*ABTERRA: General Nice Resource (HK) is the parent company of Abterra.
Abterra, a supply chain manager of resources and minerals, said recently that it is likely to benefit from rising coking coal prices. Reuters reported on 28 June that China's steel production is soaring way over estimates and the country had paid for a shipment of coking coal at a price higher than the benchmark price.
The Jiaozhong coking coal mine of Abterra.
Abterra is on track to become a sizeable player in the cking coal industry. Its CEO, Jaffe Lau, said in a press release: “We have set ambitious targets and have the resources to deliver on those targets. The target of the Group is to continue to make strategic acquisitions of coking coal mines to grow our production capacity to 5million tonnes per annum in the next 2-3 years.”
In another announcement, in early June, Abterra said it had entered into a share swap agreement with a HK strategic partner.
The noteworthy point is that Abterra will swap 255 million Abterra shares at 12.3 cents apiece – significantly higher than the market price then and currently of 5.5 cents - in exchange for 385 million of LeRoi Holdings at HKD 43.5 cents.
The two companies will explore investment opportunities together in the coking coal, coke and iron ore mining industry.
One of the abalone meals at Ah-Yat-Oceanus joint-venture restaurant chain in China.
* OCEANUS: Prior to the emergence of Capital Group of Companies as a substantial shareholder, Oceanus had obtained direct funding of S$73.5 million from two private equity firms.
They are Ocean Wonder International Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIF Capital Asia III L.P, and Hupomone Capital Partners Singapore Pte Ltd and strategic investors.
Dr Ng Cher Yew, Executive Chairman of Oceanus, commented, “During this difficult time of the financial crunch and economic uncertainty, we are pleased to announce that the investment interest in this financing exercise was overwhelming.”
Oceanus is the world’s largest land-based producer of premium quality Japanese abalones.
Various aspects of the apartments at The Reflections @ Keppel are installed by Design Studio.
DESIGN STUDIO FURNITURE MANUFACTURER: The leading premier furniture manufacturer, product and interior fitting-out specialist in Singapore reported a record net profit of S$4.3 million in 1Q2009 ended 31 March 2009, a 153.2% surge from that of 1Q2008.
Net cash flow from operating activities remains strong at S$3.3 million.
Cash balance of S$33.0 million as at 31 March 2009 translates to cash per share of S$0.13.
Wong Swee Chun, 71, is the founder of Straits Construction Co. Pte Ltd, a builder of HDB flats. Mr Wong not only has a direct interest of 4.57% in Design Studio but also a deemed interest in the 51.98 million shares (20.47%) held by Straits Construction.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Residential leasing - the laws of demand and supply
RENTS of private residential property have been correcting since August last year, in line with the weak economy. While the traditionally busy period in April saw a surprise 2 per cent spike in rental values, the question is whether a more sustainable recovery is in sight. To get an answer to this, we have to look at the supply-demand dynamics in the residential market.
A quarter of Singapore's 4.84 million residents are foreigners, and this is the group that drives the leasing market. This is because Singaporeans generally don't rent, choosing to live with their parents until they can buy their own homes.
Employment in the services sector grew by over 30 per cent in 2007, especially in financial and professional services, according to numbers from the Ministry of Manpower. This is a major factor accounting for the surge in the expatriate workforce. Foreign employment stood at 1.06 million, or 35 per cent of the total workforce of 2.95 million.
The profile of the expatriate workforce has evolved through the years. Expatriate employment is no longer limited to top management posts and now includes middle management and executive functions. There is a wider variety of expatriates as well - from Europeans and Americans to other Asian nationalities; and from singles to couples with teenage kids. Depending on demographics and employment status, their accommodation preferences vary.
For expatriates, location is a key consideration. They would prefer to stay 1) near transportation and amenities (MRT station, malls, even expatriate clubs), 2) near schools, and 3) close to the workplace. Residential projects that meet these criteria will generally see steady demand which means they can command good rentals.
Expatriate packages
Expatriate packages have been revised with the changing times. It is rare today to see the typical full expatriate relocation package that covers housing, car, club and school costs. With tighter budgets, mid-management expatriates are now mostly offered a package under localised terms that covers accommodation costs. Or it may be a hybrid package that offers a mix of benefits.
The expat housing terms usually fall into three categories. The first, a corporate lease, allows the landlord to deal directly with the employer. It is most commonly adopted for a full expatriate or hybrid relocation package.
The other two forms of leases, namely 1) corporate lease with personal indemnity and 2) personal lease, are usually signed under a package with localised terms. Under these terms, the employee is responsible for the expenses under the lease. The only difference is that under a personal lease, the leasing contract is between the employee and the landlord. Under a corporate residential lease with personal indemnity, the employer signs the leasing contract with the landlord while the personal indemnity is borne by the employee.
Under the latter two leases, the tenant bears the burden of any additional cost in a lease should it exceed the allocated budget. If the rent is below the allocated budget, the tenant who takes up a personal lease enjoys the savings. For the tenant who uses the corporate residential lease with personal indemnity, any savings on rent is split between the company and the tenant. This burden of costs/savings will have a major impact when it comes to rental negotiations.
Supply
A collective sale frenzy in 2006 and 2007 saw a slew of prime residential projects taken off the market for redevelopment, especially in districts 9, 10 and 11. There were close to 100 such developments transacted in the two years, which reduced the leasing inventory by about 6,000 units.
In the interim, the impact of this large withdrawal has been greatly felt. Of course, this removed stock will eventually return to the market as new supply. While this will give tenants more choices, landlords will face greater competition, especially if the economy doesn't improve and demand remains muted.
There are an estimated 4,000 prime residential units due to be completed by 2011. These include both luxury (usually with larger units) and typical prime units. Following the popularity of luxury units during the property boom, there are a few such projects scheduled to come into the market in the next two years. They include The Marq (66 units), The Hilltops (241 units), Ritz Carlton Residences (58 units), Ardmore II (118 units), Grange Infinite (68 units) and Orchard Residences (175 units).
This does not include the projects sold en bloc to developers for redevelopment into luxury condominiums which have yet to get their sales licences. As such, the names or number of units in these developments are not known. Among these projects are Ardmore III (Wheelock Properties), Pin Tjoe Court (Pontiac Land Group), Anderson 18 (joint venture between Wing Tai and City Developments), The Ardmore (SC Global), Lucky Tower (City Developments), Beverly Mai (HPL Properties) and Grangeford (OUE).
Rents are expected to come under severe pressure when ample new supply comes onstream at a time when market demand is weakening.
Overview and outlook
With the dampened sentiment in the corporate sector, housing budgets have seen cuts of 10-20 per cent. Expatriates, especially those on personal lease or corporate residential lease with personal indemnity, will be motivated to downsize or be on the lookout for discounted rents as they seek greater savings.
The softening demand and the new supply of some 2,000 non-landed units in the first quarter have put further downward pressure on rents. Some large completed projects include Rivergate (545 units), The Suites at Central (157 units) and the remaining City Square Residences (estimated at 439 units). In addition, there were about 1,600 previously en bloc units that have been released back into the rental market as short-term leases at much discounted rental rates.
These are the main reasons for the major rental correction of about 18 per cent over the past few months. Any recovery of the leasing market in April 2009 can be attributed to the following factors. Traditionally, the months from April to July are the seasonal highs in lease take-ups and renewals. Leases are usually signed to coincide with the summer break in international schools.
Islandwide demand has remained fairly stable as the retrenchment of the expatriate workforce in the financial sector was offset by new hires in other industries such as R&D and biomedical science. In addition, there has been restructuring of some financial institutions where business units in Europe and the US have been relocated to Singapore to tap into Asia's growing wealth.
A recent survey of five large, Singapore-based moving companies by the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore has shown that inbound shipments rose more than 10 per cent from 2007 to 2008 and outbound shipments increased nearly 8 per cent from 2007 to 2008. However, they are expected to drop by 2 per cent in 2009.
As a cautionary note, there could be a delay in the correction of expatriate demand as most expatriates today hold personal employment passes (PEP). Under this scheme, PEP holders do not need to re-apply for a new employment pass when changing jobs. They also can stay for up to six months here without any valid employment compared to only two months previously. Should the employment market remain weak, we may begin to see a delayed exodus of these expatriates if they do not get re-employed soon.
Leasing demand may also soften as more expatriates weigh the attractions of buying their own home as opposed to leasing it. With the current low interest rates and discounted housing prices, it is possible that expatriates who have been living in Singapore for some time may seek a more permanent accommodation and residential status.
Having said that, supply remains limited this year, especially for larger luxury units. Existing projects such as The Claymore, Claymore Point, Four Seasons Park, Ardmore Park, The Colonnade, Regency Park, and Yong An Park are enjoying high occupancies. As such, renovated units in these older developments are still commanding high rentals.
Similarly, supply of quality residential projects in prime districts remains limited this year. The spillover demand for luxury projects will likely benefit these sub-markets. Residential projects in the prime districts are still the preferred choice for many expatriates.
But with more completions in the pipeline, impending supply remains the biggest concern for the market. Unless the global economy picks up and expatriate inflows increase, prospects for the leasing market here will be bearish, particularly in the luxury segment.
A quarter of Singapore's 4.84 million residents are foreigners, and this is the group that drives the leasing market. This is because Singaporeans generally don't rent, choosing to live with their parents until they can buy their own homes.
Employment in the services sector grew by over 30 per cent in 2007, especially in financial and professional services, according to numbers from the Ministry of Manpower. This is a major factor accounting for the surge in the expatriate workforce. Foreign employment stood at 1.06 million, or 35 per cent of the total workforce of 2.95 million.
The profile of the expatriate workforce has evolved through the years. Expatriate employment is no longer limited to top management posts and now includes middle management and executive functions. There is a wider variety of expatriates as well - from Europeans and Americans to other Asian nationalities; and from singles to couples with teenage kids. Depending on demographics and employment status, their accommodation preferences vary.
For expatriates, location is a key consideration. They would prefer to stay 1) near transportation and amenities (MRT station, malls, even expatriate clubs), 2) near schools, and 3) close to the workplace. Residential projects that meet these criteria will generally see steady demand which means they can command good rentals.
Expatriate packages
Expatriate packages have been revised with the changing times. It is rare today to see the typical full expatriate relocation package that covers housing, car, club and school costs. With tighter budgets, mid-management expatriates are now mostly offered a package under localised terms that covers accommodation costs. Or it may be a hybrid package that offers a mix of benefits.
The expat housing terms usually fall into three categories. The first, a corporate lease, allows the landlord to deal directly with the employer. It is most commonly adopted for a full expatriate or hybrid relocation package.
The other two forms of leases, namely 1) corporate lease with personal indemnity and 2) personal lease, are usually signed under a package with localised terms. Under these terms, the employee is responsible for the expenses under the lease. The only difference is that under a personal lease, the leasing contract is between the employee and the landlord. Under a corporate residential lease with personal indemnity, the employer signs the leasing contract with the landlord while the personal indemnity is borne by the employee.
Under the latter two leases, the tenant bears the burden of any additional cost in a lease should it exceed the allocated budget. If the rent is below the allocated budget, the tenant who takes up a personal lease enjoys the savings. For the tenant who uses the corporate residential lease with personal indemnity, any savings on rent is split between the company and the tenant. This burden of costs/savings will have a major impact when it comes to rental negotiations.
Supply
A collective sale frenzy in 2006 and 2007 saw a slew of prime residential projects taken off the market for redevelopment, especially in districts 9, 10 and 11. There were close to 100 such developments transacted in the two years, which reduced the leasing inventory by about 6,000 units.
In the interim, the impact of this large withdrawal has been greatly felt. Of course, this removed stock will eventually return to the market as new supply. While this will give tenants more choices, landlords will face greater competition, especially if the economy doesn't improve and demand remains muted.
There are an estimated 4,000 prime residential units due to be completed by 2011. These include both luxury (usually with larger units) and typical prime units. Following the popularity of luxury units during the property boom, there are a few such projects scheduled to come into the market in the next two years. They include The Marq (66 units), The Hilltops (241 units), Ritz Carlton Residences (58 units), Ardmore II (118 units), Grange Infinite (68 units) and Orchard Residences (175 units).
This does not include the projects sold en bloc to developers for redevelopment into luxury condominiums which have yet to get their sales licences. As such, the names or number of units in these developments are not known. Among these projects are Ardmore III (Wheelock Properties), Pin Tjoe Court (Pontiac Land Group), Anderson 18 (joint venture between Wing Tai and City Developments), The Ardmore (SC Global), Lucky Tower (City Developments), Beverly Mai (HPL Properties) and Grangeford (OUE).
Rents are expected to come under severe pressure when ample new supply comes onstream at a time when market demand is weakening.
Overview and outlook
With the dampened sentiment in the corporate sector, housing budgets have seen cuts of 10-20 per cent. Expatriates, especially those on personal lease or corporate residential lease with personal indemnity, will be motivated to downsize or be on the lookout for discounted rents as they seek greater savings.
The softening demand and the new supply of some 2,000 non-landed units in the first quarter have put further downward pressure on rents. Some large completed projects include Rivergate (545 units), The Suites at Central (157 units) and the remaining City Square Residences (estimated at 439 units). In addition, there were about 1,600 previously en bloc units that have been released back into the rental market as short-term leases at much discounted rental rates.
These are the main reasons for the major rental correction of about 18 per cent over the past few months. Any recovery of the leasing market in April 2009 can be attributed to the following factors. Traditionally, the months from April to July are the seasonal highs in lease take-ups and renewals. Leases are usually signed to coincide with the summer break in international schools.
Islandwide demand has remained fairly stable as the retrenchment of the expatriate workforce in the financial sector was offset by new hires in other industries such as R&D and biomedical science. In addition, there has been restructuring of some financial institutions where business units in Europe and the US have been relocated to Singapore to tap into Asia's growing wealth.
A recent survey of five large, Singapore-based moving companies by the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore has shown that inbound shipments rose more than 10 per cent from 2007 to 2008 and outbound shipments increased nearly 8 per cent from 2007 to 2008. However, they are expected to drop by 2 per cent in 2009.
As a cautionary note, there could be a delay in the correction of expatriate demand as most expatriates today hold personal employment passes (PEP). Under this scheme, PEP holders do not need to re-apply for a new employment pass when changing jobs. They also can stay for up to six months here without any valid employment compared to only two months previously. Should the employment market remain weak, we may begin to see a delayed exodus of these expatriates if they do not get re-employed soon.
Leasing demand may also soften as more expatriates weigh the attractions of buying their own home as opposed to leasing it. With the current low interest rates and discounted housing prices, it is possible that expatriates who have been living in Singapore for some time may seek a more permanent accommodation and residential status.
Having said that, supply remains limited this year, especially for larger luxury units. Existing projects such as The Claymore, Claymore Point, Four Seasons Park, Ardmore Park, The Colonnade, Regency Park, and Yong An Park are enjoying high occupancies. As such, renovated units in these older developments are still commanding high rentals.
Similarly, supply of quality residential projects in prime districts remains limited this year. The spillover demand for luxury projects will likely benefit these sub-markets. Residential projects in the prime districts are still the preferred choice for many expatriates.
But with more completions in the pipeline, impending supply remains the biggest concern for the market. Unless the global economy picks up and expatriate inflows increase, prospects for the leasing market here will be bearish, particularly in the luxury segment.
Tips for investing in property
REAL estate is among the world's safest investments in that it cannot be lost, stolen or carried away. If managed with reasonable care, its value can be maintained or even enhanced. In Singapore, a property cycle typically lasts four to seven years.
As such, a property investor should have a similar investment horizon to ride out any market vagaries so as to best enjoy rental and capital appreciation over time. Empirical evidence has shown that the longer the investment horizon, the greater the likelihood of making a profit, and higher profits at that.
For example, a unit at Ardmore Park which was bought for $4.4 million in 2005 was sold in May this year for $6.2 million, representing a healthy profit of about 40 per cent. This has yet to take into account rental income that may have been earned over the period.
Rental yields are an attractive enticement for property investors, giving them a steady stream of cashflow in good times and bad. Typically, gross residential rental yields stand at 3-5 per cent, depending on the location, project and tenure of the property.
Investors seeking rental yields should note that while residential yields have improved markedly since property prices declined from their peak in mid-2008, rents are now correcting, and are likely to continue their slide till year's end at least.
There was a recent spike in rental yields, which is due to rents falling at a slower rate than prices. According to Q1 2009 data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), property prices islandwide have declined by some 21 per cent from the peak while rents have come off some 14 per cent.
High-end residential yields have risen from a low of 2.8 per cent in Q4 2007 to 3.5 per cent in Q1 2009. However, they are expected to stabilise around the long-term average of 3- 3.4 per cent in the near- to mid-term. This is on the expectation that prices will moderate their decline from here while rents remain weak in the face of strong new housing supply this year.
However, residential prices have shown recent signs of consolidation, supported by opportunistic home purchases at discounted prices, introduction of the interest absorption scheme as well as pent-up demand in certain areas.
Leveraging
Positive carry, which is the difference between the cost of financing the property and rental income, looks set to shrink further on falling rents. This is an important factor for investors who look to pay off their mortgages with rental income. But a positive carry still exists and it can be particularly rewarding for those who can finance their properties with a larger portion of equity or a lower loan-to-value ratio.
This is made possible by the current low interest rates - Singapore's three-month interbank rate has steadied near an all-time low of 0.69 per cent since the beginning of the year. This represents an excellent opportunity for property investors to take advantage of relatively low borrowing costs to maximise their return on equity (ROE).
Take for example a studio apartment that costs $400,000, a borrowing cost of 2 per cent per annum and an 80 per cent loan-to-value ratio. In this case, a yield of 4 per cent would lead to an ROE of 1.76 per cent. By bringing down the loan-to-value ratio to 60 per cent, ROE would improve to 3.1 per cent. This rate of return is higher than the savings and time deposit rates today.
Taking potential capital appreciation into consideration, ROE could be even higher. Extending the above example, an investor's ROE would rise to 25 per cent on the assumption of a loan-to-value ratio of 60 per cent and capital appreciation of 10 per cent. So, with proper use of leveraging, one can maximise returns.
Location, location, location
Location, location, location is the mantra of those looking to invest in property. It seems easy enough to say 'Let's buy in Orchard Road' or 'Let's buy East Coast' just because these are well-established residential locations. But what are the factors that make a good location? Why do people want to own or rent a property in a given location? These are the demand drivers that we need to understand.
What makes living in Orchard Road attractive? Beyond the glitz of the shopping belt, it is the proximity to international schools, the Central Business District, the up-and-coming Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (IR) as well as the excellent road and rail connectivity to other parts of Singapore.
The future development of the area is also important. The impact of the up-and-coming IR on residential property is probably best demonstrated by the prices fetched by The Sail @ Marina Bay. In 2004, six months before the IRs were confirmed, the price for the first residential tower was launched at $900 per sq ft (psf).
About a year later, about six months after the IR was given the green light, the second tower was launched at $1,080 psf. After that, resale prices escalated to more than $2,000 psf at the peak of the market.
More recently, the government has focused on building up Singapore as a leading R&D hub in Asia and earmarked areas like one-north in Buona Vista for development.
One-north is a 200-hectare project designed to house Singapore's growing biomedical, infocomm and digital media industries. As such, condominiums in the vicinity like one-north Residences have been well received, with many investors buying for potentially good rentals.
Affordability
In times of economic uncertainty, it pays to be prudent. One should be careful not to borrow too much. Maintaining a debt service ratio of 25-30 per cent of income is ideal as it allows some buffer for any rise in mortgage rates.
Savills' affordability index showed that the average household's ability to service its monthly mortgage repayment has improved. From a peak of 40 per cent in Q3 2007, the debt service ratio has dropped to 26 per cent as at Q4 2008, following the steep price declines.
Valuation
It is important to be familiar with property prices in the vicinity to ensure that one does not overpay. Generally, when buying a new property from a developer, you have greater certainty that banks would be able to match the valuation. In the secondary market, buyers would do well to get a bank valuation on the property before committing, to avoid overpaying.
Risks-rewards
Going by past transactions, prime properties - though more volatile - offer better potential for capital appreciation as investors in this segment are perceived to be less price sensitive.
The recent bull cycle saw the average price of residential properties in our basket for Districts 1, 4, 9, 10, and 11 rise from $1,250 psf in Q1 2005 to $2,400 psf in Q4 2007. Since then, the average price has slipped about 30 per cent to $1,640 psf as at Q1 2009. Given a reasonable investment horizon, there is potential for peak prices to be regained again.
When is it a good time to buy? That's a question many buyers ask. Everyone wants to land a good deal given that property is a big-ticket investment. In some instances, just waiting a few months can mean saving tens of thousands of dollars.
However, the reverse is also true - one may end up paying more if the market suddenly turns up. It's never easy trying to call the bottom of a market as one often only knows it in hindsight.
As such, a property investor should have a similar investment horizon to ride out any market vagaries so as to best enjoy rental and capital appreciation over time. Empirical evidence has shown that the longer the investment horizon, the greater the likelihood of making a profit, and higher profits at that.
For example, a unit at Ardmore Park which was bought for $4.4 million in 2005 was sold in May this year for $6.2 million, representing a healthy profit of about 40 per cent. This has yet to take into account rental income that may have been earned over the period.
Rental yields are an attractive enticement for property investors, giving them a steady stream of cashflow in good times and bad. Typically, gross residential rental yields stand at 3-5 per cent, depending on the location, project and tenure of the property.
Investors seeking rental yields should note that while residential yields have improved markedly since property prices declined from their peak in mid-2008, rents are now correcting, and are likely to continue their slide till year's end at least.
There was a recent spike in rental yields, which is due to rents falling at a slower rate than prices. According to Q1 2009 data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), property prices islandwide have declined by some 21 per cent from the peak while rents have come off some 14 per cent.
High-end residential yields have risen from a low of 2.8 per cent in Q4 2007 to 3.5 per cent in Q1 2009. However, they are expected to stabilise around the long-term average of 3- 3.4 per cent in the near- to mid-term. This is on the expectation that prices will moderate their decline from here while rents remain weak in the face of strong new housing supply this year.
However, residential prices have shown recent signs of consolidation, supported by opportunistic home purchases at discounted prices, introduction of the interest absorption scheme as well as pent-up demand in certain areas.
Leveraging
Positive carry, which is the difference between the cost of financing the property and rental income, looks set to shrink further on falling rents. This is an important factor for investors who look to pay off their mortgages with rental income. But a positive carry still exists and it can be particularly rewarding for those who can finance their properties with a larger portion of equity or a lower loan-to-value ratio.
This is made possible by the current low interest rates - Singapore's three-month interbank rate has steadied near an all-time low of 0.69 per cent since the beginning of the year. This represents an excellent opportunity for property investors to take advantage of relatively low borrowing costs to maximise their return on equity (ROE).
Take for example a studio apartment that costs $400,000, a borrowing cost of 2 per cent per annum and an 80 per cent loan-to-value ratio. In this case, a yield of 4 per cent would lead to an ROE of 1.76 per cent. By bringing down the loan-to-value ratio to 60 per cent, ROE would improve to 3.1 per cent. This rate of return is higher than the savings and time deposit rates today.
Taking potential capital appreciation into consideration, ROE could be even higher. Extending the above example, an investor's ROE would rise to 25 per cent on the assumption of a loan-to-value ratio of 60 per cent and capital appreciation of 10 per cent. So, with proper use of leveraging, one can maximise returns.
Location, location, location
Location, location, location is the mantra of those looking to invest in property. It seems easy enough to say 'Let's buy in Orchard Road' or 'Let's buy East Coast' just because these are well-established residential locations. But what are the factors that make a good location? Why do people want to own or rent a property in a given location? These are the demand drivers that we need to understand.
What makes living in Orchard Road attractive? Beyond the glitz of the shopping belt, it is the proximity to international schools, the Central Business District, the up-and-coming Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (IR) as well as the excellent road and rail connectivity to other parts of Singapore.
The future development of the area is also important. The impact of the up-and-coming IR on residential property is probably best demonstrated by the prices fetched by The Sail @ Marina Bay. In 2004, six months before the IRs were confirmed, the price for the first residential tower was launched at $900 per sq ft (psf).
About a year later, about six months after the IR was given the green light, the second tower was launched at $1,080 psf. After that, resale prices escalated to more than $2,000 psf at the peak of the market.
More recently, the government has focused on building up Singapore as a leading R&D hub in Asia and earmarked areas like one-north in Buona Vista for development.
One-north is a 200-hectare project designed to house Singapore's growing biomedical, infocomm and digital media industries. As such, condominiums in the vicinity like one-north Residences have been well received, with many investors buying for potentially good rentals.
Affordability
In times of economic uncertainty, it pays to be prudent. One should be careful not to borrow too much. Maintaining a debt service ratio of 25-30 per cent of income is ideal as it allows some buffer for any rise in mortgage rates.
Savills' affordability index showed that the average household's ability to service its monthly mortgage repayment has improved. From a peak of 40 per cent in Q3 2007, the debt service ratio has dropped to 26 per cent as at Q4 2008, following the steep price declines.
Valuation
It is important to be familiar with property prices in the vicinity to ensure that one does not overpay. Generally, when buying a new property from a developer, you have greater certainty that banks would be able to match the valuation. In the secondary market, buyers would do well to get a bank valuation on the property before committing, to avoid overpaying.
Risks-rewards
Going by past transactions, prime properties - though more volatile - offer better potential for capital appreciation as investors in this segment are perceived to be less price sensitive.
The recent bull cycle saw the average price of residential properties in our basket for Districts 1, 4, 9, 10, and 11 rise from $1,250 psf in Q1 2005 to $2,400 psf in Q4 2007. Since then, the average price has slipped about 30 per cent to $1,640 psf as at Q1 2009. Given a reasonable investment horizon, there is potential for peak prices to be regained again.
When is it a good time to buy? That's a question many buyers ask. Everyone wants to land a good deal given that property is a big-ticket investment. In some instances, just waiting a few months can mean saving tens of thousands of dollars.
However, the reverse is also true - one may end up paying more if the market suddenly turns up. It's never easy trying to call the bottom of a market as one often only knows it in hindsight.
Property market continues riding on buying mood
PROPERTY market activity continued in the first week of last month as more private homes were launched - or re-launched - to ride the buying momentum.
Bukit Sembawang Estates said yesterday that it has sold 50 of the 78 units at Luxus Hills, a 999-year leasehold landed development at Ang Mio Kio, in a preview. Intermediate terrace homes were sold for an average of $1,085 per sq ft of land area, while corner terraces went for an average of $980 psf.
BT understands that agents have also started to market prime projects, including GuocoLand's 272-unit freehold Sophia Residence, City Developments's 85-unit project on the former Garden Hotel site and Wing Tai's 346-unit Ascentia Sky in Alexandra Road.
For Sophia Residences, asking prices range from $1,400-$1,600 psf. For CityDev's project, agents are quoting $1,800-$2,000 psf. At Ascentia Sky, a limited number of units have been released at prices ranging from $1,150- $1,350 psf.
Other developers are re-launching projects. CapitaLand is believed to have re-launched Latitude in the River Valley area last week. Asking prices range from about $1,600-$1,900 psf, a significant decline from $2,600 psf fetched for the 11 units sold from September 2007 to April 2008. Far East Organization re-launched Silversea a few weeks ago, selling some units at $1,250-$1,400 psf.
Developers can be expected to expedite new launches and continue promoting already-launched projects over the next two weeks as the Hungry Ghost month - which is traditionally slow for property sales - draws near.
Sales at recently launched projects have continued apace. 'We visited show flats for a few mid and prime projects last weekend,' said DMG & Partners Securities analyst Brandon Lee in a July-6 note. 'More developers are now offering additional price discounts of 2-5 per cent during soft launches to incentivise buyers.'
Prices rose 4.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter in Q2, Mr Lee said. 'Along with a flat stock market performance, we believe this has led to a less fervent show-flat turnout. However, sales volumes remain healthy.'
In an update, Far East Organization said yesterday that it has sold 130 apartments at its 280-unit Vista Residences at Thomson.
Separately, Credo Real Estate yesterday released for sale by tender a cluster of 18 shophouses at Joo Chiat/Onan Road. The properties are owned by a family trust, which is seeking offers in the region of $25 million to $30 million. The freehold site is 35,440 sq ft and the total gross floor area of the shophouses is 62,489 sq ft.
Bukit Sembawang Estates said yesterday that it has sold 50 of the 78 units at Luxus Hills, a 999-year leasehold landed development at Ang Mio Kio, in a preview. Intermediate terrace homes were sold for an average of $1,085 per sq ft of land area, while corner terraces went for an average of $980 psf.
BT understands that agents have also started to market prime projects, including GuocoLand's 272-unit freehold Sophia Residence, City Developments's 85-unit project on the former Garden Hotel site and Wing Tai's 346-unit Ascentia Sky in Alexandra Road.
For Sophia Residences, asking prices range from $1,400-$1,600 psf. For CityDev's project, agents are quoting $1,800-$2,000 psf. At Ascentia Sky, a limited number of units have been released at prices ranging from $1,150- $1,350 psf.
Other developers are re-launching projects. CapitaLand is believed to have re-launched Latitude in the River Valley area last week. Asking prices range from about $1,600-$1,900 psf, a significant decline from $2,600 psf fetched for the 11 units sold from September 2007 to April 2008. Far East Organization re-launched Silversea a few weeks ago, selling some units at $1,250-$1,400 psf.
Developers can be expected to expedite new launches and continue promoting already-launched projects over the next two weeks as the Hungry Ghost month - which is traditionally slow for property sales - draws near.
Sales at recently launched projects have continued apace. 'We visited show flats for a few mid and prime projects last weekend,' said DMG & Partners Securities analyst Brandon Lee in a July-6 note. 'More developers are now offering additional price discounts of 2-5 per cent during soft launches to incentivise buyers.'
Prices rose 4.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter in Q2, Mr Lee said. 'Along with a flat stock market performance, we believe this has led to a less fervent show-flat turnout. However, sales volumes remain healthy.'
In an update, Far East Organization said yesterday that it has sold 130 apartments at its 280-unit Vista Residences at Thomson.
Separately, Credo Real Estate yesterday released for sale by tender a cluster of 18 shophouses at Joo Chiat/Onan Road. The properties are owned by a family trust, which is seeking offers in the region of $25 million to $30 million. The freehold site is 35,440 sq ft and the total gross floor area of the shophouses is 62,489 sq ft.
Making sense of housing loans
SENTIMENT seems to have made a 180-degree turn in the property market in recent months with buyers coming out in force as the economic outlook stabilises. Sellers have been known to up asking prices by 10 per cent or more. Some home buyers who were taking a wait and see attitude a few months ago rushed in to buy properties.
But before you join the rush, remember that buying a property is a long-term commitment. Make sure you can comfortably service your mortgage by capping your debt-service ratio at 35 per cent of your gross income. On top of that you should set aside enough funds to service at least six months of your housing loan instalments. This would provide some buffer should you suffer a pay cut or job loss.
Home buyers might also want to take note that supply of homes should be ample, going forward. Between 2009 and 2013, a total of 55,838 condo units are expected to be completed, according to numbers from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The supply more than meets the average demand of about 8,000 units a year.
Some developers are offering an interest absorption scheme (IAS), where the developer helps the buyer pay the interest on the housing loan while the property is under construction. Of course, such a scheme typically raises the sale price by 2 to 5 per cent, so there really is no free lunch.
Also, note that housing loan packages tied to the IAS generally charge higher interest rates. The difference can be 0.5 per cent or more. And because the IAS is offered by a single bank, taking it means losing the freedom to shop around for the best loan package. So you could forgo savings in interest of several thousand dollars.
Under the IAS, only the interest is paid while the principal outstanding is not reduced. Thus, when your property is completed, your housing loan outstanding will be higher than that of someone who has been making progressive payments.
Lastly, should the developer get into financial difficulties, the buyer is still liable to the bank for the interest on the housing loan.
Short loan tenor vs long loan tenor
Some people choose to pay off their housing loan as quickly as possible to save on interest payments. On the other hand, there are people who want to stretch the loan repayment period to the maximum so they have smaller monthly cash outflows.
Instead of going to either extreme, you could consider matching the loan tenor to your intended retirement age. For instance, if you're 40, you can take up a 20-year loan that will be paid off by the time you retire at 60.
Interest rate outlook
Sibor or the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate is the average interest rate at which banks lend or borrow local dollars from one another in Singapore. The two main factors that affect Sibor are the United States Federal Reserve rate and liquidity, or availability of funds, in the local banking sector.
The US Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates at 0.25 per cent, a historical low. Sibor has stayed slightly below 0.7 per cent in the past six months and is likely to remain there as long as US interest rates are low and liquidity here is ample.
If you want certainty of interest rates for the next few years, then go for a fixed-rate housing loan, which can be as low as 1.5 per cent for the first year.
So what is the difference between Sibor and SOR? The latter stands for the Swap Offer Rate, which comprises the Singapore Interbank Offer Rate plus market reserve costs. It represents the average cost of funds used by banks in Singapore for commercial lending.
Swap also accounts for the exchange rate of the US$ vs S$. Thus, SOR tends to be more volatile than Sibor. If you want lower volatility, go for a loan pegged to Sibor rather than SOR.
Should you aim to be debt free as soon as possible?
Most personal finance books recommend that you should aim to be debt free as soon as possible. In my opinion, as long as you have not overborrowed, you can plan to pay off your housing loan by the time you retire.
If you think about it, a housing loan is the cheapest loan on the market. In Singapore, the interest rate on a housing loan is currently about 2 per cent, while a car loan is about 4 per cent, a renovation loan 7 per cent and a credit card 24 per cent!
So it is difficult for people to fail to beat housing loan interest rates. Why? Imagine that you know nothing about investing. Just putting money into endowment savings plans gives you annual returns of about 4 per cent over a 20-year period.
Say a person has a $200,000 housing loan to be repaid over 20 years. Assuming an interest rate of 4.5 per cent on the loan, the total interest paid over 20 years is only $105,515.
If he has $200,000 in cash or CPF savings and uses this money to earn a yield of 3.5 per cent, in 20 years, he would have earned $168,453!
Most people forget that interest on a housing loan is calculated on a reducing balance basis while savings compound (interest is added on interest).
Thus, you can get ahead financially if you focus on making your cash or CPF funds work harder for you than by trying to pay off your housing loan as soon as possible.
To get an unbiased view of the housing loan packages offered by banks, you can talk to an independent mortgage broker. After all, bank officers can only offer packages from the bank they work for.
Typically, the service offered by a mortgage broker is free as they are paid separately by the banks.
But before you join the rush, remember that buying a property is a long-term commitment. Make sure you can comfortably service your mortgage by capping your debt-service ratio at 35 per cent of your gross income. On top of that you should set aside enough funds to service at least six months of your housing loan instalments. This would provide some buffer should you suffer a pay cut or job loss.
Home buyers might also want to take note that supply of homes should be ample, going forward. Between 2009 and 2013, a total of 55,838 condo units are expected to be completed, according to numbers from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The supply more than meets the average demand of about 8,000 units a year.
Some developers are offering an interest absorption scheme (IAS), where the developer helps the buyer pay the interest on the housing loan while the property is under construction. Of course, such a scheme typically raises the sale price by 2 to 5 per cent, so there really is no free lunch.
Also, note that housing loan packages tied to the IAS generally charge higher interest rates. The difference can be 0.5 per cent or more. And because the IAS is offered by a single bank, taking it means losing the freedom to shop around for the best loan package. So you could forgo savings in interest of several thousand dollars.
Under the IAS, only the interest is paid while the principal outstanding is not reduced. Thus, when your property is completed, your housing loan outstanding will be higher than that of someone who has been making progressive payments.
Lastly, should the developer get into financial difficulties, the buyer is still liable to the bank for the interest on the housing loan.
Short loan tenor vs long loan tenor
Some people choose to pay off their housing loan as quickly as possible to save on interest payments. On the other hand, there are people who want to stretch the loan repayment period to the maximum so they have smaller monthly cash outflows.
Instead of going to either extreme, you could consider matching the loan tenor to your intended retirement age. For instance, if you're 40, you can take up a 20-year loan that will be paid off by the time you retire at 60.
Interest rate outlook
Sibor or the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate is the average interest rate at which banks lend or borrow local dollars from one another in Singapore. The two main factors that affect Sibor are the United States Federal Reserve rate and liquidity, or availability of funds, in the local banking sector.
The US Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates at 0.25 per cent, a historical low. Sibor has stayed slightly below 0.7 per cent in the past six months and is likely to remain there as long as US interest rates are low and liquidity here is ample.
If you want certainty of interest rates for the next few years, then go for a fixed-rate housing loan, which can be as low as 1.5 per cent for the first year.
So what is the difference between Sibor and SOR? The latter stands for the Swap Offer Rate, which comprises the Singapore Interbank Offer Rate plus market reserve costs. It represents the average cost of funds used by banks in Singapore for commercial lending.
Swap also accounts for the exchange rate of the US$ vs S$. Thus, SOR tends to be more volatile than Sibor. If you want lower volatility, go for a loan pegged to Sibor rather than SOR.
Should you aim to be debt free as soon as possible?
Most personal finance books recommend that you should aim to be debt free as soon as possible. In my opinion, as long as you have not overborrowed, you can plan to pay off your housing loan by the time you retire.
If you think about it, a housing loan is the cheapest loan on the market. In Singapore, the interest rate on a housing loan is currently about 2 per cent, while a car loan is about 4 per cent, a renovation loan 7 per cent and a credit card 24 per cent!
So it is difficult for people to fail to beat housing loan interest rates. Why? Imagine that you know nothing about investing. Just putting money into endowment savings plans gives you annual returns of about 4 per cent over a 20-year period.
Say a person has a $200,000 housing loan to be repaid over 20 years. Assuming an interest rate of 4.5 per cent on the loan, the total interest paid over 20 years is only $105,515.
If he has $200,000 in cash or CPF savings and uses this money to earn a yield of 3.5 per cent, in 20 years, he would have earned $168,453!
Most people forget that interest on a housing loan is calculated on a reducing balance basis while savings compound (interest is added on interest).
Thus, you can get ahead financially if you focus on making your cash or CPF funds work harder for you than by trying to pay off your housing loan as soon as possible.
To get an unbiased view of the housing loan packages offered by banks, you can talk to an independent mortgage broker. After all, bank officers can only offer packages from the bank they work for.
Typically, the service offered by a mortgage broker is free as they are paid separately by the banks.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Burning Tongue
A burning tongue is a constant burning sensation in all or part of the tongue. There are two medical names, glossodynia and glossopyrosis. There are usually no visible signs. If there is also burning in other areas, it is called burning mouth syndrome. The patient may or may not have decreased or altered taste. It may be caused by a problem with the nerves going to the tongue or by a reduced amount of blood to the tongue. Fortunately, most patients with the problem do not experience changes in taste.
Some causes of a burning tongue are hormone deficiency and/or abnormality, diabetes, menopause, oral candida (oral yeast), dry mouth (xerostomia), medications (diuretics, oral diabetic meds, some blood pressure meds), blood abnormalities (dyscrasias, anemia), nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B-12, niacin, iron, or folic acid), gastric acid reflux , allergies (foods, toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewing gums), geographic tongue, dental disease, noxious oral habits (tongue biting, scalloped tongue), psychological causes (depression), chronic infections, inflammatory disorders, lingual nerve damage, tobacco use and oral cancer.
The successful treatment of a burning tongue depends on identifying the true cause. This process often involves a dentist who is comfortable working with other health professionals. The diagnosis of the source involves a systematic ruling out of each known cause. If the cause is medical, the treating dentist may assist by providing medication for symptomatic relief while the physician addresses the cause. All serious causes should be eliminated besides providing symptomatic relief. A one-to-one elixir of Benadryl/Kaopectate or viscous lidocaine can provide symptomatic relief. In severe cases, the dentist may prescribe a steroid such as prednisone.
Some causes of a burning tongue are hormone deficiency and/or abnormality, diabetes, menopause, oral candida (oral yeast), dry mouth (xerostomia), medications (diuretics, oral diabetic meds, some blood pressure meds), blood abnormalities (dyscrasias, anemia), nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B-12, niacin, iron, or folic acid), gastric acid reflux , allergies (foods, toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewing gums), geographic tongue, dental disease, noxious oral habits (tongue biting, scalloped tongue), psychological causes (depression), chronic infections, inflammatory disorders, lingual nerve damage, tobacco use and oral cancer.
The successful treatment of a burning tongue depends on identifying the true cause. This process often involves a dentist who is comfortable working with other health professionals. The diagnosis of the source involves a systematic ruling out of each known cause. If the cause is medical, the treating dentist may assist by providing medication for symptomatic relief while the physician addresses the cause. All serious causes should be eliminated besides providing symptomatic relief. A one-to-one elixir of Benadryl/Kaopectate or viscous lidocaine can provide symptomatic relief. In severe cases, the dentist may prescribe a steroid such as prednisone.
Male Menopause
Do aging males undergo a menopause like women?
Yes, and not surprisingly men are not spared from a “menopause”. The andropause or the “male menopause” is the time in a man’s life when the hormones naturally decline. It is also a time where there is a change of life that may be expressed in terms of a career change, divorce, or reordering of life. This event brings about psychological changes as well. Like menopause, the andropause usually occurs from fifty years onwards. Some have questioned whether the male menopause is more myth than reality. In truth, there is an undeniable hormonal decline as one age, and this in turn accelerates the aging process. The decline in hormones for men is more gradual unlike in women’s menopause, which is a more abrupt event. For that reason, the andropause is sometimes termed medically as the A.D.A.M., an acronym for Androgen Decline in Aging Males.
Men can suffer from symptoms of the andropause, and they may be similar to that of menopause. Between the ages of 50 to 70, some men report symptoms such as erectile dysfunction (failure to achieve an erection), general tiredness, mood changes, night sweats and sometimes palpitations. My research reveals that most men attribute erectile dysfunction to be the most significant event of the andropause. Apart from erectile dysfunction, mood changes can take place too. Some patients of mine have complained of nervousness, irritability and even depression. Other patients undergoing andropausal changes report the feelings of wanting to be closer to family and friends. Men often focus too intently on their career, money and power in their earlier life, often neglecting family and friends. In the andropausal years, men and take on a more “maternal” role, as if transitioning to become more motherly than fatherly. They become more concerned about their friends and family, as if regretting their former attitudes. It is interesting that many patients do not sense these changes in themselves, but rather it is women that notice this and tells me that he is undergoing “the menopause”!
In andropausal men, night sweats and palpitations occur because of an overactive autonomic system in response to falling testosterone levels. It is important not to dismiss or misdiagnose physiological changes related to the andropause.
Is memory loss part of the andropause?
I believe so, as in my research, I found that the third most common reported symptom of andropause was indeed memory loss. It is not uncommon for patients who undergo the andropause to report misplacing a key or forgotten important details. Often the memory loss is so minor it does not affect everyday functioning. This memory loss has sometimes been referred to as “age related memory loss” and is not as severe as Alzheimer’s disease, (which is accompanied by loss of functioning). Memory loss in the andropausal years has been a research interest of mine. In my clinical studies, I have replaced testosterone in demented hypogonadic men (those low on testosterone) and have demonstrated improvements in their visual-spatial cognitive abilities. Although the study results have been presented at several scientific meetings, more research is needed before recommending testosterone as a possible treatment of certain dementias. Another researcher in Oregon has found similar results and he demonstrated improving cognitive functions with testosterone even in normal older men who did not have hypogonadism.
Should men see a doctor to manage their andropause?
Women often see their physicians to manage symptoms related to the menopause. In managing menopause, doctors frequently prescribe drugs such as estrogens, calcium, aspirin and biphosphonates for postmenopausal women in the hope that they decrease risk of osteoporosis, heart attacks and dementia.
However, research demonstrates that men by and large are less likely to see a doctor for any reason. Part of it is because the male psyche where a dependent role is not acceptable. Generally speaking, men tend to focus less on health and more on money, power and status. One strategy to get men to see their doctor is actually to see a understanding and well trained doctor together with their significant other. Sometimes, the doctor can get a lot more information interviewing couples together. At times, the interviews should be held separately and staggering consult times 30 minutes apart is prudent. During the interview, the doctor may assess for “hypogonadism”, which is in part the clinical basis of the andropause. Hypogonadism means low in hormones like testosterone. The doctor may check for the following in men to confirm hypogonadism:
loss of armpit and genitalia hair
shrinkage of testicle size
loss of libido and impotence
tiredness and depression
muscle weakness and bone loss
Androgens basically create “masculinity” and the loss of androgens such as testosterone leads to physical changes. Women in their post-menopausal years complain of dryness in their vagina, skin and sometimes even a lowering of the pitch of voice. The dryness in the vagina could result in dyspareunia or pain on intercourse. In men, subtle changes occur in the post-andropausal years. The once dashing looks are now exchanged for something much less eye-catching. Hardened muscle disappears and instead, flabby fat accumulates, as one gets older. This distorts the physique from an athletic “android” to one with a beer belly and little muscle. The skin also gets dry, and there is hair loss. Hair loss occurs not only in the scalp, but also in the genital area as well as in the armpit. The testes also get smaller in size. There is loss of height because of osteoporosis and the spine gets curved from wedge compression fractures. It is important to realize that testosterone can maintain bone integrity just like estrogens in women.
The reason for seeing an understanding doctor is that there is potential help available. Some of the physical and accompanying psychological changes may be treated with counseling as well as with certain hormones. Treatment for impotence or erectile dysfunction and mood changes is easily available today.
How can we cope with the changes associated with the andropause?
The andropause brings about physical and psychological changes. As the older male ages and undergoes the andropause, he has to grapple with profound changes and issues. These changes bring about stress, and if stress is not managed well, it can be very disabling and even lead to depression. In my book, “The Andropause Mystery”, I described Six Simple Strategies to combat Stress in the Andropause. I believe that these 6 simple strategies can help you manage this aging process graciously. The 6 strategies for a successful andropause is summarized below:
1. Learn to love and reward yourself and others. Much satisfaction can be obtained from not only receiving but also giving. We cannot bring our earthly wealth to the afterworld, and we should learn to reward not only ourselves but also those around us. There comes a point in life where leaving legacies behind become important.
2. Take control and organize yourself. Discipline is important even in the later part of life. In particular, learn not to abuse alcohol and quit smoking. Time management is crucial as well. It is important for instance, to prepare our wills, estate management and advance directives and that is part of organizing ourselves.
3. Exercise yourself. A combination of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning will help delay aging processes.
4. Relax and Rest yourself. The body is changing with aging and there are physiological changes occurring and that he and you should be mindful of that.
5. Feed yourselves- not quantitatively but qualitatively! It is important to eat the right kinds of food to adjust for physiological aging changes.
6. Enjoy Aging and the Andropause. Some things are inevitable, no matter what we do! It is important to be satisfied. Most of us will have to pass through this journey so let us make the best of it. May we make this journey of profound change one also of positive evolvement, and a time of rich blessings for ourselves as well as those around us, as we age graciously through the andropause!
Will the future for men’s health include hormone replacement as it is for women today?
I studied 302 men, and one of the questions are asked them was this: “if the doctor told you that your testosterone level is normal, will you still go want testosterone replacement?” Rather surprisingly, the majority of the respondents said “YES”. My rationale is that there really cannot be too much of a good thing! Perhaps men perceive hormones like testosterone differently from women. It seems to me that by and large, men want to remain virile and stay away from aging naturally. While some women have delayed the end of reproductive life by the aid of science, it is rare. However, men throughout centuries and across all cultures have taken all sorts of supplements including aphrodisiacs, secretogues, vitamins etc. in an attempt to stay virile. It is interesting that some cultures in Asia have been using the root of a plant for anti-aging purposes. Recently, scientists found that this root stimulates the body’s own testosterone production and accounted for some of the anti-aging properties.
I believe men want to be on hormonal replacement, and they need to hear from their doctors that it is safe and effective. There are insufficient large clinical trials to say that hormonal replacement is for all men. Before then, men will continue to use their anti-aging supplements in an attempt to delay their age. Doctors have a responsibility to their patients as their practice is rooted on “evidence-based medicine”. At this point, hormonal replacement for men should be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms. Over the next decade or two, as more information is available, I do foresee that hormonal replacement will be more routine and perhaps replace some of the self-help regimens that men are experimenting with now.
Yes, and not surprisingly men are not spared from a “menopause”. The andropause or the “male menopause” is the time in a man’s life when the hormones naturally decline. It is also a time where there is a change of life that may be expressed in terms of a career change, divorce, or reordering of life. This event brings about psychological changes as well. Like menopause, the andropause usually occurs from fifty years onwards. Some have questioned whether the male menopause is more myth than reality. In truth, there is an undeniable hormonal decline as one age, and this in turn accelerates the aging process. The decline in hormones for men is more gradual unlike in women’s menopause, which is a more abrupt event. For that reason, the andropause is sometimes termed medically as the A.D.A.M., an acronym for Androgen Decline in Aging Males.
Men can suffer from symptoms of the andropause, and they may be similar to that of menopause. Between the ages of 50 to 70, some men report symptoms such as erectile dysfunction (failure to achieve an erection), general tiredness, mood changes, night sweats and sometimes palpitations. My research reveals that most men attribute erectile dysfunction to be the most significant event of the andropause. Apart from erectile dysfunction, mood changes can take place too. Some patients of mine have complained of nervousness, irritability and even depression. Other patients undergoing andropausal changes report the feelings of wanting to be closer to family and friends. Men often focus too intently on their career, money and power in their earlier life, often neglecting family and friends. In the andropausal years, men and take on a more “maternal” role, as if transitioning to become more motherly than fatherly. They become more concerned about their friends and family, as if regretting their former attitudes. It is interesting that many patients do not sense these changes in themselves, but rather it is women that notice this and tells me that he is undergoing “the menopause”!
In andropausal men, night sweats and palpitations occur because of an overactive autonomic system in response to falling testosterone levels. It is important not to dismiss or misdiagnose physiological changes related to the andropause.
Is memory loss part of the andropause?
I believe so, as in my research, I found that the third most common reported symptom of andropause was indeed memory loss. It is not uncommon for patients who undergo the andropause to report misplacing a key or forgotten important details. Often the memory loss is so minor it does not affect everyday functioning. This memory loss has sometimes been referred to as “age related memory loss” and is not as severe as Alzheimer’s disease, (which is accompanied by loss of functioning). Memory loss in the andropausal years has been a research interest of mine. In my clinical studies, I have replaced testosterone in demented hypogonadic men (those low on testosterone) and have demonstrated improvements in their visual-spatial cognitive abilities. Although the study results have been presented at several scientific meetings, more research is needed before recommending testosterone as a possible treatment of certain dementias. Another researcher in Oregon has found similar results and he demonstrated improving cognitive functions with testosterone even in normal older men who did not have hypogonadism.
Should men see a doctor to manage their andropause?
Women often see their physicians to manage symptoms related to the menopause. In managing menopause, doctors frequently prescribe drugs such as estrogens, calcium, aspirin and biphosphonates for postmenopausal women in the hope that they decrease risk of osteoporosis, heart attacks and dementia.
However, research demonstrates that men by and large are less likely to see a doctor for any reason. Part of it is because the male psyche where a dependent role is not acceptable. Generally speaking, men tend to focus less on health and more on money, power and status. One strategy to get men to see their doctor is actually to see a understanding and well trained doctor together with their significant other. Sometimes, the doctor can get a lot more information interviewing couples together. At times, the interviews should be held separately and staggering consult times 30 minutes apart is prudent. During the interview, the doctor may assess for “hypogonadism”, which is in part the clinical basis of the andropause. Hypogonadism means low in hormones like testosterone. The doctor may check for the following in men to confirm hypogonadism:
loss of armpit and genitalia hair
shrinkage of testicle size
loss of libido and impotence
tiredness and depression
muscle weakness and bone loss
Androgens basically create “masculinity” and the loss of androgens such as testosterone leads to physical changes. Women in their post-menopausal years complain of dryness in their vagina, skin and sometimes even a lowering of the pitch of voice. The dryness in the vagina could result in dyspareunia or pain on intercourse. In men, subtle changes occur in the post-andropausal years. The once dashing looks are now exchanged for something much less eye-catching. Hardened muscle disappears and instead, flabby fat accumulates, as one gets older. This distorts the physique from an athletic “android” to one with a beer belly and little muscle. The skin also gets dry, and there is hair loss. Hair loss occurs not only in the scalp, but also in the genital area as well as in the armpit. The testes also get smaller in size. There is loss of height because of osteoporosis and the spine gets curved from wedge compression fractures. It is important to realize that testosterone can maintain bone integrity just like estrogens in women.
The reason for seeing an understanding doctor is that there is potential help available. Some of the physical and accompanying psychological changes may be treated with counseling as well as with certain hormones. Treatment for impotence or erectile dysfunction and mood changes is easily available today.
How can we cope with the changes associated with the andropause?
The andropause brings about physical and psychological changes. As the older male ages and undergoes the andropause, he has to grapple with profound changes and issues. These changes bring about stress, and if stress is not managed well, it can be very disabling and even lead to depression. In my book, “The Andropause Mystery”, I described Six Simple Strategies to combat Stress in the Andropause. I believe that these 6 simple strategies can help you manage this aging process graciously. The 6 strategies for a successful andropause is summarized below:
1. Learn to love and reward yourself and others. Much satisfaction can be obtained from not only receiving but also giving. We cannot bring our earthly wealth to the afterworld, and we should learn to reward not only ourselves but also those around us. There comes a point in life where leaving legacies behind become important.
2. Take control and organize yourself. Discipline is important even in the later part of life. In particular, learn not to abuse alcohol and quit smoking. Time management is crucial as well. It is important for instance, to prepare our wills, estate management and advance directives and that is part of organizing ourselves.
3. Exercise yourself. A combination of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning will help delay aging processes.
4. Relax and Rest yourself. The body is changing with aging and there are physiological changes occurring and that he and you should be mindful of that.
5. Feed yourselves- not quantitatively but qualitatively! It is important to eat the right kinds of food to adjust for physiological aging changes.
6. Enjoy Aging and the Andropause. Some things are inevitable, no matter what we do! It is important to be satisfied. Most of us will have to pass through this journey so let us make the best of it. May we make this journey of profound change one also of positive evolvement, and a time of rich blessings for ourselves as well as those around us, as we age graciously through the andropause!
Will the future for men’s health include hormone replacement as it is for women today?
I studied 302 men, and one of the questions are asked them was this: “if the doctor told you that your testosterone level is normal, will you still go want testosterone replacement?” Rather surprisingly, the majority of the respondents said “YES”. My rationale is that there really cannot be too much of a good thing! Perhaps men perceive hormones like testosterone differently from women. It seems to me that by and large, men want to remain virile and stay away from aging naturally. While some women have delayed the end of reproductive life by the aid of science, it is rare. However, men throughout centuries and across all cultures have taken all sorts of supplements including aphrodisiacs, secretogues, vitamins etc. in an attempt to stay virile. It is interesting that some cultures in Asia have been using the root of a plant for anti-aging purposes. Recently, scientists found that this root stimulates the body’s own testosterone production and accounted for some of the anti-aging properties.
I believe men want to be on hormonal replacement, and they need to hear from their doctors that it is safe and effective. There are insufficient large clinical trials to say that hormonal replacement is for all men. Before then, men will continue to use their anti-aging supplements in an attempt to delay their age. Doctors have a responsibility to their patients as their practice is rooted on “evidence-based medicine”. At this point, hormonal replacement for men should be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms. Over the next decade or two, as more information is available, I do foresee that hormonal replacement will be more routine and perhaps replace some of the self-help regimens that men are experimenting with now.
Ideas to Get Rid of Burning Tongue
Burning tongue is also referred to as burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Its medical names are glossodynia, glossopyrosis, oral galvanism, stomatodynia and stomatopyrosis. It is a common ailment that can happen to anybody. It is a condition in which sensation of burning is felt in the tongue. It is accompanied by acute pain that lasts for a couple of days.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex, vexing condition in which a burning pain occurs on your tongue or lips, or over widespread areas involving your whole mouth, without any obvious reason.
The disorder has long been associated with a variety of other conditions — including menopause, psychological problems, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders of the mouth, such as oral thrush and dry mouth (xerostomia).
More recently, some researchers have suggested dysfunctional or damaged nerves as a possible cause. But the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is often difficult to pin down, and pain may continue for months or years.
The treatment of burning tongue syndrome is highly individualistic. If your burning mouth is associated with dry mouth which is in turn linked to a specific medication, simply changing the prescription may be the only solution necessary. For nutritional deficiencies, supplements can be used. An outbreak of thrush responds to oral antifungals such as Mycostatin or Diflucan. If it’s your dentures, you can improve your care regimen or have the appliance adjusted.
Eat less hot and spicy foods; otherwise it will further cause irritation. Consume foods rich in iron.
Chewing a sugar free gum serves as an excellent burning tongue home remedy treatment.
For lasting softness and petal soft skin, add 1 tablespoon of Glycerin and Rosewater (found over the counter at most pharmacies) to your regular hand and body lotion. Shake the lotion bottle after replacing the lid to mix.
Avoid hot and spicy foods. They may aggravate the condition. Eat vitamin B and iron rich foods. It is recommended to avoid foods and oral hygiene products that you are allergic to, they may aggravate the condition.
Hot and spicy foods will aggravate the condition, instead eat foods that are rich in vitamin B and iron. And avoid allergy-causing foods and oral hygiene products.
Dry mouth, coated tongue, bad breath. - Headaches. - Rumblings in the stomach. - Stomach cramps and pains, nausea. - Hunger disappears when we wait. Diet citrimaxt complex. Determine if you’re hungry. If you’re not sure, then it means …
Another good first aid for burns is Lavender essential oil. Immediately put some neat Lavender oil onto the burned skin area. Lavender is not only a very effective antiseptic, but is also painkilling, helps to reduce the pain of the burn and promotes rapid healing. It will reduce eventual scaring. Lavender, applied to a burn very quickly, will often heal it with no scarring at all. For larger burns, Lavender oil should be poured neat onto a gauze or cloth, and applied to the burn, and renewed every few hours.
Allergic to milk. Have taken antibiotics and Nystatin mouthwash, gargled with hydrogen peroxide and yes.. extra-strength mylanta..dr. at urgent care said to do it.
Chewing gum: Chew a sugar-free gum or suck a piece of ice for a temporary relief from glossodynia.
Baking soda: Replace your commercial tooth paste with baking soda when brushing your teeth.
One way to think about it is that the temperature receptors are like a lock, and that hot stuff is the key. When the key meets the lock, the neuron carries a signal to the brain. Now say we have don't have the key but we have something that is shaped pretty close to it. We will still be able to open the lock, thus tricking the lock into thinking we have the key.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex, vexing condition in which a burning pain occurs on your tongue or lips, or over widespread areas involving your whole mouth, without any obvious reason.
The disorder has long been associated with a variety of other conditions — including menopause, psychological problems, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders of the mouth, such as oral thrush and dry mouth (xerostomia).
More recently, some researchers have suggested dysfunctional or damaged nerves as a possible cause. But the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is often difficult to pin down, and pain may continue for months or years.
The treatment of burning tongue syndrome is highly individualistic. If your burning mouth is associated with dry mouth which is in turn linked to a specific medication, simply changing the prescription may be the only solution necessary. For nutritional deficiencies, supplements can be used. An outbreak of thrush responds to oral antifungals such as Mycostatin or Diflucan. If it’s your dentures, you can improve your care regimen or have the appliance adjusted.
Eat less hot and spicy foods; otherwise it will further cause irritation. Consume foods rich in iron.
Chewing a sugar free gum serves as an excellent burning tongue home remedy treatment.
For lasting softness and petal soft skin, add 1 tablespoon of Glycerin and Rosewater (found over the counter at most pharmacies) to your regular hand and body lotion. Shake the lotion bottle after replacing the lid to mix.
Avoid hot and spicy foods. They may aggravate the condition. Eat vitamin B and iron rich foods. It is recommended to avoid foods and oral hygiene products that you are allergic to, they may aggravate the condition.
Hot and spicy foods will aggravate the condition, instead eat foods that are rich in vitamin B and iron. And avoid allergy-causing foods and oral hygiene products.
Dry mouth, coated tongue, bad breath. - Headaches. - Rumblings in the stomach. - Stomach cramps and pains, nausea. - Hunger disappears when we wait. Diet citrimaxt complex. Determine if you’re hungry. If you’re not sure, then it means …
Another good first aid for burns is Lavender essential oil. Immediately put some neat Lavender oil onto the burned skin area. Lavender is not only a very effective antiseptic, but is also painkilling, helps to reduce the pain of the burn and promotes rapid healing. It will reduce eventual scaring. Lavender, applied to a burn very quickly, will often heal it with no scarring at all. For larger burns, Lavender oil should be poured neat onto a gauze or cloth, and applied to the burn, and renewed every few hours.
Allergic to milk. Have taken antibiotics and Nystatin mouthwash, gargled with hydrogen peroxide and yes.. extra-strength mylanta..dr. at urgent care said to do it.
Chewing gum: Chew a sugar-free gum or suck a piece of ice for a temporary relief from glossodynia.
Baking soda: Replace your commercial tooth paste with baking soda when brushing your teeth.
One way to think about it is that the temperature receptors are like a lock, and that hot stuff is the key. When the key meets the lock, the neuron carries a signal to the brain. Now say we have don't have the key but we have something that is shaped pretty close to it. We will still be able to open the lock, thus tricking the lock into thinking we have the key.
Burning tongue, burning roof of mouth, bad taste in mouth, change in breath odor
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome (also called stomatopyrosis, stomatodynia, and oral dysesthesia) occurs most commonly among women after menopause. The most commonly affected part of the mouth is the tongue (glossodynia). Burning mouth syndrome is not the same as the temporary discomfort that many people experience after eating irritating or acidic foods. Burning mouth syndrome is poorly understood. It probably represents a number of different conditions with different causes but a common symptom.
A common cause is use of antibiotics, which alters the balance of bacteria in the mouth, leading to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida (a condition called thrush). Ill-fitting dentures and allergies to dental materials may be causes as well. Overuse of mouth rinses and sprays may lead to burning tongue syndrome, as can anything that leads to a dry mouth. Sensitivities to certain foods and food additives, particularly to sorbic acid and benzoic acid (which are food preservatives), propylene glycol (found as a moisturizing agent in foods, drugs, and cosmetics), chicle (found in some chewing gums), and cinnamon, may play some role. Deficiencies of vitamins, including B12, folic acid, and B-complex, can cause burning mouth syndrome. Iron deficiency has also been implicated.
A painful burning sensation may affect the entire mouth (particularly the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth [palate]) or just the tongue. The sensation may be continuous or intermittent and may gradually increase throughout the day. Symptoms that commonly accompany the burning sensation include a dry mouth, thirst, and altered taste. Other possible symptoms include changes in eating habits, irritability, depression, and avoidance of other people.
The condition is easy for doctors to diagnose but difficult to treat. Frequent drinks of water or use of chewing gum may help keep the mouth moist. Antidepressants, such as nortriptylineSome Trade Names AVENTYL or anti-anxiety drugs, such as clonazepamSome Trade Names KLONOPIN are sometimes helpful, although these drugs may make the symptoms worse by causing dry mouth. Sometimes symptoms disappear without treatment, although they may return later.
More:
A small percentage of older men and women (mostly women), generally at, or around the age of menopause develop a problem with chronic burning pain and phantom tastes in their mouths. It often centers on the tongue. The tongue itself looks perfectly normal. It just develops a burning sensation that progresses throughout the day. These patients may have seen numerous doctors to try to rid themselves of the annoying, and sometimes painful symptoms, but generally to no avail. The problem has been ignored for centuries because there seemed to be no physical reason for the symptoms, and because it was believed that it was a hysterical symptom brought on by emotional distress. In fact, the problem sometimes does respond to antidepressant drugs like Elavil.
Burning mouth syndrome (also called stomatopyrosis, stomatodynia, and oral dysesthesia) occurs most commonly among women after menopause. The most commonly affected part of the mouth is the tongue (glossodynia). Burning mouth syndrome is not the same as the temporary discomfort that many people experience after eating irritating or acidic foods. Burning mouth syndrome is poorly understood. It probably represents a number of different conditions with different causes but a common symptom.
A common cause is use of antibiotics, which alters the balance of bacteria in the mouth, leading to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida (a condition called thrush). Ill-fitting dentures and allergies to dental materials may be causes as well. Overuse of mouth rinses and sprays may lead to burning tongue syndrome, as can anything that leads to a dry mouth. Sensitivities to certain foods and food additives, particularly to sorbic acid and benzoic acid (which are food preservatives), propylene glycol (found as a moisturizing agent in foods, drugs, and cosmetics), chicle (found in some chewing gums), and cinnamon, may play some role. Deficiencies of vitamins, including B12, folic acid, and B-complex, can cause burning mouth syndrome. Iron deficiency has also been implicated.
A painful burning sensation may affect the entire mouth (particularly the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth [palate]) or just the tongue. The sensation may be continuous or intermittent and may gradually increase throughout the day. Symptoms that commonly accompany the burning sensation include a dry mouth, thirst, and altered taste. Other possible symptoms include changes in eating habits, irritability, depression, and avoidance of other people.
The condition is easy for doctors to diagnose but difficult to treat. Frequent drinks of water or use of chewing gum may help keep the mouth moist. Antidepressants, such as nortriptylineSome Trade Names AVENTYL or anti-anxiety drugs, such as clonazepamSome Trade Names KLONOPIN are sometimes helpful, although these drugs may make the symptoms worse by causing dry mouth. Sometimes symptoms disappear without treatment, although they may return later.
More:
A small percentage of older men and women (mostly women), generally at, or around the age of menopause develop a problem with chronic burning pain and phantom tastes in their mouths. It often centers on the tongue. The tongue itself looks perfectly normal. It just develops a burning sensation that progresses throughout the day. These patients may have seen numerous doctors to try to rid themselves of the annoying, and sometimes painful symptoms, but generally to no avail. The problem has been ignored for centuries because there seemed to be no physical reason for the symptoms, and because it was believed that it was a hysterical symptom brought on by emotional distress. In fact, the problem sometimes does respond to antidepressant drugs like Elavil.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is a painful and often frustrating condition. Some patients compare it to having burned their mouth with hot coffee.
