumer get the money to spend during this period? I think majority of due to very low/zero percent loan and big home equity due to significant increase in house prices. Internatial growth from China and India also help during last 4 years and it will continue to help.
Lately I saw everyday one company announce layoff and M&A activity. M&A is good for short term but longer term there will be more lay offs. And this is happening right now even though the job market is tight. Today I saw this news, which mention corporate layoff increases 33% in Feb 2007, it may be because of slowdown in Housing and Auto sector. But if it continue to like this you will see higher unemployment and lower corporate profit that mean recession.
What is Recession? It is the name of period where economic growth is negative for two consecutive quarters. I do not belive completely with this defination. To me, when corporate profit are sinking and household income/cash flow are reducing cause slowing economic activities. This can happen in cycle, corporate profit sinks followed by increase in unemployment and then hit by consumer and eventually hit hard on corporate.
We have not faced real recession for 15+ years. What we saw in 2001-2002 was sinking in corporate profit only and dot com bust, but the consumer spending were never went down significantly, and eventually it brougt up the corporate profit. How did consumer get the money to spend during this period? I think majority of due to very low/zero percent loan and big home equity due to significant increase in house prices. Internatial growth from China and India also help during last 4 years and it will continue to help.
Lately I saw everyday one company announce layoff and M&A activity. M&A is good for short term but longer term there will be more lay offs. And this is happening right now even though the job market is tight. Today I saw this news, which mention corporate layoff increases 33% in Feb 2007, it may be because of slowdown in Housing and Auto sector. But if it continue to like this you will see higher unemployment and lower corporate profit that mean recession.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
End of Housing Boom
I would not say that we through to the Housing Bubble, but due to lender program and risk-taker buyer put the housing market on the roof. Lately everyone has a concern on deliquencies in housing due to problem in subprime mortgage. Subprime mortgage means lender give loan to the people who has less credit scores, who either miss the payment or did late payment. They give loan to this people with few documents. This kind of loan reaches 1.3Trillion, 13% of them is already in trouble. As you can imagine, if this loans are bad, it will hit lender and financial market big time resulting in more foreclosures and cool down in housing market. Atleast 20 lenders are already in trouble. The subprime loan is huge now a day, just only in 2006, 20% of total new loan is subprime mortgage.
Bloomberg News
Bloomberg News
Friday, February 09, 2007
Stress-free Career
New Scientist reveals how to keep your hair and ditch your high blood pressure without emigrating to a Pacific island.
This feature is a part of the New Scientist Careers Guide 2007, available for free download.
1. Create a good space
A freezing office or an ill-placed coffee machine will probably cause less stress than a psychotic boss or an inhumane workload, but even if the working environment only accounts for a small slice of your daily stress. Take an open-plan office. This trade-off between privacy and a need for interaction can be just as important in a lab.
2. Raise your status
Are you the secretary? Working in the post room? The technician in a lab full of big shots? Beware: having lower status can shorten your life.
What can you do about stress caused by low status and lack of control? Well obviously if you were in a position to choose, you’d have complete control over all aspects of your working life. So-called “stress” in the top ranks is different from the frank lack of control experienced by underlings. But in the meantime, here are some things you can try:
1. Negotiate your hours, control over your working hours and days off makes less stress.
2. Educate Yourself: Those with a master’s had an 8.5 per cent risk of death.
3. Develop team rituals - Working as a team is essential to taking control
They found that stressed employees were much more likely to develop what’s known as “metabolic syndrome”, a constellation of characteristics such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high fasting glucose levels, which together increase the likelihood of heart problems. It seems that prolonged exposure to work stress directly affects the autonomic nervous system, raising levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin. These findings, the researchers say, provide a plausible explanation for how psychosocial stress at work can cause heart disease.
3. Be social
Hang out at the water cooler. Lunch with your supervisor. Booze it up together after work. Confide.
No matter how monotonous your job or how close you are to being laid off, social support from work colleagues will help lower your stress levels. But make sure do not do over.
4. Don't be too social
Being sociable is great, but sociability to the point of not getting anything done is stressful. The day often follows this kind of pattern: you’re intent on getting the data crunched, but in the cracks between replying to “urgent” emails, trading gossip with your neighbour and attending a string of impromptu meetings, there’s just no time.
5. Learn to switch off
Being able to forget about work after hours is good for you. So-called “psychological detachment” from the office has been associated with less fatigue, more positive mood and fewer days off work. If that’s true, though, why do so many people keep a BlackBerry or a cellphone in their pocket?
6. Modern stress-busting
Even with the perfect office, great colleagues and a harmonious home life, the demands of work can cause stress. Some people try yoga, deep breathing or lunchtime walks. But what if you need something a little more powerful to alleviate your angst?
