That was then, this is now

Remember when we were young?
Life was so much simpler

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

1. Skippy heartbeat when you think of him/her.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Ventricular fibrillation and Myocardial Infarction.

2. Restless trembling of hands, feet and other body parts.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Parkinson's Disease

3. Constant smiling.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Bell's Palsy

4. Absent mindedness, inability to focus on tasks at work or at home.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Early Onset of Alzheimer's Disease

5. Weakening of knees and bursts of energy when he/she calls or visits.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Multiple Sclerosis

6. Inability to stop thinking about her.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

7. Bruising on neck and other tender areas.
Symptoms then: Love bites.
Diagnosis now: Leukaemia

8. Insomnia.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

9. Feeling that you can smell/hear/feel her when not in her presence.
Symptoms then: Love
Diagnosis now: Schizophrenia

..........how life has changed!!!

Cranky Old Man

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in country N.S.W, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Melbourne.The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Cranky Old Man

What do you see nurses? . .. . . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . . . . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food ... .. . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . .. 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not .. . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am . . . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . . . . .who love one another

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . . with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . .... . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . .. . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . . . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . ... ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . ... . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . . . .. I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . .. . . . and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. . . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone .. . . .. . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . .. A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . .. . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . .. .. . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . .. . . . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years . all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . .open and see.
Not a cranky old man . Look closer . . . see . .... . ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within . ... . . . we will all, one day, be there, too!

The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart.

The Man Rules

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Thank you, whoever you are.

We always hear the rules From the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side. These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered '1 '
ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.

You don't hear us complaining about your leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.


1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as cars
or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

DANGER in the Garden?

Some people have a habit of plucking flowers and smelling it. Unless you know the flowers, you may put yourself in danger. The 7 Most Beautiful – But - Deadly Flowers in the World. Share with your friends and family members. Beautiful as it may be, some flowers are much more than it appears to be. Believe it or not, these seemingly harmless plants can really ruin your vacation. To help you know what flowers to stay away from on your trips, study the list of the world's most attractive but dangerous flowers: 1. Autumn Crocus (top pix) One of the most endangered plants in the world, Autumn crocus is also probably the most poisonous. It contains colchicines, a deadly drug used effectively in the treatment for gout. Unlike other toxins found in the flowers above, colchicines, an arsenic-like poison has NO antidote. Autumn crocus poisoning leads to reduced blood pressure and cardiac arrest. 2. Oleander (2nd pix) Oleander is known as one of the most poisonous plants on Earth, often used in suicidal cases around southern India . The numerous toxic compounds contained in the entire Oleander plant, including oleandrin and nerine, affect the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems, all at the same time. Oleander poisoning leads to drowsiness, tremors, seizures, coma and even death. The plants sap causes skin irritation and severe eye inflammation. 3. Rhododendron (3rd pix) This popular evergreen shrub, featuring large, beautiful blooms, has been known for its toxicity since ancient times. Xenophon recorded the odd behaviour of a group of Greek soldiers who had eaten honey from rhododendron flowers. Rhododendron contains Andromeda toxin which causes nausea, severe pains, paralysis and even death. Azaleas, members of the same plant-family as rhododendron, are also poisonous. 4. Angels Trumpet (4th pix) Despite its name, there's something very evil about this plant. The toxins it contains can be fatal to humans and a number of animals. Known as a powerful hallucinogen, Angels Trumpet should not be used for recreational purposes, since the risk of an overdose is very high. Angels Trumpet plants contain a variable amount of tropane alkaloids, like atropine and scopolamine, and it is used in shamanic rituals by indigenous tribes in western Amazonia . 5. Belladonna (5th pix) Known as one of the most poisonous plants in the Western Hemisphere , Belladonna contains potentially lethal tropane alkaloids. The entire plant is harmful, but its good-looking berries pose the most danger, especially to kids. The symptoms of Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade poisoning are dilated pupils, blurred vision, headaches, hallucinations, delirium and convulsions. Atropine, the toxin in Belladonna, can kill a person by disrupting the nervous systems ability to regulate breathing, sweating and heart rate. 6. Lily of the Valley (6th pix) Just like the Daphne, Lily of the Valley may look beautiful and harmless, but it is entirely poisonous. Eating one or two of the plants bell-shaped flowers won’t hurt you very much, especially if you're an adult. Eaten in large quantities, Lily of the Valley causes pain in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhoea. People with heart conditions should be most careful since the toxins cause the heartbeats to slow down or become irregular. 7. Daphne (7th pix) Also known as Lady Laurel or Paradise Plant, Daphne is a 1-1.5 meters tall shrub, usually grown for its scented flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the greatest concentrations are in the sap and berries. Daphne contains mezerine and daphnin, two powerful toxins that cause stomach aches, headaches, diarrhoea, delirium and convulsions. If Daphne berries are consumed, the victim might fall into a coma and even die. Note: These species are present in Malaysia : Oleanders, Angels Trumpets (especially in highlands) and Rhododendrons (different species from the ones in the picture). Kindly take a close look before you start to buy any flowering plants.