The burning sensation may affect the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the gums, the inside of the cheeks and the back of the mouth or throat. The condition sometimes is known as “burning tongue (or lips) syndrome,” “scalded mouth syndrome,” “glossodynia” and “stomatodynia.”
In addition to the burning sensation, other conditions—such as a dry or sore mouth or a tingling or numb sensation throughout the mouth and tongue—may occur. A bitter or metallic taste also may be present. This condition can affect men and women, but it is especially common in women during or after menopause.
WHAT CAUSES BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME?
The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome often is difficult to pinpoint. The disorder has long been linked to a variety of other conditions: menopause, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, tongue thrusting, disorders of the mouth (oral thrush and dry mouth), acid reflux, cancer therapy (irradiation and chemotherapy) and psychological problems. Some researchers also have suggested dysfunction in the nerves supplying the mouth and tongue as a possible cause. Strictly speaking, the term “burning mouth syndrome” should be used only when a definite cause has not been found.
Once burning mouth syndrome begins, it may persist for many years. Patients who have it may awaken with no pain only to find that the burning sensation grows progressively worse during the day. They may have difficulty falling asleep. The discomfort and restlessness may cause mood changes, irritability, anxiety and depression.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Your dentist can confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The dentist will review your medical history and ask you to describe your symptoms.
First, any oral conditions causing the burning sensations should be investigated. For example, if you have dry mouth, your dentist may advise that you drink more fluids or may suggest saliva replacement products that can be purchased at a pharmacy. An oral swab or biopsy may be used to check for thrush, which is a fungal infection; thrush can be treated with oral anti-fungal medications. Any irritations caused by sharp or broken teeth or by a removable partial or full denture should be eliminated.
Other simple measures may help. Eliminate mouthwash, chewing gum, tobacco and very acidic liquids (certain fruit juices, soft drinks and coffee) for two weeks to see if there is any improvement. Consider trying a different brand of toothpaste (look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance).
Look up the side effects of any medications you are taking (such as those used to treat high blood pressure). You can ask a pharmacist, check a Physicians’ Desk Reference at the library or go to the Internet for this information. If any of your medications are reported to cause a burning sensation in the mouth, ask your physician to consider prescribing a substitute medication. Also, some medications can cause dry mouth, which might aggravate the condition.
If your dentist determines that no oral conditions are causing the burning sensation and the steps listed above do not resolve the problem, disorders such as diabetes, abnormal thyroid conditions, Sjögren’s syndrome (a rheumatological disorder), mineral deficiencies or food allergies should be investigated. This usually involves referral to your family physician and the use of blood tests.
SUMMARY
Start with the simple and eliminate various possibilities. Even if a cause cannot be found, a dentist working with your physician may recommend medications to provide relief of symptoms.
The burning sensation may affect the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the gums, the inside of the cheeks and the back of the mouth or throat. The condition sometimes is known as “burning tongue (or lips) syndrome,” “scalded mouth syndrome,” “glossodynia” and “stomatodynia.”
In addition to the burning sensation, other conditions—such as a dry or sore mouth or a tingling or numb sensation throughout the mouth and tongue—may occur. A bitter or metallic taste also may be present. This condition can affect men and women, but it is especially common in women during or after menopause.
WHAT CAUSES BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME?
The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome often is difficult to pinpoint. The disorder has long been linked to a variety of other conditions: menopause, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, tongue thrusting, disorders of the mouth (oral thrush and dry mouth), acid reflux, cancer therapy (irradiation and chemotherapy) and psychological problems. Some researchers also have suggested dysfunction in the nerves supplying the mouth and tongue as a possible cause. Strictly speaking, the term “burning mouth syndrome” should be used only when a definite cause has not been found.
Once burning mouth syndrome begins, it may persist for many years. Patients who have it may awaken with no pain only to find that the burning sensation grows progressively worse during the day. They may have difficulty falling asleep. The discomfort and restlessness may cause mood changes, irritability, anxiety and depression.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Your dentist can confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The dentist will review your medical history and ask you to describe your symptoms.
First, any oral conditions causing the burning sensations should be investigated. For example, if you have dry mouth, your dentist may advise that you drink more fluids or may suggest saliva replacement products that can be purchased at a pharmacy. An oral swab or biopsy may be used to check for thrush, which is a fungal infection; thrush can be treated with oral anti-fungal medications. Any irritations caused by sharp or broken teeth or by a removable partial or full denture should be eliminated.
Other simple measures may help. Eliminate mouthwash, chewing gum, tobacco and very acidic liquids (certain fruit juices, soft drinks and coffee) for two weeks to see if there is any improvement. Consider trying a different brand of toothpaste (look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance).
Look up the side effects of any medications you are taking (such as those used to treat high blood pressure). You can ask a pharmacist, check a Physicians’ Desk Reference at the library or go to the Internet for this information. If any of your medications are reported to cause a burning sensation in the mouth, ask your physician to consider prescribing a substitute medication. Also, some medications can cause dry mouth, which might aggravate the condition.
If your dentist determines that no oral conditions are causing the burning sensation and the steps listed above do not resolve the problem, disorders such as diabetes, abnormal thyroid conditions, Sjögren’s syndrome (a rheumatological disorder), mineral deficiencies or food allergies should be investigated. This usually involves referral to your family physician and the use of blood tests.
SUMMARY
Start with the simple and eliminate various possibilities. Even if a cause cannot be found, a dentist working with your physician may recommend medications to provide relief of symptoms.
膽固醇與膽結石（排膽結石、腎結石配方）
１天３次排便，降低膽固醇
所謂膽固醇，是指被人體攝取的脂肪未被分解成為養分，而囤積在體內的脂肪，因此變成了膽固醇和脂肪廢物，而這類物質又以動物性脂肪所形成的較多，就算你一點脂肪和油都不吃，肝臟每天自己也會製造1,000～1,500亳克的膽固醇，來供應身體的需求。
血液中的膽固醇一旦過度增加，血液就變得較沈重，黏性也會增大，要輸送這種血液，心臟的負荷變得沈重，心臟機能自然也受到了影響。同時黏附在血管的氧化膽固醇，不僅有害血管，也會堆積在血管壁內，而使血管受到堵塞失去彈性，這種情形就像水管長期使用後，裡面會生鏽一樣。
膽固醇愈積愈多，則原本流暢的血管將變得狹窄，全體血管所受的壓力也會增大，於是就會發生高血壓，嚴重的甚至會有腦溢血的現象。不過，膽固醇雖是油的一種，也並非只有壞處，它是幫助肝臟製造膽汁、合成荷爾蒙和維生素D3的重要原料。而且體內本來就會自行合成膽固醇，主要是在肝臟進行，體內的膽固醇僅有25%需來自食物。
肝臟的運作如同汽車一般，汽車是透過排氣管排除廢氣，我們身體裡的肝臟則是將壞膽固醇、多餘的鈣、氧化的油、毒素、廢物等送進膽囊，膽囊再將這些廢物製成膽汁，由膽管流入十二指腸，以幫助分化脂肪及我們吃進的油脂、脂肪變成油酸，部分油酸會被肝臟靜脈吸收，另一部分則由淋巴管吸收或被送入大腸內。
使用過的膽汁沿著小腸流入大腸，可以潤滑大腸壁，幫助蠕動並加速排便，同特也將這些膽汁連同大便，一起排出體外。但如果長期大便緩慢，甚至有宿便、便祕的情形，膽汁就會在腸內停留過久，而被回收到肝臟，使得肝臟的負荷增加同時也使膽固醇升高。
由於我們身體裡的膽囊，只是一個小小的袋型器官，無法承受過多肝臟送進的壞膽固醇與毒素，因而過多的壞膽固醇、毒素就被遺留在肝臟內，再被送進血液中，因此血液中的膽固醇就會上升。但如果膽囊製造的膽汁，無法被排出十二指腸，久而久之，膽汁就會漸漸變得濃稠，變得乾燥，最後形成膽結石，阻塞了膽汁的流通，因而妨礙膽汁進入十二指腸分化脂肪。
雖然食用油和脂肪還可以經由胰臟分泌出的脂肪酶分化，但當膽汁無法執行任務，只剩下脂肪酶單打獨鬥，是無法將全部脂肪分化的，而這些部分沒被分化的脂肪流入大腸內，如果沒有快速隨大便排出，也會使膽固醇升高。
降膽固醇藥物，非解決高膽固醇的最好方法
肝臟每天約製造1,000～1,500百毫克的膽固醇，供應全身細胞、皮膚組織及身體各器官的需求，並協助製造荷爾蒙。沒有足夠的膽固醇，就無法製造足夠的荷爾蒙，沒有足夠的荷爾蒙，就會加速我們老化、掉髮、陽痿、性無能等問題的產生。
要知道肝臟製造膽固醇的管道，同時也是製造輔酶Ｑ10的管道，若沒有足夠的輔酶Ｑ10，心臟便無法伸展肌肉和收縮，導致心臟停止跳動而死亡。輔酶Ｑ10是由米糠所提煉出來的，一天要吃20碗糙米飯才能得到足夠的輔酶Ｑ10，這是不可能做到的，所以只有適時補充輔酶Ｑ10，或停止服用降膽固醇藥物，才能根本解決心臟停止跳動的危機。
雖然降低膽固醇的藥，在目前被廣泛的使用，也有一定的效果，但不能忽略的是，降膽固醇藥會將製造膽固醇的管道阻塞、切斷，肝臟便無法製造膽固醇送入血液中，血液中膽固醇自然而然下降，但也會提高心跳停止、突然死亡的機率。
此外，服用降膽固醇的藥，有時還有伴隨頭痛、呼吸困難、脾氣暴躁等副作用，長期服用降膽固醇的藥，還會使人加速老化，甚至導致肝癌、肝臟硬化等罹患機率。若不得已必須服用降膽固醇藥的同時，建議必須加倍服用輔酶Ｑ10，來幫助心臟肌肉的伸展和收縮。
然而，服用降膽固醇的藥，並非解決高膽固醇最好的方法，想要降低膽固醇的第一個步驟，就是必須保持一天３～４次的排便。第二個步驟則是打通膽囊，排除膽結石，讓膽汁順暢流入食道內。
降低膽固醇的二大步驟
第一步，保持一天３～４次排便
可維持一天喝六杯蔬果原汁，搭配二盤生菜沙拉與十穀豆米飯飯，加上服食全天然的纖維粉(纖維粉並不會影響腸子蠕動過快，也不會拉肚子。建議選擇無色、無味不含人工色素和無添加果糖甜味的為佳)，以及一天飲用八杯蒸餾水，水記得要慢慢地喝，才能有效幫助排便。
一天若能保持約３～４次排便，不僅可以排除體內宿便，還能確保吃進的食用油、脂肪，不被回收到肝臟，藉以減輕肝臟負博，使其恢復正常功能。
第二步，打通膽囊、排除膽結石
要排除膽結石，必須先保持一天有３～４次的排便，給予食道空間才能將膽結石排掉。在美國，一年約有一百萬人因為膽結石被割掉膽囊，數據非常驚人！許多人因為無知，白白地被醫生割掉這十分重要的小器官，實際上，只需要４天時間，就能將膽結石以自然的方式排出體外，可說非常簡單。
只需４天就能排除膽結石的方法
所需準備的材料
３瓶32盎司(約949cc)的有機蘋果汁、或３瓶32盎司(約949cc)的活性水(建議糖尿病患者使用)。
１瓶純磷酸Ｐ30(Ortho-phosphoric acid)。
１瓶橄欖油(任一種類、品牌都可以，１瓶約750cc)。
３顆檸檬。
１小盒硫酸鎂，又名瀉鹽(Epsom salt)，可在一般的西藥房或有機食品店買到。
１小瓶500cc的梨子汁或500cc的芭樂汁(糖尿病患者需改用沒有添加糖分的朝芭樂汁)
食用方法和順序
第一天：將１毫升(約90滴)純磷酸，倒入32盎司蘋果汁內(或32盎司的活性水中)，搖晃混合後，在中午前將其喝完，純磷酸將有助於軟化膽石。
三餐必須喝蔬果汁(一天６杯)，再搭配生菜沙拉和十穀豆米飯並服用纖維粉，如此能達到一天有３～４次的排便。
第二天：與第一天一樣。
第三天：與第一天一樣。
但在下午３～４點時，將１大匙硫酸鎂，加入250cc溫的蒸餾水中，混合後立刻服下。晚上６點(可隨個人的吃飯時間做彈性調整)，吃些少量晚餐，並於３小時後，將250cc橄欖油、３顆檸檬壓汁，加上1/2杯梨子汁(或芭樂汁)用蔬果機慢速混合打成乳狀後，立即飲用。喝完後，立刻上床，將身體側向右邊躺下，並把右腳膝蓋彎曲，壓在肝臟部位，在床上靜臥30分鐘就可起床，做任何事。
第四天：早上一起床，將１大匙硫酸鎂，加入250cc溫的蒸餾水中混合後立刻飲下。記得一天之內要喝８杯蒸餾水，並於每杯水中加入２小匙纖維粉，一天喝８次，以確定能使腸內的膽結石經由糞便全數排出體外(此為一種排毒做法，不會痛、也沒感覺)。第一次排便沒有看見什麼東西，第二次排便就會看見很多膽結石浮在馬桶的水上，第三次排便只有少許，第四次就沒有了。
排出的膽結石可能小如砂石、綠豆，也有可能大如豌豆、蠶豆，顏色則有青色、黃色或棕色。身體排出膽結石10天後，會感覺身心輕鬆、心情愉快及不易發怒，皮膚也變得細緻光滑，口臭、體臭都會在10天內獲得改善。
身體容易產生結石的人，可於每年春天和初秋兩季，利用上述的方法，自行排除膽結石，清除體內毒素。
此外，飲食方面，也要盡量避免煎、炸、炒、烤等食物，同時戒除咖啡、茶及汽水類的飲品，還要避免奶類製品，例如牛奶、牛油、乳酪、冰淇淋、巧克力等，也記得不要同時吃豆腐和煮熟的菠菜。當然，喝水是最佳的方法，記得多喝蒸餾水，一天必須飲用８杯，才能發揮效果。同時也可在吃飯前喝一杯甜菜根汁，或每天早上用２大匙橄欖油加一顆檸檬壓汁，混合後喝下，就可避免再發生結石。
除了排除膽結石，如果有腎結石的困擾，則可以將４顆檸檬壓汁，加入半加侖（約２公升)的活性水內，在一天之內將其喝完，如此連續飲用３～４天，加上勤做足部腎臟反射區的按摩，腎結石也會溶解(不論大或小的腎結石都可被溶解)，並被排出體外。
記得！每天運動30分鐘，多吃蔬菜水果，飲用６杯蔬果原汁，排除體內結石，就是如此簡單。
吳醫師小叮嚀
這四天的的排石，也可用來幫助清肝 。
一般的人雖然沒有感覺結石，但多多少少都有膽沙，可在每年春季做四天，將膽沙排掉，避免以後發生結石的痛苦。
所謂膽固醇，是指被人體攝取的脂肪未被分解成為養分，而囤積在體內的脂肪，因此變成了膽固醇和脂肪廢物，而這類物質又以動物性脂肪所形成的較多，就算你一點脂肪和油都不吃，肝臟每天自己也會製造1,000～1,500亳克的膽固醇，來供應身體的需求。
血液中的膽固醇一旦過度增加，血液就變得較沈重，黏性也會增大，要輸送這種血液，心臟的負荷變得沈重，心臟機能自然也受到了影響。同時黏附在血管的氧化膽固醇，不僅有害血管，也會堆積在血管壁內，而使血管受到堵塞失去彈性，這種情形就像水管長期使用後，裡面會生鏽一樣。
膽固醇愈積愈多，則原本流暢的血管將變得狹窄，全體血管所受的壓力也會增大，於是就會發生高血壓，嚴重的甚至會有腦溢血的現象。不過，膽固醇雖是油的一種，也並非只有壞處，它是幫助肝臟製造膽汁、合成荷爾蒙和維生素D3的重要原料。而且體內本來就會自行合成膽固醇，主要是在肝臟進行，體內的膽固醇僅有25%需來自食物。
肝臟的運作如同汽車一般，汽車是透過排氣管排除廢氣，我們身體裡的肝臟則是將壞膽固醇、多餘的鈣、氧化的油、毒素、廢物等送進膽囊，膽囊再將這些廢物製成膽汁，由膽管流入十二指腸，以幫助分化脂肪及我們吃進的油脂、脂肪變成油酸，部分油酸會被肝臟靜脈吸收，另一部分則由淋巴管吸收或被送入大腸內。
使用過的膽汁沿著小腸流入大腸，可以潤滑大腸壁，幫助蠕動並加速排便，同特也將這些膽汁連同大便，一起排出體外。但如果長期大便緩慢，甚至有宿便、便祕的情形，膽汁就會在腸內停留過久，而被回收到肝臟，使得肝臟的負荷增加同時也使膽固醇升高。
由於我們身體裡的膽囊，只是一個小小的袋型器官，無法承受過多肝臟送進的壞膽固醇與毒素，因而過多的壞膽固醇、毒素就被遺留在肝臟內，再被送進血液中，因此血液中的膽固醇就會上升。但如果膽囊製造的膽汁，無法被排出十二指腸，久而久之，膽汁就會漸漸變得濃稠，變得乾燥，最後形成膽結石，阻塞了膽汁的流通，因而妨礙膽汁進入十二指腸分化脂肪。
雖然食用油和脂肪還可以經由胰臟分泌出的脂肪酶分化，但當膽汁無法執行任務，只剩下脂肪酶單打獨鬥，是無法將全部脂肪分化的，而這些部分沒被分化的脂肪流入大腸內，如果沒有快速隨大便排出，也會使膽固醇升高。
降膽固醇藥物，非解決高膽固醇的最好方法
肝臟每天約製造1,000～1,500百毫克的膽固醇，供應全身細胞、皮膚組織及身體各器官的需求，並協助製造荷爾蒙。沒有足夠的膽固醇，就無法製造足夠的荷爾蒙，沒有足夠的荷爾蒙，就會加速我們老化、掉髮、陽痿、性無能等問題的產生。
要知道肝臟製造膽固醇的管道，同時也是製造輔酶Ｑ10的管道，若沒有足夠的輔酶Ｑ10，心臟便無法伸展肌肉和收縮，導致心臟停止跳動而死亡。輔酶Ｑ10是由米糠所提煉出來的，一天要吃20碗糙米飯才能得到足夠的輔酶Ｑ10，這是不可能做到的，所以只有適時補充輔酶Ｑ10，或停止服用降膽固醇藥物，才能根本解決心臟停止跳動的危機。
雖然降低膽固醇的藥，在目前被廣泛的使用，也有一定的效果，但不能忽略的是，降膽固醇藥會將製造膽固醇的管道阻塞、切斷，肝臟便無法製造膽固醇送入血液中，血液中膽固醇自然而然下降，但也會提高心跳停止、突然死亡的機率。
此外，服用降膽固醇的藥，有時還有伴隨頭痛、呼吸困難、脾氣暴躁等副作用，長期服用降膽固醇的藥，還會使人加速老化，甚至導致肝癌、肝臟硬化等罹患機率。若不得已必須服用降膽固醇藥的同時，建議必須加倍服用輔酶Ｑ10，來幫助心臟肌肉的伸展和收縮。
然而，服用降膽固醇的藥，並非解決高膽固醇最好的方法，想要降低膽固醇的第一個步驟，就是必須保持一天３～４次的排便。第二個步驟則是打通膽囊，排除膽結石，讓膽汁順暢流入食道內。
降低膽固醇的二大步驟
第一步，保持一天３～４次排便
可維持一天喝六杯蔬果原汁，搭配二盤生菜沙拉與十穀豆米飯飯，加上服食全天然的纖維粉(纖維粉並不會影響腸子蠕動過快，也不會拉肚子。建議選擇無色、無味不含人工色素和無添加果糖甜味的為佳)，以及一天飲用八杯蒸餾水，水記得要慢慢地喝，才能有效幫助排便。
一天若能保持約３～４次排便，不僅可以排除體內宿便，還能確保吃進的食用油、脂肪，不被回收到肝臟，藉以減輕肝臟負博，使其恢復正常功能。
第二步，打通膽囊、排除膽結石
要排除膽結石，必須先保持一天有３～４次的排便，給予食道空間才能將膽結石排掉。在美國，一年約有一百萬人因為膽結石被割掉膽囊，數據非常驚人！許多人因為無知，白白地被醫生割掉這十分重要的小器官，實際上，只需要４天時間，就能將膽結石以自然的方式排出體外，可說非常簡單。
只需４天就能排除膽結石的方法
所需準備的材料
３瓶32盎司(約949cc)的有機蘋果汁、或３瓶32盎司(約949cc)的活性水(建議糖尿病患者使用)。
１瓶純磷酸Ｐ30(Ortho-phosphoric acid)。
１瓶橄欖油(任一種類、品牌都可以，１瓶約750cc)。
３顆檸檬。
１小盒硫酸鎂，又名瀉鹽(Epsom salt)，可在一般的西藥房或有機食品店買到。
１小瓶500cc的梨子汁或500cc的芭樂汁(糖尿病患者需改用沒有添加糖分的朝芭樂汁)
食用方法和順序
第一天：將１毫升(約90滴)純磷酸，倒入32盎司蘋果汁內(或32盎司的活性水中)，搖晃混合後，在中午前將其喝完，純磷酸將有助於軟化膽石。
三餐必須喝蔬果汁(一天６杯)，再搭配生菜沙拉和十穀豆米飯並服用纖維粉，如此能達到一天有３～４次的排便。
第二天：與第一天一樣。
第三天：與第一天一樣。
但在下午３～４點時，將１大匙硫酸鎂，加入250cc溫的蒸餾水中，混合後立刻服下。晚上６點(可隨個人的吃飯時間做彈性調整)，吃些少量晚餐，並於３小時後，將250cc橄欖油、３顆檸檬壓汁，加上1/2杯梨子汁(或芭樂汁)用蔬果機慢速混合打成乳狀後，立即飲用。喝完後，立刻上床，將身體側向右邊躺下，並把右腳膝蓋彎曲，壓在肝臟部位，在床上靜臥30分鐘就可起床，做任何事。
第四天：早上一起床，將１大匙硫酸鎂，加入250cc溫的蒸餾水中混合後立刻飲下。記得一天之內要喝８杯蒸餾水，並於每杯水中加入２小匙纖維粉，一天喝８次，以確定能使腸內的膽結石經由糞便全數排出體外(此為一種排毒做法，不會痛、也沒感覺)。第一次排便沒有看見什麼東西，第二次排便就會看見很多膽結石浮在馬桶的水上，第三次排便只有少許，第四次就沒有了。
排出的膽結石可能小如砂石、綠豆，也有可能大如豌豆、蠶豆，顏色則有青色、黃色或棕色。身體排出膽結石10天後，會感覺身心輕鬆、心情愉快及不易發怒，皮膚也變得細緻光滑，口臭、體臭都會在10天內獲得改善。
身體容易產生結石的人，可於每年春天和初秋兩季，利用上述的方法，自行排除膽結石，清除體內毒素。
此外，飲食方面，也要盡量避免煎、炸、炒、烤等食物，同時戒除咖啡、茶及汽水類的飲品，還要避免奶類製品，例如牛奶、牛油、乳酪、冰淇淋、巧克力等，也記得不要同時吃豆腐和煮熟的菠菜。當然，喝水是最佳的方法，記得多喝蒸餾水，一天必須飲用８杯，才能發揮效果。同時也可在吃飯前喝一杯甜菜根汁，或每天早上用２大匙橄欖油加一顆檸檬壓汁，混合後喝下，就可避免再發生結石。
除了排除膽結石，如果有腎結石的困擾，則可以將４顆檸檬壓汁，加入半加侖（約２公升)的活性水內，在一天之內將其喝完，如此連續飲用３～４天，加上勤做足部腎臟反射區的按摩，腎結石也會溶解(不論大或小的腎結石都可被溶解)，並被排出體外。
記得！每天運動30分鐘，多吃蔬菜水果，飲用６杯蔬果原汁，排除體內結石，就是如此簡單。
吳醫師小叮嚀
這四天的的排石，也可用來幫助清肝 。
一般的人雖然沒有感覺結石，但多多少少都有膽沙，可在每年春季做四天，將膽沙排掉，避免以後發生結石的痛苦。
Sunday, May 31, 2009
治胃寒3法
治胃寒3法
①鲜姜、白糖治胃寒痛：鲜姜500克（细末），白糖250克，腌在一起；每日3次，饭前吃，每次吃1勺（普通汤匙）；坚持吃一星期，一般都能见效；如没彻底好，再继续吃，直至好为止。
②白酒烧鸡蛋治胃寒：二锅头白酒50克，倒在茶盅里，打1个鸡蛋，把酒点燃，酒烧干了鸡蛋也熟了，早晨空胃吃。轻者吃一、二次可愈。注意鸡蛋不加任何调料。
③吃苹果可缓解胃酸：有的人在冬末春初，遇阴冷天或饮食不当，常泛胃酸，很难受。如果此时吃一个或半个大苹果，胃很快舒服了。
①鲜姜、白糖治胃寒痛：鲜姜500克（细末），白糖250克，腌在一起；每日3次，饭前吃，每次吃1勺（普通汤匙）；坚持吃一星期，一般都能见效；如没彻底好，再继续吃，直至好为止。
②白酒烧鸡蛋治胃寒：二锅头白酒50克，倒在茶盅里，打1个鸡蛋，把酒点燃，酒烧干了鸡蛋也熟了，早晨空胃吃。轻者吃一、二次可愈。注意鸡蛋不加任何调料。
③吃苹果可缓解胃酸：有的人在冬末春初，遇阴冷天或饮食不当，常泛胃酸，很难受。如果此时吃一个或半个大苹果，胃很快舒服了。
怎样治疗胃寒？
一般胃寒都是因为胃部长期受凉导致的。首先要想治疗胃寒显而易见的就是从饮食上面对自己进行控制，注意自己的饮食方式，饮食节奏以及饮食质量。少吃或者禁止吃凉的食物。比如：生的瓜果，凉拌黄瓜，凉拌西红柿，各种凉拌菜等以及一些凉的水果，特别是放在冰箱里面的西瓜。
另外反之。尽量多喝热姜汤。姜汤是暖胃的良药，有条件有时间可以坚持每天晚上睡觉前喝一碗姜汤，加个鸡蛋会更好。特别是蛋清是保护胃的最好的营养物质。还有就是药物的治疗。去年冬天我胃寒总是想吐什么都吃不进去。去医院做全面检查后，医生开了这个药效果非常的好 小柴胡冲剂和温胃舒。
很便宜的药却效果很不错。其实治疗胃寒最重要最有效的就是自己的饮食习惯，自己的生活习惯。睡觉注意盖好胃部，有胃寒千万不可以吃刺激性的冷的食物，还有一点就是，尽量不要让自己饿肚子，要按时吃饭，这样可以保证自己的胃能够经常处于一种按时工作状态。再好的药物不如自己的平时饮食的注意。希望我回答的对你有帮助。
另外反之。尽量多喝热姜汤。姜汤是暖胃的良药，有条件有时间可以坚持每天晚上睡觉前喝一碗姜汤，加个鸡蛋会更好。特别是蛋清是保护胃的最好的营养物质。还有就是药物的治疗。去年冬天我胃寒总是想吐什么都吃不进去。去医院做全面检查后，医生开了这个药效果非常的好 小柴胡冲剂和温胃舒。
很便宜的药却效果很不错。其实治疗胃寒最重要最有效的就是自己的饮食习惯，自己的生活习惯。睡觉注意盖好胃部，有胃寒千万不可以吃刺激性的冷的食物，还有一点就是，尽量不要让自己饿肚子，要按时吃饭，这样可以保证自己的胃能够经常处于一种按时工作状态。再好的药物不如自己的平时饮食的注意。希望我回答的对你有帮助。
冷热食物一起吃易患胃寒湿
王先生经常在饮食过后，气从胃部上窜，肚子胀胀的，很不好受，毛病持续多年，虽然不是什么大病，但毛病来时总是浑身不舒服，叫他深受困扰。
新加坡人喜欢一面吃热腾腾、辛辣的食物，一面喝冷饮，冷热食物一起吃，久而久之会造成胃寒湿。
临床90％为胃寒湿
胃痛是常见毛病，但导致胃痛的原因很多，其中饮食习惯是造成胃病发生的主要原因。
中医看胃痛，和西医不同，中医将胃部不适分为胃寒、胃热。兼具中医师及西医资历的张磊说，新加坡胃病患者相当普遍，其中以胃寒湿占绝大多数，以他的临床经验看来，这类病患约占了90％。胃寒湿者较明显的病症是舌苔白腻，也就是舌苔白白的，厚厚的，不易刮除。
中医如何治疗胃痛
张医师说：“胃痛是中医脾胃系统疾病当中的常见病。中医又称胃脘痛，是指上腹部发生疼痛的病症。现代医学中的胃溃疡、十二指肠溃疡，慢性胃炎、胃下垂，胃神经官能症及胃粘膜脱垂等疾患均属中医胃脘痛的范畴。”
他说，胃寒湿主要病因与饮食习惯有关，如饮食不节，嗜食生冷。新加坡人普遍上喜欢一边用餐，一边喝杯冰冻饮料，经常在咖啡店、小贩中心可以看到，许多国人一边吃碗热腾腾的食物，或是咖喱鱼头等辛辣食物，又或是其他有椰浆的食品，一边又喝冷饮，经常冷热食物一起吃，久而久之造成胃寒湿。再加上现代人的生活节奏快，精神紧张，饮食不规律，造成脾胃病发病率越来越高。
张磊医师说，对胃痛的治疗，中医以“理气止痛”为临床上通用之法，但是，还须进一步审证求因，主要辨别是病邪（寒、热、食滞等）阻滞引起的，还是脏腑失调（肝气郁结、脾胃虚弱）引起的；病在肝，还是病在脾胃；是实证（病邪阻滞、肝郁，肝火），还是虚证（脾胃阳虚或胃阴不足）；尚属气滞，还是已成血瘀等几个方面。比如：
——表现为胃痛为急性发作，畏寒喜暖，局部热敷痛减，属寒。
治法：散寒止痛用良附丸加减。轻症仅用局部热敷或服生姜汤、猪肚汤即可止痛。
——胃胀闷，甚则疼痛，嗳腐吞酸，呕吐不消化食物，吐后痛减，苔厚腻。则为食积。
治法：消食导滞用保和丸加减。
——胃胀，痛连及两胁，打嗝（嗳气），则属气滞，而且多为慢性疼痛。
治法：疏肝理气用柴胡疏肝散加减。
——如表现为胃痛连绵，喜温喜按，没有食欲，神疲乏力，舌淡白，多属虚寒。
治法：温中散寒。用黄芪建中汤加减。
胃痛者的饮食调理
张磊医师说，胃痛者的饮食调理特别重要，对于脾胃寒湿，便溏，舌苔白腻者应该少吃或是禁止吃生冷的食物，以及椰浆做的食品，从冰箱取出的水果，尤其是橘子类，应该隔一个时候才吃。同时，不论任何人，都不要在生气后立即进食。
他说，脾胃寒湿者可多吃胡椒猪肚汤，或是老姜煮水，对胃寒湿者具有很好的疗效。胡椒和老姜则是健胃、暖胃的调味药，可以调理好胃寒的病症，恢复健康脾胃。
对于胃酸过多引起的胃痛，首先要纠正不良的饮食习惯。多食清淡、少刺激性食物，谨防食物中的过酸、过甜、过咸、过苦、过辛，不可使五味有所偏嗜。
对于长期胃痛的病人，张磊医师说：“每日三餐都应定时，间隔时间要合理，尤其是西医诊断为胃及十二指肠溃疡者要特别注意。”
须注意的是，张磊医师说：“除了中医的辨证治疗外，应强调的一点是，胃痛也要借助西医的检查以明确西医的诊断。排除恶性病变如胃癌等，以免延误治疗。对于胃病应取西医在检查手段方面有优势，配合中医的调理会取得较理想的治疗效果。”
新加坡人喜欢一面吃热腾腾、辛辣的食物，一面喝冷饮，冷热食物一起吃，久而久之会造成胃寒湿。
临床90％为胃寒湿
胃痛是常见毛病，但导致胃痛的原因很多，其中饮食习惯是造成胃病发生的主要原因。
中医看胃痛，和西医不同，中医将胃部不适分为胃寒、胃热。兼具中医师及西医资历的张磊说，新加坡胃病患者相当普遍，其中以胃寒湿占绝大多数，以他的临床经验看来，这类病患约占了90％。胃寒湿者较明显的病症是舌苔白腻，也就是舌苔白白的，厚厚的，不易刮除。
中医如何治疗胃痛
张医师说：“胃痛是中医脾胃系统疾病当中的常见病。中医又称胃脘痛，是指上腹部发生疼痛的病症。现代医学中的胃溃疡、十二指肠溃疡，慢性胃炎、胃下垂，胃神经官能症及胃粘膜脱垂等疾患均属中医胃脘痛的范畴。”
他说，胃寒湿主要病因与饮食习惯有关，如饮食不节，嗜食生冷。新加坡人普遍上喜欢一边用餐，一边喝杯冰冻饮料，经常在咖啡店、小贩中心可以看到，许多国人一边吃碗热腾腾的食物，或是咖喱鱼头等辛辣食物，又或是其他有椰浆的食品，一边又喝冷饮，经常冷热食物一起吃，久而久之造成胃寒湿。再加上现代人的生活节奏快，精神紧张，饮食不规律，造成脾胃病发病率越来越高。
张磊医师说，对胃痛的治疗，中医以“理气止痛”为临床上通用之法，但是，还须进一步审证求因，主要辨别是病邪（寒、热、食滞等）阻滞引起的，还是脏腑失调（肝气郁结、脾胃虚弱）引起的；病在肝，还是病在脾胃；是实证（病邪阻滞、肝郁，肝火），还是虚证（脾胃阳虚或胃阴不足）；尚属气滞，还是已成血瘀等几个方面。比如：
——表现为胃痛为急性发作，畏寒喜暖，局部热敷痛减，属寒。
治法：散寒止痛用良附丸加减。轻症仅用局部热敷或服生姜汤、猪肚汤即可止痛。
——胃胀闷，甚则疼痛，嗳腐吞酸，呕吐不消化食物，吐后痛减，苔厚腻。则为食积。
治法：消食导滞用保和丸加减。
——胃胀，痛连及两胁，打嗝（嗳气），则属气滞，而且多为慢性疼痛。
治法：疏肝理气用柴胡疏肝散加减。
——如表现为胃痛连绵，喜温喜按，没有食欲，神疲乏力，舌淡白，多属虚寒。
治法：温中散寒。用黄芪建中汤加减。
胃痛者的饮食调理
张磊医师说，胃痛者的饮食调理特别重要，对于脾胃寒湿，便溏，舌苔白腻者应该少吃或是禁止吃生冷的食物，以及椰浆做的食品，从冰箱取出的水果，尤其是橘子类，应该隔一个时候才吃。同时，不论任何人，都不要在生气后立即进食。
他说，脾胃寒湿者可多吃胡椒猪肚汤，或是老姜煮水，对胃寒湿者具有很好的疗效。胡椒和老姜则是健胃、暖胃的调味药，可以调理好胃寒的病症，恢复健康脾胃。
对于胃酸过多引起的胃痛，首先要纠正不良的饮食习惯。多食清淡、少刺激性食物，谨防食物中的过酸、过甜、过咸、过苦、过辛，不可使五味有所偏嗜。
对于长期胃痛的病人，张磊医师说：“每日三餐都应定时，间隔时间要合理，尤其是西医诊断为胃及十二指肠溃疡者要特别注意。”
须注意的是，张磊医师说：“除了中医的辨证治疗外，应强调的一点是，胃痛也要借助西医的检查以明确西医的诊断。排除恶性病变如胃癌等，以免延误治疗。对于胃病应取西医在检查手段方面有优势，配合中医的调理会取得较理想的治疗效果。”
方舟子：夏枯草具有明确毒性 怕上火喝凉茶没必要
“王老吉”凉茶据说是广东鹤山人王泽邦(乳名王吉)于1828年开始销售的产品。目前作为植物饮料销售,其标明的成分为“水、白砂糖、仙草、蛋花、布渣叶、菊花、金银花、夏枯草、甘草”,后面的7种都是中草药(“蛋花”不是指鸡蛋,而是夹竹桃科有毒植物缅栀的花)。
和其他广东凉茶一样,“王老吉”自称具有“清热去火”的保健功能,“怕上火就喝王老吉”的广告早已喊遍全国。
王老吉以及许多广东凉茶之所以使用夏枯草,是由于夏枯草据说在夏至后逐渐枯萎,中医理论因此认为它生来有“纯阳之气”,一遇阴气即枯,就可以用它来“补厥阴血脉”。但是,迄今没有任何严格的临床试验证明夏枯草对人体有什么有益功效。
用自身的经历难以确定某种疾病与饮用某种饮料之间存在因果关系,因此,叶征潮认为自己的胃溃疡是由于饮用了王老吉所导致并没有循证依据。然而,王老吉所含的夏枯草成分具有毒副作用,却是有科学证据的。主要的证据来自动物实验。有些人对此很不以为然,认为中草药已用了几百上千年,经验已足以证明它们很安全,不比动物实验更有说服力吗？
这种说法虽然在中国人中很流行,却经不起推敲。一种药物被使用了几百几千年,并不能证明其无毒。如果一种药物的毒性很强很急,吃了以后很快就出现严重反应乃至致命,那是有可能通过经验发现的。但是有的药物,毒性较慢、中毒症状不那么明显,例如要经过几年、十几年才会出现症状的慢性毒,以及能导致癌症、畸胎、肝肾损伤的药物毒性,是很难通过经验摸索出来的。
因此用动物做毒理学实验是必不可少的。我们可以让动物服用大剂量的药物,以此推测长期或大量服用药物所造成的后果。也可以解剖动物的身体、器官,发现药物对器官造成的伤害。这些都是经验不可能发现、也没法拿人体来做实验的。
实际上中医典籍对夏枯草是否有毒,有相互冲突的说法。《神农本草经》将夏枯草归为有毒、不可久服的“下品”药,而《本草纲目》则称其“无毒”。
科学的证据则是明确的。有多项动物实验表明夏枯草能导致不良反应。夏枯草的乙醇提取液能抑制小鼠的细胞和体液免疫反应。皮下注射可使动物胸腺、脾脏明显萎缩,肾上腺明显增大;腹腔注射可使血浆皮质醇水平明显升高,外周血淋巴细胞数量明显减少。这些都表明夏枯草可能是一种免疫抑制剂,长期或大量服用能使机体的免疫功能受到抑制(以上研究见于《山西医药杂志》《甘肃医药》等刊物)。
另外,服用夏枯草水提物能使小鼠的血清丙氨酸基移换酶和血清天门冬氨基移换酶的值都明显升高,说明夏枯草还有肝脏毒性作用。临床上,有幼儿因服用含苍耳子、夏枯草和鸡内金的中草药3个月导致急性重症肝炎而死亡的报道(台湾“张景岳中医药研究中心”2003年通报)。也有报道因服用夏枯草导致过敏,表现为皮肤瘙痒、丘疹,甚至因过敏性休克而昏倒(从1983年开始有多起事故通报,见于《上海中医药杂志》《四川中医》等期刊)。
没有必要的凉茶
有的人承认喝凉茶有可能会让身体出问题,但把这归咎为不懂乱喝。比如,一种说法是“胃寒”的人不宜喝凉茶。“胃寒”是中医术语,是很模糊的描述,大概相当于胃酸分泌过少导致的消化不良。但是夏枯草的不良反应主要发生在免疫系统和肝脏,与消化系统并无关联,所以不管是“胃寒”还是“胃热”的人都有可能出现不良反应。
当然,药物都难免会有不良反应,有时为了治病只好忍受其不良反应,但是前提是不良反应不是特别严重,而且该药物确实是有疗效的。如果一种药物并没有被证明对身体有何益处,却已知会有毒副作用,那么还去服用它,显然是很不明智的。
所以,接下来的问题就是,喝凉茶对身体会有什么特别的益处吗？许多人认为有,“怕上火就喝王老吉”嘛。“上火”也是中医对许多症状的一个笼统、模糊的说法,因素很多,在现代医学中没有对应的称呼。口腔“上火”症状,有的可能是因为缺乏维生素B2导致的唇炎、口角炎,有的可能是缺乏维生素C导致的牙龈、粘膜出血,更常见的可能是细菌、病毒感染引起的炎症(例如口腔炎、口腔溃疡、急性牙周炎、牙龈炎等)。天气炎热、干燥引起的脱水,也会让人觉得“上火”。
针对不同的病因要做不同的治疗。缺维生素引起的要适量补充维生素,细菌感染引起的要使用抗菌、消炎药。病毒感染引起的无特效药,通常几天内会自愈,但是病毒仍然在体内潜伏,在某些情况下(例如精神压力大)会被再次激活,所以这类“上火”不能断根。至于脱水,当然要补充水分。
那么凉茶对上述种种“上火”会有什么疗效吗？没有证据能够证明。你喝了凉茶觉得“火”降下去了,可能是身体的自我康复,也可能是心理作用,还可能是因为凉茶补充了身体欠缺的水分或某种维生素——在这种情况下喝水、茶或果汁显然更为安全。
有人认为广东天气潮湿、气候炎热,所以必须喝凉茶。但世界上生活在“天气潮湿、气候炎热”地方的人多得是,他们不喝凉茶身体也不比广东人差。除非广东人的身体有必须喝凉茶的特殊构造,否则没有任何必须喝凉茶的道理。
因此喝这类可能含有有毒成分的凉茶是一种对身体有害无益的生活习惯。不良的生活习惯很难改变,没有必要也不可能去禁止。但是对于企业为迎合乃至于推广不良生活习惯而生产的产品,却应该加强管理。既然王老吉含有具有毒副作用的草药成分,就不应该作为普通饮料或保健饮料销售——作为食品和保健品的基本要求是必须没有毒副作用,有毒副作用的产品应该作为药品加以管理。
和其他广东凉茶一样,“王老吉”自称具有“清热去火”的保健功能,“怕上火就喝王老吉”的广告早已喊遍全国。
王老吉以及许多广东凉茶之所以使用夏枯草,是由于夏枯草据说在夏至后逐渐枯萎,中医理论因此认为它生来有“纯阳之气”,一遇阴气即枯,就可以用它来“补厥阴血脉”。但是,迄今没有任何严格的临床试验证明夏枯草对人体有什么有益功效。
用自身的经历难以确定某种疾病与饮用某种饮料之间存在因果关系,因此,叶征潮认为自己的胃溃疡是由于饮用了王老吉所导致并没有循证依据。然而,王老吉所含的夏枯草成分具有毒副作用,却是有科学证据的。主要的证据来自动物实验。有些人对此很不以为然,认为中草药已用了几百上千年,经验已足以证明它们很安全,不比动物实验更有说服力吗？
这种说法虽然在中国人中很流行,却经不起推敲。一种药物被使用了几百几千年,并不能证明其无毒。如果一种药物的毒性很强很急,吃了以后很快就出现严重反应乃至致命,那是有可能通过经验发现的。但是有的药物,毒性较慢、中毒症状不那么明显,例如要经过几年、十几年才会出现症状的慢性毒,以及能导致癌症、畸胎、肝肾损伤的药物毒性,是很难通过经验摸索出来的。
因此用动物做毒理学实验是必不可少的。我们可以让动物服用大剂量的药物,以此推测长期或大量服用药物所造成的后果。也可以解剖动物的身体、器官,发现药物对器官造成的伤害。这些都是经验不可能发现、也没法拿人体来做实验的。
实际上中医典籍对夏枯草是否有毒,有相互冲突的说法。《神农本草经》将夏枯草归为有毒、不可久服的“下品”药,而《本草纲目》则称其“无毒”。
科学的证据则是明确的。有多项动物实验表明夏枯草能导致不良反应。夏枯草的乙醇提取液能抑制小鼠的细胞和体液免疫反应。皮下注射可使动物胸腺、脾脏明显萎缩,肾上腺明显增大;腹腔注射可使血浆皮质醇水平明显升高,外周血淋巴细胞数量明显减少。这些都表明夏枯草可能是一种免疫抑制剂,长期或大量服用能使机体的免疫功能受到抑制(以上研究见于《山西医药杂志》《甘肃医药》等刊物)。
另外,服用夏枯草水提物能使小鼠的血清丙氨酸基移换酶和血清天门冬氨基移换酶的值都明显升高,说明夏枯草还有肝脏毒性作用。临床上,有幼儿因服用含苍耳子、夏枯草和鸡内金的中草药3个月导致急性重症肝炎而死亡的报道(台湾“张景岳中医药研究中心”2003年通报)。也有报道因服用夏枯草导致过敏,表现为皮肤瘙痒、丘疹,甚至因过敏性休克而昏倒(从1983年开始有多起事故通报,见于《上海中医药杂志》《四川中医》等期刊)。
没有必要的凉茶
有的人承认喝凉茶有可能会让身体出问题,但把这归咎为不懂乱喝。比如,一种说法是“胃寒”的人不宜喝凉茶。“胃寒”是中医术语,是很模糊的描述,大概相当于胃酸分泌过少导致的消化不良。但是夏枯草的不良反应主要发生在免疫系统和肝脏,与消化系统并无关联,所以不管是“胃寒”还是“胃热”的人都有可能出现不良反应。
当然,药物都难免会有不良反应,有时为了治病只好忍受其不良反应,但是前提是不良反应不是特别严重,而且该药物确实是有疗效的。如果一种药物并没有被证明对身体有何益处,却已知会有毒副作用,那么还去服用它,显然是很不明智的。
所以,接下来的问题就是,喝凉茶对身体会有什么特别的益处吗？许多人认为有,“怕上火就喝王老吉”嘛。“上火”也是中医对许多症状的一个笼统、模糊的说法,因素很多,在现代医学中没有对应的称呼。口腔“上火”症状,有的可能是因为缺乏维生素B2导致的唇炎、口角炎,有的可能是缺乏维生素C导致的牙龈、粘膜出血,更常见的可能是细菌、病毒感染引起的炎症(例如口腔炎、口腔溃疡、急性牙周炎、牙龈炎等)。天气炎热、干燥引起的脱水,也会让人觉得“上火”。
针对不同的病因要做不同的治疗。缺维生素引起的要适量补充维生素,细菌感染引起的要使用抗菌、消炎药。病毒感染引起的无特效药,通常几天内会自愈,但是病毒仍然在体内潜伏,在某些情况下(例如精神压力大)会被再次激活,所以这类“上火”不能断根。至于脱水,当然要补充水分。
那么凉茶对上述种种“上火”会有什么疗效吗？没有证据能够证明。你喝了凉茶觉得“火”降下去了,可能是身体的自我康复,也可能是心理作用,还可能是因为凉茶补充了身体欠缺的水分或某种维生素——在这种情况下喝水、茶或果汁显然更为安全。
有人认为广东天气潮湿、气候炎热,所以必须喝凉茶。但世界上生活在“天气潮湿、气候炎热”地方的人多得是,他们不喝凉茶身体也不比广东人差。除非广东人的身体有必须喝凉茶的特殊构造,否则没有任何必须喝凉茶的道理。
因此喝这类可能含有有毒成分的凉茶是一种对身体有害无益的生活习惯。不良的生活习惯很难改变,没有必要也不可能去禁止。但是对于企业为迎合乃至于推广不良生活习惯而生产的产品,却应该加强管理。既然王老吉含有具有毒副作用的草药成分,就不应该作为普通饮料或保健饮料销售——作为食品和保健品的基本要求是必须没有毒副作用,有毒副作用的产品应该作为药品加以管理。
Sunday, May 3, 2009
凡事感谢
要使人成为真正有教养和有事业的人，必须具备三个品质：渊博的知识，思维的习惯和高尚的情操。知识不多，就是愚味。不习惯于思维，就是粗鲁或蠢笨。没有高尚的情操就是卑俗。
那些一生未经风雨的人，就像一双脚踩在又平又硬的路上，一脚抬起，什么也没留下；而那些历尽坎坷的人，就像行走在泥泞里，他们走远了，但脚印印证着他们人生的价值——泥泞的路才能留下脚印。
看别人不顺眼，是自己修养不够，地上种了菜，就不易长草；心中有善，就不易生恶。尽到多少本份，就能得到多少本事。
凡事感谢：
感谢伤害你的人，因为他磨练了你的心志；
感谢拌倒你的人，因为他强化了你的双腿；
感谢欺骗你的人，因为他增进了你的智慧；
感谢蔑视你的人，因为他觉醒了你的自尊；
感谢遗忘你的人，因为他教会你应该独立；
感谢失败，因为他可以使你迈向成功；
感谢风浪，因为他可以洗礼人生的尘埃；
感谢障碍，因为有障碍才能使人创造奇迹；
感谢成长，因为他使生命铺满精彩写满美丽；
凡事感谢，学会感谢，感谢一切使你成长的人，
感谢帮助和鼓励，因为他给我更大的能力和勇气，
同时也感谢批判和挑战。
感谢他提醒我，努力前进和成功，感谢一切帮过我的人。
那些一生未经风雨的人，就像一双脚踩在又平又硬的路上，一脚抬起，什么也没留下；而那些历尽坎坷的人，就像行走在泥泞里，他们走远了，但脚印印证着他们人生的价值——泥泞的路才能留下脚印。
看别人不顺眼，是自己修养不够，地上种了菜，就不易长草；心中有善，就不易生恶。尽到多少本份，就能得到多少本事。
凡事感谢：
感谢伤害你的人，因为他磨练了你的心志；
感谢拌倒你的人，因为他强化了你的双腿；
感谢欺骗你的人，因为他增进了你的智慧；
感谢蔑视你的人，因为他觉醒了你的自尊；
感谢遗忘你的人，因为他教会你应该独立；
感谢失败，因为他可以使你迈向成功；
感谢风浪，因为他可以洗礼人生的尘埃；
感谢障碍，因为有障碍才能使人创造奇迹；
感谢成长，因为他使生命铺满精彩写满美丽；
凡事感谢，学会感谢，感谢一切使你成长的人，
感谢帮助和鼓励，因为他给我更大的能力和勇气，
同时也感谢批判和挑战。
感谢他提醒我，努力前进和成功，感谢一切帮过我的人。
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Stress is Sabotaging Your Diet Success
If there's one thing that gets in the way of you being your healthiest, it's stress. For anyone who's found themselves standing in front of the freezer inhaling spoonfuls of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream (not my real name!) to avoid finishing a project, or waking up three times in the wee hours of the night in anticipation of a difficult conversation, here's some not-so-shocking news: Research shows that anxiety can make you sleep fewer hours, get sick more often, remember less, become more prone to long-term disease and—as if you needed reminding—eat more. No wonder up to 90 percent of doctor visits are for stress-related complaints, a fact that I suspect too many of you know firsthand (though you experience it as GI distress, back pain, a headache or other physical symptom).
In a recent Self.com poll, 85 percent of women said that worries interfere with their ability to catch zzz's, while 71 percent say they're more irritable due to stress. And given the recent headlines about the state of our economy, it's not surprising that 52 percent of women say they are under considerably more stress than they were six months ago. (What is your stress level?)
Grim, yes, but there IS hope. Just as our bodies are wired to react to stress, we're all also programmed to know how to wind down, whether it's by watching a funny movie, sitting in the sauna, sipping some chamomile tea (while dunking a cookie, of course!) or drinking a glass (or two) of wine with dinner. These activities switch on the brain's pleasure centers, blocking the production of the stress hormone cortisol and churning out happiness-inducing chemicals like serotonin instead.
When I feel a tightening in my back or neck coming on, I cope by doing things I love, like going for a long, slow run in the park with my dog. Try a few of these instant soothers, and watch your own stress go from ARGH! to Ahhh.
Turn up the tunes. Listening to music that has a steady (not frenetic) beat may cause brain waves to keep time and relax you, research from a music symposium at Stanford University in California reports. Load your iPod with a playlist of the songs that make you happiest.
Phone a friend. Pouring your heart out to pals can help you cope with bad feelings and brainstorm new ways to solve problems. And don't forget to return the favor: Lending an ear and offering support can make you feel needed and reduce anxiety. (Or drop them an e-card to say thanks!)
Break a sweat. Exercising for 30 minutes makes your body release chemicals that dull the physiological effects of stress response for up to a full day. But the effect only works when the activity is something you really want to do, so make sure you're psyched about channeling your energy in that cardiovascular direction.
Use a better bulb. Outfit your office lamp with an incandescent bulb, particularly if your cubicle is brightened by fluorescent lights. Incandescent and fluorescent lights work together to more closely mimic outside light. And it's sunshine (or the perception of it) that regulates the body's biorhythms. Not getting enough of it can affect hormone levels, suppressing the immune system and increasing the probability of mood swings, depression and sluggishness.
Pamper yourself. Whether you get a pedicure or splurge on a blowout, giving yourself special treatment reduces your blood pressure and gets your mind off what’s bothering you. Science supports this coping mechanism as well: A warm bath can activate neurons that increase serotonin, and a study from Bowling Green State University in Ohio found that a 15-minute massage can significantly cut anxiety levels. Not up for a splurge? Get the same effect from an at-home pedicure, manicure or blowout.
Dine by candlelight. The effect won't just make you look gorgeous. The dim setting actually signals your brain to release melatonin, the good-for-you sleep hormone which ensures a better night's rest. And catching enough zzz's helps keep your stress levels under control and your immune system humming. Can't sleep? See what your stress dreams are trying to tell you.
Snuggle with your sweetie. A simple 20-second kiss or hug increases endorphin levels, while having sex releases more calming hormones than any other form of sex play, researchers at the University of the West of Scotland at Paisley note.
Keep a journal. Jotting down your stressful thoughts can help you look at them more logically, potentially easing anxiety, mentally and physically. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology finds that a mere month of expressive writing can help reduce hypertension. Keep a pretty notebook handy at all times.
Anticipate something awesome. Or something tiny that makes you smile. The point is to look forward to something each day, whether it’s enjoying your morning java or counting down to an exotic vacation. Practicing this will keep your mind from focusing on what could go wrong that day.
Exhibit your exhilarating moments. Tape up pictures of three amazing days you’ve experienced, such as dancing at your wedding or crossing the finish line of a half-marathon. Honing in on the images for at least 10 seconds can lower muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat.
Give someone props. Go on, pay a compliment to someone deserving. Research has shown that the more warm personal connections you make, the better your body is at jettisoning the effects of stress.
Stress-eater? Snack away the tension with these stress-busting foods.
In a recent Self.com poll, 85 percent of women said that worries interfere with their ability to catch zzz's, while 71 percent say they're more irritable due to stress. And given the recent headlines about the state of our economy, it's not surprising that 52 percent of women say they are under considerably more stress than they were six months ago. (What is your stress level?)
Grim, yes, but there IS hope. Just as our bodies are wired to react to stress, we're all also programmed to know how to wind down, whether it's by watching a funny movie, sitting in the sauna, sipping some chamomile tea (while dunking a cookie, of course!) or drinking a glass (or two) of wine with dinner. These activities switch on the brain's pleasure centers, blocking the production of the stress hormone cortisol and churning out happiness-inducing chemicals like serotonin instead.
When I feel a tightening in my back or neck coming on, I cope by doing things I love, like going for a long, slow run in the park with my dog. Try a few of these instant soothers, and watch your own stress go from ARGH! to Ahhh.
Turn up the tunes. Listening to music that has a steady (not frenetic) beat may cause brain waves to keep time and relax you, research from a music symposium at Stanford University in California reports. Load your iPod with a playlist of the songs that make you happiest.
Phone a friend. Pouring your heart out to pals can help you cope with bad feelings and brainstorm new ways to solve problems. And don't forget to return the favor: Lending an ear and offering support can make you feel needed and reduce anxiety. (Or drop them an e-card to say thanks!)
Break a sweat. Exercising for 30 minutes makes your body release chemicals that dull the physiological effects of stress response for up to a full day. But the effect only works when the activity is something you really want to do, so make sure you're psyched about channeling your energy in that cardiovascular direction.
Use a better bulb. Outfit your office lamp with an incandescent bulb, particularly if your cubicle is brightened by fluorescent lights. Incandescent and fluorescent lights work together to more closely mimic outside light. And it's sunshine (or the perception of it) that regulates the body's biorhythms. Not getting enough of it can affect hormone levels, suppressing the immune system and increasing the probability of mood swings, depression and sluggishness.
Pamper yourself. Whether you get a pedicure or splurge on a blowout, giving yourself special treatment reduces your blood pressure and gets your mind off what’s bothering you. Science supports this coping mechanism as well: A warm bath can activate neurons that increase serotonin, and a study from Bowling Green State University in Ohio found that a 15-minute massage can significantly cut anxiety levels. Not up for a splurge? Get the same effect from an at-home pedicure, manicure or blowout.
Dine by candlelight. The effect won't just make you look gorgeous. The dim setting actually signals your brain to release melatonin, the good-for-you sleep hormone which ensures a better night's rest. And catching enough zzz's helps keep your stress levels under control and your immune system humming. Can't sleep? See what your stress dreams are trying to tell you.
Snuggle with your sweetie. A simple 20-second kiss or hug increases endorphin levels, while having sex releases more calming hormones than any other form of sex play, researchers at the University of the West of Scotland at Paisley note.
Keep a journal. Jotting down your stressful thoughts can help you look at them more logically, potentially easing anxiety, mentally and physically. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology finds that a mere month of expressive writing can help reduce hypertension. Keep a pretty notebook handy at all times.
Anticipate something awesome. Or something tiny that makes you smile. The point is to look forward to something each day, whether it’s enjoying your morning java or counting down to an exotic vacation. Practicing this will keep your mind from focusing on what could go wrong that day.
Exhibit your exhilarating moments. Tape up pictures of three amazing days you’ve experienced, such as dancing at your wedding or crossing the finish line of a half-marathon. Honing in on the images for at least 10 seconds can lower muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat.
Give someone props. Go on, pay a compliment to someone deserving. Research has shown that the more warm personal connections you make, the better your body is at jettisoning the effects of stress.
Stress-eater? Snack away the tension with these stress-busting foods.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
豐臣秀吉
豐臣秀吉（1537年3月26日－1598年9月18日、日本戰國時代的大名，自室町幕府瓦解後再次統一日本，最高等級的官位是關白。
經歷
青年時期
豐臣秀吉出生於尾張國愛知郡中村（今愛知縣名古屋市中村區），父親為一貧困農戶（有說法是下級武士），父親木下彌右衛門，母親是大政所。幼年時期取名為日吉丸，仕於織田信長成為武士之後改名木下藤吉郎，綽號禿鼠（猴子為後人所說）.
由於秀吉的出身並非顯貴，有關於他早期的文獻記載十分有限，僅大概知道他少年時曾在尾張、三河、駿河等地方活動，並與尾張地方土豪蜂須賀氏有不錯的交情，曾經在遠江國引馬城成為松下之綱（嘉兵衛，城主飯尾連龍部下）的家臣，但離開原因不明。秀吉在1590年分配領地的時候，分封嘉兵衛遠江國久野城1萬6千石。此外，也有些關於他和忍者間互動的傳說。不管如何，青年時代的秀吉大概是個謀求武士職位的浪人之輩。
信長家臣時期
姬路城1554年以足輕的身分成為了織田信長的家臣，深得信長疼愛，在織田家的地位不斷提升。1564年與淺野長勝的養女彌彌結婚。在《武功夜話》記載，秀吉曾在墨俁河上的沖積三角洲上以一個晚上築起一座城砦作為進攻美濃國的安八郡，並擊退慎村醜之助的部隊。藤吉郎1568年改名為木下秀吉（在1568年文書中有秀吉的記載）。1570年信長準備進攻朝倉義景的中途，在金崎遭到盟友淺井長政的背叛的暗示，在撤退途中受到淺井軍攻擊，此戰秀吉負責殿後，保護信長和家康安全撤離（金崎之戰）。
天正元年1573年信長擊敗了淺井長政，長政自盡，淺井的舊屬歸織田家所有，秀吉被封為近江國今濱城城主，將城改名為長濱城，並改木下姓為羽柴（羽柴，取丹羽長秀和柴田勝家姓中各一字）。1576年支援北陸柴田勝家對抗上杉軍，秀吉見勝家佔下風立即撤離，結果勝家在手取川之戰中大敗，使勝家和信長有所不滿。在織田信忠的指揮下，秀吉參與攻擊松永久秀的戰鬥。1577年赤松則房、別所長治、小寺政職臣從信長之下，秀吉受命攻略中國地方，任播磨國國主，根據城為姬路城，受命後不久別所長治及荒木村重背叛織田信長，秀吉與他們戰鬥，1579年使宇喜多氏完全臣服於織田氏，1580年別所長治和荒木村重戰敗，前者戰敗被捕自盡，後者逃離。秀吉開始與毛利氏及山名氏交戰，攻下了鳥取城、三木城、高松城等重要據點，秀吉在此發揮了長時間包圍戰城池戰法–斷糧，使敵軍提早開城投降。
本能寺之變
1582年明智光秀於支援秀吉出兵毛利途中發動兵變，攻佔京都並夜襲投宿在本能寺的織田信長，織田信長焚毀本能寺，屍骨無獲，其長子織田信忠於二條御所戰敗後切腹。當時豐臣秀吉正親自率兵包圍備中國的高松城，由於報信者的失誤，於事變三天後才得知消息。之後，在毛利氏大老小早川隆景主導下，他迅速與毛利氏議和，條件是守將清水宗治自盡，秀吉在5天內強行行軍約200公里返回京都，並隨即與明智軍展開決戰，這次行軍史稱中國大撤退，行動之迅速大大震撼了京師的明智軍。回師之時，秀吉以信長之名為號召，成功收納流竄在各地的信長舊屬，於山崎之戰大敗準備不及的明智光秀，最終明智光秀逃走時被村民殺死，秀吉乘機控制京都一帶，不過無法阻止織田氏家內部出現派系分裂。主要分裂為柴田勝家、織田信雄、織田信孝以及羽柴秀吉等派系。
統一日本時期
秀吉在清洲會議上得到多數織田族人與家臣支持，擁立尚在襁褓的信忠長男三法師（元服後稱織田秀信）繼任家督。但為此得罪了同屬織田重臣的柴田勝家，導致其擁立信長三子織田信孝對抗秀吉。隔年，雙方決裂，秀吉先迫使信孝投降，後來羽柴與柴田軍在賤岳決戰，最初勝家佔盡優勢，中川清秀遭到突擊陣亡，但是秀吉率兵衝上前線使形勢急變，最終秀吉取得勝利。跟著羽柴軍包圍北之庄城，勝家與妻子阿市自殺，此外另一重臣瀧川一益則被迫蟄居，織田信孝不久被殺，丹羽長秀和池田恆興歸服，大致上平定了織田家內反秀吉勢力。1583年，秀吉在石山本願寺的舊址上建大坂城，當時到訪的大友宗麟將它稱為「三國無雙的城」，但城堡在防禦上亦有缺點，在大坂冬之陣中，真田信繁進行了修築加強防禦。
1584年，與其合作的信長次子織田信雄聯合德川家康反對秀吉，羽柴軍便與兩人展開史稱小牧·長久手之戰的戰事。此戰之初擁有兵力優勢的羽柴軍直撲德川領地，但途中卻遭到德川軍伏擊，有「鬼武藏」之稱的大將森長可戰死，秀吉其後撤兵，改為攻擊美濃國織田信雄，信雄投降，迫使雙方談和，德川軍與羽柴軍達成和不戰和議，家康派出次男秀康作為人質。
1585年，秀吉派遣秀長、小早川隆景等將領攻打剛統一四國的長宗我部氏，利用兵力的差距迫使其歸降並保有了土佐一國。此外秀吉派遣藤堂高虎為首的部隊，平定了雜賀眾，首領鈴木重意被斬首處死。此外，秀吉派重兵攻打越中國佐佐成政，開戰派大軍包圍，成政不戰而降。1586年秀吉將其妹旭姬與德川家康進行婚姻，並為家康正室，將自己的母親大政所送回家康身邊成為人質，德川家康此後臣從秀吉。1585年秀吉被近衛前久收為養，就任關白，1586年受賜姓豐臣並就任太政大臣，確立了政權。
1586年，九州大名大友宗麟向秀吉請求支援，1587年派遣秀長率領大軍攻擊島津氏的支城，使義久投降，戰後島津氏被分配到薩摩和大隅兩國。1588年秀吉開始實行刀狩令，加強了兵農分離的政策。
1589年北條氏的家臣豬俁邦憲奪取了真田昌幸管轄下名胡桃城，導致秀吉下令全日本大名討伐北條氏，不服從者將會受到失到領土的處分。秀吉率20萬大軍向北條氏攻擊，攻陷北條各個支城下逐漸向小田原城包圍，7月北條氏政、氏直父子投降。氏政、氏照兩兄弟切腹自盡，氏直被流放到高野山，戰後秀吉為各大名分封新的領土。
1591年，將關白之位讓給外甥豐臣秀次，自稱太閤（前關白的尊稱）。1591年秀吉進行他人生中最後一場日本國內戰爭，派遣了蒲生氏鄉、淺野長政及石田三成聯同東北地方大名平定九戶政實之亂。同年，秀吉命令茶人千利休切腹自盡，原因不明。
征伐朝鮮及晚年
豐臣秀吉的花押。公元1592年豐臣秀吉率兵20萬侵略朝鮮兵員為西日本諸大名為主。戰爭初期，久經沙場的日軍攻勢猛烈、勢如破竹，以極快的速度先後攻佔朝鮮王京漢城與陪都平壤，並迅速攻佔朝鮮境內大量主要城市，直趨明朝邊境。朝鮮王馬上向明朝求救。明神宗派遣遼東總兵李如松率兵入援朝鮮。在明軍（約5萬）和朝鮮三道水師提督李舜臣等的反擊下，日軍屢遭重創。
終於在1593年日軍因損失過大，豐臣秀吉遂與明朝和談。
其時日方代表小西行長偽造秀吉降表與明朝議和，而明方使者沈惟敬就稱秀吉的目的是要求恢復雙方邊貿易。雙方於是締結和約，日軍就此暫退釜山。此為文祿之役。
1595年，豐臣秀吉將豐臣秀次流放到高野山然後令其自盡，此外亦處死其支持者，包括前野長康等人。處死的原因可能是當時人民流傳著殺生關白過去所發生的亂行，加上秀吉打算以年幼的次男秀賴作為家中的繼承人，因此秀吉處死有關人士。
亦有說法指，秀吉曾向明朝開列的條件，包括明朝把公主下嫁天皇（和親），割讓朝鮮南部領土，將朝鮮世子作人質等才退兵。（曰割朝鮮四道與我、曰封通聘、曰封爵，其餘逸而不傳。）
數年後，亦1596年九月，秀吉歡喜地迎接明朝使者，明、朝議和使來日，秀吉宴饗之。然宣讀國書，始知議和實為冊封，大明欲封秀吉為日本國王。秀吉方覺受騙，大怒道：「吾掌握日本，欲王則王，何待髯虜之封！且吾而為王，何以對天皇！」，並欲殺明朝使節，為旁人勸止，於是下令驅逐明朝使節。秀吉不久後再次遣兵入侵朝鮮。日軍盤據釜山，再進逼漢陽。然而明朝援軍（約8萬）加入戰鬥行列後，日軍陷入困境，被迫死守於海岸各城堡。史稱-「慶長之役」）
1598年8月18日，豐臣秀吉於戰役中逝世，死於伏見城，享年62歲。死前他亦已託付前田利家監視德川家康及輔佐豐臣秀賴。而入侵朝鮮的日軍在接獲五大老的命令及以石田三成為首的五奉行安排下逐漸撤軍，可是這場戰役日軍損失巨大；元氣大傷，此役也埋下了德川家康日後成為征夷大將軍的一個重要伏因。而日本與朝鮮的關係，到1607年才恢復正常。
政績
到達日本界港的南蠻船（十六世紀油畫）他的經貿政策多承傳自織田信長，發展南蠻貿易，以樂座樂市和朱印船貿易等振興商業；並利用控制都市及鑄造貨幣等辦法規範經濟；以太閤檢地和刀狩等政策用來確立稅制，徹底地兵農分離，為江戶時代的幕藩體制打下了穩定的基礎。
軼事
豐臣體型瘦小，但動作敏捷極富才智戰略，頗為織田信長欣賞；雖織田以禿鼠（猴子為後人所說，禿鼠之稱出現於信長寫給寧寧之信中可見）稱呼他，卻也不吝於拔擢豐臣秀吉升遷，豐臣遂忠心耿耿於織田；為德川素所忌憚豐臣之能戰。
在前田利家及弗洛伊斯的記載相關書籍秀吉的右手有六隻手指，拇指有多一隻手指，但後來秀吉為了遮掩事實，於是故意隱藏六隻手指的事情。
秀吉死因有不同說法，較為人所知的有胃癌、好色色癆精盡而死。
晚年失去應有判斷力，也是豐臣氏滅亡的原因，將豐臣秀次及其一族處死，以及發動文祿·慶長之役是他秀吉最大的爭議。
經歷
青年時期
豐臣秀吉出生於尾張國愛知郡中村（今愛知縣名古屋市中村區），父親為一貧困農戶（有說法是下級武士），父親木下彌右衛門，母親是大政所。幼年時期取名為日吉丸，仕於織田信長成為武士之後改名木下藤吉郎，綽號禿鼠（猴子為後人所說）.