You’re never more relaxed than when you’re asleep, and a nap may soon be as easy to buy as a haircut. In New York, for instance, MetroNaps will sell you 15 minutes of shut-eye for just $14. You can tuck yourself into a “pod” and doze until a gentle shaking and raising of the lights rouses you.
This feature is a part of the New Scientist Careers Guide 2007, available for free download.
1. Create a good space
A freezing office or an ill-placed coffee machine will probably cause less stress than a psychotic boss or an inhumane workload, but even if the working environment only accounts for a small slice of your daily stress. Take an open-plan office. This trade-off between privacy and a need for interaction can be just as important in a lab.
2. Raise your status
Are you the secretary? Working in the post room? The technician in a lab full of big shots? Beware: having lower status can shorten your life.
What can you do about stress caused by low status and lack of control? Well obviously if you were in a position to choose, you’d have complete control over all aspects of your working life. So-called “stress” in the top ranks is different from the frank lack of control experienced by underlings. But in the meantime, here are some things you can try:
1. Negotiate your hours, control over your working hours and days off makes less stress.
2. Educate Yourself: Those with a master’s had an 8.5 per cent risk of death.
3. Develop team rituals - Working as a team is essential to taking control
They found that stressed employees were much more likely to develop what’s known as “metabolic syndrome”, a constellation of characteristics such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high fasting glucose levels, which together increase the likelihood of heart problems. It seems that prolonged exposure to work stress directly affects the autonomic nervous system, raising levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin. These findings, the researchers say, provide a plausible explanation for how psychosocial stress at work can cause heart disease.
3. Be social
Hang out at the water cooler. Lunch with your supervisor. Booze it up together after work. Confide.
No matter how monotonous your job or how close you are to being laid off, social support from work colleagues will help lower your stress levels. But make sure do not do over.
4. Don't be too social
Being sociable is great, but sociability to the point of not getting anything done is stressful. The day often follows this kind of pattern: you’re intent on getting the data crunched, but in the cracks between replying to “urgent” emails, trading gossip with your neighbour and attending a string of impromptu meetings, there’s just no time.
5. Learn to switch off
Being able to forget about work after hours is good for you. So-called “psychological detachment” from the office has been associated with less fatigue, more positive mood and fewer days off work. If that’s true, though, why do so many people keep a BlackBerry or a cellphone in their pocket?
6. Modern stress-busting
Even with the perfect office, great colleagues and a harmonious home life, the demands of work can cause stress. Some people try yoga, deep breathing or lunchtime walks. But what if you need something a little more powerful to alleviate your angst?
You’re never more relaxed than when you’re asleep, and a nap may soon be as easy to buy as a haircut. In New York, for instance, MetroNaps will sell you 15 minutes of shut-eye for just $14. You can tuck yourself into a “pod” and doze until a gentle shaking and raising of the lights rouses you.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Another Y2K ?
Did you remember Y2K problem and how people was worried about what's going to happen on 31-Dec-2000. Well, here it comes again. Energy Department has changed the Day Light Saving time dates. Beginning in 2007, the United States and Canada will extend Daylight Saving Time by three weeks in the Spring and one week in the Fall. Daylight Saving Time will begin the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November. Previously, Daylight Saving Time began the first Sunday in April and ended the last Sunday in October
Read here full story.
During 2000, It was really funny when you saw few people taking action, some went to the top of the hill where there is no computer network etc, some go to country side, some fly out to third world and so on.
On 1 Jan 2001, we noticed that nothing happenend.
Now here it comes again, media has not focused this yet, but its getting heat now and people are worrying about it again. This time is good for IT Professional as many of them getting contract to work on resolving this issue.
To me its nothing much again, it just a time that need to change accordingly.
Good Luck.
Read here full story.
During 2000, It was really funny when you saw few people taking action, some went to the top of the hill where there is no computer network etc, some go to country side, some fly out to third world and so on.
On 1 Jan 2001, we noticed that nothing happenend.
Now here it comes again, media has not focused this yet, but its getting heat now and people are worrying about it again. This time is good for IT Professional as many of them getting contract to work on resolving this issue.
To me its nothing much again, it just a time that need to change accordingly.
Good Luck.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Scandal everywhere
Last few years we saw many scandal from Financial Analyst, Corporate Executives, Accounting Firm and Politician who tied to the Wall Street for their own financial benefits. We also saw some of them get punished. Due to this problem, Law enforment reform the law such as Sarbanes-Oaxley, Earning Statment signed by CEO/CFO etc. But this is what we know now. Is it enough? We don't know until another scandal comes out.
Did we know that Doctors also come into this cateogory. You bet.
Today, American Socity of Clinical Oncology found many doctors are involved with Wall Street/ financial link with the company for their drug research. ASCO now requires the doctor to disclose this financail link if any. Just like, you see on television, when some analayst recommend stock, they disclose that they own or do not own the stock of the company he/she talking about.