The Royal Trophy

Date: 8 – 10 January 2010
Venue: Amata Spring Country Club, Chonburi, Thailand
Website: www.TheRoyalTrophy.com


The Royal Trophy brings together the Continents of Europe and Asia for a highly competitive and emotionally-charged team match-play epic Championship featuring sixteen foursomes, four-ball and singles matches. The Continents are respectively represented by their very best professional golfers in the quest for the Championship’s Principal Award – the honor of stewardship of the perpetual sixteen-kilogram solid-silver Royal Trophy, which was graciously donated by the world’s longest reigning Monarch - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The Majestic Competition was created through the vision of the legendary five-time Major winner Severiano Ballesteros.

The third edition of the Royal Trophy, held in January 2009 was a tremendous success. The Event attracted record galleries for Asian golf and featured a highly competitive spirit throughout the Matches.

Under the captaincy of thirty-five time tournament title winner Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki the Asian Team recorded a colossal and historic victory over the Europeans with Asia’s top Players producing golf of tremendous quality and demonstrating the highest level of determination. Overall the Royal Trophy registered spectator attendance of over 40,000 at the golf course.

The fourth edition of the Royal Trophy is scheduled to take place on January 8-10, 2010 and is expected to be an even greater success. Following Asia’s colossal win in 2009, the Europeans will certainly be on a most important mission to regain stewardship over the coveted Royal Trophy. However, Asia is set to deliver its very best golfing talent to defend its position as Royal Trophy champions.

Japanese golfing giant Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki continues his captaincy of the Asian Team and has already nominated seven of the eight Players who will comprise the Asian defense – eighteen-year-old global sensation - Ryo Ishikawa; Asia’s number one Player - Thongchai Jaidee; ten-time Tour title winner - Prayad Marksaeng; the Japan Tour’s current number one Player – Yuta Ikeda; the winner of a multitude European and Asian Tour titles – Charlie Wi; two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion - Jeev Milkha Singh; and China’s number one golfer - Liang Wen-chong.

Current European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie will lead the European challenge against Asia and already counts with world number seven - Henrik Stenson, 2008 European Order of Merit champion - Robert Karlsson and current European number three - Martin Kaymer. The early appointments of three of Europe’s longest hitters and most accomplished golfers is the Continent’s clear notice that eight-time Ryder Cup Player and eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Montgomerie is in the process of constructing a fantastic team to take the challenge to Asia in Thailand in January 2010.

The fourth edition of the Royal Trophy promises to be a golfing battle for the ages.

the 11th Husband

A young man married a beautiful woman who had previously divorced 10 husbands. On their wedding night, she told her new husband to "Please be gentle; I'm still a virgin".

"What?" said the puzzled groom. "How can that be if you've been married ten times.?"

"Well, husband#1 was a Sales Representative; he kept telling me how great it was going to be.

"Husband # 2 was in Software Services; he was never really sure how it was supposed to function; but he said he'd look into it and get back with me.

"Husband # 3 was from Field Services; he said that everything checked out diagnostically but he just couldn't get the system up.

"Husband # 4 was in Telemarketing; even though he knew he had the order, he didn't know when he would be able to deliver.

"Husband # 5 was an Engineer, he understood the basic process but he wanted three years to research, implement, and design a new state of the-art method.

"Husband #6 was from Administration; he thought he knew how but he wasn't sure whether it was his job or not.

"Husband # 7 was in Marketing; although he had a product, he was never sure how to position it.

"Husband # 8 was a Psychiatrist; all he did was talk about it.

"Husband # 9 was a Gynecologist; all he did was look at it.

"Husband # 10 was a Stamp Collector; all he ever did was........... God I miss him.

" But now that I've married you, I'm so excited".

"Wonderful", said the husband, "but why?

"Your're with the "GOVERNMENT...This time I KNOW I'M gonna get SCREWED."

Power of Money, By Adam Khoo (Singapore 's youngest millionaire at 26)

Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia , Indonesia , Thailand and Suzhou ( China ). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is traveling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire. ' He still looked pretty confused.

This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth(which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires' ). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that they earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster.

Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky).

I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur' s Orgn)a few years back (YEO) is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worth well over $5m,travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota 's and Nissans,not Audis, Mercs, BMWs.

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation
Thank God my rich dad foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last.

Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life..

Instead, what makes me happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries.

What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone's life.

What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this blog is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be it teaching, building homes, designing,trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaninglessness.

Adam Khoon is:
Managing Director of Adcom (S) Pte Ltd
Executive Director of Events Guru Pte Ltd
Chief Executive Officer of Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group Pte Ltd
President of Youth Challenge Membership Chairman of Young Entrepreneurs' Organisation