由於秀吉的出身並非顯貴，有關於他早期的文獻記載十分有限，僅大概知道他少年時曾在尾張、三河、駿河等地方活動，並與尾張地方土豪蜂須賀氏有不錯的交情，曾經在遠江國引馬城成為松下之綱（嘉兵衛，城主飯尾連龍部下）的家臣，但離開原因不明。秀吉在1590年分配領地的時候，分封嘉兵衛遠江國久野城1萬6千石。此外，也有些關於他和忍者間互動的傳說。不管如何，青年時代的秀吉大概是個謀求武士職位的浪人之輩。
信長家臣時期
姬路城1554年以足輕的身分成為了織田信長的家臣，深得信長疼愛，在織田家的地位不斷提升。1564年與淺野長勝的養女彌彌結婚。在《武功夜話》記載，秀吉曾在墨俁河上的沖積三角洲上以一個晚上築起一座城砦作為進攻美濃國的安八郡，並擊退慎村醜之助的部隊。藤吉郎1568年改名為木下秀吉（在1568年文書中有秀吉的記載）。1570年信長準備進攻朝倉義景的中途，在金崎遭到盟友淺井長政的背叛的暗示，在撤退途中受到淺井軍攻擊，此戰秀吉負責殿後，保護信長和家康安全撤離（金崎之戰）。
天正元年1573年信長擊敗了淺井長政，長政自盡，淺井的舊屬歸織田家所有，秀吉被封為近江國今濱城城主，將城改名為長濱城，並改木下姓為羽柴（羽柴，取丹羽長秀和柴田勝家姓中各一字）。1576年支援北陸柴田勝家對抗上杉軍，秀吉見勝家佔下風立即撤離，結果勝家在手取川之戰中大敗，使勝家和信長有所不滿。在織田信忠的指揮下，秀吉參與攻擊松永久秀的戰鬥。1577年赤松則房、別所長治、小寺政職臣從信長之下，秀吉受命攻略中國地方，任播磨國國主，根據城為姬路城，受命後不久別所長治及荒木村重背叛織田信長，秀吉與他們戰鬥，1579年使宇喜多氏完全臣服於織田氏，1580年別所長治和荒木村重戰敗，前者戰敗被捕自盡，後者逃離。秀吉開始與毛利氏及山名氏交戰，攻下了鳥取城、三木城、高松城等重要據點，秀吉在此發揮了長時間包圍戰城池戰法–斷糧，使敵軍提早開城投降。
本能寺之變
1582年明智光秀於支援秀吉出兵毛利途中發動兵變，攻佔京都並夜襲投宿在本能寺的織田信長，織田信長焚毀本能寺，屍骨無獲，其長子織田信忠於二條御所戰敗後切腹。當時豐臣秀吉正親自率兵包圍備中國的高松城，由於報信者的失誤，於事變三天後才得知消息。之後，在毛利氏大老小早川隆景主導下，他迅速與毛利氏議和，條件是守將清水宗治自盡，秀吉在5天內強行行軍約200公里返回京都，並隨即與明智軍展開決戰，這次行軍史稱中國大撤退，行動之迅速大大震撼了京師的明智軍。回師之時，秀吉以信長之名為號召，成功收納流竄在各地的信長舊屬，於山崎之戰大敗準備不及的明智光秀，最終明智光秀逃走時被村民殺死，秀吉乘機控制京都一帶，不過無法阻止織田氏家內部出現派系分裂。主要分裂為柴田勝家、織田信雄、織田信孝以及羽柴秀吉等派系。
統一日本時期
秀吉在清洲會議上得到多數織田族人與家臣支持，擁立尚在襁褓的信忠長男三法師（元服後稱織田秀信）繼任家督。但為此得罪了同屬織田重臣的柴田勝家，導致其擁立信長三子織田信孝對抗秀吉。隔年，雙方決裂，秀吉先迫使信孝投降，後來羽柴與柴田軍在賤岳決戰，最初勝家佔盡優勢，中川清秀遭到突擊陣亡，但是秀吉率兵衝上前線使形勢急變，最終秀吉取得勝利。跟著羽柴軍包圍北之庄城，勝家與妻子阿市自殺，此外另一重臣瀧川一益則被迫蟄居，織田信孝不久被殺，丹羽長秀和池田恆興歸服，大致上平定了織田家內反秀吉勢力。1583年，秀吉在石山本願寺的舊址上建大坂城，當時到訪的大友宗麟將它稱為「三國無雙的城」，但城堡在防禦上亦有缺點，在大坂冬之陣中，真田信繁進行了修築加強防禦。
1584年，與其合作的信長次子織田信雄聯合德川家康反對秀吉，羽柴軍便與兩人展開史稱小牧·長久手之戰的戰事。此戰之初擁有兵力優勢的羽柴軍直撲德川領地，但途中卻遭到德川軍伏擊，有「鬼武藏」之稱的大將森長可戰死，秀吉其後撤兵，改為攻擊美濃國織田信雄，信雄投降，迫使雙方談和，德川軍與羽柴軍達成和不戰和議，家康派出次男秀康作為人質。
1585年，秀吉派遣秀長、小早川隆景等將領攻打剛統一四國的長宗我部氏，利用兵力的差距迫使其歸降並保有了土佐一國。此外秀吉派遣藤堂高虎為首的部隊，平定了雜賀眾，首領鈴木重意被斬首處死。此外，秀吉派重兵攻打越中國佐佐成政，開戰派大軍包圍，成政不戰而降。1586年秀吉將其妹旭姬與德川家康進行婚姻，並為家康正室，將自己的母親大政所送回家康身邊成為人質，德川家康此後臣從秀吉。1585年秀吉被近衛前久收為養，就任關白，1586年受賜姓豐臣並就任太政大臣，確立了政權。
1586年，九州大名大友宗麟向秀吉請求支援，1587年派遣秀長率領大軍攻擊島津氏的支城，使義久投降，戰後島津氏被分配到薩摩和大隅兩國。1588年秀吉開始實行刀狩令，加強了兵農分離的政策。
1589年北條氏的家臣豬俁邦憲奪取了真田昌幸管轄下名胡桃城，導致秀吉下令全日本大名討伐北條氏，不服從者將會受到失到領土的處分。秀吉率20萬大軍向北條氏攻擊，攻陷北條各個支城下逐漸向小田原城包圍，7月北條氏政、氏直父子投降。氏政、氏照兩兄弟切腹自盡，氏直被流放到高野山，戰後秀吉為各大名分封新的領土。
1591年，將關白之位讓給外甥豐臣秀次，自稱太閤（前關白的尊稱）。1591年秀吉進行他人生中最後一場日本國內戰爭，派遣了蒲生氏鄉、淺野長政及石田三成聯同東北地方大名平定九戶政實之亂。同年，秀吉命令茶人千利休切腹自盡，原因不明。
征伐朝鮮及晚年
豐臣秀吉的花押。公元1592年豐臣秀吉率兵20萬侵略朝鮮兵員為西日本諸大名為主。戰爭初期，久經沙場的日軍攻勢猛烈、勢如破竹，以極快的速度先後攻佔朝鮮王京漢城與陪都平壤，並迅速攻佔朝鮮境內大量主要城市，直趨明朝邊境。朝鮮王馬上向明朝求救。明神宗派遣遼東總兵李如松率兵入援朝鮮。在明軍（約5萬）和朝鮮三道水師提督李舜臣等的反擊下，日軍屢遭重創。
終於在1593年日軍因損失過大，豐臣秀吉遂與明朝和談。
其時日方代表小西行長偽造秀吉降表與明朝議和，而明方使者沈惟敬就稱秀吉的目的是要求恢復雙方邊貿易。雙方於是締結和約，日軍就此暫退釜山。此為文祿之役。
1595年，豐臣秀吉將豐臣秀次流放到高野山然後令其自盡，此外亦處死其支持者，包括前野長康等人。處死的原因可能是當時人民流傳著殺生關白過去所發生的亂行，加上秀吉打算以年幼的次男秀賴作為家中的繼承人，因此秀吉處死有關人士。
亦有說法指，秀吉曾向明朝開列的條件，包括明朝把公主下嫁天皇（和親），割讓朝鮮南部領土，將朝鮮世子作人質等才退兵。（曰割朝鮮四道與我、曰封通聘、曰封爵，其餘逸而不傳。）
數年後，亦1596年九月，秀吉歡喜地迎接明朝使者，明、朝議和使來日，秀吉宴饗之。然宣讀國書，始知議和實為冊封，大明欲封秀吉為日本國王。秀吉方覺受騙，大怒道：「吾掌握日本，欲王則王，何待髯虜之封！且吾而為王，何以對天皇！」，並欲殺明朝使節，為旁人勸止，於是下令驅逐明朝使節。秀吉不久後再次遣兵入侵朝鮮。日軍盤據釜山，再進逼漢陽。然而明朝援軍（約8萬）加入戰鬥行列後，日軍陷入困境，被迫死守於海岸各城堡。史稱-「慶長之役」）
1598年8月18日，豐臣秀吉於戰役中逝世，死於伏見城，享年62歲。死前他亦已託付前田利家監視德川家康及輔佐豐臣秀賴。而入侵朝鮮的日軍在接獲五大老的命令及以石田三成為首的五奉行安排下逐漸撤軍，可是這場戰役日軍損失巨大；元氣大傷，此役也埋下了德川家康日後成為征夷大將軍的一個重要伏因。而日本與朝鮮的關係，到1607年才恢復正常。
政績
到達日本界港的南蠻船（十六世紀油畫）他的經貿政策多承傳自織田信長，發展南蠻貿易，以樂座樂市和朱印船貿易等振興商業；並利用控制都市及鑄造貨幣等辦法規範經濟；以太閤檢地和刀狩等政策用來確立稅制，徹底地兵農分離，為江戶時代的幕藩體制打下了穩定的基礎。
軼事
豐臣體型瘦小，但動作敏捷極富才智戰略，頗為織田信長欣賞；雖織田以禿鼠（猴子為後人所說，禿鼠之稱出現於信長寫給寧寧之信中可見）稱呼他，卻也不吝於拔擢豐臣秀吉升遷，豐臣遂忠心耿耿於織田；為德川素所忌憚豐臣之能戰。
在前田利家及弗洛伊斯的記載相關書籍秀吉的右手有六隻手指，拇指有多一隻手指，但後來秀吉為了遮掩事實，於是故意隱藏六隻手指的事情。
秀吉死因有不同說法，較為人所知的有胃癌、好色色癆精盡而死。
晚年失去應有判斷力，也是豐臣氏滅亡的原因，將豐臣秀次及其一族處死，以及發動文祿·慶長之役是他秀吉最大的爭議。
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Biography on Jean Paul Getty
Jean Paul Getty (1892-1976) was a billionaire independent oil producer who founded and controlled the Getty Oil Company and over 200 affiliated companies.
Jean Paul Getty was born on December 15, 1892, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father, George Franklin Getty, was a lawyer, but in 1904 he moved his wife, Sarah Risher Getty, and his son to the Oklahoma territory to begin a successful career as an independent oilman. Two years later the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where young Getty attended private school before graduating from Polytechnic High School in 1909. After a European tour he attended the University of Southern California and the University of California at Berkeley; he spent his summers working on his father's oil rigs as a "roustabout." In 1912 Getty enrolled in Oxford University in England, from which he received a degree in economics and political science in 1914.
In 1914 Getty arrived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, determined to strike it rich as a wildcat oil producer. Although he operated independently of his father's Minnehoma Oil Company, his father's loans and financial backing enabled him to begin buying and selling oil leases in the red-bed area of Oklahoma. Getty saw himself as a modern oil man, relying on geological data and not simply on the instinct of the experienced veterans, but he also thrived on the excitement, gamble, risks, and high stakes of the oil business. Getty's own first successful well came in in 1916, and by the fall of that year he had made his first million dollars as a wildcatter and lease broker.
For the next two years Getty "retired" to the life of a wealthy playboy in Los Angeles, but he returned to the oil business in 1919. During the 1920s he and his father continued to be enormously successful both in drilling their own wells and in buying and selling oil leases, and Getty became more active in California than in Oklahoma. He amassed a personal fortune of over three million dollars and acquired a third interest in what was to become the Getty Oil Company.
After his father's death in 1930 Paul Getty became the president of the George Getty Oil Company (successor to Minnehoma Oil), but his mother inherited the controlling interest, as his father had been upset with his son's profligate personal life. During the 1930s Getty followed several paths to both short-term and long-term success. His wells continued to produce, and profits poured in. He also bought a controlling interest in the Pacific Western Oil Corporation, one of the ten largest oil companies in California. After a series of agreements with his mother he obtained the controlling interest in the George Getty Oil Company, and he began real estate dealings, including the purchase of the Hotel Pierre in New York City.
The Getty Oil Company
Getty's ambition was to build up an independent, self-contained oil business involving refining, transporting, and selling oil as well as exploration and drilling. To that end he began in the 1930s to gain control of the Tidewater Oil Company. Getty pursued that goal in a series of complicated maneuvers, which involved tilting with the giant Standard Oil of New Jersey, until in the 1950s he had control of Tidewater, Skelly Oil, and the Mission Corporation. In 1967 these companies merged into the Getty Oil Company, the foundation of Getty's fortune. Getty had a majority or controlling interest in Getty Oil and its nearly 200 affiliated and subsidiary firms, and he remained its president until his death in 1976.
At the outbreak of World War II, Getty, a yachtsman, volunteered for service in the Navy, but his offer was rejected. At the request of Naval officers, however, he took over personal management of Spartan Aircraft, a Skelly and Getty subsidiary. The corporation manufactured trainers and airplane parts, and it later converted to the profitable production of mobile homes.
After the war Getty took a lucrative gamble on oil rights in the Middle East. In 1949 he secured the oil rights in Saudi Arabia's half of the Neutral Zone, a barren tract between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He made major concessions to King Saud, which shocked the large oil companies, but after three years and a $30 million investment, Getty found the huge oil deposits which helped make him a billionaire.
In his business career, Getty continued to invest and reinvest; his fortune consisted not of cash, but stocks, corporate assets, and real estate. A loner, he saw himself as a solitary knight in fierce battle with the giant "Seven Sisters" oil firms, and that competitive urge fueled his desire to build a larger and larger fortune.
A "Public" Personal Life
In 1957 Fortune magazine published a list of the richest men in America. Getty's name headed the list, and the resultant publicity turned the reclusive Getty into an object of public fascination and legend. Getty complained about the fame, the requests for money, and the assumption that he would pick up every restaurant check, but he also furthered his own legends: he wrote articles on such topics as "How To Be Rich" and pretended to poverty by wearing rumpled suits and threadbare sweaters. The public was fascinated by Getty's wealth and extravagance and also by his reputed stinginess. After 1959 he stopped living out of hotel rooms and established his home and offices at Sutton Place, a 16th-century, 700-acre manor outside London. The huge estate, with its gardens, pools, trout stream, and priceless furnishings, was also a near garrison, with elaborate security arrangements. Giant Alsatian dogs had the run of the estate, and there were also two caged lions, Nero and Teresa. Numerous stories circulated about Getty's penny-pitching; the most famous incident was the installation of a pay telephone on the Sutton Place grounds. Getty offered various explanations, but the public preferred to see the phone booth as a symbol of his stinginess.
The public also seemed to like to read into Getty's life the lesson that money does not buy happiness. Getty was married five times: to Jeannette Dumont (1923), Allene Ashby (1925), Adolphine Helmle (1928), Ann Rork (1932), and Louisa Lynch (1939); each marriage ended in divorce. He had five sons, two of whom predeceased him, and his relationship with each of them was difficult. His grandson, J. Paul Getty III, was kidnapped in Italy in 1973. Although he was returned for a ransom, part of his ear had been cut off. Getty was a celebrity, and public interest, fueled by envy and admiration, focused on Getty's tragedies as well as his billions.
Besides oil, Getty's major interest was art. He began serious collecting in the 1930s--European paintings, furniture, Greek and Roman sculptures, 18th-century tapestries, silver, and fine Persian carpets, including the 16th-century Ardabil carpet from Tabriz. He housed his collection at Sutton Place and at his ranch house at Malibu, California, one wing of which he opened as the J. Paul Getty Museum in 1954. In 1969 construction began on a new Getty Museum, also on his Malibu property. The huge building is a replica of an ancient Roman villa found near the ruins of Pompeii, and the extensive Getty collection was moved there after his death.
Jean Paul Getty was born on December 15, 1892, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father, George Franklin Getty, was a lawyer, but in 1904 he moved his wife, Sarah Risher Getty, and his son to the Oklahoma territory to begin a successful career as an independent oilman. Two years later the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where young Getty attended private school before graduating from Polytechnic High School in 1909. After a European tour he attended the University of Southern California and the University of California at Berkeley; he spent his summers working on his father's oil rigs as a "roustabout." In 1912 Getty enrolled in Oxford University in England, from which he received a degree in economics and political science in 1914.
In 1914 Getty arrived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, determined to strike it rich as a wildcat oil producer. Although he operated independently of his father's Minnehoma Oil Company, his father's loans and financial backing enabled him to begin buying and selling oil leases in the red-bed area of Oklahoma. Getty saw himself as a modern oil man, relying on geological data and not simply on the instinct of the experienced veterans, but he also thrived on the excitement, gamble, risks, and high stakes of the oil business. Getty's own first successful well came in in 1916, and by the fall of that year he had made his first million dollars as a wildcatter and lease broker.
For the next two years Getty "retired" to the life of a wealthy playboy in Los Angeles, but he returned to the oil business in 1919. During the 1920s he and his father continued to be enormously successful both in drilling their own wells and in buying and selling oil leases, and Getty became more active in California than in Oklahoma. He amassed a personal fortune of over three million dollars and acquired a third interest in what was to become the Getty Oil Company.
After his father's death in 1930 Paul Getty became the president of the George Getty Oil Company (successor to Minnehoma Oil), but his mother inherited the controlling interest, as his father had been upset with his son's profligate personal life. During the 1930s Getty followed several paths to both short-term and long-term success. His wells continued to produce, and profits poured in. He also bought a controlling interest in the Pacific Western Oil Corporation, one of the ten largest oil companies in California. After a series of agreements with his mother he obtained the controlling interest in the George Getty Oil Company, and he began real estate dealings, including the purchase of the Hotel Pierre in New York City.
The Getty Oil Company
Getty's ambition was to build up an independent, self-contained oil business involving refining, transporting, and selling oil as well as exploration and drilling. To that end he began in the 1930s to gain control of the Tidewater Oil Company. Getty pursued that goal in a series of complicated maneuvers, which involved tilting with the giant Standard Oil of New Jersey, until in the 1950s he had control of Tidewater, Skelly Oil, and the Mission Corporation. In 1967 these companies merged into the Getty Oil Company, the foundation of Getty's fortune. Getty had a majority or controlling interest in Getty Oil and its nearly 200 affiliated and subsidiary firms, and he remained its president until his death in 1976.
At the outbreak of World War II, Getty, a yachtsman, volunteered for service in the Navy, but his offer was rejected. At the request of Naval officers, however, he took over personal management of Spartan Aircraft, a Skelly and Getty subsidiary. The corporation manufactured trainers and airplane parts, and it later converted to the profitable production of mobile homes.
After the war Getty took a lucrative gamble on oil rights in the Middle East. In 1949 he secured the oil rights in Saudi Arabia's half of the Neutral Zone, a barren tract between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He made major concessions to King Saud, which shocked the large oil companies, but after three years and a $30 million investment, Getty found the huge oil deposits which helped make him a billionaire.
In his business career, Getty continued to invest and reinvest; his fortune consisted not of cash, but stocks, corporate assets, and real estate. A loner, he saw himself as a solitary knight in fierce battle with the giant "Seven Sisters" oil firms, and that competitive urge fueled his desire to build a larger and larger fortune.
A "Public" Personal Life
In 1957 Fortune magazine published a list of the richest men in America. Getty's name headed the list, and the resultant publicity turned the reclusive Getty into an object of public fascination and legend. Getty complained about the fame, the requests for money, and the assumption that he would pick up every restaurant check, but he also furthered his own legends: he wrote articles on such topics as "How To Be Rich" and pretended to poverty by wearing rumpled suits and threadbare sweaters. The public was fascinated by Getty's wealth and extravagance and also by his reputed stinginess. After 1959 he stopped living out of hotel rooms and established his home and offices at Sutton Place, a 16th-century, 700-acre manor outside London. The huge estate, with its gardens, pools, trout stream, and priceless furnishings, was also a near garrison, with elaborate security arrangements. Giant Alsatian dogs had the run of the estate, and there were also two caged lions, Nero and Teresa. Numerous stories circulated about Getty's penny-pitching; the most famous incident was the installation of a pay telephone on the Sutton Place grounds. Getty offered various explanations, but the public preferred to see the phone booth as a symbol of his stinginess.
The public also seemed to like to read into Getty's life the lesson that money does not buy happiness. Getty was married five times: to Jeannette Dumont (1923), Allene Ashby (1925), Adolphine Helmle (1928), Ann Rork (1932), and Louisa Lynch (1939); each marriage ended in divorce. He had five sons, two of whom predeceased him, and his relationship with each of them was difficult. His grandson, J. Paul Getty III, was kidnapped in Italy in 1973. Although he was returned for a ransom, part of his ear had been cut off. Getty was a celebrity, and public interest, fueled by envy and admiration, focused on Getty's tragedies as well as his billions.
Besides oil, Getty's major interest was art. He began serious collecting in the 1930s--European paintings, furniture, Greek and Roman sculptures, 18th-century tapestries, silver, and fine Persian carpets, including the 16th-century Ardabil carpet from Tabriz. He housed his collection at Sutton Place and at his ranch house at Malibu, California, one wing of which he opened as the J. Paul Getty Museum in 1954. In 1969 construction began on a new Getty Museum, also on his Malibu property. The huge building is a replica of an ancient Roman villa found near the ruins of Pompeii, and the extensive Getty collection was moved there after his death.
Sik Wai Sin Eating House - Cantonese Tze Char
Notorious for its long history of prostitution, Geylang Road, fronted by low-rise shophouses – protected from urban redevelopment in keeping with its history and heritage – is also famous for the delicious food offerings. And Sik Wai Sin Eating House, once voted Top 50 restaurants in Singapore by the Sunday Times along the likes of Morton’s, Au Jardin, Les Amis, Iggy’s, and Garibaldi, is one of them.
Although located in a dingy tiny coffeeshop, Sik Wai Sin is nothing short of a stalwart in Cantonese-styled Tze Char (literally means “cook and fried” in dialect). In order to bring out the best in each dish, HFB quickly realised that one do not have many choices when it comes to dishes to order – almost every table was eating the same fare!
Stir-fried KaiLan with Garlic was well fried, and wasn’t over-cooked – with stump of the vegetables still retaining crunch. The savoury sauce was flavourful, but dish was oily overall.
One of their signatured dishes, the Homemade Tofu Fried with Giant Prawns, in Egg Sauce was a joy to consume. The tofu was well woked with aroma, and the prawns, lip smacking juicy and crunchy – certainly a brilliant pairing with a bowl of rice.
The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Fish certainly brings back the good old memories from my grandparents’ time. A dish, which HFB would claim to be traditional, he reckons not many youngsters nowadays would take to this dish because of the fishy smell (from the salted fish). Although another nice dish to go with the rice, HFB finds that the dish was slightly overcooked and thus, the meat was slightly tough. A pathetic serving of the salted fish, nevertheless any extra and the dish will be too salty for consumption.
The Steamed Fishhead is probably their trademark dish, and it was inevitable that one would find this on almost each and every table. Comes in only one serving size (big that is – we tried asking for small), the humongous fishhead can easily feed a handful of adults. Covered in Bean Paste and Pork Lard, it’s probably the latter that sets it apart from the many other steamed fishhead out there. Rid of the muddy taste of a typical fresh-water fish, the fish is fleshy and tender – so much so that even a non-fishhead eater has plenty of meat to go for. Go with a spread of the bean paste and a piece of lard and “nirvana” is the only word that came close to mind.
The last among all dishes served, the Sweet and Sour Pork wasn’t really worth the wait. Although the pork is nicely coated with an intensely tangy sauce captured via an incredible high heated wok, HFB found the meat a little too tough to chew – probably from over-frying. Since being served last, the meat also gets to one towards the end.
*Prices of dishes are not quoted due to restaurant not producing an itemised receipt. However, HFB did remembered not paying more than $30 per pax for the dinner.
Rating
Food: 4/5 (Lean towards being oily but overall still good)
Service: 3/5 (Waited quite awhile for the last dish)
Ambience: 2.5/5 (Hot and stuffy, place is cramp)
Price: 3.5/5 (Affordable but slightly pricey for tze char's standard)
Total: 13/20
287 Geylang Road
Singapore 389334
Although located in a dingy tiny coffeeshop, Sik Wai Sin is nothing short of a stalwart in Cantonese-styled Tze Char (literally means “cook and fried” in dialect). In order to bring out the best in each dish, HFB quickly realised that one do not have many choices when it comes to dishes to order – almost every table was eating the same fare!
Stir-fried KaiLan with Garlic was well fried, and wasn’t over-cooked – with stump of the vegetables still retaining crunch. The savoury sauce was flavourful, but dish was oily overall.
One of their signatured dishes, the Homemade Tofu Fried with Giant Prawns, in Egg Sauce was a joy to consume. The tofu was well woked with aroma, and the prawns, lip smacking juicy and crunchy – certainly a brilliant pairing with a bowl of rice.
The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Fish certainly brings back the good old memories from my grandparents’ time. A dish, which HFB would claim to be traditional, he reckons not many youngsters nowadays would take to this dish because of the fishy smell (from the salted fish). Although another nice dish to go with the rice, HFB finds that the dish was slightly overcooked and thus, the meat was slightly tough. A pathetic serving of the salted fish, nevertheless any extra and the dish will be too salty for consumption.
The Steamed Fishhead is probably their trademark dish, and it was inevitable that one would find this on almost each and every table. Comes in only one serving size (big that is – we tried asking for small), the humongous fishhead can easily feed a handful of adults. Covered in Bean Paste and Pork Lard, it’s probably the latter that sets it apart from the many other steamed fishhead out there. Rid of the muddy taste of a typical fresh-water fish, the fish is fleshy and tender – so much so that even a non-fishhead eater has plenty of meat to go for. Go with a spread of the bean paste and a piece of lard and “nirvana” is the only word that came close to mind.
The last among all dishes served, the Sweet and Sour Pork wasn’t really worth the wait. Although the pork is nicely coated with an intensely tangy sauce captured via an incredible high heated wok, HFB found the meat a little too tough to chew – probably from over-frying. Since being served last, the meat also gets to one towards the end.
*Prices of dishes are not quoted due to restaurant not producing an itemised receipt. However, HFB did remembered not paying more than $30 per pax for the dinner.
Rating
Food: 4/5 (Lean towards being oily but overall still good)
Service: 3/5 (Waited quite awhile for the last dish)
Ambience: 2.5/5 (Hot and stuffy, place is cramp)
Price: 3.5/5 (Affordable but slightly pricey for tze char's standard)
Total: 13/20
287 Geylang Road
Singapore 389334
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may or may not be as a result of infection, from bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic or autoimmune issues. Newer classifications of sinusitis refer to it as rhinosinusitis, taking into account the thought that inflammation of the sinuses cannot occur without some inflammation of the nose as well (rhinitis).
Classification
By location
There are several paired paranasal sinuses, including the frontal, ethmoid, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. The ethmoid sinuses can also be further broken down into anterior and posterior, the division of which is defined as the basal lamella of the middle turbinate. In addition to the acuity of disease, discussed below, sinusitis can be classified by the sinus cavity which it affects:
Maxillary sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure in the maxillary (cheek) area (e.g., toothache, headache)
Frontal sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure in the frontal sinus cavity (located behind/above eyes), headache
Ethmoid sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure pain between/behind eyes, headache
Sphenoid sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure behind the eyes, but often refers to the vertex of the head
Recent theories of sinusitis indicate that it often occurs as part of a spectrum of diseases that affect the respiratory tract (i.e., the "one airway" theory) and is often linked to asthma. All forms of sinusitis may either result in, or be a part of, a generalized inflammation of the airway so other airway symptoms such as cough may be associated with it.
Left-sided maxillar sinusitis (Absence of the air transparency of left maxillar sinus)
By duration
Sinusitis can be acute (going on less than four weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks) or chronic (going on for 12 weeks or more). All three types of sinusitis have similar symptoms, and are thus often difficult to distinguish.
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is usually precipitated by an earlier upper respiratory tract infection, generally of viral origin. Virally damaged surface tissues are then colonized by bacteria, most commonly Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Other bacterial pathogens include other Staphylococcus aureus and other streptococci species, anaerobic bacteria and, less commonly, gram negative bacteria. Viral sinusitis typically lasts for 7 to 10 days, whereas bacterial sinusitis is more persistent. Approximately 0.5% to 2% of viral sinusitis extends into bacterial sinusitis. One hypothesis postulates that the bacterial infection begins with nose blowing.
Acute episodes of sinusitis can also result from fungal invasion. These infections are most often seen in patients with diabetes or other immune deficiencies (such as AIDS or transplant patients on anti-rejection medications) and can be life threatening. In type I diabetes, ketoacidosis causes sinusitis by Mucormycosis.
Rarely, it may be caused by a tooth infection.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a complicated spectrum of diseases that share chronic inflammation of the sinuses in common. It is divided into cases with polyps and cases without, and the former is sometimes called chronic hyperplastic sinusitis. The causes are poorly understood and may include allergy, environmental factors such as dust or pollution, bacterial infection, or fungus (either allergic, infective, or reactive). Non allergic factors such as vasomotor rhinitis can also cause chronic sinus problems. Abnormally narrow sinus passages, which can impede drainage from the sinus cavities could also be a factor. A combination of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria are observed, including Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Typically antibiotics provide only a temporary benefit, although mechanisms involving hyperresponsiveness to bacteria have been proposed for sinusitis with polyps. Most
Symptoms include: nasal congestion; facial pain; headache; fever; general malaise; thick green or yellow discharge; vertigo or lightheadedness; blurred vision, feeling of facial 'fullness' or 'tightness' which worsens on bending over; aching teeth, and halitosis; and occasionally diarrhea with a mucus-like substance in it. Very rarely, chronic sinusitis can lead to Anosmia, the inability to smell or detect odors.[citation needed] In a small number of cases, chronic maxillary sinusitis can also be brought on by the spreading of bacteria from a dental infection.
Attempts have been made to provide a more consistent nomenclature 6 for subtypes of chronic sinusitis. Many patients have demonstrated the presence of eosinophils in the mucous lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. As such the name Eosinophilic Mucin RhinoSinusitis (EMRS) has come into being. Cases of EMRS may be related to an allergic response, but allergy is often not documentable, resulting in further subcategorization of allergic and non-allergic EMRS.
A more recent, and still debated, development in chronic sinusitis is the role that fungus may play. Fungus can be found in the nasal cavities and sinuses of most patients with sinusitis, but can also be found in healthy people as well. It remains unclear if fungus is a definite factor in the development of chronic sinusitis and if it is, what the difference may be between those who develop the disease and those who do not. Trials of antifungal treatments have had mixed results.
Symptoms
Sinus headache
Headache/facial pain or pressure of a dull, constant, or aching sort over the affected sinuses can be seen with either acute or chronic stages of sinusitis. This pain is typically localized to the involved sinus and may worsen when the affected person bends over or when in the supine position.
Acute and chronic sinusitis may be accompanied by thick purulent nasal discharge (usually green in colour and with or without blood) and localized headache (toothache) are present and it is these symptoms that can differentiate sinus related (or rhinogenic) headache from other headache phenomena such as tension headache and migraine headache.
Migraine misdiagnosis
Recent studies suggest that up to 90% of "sinus headaches" are actually migraines. The confusion occurs in part because migraine involves activation of the trigeminal nerves which innervate both the sinus region but also the meninges which surround the brain. As a result, direct determination of the site of pain origination can be confused on a cortical level. Additionally, nasal congestion is not an uncommon result of migraine headaches, due to the autonomic nervous stimulation that can also result in tearing (lacrimation) and a runny nose (rhinorrhea). A study found that patients with "sinus headache" respond to triptan migraine medications, and state dissatisfaction with their treatment when they are treated with decongestants or antibiotics.
Predisposing factors
Factors which may predispose to developing sinusitis include: allergies; structural problems such as a deviated septum or small sinus ostia; smoking; nasal polyps; carrying the cystic fibrosis gene (research is still tentative); prior bouts of sinusitis as each instance may result in increased inflammation of the nasal or sinus mucosa and potentially further narrow the openings.
Role of biofilms
Biofilms are complex aggregates of extracellular matrix and inter-dependent microorganisms from multiple species, many of which may be difficult or impossible to isolate using standard clinical laboratory techniques. Bacteria found in biofilms may show increased antibiotic resistance when compared to free-living bacteria of the same species. It has been hypothesized that biofilm-type infections may account for many cases of antibiotic-refractory chronic sinusitis. A recent study found that biofilms were present on the mucosa of 3/4 of patients undergoing surgery for chronic sinusitis.
Diagnosis
Acute sinusitis
Usually sinusitis is diagnosed clinically.
Bacterial and viral acute sinusitis are difficult to distinguish however, disease duration less than 7 days is considered as a viral whereas more than 7 days are considered as a bacterial sinusitis (usually 30% to 50% are bacterial sinusitis). Nosocomial acute sinusitis is confirmed with the help of CT scan of the sinuses.
Chronic sinusitis
For sinusitis lasting more than 12 weeks, criteria are lacking. A CT scan is recommended, but insufficient to confirm diagnosis. Nasal endoscopy, a CT scan, and clinical symptoms are used together. A tissue sample for histology and cultures can also be used. Allergic fungal sinusitis are seen in a person with asthma and nasal polyps. Multiple biopsy is informative to confirm the diagnosis.
Nasal endoscopy involves inserting a flexible fiber-optic tube with a light and camera at its tip into the nose to examine the nasal passages and sinuses. This is generally a completely painless procedure which takes between 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Treatment
Acute sinusitis
Conservative measures
Over the counter (OTC) medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve some of the symptoms associated with sinusitis, such as headaches, pressure, fatigue and pain. Nasal irrigation or jala neti using a warm saline solution may also be effective.
Antibiotics
Even though antibiotics are prescribed to 60 - 90% of patients in the USA and Western Europe they have not been shown to be effective.
The vast majority of cases resolve without antibiotics, however if the symptoms are prolonged amoxicillin is a reasonable first choice with amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) being indicated for patients who fail amoxicillin alone. Fluoroquinolones, some of the newer macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin, and doxycycline, are used in patients who are allergic to penicillins.
Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids have not been found to be better than placebo either alone or in combination with antibiotics.
Chronic sinusitis
Conservative measures
Nasal irrigation may help with symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Medical approaches
Based on the recent theories on the role that fungus may play in the development of chronic sinusitis. Trials of antifungal treatments however have had mixed results.
Surgical treatment
For chronic or recurring sinusitis, referral to an otolaryngologist may be indicated for more specialist assessment and treatment, which may include nasal surgery. However, for most patients the surgical approach is not superior to appropriate medical treatment. Surgery should only be considered for those patients who do not experience sufficient relief from optimal medication.
A relatively recent advance in the treatment of sinusitis is a type of surgery called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), whereby normal clearance from the sinuses is restored by removing the anatomical and pathological obstructive variations that predispose to sinusitis. This replaces prior open techniques requiring facial or oral incisions and refocuses the technique to the natural openings of the sinuses instead of promoting drainage by gravity, the idea upon which the Caldwell-Luc surgery was based.
Another recently developed treatment is balloon sinuplasty. This method, similar to balloon angioplasty used to "unclog" arteries of the heart, utilizes balloons in an attempt to expand the openings of the sinuses in a less invasive manner. Its final role in the treatment of sinus disease is still under debate but appears promising.
A number of surgical approaches can be used to access the sinuses and these have generally shifted from external/extranasal approaches to intranasal endoscopic ones. The benefit of the Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery FESS is its ability to allow for a more targeted approach to the affected sinuses, reducing tissue disruption, and minimizing post-operative complications.
For persistent symptoms and disease in patients who have failed medical and the functional endoscopic approach, older techniques can be used to address the maxillary sinus such as the Caldwell-Luc radical antrostomy (e.g. incision in the upper gum, opening in the anterior wall of the antrum, removal of the entire diseased maxillary sinus mucosa and drainage is allowed into inferior or middle meatus by creating a large window in the lateral nasal wall.)
External links
Core Curriculum Syllabus: Nose and Paranasal Sinuses (Baylor College of Medicine)
Sinus Headache - Medterm.com
Sinus infection - MedicineNet.com.
Acute sinusitis - MayoClinic.com, from the Web site of the Mayo Clinic.
Chronic sinusitis - MayoClinic.com, from the Web site of the Mayo Clinic
Classification
By location
There are several paired paranasal sinuses, including the frontal, ethmoid, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. The ethmoid sinuses can also be further broken down into anterior and posterior, the division of which is defined as the basal lamella of the middle turbinate. In addition to the acuity of disease, discussed below, sinusitis can be classified by the sinus cavity which it affects:
Maxillary sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure in the maxillary (cheek) area (e.g., toothache, headache)
Frontal sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure in the frontal sinus cavity (located behind/above eyes), headache
Ethmoid sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure pain between/behind eyes, headache
Sphenoid sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure behind the eyes, but often refers to the vertex of the head
Recent theories of sinusitis indicate that it often occurs as part of a spectrum of diseases that affect the respiratory tract (i.e., the "one airway" theory) and is often linked to asthma. All forms of sinusitis may either result in, or be a part of, a generalized inflammation of the airway so other airway symptoms such as cough may be associated with it.
Left-sided maxillar sinusitis (Absence of the air transparency of left maxillar sinus)
By duration
Sinusitis can be acute (going on less than four weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks) or chronic (going on for 12 weeks or more). All three types of sinusitis have similar symptoms, and are thus often difficult to distinguish.
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is usually precipitated by an earlier upper respiratory tract infection, generally of viral origin. Virally damaged surface tissues are then colonized by bacteria, most commonly Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Other bacterial pathogens include other Staphylococcus aureus and other streptococci species, anaerobic bacteria and, less commonly, gram negative bacteria. Viral sinusitis typically lasts for 7 to 10 days, whereas bacterial sinusitis is more persistent. Approximately 0.5% to 2% of viral sinusitis extends into bacterial sinusitis. One hypothesis postulates that the bacterial infection begins with nose blowing.
Acute episodes of sinusitis can also result from fungal invasion. These infections are most often seen in patients with diabetes or other immune deficiencies (such as AIDS or transplant patients on anti-rejection medications) and can be life threatening. In type I diabetes, ketoacidosis causes sinusitis by Mucormycosis.
Rarely, it may be caused by a tooth infection.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a complicated spectrum of diseases that share chronic inflammation of the sinuses in common. It is divided into cases with polyps and cases without, and the former is sometimes called chronic hyperplastic sinusitis. The causes are poorly understood and may include allergy, environmental factors such as dust or pollution, bacterial infection, or fungus (either allergic, infective, or reactive). Non allergic factors such as vasomotor rhinitis can also cause chronic sinus problems. Abnormally narrow sinus passages, which can impede drainage from the sinus cavities could also be a factor. A combination of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria are observed, including Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Typically antibiotics provide only a temporary benefit, although mechanisms involving hyperresponsiveness to bacteria have been proposed for sinusitis with polyps. Most
Symptoms include: nasal congestion; facial pain; headache; fever; general malaise; thick green or yellow discharge; vertigo or lightheadedness; blurred vision, feeling of facial 'fullness' or 'tightness' which worsens on bending over; aching teeth, and halitosis; and occasionally diarrhea with a mucus-like substance in it. Very rarely, chronic sinusitis can lead to Anosmia, the inability to smell or detect odors.[citation needed] In a small number of cases, chronic maxillary sinusitis can also be brought on by the spreading of bacteria from a dental infection.
Attempts have been made to provide a more consistent nomenclature 6 for subtypes of chronic sinusitis. Many patients have demonstrated the presence of eosinophils in the mucous lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. As such the name Eosinophilic Mucin RhinoSinusitis (EMRS) has come into being. Cases of EMRS may be related to an allergic response, but allergy is often not documentable, resulting in further subcategorization of allergic and non-allergic EMRS.
A more recent, and still debated, development in chronic sinusitis is the role that fungus may play. Fungus can be found in the nasal cavities and sinuses of most patients with sinusitis, but can also be found in healthy people as well. It remains unclear if fungus is a definite factor in the development of chronic sinusitis and if it is, what the difference may be between those who develop the disease and those who do not. Trials of antifungal treatments have had mixed results.
Symptoms
Sinus headache
Headache/facial pain or pressure of a dull, constant, or aching sort over the affected sinuses can be seen with either acute or chronic stages of sinusitis. This pain is typically localized to the involved sinus and may worsen when the affected person bends over or when in the supine position.
Acute and chronic sinusitis may be accompanied by thick purulent nasal discharge (usually green in colour and with or without blood) and localized headache (toothache) are present and it is these symptoms that can differentiate sinus related (or rhinogenic) headache from other headache phenomena such as tension headache and migraine headache.
Migraine misdiagnosis
Recent studies suggest that up to 90% of "sinus headaches" are actually migraines. The confusion occurs in part because migraine involves activation of the trigeminal nerves which innervate both the sinus region but also the meninges which surround the brain. As a result, direct determination of the site of pain origination can be confused on a cortical level. Additionally, nasal congestion is not an uncommon result of migraine headaches, due to the autonomic nervous stimulation that can also result in tearing (lacrimation) and a runny nose (rhinorrhea). A study found that patients with "sinus headache" respond to triptan migraine medications, and state dissatisfaction with their treatment when they are treated with decongestants or antibiotics.
Predisposing factors
Factors which may predispose to developing sinusitis include: allergies; structural problems such as a deviated septum or small sinus ostia; smoking; nasal polyps; carrying the cystic fibrosis gene (research is still tentative); prior bouts of sinusitis as each instance may result in increased inflammation of the nasal or sinus mucosa and potentially further narrow the openings.
Role of biofilms
Biofilms are complex aggregates of extracellular matrix and inter-dependent microorganisms from multiple species, many of which may be difficult or impossible to isolate using standard clinical laboratory techniques. Bacteria found in biofilms may show increased antibiotic resistance when compared to free-living bacteria of the same species. It has been hypothesized that biofilm-type infections may account for many cases of antibiotic-refractory chronic sinusitis. A recent study found that biofilms were present on the mucosa of 3/4 of patients undergoing surgery for chronic sinusitis.
Diagnosis
Acute sinusitis
Usually sinusitis is diagnosed clinically.
Bacterial and viral acute sinusitis are difficult to distinguish however, disease duration less than 7 days is considered as a viral whereas more than 7 days are considered as a bacterial sinusitis (usually 30% to 50% are bacterial sinusitis). Nosocomial acute sinusitis is confirmed with the help of CT scan of the sinuses.
Chronic sinusitis
For sinusitis lasting more than 12 weeks, criteria are lacking. A CT scan is recommended, but insufficient to confirm diagnosis. Nasal endoscopy, a CT scan, and clinical symptoms are used together. A tissue sample for histology and cultures can also be used. Allergic fungal sinusitis are seen in a person with asthma and nasal polyps. Multiple biopsy is informative to confirm the diagnosis.
Nasal endoscopy involves inserting a flexible fiber-optic tube with a light and camera at its tip into the nose to examine the nasal passages and sinuses. This is generally a completely painless procedure which takes between 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Treatment
Acute sinusitis
Conservative measures
Over the counter (OTC) medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve some of the symptoms associated with sinusitis, such as headaches, pressure, fatigue and pain. Nasal irrigation or jala neti using a warm saline solution may also be effective.
Antibiotics
Even though antibiotics are prescribed to 60 - 90% of patients in the USA and Western Europe they have not been shown to be effective.
The vast majority of cases resolve without antibiotics, however if the symptoms are prolonged amoxicillin is a reasonable first choice with amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) being indicated for patients who fail amoxicillin alone. Fluoroquinolones, some of the newer macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin, and doxycycline, are used in patients who are allergic to penicillins.
Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids have not been found to be better than placebo either alone or in combination with antibiotics.
Chronic sinusitis
Conservative measures
Nasal irrigation may help with symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Medical approaches
Based on the recent theories on the role that fungus may play in the development of chronic sinusitis. Trials of antifungal treatments however have had mixed results.
Surgical treatment
For chronic or recurring sinusitis, referral to an otolaryngologist may be indicated for more specialist assessment and treatment, which may include nasal surgery. However, for most patients the surgical approach is not superior to appropriate medical treatment. Surgery should only be considered for those patients who do not experience sufficient relief from optimal medication.
A relatively recent advance in the treatment of sinusitis is a type of surgery called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), whereby normal clearance from the sinuses is restored by removing the anatomical and pathological obstructive variations that predispose to sinusitis. This replaces prior open techniques requiring facial or oral incisions and refocuses the technique to the natural openings of the sinuses instead of promoting drainage by gravity, the idea upon which the Caldwell-Luc surgery was based.
Another recently developed treatment is balloon sinuplasty. This method, similar to balloon angioplasty used to "unclog" arteries of the heart, utilizes balloons in an attempt to expand the openings of the sinuses in a less invasive manner. Its final role in the treatment of sinus disease is still under debate but appears promising.
A number of surgical approaches can be used to access the sinuses and these have generally shifted from external/extranasal approaches to intranasal endoscopic ones. The benefit of the Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery FESS is its ability to allow for a more targeted approach to the affected sinuses, reducing tissue disruption, and minimizing post-operative complications.
For persistent symptoms and disease in patients who have failed medical and the functional endoscopic approach, older techniques can be used to address the maxillary sinus such as the Caldwell-Luc radical antrostomy (e.g. incision in the upper gum, opening in the anterior wall of the antrum, removal of the entire diseased maxillary sinus mucosa and drainage is allowed into inferior or middle meatus by creating a large window in the lateral nasal wall.)
External links
Core Curriculum Syllabus: Nose and Paranasal Sinuses (Baylor College of Medicine)
Sinus Headache - Medterm.com
Sinus infection - MedicineNet.com.
Acute sinusitis - MayoClinic.com, from the Web site of the Mayo Clinic.
Chronic sinusitis - MayoClinic.com, from the Web site of the Mayo Clinic
Sunday, March 8, 2009
鼻窦炎的症状有哪些？
鼻窦炎中医称为“鼻渊”，是一种非常多见的耳鼻喉科疾病，在成人和儿童中都有较高的发病率我国主要分布在寒带地区发病。慢性鼻窦炎由于病程长，反复发作难以治愈。
鼻窦炎的症状很多，比如：
1．全身症状：鼻窦炎常继发于上感或急性鼻炎这时原有症状加重，出现畏寒、发热食欲不振、便秘、周身不适等，小儿可发生呕吐、腹泻、咳嗽等症状
2．鼻塞：鼻窦炎多可出现—侧持续性偶可发生双侧持续性鼻塞。
3．脓鼻涕：患者脓鼻涕增多且不易擤尽；
4、咽喉刺激症状：如脓鼻涕向后流入咽部及下呼吸道时，刺激咽、喉粘膜引起发库、咳嗽和咳痰，甚至恶心；
5．上颌窦炎的症状：前额部疼晨起轻，午后重。还可能有面颊部胀痛或上列磨牙疼痛多是上颌窦炎。
6．额窦炎的症状：晨起感前额部疼渐浙加重，午后减轻，至晚间全部消失这可能是额窦炎。
7．筛窦炎症状：头痛较轻局限于内眦或鼻根部，也可能放射至头顶部，多是筛窦炎引起
8．蝶窦炎症状：眼球深处疼痛可放射到头顶部，还出观早晨轻、午后重的枕部头痛达可能是蝶窦炎。
9．慢性鼻窦炎症状特点：慢性鼻窦炎除鼻塞流涕、头痛等症状外，还有如下特点：
(1)头痛较轻一般多属闷痛、钝痛。
(2)嗅觉减退或消失
(3)休息滴鼻药、蒸汽吸入或鼻腔通气引流后头痛可减轻。
(4)咳嗽低头、弯腰、用力时头痛加重
(5)吸烟饮酒、情绪激动时可加重头痛。
(6)有时可引起精神不振易困倦、头昏、记忆力减退注意力不集中等等。
鼻窦炎的症状很多，比如：
1．全身症状：鼻窦炎常继发于上感或急性鼻炎这时原有症状加重，出现畏寒、发热食欲不振、便秘、周身不适等，小儿可发生呕吐、腹泻、咳嗽等症状
2．鼻塞：鼻窦炎多可出现—侧持续性偶可发生双侧持续性鼻塞。
3．脓鼻涕：患者脓鼻涕增多且不易擤尽；
4、咽喉刺激症状：如脓鼻涕向后流入咽部及下呼吸道时，刺激咽、喉粘膜引起发库、咳嗽和咳痰，甚至恶心；
5．上颌窦炎的症状：前额部疼晨起轻，午后重。还可能有面颊部胀痛或上列磨牙疼痛多是上颌窦炎。
6．额窦炎的症状：晨起感前额部疼渐浙加重，午后减轻，至晚间全部消失这可能是额窦炎。
7．筛窦炎症状：头痛较轻局限于内眦或鼻根部，也可能放射至头顶部，多是筛窦炎引起
8．蝶窦炎症状：眼球深处疼痛可放射到头顶部，还出观早晨轻、午后重的枕部头痛达可能是蝶窦炎。
9．慢性鼻窦炎症状特点：慢性鼻窦炎除鼻塞流涕、头痛等症状外，还有如下特点：
(1)头痛较轻一般多属闷痛、钝痛。
(2)嗅觉减退或消失
(3)休息滴鼻药、蒸汽吸入或鼻腔通气引流后头痛可减轻。
(4)咳嗽低头、弯腰、用力时头痛加重
(5)吸烟饮酒、情绪激动时可加重头痛。
(6)有时可引起精神不振易困倦、头昏、记忆力减退注意力不集中等等。
近半香港人鼻敏感 医生提醒慎用类固醇鼻喷雾剂
港人鼻敏感问题普遍，一项调查显示，45%受访者有鼻敏感，当中55%属中度至严重患者，打喷嚏、流鼻涕等症状已影响他们的日常生活，但一半没有接受治疗。
医生说，鼻敏感可引发哮喘、鼻窦炎和分泌性中耳炎等，不容忽视，若患者正使用类固醇鼻喷雾剂，须定期接受医生检查，监察鼻膜有否受损。
思纬市场信息公司于去年底，用电话随机访问1000名15至64岁的市民，45%说有鼻敏感，或有一种或以上的鼻敏感症状，包括打喷嚏、流鼻涕、鼻塞和鼻痕痒等，当中逾半是中度至严重鼻敏感患者，即症状每周最少出现4天，且持续4周或以上。
在该1000名受访者中，55%表示娱乐、睡眠、工作或上学等已受鼻敏感影响，但约50%表示没有接受治疗。
耳鼻喉科专科医生虞玮翔说，尘螨是香港最常见的“致敏原”，若父或母均有鼻敏感，子女有相同问题的机会会增加30%，患者应避免接触过敏原，治疗方法包括服用抗组胺剂或使用类固醇鼻喷雾剂。
虞玮翔说，类固醇鼻喷雾剂需医生处方，新一代喷雾剂十分安全，但使用者仍需每数个月接受医生检查一次，以监察类固醇有否令鼻膜变薄，以致出现溃烂和流血的问题。
医生说，鼻敏感可引发哮喘、鼻窦炎和分泌性中耳炎等，不容忽视，若患者正使用类固醇鼻喷雾剂，须定期接受医生检查，监察鼻膜有否受损。
思纬市场信息公司于去年底，用电话随机访问1000名15至64岁的市民，45%说有鼻敏感，或有一种或以上的鼻敏感症状，包括打喷嚏、流鼻涕、鼻塞和鼻痕痒等，当中逾半是中度至严重鼻敏感患者，即症状每周最少出现4天，且持续4周或以上。
在该1000名受访者中，55%表示娱乐、睡眠、工作或上学等已受鼻敏感影响，但约50%表示没有接受治疗。
耳鼻喉科专科医生虞玮翔说，尘螨是香港最常见的“致敏原”，若父或母均有鼻敏感，子女有相同问题的机会会增加30%，患者应避免接触过敏原，治疗方法包括服用抗组胺剂或使用类固醇鼻喷雾剂。
虞玮翔说，类固醇鼻喷雾剂需医生处方，新一代喷雾剂十分安全，但使用者仍需每数个月接受医生检查一次，以监察类固醇有否令鼻膜变薄，以致出现溃烂和流血的问题。
The Real Road to Getting More Dates
Here's a refreshing thought. Maybe it's time to stop worrying so much about what to wear, where to eat, and when to schedule that blow-dry. Instead, try focusing on the important things we all tend to overlook, like getting involved, getting active, and getting busy. Most of our Foxy ideas are gentler on your wallet than a new getup and will help you feel much more confident and content. And who wouldn't want to date someone like that? Bingo!
Be A Joiner
Surf around on sites like Meetup.com, a clever website that hooks you up with all kinds of groups in your area -- from vegan and very liberal, to eco-adventurers, readers, writers, crafters, and more.
Scribble to Yourself
Keep a journal. It's one of the simplest ways to liberate your mind, explore ideas, sketch, and scribble anything you want from memories, hopes and dreams, or just amusing things that make you laugh. Get writing and you'll feel more inspired. We love this adorable journals from Cocoa Crayon -- just looking at them makes us smile!
Pimp Your Pad
Updating the look of your home look can positively impact your attitude big time. It doesn't matter if you live in a tiny studio or a sprawling suburban house, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Check out UrbanOutfitters.com and CB2 for wallet friendly, stylized accents that will add major pop.
Salute The Sun
Try kicking your day off with a few salutations and downward dogs. Doing a few invigorating yoga moves in the morning is a smart way to start your day. Your body feels more limber, your mind more relaxed, and your soul less stressed. You can find poses online, in books, or videos. If your budget allows, try a local class. And beginners, don't get discouraged! Look at it like a deep stretch. Plus, you never know who'll be twisting their torso right next to you.
Get Riding
Pedaling to the park or even around the block a few times makes you feel like a kid again, especially with all that wind blowing through your hair! And it's so much better for the environment too. Get an old-fashioned handlebar basket and you can even do some light errands, all from your rockin' two-wheeler. Woo hoo!
Plant A Seed
Whether it's a small box filled with herbs like basil and rosemary or a full-blown backyard vegetable patch, planting a garden is surprisingly fulfilling. Getting your hands dirty is a really good time, and it's ego-boosting to actually make something grow. Best of all, it can be delicious when you get to enjoy the fruits of your hard earned labor. Plus, it saves you a few bucks at the supermarket!
Boogie Down
Dance, shake your groove thing, make some mack daddy moves... every night! Do it by yourself or with friends. Dancing gets rid of all those pangs of stress that needle you throughout the day. Pick whatever music you like, blast it, and just rock your heart out. We prefer to do it alone because then our inhibitions really let loose.
Read Read Read
Hit your local library and load up on goodies -- novels, mysteries, histories, bios, anything. It's free, it's entertaining, and if it's good enough, it will make you excited to get back to your place every night. Plus it gives you something to chitty chat about when you bump into a new cutie at the coffee shop.
Give Give Give
Get involved in a local charity. All you have to give is your time. Whether you're more comfortable stuffing envelopes or frolicking with abandoned dogs, there are dozens of organizations, efforts, and animals who can use your help. You'll feel so good about yourself, you'll be unstoppable!
Host A Hang-Out
Once a month, throw a movie night with friends at your place. Pick a flick, ask everyone to bring a bag of munchies and let the games begin. Hosting a regular get-together is an easy and entertaining way to stay socially active and not depend on others to create the fun for you.
Be A Joiner
Surf around on sites like Meetup.com, a clever website that hooks you up with all kinds of groups in your area -- from vegan and very liberal, to eco-adventurers, readers, writers, crafters, and more.
Scribble to Yourself
Keep a journal. It's one of the simplest ways to liberate your mind, explore ideas, sketch, and scribble anything you want from memories, hopes and dreams, or just amusing things that make you laugh. Get writing and you'll feel more inspired. We love this adorable journals from Cocoa Crayon -- just looking at them makes us smile!
Pimp Your Pad
Updating the look of your home look can positively impact your attitude big time. It doesn't matter if you live in a tiny studio or a sprawling suburban house, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Check out UrbanOutfitters.com and CB2 for wallet friendly, stylized accents that will add major pop.
Salute The Sun
Try kicking your day off with a few salutations and downward dogs. Doing a few invigorating yoga moves in the morning is a smart way to start your day. Your body feels more limber, your mind more relaxed, and your soul less stressed. You can find poses online, in books, or videos. If your budget allows, try a local class. And beginners, don't get discouraged! Look at it like a deep stretch. Plus, you never know who'll be twisting their torso right next to you.
Get Riding
Pedaling to the park or even around the block a few times makes you feel like a kid again, especially with all that wind blowing through your hair! And it's so much better for the environment too. Get an old-fashioned handlebar basket and you can even do some light errands, all from your rockin' two-wheeler. Woo hoo!
Plant A Seed
Whether it's a small box filled with herbs like basil and rosemary or a full-blown backyard vegetable patch, planting a garden is surprisingly fulfilling. Getting your hands dirty is a really good time, and it's ego-boosting to actually make something grow. Best of all, it can be delicious when you get to enjoy the fruits of your hard earned labor. Plus, it saves you a few bucks at the supermarket!
Boogie Down
Dance, shake your groove thing, make some mack daddy moves... every night! Do it by yourself or with friends. Dancing gets rid of all those pangs of stress that needle you throughout the day. Pick whatever music you like, blast it, and just rock your heart out. We prefer to do it alone because then our inhibitions really let loose.
Read Read Read
Hit your local library and load up on goodies -- novels, mysteries, histories, bios, anything. It's free, it's entertaining, and if it's good enough, it will make you excited to get back to your place every night. Plus it gives you something to chitty chat about when you bump into a new cutie at the coffee shop.
Give Give Give
Get involved in a local charity. All you have to give is your time. Whether you're more comfortable stuffing envelopes or frolicking with abandoned dogs, there are dozens of organizations, efforts, and animals who can use your help. You'll feel so good about yourself, you'll be unstoppable!
Host A Hang-Out
Once a month, throw a movie night with friends at your place. Pick a flick, ask everyone to bring a bag of munchies and let the games begin. Hosting a regular get-together is an easy and entertaining way to stay socially active and not depend on others to create the fun for you.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
中国不排除人民币贬值可能性
中国不排除人民币贬值的可能性，并把贬不贬值的部分责任推给“一些金融危机的起源国家”，因为中国得看“那里到底会出现什么情况”，才会做出相应的决策。
中国人民银行行长周小川昨天在十一届全国人大二次会议的一场记者会，作出上述表示。
他说：“这次金融危机对各方面的政策都会有影响，大家也做了很多预案。也就是说，如果金融危机深化到什程度，或者再出现什么新的现象，我们将会怎样应对。
“因此，我觉得现在的问题反倒是，应该问一些金融危机的起源国家，就是你们那里到底会出现什么情况。如果你们说清楚了你们会出现什么情况，我们自然就比较好说我们会采取什么样的说法了。但很显然，那边的不确定性相当大，我们这边只能做多种预案、多种情景分析，如果没到那种情形，我们也是不会说的。”
中国总理温家宝前天在政府工作报告中明确表示，“我们强调加强扩大内需，绝不能放松出口”。很多学者认为，在目前的经济气候下，中国要刺激出口，就必须让人民币贬值。当然，也有另一方的学者指出，目前全世界面对的形势是需求不足，因此即便让人民币贬值，需求不足还是不能带动出口增长。
银河证券首席经济师左小蕾在接受本报访问时说，周小川是在为中国应对金融危机的政策“留有余地”，若情势继续恶化，而目前已出台的措施又无法缓解或改善，央行必定动用一切可能的手段，包括让人民币贬值。
另一方面，国家发展和改革委员会主任张平在同一个记者会上指出，若4万亿（人民币，下同，约9000亿新元）的刺激经济投资方案不够用，中国不排除进一步“加码”，增加投资。
张平在回答媒体提问时说，制订投资方案时用的是一个“灵活审慎”的方针，中国会根据形势的发展决定是否增加投资。
张平的话证实了外界在“两会”前盛传的说法：中国的刺激经济投资方案可能加大。渣打银行中国首席经济师王志浩在一篇报告中预计，如果地方政府能有效融资，发改委和财政部将对地方政府项目给予充分放行，4万亿投资方案的规模可能扩大至5万亿至6万亿。
报告也说：“有官员暗示不排除再出台一个两年内投资8万亿至10万亿的经济刺激新计划的可能。”
谈及4万亿投资方案的初步成效，张平说：“从目前这一些措施的效果来看，有一些回暖的迹象，包括消费的扩大、投资的扩大，一部分产品价格的回升，一些统计的数据开始出现抬头的趋势。但是不是就够了？……会不会采取新的措施，这就要根据变化的情况来审慎决策。”
另一方面，4万亿这块大“蛋糕”的“切法”也出现变化：民生和社会事业投入大幅增长、基础设施投入则有所削减。
张平透露，民生工程在4万亿中占约4000亿，比他去年11月27日公布的2800亿多出1200亿，增幅达43%。社会事业方面的投入也增加了，从400亿增加至1500亿，增幅达275%。
基础设施则削减最多，在4万亿的比重由45%（1万8000亿）降至37.5%（1万5000亿）。基础设施的投入此前最受争议，一些学者指出，基建项目对消费的乘数效应有限，对刺激内需帮助不大。
中国人民银行行长周小川昨天在十一届全国人大二次会议的一场记者会，作出上述表示。
他说：“这次金融危机对各方面的政策都会有影响，大家也做了很多预案。也就是说，如果金融危机深化到什程度，或者再出现什么新的现象，我们将会怎样应对。
“因此，我觉得现在的问题反倒是，应该问一些金融危机的起源国家，就是你们那里到底会出现什么情况。如果你们说清楚了你们会出现什么情况，我们自然就比较好说我们会采取什么样的说法了。但很显然，那边的不确定性相当大，我们这边只能做多种预案、多种情景分析，如果没到那种情形，我们也是不会说的。”
中国总理温家宝前天在政府工作报告中明确表示，“我们强调加强扩大内需，绝不能放松出口”。很多学者认为，在目前的经济气候下，中国要刺激出口，就必须让人民币贬值。当然，也有另一方的学者指出，目前全世界面对的形势是需求不足，因此即便让人民币贬值，需求不足还是不能带动出口增长。
银河证券首席经济师左小蕾在接受本报访问时说，周小川是在为中国应对金融危机的政策“留有余地”，若情势继续恶化，而目前已出台的措施又无法缓解或改善，央行必定动用一切可能的手段，包括让人民币贬值。
另一方面，国家发展和改革委员会主任张平在同一个记者会上指出，若4万亿（人民币，下同，约9000亿新元）的刺激经济投资方案不够用，中国不排除进一步“加码”，增加投资。
张平在回答媒体提问时说，制订投资方案时用的是一个“灵活审慎”的方针，中国会根据形势的发展决定是否增加投资。
张平的话证实了外界在“两会”前盛传的说法：中国的刺激经济投资方案可能加大。渣打银行中国首席经济师王志浩在一篇报告中预计，如果地方政府能有效融资，发改委和财政部将对地方政府项目给予充分放行，4万亿投资方案的规模可能扩大至5万亿至6万亿。
报告也说：“有官员暗示不排除再出台一个两年内投资8万亿至10万亿的经济刺激新计划的可能。”
谈及4万亿投资方案的初步成效，张平说：“从目前这一些措施的效果来看，有一些回暖的迹象，包括消费的扩大、投资的扩大，一部分产品价格的回升，一些统计的数据开始出现抬头的趋势。但是不是就够了？……会不会采取新的措施，这就要根据变化的情况来审慎决策。”
另一方面，4万亿这块大“蛋糕”的“切法”也出现变化：民生和社会事业投入大幅增长、基础设施投入则有所削减。
张平透露，民生工程在4万亿中占约4000亿，比他去年11月27日公布的2800亿多出1200亿，增幅达43%。社会事业方面的投入也增加了，从400亿增加至1500亿，增幅达275%。
基础设施则削减最多，在4万亿的比重由45%（1万8000亿）降至37.5%（1万5000亿）。基础设施的投入此前最受争议，一些学者指出，基建项目对消费的乘数效应有限，对刺激内需帮助不大。
Recession could last till end 2010, says 'Dr Doom'
The US professor nicknamed "Dr. Doom" for forecasting the financial crisis has said the global recession will last all of this year and probably next, India's Mail Today reported Saturday.