The updated disclosure policy, among the most strict of any medical group, says cancer physicians must disclose all consulting or advisory arrangements they have with either investment or commercial interests.
For more detail check out this article from bloomberg.
Right now one question comes into my mind, who will be the next?
Did we know that Doctors also come into this cateogory. You bet.
Today, American Socity of Clinical Oncology found many doctors are involved with Wall Street/ financial link with the company for their drug research. ASCO now requires the doctor to disclose this financail link if any. Just like, you see on television, when some analayst recommend stock, they disclose that they own or do not own the stock of the company he/she talking about.
The updated disclosure policy, among the most strict of any medical group, says cancer physicians must disclose all consulting or advisory arrangements they have with either investment or commercial interests.
For more detail check out this article from bloomberg.
Right now one question comes into my mind, who will be the next?
Friday, January 05, 2007
Still looking for New Year Resolution?
We have Bigger houses and smaller families, more Conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees But less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, More problems, more medicine, but Less wellness.
We laugh too little, drive too fast, get Too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read Too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate Too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've Been all the way to the moon and back, but have Trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We write more (hmm exculde this writing please), but learn less. We plan more, but Accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to Wait. We build more computers to hold more Information, to produce more copies than ever, but We communicate less and less.
These are the Days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier Houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick Trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one Night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do Everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a Time when there is much in the showroom window and Nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can Bring this writing to you. But I know less will read.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, Because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to You in awe, because that little person soon will Grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, Because that is the only treasure you can give with Your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your family and Your loved ones, but most of all mean it. Give time to love, give time to speak,! And give time To share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Good Luck and Happy New Year.
We laugh too little, drive too fast, get Too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read Too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate Too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've Been all the way to the moon and back, but have Trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We write more (hmm exculde this writing please), but learn less. We plan more, but Accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to Wait. We build more computers to hold more Information, to produce more copies than ever, but We communicate less and less.
These are the Days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier Houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick Trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one Night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do Everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a Time when there is much in the showroom window and Nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can Bring this writing to you. But I know less will read.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, Because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to You in awe, because that little person soon will Grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, Because that is the only treasure you can give with Your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your family and Your loved ones, but most of all mean it. Give time to love, give time to speak,! And give time To share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Good Luck and Happy New Year.
Monday, January 01, 2007
The conspiracy theory of 9/11 attack
There are few people out there who belives the attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) was in the Businessman (Larry Silverstone) and/or Government (Guess who? ) interest.
I found tons of website and videos over the internet floating around, with different theory. There are certain facts (not conclusion) I want to list here.
1. Larry Silverstone (LS) build 47 Stories WTC 7 in 1980. (He bid it and won to lease and build)
2. In 1987, stock market crashed, and due to this, there was lot of vacancy, so NY/NJ Port of Authority (PA) who own WTC Buildings and LS was loosing the money, so in 1995 , Mayor and PA decided to lease for 99 year the lease process begun in 2000.
3. In Jan 2001, LS bid for it for 3.2B, first he outbid by 50M, but then other party withdrew it (hmmm why?) . So eventually LS got it in Jul 2001.
4. Since management changed, a new security contaract has been given to company, whose member Board of Director was Brother (guess).
5. There was a power outage (9/8 and 9/9), so no security camera/checking was availble for 48 hours, according to the employee of one of the company. Can something happen here? Read more here
6. CIA warns government about possible attack.
7. On 9/11, every one know what happen right? Twin Tower crashed. But may be few including me does not know that WTC-7 was crashed later in the evening, there was no jet crash on that building and it collapsed like Twin Tower.
8. Many Gov Agency ask to try to investigate but no access was given, after long time they gave that access. One of them was NIST, here is there latest conclusion.
9. LS in the interview on PBS says : "We've had such terrible loss of life, maybe the smartest thing to do is pull it. And they made that decision to pull and we watched the building collapse." What "pull it" means ? either building or fireworker, he later said he was referring fireworker. (who belives?)
Now look at the possible benefits.
1. LS who put only 14M his money (out of 3.2B) to lease WTC walk away with 5B from 9 insurer. He has to pay only 102M/Year to PA. And now he has a right to build a building.
2. US War: it cost us 355B so far cost to us as a taxpayer means income to someone. Other cost is uncountable such a death of 3000 soldiers and 6000 civilian in WTC.
3. Senior Bush repeatedly said that he regret Saddam is still in power. It is just one unfinished business. Well on last day of 2006 Saddam is now resting (click to watch execution).
4. LS give right back to PA to build Freedom Tower, who got funding through $8B Liberty Bond.
Many people has a mixed openion.