New York University professor Nouriel Roubini said that in the best-case scenario, the recession will continue through 2010 in advanced economies while job losses will persist for an additional year, the paper reported.
He said world governments are falling behind the curve in tackling the crisis with "policymakers moving in the right direction - but (doing) too little too late."
Speaking at a New Delhi conference, Roubini warned that the United States, Europe and Japan must "get their act together" to avoid the global economy sinking further.
"People were hoping it would be a V-shaped recession - a sharp fall, followed by an equally quick recovery," he said.
"But we are in the middle of an ugly U-shaped recession," he said Friday.
Roubini said the bottom of the "U" - the length of time the world economy will continue to contract - would last a minimum of three years starting from December 2007.
But he said there was a "one-in-three chance" that recession would turn into an "L" - a prolonged period of stagnation or shrinking output, coupled with falling prices as demand dries up.
As early as 2005, Roubini said US home prices were riding a speculative wave that would soon sink the economy, but was dismissed as a doomsayer.
In Delhi, he said the problems of the financial system and financial institutions were getting worse, but that the outlook could be improved by governments taking charge of insolvent banks, cleaning them up and then selling them to private investors.
"People say when the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches cold. In this case, the US is just not sneezing, it has a severe case of chronic pneumonia."
"We all sink or swim together," he said, adding there is no way policy action in emerging economic giants India and China can pull the global economy out of the slump.
New York University professor Nouriel Roubini said that in the best-case scenario, the recession will continue through 2010 in advanced economies while job losses will persist for an additional year, the paper reported.
He said world governments are falling behind the curve in tackling the crisis with "policymakers moving in the right direction - but (doing) too little too late."
Speaking at a New Delhi conference, Roubini warned that the United States, Europe and Japan must "get their act together" to avoid the global economy sinking further.
"People were hoping it would be a V-shaped recession - a sharp fall, followed by an equally quick recovery," he said.
"But we are in the middle of an ugly U-shaped recession," he said Friday.
Roubini said the bottom of the "U" - the length of time the world economy will continue to contract - would last a minimum of three years starting from December 2007.
But he said there was a "one-in-three chance" that recession would turn into an "L" - a prolonged period of stagnation or shrinking output, coupled with falling prices as demand dries up.
As early as 2005, Roubini said US home prices were riding a speculative wave that would soon sink the economy, but was dismissed as a doomsayer.
In Delhi, he said the problems of the financial system and financial institutions were getting worse, but that the outlook could be improved by governments taking charge of insolvent banks, cleaning them up and then selling them to private investors.
"People say when the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches cold. In this case, the US is just not sneezing, it has a severe case of chronic pneumonia."
"We all sink or swim together," he said, adding there is no way policy action in emerging economic giants India and China can pull the global economy out of the slump.
Get her to give you her number without fuss
Ever wondered how some men effortlessly get women to leave behind their contact numbers?
There is no trick, you just need to ask differently.
If you inspect how these men do it, it's almost as if they NEVER ask women easy-to-turn-down phrases, such as, "Can I have your number?" or "Would you like to go out this Friday?"
In fact, these questions often push the 'hard to get' button in ladies. Their inner guard goes up just like that.
Instead, these men do it by LEADING the woman with their conversation.
The best way to describe it is that such men use "Casual Command."
It's a subtle way of leading women without appearing like you're asking for her approval.
As an example of "casually commanding" the situation- When you approach a girl and chat with her, you can keep in contact with her by saying: "Hey, I've got to run off now. But we'll exchange numbers now so that we can continue our chat next time."
You are really NOT asking for her number. You come across as being casual, where you don't gain or lose anything, with or without her number.
Instead you're leading the situation. (Incidentally, women like men who project such abilities).
Or if you're asking a lady out over the phone, place a Casual Command in your sentence, such as, "I'm going to Suntec to catch the IT show this Saturday. After that, I'll be looking for a gift for a friend. Tell you what, come along and be my gift-choosing assistant."
Modify it for your own use. The essence of it is - you're laid back but also have a DIRECTION that she can follow at the same time.
I can personally vouch that the success rate of asking women out with such an approach is HIGHER than a more direct invitation to date her.
As the term "Casual Command" suggests:
- it is "casual" (it's totally stress-less as you don't place a lot of importance over getting her out)
- and it is a command (it shows that you're a man of direction. You lead).
See the results for yourself.
There is no trick, you just need to ask differently.
If you inspect how these men do it, it's almost as if they NEVER ask women easy-to-turn-down phrases, such as, "Can I have your number?" or "Would you like to go out this Friday?"
In fact, these questions often push the 'hard to get' button in ladies. Their inner guard goes up just like that.
Instead, these men do it by LEADING the woman with their conversation.
The best way to describe it is that such men use "Casual Command."
It's a subtle way of leading women without appearing like you're asking for her approval.
As an example of "casually commanding" the situation- When you approach a girl and chat with her, you can keep in contact with her by saying: "Hey, I've got to run off now. But we'll exchange numbers now so that we can continue our chat next time."
You are really NOT asking for her number. You come across as being casual, where you don't gain or lose anything, with or without her number.
Instead you're leading the situation. (Incidentally, women like men who project such abilities).
Or if you're asking a lady out over the phone, place a Casual Command in your sentence, such as, "I'm going to Suntec to catch the IT show this Saturday. After that, I'll be looking for a gift for a friend. Tell you what, come along and be my gift-choosing assistant."
Modify it for your own use. The essence of it is - you're laid back but also have a DIRECTION that she can follow at the same time.
I can personally vouch that the success rate of asking women out with such an approach is HIGHER than a more direct invitation to date her.
As the term "Casual Command" suggests:
- it is "casual" (it's totally stress-less as you don't place a lot of importance over getting her out)
- and it is a command (it shows that you're a man of direction. You lead).
See the results for yourself.
Why the "cannot-make-it" guys get all the attractive girls
You may have seen this before - a below-average looking guy, his hand on the waist of a beautiful woman, and both looking blissfully happy as they stroll along Orchard Road, oblivious to the stares of other envious males. He obviously has no problems attracting the good looking ones.
The funny thing is, there are complete opposites too. Attractive-looking males who just cannot score a date.
Yes, there are tall, handsome, and even well educated men who just cannot get to know women.
I know of a graphic designer, let's call him P, who worked for a rather well-known local company. He has above-average looks and things were going well in his life, except when it came to dating.
He was always telling people how he longed to have a gorgeous girlfriend, but just didn't know how to go about getting one. Thankfully for him, a colleague of his who was quite accomplished with women offered to help him in the dating department, correcting his moves and offering advice.
Unfortunately, he did not act on the latters' advice and it was no surprise that P did not see results.
P revealed later: "Even if I got myself a girl, I'm not sure I deserve her. I will wonder if she is with me because she was won over by my moves, or if she was truly interested in me."
So P thinks he does not deserve to have a gorgeous girl in his life. Which leads me to conclude that P thinks such dating skills are only "reserved" for people who are 'worthy'. Either that, or he is just plain confused about wanting a girlfriend in the first place.
But having success with women is not a matter of smooth moves.
If a guy feels he is not fit to have a successful dating life, having social skills or not will not matter. He will still fail with women and in dating.
Many guys go through life hoping to find success with women, but see little or no results as the years pass. The invisible reason (that most of them won't admit to) is they do not believe they are worthy of such success.
First things first - stop with the loser mentality. If you keep thinking: "I'm not her type", or "I don't want to screw up", or "What if she thinks I'm desperate or something?", you will never get out of the dating doldrums.
Why not look at it this way instead? As a man who is in charge of your own social life, the women you meet deserve a taste of your interesting, fun and attractive qualities.
And possessing social skills is simply a means to help you achieve your goal faster and more easily.
It's a fact, guys. Every man I know who has a fantastically active social calendar - even those who aren't good-looking, have beautiful girlfriends. And they know they deserve it.
But be convinced about this first: You are worthy.
About the contributor:
Skilldo is an 'ex-unhappy' Singaporean guy - who grew from being lonely, dateless and single... into breaking out of it, and obtained a fulfilling social life in meeting, dating and entering satisfying relationships with women.
He is the author of 'The Ultimate Singapore Girl-Getter'. A locally-focused guide for Singapore men to approach, date and successfully attract the type of women they want for themselves.
The funny thing is, there are complete opposites too. Attractive-looking males who just cannot score a date.
Yes, there are tall, handsome, and even well educated men who just cannot get to know women.
I know of a graphic designer, let's call him P, who worked for a rather well-known local company. He has above-average looks and things were going well in his life, except when it came to dating.
He was always telling people how he longed to have a gorgeous girlfriend, but just didn't know how to go about getting one. Thankfully for him, a colleague of his who was quite accomplished with women offered to help him in the dating department, correcting his moves and offering advice.
Unfortunately, he did not act on the latters' advice and it was no surprise that P did not see results.
P revealed later: "Even if I got myself a girl, I'm not sure I deserve her. I will wonder if she is with me because she was won over by my moves, or if she was truly interested in me."
So P thinks he does not deserve to have a gorgeous girl in his life. Which leads me to conclude that P thinks such dating skills are only "reserved" for people who are 'worthy'. Either that, or he is just plain confused about wanting a girlfriend in the first place.
But having success with women is not a matter of smooth moves.
If a guy feels he is not fit to have a successful dating life, having social skills or not will not matter. He will still fail with women and in dating.
Many guys go through life hoping to find success with women, but see little or no results as the years pass. The invisible reason (that most of them won't admit to) is they do not believe they are worthy of such success.
First things first - stop with the loser mentality. If you keep thinking: "I'm not her type", or "I don't want to screw up", or "What if she thinks I'm desperate or something?", you will never get out of the dating doldrums.
Why not look at it this way instead? As a man who is in charge of your own social life, the women you meet deserve a taste of your interesting, fun and attractive qualities.
And possessing social skills is simply a means to help you achieve your goal faster and more easily.
It's a fact, guys. Every man I know who has a fantastically active social calendar - even those who aren't good-looking, have beautiful girlfriends. And they know they deserve it.
But be convinced about this first: You are worthy.
About the contributor:
Skilldo is an 'ex-unhappy' Singaporean guy - who grew from being lonely, dateless and single... into breaking out of it, and obtained a fulfilling social life in meeting, dating and entering satisfying relationships with women.
He is the author of 'The Ultimate Singapore Girl-Getter'. A locally-focused guide for Singapore men to approach, date and successfully attract the type of women they want for themselves.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, commonly known as a runny nose, is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose. The primary symptom of rhinitis is nasal dripping. It is caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose due to viruses, bacteria or irritants. The inflammation results in the generating of excessive amounts of mucus, commonly producing the aforementioned runny nose, as well as nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. According to recent studies completed in the United States, more than 50 million Americans are current sufferers. Rhinitis has also been found to adversely affect more than just the nose, throat, and eyes. It has been associated with sleeping problems, ear conditions, and even learning problems. Rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine. This increase is most often caused by airborne allergens. These allergens may affect an individual's nose, throat, or eyes and cause an increase in fluid production within these areas.
Types
Rhinitis is categorized into three types: infective rhinitis includes acute and chronic bacterial infections; Nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis includes autonomic, hormonal, drug-induced, atrophic, and gustatory rhinitis, as well as Rhinitis medicamentosa; allergic rhinitis, the most common of the three, is an allergic reaction triggered by pollen, mold, animal dander, dust and other similar inhaled allergens.
Vasomotor rhinitis
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Vasomotor rhinitis is also known as non-allergenic rhinitis, because it often has the same symptoms as allergies, but has different causes. Whereas allergenic rhinitis conditions (such as hayfever) are the result of the immune system overreacting to environmental irritants (pollen, etc), vasomotor rhinitis is believed to be caused by oversensitive or excessive blood vessels in the nasal membrane. These blood vessels (which are controlled in turn by the autonomic nervous system) contract or dilate in order to regulate mucus flow and congestion. But in the vasomotor rhinitis sufferer, oversensitive or excessive blood vessel dilation or contraction causes an overreaction to such stimuli as changes in weather, temperature, or barometric pressure, chemical irritants such as smoke, ozone, pollution, perfumes, and aerosol sprays, psychological stress and emotional shocks, certain types of medications, alcohol, and even spicy food. Thus, while a normal person's nose may run on a very cold day, a vasomotor rhinitis sufferer's nose may start running (or go completely dry) simply by walking into a slightly colder (or slightly warmer) room, or from eating food that is slightly warmer or cooler than room temperature. While a normal person may tolerate a certain degree of cigarette smoke, the vasomotor rhinitis sufferer may experience significant discomfort from the same level of smoke, etc.
The pathology of vasomotor rhinitis is in fact not very well-understood and more research is needed. Vasomotor rhinitis appears to be significantly more common in women than men, leading some researchers to believe hormones to play a role. In general, age of onset occurs after 20 years of age, in contrast to allergic rhinitis which generally appears before age 20. Individuals suffering from vasomotor rhinitis typically experience symptoms year-round, though symptoms may exacerbate in the spring and fall when rapid weather changes are more common.
Many patients can be subject to vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis simultaneously. Vasomotor rhinitis is a common condition that often goes unrecognized/underrecognized, especially in women. An estimated 17 million United States citizens have vasomotor rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis
When an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by a person with a sensitized immune system, it triggers antibody production. These antibodies mostly bind to mast cells, which contain histamine. When the mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine (and other chemicals) are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such as chlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can greatly aggravate the condition.
Sufferers might also find that cross-reactivity occurs. For example, someone allergic to birch pollen may also find that they have an allergic reaction to the skin of apples or potatoes. A clear sign of this is the occurrence of an itchy throat after eating an apple or sneezing when peeling potatoes or apples. This occurs because of similarities in the proteins of the pollen and the food. There are many cross-reacting substances.
Some disorders may be associated with allergies: Comorbidities include eczema, asthma, depression and migraine.
Allergies are common. Heredity and environmental exposures may contribute to a predisposition to allergies. It is roughly estimated that one in three people have an active allergy at any given time and at least three in four people develop an allergic reaction at least once in their lives. The two categories of allergic rhinitis include:
seasonal - occurs particularly during pollen seasons. Seasonal allergic rhinitis does not usually develop until after 6 years of age.
perennial - occurs throughout the year. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly seen in younger children.
Allergy testing may reveal the specific allergens a person is sensitive to. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This may include intradermal, scratch, patch, or other tests. Less commonly, the suspected allergen is dissolved and dropped onto the lower eyelid as a means of testing for allergies. (This test should only be done by a physician, never the patient, since it can be harmful if done improperly). In some individuals who cannot undergo skin testing (as determined by the doctor), the RAST blood test may be helpful in determining specific allergen sensitivity.
Hay fever
Pollen grains from a variety of common plants can cause hay fever.Allergic rhinitis triggered by the pollens of specific seasonal plants is commonly known as 'hay fever', because it is most prevalent during haying season. It is particularly prevalent from late May to the end of June (in the Northern Hemisphere). However, it is possible to suffer from hay fever throughout the year. The pollen which causes hay fever varies from person to person and from region to region; generally speaking, the tiny, hardly visible pollens of wind-pollinated plants are the predominant cause. Pollens of insect-pollinated plants are too large to remain airborne and pose no risk. Examples of plants commonly responsible for hay fever include:
Trees: such as birch (Betula), alder (Alnus), cedar (Cedrus), hazel (Corylus), hornbeam (Carpinus), horse chestnut (Aesculus), willow (Salix), poplar (Populus), plane (Platanus), linden/lime (Tilia) and olive (Olea). In northern latitudes birch is considered to be the most important allergenic tree pollen, with an estimated 15–20% of hay fever sufferers sensitive to birch pollen grains. Olive pollen is most predominant in Mediterranean regions.
Grasses (Family Poaceae): especially ryegrass (Lolium sp.) and timothy (Phleum pratense). An estimated 90% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.
Weeds: ragweed (Ambrosia), plantain (Plantago), nettle/parietaria (Urticaceae), mugwort (Artemisia), Fat hen (Chenopodium) and sorrel/dock (Rumex)
In addition to individual sensitivity and geographic differences in local plant populations, the amount of pollen in the air can be a factor in whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air than cool, damp, rainy days when most pollen is washed to the ground.
The time of year at which hay fever symptoms manifest themselves varies greatly depending on the types of pollen to which an allergic reaction is produced. The pollen count, in general, is highest from mid-spring to early summer. As most pollens are produced at fixed periods in the year, a long-term hay fever sufferer may also be able to anticipate when the symptoms are most likely to begin and end, although this may be complicated by an allergy to dust particles.
Prevention and treatment
The goal of rhinitis treatment is to reduce the symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues. In cases of allergic rhinitis, the most effective way to decrease allergic symptoms is to completely avoid the allergen.Vasomotor rhinitis can be brought under a measure of control through avoidance of irritants, though many irritants, such as weather changes, are uncontrollable.
Allergic treatment
Main article: Allergy treatment
Allergic rhinitis can typically be treated much like any other allergic condition.
Eliminating exposure to allergins is the most effective preventive measure, but requires consistent effort.
Many people with pollen allergies reduce their exposure by remaining indoors during hay fever season, particularly in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are at their highest. Closing all the windows and doors prevents wind-borne pollen from entering the home or office. When traveling in a vehicle, closing all the windows reduces exposure. Air conditioners are reasonably effective filters, and special pollen filters can be fitted to both home and vehicle air conditioning systems.
Because many allergins clings to clothing, skin, and hair, regular cleaning reduces exposure and therefore symptoms. Many people bathe before sleeping, to minimize their exposure to potential allergins that could have stuck to their bodies during the day. Some people use nasal irrigation to physically remove contaminants from their noses.
Frequently cleaning floors and washing bedding can significantly reduce local irritants such as dust, as well as those tracked in by family, pets and visitors.
Several antagonistic drugs are used to block the action of allergic mediators, or to prevent activation of cells and degranulation processes. These include antihistamines, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine (adrenaline), theophylline and cromolyn sodium. Anti-leukotrienes, such as Montelukast (Singulair) or Zafirlukast (Accolate), are FDA approved for treatment of allergic diseases. One antihistamine, Azelastine (Astelin), is available as a nasal spray.
More severe cases of allergic rhinitis require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps) or sinuses.
Many allergy medications can have unpleasant side-effects, most notably drowsiness; more serious side-effects such as asthma, sinusitis, and even nasal polyps have also been reported however.
A case-control study found "symptomatic allergic rhinitis and rhinitis medication use are associated with a significantly increased risk of unexpectedly dropping a grade in summer examinations".
Nasal treatments
See also: Anti-inflammatory use of glucocorticoids
Systemic Glucocorticoids such as Triamcinolone or Prednisone are effective at reducing nasal inflammation, but their use is limited by their short duration of effect and the side effects of prolonged steroid therapy. Steroid nasal sprays are effective and safe, and may be effective without oral antihistamines. These medications include, in order of potency: beclomethasone (Beconase), budesonide (Rhinocort), flunisolide (Syntaris), mometasone (Nasonex), fluticasone (Flonase, Flixonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ). They take several days to act and so need be taken continually for several weeks as their therapeutic effect builds up with time.
Topical decongestants: may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used for long periods as stopping them after protracted use can lead to a rebound nasal congestion (Rhinitis medicamentosa).
Saltwater sprays, rinses or steam: this removes dust, secretions and allergenic molecules from the mucosa, as they are all instant water soluble. A suitable solution is 2-3 spoonful of salt dissolved in one litre of lukewarm water.
Alternative treatments
A large number of over-the-counter treatments are sold without FDA approval, including herbs like eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), nettle (Urtica dioica), and bayberry (Myrica cerifera), which have not been shown to reduce the symptoms of nasal-pharynx congestion. In addition, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been shown to inhibit phospholipase A2, the enzyme which releases the inflammatory precursor arachidonic acid from the bi-layer membrane of mast cells (the main cells which respond to respiratory allergens and lead to inflammation) but this is only in test tubes and it is not established as anti-inflammatory in humans.
It has been claimed that homeopathy provides relief free of side-effects. However, this is strongly disputed by the medical profession on the grounds that there is no valid evidence to support this claim.
Therapeutic efficacy of complementary-alternative treatments for rhinitis and asthma is not supported by currently available evidence.
Nevertheless, there have been some attempts with controlled trials to show that acupuncture is more effective than antihistamine drugs in treatment of hay fever. Complementary-alternative medicines such as acupuncture are extensively offered in the treatment of allergic rhinitis by non-physicians but evidence-based recommendations are lacking. The methodology of clinical trials with complementary-alternative medicine is frequently inadequate.[citation needed] Meta-analyses provides no clear evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in rhinitis (or asthma).[citation needed] Currently, evidence-based recommendations for acupuncture or homeopathy cannot be made in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Eating locally produced unfiltered honey is believed by many to be a treatment for hayfever, supposedly by introducing manageable amounts of pollen to the body. Clinical studies have not provided any evidence for this belief.
Types
Rhinitis is categorized into three types: infective rhinitis includes acute and chronic bacterial infections; Nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis includes autonomic, hormonal, drug-induced, atrophic, and gustatory rhinitis, as well as Rhinitis medicamentosa; allergic rhinitis, the most common of the three, is an allergic reaction triggered by pollen, mold, animal dander, dust and other similar inhaled allergens.
Vasomotor rhinitis
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Vasomotor rhinitis is also known as non-allergenic rhinitis, because it often has the same symptoms as allergies, but has different causes. Whereas allergenic rhinitis conditions (such as hayfever) are the result of the immune system overreacting to environmental irritants (pollen, etc), vasomotor rhinitis is believed to be caused by oversensitive or excessive blood vessels in the nasal membrane. These blood vessels (which are controlled in turn by the autonomic nervous system) contract or dilate in order to regulate mucus flow and congestion. But in the vasomotor rhinitis sufferer, oversensitive or excessive blood vessel dilation or contraction causes an overreaction to such stimuli as changes in weather, temperature, or barometric pressure, chemical irritants such as smoke, ozone, pollution, perfumes, and aerosol sprays, psychological stress and emotional shocks, certain types of medications, alcohol, and even spicy food. Thus, while a normal person's nose may run on a very cold day, a vasomotor rhinitis sufferer's nose may start running (or go completely dry) simply by walking into a slightly colder (or slightly warmer) room, or from eating food that is slightly warmer or cooler than room temperature. While a normal person may tolerate a certain degree of cigarette smoke, the vasomotor rhinitis sufferer may experience significant discomfort from the same level of smoke, etc.
The pathology of vasomotor rhinitis is in fact not very well-understood and more research is needed. Vasomotor rhinitis appears to be significantly more common in women than men, leading some researchers to believe hormones to play a role. In general, age of onset occurs after 20 years of age, in contrast to allergic rhinitis which generally appears before age 20. Individuals suffering from vasomotor rhinitis typically experience symptoms year-round, though symptoms may exacerbate in the spring and fall when rapid weather changes are more common.
Many patients can be subject to vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis simultaneously. Vasomotor rhinitis is a common condition that often goes unrecognized/underrecognized, especially in women. An estimated 17 million United States citizens have vasomotor rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis
When an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by a person with a sensitized immune system, it triggers antibody production. These antibodies mostly bind to mast cells, which contain histamine. When the mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine (and other chemicals) are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such as chlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can greatly aggravate the condition.
Sufferers might also find that cross-reactivity occurs. For example, someone allergic to birch pollen may also find that they have an allergic reaction to the skin of apples or potatoes. A clear sign of this is the occurrence of an itchy throat after eating an apple or sneezing when peeling potatoes or apples. This occurs because of similarities in the proteins of the pollen and the food. There are many cross-reacting substances.
Some disorders may be associated with allergies: Comorbidities include eczema, asthma, depression and migraine.
Allergies are common. Heredity and environmental exposures may contribute to a predisposition to allergies. It is roughly estimated that one in three people have an active allergy at any given time and at least three in four people develop an allergic reaction at least once in their lives. The two categories of allergic rhinitis include:
seasonal - occurs particularly during pollen seasons. Seasonal allergic rhinitis does not usually develop until after 6 years of age.
perennial - occurs throughout the year. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly seen in younger children.
Allergy testing may reveal the specific allergens a person is sensitive to. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This may include intradermal, scratch, patch, or other tests. Less commonly, the suspected allergen is dissolved and dropped onto the lower eyelid as a means of testing for allergies. (This test should only be done by a physician, never the patient, since it can be harmful if done improperly). In some individuals who cannot undergo skin testing (as determined by the doctor), the RAST blood test may be helpful in determining specific allergen sensitivity.
Hay fever
Pollen grains from a variety of common plants can cause hay fever.Allergic rhinitis triggered by the pollens of specific seasonal plants is commonly known as 'hay fever', because it is most prevalent during haying season. It is particularly prevalent from late May to the end of June (in the Northern Hemisphere). However, it is possible to suffer from hay fever throughout the year. The pollen which causes hay fever varies from person to person and from region to region; generally speaking, the tiny, hardly visible pollens of wind-pollinated plants are the predominant cause. Pollens of insect-pollinated plants are too large to remain airborne and pose no risk. Examples of plants commonly responsible for hay fever include:
Trees: such as birch (Betula), alder (Alnus), cedar (Cedrus), hazel (Corylus), hornbeam (Carpinus), horse chestnut (Aesculus), willow (Salix), poplar (Populus), plane (Platanus), linden/lime (Tilia) and olive (Olea). In northern latitudes birch is considered to be the most important allergenic tree pollen, with an estimated 15–20% of hay fever sufferers sensitive to birch pollen grains. Olive pollen is most predominant in Mediterranean regions.
Grasses (Family Poaceae): especially ryegrass (Lolium sp.) and timothy (Phleum pratense). An estimated 90% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.
Weeds: ragweed (Ambrosia), plantain (Plantago), nettle/parietaria (Urticaceae), mugwort (Artemisia), Fat hen (Chenopodium) and sorrel/dock (Rumex)
In addition to individual sensitivity and geographic differences in local plant populations, the amount of pollen in the air can be a factor in whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air than cool, damp, rainy days when most pollen is washed to the ground.
The time of year at which hay fever symptoms manifest themselves varies greatly depending on the types of pollen to which an allergic reaction is produced. The pollen count, in general, is highest from mid-spring to early summer. As most pollens are produced at fixed periods in the year, a long-term hay fever sufferer may also be able to anticipate when the symptoms are most likely to begin and end, although this may be complicated by an allergy to dust particles.
Prevention and treatment
The goal of rhinitis treatment is to reduce the symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues. In cases of allergic rhinitis, the most effective way to decrease allergic symptoms is to completely avoid the allergen.Vasomotor rhinitis can be brought under a measure of control through avoidance of irritants, though many irritants, such as weather changes, are uncontrollable.
Allergic treatment
Main article: Allergy treatment
Allergic rhinitis can typically be treated much like any other allergic condition.
Eliminating exposure to allergins is the most effective preventive measure, but requires consistent effort.
Many people with pollen allergies reduce their exposure by remaining indoors during hay fever season, particularly in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are at their highest. Closing all the windows and doors prevents wind-borne pollen from entering the home or office. When traveling in a vehicle, closing all the windows reduces exposure. Air conditioners are reasonably effective filters, and special pollen filters can be fitted to both home and vehicle air conditioning systems.
Because many allergins clings to clothing, skin, and hair, regular cleaning reduces exposure and therefore symptoms. Many people bathe before sleeping, to minimize their exposure to potential allergins that could have stuck to their bodies during the day. Some people use nasal irrigation to physically remove contaminants from their noses.
Frequently cleaning floors and washing bedding can significantly reduce local irritants such as dust, as well as those tracked in by family, pets and visitors.
Several antagonistic drugs are used to block the action of allergic mediators, or to prevent activation of cells and degranulation processes. These include antihistamines, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine (adrenaline), theophylline and cromolyn sodium. Anti-leukotrienes, such as Montelukast (Singulair) or Zafirlukast (Accolate), are FDA approved for treatment of allergic diseases. One antihistamine, Azelastine (Astelin), is available as a nasal spray.
More severe cases of allergic rhinitis require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps) or sinuses.
Many allergy medications can have unpleasant side-effects, most notably drowsiness; more serious side-effects such as asthma, sinusitis, and even nasal polyps have also been reported however.
A case-control study found "symptomatic allergic rhinitis and rhinitis medication use are associated with a significantly increased risk of unexpectedly dropping a grade in summer examinations".
Nasal treatments
See also: Anti-inflammatory use of glucocorticoids
Systemic Glucocorticoids such as Triamcinolone or Prednisone are effective at reducing nasal inflammation, but their use is limited by their short duration of effect and the side effects of prolonged steroid therapy. Steroid nasal sprays are effective and safe, and may be effective without oral antihistamines. These medications include, in order of potency: beclomethasone (Beconase), budesonide (Rhinocort), flunisolide (Syntaris), mometasone (Nasonex), fluticasone (Flonase, Flixonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ). They take several days to act and so need be taken continually for several weeks as their therapeutic effect builds up with time.
Topical decongestants: may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used for long periods as stopping them after protracted use can lead to a rebound nasal congestion (Rhinitis medicamentosa).
Saltwater sprays, rinses or steam: this removes dust, secretions and allergenic molecules from the mucosa, as they are all instant water soluble. A suitable solution is 2-3 spoonful of salt dissolved in one litre of lukewarm water.
Alternative treatments
A large number of over-the-counter treatments are sold without FDA approval, including herbs like eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), nettle (Urtica dioica), and bayberry (Myrica cerifera), which have not been shown to reduce the symptoms of nasal-pharynx congestion. In addition, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been shown to inhibit phospholipase A2, the enzyme which releases the inflammatory precursor arachidonic acid from the bi-layer membrane of mast cells (the main cells which respond to respiratory allergens and lead to inflammation) but this is only in test tubes and it is not established as anti-inflammatory in humans.
It has been claimed that homeopathy provides relief free of side-effects. However, this is strongly disputed by the medical profession on the grounds that there is no valid evidence to support this claim.
Therapeutic efficacy of complementary-alternative treatments for rhinitis and asthma is not supported by currently available evidence.
Nevertheless, there have been some attempts with controlled trials to show that acupuncture is more effective than antihistamine drugs in treatment of hay fever. Complementary-alternative medicines such as acupuncture are extensively offered in the treatment of allergic rhinitis by non-physicians but evidence-based recommendations are lacking. The methodology of clinical trials with complementary-alternative medicine is frequently inadequate.[citation needed] Meta-analyses provides no clear evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in rhinitis (or asthma).[citation needed] Currently, evidence-based recommendations for acupuncture or homeopathy cannot be made in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Eating locally produced unfiltered honey is believed by many to be a treatment for hayfever, supposedly by introducing manageable amounts of pollen to the body. Clinical studies have not provided any evidence for this belief.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
接受免费检验 及早发现结肠直肠癌
结肠直肠癌的发病率近年来有不断上升趋势，新加坡防癌协会希望今年鼓励3万人主动接受免费的粪便潜血检验，以及早发现问题，提高治愈几率。
防癌协会昨天为配合3月的结肠直肠癌（Colorectal Cancer）意识月举行记者会时透露，去年共有1万2497人接受免费的粪便潜血检验（Faecal Occult Blood Test，简称FOBT），在检查结果呈阳性后接受结肠内窥镜手术（colonoscopy）的人当中，32人证实患癌，91人切除肠内的癌前息肉（pre-cancerous polyps）。
防癌协会主席顾汶星医生透露，证实患癌者中，11人被发现患有第一期结肠直肠癌，14人则已处于第三期，这显示粪便潜血检验确实有助于发现患癌，大大提高了患者的治愈几率。第三期结肠直肠癌的治愈率达50%，一旦进入第四期，癌症已扩散到其他器官，痊愈几率就更渺茫了。
癌症是新加坡人的首号杀手，结肠直肠癌也是男性最普遍患上的癌症。最新数据显示，在2003年至2007年间，每年平均有1400人被诊断患上结肠直肠癌，不治人数超过600人。在所有患癌的本地男性中，17.8%患有结肠直肠癌；女性癌症病人中也有14.5%患有这类癌症，仅次于乳癌。
担任第8届结肠直肠癌意识月顾问的中央医院肠外科高级顾问邓忠良医生说，通过粪便潜血检验查出自己患癌的病人中，已患上第三期结肠直肠癌的人数不小，而这类病人通常早已出现不适症状却没就诊，突显人们依然缺乏预防延误就医的意识。
邓忠良医生透露，过去调查显示，人们抗拒检验的原因离不开担心费用和害怕检验过程等问题。
对此，曾患结肠直肠癌的NKF主席余福金昨天受邀出席记者会分享他的抗癌过程时，以过来人身分向害怕接受内窥镜手术的人们保证，手术过程并不会引起难以忍受的痛楚和不适。他说，公众可在10到15分钟内完成手术程序，并且可以选择在麻醉浅睡的情况下进行。
余福金也是活跃乐龄理事会主席和公共交通理事会主席，他在2007年11月被诊断患上第三期结肠癌，去年6月完成前后12次的化疗，目前病情已受控制。
邓忠良医生说，相对于美国，在我国进行内窥镜手术并不太昂贵，费用平均介于1000元至1200元，获得津贴的病人可以使用保健储蓄支付全数费用。此外，经济有问题的病人可以向防癌协会提出协助支付费用的申请。
佳宁药局3月间
分派免费检验器
为配合结肠直肠癌意识月，分布在全岛各地的佳宁药局（Guardian Pharmacy）将在3月间分派免费的粪便潜血检验器供50岁以上的公众领取，其中9家佳宁药局今年也将第一次全年免费提供这类检验器。
除了佳宁药局，公众可到防癌协会、18个综合诊疗所等地点领取粪便潜血检验器，询问详情可拨打64215809/836。
防癌协会也将在3月21日于淡滨尼北民众俱乐部举行免费讲座，提高公众对结肠直肠癌的认识。公众可电邮education@singaporecancersociety.org.sg或拨电64215804报名。
余福金后悔没为重病投保
NKF主席余福金在记者会上与大家分享他的抗癌经历。
“千万不要抱着‘不会是我’的态度，要定期接受检查，购买严重疾病保险都是重要环节。”
NKF主席余福金昨天在记者会上与大家分享他的抗癌经历时，劝人们提早进行体检，以免延误医治，同时鼓励国人为严重疾病投保。
他透露，当他获知自己患上第三期结肠直肠癌必须接受手术和化疗后，令他感到最后悔的事是之前没有为自己购买一份投保严重疾病的保单。“我必须掏腰包支付化疗和手术等所有费用，以致口袋‘破了一个大洞’。因此，我给大家的劝告是为自己投保，如果年过50岁就接受内窥镜手术，不要避开公司的常年体验，因为及早发现问题就能减轻医药费和接受治疗时承受的痛苦。”
他坦承，如果之前做了检验，并提早发现癌症，就无需化疗。而保持乐观心情以及尽快恢复正常生活的强烈意志，最终让他战胜病魔。
治疗期间，余福金并没有自怨自艾，勇敢接受事实，甚至立下家规——不许家人把他视为病人。他说，家人出于关心，不愿让他太操劳是自然的，但他在化疗期间尽量维持患病前的生活方式，例如自己驾车去开会和约见朋友，只是更为注意身体发出的信号，疲累时就休息。但要精神饱满，还是要有健康体魄，余福金鼓励人们接受免费的粪便潜血检验。
“毕竟及早知道病情，至少能让你掌控情况进行治疗，自我逃避最不可取，如果问题发现得太迟，受苦的不只是患者，也包括他的家人。”
防癌协会昨天为配合3月的结肠直肠癌（Colorectal Cancer）意识月举行记者会时透露，去年共有1万2497人接受免费的粪便潜血检验（Faecal Occult Blood Test，简称FOBT），在检查结果呈阳性后接受结肠内窥镜手术（colonoscopy）的人当中，32人证实患癌，91人切除肠内的癌前息肉（pre-cancerous polyps）。
防癌协会主席顾汶星医生透露，证实患癌者中，11人被发现患有第一期结肠直肠癌，14人则已处于第三期，这显示粪便潜血检验确实有助于发现患癌，大大提高了患者的治愈几率。第三期结肠直肠癌的治愈率达50%，一旦进入第四期，癌症已扩散到其他器官，痊愈几率就更渺茫了。
癌症是新加坡人的首号杀手，结肠直肠癌也是男性最普遍患上的癌症。最新数据显示，在2003年至2007年间，每年平均有1400人被诊断患上结肠直肠癌，不治人数超过600人。在所有患癌的本地男性中，17.8%患有结肠直肠癌；女性癌症病人中也有14.5%患有这类癌症，仅次于乳癌。
担任第8届结肠直肠癌意识月顾问的中央医院肠外科高级顾问邓忠良医生说，通过粪便潜血检验查出自己患癌的病人中，已患上第三期结肠直肠癌的人数不小，而这类病人通常早已出现不适症状却没就诊，突显人们依然缺乏预防延误就医的意识。
邓忠良医生透露，过去调查显示，人们抗拒检验的原因离不开担心费用和害怕检验过程等问题。
对此，曾患结肠直肠癌的NKF主席余福金昨天受邀出席记者会分享他的抗癌过程时，以过来人身分向害怕接受内窥镜手术的人们保证，手术过程并不会引起难以忍受的痛楚和不适。他说，公众可在10到15分钟内完成手术程序，并且可以选择在麻醉浅睡的情况下进行。
余福金也是活跃乐龄理事会主席和公共交通理事会主席，他在2007年11月被诊断患上第三期结肠癌，去年6月完成前后12次的化疗，目前病情已受控制。
邓忠良医生说，相对于美国，在我国进行内窥镜手术并不太昂贵，费用平均介于1000元至1200元，获得津贴的病人可以使用保健储蓄支付全数费用。此外，经济有问题的病人可以向防癌协会提出协助支付费用的申请。
佳宁药局3月间
分派免费检验器
为配合结肠直肠癌意识月，分布在全岛各地的佳宁药局（Guardian Pharmacy）将在3月间分派免费的粪便潜血检验器供50岁以上的公众领取，其中9家佳宁药局今年也将第一次全年免费提供这类检验器。
除了佳宁药局，公众可到防癌协会、18个综合诊疗所等地点领取粪便潜血检验器，询问详情可拨打64215809/836。
防癌协会也将在3月21日于淡滨尼北民众俱乐部举行免费讲座，提高公众对结肠直肠癌的认识。公众可电邮education@singaporecancersociety.org.sg或拨电64215804报名。
余福金后悔没为重病投保
NKF主席余福金在记者会上与大家分享他的抗癌经历。
“千万不要抱着‘不会是我’的态度，要定期接受检查，购买严重疾病保险都是重要环节。”
NKF主席余福金昨天在记者会上与大家分享他的抗癌经历时，劝人们提早进行体检，以免延误医治，同时鼓励国人为严重疾病投保。
他透露，当他获知自己患上第三期结肠直肠癌必须接受手术和化疗后，令他感到最后悔的事是之前没有为自己购买一份投保严重疾病的保单。“我必须掏腰包支付化疗和手术等所有费用，以致口袋‘破了一个大洞’。因此，我给大家的劝告是为自己投保，如果年过50岁就接受内窥镜手术，不要避开公司的常年体验，因为及早发现问题就能减轻医药费和接受治疗时承受的痛苦。”
他坦承，如果之前做了检验，并提早发现癌症，就无需化疗。而保持乐观心情以及尽快恢复正常生活的强烈意志，最终让他战胜病魔。
治疗期间，余福金并没有自怨自艾，勇敢接受事实，甚至立下家规——不许家人把他视为病人。他说，家人出于关心，不愿让他太操劳是自然的，但他在化疗期间尽量维持患病前的生活方式，例如自己驾车去开会和约见朋友，只是更为注意身体发出的信号，疲累时就休息。但要精神饱满，还是要有健康体魄，余福金鼓励人们接受免费的粪便潜血检验。
“毕竟及早知道病情，至少能让你掌控情况进行治疗，自我逃避最不可取，如果问题发现得太迟，受苦的不只是患者，也包括他的家人。”
中国领导长寿秘诀： 多吃粗粮 少食多餐
中国领导人人均寿命一直居世界前列，专家透露，这与他们多吃粗粮、少食多餐的科学饮食方式有关。
中央社引述内蒙古新闻网报道，原北京医院营养科主任、首长营养保健专家曾煦媛表示，中国领导养身的基本法则是：每天吃够25种食物。另一方面，原北京军区总医院营养科主任李瑞芬则说，领导们吃“四条腿动物”的肉比较少，从营养上来说，四条腿(猪、牛、羊)不如两条腿(鸡、鹅)，两条腿不如一条腿(菌类)，一条腿不如没有腿(鱼)。
曾煦媛所说的25种食物，是指食物的种类，而非25道菜。她列举为领导们安排的食谱：早餐半杯牛奶、一盘小菜、一个小麻酱咸花卷、小碗小米粥或莲子羹；中餐是放10种以上食物的什锦砂锅，一两左右的红豆焖饭或薏米饭；晚餐是汆萝卜丝鲫鱼丸子、小米粥。
曾煦媛说，为中央“老首长们”配餐，讲究的是少食多餐的原则，只有当食物种类够“杂”，才能使营养均衡。正餐七成饱，外加两顿零食。
她指出，食物的烹饪方法同样重要，以蒸、煮、焖、拌、汆为主，这些烹饪方法能够减少营养流失，保证低脂饮食。领导们的食谱中并非完全没有炸和炒，但每星期只吃一次。而不管何种烹饪方法，低盐、低脂、高膳食纤维，是必须遵守的原则。
此外，领导们会多吃健脑、养心食物，如豆类、杏仁、芝麻、核桃、葡萄酒等。领导喝酒前，会吃些含维生素Ｂ群的食物，因为酒精会损伤胃黏膜，让体内缺乏维生素Ｂ群，所以喝酒前须用粗粮、杂粮、瘦肉、花生等“垫底”。
她强调，只注重饮食，远远不够，一些老领导之所以能够长寿，坚持锻炼身体很重要。胡锦涛乒乓球打得不错，温家宝访问日本时则露了一手打棒球。不过，领导们吃的虽简单，但食品来源一定要安全。
据报道，享年91岁的已故元老陈云，生前每天都要吃13粒花生、散步13分钟，会客只三分钟。
中央社引述内蒙古新闻网报道，原北京医院营养科主任、首长营养保健专家曾煦媛表示，中国领导养身的基本法则是：每天吃够25种食物。另一方面，原北京军区总医院营养科主任李瑞芬则说，领导们吃“四条腿动物”的肉比较少，从营养上来说，四条腿(猪、牛、羊)不如两条腿(鸡、鹅)，两条腿不如一条腿(菌类)，一条腿不如没有腿(鱼)。
曾煦媛所说的25种食物，是指食物的种类，而非25道菜。她列举为领导们安排的食谱：早餐半杯牛奶、一盘小菜、一个小麻酱咸花卷、小碗小米粥或莲子羹；中餐是放10种以上食物的什锦砂锅，一两左右的红豆焖饭或薏米饭；晚餐是汆萝卜丝鲫鱼丸子、小米粥。
曾煦媛说，为中央“老首长们”配餐，讲究的是少食多餐的原则，只有当食物种类够“杂”，才能使营养均衡。正餐七成饱，外加两顿零食。
她指出，食物的烹饪方法同样重要，以蒸、煮、焖、拌、汆为主，这些烹饪方法能够减少营养流失，保证低脂饮食。领导们的食谱中并非完全没有炸和炒，但每星期只吃一次。而不管何种烹饪方法，低盐、低脂、高膳食纤维，是必须遵守的原则。
此外，领导们会多吃健脑、养心食物，如豆类、杏仁、芝麻、核桃、葡萄酒等。领导喝酒前，会吃些含维生素Ｂ群的食物，因为酒精会损伤胃黏膜，让体内缺乏维生素Ｂ群，所以喝酒前须用粗粮、杂粮、瘦肉、花生等“垫底”。
她强调，只注重饮食，远远不够，一些老领导之所以能够长寿，坚持锻炼身体很重要。胡锦涛乒乓球打得不错，温家宝访问日本时则露了一手打棒球。不过，领导们吃的虽简单，但食品来源一定要安全。
据报道，享年91岁的已故元老陈云，生前每天都要吃13粒花生、散步13分钟，会客只三分钟。
咳嗽咳出 胃酸倒流？
白领工作时间不固定，迟吃晚餐，吃后没有足够消化就倒头睡觉，胃酸倒流容易不请自来。
继近一个月前感冒引发咳嗽后，笔者干咳已有3个星期。经内窥镜鼻腔检查后，诊断为轻微胃酸倒流。
酸倒流是胃食管逆流疾病的主要症状之一。由于食管下端括约肌无法正常运作，胃酸从胃部逆流入食管。
伊丽莎白医药中心雅善耳鼻咽喉组麦汉华医生受访时解释说，食道进入胃之前，有一道软骨活门，称作食道下端括约肌。
正常情况吞咽时，这片活门会打开；食物由食道进入胃后，这片肌肉活门又会关起来。但当活门不能正常开合时，胃里的食物和胃酸则会倒流进入食道内。
麦医生说：“有时病患会申诉喉咙口好像被痰顶住，其实那是唾液。”
胃酸倒流若不引起重视，则可能演变成食道癌；而解决胃酸倒流应从改变生活习惯做起。
咳嗽，说是小毛病，也有可能是肠胃疾病的征兆。咳嗽看似感冒、发烧、喉咙发炎的症状，也可能是胃酸倒流所引发。
■原因：
①很迟还吃夜宵，食物没有完全消化，饱着肚子睡，易造成胃下垂，使下括肌松弛，导致胃酸倒流入食道。
②裤子太紧，容易把胃酸顶压回食道。
③肥胖，腹部脂肪较多，对胃部造成一定压力。
■主要症状：
·咳嗽持续不愈，喉咙持续疼痛，吞咽有困难。
·胸口有被灼伤的感觉，直达喉咙。
·口中有酸或苦味。
·腹痛、打嗝、胃胀气。
■调整方法：
1）调整生活方式：
·尽量避免在临睡前3至4个小时吃东西，也尽量不要喝水，因为喝下去的是白开水，倒流的是胃酸。
·避免饭后躺卧；少量多餐，减轻对胃部的压力，避免穿紧身衣。
·睡觉时头部垫高约10公分，有助减轻夜间胃酸倒流。
2）减少吃巧克力、咖啡和茶，油腻和煎炸食物，洋葱大蒜、薄荷味食品等。
3）药物控制反胃症状，饭前半小时服用，帮助食物消化。
有轻微胃酸倒流问题时，食管后边软骨部位出现透明水肿，正常情况下应为粉红色。
了解多一些
Q：慢性咳嗽还会引发什么问题？
A：慢性咳嗽或由吸烟、药物或心理烦躁所引致，是复杂的疾病，大致可分为：
喉咙：发炎，红肿，长瘤。
鼻腔：鼻子过敏。
肺：哮喘，肺炎，肺气道有増生物
Q：内窥镜从鼻孔进，不会呕吐？
A：目前鼻咽喉检查，大多从鼻孔而入。医生在为病人两个鼻孔喷射麻醉药，喉咙感觉麻麻后（大约半分钟），就可把内窥镜从两个鼻孔中伸入。
检查全程只会略微感觉得到一点点痒，还能和医生说话，并不会感到疼痛。大约在45分钟后，麻醉药效散尽，喉咙恢复正常感觉状态。
继近一个月前感冒引发咳嗽后，笔者干咳已有3个星期。经内窥镜鼻腔检查后，诊断为轻微胃酸倒流。
酸倒流是胃食管逆流疾病的主要症状之一。由于食管下端括约肌无法正常运作，胃酸从胃部逆流入食管。
伊丽莎白医药中心雅善耳鼻咽喉组麦汉华医生受访时解释说，食道进入胃之前，有一道软骨活门，称作食道下端括约肌。
正常情况吞咽时，这片活门会打开；食物由食道进入胃后，这片肌肉活门又会关起来。但当活门不能正常开合时，胃里的食物和胃酸则会倒流进入食道内。
麦医生说：“有时病患会申诉喉咙口好像被痰顶住，其实那是唾液。”
胃酸倒流若不引起重视，则可能演变成食道癌；而解决胃酸倒流应从改变生活习惯做起。
咳嗽，说是小毛病，也有可能是肠胃疾病的征兆。咳嗽看似感冒、发烧、喉咙发炎的症状，也可能是胃酸倒流所引发。
■原因：
①很迟还吃夜宵，食物没有完全消化，饱着肚子睡，易造成胃下垂，使下括肌松弛，导致胃酸倒流入食道。
②裤子太紧，容易把胃酸顶压回食道。
③肥胖，腹部脂肪较多，对胃部造成一定压力。
■主要症状：
·咳嗽持续不愈，喉咙持续疼痛，吞咽有困难。
·胸口有被灼伤的感觉，直达喉咙。
·口中有酸或苦味。
·腹痛、打嗝、胃胀气。
■调整方法：
1）调整生活方式：
·尽量避免在临睡前3至4个小时吃东西，也尽量不要喝水，因为喝下去的是白开水，倒流的是胃酸。
·避免饭后躺卧；少量多餐，减轻对胃部的压力，避免穿紧身衣。
·睡觉时头部垫高约10公分，有助减轻夜间胃酸倒流。
2）减少吃巧克力、咖啡和茶，油腻和煎炸食物，洋葱大蒜、薄荷味食品等。
3）药物控制反胃症状，饭前半小时服用，帮助食物消化。
有轻微胃酸倒流问题时，食管后边软骨部位出现透明水肿，正常情况下应为粉红色。
了解多一些
Q：慢性咳嗽还会引发什么问题？
A：慢性咳嗽或由吸烟、药物或心理烦躁所引致，是复杂的疾病，大致可分为：
喉咙：发炎，红肿，长瘤。
鼻腔：鼻子过敏。
肺：哮喘，肺炎，肺气道有増生物
Q：内窥镜从鼻孔进，不会呕吐？
A：目前鼻咽喉检查，大多从鼻孔而入。医生在为病人两个鼻孔喷射麻醉药，喉咙感觉麻麻后（大约半分钟），就可把内窥镜从两个鼻孔中伸入。
检查全程只会略微感觉得到一点点痒，还能和医生说话，并不会感到疼痛。大约在45分钟后，麻醉药效散尽，喉咙恢复正常感觉状态。
Saturday, February 14, 2009
唐骏：身价10亿不买房 每月12万住宾馆
中国的富豪有很多，但身价高达10亿元的“打工皇帝”却只有唐骏一个
唐骏，从微软(中国)有限公司总裁到盛大网络总裁，再以10亿元的身价加盟到福建一民营企业，三次华丽转身，已经使得他成为亿万富翁，人称“打工皇帝”。然而，这位亿万富翁却一直租房住，因为，他认为，住同样质量的房子，买房需要2500万元，可如果租房，每月12万元，一年只需要150万元，这样别的钱就可以用来投资，而且投资的收益肯定比租金更可观。
出人意料的不止于此，IT行业出身的“打工皇帝”，自己投资从不进入IT行业，只投资传统行业，比如房地产、汽车、钢铁等。
最爱 喜欢“十大帅哥总裁”称号
“在一家时尚杂志和一些网站共同举办的一次评选中，我被评为中国十大帅哥总裁，所以我无比的感慨、无比的兴奋，这含金量高啊，跟别的‘十大’比起来，我觉得没有一个‘十大’能比得上这个，我准备了很多获奖感言……”
昨日，身后带着微软(中国)终身荣誉总裁、十大新经济人物、十大科技人物等诸多光环的唐骏，在一阵轻松的笑声中开始了他在郑州的演讲。
唐骏这位以身价10亿元跳槽至新华都集团的职业经理人，第一次以福建新华都集团总裁的身份来到郑州。
身价 两个原因让他身价10亿
唐骏的每一次跳槽，都给他带来了巨额财富，但更令人感到惊讶的还不止于此。4年前，唐骏离开微软的时候，比尔·盖茨特别写信给予感谢，授予其“微软(中国)终身荣誉总裁”。4年后，同样的场景再次出现。在2008年4月15日新华都集团宣布唐骏为“新华都总裁兼CEO”的发布会上，陈天桥特意给唐骏发来祝贺信。
唐骏两次“跳槽”，不仅有新东家的夹道欢迎，还有旧东家的欢送、祝贺。
他凭什么能够做到这一点？唐骏说，首先要长期保持与老板的良好关系。除此之外，永远不在企业低谷的时候跳槽，要选择新的行业，不与原来的老板竞争。“职业经理人在企业低谷时跳槽，是贬值的。”唐骏提醒。
居住 每月12万租住上海一宾馆里
朋友经常开玩笑:“唐骏是现在中国唯一的一个拥有10亿身价却无家可归的人。”
事实上，唐骏一直住在上海的一家宾馆里，而且一住就是10年。“我住的房子是租的。”唐骏承认说。但是他居住在那里，每个月的费用是12万元。为什么宁肯每个月花12万元住宾馆也不愿买房子？
面对众人难以置信的目光，唐骏一五一十地算了笔账:在上海买同样质量的房子至少要花2500万元，2500万元拿来自己投资，我相信年回报率至少在30%以上，保守一点，按20%来计算，2500万元每年的回报就是500万元。而住宾馆一年才花150万元……我从中间还赚了350万元。
中国不缺创业家，而是企业家
记者:离开盛大以后，您为什么不自己创业？
唐骏:我相信在中国的许多创业者当中，我拥有相对的优势，资本、团队、技术、商业模式、理念……这一切的一切我都有，但我没有选择创业，因为我知道:中国最缺乏的不是创业家，而是企业家。我希望通过我的努力，呼吁整个社会来认同中国的企业家和中国的职业经理人。中国的企业，如果不引进先进的管理理念、管理模式、资本运作等，是很难做大做强的。
我希望通过我的努力，成为中国职业经理人的标杆，把中国的职业经理人做到极致。我希望在未来的3~5年，中国有更多的企业需要职业经理人，也希望看到更多的职业经理人把企业做大做强。
没有资金或技术，光靠激情创业必败
记者:我们河南商报刚刚举办了一届大学生创业大赛，许多非常有才华的年轻人都想创业。其中也有一种观点，先到企业打工积累经验，然后再创业。我知道您的经历刚好相反，先当老板，后“打工”，您成为职业经理人之前，已经是3家企业的老板了，那么您认为，年轻人先创业好，还是先打工好？为什么？
唐骏:我一向的观点是鼓励创业，反对盲目的创业。创业是要有前提条件的，比如说，资本也好，理念也好，商业模式也好，技术也好，团队也好，再加上个人创业的激情。我觉得现在的大学生，如果你拥有其中的某一项，拥有资本、拥有一项技术或者一个商业模式，那我觉得应该去创业，我鼓励你。
但是现在我看得更多的却是，什么也没有，只有一项:冲动或者是激情。光有激情、冲动，创业肯定是失败的，这就变成了盲目创业。
投资要求稳，只投资传统行业
记者:您现在加入新华都集团，有没有考虑到将来到河南发展？
唐骏:无论是从地理位置还是从历史的角度，无论是对我们新华都集团，还是过去我服务的微软、盛大，都非常看好河南地区的这一份市场，我们希望未来有更多的机会来中原发展，来郑州拓展我们新华都集团的事业。
新华都也有一个地产公司，河南房地产和沿海地区的相比相对还处于一个待发展的阶段，这就是一个机遇，而我们也在不断地寻找可能发展的机会。
记者:那么您平时是如何投资理财的？
唐骏:过去我是存银行的，后来私人理财帮我理财，现在我是自己做投资。虽然我是做IT的，但是我只投资传统行业，包括房地产、汽车、造船、电力、钢铁、铁矿这些行业，这些领域相对来说比较传统，下滑的可能性不大。我觉得个人理财需要“稳定”而不是“高风险高回报”。
【个人简介】
唐骏，新华都集团CEO。1962年出生于江苏，毕业于北京邮电学院。
1991年 创办双鹰、好莱坞娱乐影业公司，发明了卡拉OK计分器和大头贴；
1994年~1997年 任微软公司总开发部高级项目经理；
1997年~2002年 升任微软全球技术中心总经理；
2002年~2004年 任微软(中国)有限公司总裁；
2004年 加盟盛大网络发展有限公司担任总裁职务；
2008年4月3日 宣布离开盛大；
2008年4月15日 宣布加盟新华都实业集团任首席执行官。
多次获得中国年度CEO、十大新经济人物、十大科技人物、英国广播公司BBC全球年度人物、美国CNN年度亚洲人物。被微软公司授予微软(中国)终身荣誉总裁。唯一一位3次被授予比尔·盖茨总裁杰出管理奖。
唐骏，从微软(中国)有限公司总裁到盛大网络总裁，再以10亿元的身价加盟到福建一民营企业，三次华丽转身，已经使得他成为亿万富翁，人称“打工皇帝”。然而，这位亿万富翁却一直租房住，因为，他认为，住同样质量的房子，买房需要2500万元，可如果租房，每月12万元，一年只需要150万元，这样别的钱就可以用来投资，而且投资的收益肯定比租金更可观。
出人意料的不止于此，IT行业出身的“打工皇帝”，自己投资从不进入IT行业，只投资传统行业，比如房地产、汽车、钢铁等。
最爱 喜欢“十大帅哥总裁”称号
“在一家时尚杂志和一些网站共同举办的一次评选中，我被评为中国十大帅哥总裁，所以我无比的感慨、无比的兴奋，这含金量高啊，跟别的‘十大’比起来，我觉得没有一个‘十大’能比得上这个，我准备了很多获奖感言……”
昨日，身后带着微软(中国)终身荣誉总裁、十大新经济人物、十大科技人物等诸多光环的唐骏，在一阵轻松的笑声中开始了他在郑州的演讲。
唐骏这位以身价10亿元跳槽至新华都集团的职业经理人，第一次以福建新华都集团总裁的身份来到郑州。
身价 两个原因让他身价10亿
唐骏的每一次跳槽，都给他带来了巨额财富，但更令人感到惊讶的还不止于此。4年前，唐骏离开微软的时候，比尔·盖茨特别写信给予感谢，授予其“微软(中国)终身荣誉总裁”。4年后，同样的场景再次出现。在2008年4月15日新华都集团宣布唐骏为“新华都总裁兼CEO”的发布会上，陈天桥特意给唐骏发来祝贺信。
唐骏两次“跳槽”，不仅有新东家的夹道欢迎，还有旧东家的欢送、祝贺。
他凭什么能够做到这一点？唐骏说，首先要长期保持与老板的良好关系。除此之外，永远不在企业低谷的时候跳槽，要选择新的行业，不与原来的老板竞争。“职业经理人在企业低谷时跳槽，是贬值的。”唐骏提醒。
居住 每月12万租住上海一宾馆里
朋友经常开玩笑:“唐骏是现在中国唯一的一个拥有10亿身价却无家可归的人。”
事实上，唐骏一直住在上海的一家宾馆里，而且一住就是10年。“我住的房子是租的。”唐骏承认说。但是他居住在那里，每个月的费用是12万元。为什么宁肯每个月花12万元住宾馆也不愿买房子？
面对众人难以置信的目光，唐骏一五一十地算了笔账:在上海买同样质量的房子至少要花2500万元，2500万元拿来自己投资，我相信年回报率至少在30%以上，保守一点，按20%来计算，2500万元每年的回报就是500万元。而住宾馆一年才花150万元……我从中间还赚了350万元。
中国不缺创业家，而是企业家
记者:离开盛大以后，您为什么不自己创业？
唐骏:我相信在中国的许多创业者当中，我拥有相对的优势，资本、团队、技术、商业模式、理念……这一切的一切我都有，但我没有选择创业，因为我知道:中国最缺乏的不是创业家，而是企业家。我希望通过我的努力，呼吁整个社会来认同中国的企业家和中国的职业经理人。中国的企业，如果不引进先进的管理理念、管理模式、资本运作等，是很难做大做强的。
我希望通过我的努力，成为中国职业经理人的标杆，把中国的职业经理人做到极致。我希望在未来的3~5年，中国有更多的企业需要职业经理人，也希望看到更多的职业经理人把企业做大做强。
没有资金或技术，光靠激情创业必败
记者:我们河南商报刚刚举办了一届大学生创业大赛，许多非常有才华的年轻人都想创业。其中也有一种观点，先到企业打工积累经验，然后再创业。我知道您的经历刚好相反，先当老板，后“打工”，您成为职业经理人之前，已经是3家企业的老板了，那么您认为，年轻人先创业好，还是先打工好？为什么？
唐骏:我一向的观点是鼓励创业，反对盲目的创业。创业是要有前提条件的，比如说，资本也好，理念也好，商业模式也好，技术也好，团队也好，再加上个人创业的激情。我觉得现在的大学生，如果你拥有其中的某一项，拥有资本、拥有一项技术或者一个商业模式，那我觉得应该去创业，我鼓励你。
但是现在我看得更多的却是，什么也没有，只有一项:冲动或者是激情。光有激情、冲动，创业肯定是失败的，这就变成了盲目创业。
投资要求稳，只投资传统行业
记者:您现在加入新华都集团，有没有考虑到将来到河南发展？
唐骏:无论是从地理位置还是从历史的角度，无论是对我们新华都集团，还是过去我服务的微软、盛大，都非常看好河南地区的这一份市场，我们希望未来有更多的机会来中原发展，来郑州拓展我们新华都集团的事业。
新华都也有一个地产公司，河南房地产和沿海地区的相比相对还处于一个待发展的阶段，这就是一个机遇，而我们也在不断地寻找可能发展的机会。
记者:那么您平时是如何投资理财的？
唐骏:过去我是存银行的，后来私人理财帮我理财，现在我是自己做投资。虽然我是做IT的，但是我只投资传统行业，包括房地产、汽车、造船、电力、钢铁、铁矿这些行业，这些领域相对来说比较传统，下滑的可能性不大。我觉得个人理财需要“稳定”而不是“高风险高回报”。
【个人简介】
唐骏，新华都集团CEO。1962年出生于江苏，毕业于北京邮电学院。
1991年 创办双鹰、好莱坞娱乐影业公司，发明了卡拉OK计分器和大头贴；
1994年~1997年 任微软公司总开发部高级项目经理；
1997年~2002年 升任微软全球技术中心总经理；
2002年~2004年 任微软(中国)有限公司总裁；
2004年 加盟盛大网络发展有限公司担任总裁职务；
2008年4月3日 宣布离开盛大；
2008年4月15日 宣布加盟新华都实业集团任首席执行官。
多次获得中国年度CEO、十大新经济人物、十大科技人物、英国广播公司BBC全球年度人物、美国CNN年度亚洲人物。被微软公司授予微软(中国)终身荣誉总裁。唯一一位3次被授予比尔·盖茨总裁杰出管理奖。
唐骏：别看盖茨有钱 一点精神寄托没有
做企业真的很难，想把企业变得有名一点，又希望绯闻少一点；但是绯闻少一点知道的人就更少了。作为员工，也需要营销自己，不光为了企业营销，个人也需要营销自己、打造自己——有各种各样的方式，当然不一定都要学唐骏的“宏观经济”。
这个词确实很不好听，所以我打电话对他说，你怎么可以这么写唐骏呢？这不是把我的形象毁了吗？他说，唐骏，你不知道，老百姓根本不懂你们这个行业的事，什么上市？你们做老板的人才会说上市，融资也就是做资本的人才知道；对我们老百姓来说，只知道圈钱，说你忽悠人家钱是好听的，没有说你骗人家钱就已经很好了。
他还说，媒体的目的就是把信息传递给每个人，所以要吸引人的眼球，要让文章写出来有人看；如果我写唐骏花45分钟融资540万美金，有人看吗？除了你和我，没人看！我想，这确实有道理，翻看一下报纸，什么新闻传得最快？一定是八卦新闻。所以要想炒作，最好是来点绯闻。还好我没什么绯闻。
所以做企业真的很难，想把企业变得有名一点，又希望绯闻少一点；但是绯闻少一点知道的人就更少了。由此，我们引入今天的话题：未来企业营销的手段是什么。人们在生活中常常感觉很压抑，希望有自由的空间放松一下。放松的方式很多——当然我坚决反对低级的放松方式。让人放松的最简单方法就是娱乐。不娱乐不行，传统的营销模式肯定在今日市场中走不下去。
我给大家讲一个八卦的故事。我在微软时，经常有机会跟盖茨交流，他比我们娱乐得多。我就通过营销的方式跟他讲。
我说，世界上很多人在研究宏观经济，估计没什么人能研究透彻，除了我之外！看一下上世纪整个80年代的经济，日本经济从0.5%的低速增长，到1985年开始5.3%的高位增长，发生了什么呢？有个事件，经济学家们忽略了，有个人到了日本。到了1990年不知道怎么回事，日本经济一下子全面崩盘，发生了什么？什么都没有发生，只是有一个人离开了日本。美国经济在上世纪80年代也是处于低迷状态，但是到1990年，一下子萌发起来了，微软、英特尔、思科等一系列高科技企业带动了经济发展。只发生了1件事，有个人来到了美国。我知道，这跟这个人没有太大关系，但是没办法。1997年10月30号，他离开了美国，美国道琼斯指数当天全面下跌23%。你们去查一下，就是那一天。这个人就是我！我唐骏离开了美国。我知道这跟我没太大关系，很多人也不承认跟我有关系，但是所有的事件联起来，很难想象跟我没关系。
我把这个故事讲给盖茨听。别看这些人富有，他们没有什么精神寄托，可信神。我说，盖茨你想一下，微软是什么时候开始发迹的？是从Windows 95的时候才从传统公司变成公众性公司；我唐骏是1994年加入的微软。他越听越觉得神。所以当我离开微软时，他来找我说，你对我们公司很重要。微软是一个很强的公司，但再强也强不过日本、美国、中国这样的国家。盖茨想了一个很妙的办法：“就是让你在微软挂名，授予你终身的荣誉总裁。”过去微软走了那么多人，唯一被授予终身荣誉总裁的就是我唐骏。所以作为员工，也需要营销自己，不光为了企业营销，个人也需要营销自己、打造自己——有各种各样的方式，当然不一定都要学唐骏的“宏观经济”。
我再讲一段我带盖茨见江总书记的故事。2003年2月27号，我安排盖茨去中南海见江泽民。江总书记跟盖茨说：“再过几天，我就会把中国的国家主席、中国共产党总书记的位置让给下一代领导人胡锦涛了。你将是我作为国家主席正式会见的最后一位外国客人。我来会见你出于国家利益，也是出于私人感情。”他说：“昨天，我的小孙女问了我一些天文、地理方面的问题，比如行星之间的关系。这就让我想起一个问题：微软是什么？微软是天空中一颗闪亮的星，我们非常敬仰它；但是盖茨你要知道，微软在整个星空当中毕竟是一颗行星而已，而我们中国是一个地球。”我真地很佩服江总书记，他用隐晦的方式告诉盖茨：微软公司对中国来说是什么？是一颗行星；这个星很闪亮，但对地球来说，多一颗星、少一颗星重要吗？不要把自己定位得太高，外国企业并不是世界的救世主。
这不就是我们所说的，怎么来定位自己吗？其实江总书记在做什么？我觉得就是在做营销。事后，我怎么琢磨怎么觉得我们江总书记很娱乐——他找到了一种很好的方式，用太阳、月亮、行星的模式告诉盖茨，我亲自见你，中国似乎把微软公司抬得很高，但是微软只不过是一颗行星而已，这就是营销！
唐骏：1962年生于江苏常州，毕业于北京邮电学院，后留学日本、美国，分获物理学学士、电子工程学硕士和计算机科学博士学位；在美国创建游戏软件公司和娱乐影业公司。1994年加入微软，担任Windows NT开发部门高级经理；2001年升任微软全球技术中心总经理。2002年3月26日至2004年2月，任微软(中国)有限公司总裁。2004年2月11日，加盟上海盛大网络发展有限公司任总裁，同时获微软（中国）名誉总裁。
这个词确实很不好听，所以我打电话对他说，你怎么可以这么写唐骏呢？这不是把我的形象毁了吗？他说，唐骏，你不知道，老百姓根本不懂你们这个行业的事，什么上市？你们做老板的人才会说上市，融资也就是做资本的人才知道；对我们老百姓来说，只知道圈钱，说你忽悠人家钱是好听的，没有说你骗人家钱就已经很好了。
他还说，媒体的目的就是把信息传递给每个人，所以要吸引人的眼球，要让文章写出来有人看；如果我写唐骏花45分钟融资540万美金，有人看吗？除了你和我，没人看！我想，这确实有道理，翻看一下报纸，什么新闻传得最快？一定是八卦新闻。所以要想炒作，最好是来点绯闻。还好我没什么绯闻。
所以做企业真的很难，想把企业变得有名一点，又希望绯闻少一点；但是绯闻少一点知道的人就更少了。由此，我们引入今天的话题：未来企业营销的手段是什么。人们在生活中常常感觉很压抑，希望有自由的空间放松一下。放松的方式很多——当然我坚决反对低级的放松方式。让人放松的最简单方法就是娱乐。不娱乐不行，传统的营销模式肯定在今日市场中走不下去。
我给大家讲一个八卦的故事。我在微软时，经常有机会跟盖茨交流，他比我们娱乐得多。我就通过营销的方式跟他讲。
我说，世界上很多人在研究宏观经济，估计没什么人能研究透彻，除了我之外！看一下上世纪整个80年代的经济，日本经济从0.5%的低速增长，到1985年开始5.3%的高位增长，发生了什么呢？有个事件，经济学家们忽略了，有个人到了日本。到了1990年不知道怎么回事，日本经济一下子全面崩盘，发生了什么？什么都没有发生，只是有一个人离开了日本。美国经济在上世纪80年代也是处于低迷状态，但是到1990年，一下子萌发起来了，微软、英特尔、思科等一系列高科技企业带动了经济发展。只发生了1件事，有个人来到了美国。我知道，这跟这个人没有太大关系，但是没办法。1997年10月30号，他离开了美国，美国道琼斯指数当天全面下跌23%。你们去查一下，就是那一天。这个人就是我！我唐骏离开了美国。我知道这跟我没太大关系，很多人也不承认跟我有关系，但是所有的事件联起来，很难想象跟我没关系。
我把这个故事讲给盖茨听。别看这些人富有，他们没有什么精神寄托，可信神。我说，盖茨你想一下，微软是什么时候开始发迹的？是从Windows 95的时候才从传统公司变成公众性公司；我唐骏是1994年加入的微软。他越听越觉得神。所以当我离开微软时，他来找我说，你对我们公司很重要。微软是一个很强的公司，但再强也强不过日本、美国、中国这样的国家。盖茨想了一个很妙的办法：“就是让你在微软挂名，授予你终身的荣誉总裁。”过去微软走了那么多人，唯一被授予终身荣誉总裁的就是我唐骏。所以作为员工，也需要营销自己，不光为了企业营销，个人也需要营销自己、打造自己——有各种各样的方式，当然不一定都要学唐骏的“宏观经济”。
我再讲一段我带盖茨见江总书记的故事。2003年2月27号，我安排盖茨去中南海见江泽民。江总书记跟盖茨说：“再过几天，我就会把中国的国家主席、中国共产党总书记的位置让给下一代领导人胡锦涛了。你将是我作为国家主席正式会见的最后一位外国客人。我来会见你出于国家利益，也是出于私人感情。”他说：“昨天，我的小孙女问了我一些天文、地理方面的问题，比如行星之间的关系。这就让我想起一个问题：微软是什么？微软是天空中一颗闪亮的星，我们非常敬仰它；但是盖茨你要知道，微软在整个星空当中毕竟是一颗行星而已，而我们中国是一个地球。”我真地很佩服江总书记，他用隐晦的方式告诉盖茨：微软公司对中国来说是什么？是一颗行星；这个星很闪亮，但对地球来说，多一颗星、少一颗星重要吗？不要把自己定位得太高，外国企业并不是世界的救世主。
这不就是我们所说的，怎么来定位自己吗？其实江总书记在做什么？我觉得就是在做营销。事后，我怎么琢磨怎么觉得我们江总书记很娱乐——他找到了一种很好的方式，用太阳、月亮、行星的模式告诉盖茨，我亲自见你，中国似乎把微软公司抬得很高，但是微软只不过是一颗行星而已，这就是营销！
唐骏：1962年生于江苏常州，毕业于北京邮电学院，后留学日本、美国，分获物理学学士、电子工程学硕士和计算机科学博士学位；在美国创建游戏软件公司和娱乐影业公司。1994年加入微软，担任Windows NT开发部门高级经理；2001年升任微软全球技术中心总经理。2002年3月26日至2004年2月，任微软(中国)有限公司总裁。2004年2月11日，加盟上海盛大网络发展有限公司任总裁，同时获微软（中国）名誉总裁。
Sunday, February 8, 2009
多吃五谷杂粮 有助抗癌防中风
谈到养生，不能不说五谷杂粮。国际卫生组织和国际老人协会曾对长寿老人的饮食习惯作出调查统计，结果发现，长寿老人中50%的人常吃杂粮和素食。
·预防中风
粗杂粮还能够预防中风。据《内科学杂志》报道，美国一项长达12年的研究表明，大量食用全谷物食物，可使患中风的危险性显著降低。1984年至1996年，美国哈佛大学对7万多名年龄在38岁至63岁调查前没有患糖尿病、冠心病、中风或其他心血管病的护士进行健康调查。结果表明，与每天食用不到半片全麦面包或等量全麦食品的妇女相比，食用粗粮多者，患缺血性中风的可能性低30%－40%，即使是每天把1份食物换成粗粮，也会明显有助于降低患缺血性中风的危险。
·营养丰富
五谷杂粮范围相当广，对于现代人而言，一般是指糙米、玉米、燕麦、黑豆、红豆、绿豆、蚕豆、核桃、小米及栗子等。椐营养学家分析，五谷杂粮的营养价值十分丰富，比起精制的面粉和稻米，其营养价值较高，也较具防癌抗癌的功效。
不同的五谷杂粮，其营养成分也各有不同，例如玉米中脂肪、磷元素、维生素B2的含量居谷类食物之首，其中脂肪含量为面粉、大米的1倍多，胡萝卜素的含量更是面粉、大米所望尘莫及的。
五谷杂粮范围相当广，一般是指糙米、玉米、燕麦、黑豆、红豆、绿豆、蚕豆、核桃、小米及栗子等。五谷杂粮比起精制的面粉和稻米，营养价值较高，也较具防癌抗癌的功效。
又如玉米中含亚油酸和维生素E，能使人体内胆固醇水平降低，从而减少动脉硬化的发生；玉米中含钙质较多，而缺钙是引起高血压的重要原因；玉米中含有丰富的曲谷胱甘肽，是一种抗癌因子，它能促使人体内的致癌物质排出体外；玉米所含丰富纤维素能促进肠蠕动，缩短食物通过消化道的时间，减少有毒物质的吸收和致癌物质对结肠的刺激，因而可减少结肠癌的发生。
燕麦的营养价值也很高，燕麦中蛋白含量高，燕麦蛋白是天然的优质蛋白质，含8种人体必需氨基酸，营养学家发现，燕麦还是预防动脉粥样硬化、高血压、冠心病的理想食品。过去有研究显示，燕麦能有效降低胆固醇。许多临床研究显示胆固醇过高是心脏病主要高危因素，而研究指出高胆固醇人士每降低1%总胆固醇，其患上心脏病之几率便因而减低2%。另外，燕麦也含丰富的亚油酸，可预防动脉粥样硬化、高血压、冠心病。燕麦还含有多种酶，不但能抑制老年斑的形成，而且能延缓人体细胞的衰老，是中老年心脑血管疾病患者的最佳保健食品。营养学者发现，燕麦是产妇、婴幼儿、慢性疾病患者的食疗佳品。
薏米像米更像仁，所以也称为薏仁。中医上说，薏米能强筋骨、健脾胃、消水肿、去风湿、清肺热等作用。
又如黄豆、绿豆、红豆等豆类食品都各具营养成分，例如黄豆含有丰富的蛋白质，还有多种维生素，经常食用可有效降低血清胆固醇；绿豆富含维生素B1、维生素B2、蛋白质、钙质和磷，对治疗动脉粥样硬化，减少血液中的胆固醇及保肝等也有明显作用。红豆富含维生素B1、维生素B2、蛋白质及多种矿物质，有补血、利尿、消肿等功效。
·烹煮不难
五谷杂粮并不难烹煮，例如糙米适合做粥，糙米粥的口感和气味都比白粥要好。 糙米最大的特点是含有胚芽，其中维生素和纤维素的含量都很高，常吃能够起到降低脂肪和胆固醇的作用，糙米中含锌也很多，能够改善皮肤粗糙的情况。在做糙米粥之前，可先把糙米浸泡30分钟左右，然后与做正常的米粥一样煮就可以了。糙米粥能刺激胃液的分泌，有助于消化和营养的吸收。
薏米的煮法也简单，一般煮成薏米水或是腐竹薏米白果甜汤，是许多人爱吃的甜品。至于绿豆、红豆，煮成甜汤是轻而易举的事，而燕麦的吃法更简单，通常被人们用来泡在牛奶中食用。
·预防中风
粗杂粮还能够预防中风。据《内科学杂志》报道，美国一项长达12年的研究表明，大量食用全谷物食物，可使患中风的危险性显著降低。1984年至1996年，美国哈佛大学对7万多名年龄在38岁至63岁调查前没有患糖尿病、冠心病、中风或其他心血管病的护士进行健康调查。结果表明，与每天食用不到半片全麦面包或等量全麦食品的妇女相比，食用粗粮多者，患缺血性中风的可能性低30%－40%，即使是每天把1份食物换成粗粮，也会明显有助于降低患缺血性中风的危险。
·营养丰富
五谷杂粮范围相当广，对于现代人而言，一般是指糙米、玉米、燕麦、黑豆、红豆、绿豆、蚕豆、核桃、小米及栗子等。椐营养学家分析，五谷杂粮的营养价值十分丰富，比起精制的面粉和稻米，其营养价值较高，也较具防癌抗癌的功效。
不同的五谷杂粮，其营养成分也各有不同，例如玉米中脂肪、磷元素、维生素B2的含量居谷类食物之首，其中脂肪含量为面粉、大米的1倍多，胡萝卜素的含量更是面粉、大米所望尘莫及的。
五谷杂粮范围相当广，一般是指糙米、玉米、燕麦、黑豆、红豆、绿豆、蚕豆、核桃、小米及栗子等。五谷杂粮比起精制的面粉和稻米，营养价值较高，也较具防癌抗癌的功效。
又如玉米中含亚油酸和维生素E，能使人体内胆固醇水平降低，从而减少动脉硬化的发生；玉米中含钙质较多，而缺钙是引起高血压的重要原因；玉米中含有丰富的曲谷胱甘肽，是一种抗癌因子，它能促使人体内的致癌物质排出体外；玉米所含丰富纤维素能促进肠蠕动，缩短食物通过消化道的时间，减少有毒物质的吸收和致癌物质对结肠的刺激，因而可减少结肠癌的发生。
燕麦的营养价值也很高，燕麦中蛋白含量高，燕麦蛋白是天然的优质蛋白质，含8种人体必需氨基酸，营养学家发现，燕麦还是预防动脉粥样硬化、高血压、冠心病的理想食品。过去有研究显示，燕麦能有效降低胆固醇。许多临床研究显示胆固醇过高是心脏病主要高危因素，而研究指出高胆固醇人士每降低1%总胆固醇，其患上心脏病之几率便因而减低2%。另外，燕麦也含丰富的亚油酸，可预防动脉粥样硬化、高血压、冠心病。燕麦还含有多种酶，不但能抑制老年斑的形成，而且能延缓人体细胞的衰老，是中老年心脑血管疾病患者的最佳保健食品。营养学者发现，燕麦是产妇、婴幼儿、慢性疾病患者的食疗佳品。
薏米像米更像仁，所以也称为薏仁。中医上说，薏米能强筋骨、健脾胃、消水肿、去风湿、清肺热等作用。
又如黄豆、绿豆、红豆等豆类食品都各具营养成分，例如黄豆含有丰富的蛋白质，还有多种维生素，经常食用可有效降低血清胆固醇；绿豆富含维生素B1、维生素B2、蛋白质、钙质和磷，对治疗动脉粥样硬化，减少血液中的胆固醇及保肝等也有明显作用。红豆富含维生素B1、维生素B2、蛋白质及多种矿物质，有补血、利尿、消肿等功效。
·烹煮不难
五谷杂粮并不难烹煮，例如糙米适合做粥，糙米粥的口感和气味都比白粥要好。 糙米最大的特点是含有胚芽，其中维生素和纤维素的含量都很高，常吃能够起到降低脂肪和胆固醇的作用，糙米中含锌也很多，能够改善皮肤粗糙的情况。在做糙米粥之前，可先把糙米浸泡30分钟左右，然后与做正常的米粥一样煮就可以了。糙米粥能刺激胃液的分泌，有助于消化和营养的吸收。
薏米的煮法也简单，一般煮成薏米水或是腐竹薏米白果甜汤，是许多人爱吃的甜品。至于绿豆、红豆，煮成甜汤是轻而易举的事，而燕麦的吃法更简单，通常被人们用来泡在牛奶中食用。
Romance isn't dead, it's online
According to a poll of 128,000 teens, romance isn't dead, it just went online.
The poll, conducted by Habbo, the world's largest virtual world for teenagers, revealed that 76% of respondents believed that romance is still alive and well in today's digital age.
They believe too, that taking romance online actually makes thing easier - about two-thirds, or 64% of teens polled believe that virtual winks and MSN hearts actually make it easier for young people to flirt with each other.
But that doesn't' mean that Singapoean teens have totally dismissed seeming 'old-fashioned' forms of communication. More than a quarter (27%) still prefer to flirting face-to-face than going virtual.
However, instant messaging, social networks and virtual worlds (16%) are other methods teens are using to reach out to those they have a crush on.
Sticking with traditional gender roles, 55% believe that boys should make the first move, however 31% don?t think it matters which gender takes the plunge.
Dating and relationships are a hot topic amongst Singaporean teens with 63% rating them as important conversation topics amongst their circle of friends.
This is not surprising considering 55% of teens say they have had at least one real-life romance, including the 5% who claim they have been in over ten relationships.
Many Singaporean teens apparently start dating at the age of 12-13, and true to their digital-native ways, 64% have had at least one online boyfriend or girlfriend.
The 128,826 teens participating in the January 2009 Habbo survey came from 33 countries spread across 6 continents.
Habbo, formerly known as Habbo Hotel, is a dynamic and colourful virtual world in which teens can interact with others through online avatars called "Habbos", with options to build their own homes and communities and purchasing in-game items using real-life currency.
The poll, conducted by Habbo, the world's largest virtual world for teenagers, revealed that 76% of respondents believed that romance is still alive and well in today's digital age.
They believe too, that taking romance online actually makes thing easier - about two-thirds, or 64% of teens polled believe that virtual winks and MSN hearts actually make it easier for young people to flirt with each other.
But that doesn't' mean that Singapoean teens have totally dismissed seeming 'old-fashioned' forms of communication. More than a quarter (27%) still prefer to flirting face-to-face than going virtual.
However, instant messaging, social networks and virtual worlds (16%) are other methods teens are using to reach out to those they have a crush on.
Sticking with traditional gender roles, 55% believe that boys should make the first move, however 31% don?t think it matters which gender takes the plunge.
Dating and relationships are a hot topic amongst Singaporean teens with 63% rating them as important conversation topics amongst their circle of friends.
This is not surprising considering 55% of teens say they have had at least one real-life romance, including the 5% who claim they have been in over ten relationships.
Many Singaporean teens apparently start dating at the age of 12-13, and true to their digital-native ways, 64% have had at least one online boyfriend or girlfriend.
The 128,826 teens participating in the January 2009 Habbo survey came from 33 countries spread across 6 continents.
Habbo, formerly known as Habbo Hotel, is a dynamic and colourful virtual world in which teens can interact with others through online avatars called "Habbos", with options to build their own homes and communities and purchasing in-game items using real-life currency.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Do talk to strangers
I'VE been told that Singaporeans don't like it when strangers start conversations with them. I've also heard that Singaporeans are uncomfortable with frequent stranger- to-stranger interaction.
But this has not been my experience.
Recently, I was queueing at a local fast-food joint and sending an SMS on my handphone when a man behind me commented on how slim and fashionable my smartphone looked.
He said he was considering getting the same phone and wanted my opinion of it. This led to a brief but pleasant conversation.
Later that day, a pretty woman in a lift complimented me on my cowboy boots, which led to a friendly chat about where to get the best Hokkien mee at suppertime.
At the lounge in the evening, a nice middle-aged couple nearby asked my friend the name of his strangely coloured drink, which also led to an enjoyable exchange.
When I made eye contact with the couple next to us, they introduced themselves, we chatted and they had the waiter bring more glasses so that we could all share their bottles of wine.
In all these cases, I was the recipient of friendly approaches from perfect strangers. And that was just a single day.
Human beings are social creatures. As Harvard-educated psychologist Daniel Goleman wrote in his recent book, Social Intelligence, human beings are wired to connect.
Extensive research in neuroscience has shown that our brain's very design makes us sociable.
People thrive on social connection. Those who can generate honest, positive interactions will be welcomed anywhere.
Even better, if your society really is cold and closed. Then you will stand out even more as an agent of positive change and a source of warm feelings.
Remember this the next time you're hesitant about approaching a total stranger for a chat.
It's really the natural thing to do.
But this has not been my experience.
Recently, I was queueing at a local fast-food joint and sending an SMS on my handphone when a man behind me commented on how slim and fashionable my smartphone looked.
He said he was considering getting the same phone and wanted my opinion of it. This led to a brief but pleasant conversation.
Later that day, a pretty woman in a lift complimented me on my cowboy boots, which led to a friendly chat about where to get the best Hokkien mee at suppertime.
At the lounge in the evening, a nice middle-aged couple nearby asked my friend the name of his strangely coloured drink, which also led to an enjoyable exchange.
When I made eye contact with the couple next to us, they introduced themselves, we chatted and they had the waiter bring more glasses so that we could all share their bottles of wine.
In all these cases, I was the recipient of friendly approaches from perfect strangers. And that was just a single day.
Human beings are social creatures. As Harvard-educated psychologist Daniel Goleman wrote in his recent book, Social Intelligence, human beings are wired to connect.
Extensive research in neuroscience has shown that our brain's very design makes us sociable.
People thrive on social connection. Those who can generate honest, positive interactions will be welcomed anywhere.
Even better, if your society really is cold and closed. Then you will stand out even more as an agent of positive change and a source of warm feelings.
Remember this the next time you're hesitant about approaching a total stranger for a chat.
It's really the natural thing to do.
I need help getting hitched
LOOKING at entertainer Foyce Le Xuan, you wouldn't think she'd need any help finding a guy.
Indeed, the actress/singer/host in her 20s has no problem finding someone to go out with, and has dated fellow celebrities in the past.
But when it comes to looking for a husband, she's doing it the really old-fashioned way - she's using a matchmaker.
'I've always wanted to find a boyfriend, but I don't know why I've never been able to find him from the people around me,' she said.
Foyce is among a growing number of young and attractive single women - people who look like they have dates booked months in advance - who are looking to matchmaking agencies in search of mates.
Dating agencies The New Paper on Sunday spoke to said they have seen an increase in 'higher quality' women signing up with them.
Foyce has signed up for next month's Bedazzled fiesta, a week-long dating convention where the organisers will try to matchmake her with five prospective guys, with whom she will go on one dinner date each.
If all goes well, the man she eventually chooses as the date to the fiesta's gala dinner could very well be her future husband, said Foyce, who intends to get married in two years.
Deciding on a potential husband in one date is a big decision, she admits, but Foyce believes the five guys she will date are already the best people for her because they were chosen by professionals.
Ms Ada Wong, one of the event's organisers, said the five men will be chosen based on how well they fit Foyce's preferences in terms of their finances, hobbies and attitudes.
'Choosing the guy from among the five is a first step towards getting to know him,' said Ms Wong, 30.
'After the event, there's still a long journey ahead for the two of them.'
Trusting the matchmakers is all important, said Foyce, who met Ms Wong at a party two years ago.
Is Foyce still single because she's too picky?
No, that doesn't seem to be the case - all she is asking is that he must be sensible and confident, have strong moral values, and be musically-inclined.
She also hopes he'll be 1.7m to 1.8m tall. She is 1.6m tall.
But he does not need to have a degree, and doesn't even need to earn very much.
'I just want a normal guy,' said Foyce, who has had five boyfriends, all actors or singers.
She says she doesn't want to date entertainers any more because it can be quite complicated.
She added: 'Being in a relationship is something I really want, but as a girl, I can't go around being assertive, right? This way, the organisers do the work for me.'
But why the sudden need for a guy?
Foyce said she wants someone to accompany her on functions, parties and sponsored events, and doesn't want to have to persuade male celebrities to accompany her to such events any more.
'I want someone permanent,' she said.
Another young and attractive woman who has turned to matchmakers is Miss Stella See, 32, who is self-employed. She said: 'I'm so busy working, so I usually don't get to meet more people.
'Matchmaking lets me get to know people outside my comfort zone.'
The practice is 'normal', Miss See insisted, adding that 'everybody does it nowadays' - a trend that dating agencies have noticed.
Mr Kelvin Ong, 36, director of dating agency Singles Mingle, has said that when he started matchmaking two years ago, the women he saw were mostly in their 30s, and early 40s.
Now, he sees women in their 20s approaching him for matchmaking.
'Some of these women are so pretty and beautiful. They've achieved so much in their careers, and some even have Masters degrees,' he said.
Ms Wong agreed, and added that she is often surprised at how eligible and attractive the women who sign up for her services are.
Mr Ong doesn't believe that the higher number of attractive women flocking to dating agencies means they are getting more desperate.
'It has more to do with the growing acceptance of matchmaking, which is why more people are signing up,' he explained.
'More people are also thinking of settling down and having a family early.'
Buck up, guys
However, while the girls seeking dating help have become prettier, the 'quality' of the men remains 'as per normal', Mr Ong said.
'The men still come to our events in T-shirts and jeans, whereas the women now tend to dress up nicely, with well thought-out themes,' he added.
Some feel that one reason why men might find it harder to sign up for matchmaking could be that it is a blow to their ego.
Still, there are guys like finance manager Rick Peh, 30, who see no shame in this because he feels there is much more to matchmaking than finding a mate.
'It is also to increase my social network, and know more people. If I meet someone, then I meet someone,' said Mr Peh.
'If I just go with the specific agenda to find someone, then it's not very healthy.'
He believes matchmaking is becoming more popular nowadays because the media is reporting on it more favourably.
'People are also more open... (to) matchmaking.'
But not everyone is so keen to jump on the matchmaking bandwagon.
Civil servant Johan Wong, 25, said: 'Matchmaking seems artificial. I'd rather see people in their natural environment, which will give me more confidence about whether they are sincere people, and not simply there to get married to somebody they think is eligible.
'Love is still a very personal issue. I won't feel comfortable leaving it to the hands of another person, or even a company.'
Indeed, the actress/singer/host in her 20s has no problem finding someone to go out with, and has dated fellow celebrities in the past.
But when it comes to looking for a husband, she's doing it the really old-fashioned way - she's using a matchmaker.
'I've always wanted to find a boyfriend, but I don't know why I've never been able to find him from the people around me,' she said.
Foyce is among a growing number of young and attractive single women - people who look like they have dates booked months in advance - who are looking to matchmaking agencies in search of mates.
Dating agencies The New Paper on Sunday spoke to said they have seen an increase in 'higher quality' women signing up with them.
Foyce has signed up for next month's Bedazzled fiesta, a week-long dating convention where the organisers will try to matchmake her with five prospective guys, with whom she will go on one dinner date each.
If all goes well, the man she eventually chooses as the date to the fiesta's gala dinner could very well be her future husband, said Foyce, who intends to get married in two years.
Deciding on a potential husband in one date is a big decision, she admits, but Foyce believes the five guys she will date are already the best people for her because they were chosen by professionals.
Ms Ada Wong, one of the event's organisers, said the five men will be chosen based on how well they fit Foyce's preferences in terms of their finances, hobbies and attitudes.
'Choosing the guy from among the five is a first step towards getting to know him,' said Ms Wong, 30.
'After the event, there's still a long journey ahead for the two of them.'
Trusting the matchmakers is all important, said Foyce, who met Ms Wong at a party two years ago.
Is Foyce still single because she's too picky?
No, that doesn't seem to be the case - all she is asking is that he must be sensible and confident, have strong moral values, and be musically-inclined.
She also hopes he'll be 1.7m to 1.8m tall. She is 1.6m tall.
But he does not need to have a degree, and doesn't even need to earn very much.
'I just want a normal guy,' said Foyce, who has had five boyfriends, all actors or singers.
She says she doesn't want to date entertainers any more because it can be quite complicated.
She added: 'Being in a relationship is something I really want, but as a girl, I can't go around being assertive, right? This way, the organisers do the work for me.'
But why the sudden need for a guy?
Foyce said she wants someone to accompany her on functions, parties and sponsored events, and doesn't want to have to persuade male celebrities to accompany her to such events any more.
'I want someone permanent,' she said.
Another young and attractive woman who has turned to matchmakers is Miss Stella See, 32, who is self-employed. She said: 'I'm so busy working, so I usually don't get to meet more people.
'Matchmaking lets me get to know people outside my comfort zone.'
The practice is 'normal', Miss See insisted, adding that 'everybody does it nowadays' - a trend that dating agencies have noticed.
Mr Kelvin Ong, 36, director of dating agency Singles Mingle, has said that when he started matchmaking two years ago, the women he saw were mostly in their 30s, and early 40s.
Now, he sees women in their 20s approaching him for matchmaking.
'Some of these women are so pretty and beautiful. They've achieved so much in their careers, and some even have Masters degrees,' he said.
Ms Wong agreed, and added that she is often surprised at how eligible and attractive the women who sign up for her services are.
Mr Ong doesn't believe that the higher number of attractive women flocking to dating agencies means they are getting more desperate.
'It has more to do with the growing acceptance of matchmaking, which is why more people are signing up,' he explained.
'More people are also thinking of settling down and having a family early.'
Buck up, guys
However, while the girls seeking dating help have become prettier, the 'quality' of the men remains 'as per normal', Mr Ong said.
'The men still come to our events in T-shirts and jeans, whereas the women now tend to dress up nicely, with well thought-out themes,' he added.
Some feel that one reason why men might find it harder to sign up for matchmaking could be that it is a blow to their ego.
Still, there are guys like finance manager Rick Peh, 30, who see no shame in this because he feels there is much more to matchmaking than finding a mate.
'It is also to increase my social network, and know more people. If I meet someone, then I meet someone,' said Mr Peh.
'If I just go with the specific agenda to find someone, then it's not very healthy.'
He believes matchmaking is becoming more popular nowadays because the media is reporting on it more favourably.
'People are also more open... (to) matchmaking.'
But not everyone is so keen to jump on the matchmaking bandwagon.
Civil servant Johan Wong, 25, said: 'Matchmaking seems artificial. I'd rather see people in their natural environment, which will give me more confidence about whether they are sincere people, and not simply there to get married to somebody they think is eligible.
'Love is still a very personal issue. I won't feel comfortable leaving it to the hands of another person, or even a company.'
Meet Dr Love
If you are a woman and think you are good-looking, chances are you are more prone to cheat on your partner.
At least that is what a recent study by social psychologist Norman Li found.
According to the study, done together with another researcher at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, women with higher levels of oestradiol - a key sex hormone -were rated as more attractive by themselves and were more willing to cheat in a relationship, but not more likely to have a one-night stand.
Dr Li, 42, who teaches at the Singapore Management University (SMU), is a specialist in mating, possibly the only one of his kind in Singapore.
His research involves exploring the science of attraction, love and lust in people.
The research headings outlined in his curriculum vitae read like titles of chick lit with catchy phrases such as All For Love? and The Booty Call.
He has even appeared in television programmes such as The Sex Files, which was produced by the Discovery Channel in Canada, and The Science of Seduction, produced by the BBC.
But the American-born lecturer did not get into this line of research for being a Don Juan in his younger days, although he did admit to having his first crush in preschool at age three. Or that is what his mother, a computer systems analyst, told him, since he cannot remember it. His father is a history professor.
He also denied using any seduction tactics when courting his 22-year-old wife, Ruth, who was his student at the University of Texas.
Li had started off as an economics graduate who began his career as a foreign currency options trader, working in the busy exchanges of Chicago and Philadelphia.
He said: "I was just interested in making money at that time. I wanted to find the easiest and fastest way of earning money."
The work was financially rewarding but it was far from easy. Work started as early as 5.30am and he would be on his feet the entire day. He often skipped meals and got little sleep. The environment at his workplace was "brutal", with people constantly shouting at one another.
He quit after a year and decided to pursue a PhD in finance. But that turned out to be too boring and theoretical for his liking and he left after a year of studies.
He then joined an investment consultancy firm which managed pension funds and attended night classes at the same time to "satisfy my intellectual curiosity".
On a whim, he chose to attend a psychology class. From the first lesson, he knew he had found his calling.
"As soon as I took it (the course), I loved it. I've always liked to study how people think, behave and feel. But I didn't realise there was a course of study for that," he said.
He took up more psychology classes as his interest grew. For one of his classes, he designed a project on mate preferences. He found that given a "tight budget" on qualities that they want in a partner, men tend to prioritise looks while women choose social status.
The project proved to be the turning point in his career. His professor was so impressed that he suggested that Li take up postgraduate studies in psychology.
Much to his parents' chagrin, he left his financial career a few months later, at age 30, and spent the next two years taking up more ad hoc psychology classes and helping various professors with their research at Northwestern University in Chicago.
His parents eventually accepted his decision to start a new career from scratch.
He later enrolled in the Arizona State University's social psychology postgraduate programme and got his doctorate five years later.
Said Li: "It has always intrigued me what makes someone attractive to certain people. And now I have the opportunity to study this."
He decided to marry his financial knowledge with psychology and came up with the theory that people constantly but subconsciously make cost-benefit analysis while forming relationships.
He applied his knowledge in economics to the study of how people choose their partners. He found that men see attractiveness in women as a necessity instead of a luxury because subconsciously, they associate beauty with fertility and the ability to bear children.
On the other hand, women regard social status in men as a necessity in their partner because subconsciously, they want someone who can support the children and family.
When asked if this theory is the reason he is married to a beautiful young woman, Li answered: "Yes, she is a beautiful woman. But we also have a lot in common. Both of us value family above all else."
His wife Ruth had put her undergraduate studies on hold to accompany him to Singapore when he got his job at SMU last year. The couple have a three-month-old son, Jasper.
Being a love expert had not spared him from relationship troubles of his own.
He was previously married to a postgraduate course mate, but the marriage did not work out and they separated four years later.
"I may be an expert at initial attraction but I have yet to study relationship maintenance," he joked.
Last week, he started on a new project which will study attitudes towards mating and marriage in Singapore and the United States.
So why are many Singaporeans not getting married and procreating, we asked.
Said Li: "One possibility is that people are caught up with work. Things are expensive here and it is hard for people to feel established and ready to start a family."
For those who have yet to get hitched, he has some tips which could prove very useful.
For one thing, do not expect to find a potential wife or husband at pubs or clubs.
"It's like going to Takashimaya and expecting to purchase something cheap. Chances are you won't find it," he said.
Instead, he suggested that the men take up cooking classes where they can meet women. The women can take up a sport, such as tennis or golf, as they are more likely to meet men in these places.
Men do not necessarily need to be rich but they should find something they are good at, which they will be respected and admired for.
"When you are a big fish, women will like you," he said.
Women, unfortunately, have it tougher as looks play a major role in initial attraction. But with grooming, their chances can be improved.
But here's a consolation. Men also want women who are kind and caring.
After all, it is the pretty ones who are more likely to cheat in a relationship. But this is not deterministic, he stressed.
He said: "It's just one factor among many other factors. There are many other things that influence whether someone is going to be faithful, such as values, religion and opportunities."
At least that is what a recent study by social psychologist Norman Li found.
According to the study, done together with another researcher at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, women with higher levels of oestradiol - a key sex hormone -were rated as more attractive by themselves and were more willing to cheat in a relationship, but not more likely to have a one-night stand.
Dr Li, 42, who teaches at the Singapore Management University (SMU), is a specialist in mating, possibly the only one of his kind in Singapore.
His research involves exploring the science of attraction, love and lust in people.
The research headings outlined in his curriculum vitae read like titles of chick lit with catchy phrases such as All For Love? and The Booty Call.
He has even appeared in television programmes such as The Sex Files, which was produced by the Discovery Channel in Canada, and The Science of Seduction, produced by the BBC.
But the American-born lecturer did not get into this line of research for being a Don Juan in his younger days, although he did admit to having his first crush in preschool at age three. Or that is what his mother, a computer systems analyst, told him, since he cannot remember it. His father is a history professor.
He also denied using any seduction tactics when courting his 22-year-old wife, Ruth, who was his student at the University of Texas.
Li had started off as an economics graduate who began his career as a foreign currency options trader, working in the busy exchanges of Chicago and Philadelphia.
He said: "I was just interested in making money at that time. I wanted to find the easiest and fastest way of earning money."
The work was financially rewarding but it was far from easy. Work started as early as 5.30am and he would be on his feet the entire day. He often skipped meals and got little sleep. The environment at his workplace was "brutal", with people constantly shouting at one another.
He quit after a year and decided to pursue a PhD in finance. But that turned out to be too boring and theoretical for his liking and he left after a year of studies.
He then joined an investment consultancy firm which managed pension funds and attended night classes at the same time to "satisfy my intellectual curiosity".
On a whim, he chose to attend a psychology class. From the first lesson, he knew he had found his calling.
"As soon as I took it (the course), I loved it. I've always liked to study how people think, behave and feel. But I didn't realise there was a course of study for that," he said.
He took up more psychology classes as his interest grew. For one of his classes, he designed a project on mate preferences. He found that given a "tight budget" on qualities that they want in a partner, men tend to prioritise looks while women choose social status.
The project proved to be the turning point in his career. His professor was so impressed that he suggested that Li take up postgraduate studies in psychology.
Much to his parents' chagrin, he left his financial career a few months later, at age 30, and spent the next two years taking up more ad hoc psychology classes and helping various professors with their research at Northwestern University in Chicago.
His parents eventually accepted his decision to start a new career from scratch.
He later enrolled in the Arizona State University's social psychology postgraduate programme and got his doctorate five years later.
Said Li: "It has always intrigued me what makes someone attractive to certain people. And now I have the opportunity to study this."
He decided to marry his financial knowledge with psychology and came up with the theory that people constantly but subconsciously make cost-benefit analysis while forming relationships.
He applied his knowledge in economics to the study of how people choose their partners. He found that men see attractiveness in women as a necessity instead of a luxury because subconsciously, they associate beauty with fertility and the ability to bear children.
On the other hand, women regard social status in men as a necessity in their partner because subconsciously, they want someone who can support the children and family.
When asked if this theory is the reason he is married to a beautiful young woman, Li answered: "Yes, she is a beautiful woman. But we also have a lot in common. Both of us value family above all else."
His wife Ruth had put her undergraduate studies on hold to accompany him to Singapore when he got his job at SMU last year. The couple have a three-month-old son, Jasper.
Being a love expert had not spared him from relationship troubles of his own.
He was previously married to a postgraduate course mate, but the marriage did not work out and they separated four years later.
"I may be an expert at initial attraction but I have yet to study relationship maintenance," he joked.
Last week, he started on a new project which will study attitudes towards mating and marriage in Singapore and the United States.
So why are many Singaporeans not getting married and procreating, we asked.
Said Li: "One possibility is that people are caught up with work. Things are expensive here and it is hard for people to feel established and ready to start a family."
For those who have yet to get hitched, he has some tips which could prove very useful.
For one thing, do not expect to find a potential wife or husband at pubs or clubs.
"It's like going to Takashimaya and expecting to purchase something cheap. Chances are you won't find it," he said.
Instead, he suggested that the men take up cooking classes where they can meet women. The women can take up a sport, such as tennis or golf, as they are more likely to meet men in these places.
Men do not necessarily need to be rich but they should find something they are good at, which they will be respected and admired for.
"When you are a big fish, women will like you," he said.
Women, unfortunately, have it tougher as looks play a major role in initial attraction. But with grooming, their chances can be improved.
But here's a consolation. Men also want women who are kind and caring.
After all, it is the pretty ones who are more likely to cheat in a relationship. But this is not deterministic, he stressed.
He said: "It's just one factor among many other factors. There are many other things that influence whether someone is going to be faithful, such as values, religion and opportunities."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
恆常致富之路：現金流投資法
寫blog 轉眼有兩年多，這兩年也是資本市場最興奮和最失落的時間，筆者亦經歷了好多變化。牛市末期，孖展抽IPO勁賺幾倍，全個組合的股票都有雙位數字的賺幅 (不用找，因為怕現實生活的朋友看到，早就被刪除了，但看了這個BLOG 兩年的老朋友就會見過)。及時全身而退，再在熊市低潮，大家都心慌意亂時，狂買價值股，至今仍在坐艇，亦心知很多人對前景、對投資、對筆者這類人充滿懷疑，一切也心裡有數。
研究過不同的投資，筆者認為有一個方法，是放諸四海皆準，亦可以做到投資第一步及最重要的一步：跑贏通脹。那就是現金流投資法
不論你短炒長持，短線中線，現金借錢，用甚麼工具都好，最重要還是為投資帶來正現金流。不同時期會有不同最賺錢的方法，例如牛市時用孖展，熊市中期買入反彈即走，熊市很恐慌時大量買入長持...... 無論如何，只要投資為你持續帶來正現金流，就會致富，所以富爸爸的作者，一直強調要有正現金流，而房地產和優質股就是最好的工具。這也是筆者公開內容裡面，最後一篇要和大家分享的東西。無論通脹通縮，只要有資產給你現金流，不但你有金錢可以生活，亦可以有更多積蓄，不用擔心要吃雞而沒有蛋吃。因此，人應該趁自己年青，用盡所有方法，擴大現金流入，讓自己老來無休
研究過不同的投資，筆者認為有一個方法，是放諸四海皆準，亦可以做到投資第一步及最重要的一步：跑贏通脹。那就是現金流投資法
不論你短炒長持，短線中線，現金借錢，用甚麼工具都好，最重要還是為投資帶來正現金流。不同時期會有不同最賺錢的方法，例如牛市時用孖展，熊市中期買入反彈即走，熊市很恐慌時大量買入長持...... 無論如何，只要投資為你持續帶來正現金流，就會致富，所以富爸爸的作者，一直強調要有正現金流，而房地產和優質股就是最好的工具。這也是筆者公開內容裡面，最後一篇要和大家分享的東西。無論通脹通縮，只要有資產給你現金流，不但你有金錢可以生活，亦可以有更多積蓄，不用擔心要吃雞而沒有蛋吃。因此，人應該趁自己年青，用盡所有方法，擴大現金流入，讓自己老來無休
Saturday, January 10, 2009
3 Keys to Meeting Single Women
Most men think there's a magic word they can say to get a woman to talk to them. While there is no such "magic word," there are three keys to communicating with a woman that work every single time.
This is not earth-shattering stuff. What I'm about to suggest to you is a simple approach that has worked every single time I or one of my students have used it.
Here are the three simple steps to communicating with a woman:
Step 1: Observe What She Is Doing.
Take the example of a woman standing behind you in line at the supermarket unloading her groceries. What is she putting on the conveyor belt? If she's behind you in line at Starbucks, what is she ordering? What is she eating?
Notice everything she's doing. Let the environment give you something to say.
Most guys think of something to say that's so random it makes absolutely no sense in a woman's mind. Women actually make fun of these guys and say, "You won't believe what he actually came over and said to me."
Step 2: Act on the Observation.
In order to properly act upon the observation, you need to open her up and evoke a feeling. For instance, if a woman is ordering a double espresso, the thing to talk about is usually the first thing that comes to your mind.
A typical guy might say, "Do you like coffee?" which leads to a yes or no answer. A man who is 100 percent present will look at her and say, "Rough night last night?" or "Busy day ahead?" What you're trying to do is stay inside her head and remain in her current thought process.
It's much easier to have a conversation based upon things she's already experiencing. A woman will share something that's already going on in her head.
Another example: you're standing at a bar and see a woman ferociously texting someone while standing there by herself. You can walk over and make an assumption like "Is your friend late?" This will in turn open up a conversation based upon feelings and emotions.
Women are emotional creatures. They want to bond with you emotionally. They don't want to bond with you randomly. This leads us to Step 3.
Step 3: Listen to What She Has to Say.
In order to have good conversation and bond with a woman, you need to listen to what she says. If you listen to her, you will know what to say next. It's called a conversation for a reason.
A lot of men always think about what to say next, or they have a script in their head about what to say next. That's not a conversation -- that's a bad screenplay.
For example, I was standing with a couple of clients on a corner in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There was a woman standing there by herself with a suitcase, obviously waiting for someone to pick her up for a weekend getaway. So what did these two guys do? They observed and they asked her:
Guys: "So where are you going?"
Girl: "New Jersey."
Immediately one of them says, "New Jersey? I'm from Tampa."
That's not a conversation. That is a guy changing the subject to talk about himself. He doesn't care about her right off the bat. The correct thing to say in this situation is this:
Guy: "Where in Jersey are you going?"
Girl: "The shore for the weekend."
Now, in turn, the two guys can keep her present in her head about the weekend and ask her about her trip.
Guys: "Which beach?" or "Wow, how long are you staying there?"
If they listen and stop thinking about how to amuse her by telling her they're from Tampa, they'll actually connect with her and have a conversation about the shore, vacations -- and who knows where the conversation might go.
Men complicate things for no reason. There are no magic lines that you can say, but in reality if men just talked to women like they talk to their closest friends, they would have amazing conversations. Men just need to relax and listen to what women are saying.
Do this and you're going to have great conversations. It's that simple! Get out of the house, observe, react and listen!
This is not earth-shattering stuff. What I'm about to suggest to you is a simple approach that has worked every single time I or one of my students have used it.
Here are the three simple steps to communicating with a woman:
Step 1: Observe What She Is Doing.
Take the example of a woman standing behind you in line at the supermarket unloading her groceries. What is she putting on the conveyor belt? If she's behind you in line at Starbucks, what is she ordering? What is she eating?
Notice everything she's doing. Let the environment give you something to say.
Most guys think of something to say that's so random it makes absolutely no sense in a woman's mind. Women actually make fun of these guys and say, "You won't believe what he actually came over and said to me."
Step 2: Act on the Observation.
In order to properly act upon the observation, you need to open her up and evoke a feeling. For instance, if a woman is ordering a double espresso, the thing to talk about is usually the first thing that comes to your mind.
A typical guy might say, "Do you like coffee?" which leads to a yes or no answer. A man who is 100 percent present will look at her and say, "Rough night last night?" or "Busy day ahead?" What you're trying to do is stay inside her head and remain in her current thought process.
It's much easier to have a conversation based upon things she's already experiencing. A woman will share something that's already going on in her head.
Another example: you're standing at a bar and see a woman ferociously texting someone while standing there by herself. You can walk over and make an assumption like "Is your friend late?" This will in turn open up a conversation based upon feelings and emotions.
Women are emotional creatures. They want to bond with you emotionally. They don't want to bond with you randomly. This leads us to Step 3.
Step 3: Listen to What She Has to Say.
In order to have good conversation and bond with a woman, you need to listen to what she says. If you listen to her, you will know what to say next. It's called a conversation for a reason.
A lot of men always think about what to say next, or they have a script in their head about what to say next. That's not a conversation -- that's a bad screenplay.
For example, I was standing with a couple of clients on a corner in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There was a woman standing there by herself with a suitcase, obviously waiting for someone to pick her up for a weekend getaway. So what did these two guys do? They observed and they asked her:
Guys: "So where are you going?"
Girl: "New Jersey."
Immediately one of them says, "New Jersey? I'm from Tampa."
That's not a conversation. That is a guy changing the subject to talk about himself. He doesn't care about her right off the bat. The correct thing to say in this situation is this:
Guy: "Where in Jersey are you going?"
Girl: "The shore for the weekend."
Now, in turn, the two guys can keep her present in her head about the weekend and ask her about her trip.
Guys: "Which beach?" or "Wow, how long are you staying there?"
If they listen and stop thinking about how to amuse her by telling her they're from Tampa, they'll actually connect with her and have a conversation about the shore, vacations -- and who knows where the conversation might go.
Men complicate things for no reason. There are no magic lines that you can say, but in reality if men just talked to women like they talk to their closest friends, they would have amazing conversations. Men just need to relax and listen to what women are saying.
Do this and you're going to have great conversations. It's that simple! Get out of the house, observe, react and listen!
Four Ways to Overcome Dating Shyness
Do you consider yourself shy? Do you walk around and say to yourself, "I wish I weren't shy so I could approach people."
When I hear singles label themselves as "shy," I know they are limiting their dating opportunities. Being shy isn't a physical trait like having brown eyes... you can eliminate it and overcome it.
Here are four tips to help you forever overcome your dating shyness:
1. Eliminate Shyness from Your Identity. If someone asks you if you're shy, what is your answer? Do you say "Yes, I am a shy person." When you say that, you are accepting that being shy is just part of who you are -- that it's part of your identity. By you telling yourself, and others, that you are a shy person, you are negatively affecting your own mindset. It is very limiting. One of the first, and most important ways to overcome shyness is to be conscious about eliminating it as part of your identity. One way to get to that place if you are having trouble is to speak about yourself as if you've already overcome your shyness. The next time someone asks you if you're shy, you can say "I am no longer a shy person." As you continue to say this, you will believe it.
2. Stop Listening to the Monkey Chatter in Your Head. What do you think about when you feel shy? Do a whole bunch of different thoughts go through your your mind like monkey chatter you hear at the Central Park Zoo? Are there what seems like hundreds of monkeys screaming all different things in you ear, none of which are good thoughts? Do you think that you can't talk to members of the opposite sex because you're shy? Do you believe that people next to you are thinking negative things about you because of your shyness, or about how you look or about anything else about you? You need to stop listening to all of this negative talk in your head. Be aware of when your perception about a situation comes solely from these negative thoughts in your head, and then consciously choose to ignore them. You need to stop speculating and assuming things about what's going on around you based on then negative chatter in your head. It will lead you astray every time.
3. Realize You're Not Being Judged. Do you ever refrain from approaching someone because you are worried about what people around you will think about you? Are you worried that they will think you're strange, or pathetic, or a failure, or that they will make fun of you if you approach a potential mate?
Realize that people around you are probably not talking about you or thinking about you at all. They aren't because they are doing exactly what you are doing, i.e., thinking about themselves and what's going on in their own lives. They may be worrying just like you do about their own problems, their own issues and, maybe, about their own shyness.
Have you ever been standing in a grocery checkout line next to someone you'd love to talk to but don't because you don't want to be judged by those around you? These people are not judging you. They are thinking about how miserable they are in their job, how they weren't happy with the latte they were served that morning, and how long it's taking them to get through that grocery line. The only person judging you on your shyness is you. The only person thinking about the thoughts in your head is you.
4. Embrace the Power to Beat Shyness. The truth is that being shy is all about you and your own thoughts about yourself. It's not about anything or anyone else. The good news about this is that you're not stuck being shy ... you have the power to overcome your shyness. Once you understand this, you then need to take the necessary action become more confident. Only you have the power to open your mouth and say hello to anyone.
Being shy really means that you are judging yourself. It means that you are judging yourself to be unworthy and incapable of meeting and attracting someone, which is totally untrue. You need to accept your life. You need to accept yourself for who you are and what you're all about, then go out and talk to others with that confidence. When you stop judging yourself harshly, you will no longer feel shy.
Once you understand what being shy really is and how it can control you, you can change your thinking and your emotions to eliminate it from your life permanently. Don't let a poor mindset hold you back from meeting someone new.
When I hear singles label themselves as "shy," I know they are limiting their dating opportunities. Being shy isn't a physical trait like having brown eyes... you can eliminate it and overcome it.
Here are four tips to help you forever overcome your dating shyness:
1. Eliminate Shyness from Your Identity. If someone asks you if you're shy, what is your answer? Do you say "Yes, I am a shy person." When you say that, you are accepting that being shy is just part of who you are -- that it's part of your identity. By you telling yourself, and others, that you are a shy person, you are negatively affecting your own mindset. It is very limiting. One of the first, and most important ways to overcome shyness is to be conscious about eliminating it as part of your identity. One way to get to that place if you are having trouble is to speak about yourself as if you've already overcome your shyness. The next time someone asks you if you're shy, you can say "I am no longer a shy person." As you continue to say this, you will believe it.
2. Stop Listening to the Monkey Chatter in Your Head. What do you think about when you feel shy? Do a whole bunch of different thoughts go through your your mind like monkey chatter you hear at the Central Park Zoo? Are there what seems like hundreds of monkeys screaming all different things in you ear, none of which are good thoughts? Do you think that you can't talk to members of the opposite sex because you're shy? Do you believe that people next to you are thinking negative things about you because of your shyness, or about how you look or about anything else about you? You need to stop listening to all of this negative talk in your head. Be aware of when your perception about a situation comes solely from these negative thoughts in your head, and then consciously choose to ignore them. You need to stop speculating and assuming things about what's going on around you based on then negative chatter in your head. It will lead you astray every time.
3. Realize You're Not Being Judged. Do you ever refrain from approaching someone because you are worried about what people around you will think about you? Are you worried that they will think you're strange, or pathetic, or a failure, or that they will make fun of you if you approach a potential mate?
Realize that people around you are probably not talking about you or thinking about you at all. They aren't because they are doing exactly what you are doing, i.e., thinking about themselves and what's going on in their own lives. They may be worrying just like you do about their own problems, their own issues and, maybe, about their own shyness.
Have you ever been standing in a grocery checkout line next to someone you'd love to talk to but don't because you don't want to be judged by those around you? These people are not judging you. They are thinking about how miserable they are in their job, how they weren't happy with the latte they were served that morning, and how long it's taking them to get through that grocery line. The only person judging you on your shyness is you. The only person thinking about the thoughts in your head is you.
4. Embrace the Power to Beat Shyness. The truth is that being shy is all about you and your own thoughts about yourself. It's not about anything or anyone else. The good news about this is that you're not stuck being shy ... you have the power to overcome your shyness. Once you understand this, you then need to take the necessary action become more confident. Only you have the power to open your mouth and say hello to anyone.
Being shy really means that you are judging yourself. It means that you are judging yourself to be unworthy and incapable of meeting and attracting someone, which is totally untrue. You need to accept your life. You need to accept yourself for who you are and what you're all about, then go out and talk to others with that confidence. When you stop judging yourself harshly, you will no longer feel shy.
Once you understand what being shy really is and how it can control you, you can change your thinking and your emotions to eliminate it from your life permanently. Don't let a poor mindset hold you back from meeting someone new.
Monday, January 5, 2009
通过财富获得自由
从政治舞台上被迫谢幕的范蠡，决意使自己成为商界的奇葩。《史记》记载说：范蠡乘船飘海到了齐国，更名改姓，自称"鸱夷子皮"。他曾长叹道："计然的策略有七条，越国只用了其中五条，就实现了雪耻的愿望。既然施用于治国很有效，我要把它用于治家。"
他带领家人在海边耕作，吃苦耐劳，努力生产，父子合力治理产业。过了不久，就积累财产达到几十万之多。齐国人听说了他的贤能，就选拔他做了国相。范蠡叹息道："住在家里就积累千金财产，做官就达到卿相高位，这是平民百姓能达到的最高地位了。长久享受尊贵的名号，太不吉祥了。"于是有一天他就偷偷归还了相印，将自己的全部家产发散给了知音好友和同乡邻里，自己则与家人包裹着贵重财宝，秘密离去。他们到陶邑住下来，范蠡改名为朱公。
范蠡认为陶邑居于天下中心，与各地诸侯国四通八达，交流货物十分便利，交易买卖的道路通畅，经营生意可以发财致富。而且齐国的商业政策，的确适合范蠡这样的人物发财致富，成为一代财神。
自管仲、晏婴以来，齐国所创立的商业环境为范蠡提供了暴富的机会。于是范蠡就治理产业，囤积居奇，随机应变，与时逐利，而不责求他人。他又约定好父子都要耕种畜牧，买进卖出时都等待时机，以获得十分之一的利润。过了不久，他的家资又积累到万万，成为当时世界上财富最雄厚的人，以消费力相比，其财富应当不亚于今天的比尔·盖茨。从此天下人人都称道陶朱公。
司马迁对陶朱公范蠡极为钦敬，他说："善于经营致富的人，要能择用贤人并把握时机。十九年期间，他三次赚得千金之财，两次分散给贫穷的朋友和远房同姓的兄弟。这就是所谓君子富有便喜好去做仁德之事了。范蠡后来年老力衰而听凭子孙，子孙继承了他的事业并有所发展，终有了巨万家财。所以，后世谈论富翁时，都称颂陶朱公。"
范蠡的商业思想可以概括为"范蠡八法"：一是预测行情，窥其先机；二是贵贱复反，贱买贵卖；三是实物上种，质高货真；四是薄利多销，无敢居贵；五是旱则资舟，水则资车；六是加速周转，行如流水；七是多元相济，综合经营；八是富而好德，仗义疏财。
范蠡在经商中常对人道："越国善蚕桑、齐国善耕锄、秦国善冶炼、赵国善土木，各国有各国的长处，经商就是促成各国交流。"他曾将自己的经商之道刻写成书为《致富奇书》，可惜如今已经遗失。明清之时，人们根据传说把范蠡的《致富奇书》、《陶朱公术》加以发挥、充实、演绎、细化，撰写出了《理财致富十二法则》、《理财致富十二戒律》、《商场教训》、《经商十八法》等，并统称之为"商人之宝"。
后世的人曾因范蠡能够看出勾践只可共患难不可共富贵，就谣传范蠡有相人之术。事实上范蠡并非什么相面先生，他只是一个通达的士人，对于政治和人生的局势都分析得淋漓尽致。他知道自己在特定的时间和空间里该扮演什么样的角色，当自己的表演完成之后并不追求一定获得掌声与鲜花，更不追求频频谢幕时的自我陶醉。他将自己的人生看得异常清晰，而自己也活得圆润通透。他把这人生的大经验放在商业的小行动上，自然可以把握大的原则，赚取世间最浑厚的财富了。
活得像范蠡一般通透的人，能够自由出入于内心和外部世界之间的人，在各个领域都能够成就伟大事业的，除了端木子贡和他之外，在整个中国的先秦时期，不做第三人想。至于后世的白圭，能够将政治和战略上的谋略应用于商业之上，虽然也出任过魏相，却始终未在政治和军事上面取得伟大成就，与子贡和范蠡相比，又稍逊一筹了。
他带领家人在海边耕作，吃苦耐劳，努力生产，父子合力治理产业。过了不久，就积累财产达到几十万之多。齐国人听说了他的贤能，就选拔他做了国相。范蠡叹息道："住在家里就积累千金财产，做官就达到卿相高位，这是平民百姓能达到的最高地位了。长久享受尊贵的名号，太不吉祥了。"于是有一天他就偷偷归还了相印，将自己的全部家产发散给了知音好友和同乡邻里，自己则与家人包裹着贵重财宝，秘密离去。他们到陶邑住下来，范蠡改名为朱公。
范蠡认为陶邑居于天下中心，与各地诸侯国四通八达，交流货物十分便利，交易买卖的道路通畅，经营生意可以发财致富。而且齐国的商业政策，的确适合范蠡这样的人物发财致富，成为一代财神。
自管仲、晏婴以来，齐国所创立的商业环境为范蠡提供了暴富的机会。于是范蠡就治理产业，囤积居奇，随机应变，与时逐利，而不责求他人。他又约定好父子都要耕种畜牧，买进卖出时都等待时机，以获得十分之一的利润。过了不久，他的家资又积累到万万，成为当时世界上财富最雄厚的人，以消费力相比，其财富应当不亚于今天的比尔·盖茨。从此天下人人都称道陶朱公。
司马迁对陶朱公范蠡极为钦敬，他说："善于经营致富的人，要能择用贤人并把握时机。十九年期间，他三次赚得千金之财，两次分散给贫穷的朋友和远房同姓的兄弟。这就是所谓君子富有便喜好去做仁德之事了。范蠡后来年老力衰而听凭子孙，子孙继承了他的事业并有所发展，终有了巨万家财。所以，后世谈论富翁时，都称颂陶朱公。"
范蠡的商业思想可以概括为"范蠡八法"：一是预测行情，窥其先机；二是贵贱复反，贱买贵卖；三是实物上种，质高货真；四是薄利多销，无敢居贵；五是旱则资舟，水则资车；六是加速周转，行如流水；七是多元相济，综合经营；八是富而好德，仗义疏财。
范蠡在经商中常对人道："越国善蚕桑、齐国善耕锄、秦国善冶炼、赵国善土木，各国有各国的长处，经商就是促成各国交流。"他曾将自己的经商之道刻写成书为《致富奇书》，可惜如今已经遗失。明清之时，人们根据传说把范蠡的《致富奇书》、《陶朱公术》加以发挥、充实、演绎、细化，撰写出了《理财致富十二法则》、《理财致富十二戒律》、《商场教训》、《经商十八法》等，并统称之为"商人之宝"。
后世的人曾因范蠡能够看出勾践只可共患难不可共富贵，就谣传范蠡有相人之术。事实上范蠡并非什么相面先生，他只是一个通达的士人，对于政治和人生的局势都分析得淋漓尽致。他知道自己在特定的时间和空间里该扮演什么样的角色，当自己的表演完成之后并不追求一定获得掌声与鲜花，更不追求频频谢幕时的自我陶醉。他将自己的人生看得异常清晰，而自己也活得圆润通透。他把这人生的大经验放在商业的小行动上，自然可以把握大的原则，赚取世间最浑厚的财富了。
活得像范蠡一般通透的人，能够自由出入于内心和外部世界之间的人，在各个领域都能够成就伟大事业的，除了端木子贡和他之外，在整个中国的先秦时期，不做第三人想。至于后世的白圭，能够将政治和战略上的谋略应用于商业之上，虽然也出任过魏相，却始终未在政治和军事上面取得伟大成就，与子贡和范蠡相比，又稍逊一筹了。
Fed, ECB to tackle deflation
OFFICIALS from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank on Sunday vowed to fight the damaging effects of deflation as the global economy suffers a deep and lengthy recession.
In just a few months, central bankers' concerns have flipped from fighting inflation to staving off possible deflation - a condition in which falling prices cause consumers and businesses to delay purchases, resulting in an even steeper economic downturn.
Both Ms Janet Yellen, president of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, and Mr Lucas Papademos, vice-president of the ECB, highlighted the risks of deflation at the annual meeting of the American Economics Association.
'It is increasingly likely that inflation will fall to undesirably low levels,' Ms Yellen said at the meeting in San Francisco.
She said the Fed would likely expand its raft of unconventional monetary policy measures now that its cycle of interest rate cuts has hit rock-bottom.
She also urged an aggressive spending program by the administration of President-elect Barack Obama, as she gave a dismal assessment of the economy. Ms Yellen appeared to discount some current forecasts that US growth would start to recover in the second half of 2009.
'The financial and economic firestorm we face today poses a serious risk of an extended period of stagnation - a very grim outcome,' she said. 'Even with vigorous Fed action to restore credit flows, an extended period of economic weakness is likely.'
'I'm strongly supportive of a substantial fiscal stimulus package,' Ms Yellen said. 'If ever, in my professional career, there was a time for active, discretionary fiscal stimulus, it is now.'
The ECB's Papademos, meanwhile, said that more ECB interest rate cuts may be needed to support the euro zone economy and keep deflation at bay.
'We will do what is necessary, in terms of the timing and in terms of the size (of interest rate policy action) to ensure that price stability is preserved,' he said.
Unlike the Fed, which in December reached the zero-bound on interest rates and is pushing headlong into a type of 'quantitative easing' to support US growth, the ECB still has some arrows left in its rate-cutting quiver.
The ECB has cut its benchmark interest rate by 1.75 percentage points in the past two months, to 2.5 per cent.
Markets now expect another 50 basis point cut at the bank's next policy meeting, on Jan 15.
Support for stimulus
Ms Yellen was the second Fed official this weekend to urge aggressive fiscal measures to complement the central bank's ongoing monetary policies.
On Saturday, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said that programs to support growth 'must be large in order to be effective and to instill badly needed confidence,' given the severity of the downturn.
Ms Yellen and Mr Evans are both voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee in 2009.
Mr Obama has said that signing a major economic stimulus package will be his first priority when he takes office, with a goal of creating or saving 3 million jobs over two years.
Democratic lawmakers say the plan now under consideration in Congress will cost about $775 billion (S$1.12 trillion), but Republicans predict a tab of up to $1 trillion.
Renowned economist Mr Martin Feldstein, former head of the National Bureau of Economic Research, said on an AEA panel that stimulus of some $300 billion to $400 billion in both 2009 and 2010 was warranted.
He forecast that the US downturn would probably be judged the worst since the Great Depression, and the United States would be 'lucky' to return to growth in 2009.
'Speed of the outlays is an important concern,' Mr Feldstein said. 'One that spends quickly and then finishes is ideal.'
Vicious cycle
Papademos told reporters that the ECB will not let inflation fall 'significantly below 2 percent for a protracted period of time,' adding that he did not expect such an outcome based on present analysis.
Cutting interest rates to low levels has long-term implications for price stability, he said. Still, on a panel discussion Mr Papademos said that inflation would weaken sharply in the coming months.
In the United States, Ms Yellen referred to the vicious cycle, whereby weakness in the US economy intensifies distress in the financial sector, and vice versa.
In both speeches on Sunday, Ms Yellen's highlighted a risk that, as inflation expectations fall and benchmark rates are held near zero, 'real' interest rates will actually rise, at the worst possible time.
'A decline in inflationary expectations when economic conditions are weak is pernicious ... because any downdrift in inflation expectations leads to an updrift in real interest rates and a tightening of financial conditions,' she said.
In just a few months, central bankers' concerns have flipped from fighting inflation to staving off possible deflation - a condition in which falling prices cause consumers and businesses to delay purchases, resulting in an even steeper economic downturn.
Both Ms Janet Yellen, president of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, and Mr Lucas Papademos, vice-president of the ECB, highlighted the risks of deflation at the annual meeting of the American Economics Association.
'It is increasingly likely that inflation will fall to undesirably low levels,' Ms Yellen said at the meeting in San Francisco.
She said the Fed would likely expand its raft of unconventional monetary policy measures now that its cycle of interest rate cuts has hit rock-bottom.
She also urged an aggressive spending program by the administration of President-elect Barack Obama, as she gave a dismal assessment of the economy. Ms Yellen appeared to discount some current forecasts that US growth would start to recover in the second half of 2009.
'The financial and economic firestorm we face today poses a serious risk of an extended period of stagnation - a very grim outcome,' she said. 'Even with vigorous Fed action to restore credit flows, an extended period of economic weakness is likely.'
'I'm strongly supportive of a substantial fiscal stimulus package,' Ms Yellen said. 'If ever, in my professional career, there was a time for active, discretionary fiscal stimulus, it is now.'