Whatever it happened it was unforgettable Tregedy.
I found tons of website and videos over the internet floating around, with different theory. There are certain facts (not conclusion) I want to list here.
1. Larry Silverstone (LS) build 47 Stories WTC 7 in 1980. (He bid it and won to lease and build)
2. In 1987, stock market crashed, and due to this, there was lot of vacancy, so NY/NJ Port of Authority (PA) who own WTC Buildings and LS was loosing the money, so in 1995 , Mayor and PA decided to lease for 99 year the lease process begun in 2000.
3. In Jan 2001, LS bid for it for 3.2B, first he outbid by 50M, but then other party withdrew it (hmmm why?) . So eventually LS got it in Jul 2001.
4. Since management changed, a new security contaract has been given to company, whose member Board of Director was Brother (guess).
5. There was a power outage (9/8 and 9/9), so no security camera/checking was availble for 48 hours, according to the employee of one of the company. Can something happen here? Read more here
6. CIA warns government about possible attack.
7. On 9/11, every one know what happen right? Twin Tower crashed. But may be few including me does not know that WTC-7 was crashed later in the evening, there was no jet crash on that building and it collapsed like Twin Tower.
8. Many Gov Agency ask to try to investigate but no access was given, after long time they gave that access. One of them was NIST, here is there latest conclusion.
9. LS in the interview on PBS says : "We've had such terrible loss of life, maybe the smartest thing to do is pull it. And they made that decision to pull and we watched the building collapse." What "pull it" means ? either building or fireworker, he later said he was referring fireworker. (who belives?)
Now look at the possible benefits.
1. LS who put only 14M his money (out of 3.2B) to lease WTC walk away with 5B from 9 insurer. He has to pay only 102M/Year to PA. And now he has a right to build a building.
2. US War: it cost us 355B so far cost to us as a taxpayer means income to someone. Other cost is uncountable such a death of 3000 soldiers and 6000 civilian in WTC.
3. Senior Bush repeatedly said that he regret Saddam is still in power. It is just one unfinished business. Well on last day of 2006 Saddam is now resting (click to watch execution).
4. LS give right back to PA to build Freedom Tower, who got funding through $8B Liberty Bond.
Many people has a mixed openion.
Whatever it happened it was unforgettable Tregedy.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Do you use 401k?
Many people take lightly on retirement saving and focus on current sitiuation, however the retirment will be the big concern in the coming year as most of the Pension plan is underfunded and people are not puting money in 401k. Suddenly, they wake up and realize its not enought to live here, what to do? Well, you can leave comfortably if you ready to move in third world countries. Or start putting money right now, its never too late.
Make sure you read this
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/retirement/interviews/bogle.html
and watch this
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/retirement/view/
Make sure you read this
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/retirement/interviews/bogle.html
and watch this
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/retirement/view/
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
India: Strong Growth Momentum
Recent economic data continue to reflect the continuation of the strong growth momentum in the Indian economy. The key driver behind the accelerated growth rate is the industrial sector, especially manufacturing which has benefited from infrastructure spending, the improving competitiveness of Indian businesses, rationalization of import tariffs and excise duties and increasing credit penetration. Agriculture continues to remain sluggish in dire need of reforms.
With overall growth strong and global commodity prices high, inflation is likely to remain elevated. In addition to global commodity prices, a key driver has been food price inflation. Allowing the currency to appreciate could help mitigate the impact of rising international prices on domestic inflation. However, given the concerns over the impact of a strengthening rupee on Indian exports - especially at a time when the market is concerned over a U.S. slowdown - the RBI has not been very open to this option. In fact, the central bank has been actually intervening in recent weeks to stem rupee’s rise.
Given the sharp growth in credit and money supply at a time of still high inflation, the RBI has been concerned that the economy could be ‘over-heating.’ The economy’s strong growth rate and the appreciating rupee imply that the fundamentals for the capital inflows the country has enjoyed are merited.
Checkout recent article
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16169012.htm
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=8326793
With overall growth strong and global commodity prices high, inflation is likely to remain elevated. In addition to global commodity prices, a key driver has been food price inflation. Allowing the currency to appreciate could help mitigate the impact of rising international prices on domestic inflation. However, given the concerns over the impact of a strengthening rupee on Indian exports - especially at a time when the market is concerned over a U.S. slowdown - the RBI has not been very open to this option. In fact, the central bank has been actually intervening in recent weeks to stem rupee’s rise.
Given the sharp growth in credit and money supply at a time of still high inflation, the RBI has been concerned that the economy could be ‘over-heating.’ The economy’s strong growth rate and the appreciating rupee imply that the fundamentals for the capital inflows the country has enjoyed are merited.
Checkout recent article
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16169012.htm
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=8326793
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