The ECB's Papademos, meanwhile, said that more ECB interest rate cuts may be needed to support the euro zone economy and keep deflation at bay.
'We will do what is necessary, in terms of the timing and in terms of the size (of interest rate policy action) to ensure that price stability is preserved,' he said.
Unlike the Fed, which in December reached the zero-bound on interest rates and is pushing headlong into a type of 'quantitative easing' to support US growth, the ECB still has some arrows left in its rate-cutting quiver.
The ECB has cut its benchmark interest rate by 1.75 percentage points in the past two months, to 2.5 per cent.
Markets now expect another 50 basis point cut at the bank's next policy meeting, on Jan 15.
Support for stimulus
Ms Yellen was the second Fed official this weekend to urge aggressive fiscal measures to complement the central bank's ongoing monetary policies.
On Saturday, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said that programs to support growth 'must be large in order to be effective and to instill badly needed confidence,' given the severity of the downturn.
Ms Yellen and Mr Evans are both voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee in 2009.
Mr Obama has said that signing a major economic stimulus package will be his first priority when he takes office, with a goal of creating or saving 3 million jobs over two years.
Democratic lawmakers say the plan now under consideration in Congress will cost about $775 billion (S$1.12 trillion), but Republicans predict a tab of up to $1 trillion.
Renowned economist Mr Martin Feldstein, former head of the National Bureau of Economic Research, said on an AEA panel that stimulus of some $300 billion to $400 billion in both 2009 and 2010 was warranted.
He forecast that the US downturn would probably be judged the worst since the Great Depression, and the United States would be 'lucky' to return to growth in 2009.
'Speed of the outlays is an important concern,' Mr Feldstein said. 'One that spends quickly and then finishes is ideal.'
Vicious cycle
Papademos told reporters that the ECB will not let inflation fall 'significantly below 2 percent for a protracted period of time,' adding that he did not expect such an outcome based on present analysis.
Cutting interest rates to low levels has long-term implications for price stability, he said. Still, on a panel discussion Mr Papademos said that inflation would weaken sharply in the coming months.
In the United States, Ms Yellen referred to the vicious cycle, whereby weakness in the US economy intensifies distress in the financial sector, and vice versa.
In both speeches on Sunday, Ms Yellen's highlighted a risk that, as inflation expectations fall and benchmark rates are held near zero, 'real' interest rates will actually rise, at the worst possible time.
'A decline in inflationary expectations when economic conditions are weak is pernicious ... because any downdrift in inflation expectations leads to an updrift in real interest rates and a tightening of financial conditions,' she said.
Small/Mid Cap Strategy: Survival of the fittest
We see the bear market rally that started in 4Q08 extending into 1Q 09. Our 1Q strategy focuses on companies with strong balance sheets that give them the ability to ride out the recession.
Markets managed to find a short-term low in 4Q08 as investors bet that 1) the frozen credit markets may start to thaw following recent aggressive measures by central banks to inject liquidity, 2) valuation has fallen to previous crisis troughs, the recent stock market correction has priced in weak FY08 earnings and poor economic data and 3) global efforts to pump prime economies could shorten the global recession.
Still, we remain mindful of the current credit crunch on small and medium size companies. With earnings downgrades still an on-going process, our stock selection adds focus on companies with strong balance sheets that should enable them to weather and emerge from the current crisis as stronger entities.
We take a positive view of recent plans to review capital expenditure by Ezra as well as its improved charter rates that are backed by long-term contracts. We also like ASL Marine's good earnings visibility and net cash position in FY09.
Among S-chips, we view the Chinese government's initiatives to shift its weight from exports to domestic consumption as positive for China Hongxing, which is backed by 17Scts net cash per share. We also pick water treatment company, Epure for its more defensive business model and good net cash position.
Our final pick is Raffles Medical in light of the defensive nature of the healthcare sector, the company's strong operating cashflow and net cash position.
Markets managed to find a short-term low in 4Q08 as investors bet that 1) the frozen credit markets may start to thaw following recent aggressive measures by central banks to inject liquidity, 2) valuation has fallen to previous crisis troughs, the recent stock market correction has priced in weak FY08 earnings and poor economic data and 3) global efforts to pump prime economies could shorten the global recession.
Still, we remain mindful of the current credit crunch on small and medium size companies. With earnings downgrades still an on-going process, our stock selection adds focus on companies with strong balance sheets that should enable them to weather and emerge from the current crisis as stronger entities.
We take a positive view of recent plans to review capital expenditure by Ezra as well as its improved charter rates that are backed by long-term contracts. We also like ASL Marine's good earnings visibility and net cash position in FY09.
Among S-chips, we view the Chinese government's initiatives to shift its weight from exports to domestic consumption as positive for China Hongxing, which is backed by 17Scts net cash per share. We also pick water treatment company, Epure for its more defensive business model and good net cash position.
Our final pick is Raffles Medical in light of the defensive nature of the healthcare sector, the company's strong operating cashflow and net cash position.
来自一代商圣范蠡的管理启示
司马迁所撰的《史记.货殖列传》说：昔者越王句践困於会稽之上，乃用范蠡、计然。修之十年，国富，厚赂战士，士赴矢石，如渴得饮，遂报强吴，观兵中国，称号「五霸」。
历史上的范蠡，不但是春秋时越国政治家卓越的政治家，还是创造了无数财富且富可敌国的商圣。无论是作为政治家、还是弃官从商，都体现了它那因时乘势，不拘一体的思想风格。从它神话般的三聚三散成为天下首富的商业生涯中，不仅告诉我们物价的贵贱涨落，与供求关系的有余和不足息息相关，还能通过把握影响这些变化的各种因素，就能游刃有余，轻松自如的获取成功。
多元化、发展停滞、行业衰退和经济危机带来的影响
对于投资者来说，最大的梦魇莫过于像九七亚洲金融风暴一样的经济危机。整个社会性的经济衰退迅速波及到东南亚各国，一时之间所有的投资都大副缩水，导致大部分的投资者破产。
而相对于企业的战略决策者而言，如何规避经济衰退带来的影响和行业衰退、发展停滞带来问题，成了首要思考的问题。
范蠡的投资理念，植根于中国古代道家思想和《周易》的圜道思想。它的思想不但充满了对客观现实的充分尊重和利用，还强调把自身作为整体系统的子系统来看待，真正达达到了从战略意义上的利润最大化。
《吕式春秋·圜道篇》曰：“日夜一周，圜道也。”，日往则月来，月往则日来，日月相推而明生焉。寒往则暑来，暑往则寒来，寒暑相推而岁成焉。范蠡认为，天时、气节随“阴”“阳”的运动而变化，商业活动的兴衰也在不断的呈周而复始的循环。对待投资，涉足一个行业，都要从整体行业和经济循环的角度来看，以决定在有利的时机、并采取适宜的策略，创造有力的条件，使形势朝着有利的方向转化。
万事万物均有阴阳盛衰的变化趋势，就是事物妖祥之兆，抓住了它，就掌握了事物吉凶变化的规律。而影响事物变化的原因归根结底，就是阴阳运动，由阴阳两种属性的因素集合，共同主导作用于事物变化。比如，商品的价值是由其供给和需求决定的。那么供给的单位价格和数量就是属于“阴”属性因素，而需求的单位价格和数量就是“阳”属性因素。正是这两个因素集合的因素的共同作用和力量对比的变化趋势决定了当前物品的价值和未来的价值走向。
《范子计然》曰：“天下六岁一穰，六岁一康，凡十二岁一饥”。由此可见，范蠡把事物放在自然环境、社会、乃至经济系统的圜道循环中来看待。这样，通过研究事物内部阴阳运动和与外部自然环境中各要素的相互影响，就能有效的预见和利用事物发展的规律。比如，我们就可以利用这样的自然规律，天下大旱的时候，积绪买入舟船；而天下遭水灾的时候积绪买入木车。在事物需求还没有来到且价值不高的时候，买入；在需求来到，就可以买出，获取高额利润。
天地间生活着多种多样的动、植物和人类。它们不论是飞禽、还是走兽、或者是飞翔于天际，或游弋于大海，都有各自的兴衰生灭的周期。而且互相供养、依赖，而各得其所，最终都得到平衡、发展。而商业投资也一样，不同的行业、不同的国家、不同类型的市场，都有不同的发展周期，综合利用这种发展周期就可以平衡局部单一市场周期的风险。
事物的发展轨迹就像大江大河里面的水，它有着自己的发展规律。这种发展的规律，就像大禹治水一样，是挡不住的。反而是越挡得多，对自身越是危险。那么，不如顺应这种规律，并利用这种规律，即成全了事物，又成全自己。这就像商业中对待合作伙伴一样，把共同投资中的大部分利润放到自己的口袋里，就会挫伤合作伙伴的积极性，就没有下次的合作了。所以，在分配利润时，要根据各自投入多少，来公平的分配。这样，对自己和合作伙伴都有利，就能长久的合作，利润也就会源源不绝的持续下去。
天下巨商的独特秘决
天地圜道---经济周期循环的奥秘
每一个行业，都有它自己的发展规律。这种发展规律从内在而言，表现从生疏到熟练、从小到大、从投资到收获都有一个过程，并且是无法跳跃的必然过程；那么从外在而言，它则表现为一定的经济周期循环。就像经历了1927年美国经济危机的汽车工业，迎来了它发展的黄金时代。到了九十年代，又因日本汽车的影响，陷入了发展的缓慢时期，等到完成了汽车工业的再次变革以后，则又进入高速发展阶段；再从整体而言，它又具有自己的新兴、发展、成熟、衰退到退出市场的这样一个生命周期。
不同的行业，或是不同地域的经济环境下的相同行业，都有不同的经济发展周期。通过石油和旅游行业的比较，就能清晰的看到这样的事实：旅游业，特别是以风景人文为主的旅游区域经济，受季节和法定假期的影响比较大。而石油业，则主要受国民经济的影响和世界石油价格影响，它的发展周期则比旅游业要明显缓慢得多。再者，旅游业来说，不同国家和地区的旅游经济周期也不一致。比如说，中国东北的长白山旅游景区和东南亚的马尔代夫渡假胜地，长白山受季节性影响较大，而马尔代夫则受季节影响比较小。
我们看一个处于发展低潮的行业，对其影响力最大的因素就是供给大于需求。造成这种现象的因素或是因为整体发展环境的影响，或是因为生产厂商过多导致竞争过剩，或者是暂时性的投资风潮等因素的影响。但随着行业中一部分企业的放弃、破产和其他不利因素的影响力减低，缓解了供需矛盾的行业环境，将会再度冲向发展高潮。
事物的变化发展是一个螺旋上升的过程
任何事物的发展的过程，都有一个持续的阶段。这就像种植苹果树一样，不能说一种下去就能够开花结果。它需要一个时间，由小到大，并需要经历许多个春夏秋冬，长会长大、成熟。不根据这个规律来种植，则很可能出现成语“揠苗助长”那样的笑话了。投资生涯也一样，无论是投资一个行业还是投资一个企业，都有一个过程。你不能说IBM的总资产价值1000亿美元，你拿出1000亿美元明天就能组建一个IBM来。是的，拥有资本可以买来IBM的设备、厂房和部分人力资源，但仍有许多东西，诸如品牌、核心技术储备、与政府、公众和客户的关系等，你买不来。
投资的世界，未来充满了诸多的不确定性因素，不顾事物发展的规律，一下子投资进去，风险相当的大的。对任何一个新兴的行业来说，不是有资本投资就行了。投资是需要考虑回报和安全的，而且这也是我们的投资的主要目的，而且任何一个新兴行业的发展都充满了许多的不确定性因素。比如网络行业，刚刚开始发展的网络行业，行业内竞争与传统行业相比，并不激烈，而且前途一片光明。但是，竞争不激烈的同时，也存在着其消费市场容量非常有限，并且短期内增长有限。那么，盲目的安排大资金进入，就非常危险，不要说赢利无法保证，而且资金的安全都成了问题。
根据事物发展的这一特性，我们应该如何规划投资战略呢？在充分考虑到全球或区域经济环境的前提下，充分、深入认识行业发展的规律，来逐步安排投资。比如，在投资一个新兴行业，或是一项陌生的投资领域时，可以小额的进行投资，以便先期积累行业发展的经验。以后根据行业发展的具体情况，再逐步增加或撤消投资。这样，既能充分把握新的、未知的领域所蕴藏的机遇，又能有效的规避风险。一旦将来整体形势发展不好，也可以很快退出。如果形势和前景良好，则因为有了前期的经验和技术、人才等积累，能够很快的形成规模，比别人快一步抢占市场份额。
中环集团总裁翁明显便是遵循这一规律经营事业的成功范例。在1996年，翁明显投资Junglee十万美元，是他首次投资网络相关产业。这十万美元，在Junglee并入亚马逊书店(Amazon.com)后换成了四万股亚马逊股票，翁明显在1998年卖出，为他带来新台币三亿元的报酬。翁明显说，当你踏入一个新领域时要慢慢来，万事起头难，一开始总是要缴学费的。
天地万物循环周期运动的规律
事物的发展并不是简单的由小到大、再到消失的抛物线，它是一个复杂，甚至是一个曲折的过程。单从一个行业的整个生命周期来看，它基本像一条抛物线轨迹。但深入到具体层面来看，则它将呈现出许多大小不同的循环层叠嵌套的情形。比如，房地产业，它就呈现出非常明显的周期规律。房地产业的开发、发展模式由于受银行宏观调控政策和通货膨胀等许多因素影响，因此会呈现出短期的反复起伏。但，从长期而言，它却是随着城市人口的增长逐渐发展的。
从宏观的角度看，小到企业、企业的发展，大到国家的发展都呈现出这样一种规律。韩国三星电子的首席执行官尹钟龙先生在CCTＶ的《对话》栏目接受采访时说：三星集团在三十五年前，没有人也没有技术，是从白手起家的。一开始不要说核心技术，连应用技术，产品设计技术都没有，不就是从一个组装技术开始的吗，然后有了产品设计技术，再有产品核心技术，经历了这些过程，其实这个过程，不只是企业发展，国家的发展也是同样的。英国的产业发展过程，是这样的，后来超过英国的美国和德国，也是这样的，之后的日本也同样如此，都是以五十年为周期。
正如上面我们所说，这种发展规律呈现出这样的不规则性，那么企业该如何来规避来自它的影响呢？我们先来看看两千多年前，范蠡在其著作《范子计然》里面如何论述的：面对周期性的自然灾害。根据自然界的变化规律，预先做好准备。再大的自然灾害都可以克服的。同样的，投资或是经营企业也是可以通过平时的储备来克服周期对企业造成的影响。
深圳华为技术有限公司总裁任正非，在2000年网络行业正在繁荣的形势下，在《华为的冬天》里预言了网络泡沫对全球IT业的深远影响。当时，在一片春光灿烂中，任正非如是说：“沉舟侧畔千帆过，病树前头万木春”。网络股的暴跌，必将对两、三年后的建设预期产生影响，那时制造业就惯性进入了收缩。没有预见，没有预防，就会冻死。那时，谁有棉衣，谁就活下来了。这样说，主要不是说谁正确预言了什么，关键在于企业家需要一个正确的居安思危的意识。当然，这个意识不仅仅是口头层面的，而必须向华为一样，有实际可行的操作方案，来避免、或减少客观环境的规律带来的不良影响。
向投资规律
从《范子计然》中，我们可以清晰的看到：仅仅是意识到积蓄储备应对客观规律带来的影响是不够的。在深入了解事物的发展规律以后，我们还可以利用这种规律进行反向投资。范蠡给我们说了这样一个故事：闹旱灾的时候，就要购进船储存起来；闹水灾时，就要购进车储存起来。夏天要买皮衣存起来，冬天要买丝衣存起来。有旱则有水，有水则有旱，过了冬就是夏，过了夏就是冬，自然界的事物都是循环的。在别人不用的时候，预先购进货物储存起来，待价而沽就叫做囤积居奇。这就是做买卖的道理。
著名的华人世界首富李嘉诚先生，就善于利用这个规律进行投资。在神州大地正处在文化大革命的非常时期，作为东方明珠的香港，进入了一个非常黑暗的时期。当时，谣言四起，在“遍地菠萝”及引爆“可疑物体”的恐吓声中，人心浮动，百业萧条，地产有价无市。许多人因为目光短浅，纷纷逃往美国、加拿大和东南亚等地，把工厂、商店、酒楼、住宅以极其低廉的价格出售。在这种动荡不安的形势下，李嘉诚却独具慧眼，坚信整个地区经济环境必然会在不久的将来好转。因此，它一面小心翼翼的控制财务，一面又利用这“千载难逢”的机会，充分利用经营塑胶工业的丰厚利润，把资金都投到地产上，以极低的价格购买了许多楼宇，不但为它赚进了天文数字般的财富，也为以后的发展积累了丰富的地皮储备。
阴阳运动---事物变化的内在因素
从事物的发展规律来看，无论是有形的事物如花鸟虫鱼，还是无形的事物，如市场价格、经济周期规律这样一些事物，它们的内在变化规律，都是在阴阳这两种对立力量的相互作用下发生的。比如，以股票价格的上涨、跌落来说：买入量和购买价格就是支持股票上涨的“阳”的因素集合；而卖出量和卖出价格就就是导致股票下跌的“阴”的因素集合，是这两个因素集合的综合作用力决定了当前的股票价格。
无论事物的内部构成如何复杂，都可以用阴阳这一概念来进行分解。如，企业发展停滞这样的问题，就可以用这样一对概念进行分析：首先，是行业发展的周期的影响，这个影响中，总体客户需求和购买力的发展趋势是阳的因素集，而总体产商供给产量和成本的发展趋势则又是阴的因素集；接着再看来自经营环境的影响，在这里面，对企业有利的所有因素，可称为阴的因素集，而对企业不利的所有因素，又称为阴的因素集；一切推动企业产品质量提高和提高管理效率的因素集，可称为阳的因素集，而一切阻挠企业产品质量提高和提高管理效率的因素集，则可称为阴的因素集。如此等等，可以无限细分下去。
其实，阴阳这一对概念，可以追溯到古代的阴阳思想。它通过将影响事物发展的因素划分为阴阳两个范筹，来圆融统一的概括、解释宇宙万物之间的变化关系。它的基本关系可以概括为阴阳的互相对待、互相依存、互相消长、互相转化等四个方面。这样，就从理论上给我们提供了改变事物的原则和方法，而我们也可以通过这一原则入手，就能改变事物的发展态势，为商业投资服务。
从事物的总体发展趋势入手，促使事物向有利于我的方向发展
从上面我们知道，事物是不断向前发展的，这种发展趋势就会相关的因素。这种规律表现在一个行业的变化上，就会对业内的所有企业和上下游厂商产生影响。比如，苹果电脑公司在个人电脑这个行业发展初期，在媒体上做宣传，在繁华的街区设立时尚的专卖店，使苹果电脑率先进入教育行业。这种行为，这种方式是会动整体行业的发展起有益的影响。包括苹果电脑、IBM电脑、微软和其他个人电脑生产商都会在相当长的时间内受益的。
当然，去创造客户需求，毕竟需要强大的实力，而且风险很大。相比之下，我们更崇尚引导、顺应整体行业的发展趋势，并从中得益。正当太平洋战争进行得如火如荼的时候，可口可乐也和一大批民用经济一样，陷入了前所为有的困境。一位回国述职的老兵的随意的一句话，让可口可乐看到了引导庞大的军用需求的机会。于是，它们开始展开宣传攻势，并将可口可乐与枪泡弹药相提并论。结果，五角大楼最终同意，不论在世界任何一个地方，凡有美军驻扎的地方，务使每一个战士都能以5美分喝到一瓶可口可乐。这样，可口可乐就随着美军的作战，深入到了世界的每一个地方。
阴阳的相互运动促使事物变化
对于商业投资来说，事物的状态受其内部阴阳两者的运动的影响。也可以说，它受事物内、外部的多种因素的共同影响。简单的说，就像供给需求原理一样：提高供给的价格和减少供给的数量，都会使价格上涨，而交易量减少。反过来也一样。改变事物就是这一样，任何一个部分的变化，都足以导致整体事物状态的变化。
《商道》里的有个故事，说的是林尚沃于1809年在北京进行了一场别开生面的人叁交易。当时，北京市场没有人叁，而朝鲜的人叁又都为林尚沃所垄断。于是，林尚沃就想借这一时机，将人叁交易的价格提高。当北京市场的商人，知道人叁价格为一斤40两白银时，便集体抵制人叁价格。提出让价格回落到以往的水平的要求。在离林尚沃回朝鲜的前两天，他不仅不理会北京商人们的抵制，还把价格提高到一斤45两白银.在没有一笔交易的情况下，林尚沃便在旅店院子里开始焚烧人叁。在烧了一半以后，北京商人终于投降了，不但按照林尚沃开出的价格买了剩下的人叁，还连被焚烧的人叁也以同样的价格购买了。最终，林尚沃通过改变人叁交易市场的供求关系，赢取了商业生涯中的一次辉煌。
天人合一---环境与我的利害关系
范蠡的思想体系同中国传统文化一样，非常注重个体与整体的相互关系。这也就是古人常说的：天人合一，意思是指从自然、社会、国家、人文等角度来看待个体在其中的位置和关系。最终通过充分考虑与各方的关系的前提下，来决定个体的行为。而个体则通过与整体系统的关系，将付出的代价最小化，而取得最大化利益。比如我们上面说到的经济周期循环规律，我们不是孤立、片面和一厢情愿的去根据我们自身的情况去改变客观现实，让现实来适应我们。而是，实事求是的从客观的角度出发，充分考虑整体系统的发展规律，最终利用客观规律去用最少的代价实现投资目标。
整体的自然、社会系统是一个与诸多的经济、政治、文化和科技等子系统互相作用的动态系统。它自身由于身诸多不确定性的因素的影响，因此它的最终状态也呈现出不确定性。比如，自然气候决定了陆地上的植物的荣枯盛衰，但反过来，大面积的植物也会影响着自然气候的稳定。事物的系统就是这样，大系统影响着诸多的小的系统，诸多的小的系统又反过来影响着大的系统。
在所有影响系统的因素中，由影响力最大的因素决定系统的主要状态。比如大自然的春夏秋冬四季，虽然它受陆地植被、环境污染程度等的影响，但对它影响最大的却是地区围绕太阳转动带来的影响。因此，它的主要状态就呈现出四季的差异来。但是，其他因素也对它产生了影响，因此在它在主要状态以外，也呈现出受其他因素影响的结果。比如说四季的气候异常等等。
诸如以上论述的，整体系统与个体系统是相互影响的，也就是说事物是可以改变的。比如，我们对投资项目的资金供给量的控制，也可以控制投资项目的发展趋势。它为我们改变自然提供了一个依据，比如我们说的引导客户需求，就是属于这样。但是，也不是说，人力的因素就能够决定事物的属性。就像人无力改变春夏秋冬四季的更替一样，它并非是不可以改变，而是人没有足够的力量去对它造成影响。但是，我们可以在顺应这种自然规律的同时，花费最少的力量去影响它的发展趋势，来为我们服务，却是可行的。
系统协作产生更大的价值
单一人或是一个群体的力量，创造的价值其实是非常有限的。与一个整体对比起来，它创造的价值是非常有限的。而许多事，我们想要做成，就不得不考虑与环境、社会、国家和其他竞争者的开放式合作。有一个关于范蠡运马的故事，则很好的说明了问题。当时，范蠡要把一大群马运到南方去，又怕半路上遇强盗。于是，他就把马卖给一个贸易商，那个贸易商去的地方，恰好的范蠡的目的地。后来，那些马帮贸易商把货物运到目的地以后，范蠡又把马卖了回来。这样，马匹既安全到达目的地，又一路有人照顾。
当然，个体系统与整体系统协作，产生更大的价值，是建立在对各方都有利的基础上的。1979年9月25日夜，香港长江实业集团主席李嘉诚宣布：长江实业以每股7.1元的价格，购入汇丰银行手中的22.4%的9000万普通股的英资财团和记黄埔有限公司的股权。此举被新闻界戏称为“蛇吞大象”，都认为是李嘉诚一举战胜了英资财团。其实，这是李嘉诚与英资财团，特别是汇丰银行的互利互惠的合作。他们经过考察，认为李嘉诚能够让和记黄埔发展更好，赢利更丰，因此就将手中股票转让给他。而李嘉诚只是取得经营权，未来能怎么样，需要看李嘉诚的出色经营能力。而最终的事实，不但证明了李嘉诚的卓越经营能力，而且双方都赢利颇丰，也证明了汇丰银行棋高一招。
万物和谐---万事万物的相溶共生
对于投资来说，集中于一个行业，虽然能够获取比较高的利润，但却不容易平衡同样高的风险。在一个国家或区域经济环境下，投资活动经常受行业周期、政治和整体国民经济的影响。如，1997年东南亚金融危机，它的主要影响区域主要在东南亚和对金融、外汇市场高敏感的行业。而全球的其他地方的许多行业，仍然没有受多大影响。这样的危机下，对于业务全球化的企业，所受的损失肯定比非全球化的企业要小得多。
不同的行业有着不同的经济周期，也就意味着有不同的投资回报周期。这样，在一个行业的投资赢利陷入低潮的时候，能够得到另一个行业的投资赢利的支援，这样不但能够平滑总体赢利，而且还能够对所有的行业投资有意想不到的助力。
不同经济周期互补，还需要考虑行业的关联程度。关联程度过高的多元化，就其本身而言，是达不到多元化的分散风险和平滑盈利的目的的。这样，一旦遇到周期性的影响，则很可能把整个投资全部拖垮。而且不要迷恋任何一项投资，而一旦你迷恋任何一项投资，你就无法理智的去进行判断。甚至还会因为挽救一项事业的而把所有事业搭进去。
对待投资项目的损失，要有必要的限度。任何投资都不会是一帆风顺的，一定会遇到困境。但是，在困境里面，有的困境是可以挽救的，而有的却是无法挽救的。如果对无法挽救的事业不采取顺其自然的态度，反而徒劳挽救，最终可能把庞大的多元化投资全部葬送。
以互补的经济周期来获取整体的发展
可以利用区域经济、不同行业的周期发展规律来分散、规避风险。不同的区域经济、不同的行业它们的发展周期是不一致的。有的发展周期长，有的发展周期短，有的处在发展的高峰时，另外一些却处在发展的低潮。这样，就可以利用投资的分散来平衡不同的发展周期带来的风险。
以整体来解决局部发展缺乏资金支持的瓶颈
投资分散的好处不止于此，它在于能够在众多的不同行业投资的支援下，可以集中优势资金发展一个行业。这就像下围棋一样，单独的一颗子是没有多大威力的，但是它一旦几个连在一起或是做成劫，就能发挥超常的整体力量。这样的整体力量，就会被赋予整体中的每一个点，任何一个点都能得到来自所有点的共同支援，这样就为它的发展提供了强有力的支持。
被英国《世纪大典》评为20世纪10名世界首富之一的清末商人王炽，可以说它的商业帝国就是沿着分散风险，以不同行业的利润互相支援这条轨迹发展的。王炽早先是以赶马帮起家的，马帮上了轨道以后，就开始向零售延伸。因为，马帮风险高，周期性影响大，因此开始涉足零售业，这样既可消化马帮运输带来的货物，为马帮带来稳定的业务；又可以为运输的货物卖个好假钱，更重要的是有了马帮的支持，就为进入零售业积累了资本。后来更涉足金融和矿山，都是从为了平衡各个行业风险的角度出发的。
人利我的选择
顺其自然，特别是顺应事物的发展规律，是寓意颇深的学问。日出月升，春去秋来，中国古代的人们很早就知道顺应自然环境，并利用自然来达成我们的目的。《苟子·王制》记载：春耕、夏耘、秋收、冬藏，四时不失时，故五谷不绝，而百姓有余食也。就是最早的通过顺应自然的发展，来发展农业的记载。其实，不仅仅是四季农时如此，天下的许多事物都是如此。如，整个社会的经济发展、人的生老病死、科学研究等都是。
顺应事物的发展，首先体现在对待事物本身的发展规律上。人只是自然界很渺小的力量，即使是整个人类社会在宇宙中也是微不足道的。而一个人在社会经济中，更是影响有限。那么一个人要在社会中生存、发展，就必须顺应事物的这种发展规律。如，栽种郁金香，必须正确看待这种植物的生长规律，然后根据其生长规律，来确定如何促使这种植物长大，开花。
在商业投资中，是不是花费巨额的资金和精力来打造一个投资项目，就能得到很好的结果。答案是否定的，因为这是一种外无视事物发展规律的低效率行为，而即使这样做了，也仍有可能失败。我们说顺应事物的发展规律，不但在于我们遇事要顺应事物的发展规律，而且还要善于利用这种规律来为我们服务，这才是效率最高、价值最大化的选择。比如，利用人才的事业心，来为我们共同的事业奋斗，这也是充分利用事物的发展规律和人才的发展规律的做法。
顺应事物的发展规律
在商业投资中，违反事物的发展规律后果是非常严重的。这个道理很简单，但在实际的商业投资生涯中，仍然有许多人明知故犯，结果让投资蒙受损失。其实，最重要的地方，不在于发现和应用这个规律，而在于在投资生涯中始终遵守这个原则，这是最重要的，也是最困难的。
曾经在中国金融市场有着赫赫威名的德隆国际，就是一个很好的例子。德隆曾经豪言壮志的宣称要以产业为基础、资本为纽带、金融为核心的模式，就是通过金融筹集庞大的资金支持产业发展。但实际上，它忽略了不同的行业之间的差异，特别是金融与实业之间的差异。金融行业的流动天然的要比实业流动要快得多。所以违反了事物的发展规律，最终付出了痛苦的代价。扶危定难，根据事物的发展，适时的纠正事物的不良发展势头。
成人之美，充分顺应人的发展意愿
在商业投资活动中，最困难的是与合作伙伴的相处。而每个合作伙伴都有自己不同的发展之路、资源和利益，这就需要公平的照顾每个合作伙伴的利益空间。最重要的是各取所需，不要去阻止合作伙伴的发展规律和意愿。比如，你和你的创业伙伴、或者是得力的员工之间。他们因为自身的发展，有了新的决定和安排。你强留他们可能会收一时之效，但却最终伤害了他们的利益，这样其实不利于双方长期的合作。
有一本书里讲了华人首富李嘉诚的一个有趣的故事。说有一次李嘉诚在董事会上讨论拿多少股份的问题，他说：我们公司拿10%的股份是公正的，拿11%也可以，但我主张州拿9%的股份。并且还说经商不是简单的1+1那么简单，你想拿11%反而发不了，只有拿9%，财源才会滚滚而来。从这里可以看出，华人首富李嘉诚充分考虑合作伙伴的利益的经营之道，这大概也是促使他成功的原因之一吧!
扶危定难，使事物朝有利的方向发展
适时对事物进行干预，纠正不良发展势头。顺应了事物的发展趋势，虽然是效率最高、价值最大化的方法。但有许多时候，事物发展仍会偏离目标。在这样的时候，就需要对事物的发展方向和趋势进行干预，纠正其不良发展势头，使其回到正确的轨道上来。比如，虽然我们为项目配备了良好的管理人才结构，但是其中一部分人仍然可能做出一些损害所有人的利益的人，这时就必须纠正这种行为。
历史上的范蠡，不但是春秋时越国政治家卓越的政治家，还是创造了无数财富且富可敌国的商圣。无论是作为政治家、还是弃官从商，都体现了它那因时乘势，不拘一体的思想风格。从它神话般的三聚三散成为天下首富的商业生涯中，不仅告诉我们物价的贵贱涨落，与供求关系的有余和不足息息相关，还能通过把握影响这些变化的各种因素，就能游刃有余，轻松自如的获取成功。
多元化、发展停滞、行业衰退和经济危机带来的影响
对于投资者来说，最大的梦魇莫过于像九七亚洲金融风暴一样的经济危机。整个社会性的经济衰退迅速波及到东南亚各国，一时之间所有的投资都大副缩水，导致大部分的投资者破产。
而相对于企业的战略决策者而言，如何规避经济衰退带来的影响和行业衰退、发展停滞带来问题，成了首要思考的问题。
范蠡的投资理念，植根于中国古代道家思想和《周易》的圜道思想。它的思想不但充满了对客观现实的充分尊重和利用，还强调把自身作为整体系统的子系统来看待，真正达达到了从战略意义上的利润最大化。
《吕式春秋·圜道篇》曰：“日夜一周，圜道也。”，日往则月来，月往则日来，日月相推而明生焉。寒往则暑来，暑往则寒来，寒暑相推而岁成焉。范蠡认为，天时、气节随“阴”“阳”的运动而变化，商业活动的兴衰也在不断的呈周而复始的循环。对待投资，涉足一个行业，都要从整体行业和经济循环的角度来看，以决定在有利的时机、并采取适宜的策略，创造有力的条件，使形势朝着有利的方向转化。
万事万物均有阴阳盛衰的变化趋势，就是事物妖祥之兆，抓住了它，就掌握了事物吉凶变化的规律。而影响事物变化的原因归根结底，就是阴阳运动，由阴阳两种属性的因素集合，共同主导作用于事物变化。比如，商品的价值是由其供给和需求决定的。那么供给的单位价格和数量就是属于“阴”属性因素，而需求的单位价格和数量就是“阳”属性因素。正是这两个因素集合的因素的共同作用和力量对比的变化趋势决定了当前物品的价值和未来的价值走向。
《范子计然》曰：“天下六岁一穰，六岁一康，凡十二岁一饥”。由此可见，范蠡把事物放在自然环境、社会、乃至经济系统的圜道循环中来看待。这样，通过研究事物内部阴阳运动和与外部自然环境中各要素的相互影响，就能有效的预见和利用事物发展的规律。比如，我们就可以利用这样的自然规律，天下大旱的时候，积绪买入舟船；而天下遭水灾的时候积绪买入木车。在事物需求还没有来到且价值不高的时候，买入；在需求来到，就可以买出，获取高额利润。
天地间生活着多种多样的动、植物和人类。它们不论是飞禽、还是走兽、或者是飞翔于天际，或游弋于大海，都有各自的兴衰生灭的周期。而且互相供养、依赖，而各得其所，最终都得到平衡、发展。而商业投资也一样，不同的行业、不同的国家、不同类型的市场，都有不同的发展周期，综合利用这种发展周期就可以平衡局部单一市场周期的风险。
事物的发展轨迹就像大江大河里面的水，它有着自己的发展规律。这种发展的规律，就像大禹治水一样，是挡不住的。反而是越挡得多，对自身越是危险。那么，不如顺应这种规律，并利用这种规律，即成全了事物，又成全自己。这就像商业中对待合作伙伴一样，把共同投资中的大部分利润放到自己的口袋里，就会挫伤合作伙伴的积极性，就没有下次的合作了。所以，在分配利润时，要根据各自投入多少，来公平的分配。这样，对自己和合作伙伴都有利，就能长久的合作，利润也就会源源不绝的持续下去。
天下巨商的独特秘决
天地圜道---经济周期循环的奥秘
每一个行业，都有它自己的发展规律。这种发展规律从内在而言，表现从生疏到熟练、从小到大、从投资到收获都有一个过程，并且是无法跳跃的必然过程；那么从外在而言，它则表现为一定的经济周期循环。就像经历了1927年美国经济危机的汽车工业，迎来了它发展的黄金时代。到了九十年代，又因日本汽车的影响，陷入了发展的缓慢时期，等到完成了汽车工业的再次变革以后，则又进入高速发展阶段；再从整体而言，它又具有自己的新兴、发展、成熟、衰退到退出市场的这样一个生命周期。
不同的行业，或是不同地域的经济环境下的相同行业，都有不同的经济发展周期。通过石油和旅游行业的比较，就能清晰的看到这样的事实：旅游业，特别是以风景人文为主的旅游区域经济，受季节和法定假期的影响比较大。而石油业，则主要受国民经济的影响和世界石油价格影响，它的发展周期则比旅游业要明显缓慢得多。再者，旅游业来说，不同国家和地区的旅游经济周期也不一致。比如说，中国东北的长白山旅游景区和东南亚的马尔代夫渡假胜地，长白山受季节性影响较大，而马尔代夫则受季节影响比较小。
我们看一个处于发展低潮的行业，对其影响力最大的因素就是供给大于需求。造成这种现象的因素或是因为整体发展环境的影响，或是因为生产厂商过多导致竞争过剩，或者是暂时性的投资风潮等因素的影响。但随着行业中一部分企业的放弃、破产和其他不利因素的影响力减低，缓解了供需矛盾的行业环境，将会再度冲向发展高潮。
事物的变化发展是一个螺旋上升的过程
任何事物的发展的过程，都有一个持续的阶段。这就像种植苹果树一样，不能说一种下去就能够开花结果。它需要一个时间，由小到大，并需要经历许多个春夏秋冬，长会长大、成熟。不根据这个规律来种植，则很可能出现成语“揠苗助长”那样的笑话了。投资生涯也一样，无论是投资一个行业还是投资一个企业，都有一个过程。你不能说IBM的总资产价值1000亿美元，你拿出1000亿美元明天就能组建一个IBM来。是的，拥有资本可以买来IBM的设备、厂房和部分人力资源，但仍有许多东西，诸如品牌、核心技术储备、与政府、公众和客户的关系等，你买不来。
投资的世界，未来充满了诸多的不确定性因素，不顾事物发展的规律，一下子投资进去，风险相当的大的。对任何一个新兴的行业来说，不是有资本投资就行了。投资是需要考虑回报和安全的，而且这也是我们的投资的主要目的，而且任何一个新兴行业的发展都充满了许多的不确定性因素。比如网络行业，刚刚开始发展的网络行业，行业内竞争与传统行业相比，并不激烈，而且前途一片光明。但是，竞争不激烈的同时，也存在着其消费市场容量非常有限，并且短期内增长有限。那么，盲目的安排大资金进入，就非常危险，不要说赢利无法保证，而且资金的安全都成了问题。
根据事物发展的这一特性，我们应该如何规划投资战略呢？在充分考虑到全球或区域经济环境的前提下，充分、深入认识行业发展的规律，来逐步安排投资。比如，在投资一个新兴行业，或是一项陌生的投资领域时，可以小额的进行投资，以便先期积累行业发展的经验。以后根据行业发展的具体情况，再逐步增加或撤消投资。这样，既能充分把握新的、未知的领域所蕴藏的机遇，又能有效的规避风险。一旦将来整体形势发展不好，也可以很快退出。如果形势和前景良好，则因为有了前期的经验和技术、人才等积累，能够很快的形成规模，比别人快一步抢占市场份额。
中环集团总裁翁明显便是遵循这一规律经营事业的成功范例。在1996年，翁明显投资Junglee十万美元，是他首次投资网络相关产业。这十万美元，在Junglee并入亚马逊书店(Amazon.com)后换成了四万股亚马逊股票，翁明显在1998年卖出，为他带来新台币三亿元的报酬。翁明显说，当你踏入一个新领域时要慢慢来，万事起头难，一开始总是要缴学费的。
天地万物循环周期运动的规律
事物的发展并不是简单的由小到大、再到消失的抛物线，它是一个复杂，甚至是一个曲折的过程。单从一个行业的整个生命周期来看，它基本像一条抛物线轨迹。但深入到具体层面来看，则它将呈现出许多大小不同的循环层叠嵌套的情形。比如，房地产业，它就呈现出非常明显的周期规律。房地产业的开发、发展模式由于受银行宏观调控政策和通货膨胀等许多因素影响，因此会呈现出短期的反复起伏。但，从长期而言，它却是随着城市人口的增长逐渐发展的。
从宏观的角度看，小到企业、企业的发展，大到国家的发展都呈现出这样一种规律。韩国三星电子的首席执行官尹钟龙先生在CCTＶ的《对话》栏目接受采访时说：三星集团在三十五年前，没有人也没有技术，是从白手起家的。一开始不要说核心技术，连应用技术，产品设计技术都没有，不就是从一个组装技术开始的吗，然后有了产品设计技术，再有产品核心技术，经历了这些过程，其实这个过程，不只是企业发展，国家的发展也是同样的。英国的产业发展过程，是这样的，后来超过英国的美国和德国，也是这样的，之后的日本也同样如此，都是以五十年为周期。
正如上面我们所说，这种发展规律呈现出这样的不规则性，那么企业该如何来规避来自它的影响呢？我们先来看看两千多年前，范蠡在其著作《范子计然》里面如何论述的：面对周期性的自然灾害。根据自然界的变化规律，预先做好准备。再大的自然灾害都可以克服的。同样的，投资或是经营企业也是可以通过平时的储备来克服周期对企业造成的影响。
深圳华为技术有限公司总裁任正非，在2000年网络行业正在繁荣的形势下，在《华为的冬天》里预言了网络泡沫对全球IT业的深远影响。当时，在一片春光灿烂中，任正非如是说：“沉舟侧畔千帆过，病树前头万木春”。网络股的暴跌，必将对两、三年后的建设预期产生影响，那时制造业就惯性进入了收缩。没有预见，没有预防，就会冻死。那时，谁有棉衣，谁就活下来了。这样说，主要不是说谁正确预言了什么，关键在于企业家需要一个正确的居安思危的意识。当然，这个意识不仅仅是口头层面的，而必须向华为一样，有实际可行的操作方案，来避免、或减少客观环境的规律带来的不良影响。
向投资规律
从《范子计然》中，我们可以清晰的看到：仅仅是意识到积蓄储备应对客观规律带来的影响是不够的。在深入了解事物的发展规律以后，我们还可以利用这种规律进行反向投资。范蠡给我们说了这样一个故事：闹旱灾的时候，就要购进船储存起来；闹水灾时，就要购进车储存起来。夏天要买皮衣存起来，冬天要买丝衣存起来。有旱则有水，有水则有旱，过了冬就是夏，过了夏就是冬，自然界的事物都是循环的。在别人不用的时候，预先购进货物储存起来，待价而沽就叫做囤积居奇。这就是做买卖的道理。
著名的华人世界首富李嘉诚先生，就善于利用这个规律进行投资。在神州大地正处在文化大革命的非常时期，作为东方明珠的香港，进入了一个非常黑暗的时期。当时，谣言四起，在“遍地菠萝”及引爆“可疑物体”的恐吓声中，人心浮动，百业萧条，地产有价无市。许多人因为目光短浅，纷纷逃往美国、加拿大和东南亚等地，把工厂、商店、酒楼、住宅以极其低廉的价格出售。在这种动荡不安的形势下，李嘉诚却独具慧眼，坚信整个地区经济环境必然会在不久的将来好转。因此，它一面小心翼翼的控制财务，一面又利用这“千载难逢”的机会，充分利用经营塑胶工业的丰厚利润，把资金都投到地产上，以极低的价格购买了许多楼宇，不但为它赚进了天文数字般的财富，也为以后的发展积累了丰富的地皮储备。
阴阳运动---事物变化的内在因素
从事物的发展规律来看，无论是有形的事物如花鸟虫鱼，还是无形的事物，如市场价格、经济周期规律这样一些事物，它们的内在变化规律，都是在阴阳这两种对立力量的相互作用下发生的。比如，以股票价格的上涨、跌落来说：买入量和购买价格就是支持股票上涨的“阳”的因素集合；而卖出量和卖出价格就就是导致股票下跌的“阴”的因素集合，是这两个因素集合的综合作用力决定了当前的股票价格。
无论事物的内部构成如何复杂，都可以用阴阳这一概念来进行分解。如，企业发展停滞这样的问题，就可以用这样一对概念进行分析：首先，是行业发展的周期的影响，这个影响中，总体客户需求和购买力的发展趋势是阳的因素集，而总体产商供给产量和成本的发展趋势则又是阴的因素集；接着再看来自经营环境的影响，在这里面，对企业有利的所有因素，可称为阴的因素集，而对企业不利的所有因素，又称为阴的因素集；一切推动企业产品质量提高和提高管理效率的因素集，可称为阳的因素集，而一切阻挠企业产品质量提高和提高管理效率的因素集，则可称为阴的因素集。如此等等，可以无限细分下去。
其实，阴阳这一对概念，可以追溯到古代的阴阳思想。它通过将影响事物发展的因素划分为阴阳两个范筹，来圆融统一的概括、解释宇宙万物之间的变化关系。它的基本关系可以概括为阴阳的互相对待、互相依存、互相消长、互相转化等四个方面。这样，就从理论上给我们提供了改变事物的原则和方法，而我们也可以通过这一原则入手，就能改变事物的发展态势，为商业投资服务。
从事物的总体发展趋势入手，促使事物向有利于我的方向发展
从上面我们知道，事物是不断向前发展的，这种发展趋势就会相关的因素。这种规律表现在一个行业的变化上，就会对业内的所有企业和上下游厂商产生影响。比如，苹果电脑公司在个人电脑这个行业发展初期，在媒体上做宣传，在繁华的街区设立时尚的专卖店，使苹果电脑率先进入教育行业。这种行为，这种方式是会动整体行业的发展起有益的影响。包括苹果电脑、IBM电脑、微软和其他个人电脑生产商都会在相当长的时间内受益的。
当然，去创造客户需求，毕竟需要强大的实力，而且风险很大。相比之下，我们更崇尚引导、顺应整体行业的发展趋势，并从中得益。正当太平洋战争进行得如火如荼的时候，可口可乐也和一大批民用经济一样，陷入了前所为有的困境。一位回国述职的老兵的随意的一句话，让可口可乐看到了引导庞大的军用需求的机会。于是，它们开始展开宣传攻势，并将可口可乐与枪泡弹药相提并论。结果，五角大楼最终同意，不论在世界任何一个地方，凡有美军驻扎的地方，务使每一个战士都能以5美分喝到一瓶可口可乐。这样，可口可乐就随着美军的作战，深入到了世界的每一个地方。
阴阳的相互运动促使事物变化
对于商业投资来说，事物的状态受其内部阴阳两者的运动的影响。也可以说，它受事物内、外部的多种因素的共同影响。简单的说，就像供给需求原理一样：提高供给的价格和减少供给的数量，都会使价格上涨，而交易量减少。反过来也一样。改变事物就是这一样，任何一个部分的变化，都足以导致整体事物状态的变化。
《商道》里的有个故事，说的是林尚沃于1809年在北京进行了一场别开生面的人叁交易。当时，北京市场没有人叁，而朝鲜的人叁又都为林尚沃所垄断。于是，林尚沃就想借这一时机，将人叁交易的价格提高。当北京市场的商人，知道人叁价格为一斤40两白银时，便集体抵制人叁价格。提出让价格回落到以往的水平的要求。在离林尚沃回朝鲜的前两天，他不仅不理会北京商人们的抵制，还把价格提高到一斤45两白银.在没有一笔交易的情况下，林尚沃便在旅店院子里开始焚烧人叁。在烧了一半以后，北京商人终于投降了，不但按照林尚沃开出的价格买了剩下的人叁，还连被焚烧的人叁也以同样的价格购买了。最终，林尚沃通过改变人叁交易市场的供求关系，赢取了商业生涯中的一次辉煌。
天人合一---环境与我的利害关系
范蠡的思想体系同中国传统文化一样，非常注重个体与整体的相互关系。这也就是古人常说的：天人合一，意思是指从自然、社会、国家、人文等角度来看待个体在其中的位置和关系。最终通过充分考虑与各方的关系的前提下，来决定个体的行为。而个体则通过与整体系统的关系，将付出的代价最小化，而取得最大化利益。比如我们上面说到的经济周期循环规律，我们不是孤立、片面和一厢情愿的去根据我们自身的情况去改变客观现实，让现实来适应我们。而是，实事求是的从客观的角度出发，充分考虑整体系统的发展规律，最终利用客观规律去用最少的代价实现投资目标。
整体的自然、社会系统是一个与诸多的经济、政治、文化和科技等子系统互相作用的动态系统。它自身由于身诸多不确定性的因素的影响，因此它的最终状态也呈现出不确定性。比如，自然气候决定了陆地上的植物的荣枯盛衰，但反过来，大面积的植物也会影响着自然气候的稳定。事物的系统就是这样，大系统影响着诸多的小的系统，诸多的小的系统又反过来影响着大的系统。
在所有影响系统的因素中，由影响力最大的因素决定系统的主要状态。比如大自然的春夏秋冬四季，虽然它受陆地植被、环境污染程度等的影响，但对它影响最大的却是地区围绕太阳转动带来的影响。因此，它的主要状态就呈现出四季的差异来。但是，其他因素也对它产生了影响，因此在它在主要状态以外，也呈现出受其他因素影响的结果。比如说四季的气候异常等等。
诸如以上论述的，整体系统与个体系统是相互影响的，也就是说事物是可以改变的。比如，我们对投资项目的资金供给量的控制，也可以控制投资项目的发展趋势。它为我们改变自然提供了一个依据，比如我们说的引导客户需求，就是属于这样。但是，也不是说，人力的因素就能够决定事物的属性。就像人无力改变春夏秋冬四季的更替一样，它并非是不可以改变，而是人没有足够的力量去对它造成影响。但是，我们可以在顺应这种自然规律的同时，花费最少的力量去影响它的发展趋势，来为我们服务，却是可行的。
系统协作产生更大的价值
单一人或是一个群体的力量，创造的价值其实是非常有限的。与一个整体对比起来，它创造的价值是非常有限的。而许多事，我们想要做成，就不得不考虑与环境、社会、国家和其他竞争者的开放式合作。有一个关于范蠡运马的故事，则很好的说明了问题。当时，范蠡要把一大群马运到南方去，又怕半路上遇强盗。于是，他就把马卖给一个贸易商，那个贸易商去的地方，恰好的范蠡的目的地。后来，那些马帮贸易商把货物运到目的地以后，范蠡又把马卖了回来。这样，马匹既安全到达目的地，又一路有人照顾。
当然，个体系统与整体系统协作，产生更大的价值，是建立在对各方都有利的基础上的。1979年9月25日夜，香港长江实业集团主席李嘉诚宣布：长江实业以每股7.1元的价格，购入汇丰银行手中的22.4%的9000万普通股的英资财团和记黄埔有限公司的股权。此举被新闻界戏称为“蛇吞大象”，都认为是李嘉诚一举战胜了英资财团。其实，这是李嘉诚与英资财团，特别是汇丰银行的互利互惠的合作。他们经过考察，认为李嘉诚能够让和记黄埔发展更好，赢利更丰，因此就将手中股票转让给他。而李嘉诚只是取得经营权，未来能怎么样，需要看李嘉诚的出色经营能力。而最终的事实，不但证明了李嘉诚的卓越经营能力，而且双方都赢利颇丰，也证明了汇丰银行棋高一招。
万物和谐---万事万物的相溶共生
对于投资来说，集中于一个行业，虽然能够获取比较高的利润，但却不容易平衡同样高的风险。在一个国家或区域经济环境下，投资活动经常受行业周期、政治和整体国民经济的影响。如，1997年东南亚金融危机，它的主要影响区域主要在东南亚和对金融、外汇市场高敏感的行业。而全球的其他地方的许多行业，仍然没有受多大影响。这样的危机下，对于业务全球化的企业，所受的损失肯定比非全球化的企业要小得多。
不同的行业有着不同的经济周期，也就意味着有不同的投资回报周期。这样，在一个行业的投资赢利陷入低潮的时候，能够得到另一个行业的投资赢利的支援，这样不但能够平滑总体赢利，而且还能够对所有的行业投资有意想不到的助力。
不同经济周期互补，还需要考虑行业的关联程度。关联程度过高的多元化，就其本身而言，是达不到多元化的分散风险和平滑盈利的目的的。这样，一旦遇到周期性的影响，则很可能把整个投资全部拖垮。而且不要迷恋任何一项投资，而一旦你迷恋任何一项投资，你就无法理智的去进行判断。甚至还会因为挽救一项事业的而把所有事业搭进去。
对待投资项目的损失，要有必要的限度。任何投资都不会是一帆风顺的，一定会遇到困境。但是，在困境里面，有的困境是可以挽救的，而有的却是无法挽救的。如果对无法挽救的事业不采取顺其自然的态度，反而徒劳挽救，最终可能把庞大的多元化投资全部葬送。
以互补的经济周期来获取整体的发展
可以利用区域经济、不同行业的周期发展规律来分散、规避风险。不同的区域经济、不同的行业它们的发展周期是不一致的。有的发展周期长，有的发展周期短，有的处在发展的高峰时，另外一些却处在发展的低潮。这样，就可以利用投资的分散来平衡不同的发展周期带来的风险。
以整体来解决局部发展缺乏资金支持的瓶颈
投资分散的好处不止于此，它在于能够在众多的不同行业投资的支援下，可以集中优势资金发展一个行业。这就像下围棋一样，单独的一颗子是没有多大威力的，但是它一旦几个连在一起或是做成劫，就能发挥超常的整体力量。这样的整体力量，就会被赋予整体中的每一个点，任何一个点都能得到来自所有点的共同支援，这样就为它的发展提供了强有力的支持。
被英国《世纪大典》评为20世纪10名世界首富之一的清末商人王炽，可以说它的商业帝国就是沿着分散风险，以不同行业的利润互相支援这条轨迹发展的。王炽早先是以赶马帮起家的，马帮上了轨道以后，就开始向零售延伸。因为，马帮风险高，周期性影响大，因此开始涉足零售业，这样既可消化马帮运输带来的货物，为马帮带来稳定的业务；又可以为运输的货物卖个好假钱，更重要的是有了马帮的支持，就为进入零售业积累了资本。后来更涉足金融和矿山，都是从为了平衡各个行业风险的角度出发的。
人利我的选择
顺其自然，特别是顺应事物的发展规律，是寓意颇深的学问。日出月升，春去秋来，中国古代的人们很早就知道顺应自然环境，并利用自然来达成我们的目的。《苟子·王制》记载：春耕、夏耘、秋收、冬藏，四时不失时，故五谷不绝，而百姓有余食也。就是最早的通过顺应自然的发展，来发展农业的记载。其实，不仅仅是四季农时如此，天下的许多事物都是如此。如，整个社会的经济发展、人的生老病死、科学研究等都是。
顺应事物的发展，首先体现在对待事物本身的发展规律上。人只是自然界很渺小的力量，即使是整个人类社会在宇宙中也是微不足道的。而一个人在社会经济中，更是影响有限。那么一个人要在社会中生存、发展，就必须顺应事物的这种发展规律。如，栽种郁金香，必须正确看待这种植物的生长规律，然后根据其生长规律，来确定如何促使这种植物长大，开花。
在商业投资中，是不是花费巨额的资金和精力来打造一个投资项目，就能得到很好的结果。答案是否定的，因为这是一种外无视事物发展规律的低效率行为，而即使这样做了，也仍有可能失败。我们说顺应事物的发展规律，不但在于我们遇事要顺应事物的发展规律，而且还要善于利用这种规律来为我们服务，这才是效率最高、价值最大化的选择。比如，利用人才的事业心，来为我们共同的事业奋斗，这也是充分利用事物的发展规律和人才的发展规律的做法。
顺应事物的发展规律
在商业投资中，违反事物的发展规律后果是非常严重的。这个道理很简单，但在实际的商业投资生涯中，仍然有许多人明知故犯，结果让投资蒙受损失。其实，最重要的地方，不在于发现和应用这个规律，而在于在投资生涯中始终遵守这个原则，这是最重要的，也是最困难的。
曾经在中国金融市场有着赫赫威名的德隆国际，就是一个很好的例子。德隆曾经豪言壮志的宣称要以产业为基础、资本为纽带、金融为核心的模式，就是通过金融筹集庞大的资金支持产业发展。但实际上，它忽略了不同的行业之间的差异，特别是金融与实业之间的差异。金融行业的流动天然的要比实业流动要快得多。所以违反了事物的发展规律，最终付出了痛苦的代价。扶危定难，根据事物的发展，适时的纠正事物的不良发展势头。
成人之美，充分顺应人的发展意愿
在商业投资活动中，最困难的是与合作伙伴的相处。而每个合作伙伴都有自己不同的发展之路、资源和利益，这就需要公平的照顾每个合作伙伴的利益空间。最重要的是各取所需，不要去阻止合作伙伴的发展规律和意愿。比如，你和你的创业伙伴、或者是得力的员工之间。他们因为自身的发展，有了新的决定和安排。你强留他们可能会收一时之效，但却最终伤害了他们的利益，这样其实不利于双方长期的合作。
有一本书里讲了华人首富李嘉诚的一个有趣的故事。说有一次李嘉诚在董事会上讨论拿多少股份的问题，他说：我们公司拿10%的股份是公正的，拿11%也可以，但我主张州拿9%的股份。并且还说经商不是简单的1+1那么简单，你想拿11%反而发不了，只有拿9%，财源才会滚滚而来。从这里可以看出，华人首富李嘉诚充分考虑合作伙伴的利益的经营之道，这大概也是促使他成功的原因之一吧!
扶危定难，使事物朝有利的方向发展
适时对事物进行干预，纠正不良发展势头。顺应了事物的发展趋势，虽然是效率最高、价值最大化的方法。但有许多时候，事物发展仍会偏离目标。在这样的时候，就需要对事物的发展方向和趋势进行干预，纠正其不良发展势头，使其回到正确的轨道上来。比如，虽然我们为项目配备了良好的管理人才结构，但是其中一部分人仍然可能做出一些损害所有人的利益的人，这时就必须纠正这种行为。
Market Focus: Equity Strategy: Fire sale
The market is oversold, and poised for a rebound on cheap valuations. But uncertainties continue to lurk amidst a tough operating environment, as recession hits and job cuts continue to rise. The bears will prevail in 2009, and we expect the STI to trade within a band of 1250 to 2100 as it base-builds towards a more convincing recovery in 2010.
Poised for technical rebound off low valuations. Post the meltdown in October 2008, the market is cheap by all measures. At current levels of 1740, forward PE of 11x is close to the regional crisis low and dividend yields of 5.2% has surpassed previous lows of 3.5%. An expansionary budget to be unveiled in January 2009, coupled with optimism over Obama’s fiscal measures to boost the US economy are key catalysts for the rebound in 1Q09.
But the bear market persists. The economy is not out of the woods yet, and bad news from the corporate sector will cap performance. We expect the STI to trade within a range of 1450 to 2180. The low end of the range reflects a P/B from the mean, which is -2 standard deviations. This is consistent with recession year valuations.
Stick to survivors of the fittest with the tenacity to ride through this recession. These will be companies backed by relatively resilient earnings, strong cash flows, and cashed-up balance sheet. They are in a favourable position to acquire cheap assets as deflation runs its course into 2009.
Our preferred picks are SMRT, SIA Engineering, SPH and ST Engineering. We would sell asset plays including property and shipping companies on the rebound, as the process of de-leveraging will lead to asset devaluation in 2009. Distressed valuation levels will spur M&A activities, potential candidates can be found among technology, oil and gas and S chips.
Poised for technical rebound off low valuations. Post the meltdown in October 2008, the market is cheap by all measures. At current levels of 1740, forward PE of 11x is close to the regional crisis low and dividend yields of 5.2% has surpassed previous lows of 3.5%. An expansionary budget to be unveiled in January 2009, coupled with optimism over Obama’s fiscal measures to boost the US economy are key catalysts for the rebound in 1Q09.
But the bear market persists. The economy is not out of the woods yet, and bad news from the corporate sector will cap performance. We expect the STI to trade within a range of 1450 to 2180. The low end of the range reflects a P/B from the mean, which is -2 standard deviations. This is consistent with recession year valuations.
Stick to survivors of the fittest with the tenacity to ride through this recession. These will be companies backed by relatively resilient earnings, strong cash flows, and cashed-up balance sheet. They are in a favourable position to acquire cheap assets as deflation runs its course into 2009.
Our preferred picks are SMRT, SIA Engineering, SPH and ST Engineering. We would sell asset plays including property and shipping companies on the rebound, as the process of de-leveraging will lead to asset devaluation in 2009. Distressed valuation levels will spur M&A activities, potential candidates can be found among technology, oil and gas and S chips.
Dow tops 9,000 in classic late-December/early January rally. But now the harder work begins.
After a strong start to the new year in very light trading, Wall Street gets serious.
The weeks ahead will prove the true test, as market pros return from the holidays to digest a barrage of bad economic news, a smattering of corporate profit warnings -- and possibly a new economic stimulus plan.
But with many of the negatives factored in already and the market primed for near-term gains after 2008's battering - analysts say the advance could stretch out a few more weeks.
"In the short term, I think it's sustainable," said Paul Mendelsohn, chief investment strategist at Windham Financial Services. "Investors are looking to the inauguration, a lot of tax-loss selling is out of the way, which is massive, and the recent advance, although on light volume, has been across the board."
But beyond that, he said it's likely Wall Street will drop back down to the lows of last November, or fall even further, as the focus on the recession resumes.
Stocks have rallied over the last week, experiencing the classic Santa Claus rally, as identified by the Stock Trader's Almanac. Almanac research shows the combination of the last five trading days of one year and the first two of the next has yielded an average return of 1.5% for the S&P 500 since 1950. So far, the S&P 500 has gained 7.3%, with Monday the last day of the period.
Labor market blues: In a heavy week of economic news, this week's big standout is the government's December unemployment report, due Friday.
Employers are expected to have cut 475,000 jobs from their payrolls after cutting 533,000 jobs in the previous month. The unemployment rate, generated by a separate survey, is expected to have risen to 7% from 6.7% in the previous month.
"Investors should be prepared for the worst in terms of the labor market," said Matt King, chief investment officer at Bell Investment Advisors. "The unemployment rate could rise to more than 7% this month and may go to 8%, 9%, or 10% in the year ahead."
Despite the scary numbers, King thinks investors have likely already accounted for this amid the deepening recession.
Separately, the ADP survey of private sector employment is due two days ahead of the national report and will also be in focus.
And on Thursday, the latest weekly reading on initial claims - the number of jobless who are filing for unemployment - is due out before the market opens and it is expected to continue showing steep increases.
On the docket
Monday: November construction spending is due shortly after the start of trading. Spending is expected to have fallen 1.2% in November after falling 1.2% in the previous month.
Monthly truck and auto sales figures are due throughout the session.
A hearing into the Bernard Madoff scandal -- which cost investors at least $50 billion - gets underway in the House on Monday.
Tuesday: The Institute for Supply Management's survey of the services sector of the economy is due shortly after the start of trade. The December index is expected to have dipped to 37 from 37.3 in November, remaining deep in recessionary territory.
The government's November factory orders report is due around the same time. Orders are expected to have fallen 2.6% after dropping 5.1% in October.
Data on November pending home sales, a leading indicator of housing market activity released by the National Association of Realtors, is due out at 10 a.m. ET. In October, he number of homes under contract to be sold fell by a mere 1% year over year. Analysts had expected pending sales to slip by 3.6%.
Also, the Federal Reserve will release the minutes from its Dec. 15-16 policy-making meeting. At that meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee established a target range for the federal funds rate of 0% to 0.25% and said it would likely keep rates at that level for some time.
Wednesday: The House Financial Services Committee meets to discuss how the next administration might make use of the remaining TARP funds, amid criticism that the $700 billion bailout has not been working.
Also Wednesday, a House panel holds an economic recovery plan hearing that will feature testimony from some of the nation's top economists.
Thursday: The nation's chain stores will be releasing December sales reports, giving investors a better sense of how badly the consumer has been hit amid the recession.
Separately, the Fed is slated to release its monthly consumer credit report at 3 p.m. ET. Consumer credit, a measure of consumer borrowing, for November is forecast to show an increase of $0.5 billion. In October, consumer credit fell by $3.6 billion.?
The weeks ahead will prove the true test, as market pros return from the holidays to digest a barrage of bad economic news, a smattering of corporate profit warnings -- and possibly a new economic stimulus plan.
But with many of the negatives factored in already and the market primed for near-term gains after 2008's battering - analysts say the advance could stretch out a few more weeks.
"In the short term, I think it's sustainable," said Paul Mendelsohn, chief investment strategist at Windham Financial Services. "Investors are looking to the inauguration, a lot of tax-loss selling is out of the way, which is massive, and the recent advance, although on light volume, has been across the board."
But beyond that, he said it's likely Wall Street will drop back down to the lows of last November, or fall even further, as the focus on the recession resumes.
Stocks have rallied over the last week, experiencing the classic Santa Claus rally, as identified by the Stock Trader's Almanac. Almanac research shows the combination of the last five trading days of one year and the first two of the next has yielded an average return of 1.5% for the S&P 500 since 1950. So far, the S&P 500 has gained 7.3%, with Monday the last day of the period.
Labor market blues: In a heavy week of economic news, this week's big standout is the government's December unemployment report, due Friday.
Employers are expected to have cut 475,000 jobs from their payrolls after cutting 533,000 jobs in the previous month. The unemployment rate, generated by a separate survey, is expected to have risen to 7% from 6.7% in the previous month.
"Investors should be prepared for the worst in terms of the labor market," said Matt King, chief investment officer at Bell Investment Advisors. "The unemployment rate could rise to more than 7% this month and may go to 8%, 9%, or 10% in the year ahead."
Despite the scary numbers, King thinks investors have likely already accounted for this amid the deepening recession.
Separately, the ADP survey of private sector employment is due two days ahead of the national report and will also be in focus.
And on Thursday, the latest weekly reading on initial claims - the number of jobless who are filing for unemployment - is due out before the market opens and it is expected to continue showing steep increases.
On the docket
Monday: November construction spending is due shortly after the start of trading. Spending is expected to have fallen 1.2% in November after falling 1.2% in the previous month.
Monthly truck and auto sales figures are due throughout the session.
A hearing into the Bernard Madoff scandal -- which cost investors at least $50 billion - gets underway in the House on Monday.
Tuesday: The Institute for Supply Management's survey of the services sector of the economy is due shortly after the start of trade. The December index is expected to have dipped to 37 from 37.3 in November, remaining deep in recessionary territory.
The government's November factory orders report is due around the same time. Orders are expected to have fallen 2.6% after dropping 5.1% in October.
Data on November pending home sales, a leading indicator of housing market activity released by the National Association of Realtors, is due out at 10 a.m. ET. In October, he number of homes under contract to be sold fell by a mere 1% year over year. Analysts had expected pending sales to slip by 3.6%.
Also, the Federal Reserve will release the minutes from its Dec. 15-16 policy-making meeting. At that meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee established a target range for the federal funds rate of 0% to 0.25% and said it would likely keep rates at that level for some time.
Wednesday: The House Financial Services Committee meets to discuss how the next administration might make use of the remaining TARP funds, amid criticism that the $700 billion bailout has not been working.
Also Wednesday, a House panel holds an economic recovery plan hearing that will feature testimony from some of the nation's top economists.
Thursday: The nation's chain stores will be releasing December sales reports, giving investors a better sense of how badly the consumer has been hit amid the recession.
Separately, the Fed is slated to release its monthly consumer credit report at 3 p.m. ET. Consumer credit, a measure of consumer borrowing, for November is forecast to show an increase of $0.5 billion. In October, consumer credit fell by $3.6 billion.?
Year of the castrated bull?
We read with despair that an ox is a castrated version of a bull. This perhaps reflects our view of a sustainable upside only from 2H09 onwards. For the first half of the year, investors should remain defensive in all countries, as we expect datapoints to continue limiting risk appetite and result in more downgrades. Once this is fully and comfortably priced in, we recommend to start switching to the cyclicals that are unfairly price to generate negative returns for an unrealistic period of time. As it stands, the risk-reward ratio looks attractive, with an 80% probability for an upside to valuations and 20% downside. A few more months and it could get even better - that is when outsized returns can be made in equities.
5种男人受前列腺癌“青睐”
今天是父亲节，举家为爸爸欢庆自然是件好事，也说明健康是多么宝贵。
由于饮食、生活习惯的诸多改变，加之视觉与心理的刺激，一些癌症的发病率也变高。前列腺癌，正在慢慢“吞噬”5种男人。
第一种：肥胖
一项新的研究发现，与体重正常的人相比，肥胖男性患前列腺癌的风险高出一倍。
法国一所大学附属医院的研究人员，对194名前列腺癌患者和194名正在接受治疗的非癌性前列腺增大或良性前列腺增生（BPH）患者进行了研究。
这份日前发表在《英国国际泌尿科学杂志》的研究报告称，尽管单纯超重的男性患前列腺癌的危险并不一定会增加，但肥胖（BMI体重指数超过30）仍能使患前列腺癌的危险增加2.5倍。
由于饮食、生活习惯的诸多改变，加之视觉与心理的刺激，一些癌症的发病率也变高。
第二种：秃顶
秃顶男性患前列腺癌的概率是不秃顶男性的两倍。
研究发现，脱发可能是由青春期时的睾丸激素水平所导致，男性患前列腺癌的风险可能与体内的睾丸激素水平有关，这种隐患最早在青春期时就已藏“埋伏”。
第三种：性刺激
罹患前列腺癌的病因日前尚未有定论，但许多临床资料显示，此病与雄激素有关。
雄性激素分泌旺盛，造成体内激素失调后会引起病变，而激素分泌不只与饮食有关，外界的性刺激也可以使雄性激素分泌旺盛，这就包括了视觉与心理刺激。
第四种：性放纵
英国一项调查发现，男性年轻时性生活混乱，可增加日后患前列腺癌的机会。
这项调查指出，若男性在20岁左右时就有许多性伴侣，便会增加感染人类乳头瘤病菌（HPV）的几率。该病菌通常在几十年后引发基因突变，从而导致癌症。
第五种：上晚班
日本针对1万多名男性所作的一项10年跟踪调查显示，日夜颠倒、上晚班的男性，患上前列腺癌的几率是普通上白天班的3.5倍。
不规则的上班时间造成人体生物钟紊乱，导致具有抑制前列腺癌细胞增殖的褪黑激素分泌量下降。
游泳能提高抗病能力 有助前列腺炎症的消退
1 每天游泳半小时
美国最新报道称，男性每天游泳30分钟，患前列腺癌可能性比骑脚车、体操等运动低30％。
游泳能提高抗病能力，促进前列腺局部血液和淋巴循环，使前列腺液分泌更旺盛，有助于前列腺炎症的消退，也可让患者更好地吸收药物。
2 多吃豆类食品
豆类食品中的天然雌性激素可弥补男性自身的缺陷，而豆类中的雌性激素则对前列腺有保护作用。
3 多吃维生素
维生素D能抑制前列腺癌细胞的繁殖和分化，维生素D3对正常前列腺组织的生长和分化也起重要作用。
由于饮食、生活习惯的诸多改变，加之视觉与心理的刺激，一些癌症的发病率也变高。前列腺癌，正在慢慢“吞噬”5种男人。
第一种：肥胖
一项新的研究发现，与体重正常的人相比，肥胖男性患前列腺癌的风险高出一倍。
法国一所大学附属医院的研究人员，对194名前列腺癌患者和194名正在接受治疗的非癌性前列腺增大或良性前列腺增生（BPH）患者进行了研究。
这份日前发表在《英国国际泌尿科学杂志》的研究报告称，尽管单纯超重的男性患前列腺癌的危险并不一定会增加，但肥胖（BMI体重指数超过30）仍能使患前列腺癌的危险增加2.5倍。
由于饮食、生活习惯的诸多改变，加之视觉与心理的刺激，一些癌症的发病率也变高。
第二种：秃顶
秃顶男性患前列腺癌的概率是不秃顶男性的两倍。
研究发现，脱发可能是由青春期时的睾丸激素水平所导致，男性患前列腺癌的风险可能与体内的睾丸激素水平有关，这种隐患最早在青春期时就已藏“埋伏”。
第三种：性刺激
罹患前列腺癌的病因日前尚未有定论，但许多临床资料显示，此病与雄激素有关。
雄性激素分泌旺盛，造成体内激素失调后会引起病变，而激素分泌不只与饮食有关，外界的性刺激也可以使雄性激素分泌旺盛，这就包括了视觉与心理刺激。
第四种：性放纵
英国一项调查发现，男性年轻时性生活混乱，可增加日后患前列腺癌的机会。
这项调查指出，若男性在20岁左右时就有许多性伴侣，便会增加感染人类乳头瘤病菌（HPV）的几率。该病菌通常在几十年后引发基因突变，从而导致癌症。
第五种：上晚班
日本针对1万多名男性所作的一项10年跟踪调查显示，日夜颠倒、上晚班的男性，患上前列腺癌的几率是普通上白天班的3.5倍。
不规则的上班时间造成人体生物钟紊乱，导致具有抑制前列腺癌细胞增殖的褪黑激素分泌量下降。
游泳能提高抗病能力 有助前列腺炎症的消退
1 每天游泳半小时
美国最新报道称，男性每天游泳30分钟，患前列腺癌可能性比骑脚车、体操等运动低30％。
游泳能提高抗病能力，促进前列腺局部血液和淋巴循环，使前列腺液分泌更旺盛，有助于前列腺炎症的消退，也可让患者更好地吸收药物。
2 多吃豆类食品
豆类食品中的天然雌性激素可弥补男性自身的缺陷，而豆类中的雌性激素则对前列腺有保护作用。
3 多吃维生素
维生素D能抑制前列腺癌细胞的繁殖和分化，维生素D3对正常前列腺组织的生长和分化也起重要作用。
Fastest, most efficient way to get across the Causeway?
From Monday, you can get from Tanjong Pagar Railway station to Johor Baru (JB) for less than it costs you to get from Bukit Panjang to Punggol by train.
The standard train fare from Bukit Panjang to Punggol costs $3.20.
But, for just $3, you can hop onto the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Danga City Mall in JB. The journey takes about 90 minutes, including time spent clearing immigration.
In a bid to provide alternative modes of public transport between JB and Singapore, trains which can carry up to 200 passengers will ply the route before continuing to Kempas Baru.
You can buy tickets at KTM stations. You can also book tickets online or through SMS.
But is the train the best way to get to your favourite shopping centres in JB?
Some, like undergraduate Hansel Chen, felt that the shuttle service was a good idea and would use it to beat the jam at the Causeway.
Others, like student Pang Meiqin, 20, who travels to JB twice a week to visit her family members, are less enthusiastic.
She said: 'I prefer to take bus service 950 because I can take the bus from the stop near my home in Woodlands, and the fare is less than $1 using my ez-link card. Furthermore, Danga City Mall is quite out of the way, and there are no other malls nearby.'
The New Paper checks out the various routes:
KTM train
Time taken: 90 minutes to Danga City Mall
Cost: $3
Advantages: The Tanjong Pagar railway station is just off the central business district. You also get to beat the frequent traffic jams at the Causeway and avoid the 200,000 commuters and motorists who use the Causeway daily.
Only an average of 300 people take the KTM train from Tanjong Pagar to JB daily.
There is only one stop at Woodlands for customs and immigration clearance.
Disadvantages: Miss your train and you are in for a long wait. There are only four trains departing from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station daily - at 5.35am, 7.40am, 2pm and 7.10pm.
When you reach Danga City Mall, you will have to take a five-minute taxi ride to malls like City Plaza and Plaza Pelangi.
Bus 950 from Woodlands regional interchange to Johor Baru checkpoint
Cost: $1.20
Time taken: 20 minutes (excluding time taken to clear immigration).
Advantages: It is the cheapest way to JB, with only seven bus stops along the way. The service runs from 5.30am to 11.30pm daily.
Disadvantages: If you do not live in the north, you would have to travel there to take the bus, which only passes by Woodlands and Marsiling.
Bus 170 from Queen Street to Larkin terminal
Cost: $1.60
Advantages: The service runs from 5.20am to 12.10am every day from Queen Street terminal to Larkin terminal.
Disadvantages: This is not the way to go if you have bulky luggage. The bus will not wait for you to clear immigration at the Singapore and Malaysian checkpoints, so you will have to keep taking all your belongings with you.
It is also a long journey as there are several stops along the way.
After clearing immigration, you can either walk straight into JB or hop on the next Service No 170.
You have to keep your bus ticket so that you don't have to pay again if you intend to catch the next bus 170.
Car
Time taken: Depends on the Causeway jam. It can take more than an hour if it is bad.
Advantages: Takes you straight from your doorstep to anywhere you want without the hassle of having to wait for public transport.
Disadvantages: Long waiting time to clear immigration with cars stuck bumper to bumper in heavy traffic at the Causeway.
The standard train fare from Bukit Panjang to Punggol costs $3.20.
But, for just $3, you can hop onto the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Danga City Mall in JB. The journey takes about 90 minutes, including time spent clearing immigration.
In a bid to provide alternative modes of public transport between JB and Singapore, trains which can carry up to 200 passengers will ply the route before continuing to Kempas Baru.
You can buy tickets at KTM stations. You can also book tickets online or through SMS.
But is the train the best way to get to your favourite shopping centres in JB?
Some, like undergraduate Hansel Chen, felt that the shuttle service was a good idea and would use it to beat the jam at the Causeway.
Others, like student Pang Meiqin, 20, who travels to JB twice a week to visit her family members, are less enthusiastic.
She said: 'I prefer to take bus service 950 because I can take the bus from the stop near my home in Woodlands, and the fare is less than $1 using my ez-link card. Furthermore, Danga City Mall is quite out of the way, and there are no other malls nearby.'
The New Paper checks out the various routes:
KTM train
Time taken: 90 minutes to Danga City Mall
Cost: $3
Advantages: The Tanjong Pagar railway station is just off the central business district. You also get to beat the frequent traffic jams at the Causeway and avoid the 200,000 commuters and motorists who use the Causeway daily.
Only an average of 300 people take the KTM train from Tanjong Pagar to JB daily.
There is only one stop at Woodlands for customs and immigration clearance.
Disadvantages: Miss your train and you are in for a long wait. There are only four trains departing from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station daily - at 5.35am, 7.40am, 2pm and 7.10pm.
When you reach Danga City Mall, you will have to take a five-minute taxi ride to malls like City Plaza and Plaza Pelangi.
Bus 950 from Woodlands regional interchange to Johor Baru checkpoint
Cost: $1.20
Time taken: 20 minutes (excluding time taken to clear immigration).
Advantages: It is the cheapest way to JB, with only seven bus stops along the way. The service runs from 5.30am to 11.30pm daily.
Disadvantages: If you do not live in the north, you would have to travel there to take the bus, which only passes by Woodlands and Marsiling.
Bus 170 from Queen Street to Larkin terminal
Cost: $1.60
Advantages: The service runs from 5.20am to 12.10am every day from Queen Street terminal to Larkin terminal.
Disadvantages: This is not the way to go if you have bulky luggage. The bus will not wait for you to clear immigration at the Singapore and Malaysian checkpoints, so you will have to keep taking all your belongings with you.
It is also a long journey as there are several stops along the way.
After clearing immigration, you can either walk straight into JB or hop on the next Service No 170.
You have to keep your bus ticket so that you don't have to pay again if you intend to catch the next bus 170.
Car
Time taken: Depends on the Causeway jam. It can take more than an hour if it is bad.
Advantages: Takes you straight from your doorstep to anywhere you want without the hassle of having to wait for public transport.
Disadvantages: Long waiting time to clear immigration with cars stuck bumper to bumper in heavy traffic at the Causeway.
Detox diet - fact or fad?
An Internet search for the phrase "detox diet" will throw up thousands of websites offering a plethora of dietary products and advice.
Cashing in on the belief that the body accumulates harmful toxins over time, the majority claim to be able to cleanse your system while promoting weight loss.
Such diets are now part of the growing multi-billion-dollar wellness industry worldwide. Many pharmacies and health-care providers here say their detox-related services and products are proving to be popular.
null
Guardian Health & Beauty pharmacies said the chain has seen a "healthy growth" in sales of detox diet products like herbal supplement capsules and liquid formulas.
In March this year, Raffles Hospital began offering a four-week Weight Detox Programme to help patients eat right, lose weight and improve their overall health.
The programme has been seeing about three patients a month since it began, said a programme spokesman.
Players like slimming salons have joined in.
Ms Theresa Chew, chief executive officer of Expressions International, said that last year, at least 2,000 people here either signed up for her company's detox programme or bought one of its three-day detox diet starter kits.
She claimed that apart from reducing weight and cleansing the body of toxins, detox programmes help improve one's lifestyle.
"Most customers who detox for three to six months find that their appetite changes and their body no longer tolerates unhealthy food," she said.
What are detox diets and do they really work? Mind Your Body spoke to some advocates and critics.
What is a detox diet?
Diet detoxification is based on the idea that a change in one's diet can flush out the body's accumulated toxins.
Most detox diets involve increasing one's intake of fruit and vegetables, along with cutting out processed foods, red meat and reducing overall carbohydrate intake.
The increased fibre from such foods can supposedly improve a person's bowel movements, leading to the purging of waste from the digestive system.
Liquid meal replacements, or supplements, are often used in detox programmes. Some detox diets give instructions for meals that comprise only fruit and vegetables, or their juices, which a person is supposed to comply with ranging from a few days to a number of weeks.
Proponents say...
At the Nu.Reflections Medical Aesthetics clinic in Tanjong Pagar, Dr Ivan Tan offers a three-day detox diet programme that involves a low-calorie tea-syrup liquid formula as a meal replacement.
The formula, which has glucose and other nutrients like magnesium, sodium and potassium, is mixed with fresh lemon juice.
The lemon juice not only provides vitamin C but also serves as a mucolytic, that is, it helps break down stomach mucus and cleanses the intestines, he said.
"The intestine's mucus lining may be clogged up with a lot of toxins and impurities from the food we eat and the environment," he said.
"Once you cleanse your body of the toxins, you'll be healthier."
Dr Tan, who is in aesthetics practice, said that such low-calorie diets can help maintain a healthy weight. With the diet he promotes, a person's daily calorie intake is reduced to around 800 to 1,000 kilocalories, compared to the average person's daily caloric requirement of between 1,500 and 1,800 kilocalories.
He argued that while there are off-the-shelf detox diet kits, the success rate is much higher with professional counselling.
Ms Yondi Lee, a nutritionist with Ascension Healing, also advocates detox diet programmes for some of her clients. In the two years she has been running her business, she has helped about 100 clients with detox diet advice, the majority of whom are women aged between 30 and 60.
She tailors her programmes to the individual's needs, based on a diet and lifestyle assessment.
For elderly clients, or those with digestive problems, she advises against a rapid detox programme.
For most customers, she usually recommends a diet of fish, lots of fruit, vegetables and water, for about two weeks to a month. Nutritional supplements that support liver function, like vitamin B and C, can also be taken during this period, along with Western herbs like milk thistle and some amino acids.
"During this time of cleansing, it is important to make sure the liver is functioning well," she said.
Changing one's diet to a healthy one, she added, can help with health problems like high cholesterol, diabetes, insomnia and even stress.
Detractors say...
Doctors and dietitians contacted were all for a healthy diet. However, many were sceptical about the detoxifying claims of detox diets.
Dr Alexius Chee, a gastroenterologist in private practice, said: "There's no scientific evidence that these diets actually detoxify the system. It's a bit of pop science."
He said that while increasing your fibre intake can enhance your bowel movements and help clear your system, too much fibre can actually lead to constipation, especially if you don't consume enough liquids.
Drinking too much water as part of your detox diet can also cause water-intoxication and electrolyte imbalances, he said.
It can also cause your gut to become "lazy" and lose its tone through repeated liquid dieting.
"The human intestine is not like a pipe. It's always moving, secreting mucus and doing other things at the same time," he said.
"The idea that it can end up crusted and blocked is a myth."
Dietitian Nicola Porter, a consultant with Nutri-Style, a nutrition and image consultancy firm, is also critical of detox diets.
She pointed to how the human body already has its own system to detoxify itself.
"Our digestive system prevents bacteria and many toxins from entering the body and those that do enter are detoxified in our liver and excreted via our kidneys," she said.
She also said that detox diets tend to be very "nutrient and energy" restrictive and some are potentially unhealthy. She added that most of the weight lost from such diets is water and hence easily put back on once the diet is stopped.
Any sensible diet will promote the eating of more fruit and vegetables and the avoidance of unhealthy foods, alcohol and caffeine, she said. She also observed that many people think of detox diets around January, after they have indulged over the festive period.
"Some may find a detox diet useful to kick-start a healthy diet and to break the cycle of bad dietary habits. However, in reality, all you really need to feel better after a few weeks of heavy eating is a glass of tap water, a return to a healthy balanced diet and an early night," she said.
Cashing in on the belief that the body accumulates harmful toxins over time, the majority claim to be able to cleanse your system while promoting weight loss.
Such diets are now part of the growing multi-billion-dollar wellness industry worldwide. Many pharmacies and health-care providers here say their detox-related services and products are proving to be popular.
null
Guardian Health & Beauty pharmacies said the chain has seen a "healthy growth" in sales of detox diet products like herbal supplement capsules and liquid formulas.
In March this year, Raffles Hospital began offering a four-week Weight Detox Programme to help patients eat right, lose weight and improve their overall health.
The programme has been seeing about three patients a month since it began, said a programme spokesman.
Players like slimming salons have joined in.
Ms Theresa Chew, chief executive officer of Expressions International, said that last year, at least 2,000 people here either signed up for her company's detox programme or bought one of its three-day detox diet starter kits.
She claimed that apart from reducing weight and cleansing the body of toxins, detox programmes help improve one's lifestyle.
"Most customers who detox for three to six months find that their appetite changes and their body no longer tolerates unhealthy food," she said.
What are detox diets and do they really work? Mind Your Body spoke to some advocates and critics.
What is a detox diet?
Diet detoxification is based on the idea that a change in one's diet can flush out the body's accumulated toxins.
Most detox diets involve increasing one's intake of fruit and vegetables, along with cutting out processed foods, red meat and reducing overall carbohydrate intake.
The increased fibre from such foods can supposedly improve a person's bowel movements, leading to the purging of waste from the digestive system.
Liquid meal replacements, or supplements, are often used in detox programmes. Some detox diets give instructions for meals that comprise only fruit and vegetables, or their juices, which a person is supposed to comply with ranging from a few days to a number of weeks.
Proponents say...
At the Nu.Reflections Medical Aesthetics clinic in Tanjong Pagar, Dr Ivan Tan offers a three-day detox diet programme that involves a low-calorie tea-syrup liquid formula as a meal replacement.
The formula, which has glucose and other nutrients like magnesium, sodium and potassium, is mixed with fresh lemon juice.
The lemon juice not only provides vitamin C but also serves as a mucolytic, that is, it helps break down stomach mucus and cleanses the intestines, he said.
"The intestine's mucus lining may be clogged up with a lot of toxins and impurities from the food we eat and the environment," he said.
"Once you cleanse your body of the toxins, you'll be healthier."
Dr Tan, who is in aesthetics practice, said that such low-calorie diets can help maintain a healthy weight. With the diet he promotes, a person's daily calorie intake is reduced to around 800 to 1,000 kilocalories, compared to the average person's daily caloric requirement of between 1,500 and 1,800 kilocalories.
He argued that while there are off-the-shelf detox diet kits, the success rate is much higher with professional counselling.
Ms Yondi Lee, a nutritionist with Ascension Healing, also advocates detox diet programmes for some of her clients. In the two years she has been running her business, she has helped about 100 clients with detox diet advice, the majority of whom are women aged between 30 and 60.
She tailors her programmes to the individual's needs, based on a diet and lifestyle assessment.
For elderly clients, or those with digestive problems, she advises against a rapid detox programme.
For most customers, she usually recommends a diet of fish, lots of fruit, vegetables and water, for about two weeks to a month. Nutritional supplements that support liver function, like vitamin B and C, can also be taken during this period, along with Western herbs like milk thistle and some amino acids.
"During this time of cleansing, it is important to make sure the liver is functioning well," she said.
Changing one's diet to a healthy one, she added, can help with health problems like high cholesterol, diabetes, insomnia and even stress.
Detractors say...
Doctors and dietitians contacted were all for a healthy diet. However, many were sceptical about the detoxifying claims of detox diets.
Dr Alexius Chee, a gastroenterologist in private practice, said: "There's no scientific evidence that these diets actually detoxify the system. It's a bit of pop science."
He said that while increasing your fibre intake can enhance your bowel movements and help clear your system, too much fibre can actually lead to constipation, especially if you don't consume enough liquids.
Drinking too much water as part of your detox diet can also cause water-intoxication and electrolyte imbalances, he said.
It can also cause your gut to become "lazy" and lose its tone through repeated liquid dieting.
"The human intestine is not like a pipe. It's always moving, secreting mucus and doing other things at the same time," he said.
"The idea that it can end up crusted and blocked is a myth."
Dietitian Nicola Porter, a consultant with Nutri-Style, a nutrition and image consultancy firm, is also critical of detox diets.
She pointed to how the human body already has its own system to detoxify itself.
"Our digestive system prevents bacteria and many toxins from entering the body and those that do enter are detoxified in our liver and excreted via our kidneys," she said.
She also said that detox diets tend to be very "nutrient and energy" restrictive and some are potentially unhealthy. She added that most of the weight lost from such diets is water and hence easily put back on once the diet is stopped.
Any sensible diet will promote the eating of more fruit and vegetables and the avoidance of unhealthy foods, alcohol and caffeine, she said. She also observed that many people think of detox diets around January, after they have indulged over the festive period.
"Some may find a detox diet useful to kick-start a healthy diet and to break the cycle of bad dietary habits. However, in reality, all you really need to feel better after a few weeks of heavy eating is a glass of tap water, a return to a healthy balanced diet and an early night," she said.
黄海:知识到了最高境界 其实是相通的
前国会议员黄海年轻时候的履历表内容丰富。他先在美国和新加坡商学院任教，后来离开大学到商场吸取实战经验，曾任职于华侨银行的温兄弟和虎豹企业。他也是前南洋理工大学商学院院长。
黄海的下半部人生，一样精彩。50岁以后，仍然孜孜不倦，学习华文、中医，以15年时间考获中医药学博士，并且开设中医诊所，启动文化论坛，致力于中华文化的探索和传扬。黄海在牛车水开设的“仁海堂诊所”近日将正式开张。他接受本报专访，畅谈从“英文人”转为“华文人”，学习华文和中医的历程和想法。
■记者：黄教授，语文，你掌握了英文和华文；学问，你从工程、经济，到中医药；工作，你从大学教授、企业总裁，到中医师。你的人生经历这么多转折，请问你是怎样掌握这些迥然不同的范畴？
■黄海：我从小喜欢读书，学习对我来说，是一件快乐的事，也是我的爱好，我对不同领域的学问有好奇心，很有去探究的兴趣。走过这大半生，学习了这么多，我认为知识到了最高境界，其实是相通的。在中医学里有哲学、文学、社会学、管理学、医学，不同领域的学问实为一体。苏东坡就是一位文学家、美食家，还是一位中医师。我的硕士论文研究对象嵇康，更是魏晋南北朝动乱时代，其中一位最杰出的文学家和思想家。他写的《养生论》和《答养生难》，继承了老庄思想和中医养生道理，我是读了他的作品，才建立起现在这套养生理论。最近我在美国认识一个德国人，他什么都会，也在学中医，也有意了解更多有关中医的知识。所以，我认为所有学问都是相通的、相关的，并非迥然不同，各自独立。
■记者：你是“英文人”，50岁才开始学华文，有困难吗？
■黄海：困难是一定有的。最辛苦的是年纪大了，记忆力衰退，很多生字，字典查过了，认识了，可是很快就忘记了，字也写不出来。幸好我有一群讲华语的好朋友，大家经常见面聊天，很多生字生词是这样记住的。我认为学习任何东西，兴趣最重要。就像学滑雪那样，也是很困难。初学者会不断跌倒，必须不断爬起来，一试再试，才能掌握滑雪的技巧，没有兴趣的话，很快就会放弃。我对中华文化一直很有兴趣，从前用英文读《红楼梦》、《水浒传》、《唐诗三百首》，可是总觉得不够味。直到50岁那年，才下定决心，利用两个月假期，到北京大学语言中心去学华文。
这两个月学习非常有用。从北京浸濡回来，我竟然可以读《联合早报》了。虽然我的词汇量还不够，却已经不再恐惧华文报纸。我继续请老师补习华文，那年12月，我报名参加汉语水平考试，通过了中级试，表示已经有了入读中国大学的语文资格。第二年我再去北京语言大学浸濡两个月，回来，通过了汉语水平考试的高级试。1997年在新加坡中医学院报名读中医学士课程前，我特地到北京中医药大学去请老师讲学、补习，做好开始钻研中医的准备。可是后来，还是觉得华文水平不够，不能了解中医学深奥的理论，才再去新跃大学选读了和中国北京师范大学合办的汉语言文学学士和硕士课程。
2005年硕士快读完，我开始在北京中医药大学进修博士课程。论文交了，答辩也顺利过关了，题目是《以西方科学哲学角度探讨中医核心理论的哲学范畴》。论文同时将翻译成英文出版，向西方科学家传播中医理论的科学性。
■记者：你怎么兴起学中医的念头呢？
■黄海：因为过劳和饮食不当，有个时期我的身体很差，肾阳虚，脾气虚，经常生病，感冒咳嗽久久不好，吃了太多抗生素，身体更伤。后来，我去看中医，经过中医药促进会会长谢木昌医师的调理，我的身体逐渐好转，这引起我学中医的兴趣。谢医师建议我何不去中医学院听课，了解中医理论。我去旁听了几课，觉得很有趣味，就报名做起学生。没想到一晃过了六年，成了执业中医师。学中医，我把身体养好，还把华文学好，这是我始料不及的。
■记者：你交给北师大的学士论文谈《水浒传》的“义气”，对今天中国政商界的影响，可以谈谈吗？
■黄海：我认为《水浒传》的主要思想内涵是个“义”字，小说强调的是“义气”，而从古至今，讲义气就是中国人的文化特点之一，它的根源是儒家思想里的“仁义”。梁山好汉是一群讲义气的人，他们之间的密切关系，和今天中国各种团体人与人之间的关系是一类型的。我认为中国政商界常见的“关系”现象，就来自“义气”，而不是送礼请客那么简单。两方讲“义气”，就有了好的“关系”，在社会上有了好“关系”，一切事情就好办了。
上世纪70年代，中美建交后，很多美国跨国公司陆续到中国投资。他们在中国营运的状况，显然和很多华侨在中国建立事业的情况不同。美国人开始研究之间的歧异，发现在中国事业辉煌的华侨，如香港的李嘉诚、霍英东，泰国的谢国明，还有马来西亚的郭鹤年，都和中国政商界建立了绵密的“关系网络”。欧美商学院的学者，开始热衷研究中国商界的“关系学”，至今乐此不疲。
他们主要以商学理论和个案研究方式，来了解中国“关系学”的意义和使用。我的论文的角度和他们不同，我是从文学的眼光来看“关系”，通过研究《水浒传》里的思想内涵，以及《论语》和《孟子》中的儒家思想，来分析“关系”的渊源。我把阅读《水浒传》，对梁山好汉能为彼此两肋插刀的崇高义气的感受，和我平日与中国政商界的接触、我对“关系”的体会结合来谈。
我现在兼职为南大硕士班的学生讲企业管理，主要教他们中国文化和中国管理哲学。“南洋学子（Nanyang Fellows）”班的学生，很多来自越南、印尼、缅甸、印度、巴基斯坦，他们都是国家有潜质的未来领导人。我告诉他们中国儒家文化“礼义廉耻忠孝仁爱诚信和平”等价值观，都是现代企业的管理哲学。对工作的企业忠心，对合作伙伴有义气、讲究诚信，对下属仁爱，人与人相处以和为贵，这些难道不是现代企业追求的至善境界吗？
■记者：你的硕士论文谈嵇康的养生思想与其文学创作，又集合了你学中医的体会。
■黄海：我研究嵇康，发现了他写的《养生论》和《答养生难》两篇文章，于是决定把他的文学创作和养生思想牵在一起，这是一般研究嵇康者所没有采用的角度。我认为嵇康的养生思想是他继承了老庄思想并加入了汉代中医养生道理，通过自己的高峻人格和魏晋时代黑暗世界精神压迫碰撞而升华的。他毕生追求自由自在、闲适愉悦，与自然相亲的理想境界。可惜他疾恶如仇、刚肠傲气，豪放不羁，终使他难逃死于非命的厄运。
我认为他的医学学问虽然渊博，却忽略了社会就像一个人体，体中有阴阳对立、阴阳互根的必然。道家属阴，儒家属阳，两者看似对立，应是互补。嵇康“越名教任自然”的思想，可看做是以阴克阳的过盛，但要使社会达到平衡，不宜完全排斥名教。如果嵇康了解儒道虽然对立，却必须共存，人生应该追求两者平衡，阴阳调和，他也许就能避过灾祸。
■记者：你因此常以能不能“阴阳调和”来给现代企业看病。
■黄海：是的。“阴阳调和”不只适用于管理企业，还适用于国家管理、社会管理。东亚社会重视阴阳调和，刚柔并济，这实在是个大学问，在中国、日本、韩国都很讲究。日本人处事偏阴，说话很间接、含蓄；韩国人处事偏阳，处事比较火爆。中国人处事有阴有阳，和他们相处，分寸要懂得拿捏。我认为偏阴、偏阳，并没有好坏，要看时况。风平浪静的时候可以用阳刚处理法，强硬、透明度高；波涛汹涌的时候则要偏阴，身段放软，灵活处理也许才是最好的方法。我感觉美国候任总统奥巴马有阴阳调和的能力，他可以把两种完全不同的意见糅合在一起处理，刚柔相济其实是管理的最高境界。
我给南大硕士生讲课，经常用中医诊断法来看企业的病，他们对我这个讲法很有兴趣。给他们出题做文章，六条题目，有25%的学生选择跟中医管理法有关的题目，让我很高兴。
黄海小档案
● 纽西兰肯特伯里大学工程学士、美国哈佛大学公共行政硕士、美国卡内基梅隆大学经济学博士，曾任教于全美商学院第一的美国西北大学凯洛格商学院和新加坡国立大学商学院。
● 上世纪80年代离开大学，到华侨银行的温兄弟和虎豹企业担任总经理和总裁。
● 1987年至1991年从政，为勿洛集选区国会议员。
● 1994年到北京大学华语中心学习华文。2004年考取新加坡管理学院开放大学部门（现是新跃大学）北京师范大学汉语言文学学士。2006年取得北师大硕士。
● 1997年学中医。2004年成为执业中医师。今年开设中医诊所，并考取北京中医药大学博士学位。
● 前南洋理工大学商学院研究院院长和南大商学院院长。现仍在南大兼职。
黄海的下半部人生，一样精彩。50岁以后，仍然孜孜不倦，学习华文、中医，以15年时间考获中医药学博士，并且开设中医诊所，启动文化论坛，致力于中华文化的探索和传扬。黄海在牛车水开设的“仁海堂诊所”近日将正式开张。他接受本报专访，畅谈从“英文人”转为“华文人”，学习华文和中医的历程和想法。
■记者：黄教授，语文，你掌握了英文和华文；学问，你从工程、经济，到中医药；工作，你从大学教授、企业总裁，到中医师。你的人生经历这么多转折，请问你是怎样掌握这些迥然不同的范畴？
■黄海：我从小喜欢读书，学习对我来说，是一件快乐的事，也是我的爱好，我对不同领域的学问有好奇心，很有去探究的兴趣。走过这大半生，学习了这么多，我认为知识到了最高境界，其实是相通的。在中医学里有哲学、文学、社会学、管理学、医学，不同领域的学问实为一体。苏东坡就是一位文学家、美食家，还是一位中医师。我的硕士论文研究对象嵇康，更是魏晋南北朝动乱时代，其中一位最杰出的文学家和思想家。他写的《养生论》和《答养生难》，继承了老庄思想和中医养生道理，我是读了他的作品，才建立起现在这套养生理论。最近我在美国认识一个德国人，他什么都会，也在学中医，也有意了解更多有关中医的知识。所以，我认为所有学问都是相通的、相关的，并非迥然不同，各自独立。
■记者：你是“英文人”，50岁才开始学华文，有困难吗？
■黄海：困难是一定有的。最辛苦的是年纪大了，记忆力衰退，很多生字，字典查过了，认识了，可是很快就忘记了，字也写不出来。幸好我有一群讲华语的好朋友，大家经常见面聊天，很多生字生词是这样记住的。我认为学习任何东西，兴趣最重要。就像学滑雪那样，也是很困难。初学者会不断跌倒，必须不断爬起来，一试再试，才能掌握滑雪的技巧，没有兴趣的话，很快就会放弃。我对中华文化一直很有兴趣，从前用英文读《红楼梦》、《水浒传》、《唐诗三百首》，可是总觉得不够味。直到50岁那年，才下定决心，利用两个月假期，到北京大学语言中心去学华文。
这两个月学习非常有用。从北京浸濡回来，我竟然可以读《联合早报》了。虽然我的词汇量还不够，却已经不再恐惧华文报纸。我继续请老师补习华文，那年12月，我报名参加汉语水平考试，通过了中级试，表示已经有了入读中国大学的语文资格。第二年我再去北京语言大学浸濡两个月，回来，通过了汉语水平考试的高级试。1997年在新加坡中医学院报名读中医学士课程前，我特地到北京中医药大学去请老师讲学、补习，做好开始钻研中医的准备。可是后来，还是觉得华文水平不够，不能了解中医学深奥的理论，才再去新跃大学选读了和中国北京师范大学合办的汉语言文学学士和硕士课程。
2005年硕士快读完，我开始在北京中医药大学进修博士课程。论文交了，答辩也顺利过关了，题目是《以西方科学哲学角度探讨中医核心理论的哲学范畴》。论文同时将翻译成英文出版，向西方科学家传播中医理论的科学性。
■记者：你怎么兴起学中医的念头呢？
■黄海：因为过劳和饮食不当，有个时期我的身体很差，肾阳虚，脾气虚，经常生病，感冒咳嗽久久不好，吃了太多抗生素，身体更伤。后来，我去看中医，经过中医药促进会会长谢木昌医师的调理，我的身体逐渐好转，这引起我学中医的兴趣。谢医师建议我何不去中医学院听课，了解中医理论。我去旁听了几课，觉得很有趣味，就报名做起学生。没想到一晃过了六年，成了执业中医师。学中医，我把身体养好，还把华文学好，这是我始料不及的。
■记者：你交给北师大的学士论文谈《水浒传》的“义气”，对今天中国政商界的影响，可以谈谈吗？
■黄海：我认为《水浒传》的主要思想内涵是个“义”字，小说强调的是“义气”，而从古至今，讲义气就是中国人的文化特点之一，它的根源是儒家思想里的“仁义”。梁山好汉是一群讲义气的人，他们之间的密切关系，和今天中国各种团体人与人之间的关系是一类型的。我认为中国政商界常见的“关系”现象，就来自“义气”，而不是送礼请客那么简单。两方讲“义气”，就有了好的“关系”，在社会上有了好“关系”，一切事情就好办了。
上世纪70年代，中美建交后，很多美国跨国公司陆续到中国投资。他们在中国营运的状况，显然和很多华侨在中国建立事业的情况不同。美国人开始研究之间的歧异，发现在中国事业辉煌的华侨，如香港的李嘉诚、霍英东，泰国的谢国明，还有马来西亚的郭鹤年，都和中国政商界建立了绵密的“关系网络”。欧美商学院的学者，开始热衷研究中国商界的“关系学”，至今乐此不疲。
他们主要以商学理论和个案研究方式，来了解中国“关系学”的意义和使用。我的论文的角度和他们不同，我是从文学的眼光来看“关系”，通过研究《水浒传》里的思想内涵，以及《论语》和《孟子》中的儒家思想，来分析“关系”的渊源。我把阅读《水浒传》，对梁山好汉能为彼此两肋插刀的崇高义气的感受，和我平日与中国政商界的接触、我对“关系”的体会结合来谈。
我现在兼职为南大硕士班的学生讲企业管理，主要教他们中国文化和中国管理哲学。“南洋学子（Nanyang Fellows）”班的学生，很多来自越南、印尼、缅甸、印度、巴基斯坦，他们都是国家有潜质的未来领导人。我告诉他们中国儒家文化“礼义廉耻忠孝仁爱诚信和平”等价值观，都是现代企业的管理哲学。对工作的企业忠心，对合作伙伴有义气、讲究诚信，对下属仁爱，人与人相处以和为贵，这些难道不是现代企业追求的至善境界吗？
■记者：你的硕士论文谈嵇康的养生思想与其文学创作，又集合了你学中医的体会。
■黄海：我研究嵇康，发现了他写的《养生论》和《答养生难》两篇文章，于是决定把他的文学创作和养生思想牵在一起，这是一般研究嵇康者所没有采用的角度。我认为嵇康的养生思想是他继承了老庄思想并加入了汉代中医养生道理，通过自己的高峻人格和魏晋时代黑暗世界精神压迫碰撞而升华的。他毕生追求自由自在、闲适愉悦，与自然相亲的理想境界。可惜他疾恶如仇、刚肠傲气，豪放不羁，终使他难逃死于非命的厄运。
我认为他的医学学问虽然渊博，却忽略了社会就像一个人体，体中有阴阳对立、阴阳互根的必然。道家属阴，儒家属阳，两者看似对立，应是互补。嵇康“越名教任自然”的思想，可看做是以阴克阳的过盛，但要使社会达到平衡，不宜完全排斥名教。如果嵇康了解儒道虽然对立，却必须共存，人生应该追求两者平衡，阴阳调和，他也许就能避过灾祸。
■记者：你因此常以能不能“阴阳调和”来给现代企业看病。
■黄海：是的。“阴阳调和”不只适用于管理企业，还适用于国家管理、社会管理。东亚社会重视阴阳调和，刚柔并济，这实在是个大学问，在中国、日本、韩国都很讲究。日本人处事偏阴，说话很间接、含蓄；韩国人处事偏阳，处事比较火爆。中国人处事有阴有阳，和他们相处，分寸要懂得拿捏。我认为偏阴、偏阳，并没有好坏，要看时况。风平浪静的时候可以用阳刚处理法，强硬、透明度高；波涛汹涌的时候则要偏阴，身段放软，灵活处理也许才是最好的方法。我感觉美国候任总统奥巴马有阴阳调和的能力，他可以把两种完全不同的意见糅合在一起处理，刚柔相济其实是管理的最高境界。
我给南大硕士生讲课，经常用中医诊断法来看企业的病，他们对我这个讲法很有兴趣。给他们出题做文章，六条题目，有25%的学生选择跟中医管理法有关的题目，让我很高兴。
黄海小档案
● 纽西兰肯特伯里大学工程学士、美国哈佛大学公共行政硕士、美国卡内基梅隆大学经济学博士，曾任教于全美商学院第一的美国西北大学凯洛格商学院和新加坡国立大学商学院。
● 上世纪80年代离开大学，到华侨银行的温兄弟和虎豹企业担任总经理和总裁。
● 1987年至1991年从政，为勿洛集选区国会议员。
● 1994年到北京大学华语中心学习华文。2004年考取新加坡管理学院开放大学部门（现是新跃大学）北京师范大学汉语言文学学士。2006年取得北师大硕士。
● 1997年学中医。2004年成为执业中医师。今年开设中医诊所，并考取北京中医药大学博士学位。
● 前南洋理工大学商学院研究院院长和南大商学院院长。现仍在南大兼职。
保持多钾少钠饮食习惯
研究证明，饮食中若是钠的含量过高，人体内钠钾的比例就会失衡，并因此有可能引发多种心脑血管病。增加钾的摄入量，能增强人们的抗癌能力。哪些食物含较多钾？慢性病患又应注意什么？
误区1、饮食中钠的比例较钾高
现代人一般爱吃一些较为精致、处理过的食物，包括火腿、蛋糕、饼干等，这些食物其实不宜多吃，原因是，许多精致食物的钠含量往往高出钾的5倍至10倍以上。
钠和钾都是人体所需的两种矿物质，医学研究证明人体内的钾至少应是钠的两倍。不过，现代人的饮食习惯却往往造成相反的结果。食物加工过程往往是增加了钠而少了钾。所以，含钾较多的饮食是那些未加工食物。
高钾蔬菜包括西兰花、香菇等。
研究证明，饮食中若是钠的含量过高，人体内钠钾的比例就会失去平衡，并因此有可能引发高血压、冠心病、中风、脑血栓等心脑血管病。同时，钠钾比例不当，还能诱发癌症。增加钾的摄入量，能增强人们的抗癌能力。专家说，癌症患者的饮食中如果有大量的钾如蔬菜水果，便有助于恢复钾钠的均衡状态，从而防治癌症。
近年来还有研究显示，每天吃一些香蕉可降低中风的危险几率，研究人员经长达12年的研究发现，每天吃1至2只香蕉，可使中风发病率减少40﹪。
虽然还没有人确切地知道，钾是如何防止中风的，但根据专家的说法，它也有助于清除血液中的钠。专家们认为，钾摄入量较多的人会清除血液中更多的钠，从而降低了他们的血压。因为降低了的血压最终降低了中风的危险性。
每天吃一些香蕉可降低中风的危险几率。
要改变人体内的钾钠比例，最好少吃含钠食物，多吃含钾食物，也就是说，在日常生活中，饮食习惯应保持多钾、少钠的饮食结构。
什么食物能够摄取到含量较高的钾？营养师吕莉菱说，许多蔬菜和水果都含钾较高，尤其是颜色较为鲜艳的蔬菜水果、如香蕉、柑桔、南瓜、枣、芒果、木瓜、石榴、橘子等都含较高的钾；其他如海产类食物，包括海带、紫菜、海藻，高钾蔬菜包括西兰花、菠菜、苋菜、菠菜、冬菇、金针菇、木耳等。多吃这些食物，可明显提高人体内钾的含量比例，纠正体内不合理的钠钾比例，使身体形成对癌细胞的高度抵抗力。
蛋糕、饼干等不宜多吃，原因是许多精致食物的钠含量往往高出钾的5倍至10倍以上。
误区2、慢性病患吃错水果
一些糖尿病、高血压、高胆固醇患者会为了摄取钾或其他维生素而吃错水果，必须记得的是，许多水果虽然钾的含量高，但所含果糖、饱和脂肪其实也不少，例如香蕉，虽然是含钾高的食物，但香蕉糖分高，糖尿病患者就不应多吃，摄取的分量不能太多。同时，香蕉最好不要空腹过量食用。患有肾炎、肾功能不全者，也不适合多吃。
糖尿病病人都知道，饮食应尽量少吃甜食，因此在选择水果上，不少病人以为类似杨桃之类的水果不甜偏酸，可多吃，但事实上，水果都含有一定量果糖，不可单凭口味带酸来判断果糖的含量很低。
对胆固醇过高的病人来说，水果和蔬菜虽然是很好的饮食选择，但有些高脂水果同样需要节制，包括榴梿、椰子、鳄梨等，这些水果也会增加血液中总胆固醇及“坏胆固醇”的含量。
误区1、饮食中钠的比例较钾高
现代人一般爱吃一些较为精致、处理过的食物，包括火腿、蛋糕、饼干等，这些食物其实不宜多吃，原因是，许多精致食物的钠含量往往高出钾的5倍至10倍以上。
钠和钾都是人体所需的两种矿物质，医学研究证明人体内的钾至少应是钠的两倍。不过，现代人的饮食习惯却往往造成相反的结果。食物加工过程往往是增加了钠而少了钾。所以，含钾较多的饮食是那些未加工食物。
高钾蔬菜包括西兰花、香菇等。
研究证明，饮食中若是钠的含量过高，人体内钠钾的比例就会失去平衡，并因此有可能引发高血压、冠心病、中风、脑血栓等心脑血管病。同时，钠钾比例不当，还能诱发癌症。增加钾的摄入量，能增强人们的抗癌能力。专家说，癌症患者的饮食中如果有大量的钾如蔬菜水果，便有助于恢复钾钠的均衡状态，从而防治癌症。
近年来还有研究显示，每天吃一些香蕉可降低中风的危险几率，研究人员经长达12年的研究发现，每天吃1至2只香蕉，可使中风发病率减少40﹪。
虽然还没有人确切地知道，钾是如何防止中风的，但根据专家的说法，它也有助于清除血液中的钠。专家们认为，钾摄入量较多的人会清除血液中更多的钠，从而降低了他们的血压。因为降低了的血压最终降低了中风的危险性。
每天吃一些香蕉可降低中风的危险几率。
要改变人体内的钾钠比例，最好少吃含钠食物，多吃含钾食物，也就是说，在日常生活中，饮食习惯应保持多钾、少钠的饮食结构。
什么食物能够摄取到含量较高的钾？营养师吕莉菱说，许多蔬菜和水果都含钾较高，尤其是颜色较为鲜艳的蔬菜水果、如香蕉、柑桔、南瓜、枣、芒果、木瓜、石榴、橘子等都含较高的钾；其他如海产类食物，包括海带、紫菜、海藻，高钾蔬菜包括西兰花、菠菜、苋菜、菠菜、冬菇、金针菇、木耳等。多吃这些食物，可明显提高人体内钾的含量比例，纠正体内不合理的钠钾比例，使身体形成对癌细胞的高度抵抗力。
蛋糕、饼干等不宜多吃，原因是许多精致食物的钠含量往往高出钾的5倍至10倍以上。
误区2、慢性病患吃错水果
一些糖尿病、高血压、高胆固醇患者会为了摄取钾或其他维生素而吃错水果，必须记得的是，许多水果虽然钾的含量高，但所含果糖、饱和脂肪其实也不少，例如香蕉，虽然是含钾高的食物，但香蕉糖分高，糖尿病患者就不应多吃，摄取的分量不能太多。同时，香蕉最好不要空腹过量食用。患有肾炎、肾功能不全者，也不适合多吃。
糖尿病病人都知道，饮食应尽量少吃甜食，因此在选择水果上，不少病人以为类似杨桃之类的水果不甜偏酸，可多吃，但事实上，水果都含有一定量果糖，不可单凭口味带酸来判断果糖的含量很低。
对胆固醇过高的病人来说，水果和蔬菜虽然是很好的饮食选择，但有些高脂水果同样需要节制，包括榴梿、椰子、鳄梨等，这些水果也会增加血液中总胆固醇及“坏胆固醇”的含量。
男人该怎么吃?
男人在家庭和社会都肩负重大责任，经常运动,饮食得当有助男性维持身心健康,面对生活挑战。
番茄红素、锌和维生素E是男性很需要的营养素。
番茄红素可清除前列腺中的自由基，保护前列腺组织。这种天然类胡萝卜素主要存在于番茄、西瓜、葡萄柚等红色食品中，一个成年人每天食用100―200克番茄，就能满足身体对番茄红素的需要,熟的番茄更容易充分吸收。
锌是人体必不可少的一种元素，它与新陈代谢、生长发育以及其他多种生理功能的关系极为密切。男性精液里含大量的锌，体内锌不足，会影响精子的数量与品质。含锌丰富的食物还有鱼、猪肝、牛肉、虾、贝类、紫菜、芝麻、花生、黄豆和豆制品。
维生素E保护心血管。男性的胆固醇代谢经常遭到破坏，因此他们更易患高血压、中风等疾病。维生素E能预防胆固醇堵塞血管，清除体内垃圾。粗粮、坚果、植物油中都含有维生素E，因此男士们应多吃这类食物。
在日常生活中，男性也不能忽视其他营养素的摄入。含镁食物有助于降低血压、提高生育能力，男士在早餐可加入牛奶、燕麦粥和香蕉；酸奶、乳酪等食品富含钙；全麦面包富含B族维生素，有助于缓解压力。精神紧张者，每天可吃3至5枚鲜枣补充维生素C应付工作。
番茄红素、锌和维生素E是男性很需要的营养素。
番茄红素可清除前列腺中的自由基，保护前列腺组织。这种天然类胡萝卜素主要存在于番茄、西瓜、葡萄柚等红色食品中，一个成年人每天食用100―200克番茄，就能满足身体对番茄红素的需要,熟的番茄更容易充分吸收。
锌是人体必不可少的一种元素，它与新陈代谢、生长发育以及其他多种生理功能的关系极为密切。男性精液里含大量的锌，体内锌不足，会影响精子的数量与品质。含锌丰富的食物还有鱼、猪肝、牛肉、虾、贝类、紫菜、芝麻、花生、黄豆和豆制品。
维生素E保护心血管。男性的胆固醇代谢经常遭到破坏，因此他们更易患高血压、中风等疾病。维生素E能预防胆固醇堵塞血管，清除体内垃圾。粗粮、坚果、植物油中都含有维生素E，因此男士们应多吃这类食物。
在日常生活中，男性也不能忽视其他营养素的摄入。含镁食物有助于降低血压、提高生育能力，男士在早餐可加入牛奶、燕麦粥和香蕉；酸奶、乳酪等食品富含钙；全麦面包富含B族维生素，有助于缓解压力。精神紧张者，每天可吃3至5枚鲜枣补充维生素C应付工作。
Thursday, January 1, 2009
香港旭日集团董事长杨钊：企业家的两个文明建设
他拥有“香港裤王”的美誉，他旗下的旭日集团是一个年营业额高达50多亿港元，并在内地200多个城市拥有900多间“真维斯”休闲服饰连锁店和在美国、加拿大、新加坡以及中国内地、香港拥有地产业务的多元化跨国集团。
他巧妙地将东方智慧和现代经营理念结合起来，并始终恪守实践着“取于社会，用于社会”的信念，追寻着古往今来有识之士“穷则独善其身，达则兼济天下”的梦想。
他拥有60多亿资产，并累计为祖国各方事业捐资超过2亿多港元；他事业有成，但仍然孜孜不倦奋勇攀登。请看，第九、十届全国政协委员、香港旭日集团董事长杨钊如何演绎塑造其以“旭日精神”打造名企和产业报国的传奇.
一代裤王，打造国际集团
时间回到1991年，这一年，杨钊因为工业领域的卓越成绩，荣获“香港青年工业家奖”。评委们写给他的评语是“正直精明，能干苦干的企业家”。从白手起家直到今天的成绩，“香港裤王”杨钊名播国内外。
1947年，杨钊出生于秀山丽水的广东惠州西子湖畔。1967年，不到20岁的杨钊来到香港，经亲戚介绍，进入一家制衣厂当杂工，日薪6元。他十分珍惜这份工作，整日苦干，10多天后就被调为熨衣工，工资也升到每天16元。杨钊工作更加努力，认定“只要勤力，不会吃亏”。由于工作踏实，勤奋好学，心灵手巧，杨钊受到老板赏识，被升为领班，很快又升为经理直至厂长。这一段打工经历，使杨钊成为精通制衣业务和管理工作的行家里手，为日后建立自己的制衣集团打下了坚实的基础。
1974年，27岁的杨钊拿出自已省吃俭用的积蓄，加上朋友资助的10多万元，开设了一家小型制衣厂，他给制衣厂取名“旭日”，寓“旭日东升，光芒万丈”之意，希望制衣厂蓬蓬勃勃，前途光明。
不久，一单美国格仔牛仔裤的生意，不仅给制衣厂带来了丰厚的利润，也给杨钊带来了历史机遇。
当时，一位美国服装商来到香港，寻找厂家加工美洲流行的方格牛仔裤。这种裤料很厚，且需要手工缝制，加工困难，大部分厂家不愿意承接。愿意承接的也开价到550元。杨钊经过仔细盘算，竟然以299元接了定单。
这份订单价值相当于衣厂当年一年营业额的33倍。由于人手缝制成本高，杨钊研究出机器缝制的办法，缩减了成本，提高了效率。两年间，杨钊就赚了600万港元。随着七十年代中期格仔牛仔裤风行世界，杨钊的旭日制衣厂声名鹊起，杨钊“牛仔裤大王”的美誉也传遍四方。
此后，他的制衣集团果然如同旭日东升，杨钊开始将事业向海外拓展，先后在菲律宾、印尼、孟加拉及柬埔寨等地建立了庞大的服装生产基地，在东南亚国家迅速亮起“旭日”大旗。
杨钊认为：“人要有事业心、决心、恒心。事业心即立志，不立志，万事难成；决心即破釜沉舟，不能退缩；恒心就是要坚持到底。年轻人最易犯的毛病就是沉不住气，熬不得苦，往往功亏一篑。”
这种观点让杨钊带领着旭日集团不断前进，30年间，集团已发展成为一个融服装零售、制造、贸易、房地产、投资为一体的大型跨国企业集团，总资产超过60亿港元。仅在世界各地的物业投资就接近7亿美元，全球雇员3万余人。在纺织制衣方面已形成生产、贸易、零售“一条龙”服务。产品除牛仔裤外，还发展出梭织、针织等不同工艺的男装、女装等各类休闲服装，打出了名牌产品“真维斯（JEANSWEST）”。
杨钊说：“人生追求不应有终点，而是不断创造，不断改善，使生命中不断地增添新的力量，永远不划句号。”他领悟的人生真谛同样融进了企业的发展战略中，那就是“人无我有，人有我优，人优我转”，体现着杨钊独特思维和极强的创造力。
1983年到1984年间，香港地产市场不景气，当时是杨钊贸易生意最顺利之时。但杨钊以智慧、经验和判断力决定，拿出一半资产投资地产业。
实践证明，杨钊为旭日集团所作的决策是正确又有远见的。旭日集团以不到3亿港元在1986年购得的10层星光行和位于旺角的钟意商业中心，在1994年出售后达到19.5亿港元。当年用3亿港元购得的长沙湾贸易广场，现在每年租金收入就有1亿港元左右，而在美国、加拿大、新加坡，旭日集团分别拥有不同的优质住宅楼及购物商场。
1996年9月，当旭日集团在香港联合交易所挂牌上市时，创造了超额认购236倍的空前纪录，显示了市场对其发展潜力的广泛认同。
旭日集团正如当年创办时寄托的寓意那样，冉冉升起、蓬勃光明。
投身祖国建设，两个效益双丰收
事业取得成功后，杨钊积极实践着“达则兼济天下”的信念。近年来，杨钊对内地文化教育、扶贫救灾方面的捐款超过2亿多港元。
跟随杨钊多年的人这样评价他：“他从不会标榜自己怎样爱国，但他用实际行动为祖国做了不少事”。
1978年，中国大地改革春风乍起，杨钊敏锐的感到，改革开放将带来经济的大发展，祖国将迈向富裕振兴之路，作为中华儿女，报效祖国的机遇来了。1978年，他怀着对祖国和家乡的炽热情怀，抱着对国家改革开放政策的坚定信念，投资逾百万在广东顺德容奇镇建立了“大进制衣厂”，成为港商到内地投资设厂热潮的“始作俑者”和改革开放的“排头兵”。领风气之先，创办了全国第一家来料加工、补偿贸易工厂，更显名声大振。
一花引来百花香。在随后10余年间，大批的港澳商人以同样方式在珠江三角洲投资办厂，很好地促进了当地经济发展，促进了两地经贸合作，还缓解了香港劳工短缺对工业制造业造成的困难。
几年间，旭日集团在内地11个省市建立了18家制衣企业，员工15000多人，“真维斯”服装企业连锁专卖店备受消费者青睐。
当时对于旭日集团在祖国内地的发展，杨钊一直信心十足。他认为：“投资者不仅要考虑国家的短期政策变化，更要着眼于其中长期的方针政策。国家的长远目标，就是实现现代化和国家统一，这是从来不会改变的。”他还强调：“参与内地建设，一定要做到实实在在的投资，而绝不是巧取豪夺的投机”。
为了更长远地推动中国的制衣业，增加服装出口，杨钊又把培养制衣专业人才作为当务之急。他捐资3000多万港元，在家乡惠州建立“西纺广东服装学院”，这是上世纪70年代全国第一所采用国际高等服装教学标准的学院。
“西纺广东服装学院”的建立不仅引进了国际先进的服装教育标准，填补了国家的空白，也为引进国际应用教育模式开创了先河，更成为企业参与教育事业的倡导者和实践者。
在事业取得骄人成就的同时，杨钊时刻不忘“达则兼济天下”的古训。他说：“经济条件好了，这时候就要兼济天下，这也是一种安身立命之道”。
1993年，他捐资1000万港元给惠州大学建教学楼；同年还捐资1000港元万给上海纺织大学建实验大楼；2002年6月14日，旭日集团为素有“光明使者”之称的健康快车捐资300万港元，为祖国偏远贫困地区的白内障患者提供免费手术治疗，期望他们尽早复明；多年来旭日捐资的中、小学有10多所；2002年捐资700万给四川成都建成爱道堂；2002年捐资2600万元给河北柏林禅寺建佛殿及教学楼；2002年，内地第一家佛学研究中心在具有深厚人文研究传统的南京大学成立。“南京大学旭日佛学研究中心”主要致力于佛学人才的培养和重大佛学专题的研究，以推动中华传统文化和传统道德。中心数百万元的经费都由旭日集团提供。
同时，杨钊还在不停地为祖国默默奉献着：为内地华东水灾捐款300万港元，为华南水灾捐款300万港元，为广东阳山县大良乡扶贫捐款200万港元，2003年捐资300万给中国职工发展基金会协助解决东北三省失业人员问题。向广东惠州市教育基金捐款300万港元，去年抗非典期间，他捐资2000万港元给卫生部及佛教界协助应付非典等等。
实实在在的善举，实实在在的爱心，多年来，杨钊已捐献2亿多元港元建学校、助残疾、扶贫困、救灾民，支持祖国的科学文化及相关事业。他提出的“将西方科技和东方智慧结合起来解决人类物质和精神两大问题”的哲理命题已产生广泛影响，尤其将东方智慧引入企业文化中更是一种创造。杨钊带领着旭日集团，事业蒸蒸日上，取得了很好的经济效益和社会效益，赢得了财富与道德的统一，用他自己的话讲，“不只获得了物质财富，还赢得了精神财富”。
兼济天下，已经让杨钊领悟到一名企业家履行社会责任所带来的莫大的人生快乐和满足。
旭日精神：闪耀中华文化之光
旭日集团能够迅速发展取得骄人成就，与杨钊推行的一整套经营管理思想和模式有着密切联系。深深领悟到中华文化之精髓的杨钊在总结自己管理方面经验时认为，是中国优秀传统文化与西方现代工业文明有机结合的必然结果。
据此，杨钊概括出完整的富有特色的“旭日企业文化”，如发展战略为“人无我有、人有我优、人优我转”；工作策略为“分轻重、随机应变、事缓则圆”；员工守则为“学习工作、学习生活”，“不断学习、不断改善”等等。
从1985年3月起，杨钊创办了公司内部刊物《旭日之声》，他每期必在篇首著文，以自己在学习、工作、生活和参与社会事务中积累的人生经验，向员工传授、解惑。
这些多年商场经历中总结出来的关于分析和处理问题的方法称为“旭日三招”，杨钊把支撑旭日成功的力量称作“旭日精神”，他说这是一种不屈不挠的精神，依靠集体的力量去处理前进中的问题，他称赞旭日创业者们大都具备勤奋、肯吃亏、乐于助人、有责任心的精神。
在杨钊富有特色的管理下，旭日集团于1999年被美国财经杂志《福布斯》评选为全球300家优质中小型企业之一，并于同年获得香港管理专业协会颁发的“1999年优质管理大奖。”
杨钊外表俊朗，谈吐不俗，气质儒雅，一双岭南人特有的眼睛发出思想的光辉，给人一种是企业家又为学者的印象，曾有记者这样描述“杨先生的含笑，很平静、透彻，看不到一丝的风霜或骄灼或任何的故作姿态。”
杨钊生活淡泊，鄙夷奢侈，不尚虚名。读书占据他生活中许多时间，尤其喜爱读哲学和宗教方面的书。在物质方面，杨钊不追求名利，在精神方面追求思想和道德的收获。因此他说自己过得很快乐，精神上很富有。“已所不欲，勿施于人”、“老吾老以及人之老、幼吾幼以及人之幼”，深受中华传统优秀文化的熏陶影响，在事业有成后，杨钊逐渐从佛学找到了生命的归宿，将自己的人生价值取向定位于“为众生、为人群、为社会”且一经定位便身体力行，坚定不移，一步一个脚印地踏踏实实走下去。
杨钊对命运的看法更具思辨性和现实性，他强调人的主观努力对于事物发展的影响和作用。他常常引用古代哲人所言“今天之运气，是昨天的努力，今天之努力，又是明天的运气。”
作为一名全国政协委员，杨钊认真履行职责，他独具慧眼，宏观地看到内地和香港之间巨大的互动关系。他和香港有识之士一道积极建言和推动内地与香港建立更紧密经贸关系政策的实施。
对旭日今后的展望，杨钊说：“旭日会继续坚持人无我有、人有我优、人优我转的经营策略，不断发展高新科技，开发新品种，挖掘新市场，继续成为21世纪企业经营者的先驱。”
他巧妙地将东方智慧和现代经营理念结合起来，并始终恪守实践着“取于社会，用于社会”的信念，追寻着古往今来有识之士“穷则独善其身，达则兼济天下”的梦想。
他拥有60多亿资产，并累计为祖国各方事业捐资超过2亿多港元；他事业有成，但仍然孜孜不倦奋勇攀登。请看，第九、十届全国政协委员、香港旭日集团董事长杨钊如何演绎塑造其以“旭日精神”打造名企和产业报国的传奇.
一代裤王，打造国际集团
时间回到1991年，这一年，杨钊因为工业领域的卓越成绩，荣获“香港青年工业家奖”。评委们写给他的评语是“正直精明，能干苦干的企业家”。从白手起家直到今天的成绩，“香港裤王”杨钊名播国内外。
1947年，杨钊出生于秀山丽水的广东惠州西子湖畔。1967年，不到20岁的杨钊来到香港，经亲戚介绍，进入一家制衣厂当杂工，日薪6元。他十分珍惜这份工作，整日苦干，10多天后就被调为熨衣工，工资也升到每天16元。杨钊工作更加努力，认定“只要勤力，不会吃亏”。由于工作踏实，勤奋好学，心灵手巧，杨钊受到老板赏识，被升为领班，很快又升为经理直至厂长。这一段打工经历，使杨钊成为精通制衣业务和管理工作的行家里手，为日后建立自己的制衣集团打下了坚实的基础。
1974年，27岁的杨钊拿出自已省吃俭用的积蓄，加上朋友资助的10多万元，开设了一家小型制衣厂，他给制衣厂取名“旭日”，寓“旭日东升，光芒万丈”之意，希望制衣厂蓬蓬勃勃，前途光明。
不久，一单美国格仔牛仔裤的生意，不仅给制衣厂带来了丰厚的利润，也给杨钊带来了历史机遇。
当时，一位美国服装商来到香港，寻找厂家加工美洲流行的方格牛仔裤。这种裤料很厚，且需要手工缝制，加工困难，大部分厂家不愿意承接。愿意承接的也开价到550元。杨钊经过仔细盘算，竟然以299元接了定单。
这份订单价值相当于衣厂当年一年营业额的33倍。由于人手缝制成本高，杨钊研究出机器缝制的办法，缩减了成本，提高了效率。两年间，杨钊就赚了600万港元。随着七十年代中期格仔牛仔裤风行世界，杨钊的旭日制衣厂声名鹊起，杨钊“牛仔裤大王”的美誉也传遍四方。
此后，他的制衣集团果然如同旭日东升，杨钊开始将事业向海外拓展，先后在菲律宾、印尼、孟加拉及柬埔寨等地建立了庞大的服装生产基地，在东南亚国家迅速亮起“旭日”大旗。
杨钊认为：“人要有事业心、决心、恒心。事业心即立志，不立志，万事难成；决心即破釜沉舟，不能退缩；恒心就是要坚持到底。年轻人最易犯的毛病就是沉不住气，熬不得苦，往往功亏一篑。”
这种观点让杨钊带领着旭日集团不断前进，30年间，集团已发展成为一个融服装零售、制造、贸易、房地产、投资为一体的大型跨国企业集团，总资产超过60亿港元。仅在世界各地的物业投资就接近7亿美元，全球雇员3万余人。在纺织制衣方面已形成生产、贸易、零售“一条龙”服务。产品除牛仔裤外，还发展出梭织、针织等不同工艺的男装、女装等各类休闲服装，打出了名牌产品“真维斯（JEANSWEST）”。
杨钊说：“人生追求不应有终点，而是不断创造，不断改善，使生命中不断地增添新的力量，永远不划句号。”他领悟的人生真谛同样融进了企业的发展战略中，那就是“人无我有，人有我优，人优我转”，体现着杨钊独特思维和极强的创造力。
1983年到1984年间，香港地产市场不景气，当时是杨钊贸易生意最顺利之时。但杨钊以智慧、经验和判断力决定，拿出一半资产投资地产业。
实践证明，杨钊为旭日集团所作的决策是正确又有远见的。旭日集团以不到3亿港元在1986年购得的10层星光行和位于旺角的钟意商业中心，在1994年出售后达到19.5亿港元。当年用3亿港元购得的长沙湾贸易广场，现在每年租金收入就有1亿港元左右，而在美国、加拿大、新加坡，旭日集团分别拥有不同的优质住宅楼及购物商场。
1996年9月，当旭日集团在香港联合交易所挂牌上市时，创造了超额认购236倍的空前纪录，显示了市场对其发展潜力的广泛认同。
旭日集团正如当年创办时寄托的寓意那样，冉冉升起、蓬勃光明。
投身祖国建设，两个效益双丰收
事业取得成功后，杨钊积极实践着“达则兼济天下”的信念。近年来，杨钊对内地文化教育、扶贫救灾方面的捐款超过2亿多港元。
跟随杨钊多年的人这样评价他：“他从不会标榜自己怎样爱国，但他用实际行动为祖国做了不少事”。
1978年，中国大地改革春风乍起，杨钊敏锐的感到，改革开放将带来经济的大发展，祖国将迈向富裕振兴之路，作为中华儿女，报效祖国的机遇来了。1978年，他怀着对祖国和家乡的炽热情怀，抱着对国家改革开放政策的坚定信念，投资逾百万在广东顺德容奇镇建立了“大进制衣厂”，成为港商到内地投资设厂热潮的“始作俑者”和改革开放的“排头兵”。领风气之先，创办了全国第一家来料加工、补偿贸易工厂，更显名声大振。
一花引来百花香。在随后10余年间，大批的港澳商人以同样方式在珠江三角洲投资办厂，很好地促进了当地经济发展，促进了两地经贸合作，还缓解了香港劳工短缺对工业制造业造成的困难。
几年间，旭日集团在内地11个省市建立了18家制衣企业，员工15000多人，“真维斯”服装企业连锁专卖店备受消费者青睐。
当时对于旭日集团在祖国内地的发展，杨钊一直信心十足。他认为：“投资者不仅要考虑国家的短期政策变化，更要着眼于其中长期的方针政策。国家的长远目标，就是实现现代化和国家统一，这是从来不会改变的。”他还强调：“参与内地建设，一定要做到实实在在的投资，而绝不是巧取豪夺的投机”。
为了更长远地推动中国的制衣业，增加服装出口，杨钊又把培养制衣专业人才作为当务之急。他捐资3000多万港元，在家乡惠州建立“西纺广东服装学院”，这是上世纪70年代全国第一所采用国际高等服装教学标准的学院。
“西纺广东服装学院”的建立不仅引进了国际先进的服装教育标准，填补了国家的空白，也为引进国际应用教育模式开创了先河，更成为企业参与教育事业的倡导者和实践者。
在事业取得骄人成就的同时，杨钊时刻不忘“达则兼济天下”的古训。他说：“经济条件好了，这时候就要兼济天下，这也是一种安身立命之道”。
1993年，他捐资1000万港元给惠州大学建教学楼；同年还捐资1000港元万给上海纺织大学建实验大楼；2002年6月14日，旭日集团为素有“光明使者”之称的健康快车捐资300万港元，为祖国偏远贫困地区的白内障患者提供免费手术治疗，期望他们尽早复明；多年来旭日捐资的中、小学有10多所；2002年捐资700万给四川成都建成爱道堂；2002年捐资2600万元给河北柏林禅寺建佛殿及教学楼；2002年，内地第一家佛学研究中心在具有深厚人文研究传统的南京大学成立。“南京大学旭日佛学研究中心”主要致力于佛学人才的培养和重大佛学专题的研究，以推动中华传统文化和传统道德。中心数百万元的经费都由旭日集团提供。
同时，杨钊还在不停地为祖国默默奉献着：为内地华东水灾捐款300万港元，为华南水灾捐款300万港元，为广东阳山县大良乡扶贫捐款200万港元，2003年捐资300万给中国职工发展基金会协助解决东北三省失业人员问题。向广东惠州市教育基金捐款300万港元，去年抗非典期间，他捐资2000万港元给卫生部及佛教界协助应付非典等等。
实实在在的善举，实实在在的爱心，多年来，杨钊已捐献2亿多元港元建学校、助残疾、扶贫困、救灾民，支持祖国的科学文化及相关事业。他提出的“将西方科技和东方智慧结合起来解决人类物质和精神两大问题”的哲理命题已产生广泛影响，尤其将东方智慧引入企业文化中更是一种创造。杨钊带领着旭日集团，事业蒸蒸日上，取得了很好的经济效益和社会效益，赢得了财富与道德的统一，用他自己的话讲，“不只获得了物质财富，还赢得了精神财富”。
兼济天下，已经让杨钊领悟到一名企业家履行社会责任所带来的莫大的人生快乐和满足。
旭日精神：闪耀中华文化之光
旭日集团能够迅速发展取得骄人成就，与杨钊推行的一整套经营管理思想和模式有着密切联系。深深领悟到中华文化之精髓的杨钊在总结自己管理方面经验时认为，是中国优秀传统文化与西方现代工业文明有机结合的必然结果。
据此，杨钊概括出完整的富有特色的“旭日企业文化”，如发展战略为“人无我有、人有我优、人优我转”；工作策略为“分轻重、随机应变、事缓则圆”；员工守则为“学习工作、学习生活”，“不断学习、不断改善”等等。
从1985年3月起，杨钊创办了公司内部刊物《旭日之声》，他每期必在篇首著文，以自己在学习、工作、生活和参与社会事务中积累的人生经验，向员工传授、解惑。
这些多年商场经历中总结出来的关于分析和处理问题的方法称为“旭日三招”，杨钊把支撑旭日成功的力量称作“旭日精神”，他说这是一种不屈不挠的精神，依靠集体的力量去处理前进中的问题，他称赞旭日创业者们大都具备勤奋、肯吃亏、乐于助人、有责任心的精神。
在杨钊富有特色的管理下，旭日集团于1999年被美国财经杂志《福布斯》评选为全球300家优质中小型企业之一，并于同年获得香港管理专业协会颁发的“1999年优质管理大奖。”
杨钊外表俊朗，谈吐不俗，气质儒雅，一双岭南人特有的眼睛发出思想的光辉，给人一种是企业家又为学者的印象，曾有记者这样描述“杨先生的含笑，很平静、透彻，看不到一丝的风霜或骄灼或任何的故作姿态。”
杨钊生活淡泊，鄙夷奢侈，不尚虚名。读书占据他生活中许多时间，尤其喜爱读哲学和宗教方面的书。在物质方面，杨钊不追求名利，在精神方面追求思想和道德的收获。因此他说自己过得很快乐，精神上很富有。“已所不欲，勿施于人”、“老吾老以及人之老、幼吾幼以及人之幼”，深受中华传统优秀文化的熏陶影响，在事业有成后，杨钊逐渐从佛学找到了生命的归宿，将自己的人生价值取向定位于“为众生、为人群、为社会”且一经定位便身体力行，坚定不移，一步一个脚印地踏踏实实走下去。
杨钊对命运的看法更具思辨性和现实性，他强调人的主观努力对于事物发展的影响和作用。他常常引用古代哲人所言“今天之运气，是昨天的努力，今天之努力，又是明天的运气。”
作为一名全国政协委员，杨钊认真履行职责，他独具慧眼，宏观地看到内地和香港之间巨大的互动关系。他和香港有识之士一道积极建言和推动内地与香港建立更紧密经贸关系政策的实施。
对旭日今后的展望，杨钊说：“旭日会继续坚持人无我有、人有我优、人优我转的经营策略，不断发展高新科技，开发新品种，挖掘新市场，继续成为21世纪企业经营者的先驱。”
揭秘陶朱公范蠡的经商秘诀
陶朱公就是范蠡，春秋时期越国的大政治家。在越国被吴国灭亡时，是他提出降吴复国的计策的，并随同越王勾践一同到吴国为奴，千方百计谋取勾践回国，成为辅助勾践灭吴复国的第一谋臣，官拜上将军。
但当勾践复国之后，他了解勾践是一个可以共患难但不能同安乐的人，于是他急流勇退，毅然弃官而去。首先他到了齐国，改名为鸱夷子皮。但是齐国人知道他有很好的品德和很高的才能，就请他当宰相。由于他退归林下的决心已下，不久又辞官而去。他到了当时的商业中心陶（即今山东的定陶县）定居，自称”朱公”，人们称他陶朱公。他在这里既经营商业，又从事农业和牧业。很快就表现了非凡的经商才能。在19年内有三次赚了千金之多。但他仗义疏财，他赚了钱，就从事各种公益事业。他的行为使他获得”富而行其德”的美名，成为几千年来我国商业的楷模。
陶朱公很有经商的头脑。他根据市场的供求关系，判断价格的涨落，即”论其（商品）有余和不足，则知（价格）贵贱。”他发现价格涨落有个极限，即贵到极点后就会下落；贱到极点后就会上涨，出现”一贵一贱，极而复反”的规律。这就很符合现代市场规律的。因为一种商品价格上涨，人们就会更多地生产，供应市场，这就为价格下跌创造了条件。相反，如果价格太低，就打击了积极性，人们就不愿生产，市场的货物也就少了，又为价格上涨创造了条件。故他提出一套”积贮之理”。这就是在物价便宜时，要大量收进。他说”贱取如珠玉”，即像重视珠玉那样重视降价的物品，尽量卖进存贮起来。等到涨价之后，就尽量卖出。”贵出如粪土”，即像抛弃粪土那样毫不可惜地尽是抛出。
但是价格涨落的原因在哪里呢？
陶朱公生长在农业经济时代，农产品是市场的最大宗、最主要的商品。农业有很强的季节性，每年气候不同，产量了就不同，对市场价格有重大影响。所以满足农业需要、为农业服务，就成为他经商的主要方向。他根据季节规律，提早储备物资，即所谓”知斗则修备，时用则知物”。就是说，像作战之前要做好准备一样，根据季节的需要（时用）就可以预知市场所需要的商品（知物）。
季节和气候变化是有规律的。他引用我国早已有的一条关于气候变化的规律性的古语，作为预知农业丰歉的依据。这条古语说：”六岁穰、六岁旱，十二年一大饥。”这是说，每六年有一年风调雨顺的上好年景，也有一个旱年，每十二年有个大旱年，也有一个水年。
根据这个规律，他丰年就大胆收进。因为不会年年丰收，收进的货物不愁没有机会售出。同样，在大旱年物价上涨时，他就尽量抛售，不愁以后没有进货的机会。就这样，他不但自己致富，也为平抑物价、避免丰收年谷贱伤农与饥荒年民不聊生做出了积极的贡献。
陶朱公的故事告诉我们，气候资源的变化会造成丰收与歉收两种状况，对人们都有不利影响，并且通过商品交流这种不利影响会扩展到全国、全社会，但是，只要人们掌握了这个规律性，采用商业手段，通过贱买贵卖，是可以协调的。陶朱公也许是世界上第一个在认识上和实践上都注意到气候变化、气候变化对农业的影响、农业对市场的影响，以及在该领域的对策研究上取得重大成就的人。
但当勾践复国之后，他了解勾践是一个可以共患难但不能同安乐的人，于是他急流勇退，毅然弃官而去。首先他到了齐国，改名为鸱夷子皮。但是齐国人知道他有很好的品德和很高的才能，就请他当宰相。由于他退归林下的决心已下，不久又辞官而去。他到了当时的商业中心陶（即今山东的定陶县）定居，自称”朱公”，人们称他陶朱公。他在这里既经营商业，又从事农业和牧业。很快就表现了非凡的经商才能。在19年内有三次赚了千金之多。但他仗义疏财，他赚了钱，就从事各种公益事业。他的行为使他获得”富而行其德”的美名，成为几千年来我国商业的楷模。
陶朱公很有经商的头脑。他根据市场的供求关系，判断价格的涨落，即”论其（商品）有余和不足，则知（价格）贵贱。”他发现价格涨落有个极限，即贵到极点后就会下落；贱到极点后就会上涨，出现”一贵一贱，极而复反”的规律。这就很符合现代市场规律的。因为一种商品价格上涨，人们就会更多地生产，供应市场，这就为价格下跌创造了条件。相反，如果价格太低，就打击了积极性，人们就不愿生产，市场的货物也就少了，又为价格上涨创造了条件。故他提出一套”积贮之理”。这就是在物价便宜时，要大量收进。他说”贱取如珠玉”，即像重视珠玉那样重视降价的物品，尽量卖进存贮起来。等到涨价之后，就尽量卖出。”贵出如粪土”，即像抛弃粪土那样毫不可惜地尽是抛出。
但是价格涨落的原因在哪里呢？
陶朱公生长在农业经济时代，农产品是市场的最大宗、最主要的商品。农业有很强的季节性，每年气候不同，产量了就不同，对市场价格有重大影响。所以满足农业需要、为农业服务，就成为他经商的主要方向。他根据季节规律，提早储备物资，即所谓”知斗则修备，时用则知物”。就是说，像作战之前要做好准备一样，根据季节的需要（时用）就可以预知市场所需要的商品（知物）。
季节和气候变化是有规律的。他引用我国早已有的一条关于气候变化的规律性的古语，作为预知农业丰歉的依据。这条古语说：”六岁穰、六岁旱，十二年一大饥。”这是说，每六年有一年风调雨顺的上好年景，也有一个旱年，每十二年有个大旱年，也有一个水年。
根据这个规律，他丰年就大胆收进。因为不会年年丰收，收进的货物不愁没有机会售出。同样，在大旱年物价上涨时，他就尽量抛售，不愁以后没有进货的机会。就这样，他不但自己致富，也为平抑物价、避免丰收年谷贱伤农与饥荒年民不聊生做出了积极的贡献。
陶朱公的故事告诉我们，气候资源的变化会造成丰收与歉收两种状况，对人们都有不利影响，并且通过商品交流这种不利影响会扩展到全国、全社会，但是，只要人们掌握了这个规律性，采用商业手段，通过贱买贵卖，是可以协调的。陶朱公也许是世界上第一个在认识上和实践上都注意到气候变化、气候变化对农业的影响、农业对市场的影响，以及在该领域的对策研究上取得重大成就的人。
文财神 - 由来
正财神赵公明掌管辅佐财帛星君和辅佑范蠡为正文财神。
文财神范蠡。他是春秋战国之际杰出的政治家、思想家和谋略家，同时也是一位生财有道的大商家。
范蠡，字少伯，天资聪颖，少年时便有独虑之明。后被越王勾践拜为士大夫。越国兵败于吴国，范蠡与越王一同去屈事吴王夫差。回国后又辅佐越王富国强兵，终于打败了吴国。灭吴之后，越国君臣设宴庆功，群臣皆乐，唯独勾践面无喜色。范蠡察此微末，立识大端：越王为争国土，不惜群臣之死，而今如愿以偿，便不想归功于臣下。于是，范蠡毅然向越王辞官隐退，带领家属随从，架扁舟，泛东海，来到齐国。
范蠡父子在齐国海边耕种土地，勤奋治产不久，就积累家产数十万金。齐人闻其贤，请为其相。范蠡叹息：“居家则致千金，居官则致卿相，此布衣之极也。久受尊名，不祥。”于是，它归还了相印，将钱财尽分给了朋友和乡邻，只带上最贵重的物品，暗自离开齐都，悄悄来到陶地。范蠡认为，陶地处天下之中，为交易的必通要道，由此可以致富，以为后半生的保证，自此居住下来自称陶朱公。（“陶”，指陶地，或说隐语“逃”；“朱”，一说为富翁的象征，或说寓己曾做高官；“公”，一说是对尊长，平辈的敬称，或说寓己曾做为公爵）。范蠡父子靠种地、养牲畜，做生意又积累了数万家财，成为陶地的大富翁，后又两家分财于百姓，天下人都赞美陶朱公，拜其为财神。
陶朱公的经营智慧历来为民间所敬仰，于是有许多经营致富术托与陶朱公名下。如经商十八忌……十八忌多是为商家经验之谈，托名陶朱公，由此可见，他作为财神在民间商人心目中的智慧形象。范蠡一生艰苦创业，积金数万；善于经营，善于理财，又能广散钱财，故称其为文财神也..就理所当然了。
文财神 - 奉祀旧时称财神赵公明神诞之日为三月十五日(亦有称正月初二的)，道教徒多於神诞之日到道观中奉祀财神，祈求五榖丰登，财源亨通。不过，民间传说正月初五日为财神下凡、巡察人世的日子，因此，民间多於初五清早放鞭炮、舞狮子，俗称「接财神」，祈求春节以後开市大吉，财源滚滚。
文财神范蠡。他是春秋战国之际杰出的政治家、思想家和谋略家，同时也是一位生财有道的大商家。
范蠡，字少伯，天资聪颖，少年时便有独虑之明。后被越王勾践拜为士大夫。越国兵败于吴国，范蠡与越王一同去屈事吴王夫差。回国后又辅佐越王富国强兵，终于打败了吴国。灭吴之后，越国君臣设宴庆功，群臣皆乐，唯独勾践面无喜色。范蠡察此微末，立识大端：越王为争国土，不惜群臣之死，而今如愿以偿，便不想归功于臣下。于是，范蠡毅然向越王辞官隐退，带领家属随从，架扁舟，泛东海，来到齐国。
范蠡父子在齐国海边耕种土地，勤奋治产不久，就积累家产数十万金。齐人闻其贤，请为其相。范蠡叹息：“居家则致千金，居官则致卿相，此布衣之极也。久受尊名，不祥。”于是，它归还了相印，将钱财尽分给了朋友和乡邻，只带上最贵重的物品，暗自离开齐都，悄悄来到陶地。范蠡认为，陶地处天下之中，为交易的必通要道，由此可以致富，以为后半生的保证，自此居住下来自称陶朱公。（“陶”，指陶地，或说隐语“逃”；“朱”，一说为富翁的象征，或说寓己曾做高官；“公”，一说是对尊长，平辈的敬称，或说寓己曾做为公爵）。范蠡父子靠种地、养牲畜，做生意又积累了数万家财，成为陶地的大富翁，后又两家分财于百姓，天下人都赞美陶朱公，拜其为财神。
陶朱公的经营智慧历来为民间所敬仰，于是有许多经营致富术托与陶朱公名下。如经商十八忌……十八忌多是为商家经验之谈，托名陶朱公，由此可见，他作为财神在民间商人心目中的智慧形象。范蠡一生艰苦创业，积金数万；善于经营，善于理财，又能广散钱财，故称其为文财神也..就理所当然了。
文财神 - 奉祀旧时称财神赵公明神诞之日为三月十五日(亦有称正月初二的)，道教徒多於神诞之日到道观中奉祀财神，祈求五榖丰登，财源亨通。不过，民间传说正月初五日为财神下凡、巡察人世的日子，因此，民间多於初五清早放鞭炮、舞狮子，俗称「接财神」，祈求春节以後开市大吉，财源滚滚。
Comparison of smartphones
Hardware and OS
Model CPU Internal Flash RAM OS Size Weight Screen resolution Keyboard Camera Other
Apple iPhone[1] 620 MHz ARM1176JZF-S (underclocked to 412 MHz) 4, 8, 16 GB 128 MB iPhone OS 2.2 81.4 cc 135g 3.5" 480x320 Soft QWERTY 2.0mp
Apple iPhone 3G[2] 620 MHz ARM1176JZF-S (underclocked to 412 MHz) 8, 16 GB 128 MB iPhone OS 2.2 88.2 cc 133g 3.5" 480x320 Soft QWERTY 2.0mp
Asus P565 800 MHz Marvell PXA930 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 120g 2.8" 480x640 Soft QWERTY 3.15mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
E-TEN Glofiish X-900 533 MHz Samsung S3C6400 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 146g 2.8" 480x640 Soft QWERTY 3.15mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
HTC Wizard (aka HTC Prodigy, T-Mobile MDA US) 195 MHZ Texas Instruments OMAP 850 128 MB 64 MB Windows Mobile 5.0 ? 168g 2.8" 240x320 Full slide-out QWERTY 1.3mp miniSD
HTC TyTN (aka AT&T 8525, HTC Hermes)[3][4][5] 400 MHz ARM920T 128 MB 64 MB Windows Mobile 6 143cc 176g 2.8" 240x320 Full Slide-Out QWERTY 1.9mp AF MicroSD
HTC TyTN II (aka AT&T Tilt, HTC Kaiser)[6][7][8] 400 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 126cc 190g 2.8" 240x320 Full Slide-Out QWERTY 3.15mp AF aGPS, MicroSDHC
HTC Touch Pro (aka AT&T Fuze, HTC Raphael)[9] 528 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 512 MB 288 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 94cc 165g 2.8" 480x640 Full slide-out QWERTY 3.15mp AF aGPS, MicroSDHC
HTC Touch Diamond (aka HTC Diamond, HTC Victor)[10] 528 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 4 GB 192 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 59cc 110g 2.8" 480x640 Soft QWERTY 3.2mp AF aGPS
HTC Touch HD (aka HTC Blackstone) 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A 512 MB 288 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 146g 3.8" 480x800 Soft QWERTY 5mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Motorola RIZR Z8[11] ARM 11 ? ? Symbian OS 77cc 112g 240x320 Numeric with T9 2mp
Motorola RIZR Z10[12] ARM 11 ? ? Symbian OS (UIQ) 60cc 100g 240x320 Numeric with T9 3.5mp
Motorola Q9c[13] 312 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 128 MB 64 MB Windows Mobile 6.0 90cc 115g 2.5" 320x240 Full QWERTY 1.3mp
Nokia E63 369 MHz Freescale MXC300-30 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 113 x 59 x 13 mm
87 cc 126g 2.4" 320x240 Full QWERTY 2mp MicroSDHC
Nokia E71 [14] ARM11 369 MHz Freescale MXC300-30 processor 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 114 x 57 x 10 mm
66cc 127 g 2.4" 320x240 Full QWERTY 3.2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia E90 ARM11 332 MHz MHz Freescale MXC300-30 processor 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 132 x 57 x 20 mm
140cc 210 g External:
2" 240 x 320
Internal:
4" 800 x 352 Full QWERTY 3.2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia N95 8 GB 332 MHz ARM1136 8 GB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 110cc 128g 2.8" 240x320 Numeric with T9, Multimedia 5mp, Auto Focus and Flash aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia N96[15] 264 MHz ARM926EJ-S 16 GB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.3 Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 113cc 125g 2.8" 240x320 Numeric with T9, Multimedia 5mp, Auto Focus and Dual LED Flash aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia N97 ? 32 GB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.4 Series 60 5th Edition 117.2 x 55.3 x 15.9-18.3 mm 150g 3.5" 360x640 Full QWERTY 5 MP aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia 5800 XpressMusic 369 MHz Freescale MXC300-30 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.4 Series 60 5th Edition 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm
83 cc 109g 3.2" 320x640 Touchscreen 3.15 MP aGPS, MicroSDHC
Palm Centro[16][17] 312 MHz Intel PXA270 128 MB 64 MB Palm OS 5.4.9 107cc 125g 2.2" 320x320 Full QWERTY 1.3mp MicroSDHC
Palm Treo 755p 312 MHz Intel PXA270 128 MB 64 MB Palm OS 5.4.9 ? 160g 2.5" 320x320 Full QWERTY 1.3mp MiniSD
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9000 624 MHZ Marvell PXA930 1.1 GB 128 MB RIM BlackBerry OS 4.6 ? 136g 2.6" 480x320 Full QWERTY 2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
RIM BlackBerry Storm 9500 624 MHZ Marvell PXA930 1.1 GB 192 MB RIM BlackBerry OS 4.7 ? 155g 3.3" 360x480 Soft QWERTY 3.15mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Samsung SGH-i907 Epix 624 MHz Marvell PXA310 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 125g 2.5" 320x320 Full QWERTY 2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Samsung SGH-i908 Omnia 624 MHz Marvell PXA310 16 GB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 122 g 3.2" 400x240 Soft QWERTY 5mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Samsung SCH-M495 T*OMNIA 806 MHz Marvell PXA312 16 GB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 131 g 3.3" 480x800 Soft QWERTY 5mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 (aka HTC Venus)[18][19] 528 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 512 MB 384 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 99cc 158g 3" 800x480 Full slide-out QWERTY 3.15mp AF aGPS, MicroSDHC
Toshiba Portege G900 520 MHz Marvell PXA270 ? ? Windows Mobile 6.0 156cc 196g 3" 800x480 Full slide-out QWERTY 2mp with front VGA camera for video calls MiniSD
HP iPAQ 910c 520 MHz Marvell PXA270 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional ? 146g 240×320,touch-able QWERTY 3.2mp microSD
Model CPU Internal Flash RAM OS Size Weight Screen resolution Keyboard Camera Other
Apple iPhone[1] 620 MHz ARM1176JZF-S (underclocked to 412 MHz) 4, 8, 16 GB 128 MB iPhone OS 2.2 81.4 cc 135g 3.5" 480x320 Soft QWERTY 2.0mp
Apple iPhone 3G[2] 620 MHz ARM1176JZF-S (underclocked to 412 MHz) 8, 16 GB 128 MB iPhone OS 2.2 88.2 cc 133g 3.5" 480x320 Soft QWERTY 2.0mp
Asus P565 800 MHz Marvell PXA930 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 120g 2.8" 480x640 Soft QWERTY 3.15mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
E-TEN Glofiish X-900 533 MHz Samsung S3C6400 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 146g 2.8" 480x640 Soft QWERTY 3.15mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
HTC Wizard (aka HTC Prodigy, T-Mobile MDA US) 195 MHZ Texas Instruments OMAP 850 128 MB 64 MB Windows Mobile 5.0 ? 168g 2.8" 240x320 Full slide-out QWERTY 1.3mp miniSD
HTC TyTN (aka AT&T 8525, HTC Hermes)[3][4][5] 400 MHz ARM920T 128 MB 64 MB Windows Mobile 6 143cc 176g 2.8" 240x320 Full Slide-Out QWERTY 1.9mp AF MicroSD
HTC TyTN II (aka AT&T Tilt, HTC Kaiser)[6][7][8] 400 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 126cc 190g 2.8" 240x320 Full Slide-Out QWERTY 3.15mp AF aGPS, MicroSDHC
HTC Touch Pro (aka AT&T Fuze, HTC Raphael)[9] 528 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 512 MB 288 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 94cc 165g 2.8" 480x640 Full slide-out QWERTY 3.15mp AF aGPS, MicroSDHC
HTC Touch Diamond (aka HTC Diamond, HTC Victor)[10] 528 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 4 GB 192 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 59cc 110g 2.8" 480x640 Soft QWERTY 3.2mp AF aGPS
HTC Touch HD (aka HTC Blackstone) 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A 512 MB 288 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 146g 3.8" 480x800 Soft QWERTY 5mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Motorola RIZR Z8[11] ARM 11 ? ? Symbian OS 77cc 112g 240x320 Numeric with T9 2mp
Motorola RIZR Z10[12] ARM 11 ? ? Symbian OS (UIQ) 60cc 100g 240x320 Numeric with T9 3.5mp
Motorola Q9c[13] 312 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 128 MB 64 MB Windows Mobile 6.0 90cc 115g 2.5" 320x240 Full QWERTY 1.3mp
Nokia E63 369 MHz Freescale MXC300-30 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 113 x 59 x 13 mm
87 cc 126g 2.4" 320x240 Full QWERTY 2mp MicroSDHC
Nokia E71 [14] ARM11 369 MHz Freescale MXC300-30 processor 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 114 x 57 x 10 mm
66cc 127 g 2.4" 320x240 Full QWERTY 3.2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia E90 ARM11 332 MHz MHz Freescale MXC300-30 processor 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 132 x 57 x 20 mm
140cc 210 g External:
2" 240 x 320
Internal:
4" 800 x 352 Full QWERTY 3.2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia N95 8 GB 332 MHz ARM1136 8 GB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 110cc 128g 2.8" 240x320 Numeric with T9, Multimedia 5mp, Auto Focus and Flash aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia N96[15] 264 MHz ARM926EJ-S 16 GB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.3 Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 113cc 125g 2.8" 240x320 Numeric with T9, Multimedia 5mp, Auto Focus and Dual LED Flash aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia N97 ? 32 GB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.4 Series 60 5th Edition 117.2 x 55.3 x 15.9-18.3 mm 150g 3.5" 360x640 Full QWERTY 5 MP aGPS, MicroSDHC
Nokia 5800 XpressMusic 369 MHz Freescale MXC300-30 256 MB 128 MB Symbian OS 9.4 Series 60 5th Edition 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm
83 cc 109g 3.2" 320x640 Touchscreen 3.15 MP aGPS, MicroSDHC
Palm Centro[16][17] 312 MHz Intel PXA270 128 MB 64 MB Palm OS 5.4.9 107cc 125g 2.2" 320x320 Full QWERTY 1.3mp MicroSDHC
Palm Treo 755p 312 MHz Intel PXA270 128 MB 64 MB Palm OS 5.4.9 ? 160g 2.5" 320x320 Full QWERTY 1.3mp MiniSD
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9000 624 MHZ Marvell PXA930 1.1 GB 128 MB RIM BlackBerry OS 4.6 ? 136g 2.6" 480x320 Full QWERTY 2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
RIM BlackBerry Storm 9500 624 MHZ Marvell PXA930 1.1 GB 192 MB RIM BlackBerry OS 4.7 ? 155g 3.3" 360x480 Soft QWERTY 3.15mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Samsung SGH-i907 Epix 624 MHz Marvell PXA310 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 125g 2.5" 320x320 Full QWERTY 2mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Samsung SGH-i908 Omnia 624 MHz Marvell PXA310 16 GB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 122 g 3.2" 400x240 Soft QWERTY 5mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Samsung SCH-M495 T*OMNIA 806 MHz Marvell PXA312 16 GB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 ? 131 g 3.3" 480x800 Soft QWERTY 5mp aGPS, MicroSDHC
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 (aka HTC Venus)[18][19] 528 MHz ARM1136EJ-S 512 MB 384 MB Windows Mobile 6.1 99cc 158g 3" 800x480 Full slide-out QWERTY 3.15mp AF aGPS, MicroSDHC
Toshiba Portege G900 520 MHz Marvell PXA270 ? ? Windows Mobile 6.0 156cc 196g 3" 800x480 Full slide-out QWERTY 2mp with front VGA camera for video calls MiniSD
HP iPAQ 910c 520 MHz Marvell PXA270 256 MB 128 MB Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional ? 146g 240×320,touch-able QWERTY 3.2mp microSD
勤劳致富的财神爷范蠡
春秋末年，吴国与越国展开了一场争雄的战争。结果是越国消灭了吴国，取得了中国东南霸主的地位。在这一场战争中，越国大夫范蠡起到了关键的作用。他出谋献策，帮越王勾践平定了吴越之地，然后又及时地功成身退，种田经商，三致千金，并把挣来的钱财分散给贫民，成了千古传颂的佳话。
《史记·越王勾践世家》记载范蠡从越国功成身退，浮海到了齐国，他“耕于海畔，苦身戮力，父子治产。居无几何，致产数十万。”
范蠡和他的儿子们在齐国的海边找了一块地方，以耕种为业，亲自参加劳动，没多少时间，得到了数十万的产业。
《史记》记载很明白，范蠡的“财”是“苦身戮力”也就是勤劳致富的结果。他虽然在越国担任丞相，是有职有权的。但他此时是在齐国，是一位无职无权的亲自参加劳动的普通劳动者。
他在齐国呆了大约两年，又移居陶地，他为什么要到陶地呢，《史记》记载，他“以为此天下之中，交易有无之路通，为生可以致富矣。”
他选择了一个好的地理位置，陶地位于“天下之中”，也就是位于当时各诸侯国的交通要道，可以搞“国际贸易”。历史上，此地西、北有三晋（赵、魏、韩），东有齐国，南有越、吴、楚，正是搞“国际贸易”的好地理位置。《战国策》上的秦国的穰侯封地在“陶”，正是陶朱公的陶，也是秦国口头相许燕国相国：“封君于河南，为万乘，达途于中国，南与陶为邻”的陶。“河南之南”，今安徽涡阳的陶朱公的墓地地理位置正与《战国策》的记载相符。陶朱公的“陶”不在齐国，陶在齐国就不是“天下之中”了，只能说是“齐国腹中”了。①
他在“陶”，把自己的名字改为“陶朱公”，“复约要父子耕畜”，依然规定是父子劳动，耕地和养畜。靠的依然是勤劳致富。
不过，他还经商，“废居，候时转物，逐十一之利。”
《史记》记载的他经商的这三条原则尤其值得我们注意：
第一，“废居”，就是起居无时，早晚摸黑的干，靠的是勤劳；
第二，“候时转物”，依据市场的变化，看哪个国家，在什么季节，多余了什么，又缺少什么，把货物及时的转运过去；
第三，“逐十一之利”，现代人都说“做商人就要黑心”，错了，范蠡与他的子弟不是这样的，他们的规矩是“逐十一之利”，也是几千年来的通行的规矩，这规矩就是范蠡定下来的，做一百元的生意，你只能赚十元钱，那时没有税务所，完全是商业的自律。范蠡就是这样的一个人。
他这样做，赚不赚钱呢？请看《史记》说：“居无何，则致资累巨万。”
在陶地居住也没有太长的时间，他的资本积累已经达到了“巨万”，“巨万”是什么意思呢？就是万万，用今天的话说，就是“亿万富翁”了！于是，“天下称陶朱公”，天下的人，指当时的诸侯各国，都知道了有一位亿万富翁叫“陶朱公”的人了。
“废居，候时转物，逐十一之利。”是陶朱公范蠡经商的三原则。
他的成功不仅仅是他有了钱，他的流芳百世在于他的勤劳，还在于他对社会的奉献。“十九年三致千金，再分散与贫交疏昆弟。”三次挣到的“千金”，再一次次地分给穷人，在那个时代是难能可贵的，司马迁称赞他是“此所谓富好行其德者也。”
所以，我称他是“中國慈善事业的第一人。”
后世广为流传的《陶朱公生意经》，被商人奉为经商宝典。《陶朱公生意经》有人称作《陶朱公商经》，也称作《陶朱公商训》、《陶朱公经商十八则》等，文简意胲：
生意要勤快，切勿懒惰，懒惰则百事废。 接纳要谦和，切勿暴躁，暴躁则交易少。
价格要订明，切勿含糊，含糊则争执多。 账目要稽查，切勿懈怠，懈怠则资本滞。
货物要整理，切勿散漫，散漫则查点难。 出纳要谨慎，切勿大意，大意则错漏多。
期限要约定，切勿延迟，延迟则信用失。 临事要尽责，切勿放任，放任则受害大。
用度要节俭，切勿奢侈，奢侈则钱财竭。 买卖要随时，切勿拖延，拖延则机会失。
赊欠要识人，切勿滥出，滥出则血本亏。 优劣要分清，切勿混淆，混淆则耗用大。
用人要方正，切勿歪斜，歪斜则托付难。 货物要面验，切勿滥入，滥入则质价低。
钱账要清楚，切勿糊涂，糊涂则弊窦生。 主心要镇定，切勿妄作，妄作则误事多。
工作要细心，切勿粗糙，粗糙则出劣品。 说话要规矩，切勿浮躁，浮躁则失事多。
文中也反映了范蠡的经商首先强调了勤快。其实，“十八则”都是以“勤快”为基底的。
范蠡功成身退以后,并不消沉,他仍以积极的人生对待自己。他运用自己的智慧和他的老师老子的教诲,在农业与经商上重整旗鼓并且取得了令当世人与后世人称道的成就。特别是范蠡是以勤劳致富的，要引起我们的注意。
二十二年谋吴,十九年三致千金是范蠡人生的二个阶段。
《史记·越王勾践世家》记载范蠡从越国功成身退，浮海到了齐国，他“耕于海畔，苦身戮力，父子治产。居无几何，致产数十万。”
范蠡和他的儿子们在齐国的海边找了一块地方，以耕种为业，亲自参加劳动，没多少时间，得到了数十万的产业。
《史记》记载很明白，范蠡的“财”是“苦身戮力”也就是勤劳致富的结果。他虽然在越国担任丞相，是有职有权的。但他此时是在齐国，是一位无职无权的亲自参加劳动的普通劳动者。
他在齐国呆了大约两年，又移居陶地，他为什么要到陶地呢，《史记》记载，他“以为此天下之中，交易有无之路通，为生可以致富矣。”
他选择了一个好的地理位置，陶地位于“天下之中”，也就是位于当时各诸侯国的交通要道，可以搞“国际贸易”。历史上，此地西、北有三晋（赵、魏、韩），东有齐国，南有越、吴、楚，正是搞“国际贸易”的好地理位置。《战国策》上的秦国的穰侯封地在“陶”，正是陶朱公的陶，也是秦国口头相许燕国相国：“封君于河南，为万乘，达途于中国，南与陶为邻”的陶。“河南之南”，今安徽涡阳的陶朱公的墓地地理位置正与《战国策》的记载相符。陶朱公的“陶”不在齐国，陶在齐国就不是“天下之中”了，只能说是“齐国腹中”了。①
他在“陶”，把自己的名字改为“陶朱公”，“复约要父子耕畜”，依然规定是父子劳动，耕地和养畜。靠的依然是勤劳致富。
不过，他还经商，“废居，候时转物，逐十一之利。”
《史记》记载的他经商的这三条原则尤其值得我们注意：
第一，“废居”，就是起居无时，早晚摸黑的干，靠的是勤劳；
第二，“候时转物”，依据市场的变化，看哪个国家，在什么季节，多余了什么，又缺少什么，把货物及时的转运过去；
第三，“逐十一之利”，现代人都说“做商人就要黑心”，错了，范蠡与他的子弟不是这样的，他们的规矩是“逐十一之利”，也是几千年来的通行的规矩，这规矩就是范蠡定下来的，做一百元的生意，你只能赚十元钱，那时没有税务所，完全是商业的自律。范蠡就是这样的一个人。
他这样做，赚不赚钱呢？请看《史记》说：“居无何，则致资累巨万。”
在陶地居住也没有太长的时间，他的资本积累已经达到了“巨万”，“巨万”是什么意思呢？就是万万，用今天的话说，就是“亿万富翁”了！于是，“天下称陶朱公”，天下的人，指当时的诸侯各国，都知道了有一位亿万富翁叫“陶朱公”的人了。
“废居，候时转物，逐十一之利。”是陶朱公范蠡经商的三原则。
他的成功不仅仅是他有了钱，他的流芳百世在于他的勤劳，还在于他对社会的奉献。“十九年三致千金，再分散与贫交疏昆弟。”三次挣到的“千金”，再一次次地分给穷人，在那个时代是难能可贵的，司马迁称赞他是“此所谓富好行其德者也。”
所以，我称他是“中國慈善事业的第一人。”
后世广为流传的《陶朱公生意经》，被商人奉为经商宝典。《陶朱公生意经》有人称作《陶朱公商经》，也称作《陶朱公商训》、《陶朱公经商十八则》等，文简意胲：
生意要勤快，切勿懒惰，懒惰则百事废。 接纳要谦和，切勿暴躁，暴躁则交易少。
价格要订明，切勿含糊，含糊则争执多。 账目要稽查，切勿懈怠，懈怠则资本滞。
货物要整理，切勿散漫，散漫则查点难。 出纳要谨慎，切勿大意，大意则错漏多。
期限要约定，切勿延迟，延迟则信用失。 临事要尽责，切勿放任，放任则受害大。
用度要节俭，切勿奢侈，奢侈则钱财竭。 买卖要随时，切勿拖延，拖延则机会失。
赊欠要识人，切勿滥出，滥出则血本亏。 优劣要分清，切勿混淆，混淆则耗用大。
用人要方正，切勿歪斜，歪斜则托付难。 货物要面验，切勿滥入，滥入则质价低。
钱账要清楚，切勿糊涂，糊涂则弊窦生。 主心要镇定，切勿妄作，妄作则误事多。
工作要细心，切勿粗糙，粗糙则出劣品。 说话要规矩，切勿浮躁，浮躁则失事多。
文中也反映了范蠡的经商首先强调了勤快。其实，“十八则”都是以“勤快”为基底的。
范蠡功成身退以后,并不消沉,他仍以积极的人生对待自己。他运用自己的智慧和他的老师老子的教诲,在农业与经商上重整旗鼓并且取得了令当世人与后世人称道的成就。特别是范蠡是以勤劳致富的，要引起我们的注意。
二十二年谋吴,十九年三致千金是范蠡人生的二个阶段。
财神范蠡
道教是一种具有多神信仰的民族宗教，它的某些重要神灵往往有多种形象，名称不同。例如财神就不止一个形象，有武财神与文财神之分。武财神不止一个，有赵公明、关公。文财神也不止一个，有比干、范蠡。又有五路财神，不同时代或不同地域的五路财神的形象又不同。财神还有财公、财母、和合二仙、文昌帝君等。在各种各样的财神形象中，我个人最欣赏的财神是范蠡。范蠡并不是财神中影响最大的，他也不曾保佑我发了大财，我欣赏他，是因为下面几个原因。
一、传奇人生，典型的道家人格
范蠡（公元前525-455）是楚国南阳人，春秋末期杰出的政治家。他通晓天文地理，善于机变，文韬武略，无所不精。越国曾被吴国所灭，越国君勾践穷途末路，在吴国身为奴仆。范蠡随勾践一起在吴国驾车养马，向他讲述复国之道。勾践返国后，拜范蠡为相国。范蠡在越国“十年生聚、十年教训”，使越国财富兵强。公元前480 年，越国开始对吴国进行报仇之战。范蠡在战斗中身先士卒，亲冒矢石。公元前473年，越国终于灭了吴国，成就了霸业。
道家创始人、道教教主老子曾说：“功遂身退，天之道”（《道德经》第9章），范蠡实践了这一道家提倡的人格。打败吴国后，他不居功、领赏，为官，传说他带着西施，逃到齐国去了。范蠡走前，向勾践告别，勾践说：“你走了我依靠谁？你如果留下，我分你一半国家；你如果真走，我杀掉你的妻子。”范蠡于是不辞而别，“乘扁舟泛于江湖”。走前留给越国重臣文种一封信，说，“飞鸟打光了，好的弓箭该收藏起来；兔子打完了，就轮到把猎狗烧来吃了。越王这个人，可以跟他共患难，不可以共安乐，您如果不逃走，将被他所害。”文种不信，继续做官。有一天，勾践派人给他送来一口绝命剑。文种后悔没听范蠡的话，只好自杀了。
二、最早的财神，最早的道商
范蠡到齐国干什么呢？他从事商业与农畜业生产，发了大财，成为巨富，自号陶朱公。他为什么能发财致富呢？因为他有经营之道。《史记》说他在生产方面会用人才，掌握时机；在货物交易方面，他知道何时积货，何时卖出。他富而有德，用赚的钱资助贫困。在19年的时间中，他曾三次成为巨富，三次将财富散于民众。晚年他将生意交给子孙们经营，自己专心修炼。儿孙们将财富积累到亿，而他自己则活到130岁。司马迁时代，范蠡已被作为财神看待：“故言富者皆称陶朱公。”
当前商界大讲儒商、佛商、道商。儒商是坚持儒家理念的商人，如李嘉诚被评为中华第一儒商。佛商是坚持佛教理念的商人，目前已成立世界佛商联合会。道商是坚持道家与道教理念的商人，北京大学王博在深圳做关于道商的讲演，他说：“什么是道商？所谓道商我觉得就是‘道魂商才’。我有道家的灵魂，我从事的是商人的事业。”当代最成功的道商是谁？一个是青岛海尔公司的总裁张瑞敏，二是成都恩威公司的董事长薛永新。他们都是运用老子与道家的思想来管理和经营企业，创造了巨大的财富。谁是中国历史上最早的道商？范蠡！这是公认的，毫无疑义的。
三、与其他财神比较
我欣赏财神范蠡，还因为他比其他的财神，更符合我心目中的财神理念。
1、他确实大发其财，名垂青史
赵公明，俗称赵公元帅，大约明代开始被民间祭祀为财神。他的形象是顶盔披甲，穿着战袍，骑着黑虎，执鞭威仪，黑面浓须。关公，也称“关圣帝君”，是三国时的战将。关公最讲义气，遵守信用，商人因此而尊奉他。文财神比干，其形象头戴宰相纱帽，五绺长须，手捧如意，身着蟒袍，足蹬元宝。比干是商代纣王的叔父，为人正直，敢于直言，被纣王挖心而死。他们在历史上都是名人、战将、贤者，但是他们都不是商人，也不是巨富。只有范蠡，大可以让一国致富，小可以使一家一人致富，有这样的经历与才能，祀为财神是名副其实的。
2、他只是财神，没有一身多任
赵公明一身而多任，既是财神，又是道教的护法四帅之一。传说其在汉代时曾为张天师守护丹室，故又被民间祀为门神，民间将其神像贴在门上，镇邪祈福。关公也是道教的护法四帅之一，他一生可能不曾经商，是过五关斩六将的将军，死后首先被祀为武神，后尊为财神。清末关公在江南一带是保护神，百姓受内忧外患之苦，向关帝求雨，求药，求驱灾降魔，也求关公保国安民，除暴安良。这一信仰传入台湾，关公被民众视为玄灵高上帝崇拜。
我个人的欣赏角度，往往更喜欢功能单纯、形象稳定的神灵。假定我们在一户人家的墙上看见一幅关公的神像，我们很可能不知道这幅神像是武神还是财神。还有五路财神，其形象就不止一个系列。据胡孚琛《中华道教大辞典》称：五路财神有三种说法，一为元末何五路，抗倭寇而死；二为五祀中的行神，五路指东南西北中，皆可得财。三为宋代的五显神，原为兄弟五人，后被民众祀为财神。
范蠡作为神灵被祭祀，他只是财神，功能单纯，也没有别的神灵面孔，形象稳定。
3、他精通谋略，是个智慧的财神
财神大多表现出忠诚信义的品格。如赵公明，传说是终南山人。在神话中，他原是日精之一。古时天有九日，九日被后羿射下后变为九鸟，墬落于青城山，变成九鬼王。八鬼行病害人，只有赵公明独化为人，隐修蜀中。张陵在青城山炼丹时，收赵公明守护丹室。因其忠诚，天师命其永镇玄坛，故号为玄坛元帅。关公与刘备、张飞桃园三结义，互相忠诚，把信义看得比生命还重要。中国古代提倡“武死战，文死谏”，即武官最高的荣誉是死于战场，文官的最高荣誉是死于向皇帝公开提出批评。比干具有愚忠、死于谏的品格，他多次批评商纣王，被剖心而死。
在财神中，只有范蠡具有谋略家的品格。在这一点上，他与老子有相同之处。在政治上，他有卧薪尝胆、以弱胜强、以及美人计等谋略，保住了越国没有灭亡。在军事上，他有“后则用阴，先则用阳，近则用柔，远则用刚”（《国语•越语》）等一系列谋略，打败了吴国的军队。在商业上，他有用人与生财的谋略，特别善于掌握买进卖出的时机，成为那个时代最成功的巨商。当前社会上非常提倡与探讨商战谋略问题，范蠡作为一个有谋略的智慧型财神，自然受到一些企业家的关注。
一、传奇人生，典型的道家人格
范蠡（公元前525-455）是楚国南阳人，春秋末期杰出的政治家。他通晓天文地理，善于机变，文韬武略，无所不精。越国曾被吴国所灭，越国君勾践穷途末路，在吴国身为奴仆。范蠡随勾践一起在吴国驾车养马，向他讲述复国之道。勾践返国后，拜范蠡为相国。范蠡在越国“十年生聚、十年教训”，使越国财富兵强。公元前480 年，越国开始对吴国进行报仇之战。范蠡在战斗中身先士卒，亲冒矢石。公元前473年，越国终于灭了吴国，成就了霸业。
道家创始人、道教教主老子曾说：“功遂身退，天之道”（《道德经》第9章），范蠡实践了这一道家提倡的人格。打败吴国后，他不居功、领赏，为官，传说他带着西施，逃到齐国去了。范蠡走前，向勾践告别，勾践说：“你走了我依靠谁？你如果留下，我分你一半国家；你如果真走，我杀掉你的妻子。”范蠡于是不辞而别，“乘扁舟泛于江湖”。走前留给越国重臣文种一封信，说，“飞鸟打光了，好的弓箭该收藏起来；兔子打完了，就轮到把猎狗烧来吃了。越王这个人，可以跟他共患难，不可以共安乐，您如果不逃走，将被他所害。”文种不信，继续做官。有一天，勾践派人给他送来一口绝命剑。文种后悔没听范蠡的话，只好自杀了。
二、最早的财神，最早的道商
范蠡到齐国干什么呢？他从事商业与农畜业生产，发了大财，成为巨富，自号陶朱公。他为什么能发财致富呢？因为他有经营之道。《史记》说他在生产方面会用人才，掌握时机；在货物交易方面，他知道何时积货，何时卖出。他富而有德，用赚的钱资助贫困。在19年的时间中，他曾三次成为巨富，三次将财富散于民众。晚年他将生意交给子孙们经营，自己专心修炼。儿孙们将财富积累到亿，而他自己则活到130岁。司马迁时代，范蠡已被作为财神看待：“故言富者皆称陶朱公。”
当前商界大讲儒商、佛商、道商。儒商是坚持儒家理念的商人，如李嘉诚被评为中华第一儒商。佛商是坚持佛教理念的商人，目前已成立世界佛商联合会。道商是坚持道家与道教理念的商人，北京大学王博在深圳做关于道商的讲演，他说：“什么是道商？所谓道商我觉得就是‘道魂商才’。我有道家的灵魂，我从事的是商人的事业。”当代最成功的道商是谁？一个是青岛海尔公司的总裁张瑞敏，二是成都恩威公司的董事长薛永新。他们都是运用老子与道家的思想来管理和经营企业，创造了巨大的财富。谁是中国历史上最早的道商？范蠡！这是公认的，毫无疑义的。
三、与其他财神比较
我欣赏财神范蠡，还因为他比其他的财神，更符合我心目中的财神理念。
1、他确实大发其财，名垂青史
赵公明，俗称赵公元帅，大约明代开始被民间祭祀为财神。他的形象是顶盔披甲，穿着战袍，骑着黑虎，执鞭威仪，黑面浓须。关公，也称“关圣帝君”，是三国时的战将。关公最讲义气，遵守信用，商人因此而尊奉他。文财神比干，其形象头戴宰相纱帽，五绺长须，手捧如意，身着蟒袍，足蹬元宝。比干是商代纣王的叔父，为人正直，敢于直言，被纣王挖心而死。他们在历史上都是名人、战将、贤者，但是他们都不是商人，也不是巨富。只有范蠡，大可以让一国致富，小可以使一家一人致富，有这样的经历与才能，祀为财神是名副其实的。
2、他只是财神，没有一身多任
赵公明一身而多任，既是财神，又是道教的护法四帅之一。传说其在汉代时曾为张天师守护丹室，故又被民间祀为门神，民间将其神像贴在门上，镇邪祈福。关公也是道教的护法四帅之一，他一生可能不曾经商，是过五关斩六将的将军，死后首先被祀为武神，后尊为财神。清末关公在江南一带是保护神，百姓受内忧外患之苦，向关帝求雨，求药，求驱灾降魔，也求关公保国安民，除暴安良。这一信仰传入台湾，关公被民众视为玄灵高上帝崇拜。
我个人的欣赏角度，往往更喜欢功能单纯、形象稳定的神灵。假定我们在一户人家的墙上看见一幅关公的神像，我们很可能不知道这幅神像是武神还是财神。还有五路财神，其形象就不止一个系列。据胡孚琛《中华道教大辞典》称：五路财神有三种说法，一为元末何五路，抗倭寇而死；二为五祀中的行神，五路指东南西北中，皆可得财。三为宋代的五显神，原为兄弟五人，后被民众祀为财神。
范蠡作为神灵被祭祀，他只是财神，功能单纯，也没有别的神灵面孔，形象稳定。
3、他精通谋略，是个智慧的财神
财神大多表现出忠诚信义的品格。如赵公明，传说是终南山人。在神话中，他原是日精之一。古时天有九日，九日被后羿射下后变为九鸟，墬落于青城山，变成九鬼王。八鬼行病害人，只有赵公明独化为人，隐修蜀中。张陵在青城山炼丹时，收赵公明守护丹室。因其忠诚，天师命其永镇玄坛，故号为玄坛元帅。关公与刘备、张飞桃园三结义，互相忠诚，把信义看得比生命还重要。中国古代提倡“武死战，文死谏”，即武官最高的荣誉是死于战场，文官的最高荣誉是死于向皇帝公开提出批评。比干具有愚忠、死于谏的品格，他多次批评商纣王，被剖心而死。
在财神中，只有范蠡具有谋略家的品格。在这一点上，他与老子有相同之处。在政治上，他有卧薪尝胆、以弱胜强、以及美人计等谋略，保住了越国没有灭亡。在军事上，他有“后则用阴，先则用阳，近则用柔，远则用刚”（《国语•越语》）等一系列谋略，打败了吴国的军队。在商业上，他有用人与生财的谋略，特别善于掌握买进卖出的时机，成为那个时代最成功的巨商。当前社会上非常提倡与探讨商战谋略问题，范蠡作为一个有谋略的智慧型财神，自然受到一些企业家的关注。
財神的由來
范蠡，字少伯，又名鴟夷子皮或陶朱公，生卒年不詳，有說約為楚平王十二年（西元前517年）。以經商致富，廣為世人所知，後代許多生意人皆供奉他的塑像，稱之財神。
春秋楚國宛地（今河南南陽）人，是歷史上早期著名的政治家、軍事家和經濟學家。他出身貧寒，但聰敏睿智、胸藏韜略，年青時，就學富五車，上曉天文、下識地理，滿腹經綸，文韜武略，無所不精。
然縱有聖人之資，在當時貴胄專權、政治紊亂的楚國，范蠡卻不為世人所識。
周景王二十四年（西元前496年），吳國和越國發生了槜李之戰（今浙江嘉興），吳王闔閭陣亡，因此兩國結怨，連年戰亂不休，周景王二十六年（西元前494年），
闔閭之子夫差為報父仇與越國在夫椒（今江蘇太湖中洞庭山）決戰，越王勾踐大敗，僅剩5000兵卒逃入會稽山。范蠡遂於勾踐窮途末路之際投奔越國，「人待期時，忍其辱，乘其敗……」
「持滿而不溢，則於天同道，上天會佑之；地能萬物，人應該節用，這樣則獲地之賜；扶危定傾，謙卑事之，則與人同道，人可動之。」他向勾踐慨述「越必興、吳必敗」之斷言，
進諫：「屈身以事吳王，徐圖轉機。」被拜為上大夫後，他陪同勾踐夫婦在吳國為奴三年，「忍以持志，因而礪堅，君後勿悲，臣與共勉！」
三年後歸國，他與文種擬定興越滅吳九術，是越國「十年生聚，十年教訓」的策劃者和組織者。為了實施滅吳戰略，也是九術之一的「美人計」，范蠡親自跋山涉水，
終於在苎蘿山浣紗河訪到德才貌兼備的巾幗奇女——西施，在歷史上譜寫了西施深明大義獻身吳王，裡應外合興越滅吳的傳奇篇章。范蠡事越王勾踐二十餘年，苦身戮力，
卒於滅吳，成就越王霸業，被尊為上將軍。
范蠡認為在有功於越王之下，難以久居，「飛鳥盡，良弓藏；狡兔死，走狗烹」。《他深知勾踐為人「長頸鳥喙」，可與共患難，難與同安樂，遂與西施一起泛舟齊國，
變姓名為鴟夷子皮，帶領兒子和門徒在海邊結廬而居。戮力墾荒耕作，兼營副業並經商，沒有幾年，就積累了數千萬家產。他仗義疏財，施善鄉梓，范蠡的賢明能幹被齊人賞識，
齊王把他請進國都臨淄，拜為主持政務的相國。他喟然感嘆：「居官致於卿相，治家能致千金；對於一個白手起家的布衣來講，已經到了極點。久受尊名，恐怕不是吉祥的徵兆。」
於是，才三年，他再次急流勇退，向齊王歸還了相印，散盡家財給知交和老鄉。
一身布衣，范蠡第三次遷徙至陶（今山東定陶西北），在這個居於「天下之中」（陶地東鄰齊、魯；西接秦、鄭；北通晉、燕；南連楚、越。）的最佳經商之地，
操計然之術（根據時節、氣候、民情、風俗等，人棄我取、人取我與，順其自然、待機而動。）以治產，沒出幾年，經商積資又成巨富，遂自號陶朱公，當地民眾皆尊陶朱公為財神，
乃我國道德經商——儒商之鼻祖。史學家司馬遷稱：「范蠡三遷皆有榮名。」；史書中有語概括其平生：「與時逐而不責於人」；世人譽之：「忠以為國；智以保身；商以致富，成名天下」。
范蠡的軍事宗旨：強則戒驕逸，處安有備；弱則暗圖強，待機而動；用兵善乘虛蹈隙，出奇制勝。為後世稱道並沿用。
范蠡著名的經濟思想：「勸農桑，務積穀」、「農末兼營」、「務完物、無息幣」、「平糶各物，關市不乏，治國之道也。」、「夏則資皮、冬則資絺、旱則資舟、水則資車，以待乏也。」
等至今對現代的經濟建設也有積極的現實意義。
著作有《計然篇》；在《國語．越語下》《史記．貨殖列傳》中均有記載；《漢書．藝文志》記有范蠡兵法二篇，但皆已流失。
陶朱公著有《陶朱公理財十二則》(可能是後人所托)，內容如下：
1.能識人：知人善惡，賑目不負。
2.能用人：因財器便，任事可賴。
3.能知機：善貯時宜，不致蝕本。
4.能倡率：躬行以率，觀感自生。
5.能整頓：貨物整齊，奪人心目。
6.能敏捷：猶豫不決，到老無成。
7.能接納：禮義相交，顧客者眾。
8.能安業：棄舊迎新，商賈大病。
9.能辯論：生財之道，開引其機。
10.能辦貨：置貨不拘，獲利必多。
11.能收帳：勤謹不怠，取討自多。
12.能還帳：多少先後，酌中而行。
根據陶朱公的經商思想加工整理而成的《陶朱公生意經》，又稱《陶朱公商經》、《陶朱公商訓》或《陶朱公經商十八則》，至今仍在定陶一帶流傳。《陶朱公生意經》內容如下：
1.生意要勤快，懶惰百事廢。
2.用度要節儉，奢華錢財竭。
3.價格要證明，含糊爭執多。
4.賒欠要證人，濫欠血本虧。
5.貨物要面驗，濫入質價減。
6.出入要謙慎，潦草錯誤多。
7.用人要方正，歪斜託付難。
8.優劣要細分，混淆耗用大。
9.貨物要修正，散漫查點難。
10.期限要約定，馬虎失信用。
11.買賣要隨時，拖延失良機。
12.錢財要明慎，糊塗弊端生。
13.臨事要盡責，委託受害大。
14.賬目要稽查，懈怠資本滯。
15.接納要謙和，暴躁交易少。
16.主心要寧靜，妄動誤事多。
17.說話要規矩，浮躁失事多。
18.工作要精細，粗糙出劣品。
結論:
中國大陸以前拜的財神是范蠡，台灣是拜關公做財神，實在想不出拜關公做財神是什麼道理，拜范蠡做財神很有道理。
當時，范蠡幫助越王勾踐復興越國，復興之後，他知道越王勾踐可共患難不能共富貴，所以他就開溜了。
從此改名換姓，帶著西施住在陶這個地方，所以也稱為陶朱公。他做生意，發大財，然後把錢財全部布施出去，歷史上記載「三聚三散」。
他散財之後，再從小生意做起，過了幾年又發了，發了財馬上就散財，他三次散財，他得的果報是置千金之產五次，這是真正的聰明人。
有錢大家享福，大家都擁護你，不會害你；你有錢自己享福，所謂「一家保暖千家怨」，不曉得多少刀在那裡圍著你，你還會有好日子過嗎？
世間許多有錢人，在我眼當中，他們是可憐人，可憐在哪裡？
他們外出要有好多保鑣，唯恐別人殺他。住在旅館先要搜查，怕人家放炸彈，提心吊膽，身心不安。
哪有我們這麼自在，上街東逛西逛沒人管你。他不知道他被錢害了，如果把錢財布施出去，不就沒事了嗎？果真能散財布施，你走到哪個地方，人家都歡迎、都會照顧，這才是真正大自在。
實在講，死了一分錢也帶不去。這是世間最可憐的人，他不覺悟。
春秋楚國宛地（今河南南陽）人，是歷史上早期著名的政治家、軍事家和經濟學家。他出身貧寒，但聰敏睿智、胸藏韜略，年青時，就學富五車，上曉天文、下識地理，滿腹經綸，文韜武略，無所不精。
然縱有聖人之資，在當時貴胄專權、政治紊亂的楚國，范蠡卻不為世人所識。
周景王二十四年（西元前496年），吳國和越國發生了槜李之戰（今浙江嘉興），吳王闔閭陣亡，因此兩國結怨，連年戰亂不休，周景王二十六年（西元前494年），
闔閭之子夫差為報父仇與越國在夫椒（今江蘇太湖中洞庭山）決戰，越王勾踐大敗，僅剩5000兵卒逃入會稽山。范蠡遂於勾踐窮途末路之際投奔越國，「人待期時，忍其辱，乘其敗……」
「持滿而不溢，則於天同道，上天會佑之；地能萬物，人應該節用，這樣則獲地之賜；扶危定傾，謙卑事之，則與人同道，人可動之。」他向勾踐慨述「越必興、吳必敗」之斷言，
進諫：「屈身以事吳王，徐圖轉機。」被拜為上大夫後，他陪同勾踐夫婦在吳國為奴三年，「忍以持志，因而礪堅，君後勿悲，臣與共勉！」
三年後歸國，他與文種擬定興越滅吳九術，是越國「十年生聚，十年教訓」的策劃者和組織者。為了實施滅吳戰略，也是九術之一的「美人計」，范蠡親自跋山涉水，
終於在苎蘿山浣紗河訪到德才貌兼備的巾幗奇女——西施，在歷史上譜寫了西施深明大義獻身吳王，裡應外合興越滅吳的傳奇篇章。范蠡事越王勾踐二十餘年，苦身戮力，
卒於滅吳，成就越王霸業，被尊為上將軍。
范蠡認為在有功於越王之下，難以久居，「飛鳥盡，良弓藏；狡兔死，走狗烹」。《他深知勾踐為人「長頸鳥喙」，可與共患難，難與同安樂，遂與西施一起泛舟齊國，
變姓名為鴟夷子皮，帶領兒子和門徒在海邊結廬而居。戮力墾荒耕作，兼營副業並經商，沒有幾年，就積累了數千萬家產。他仗義疏財，施善鄉梓，范蠡的賢明能幹被齊人賞識，
齊王把他請進國都臨淄，拜為主持政務的相國。他喟然感嘆：「居官致於卿相，治家能致千金；對於一個白手起家的布衣來講，已經到了極點。久受尊名，恐怕不是吉祥的徵兆。」
於是，才三年，他再次急流勇退，向齊王歸還了相印，散盡家財給知交和老鄉。
一身布衣，范蠡第三次遷徙至陶（今山東定陶西北），在這個居於「天下之中」（陶地東鄰齊、魯；西接秦、鄭；北通晉、燕；南連楚、越。）的最佳經商之地，
操計然之術（根據時節、氣候、民情、風俗等，人棄我取、人取我與，順其自然、待機而動。）以治產，沒出幾年，經商積資又成巨富，遂自號陶朱公，當地民眾皆尊陶朱公為財神，
乃我國道德經商——儒商之鼻祖。史學家司馬遷稱：「范蠡三遷皆有榮名。」；史書中有語概括其平生：「與時逐而不責於人」；世人譽之：「忠以為國；智以保身；商以致富，成名天下」。
范蠡的軍事宗旨：強則戒驕逸，處安有備；弱則暗圖強，待機而動；用兵善乘虛蹈隙，出奇制勝。為後世稱道並沿用。
范蠡著名的經濟思想：「勸農桑，務積穀」、「農末兼營」、「務完物、無息幣」、「平糶各物，關市不乏，治國之道也。」、「夏則資皮、冬則資絺、旱則資舟、水則資車，以待乏也。」
等至今對現代的經濟建設也有積極的現實意義。
著作有《計然篇》；在《國語．越語下》《史記．貨殖列傳》中均有記載；《漢書．藝文志》記有范蠡兵法二篇，但皆已流失。
陶朱公著有《陶朱公理財十二則》(可能是後人所托)，內容如下：
1.能識人：知人善惡，賑目不負。
2.能用人：因財器便，任事可賴。
3.能知機：善貯時宜，不致蝕本。
4.能倡率：躬行以率，觀感自生。
5.能整頓：貨物整齊，奪人心目。
6.能敏捷：猶豫不決，到老無成。
7.能接納：禮義相交，顧客者眾。
8.能安業：棄舊迎新，商賈大病。
9.能辯論：生財之道，開引其機。
10.能辦貨：置貨不拘，獲利必多。
11.能收帳：勤謹不怠，取討自多。
12.能還帳：多少先後，酌中而行。
根據陶朱公的經商思想加工整理而成的《陶朱公生意經》，又稱《陶朱公商經》、《陶朱公商訓》或《陶朱公經商十八則》，至今仍在定陶一帶流傳。《陶朱公生意經》內容如下：
1.生意要勤快，懶惰百事廢。
2.用度要節儉，奢華錢財竭。
3.價格要證明，含糊爭執多。
4.賒欠要證人，濫欠血本虧。
5.貨物要面驗，濫入質價減。
6.出入要謙慎，潦草錯誤多。
7.用人要方正，歪斜託付難。
8.優劣要細分，混淆耗用大。
9.貨物要修正，散漫查點難。
10.期限要約定，馬虎失信用。
11.買賣要隨時，拖延失良機。
12.錢財要明慎，糊塗弊端生。
13.臨事要盡責，委託受害大。
14.賬目要稽查，懈怠資本滯。
15.接納要謙和，暴躁交易少。
16.主心要寧靜，妄動誤事多。
17.說話要規矩，浮躁失事多。
18.工作要精細，粗糙出劣品。
結論:
中國大陸以前拜的財神是范蠡，台灣是拜關公做財神，實在想不出拜關公做財神是什麼道理，拜范蠡做財神很有道理。
當時，范蠡幫助越王勾踐復興越國，復興之後，他知道越王勾踐可共患難不能共富貴，所以他就開溜了。
從此改名換姓，帶著西施住在陶這個地方，所以也稱為陶朱公。他做生意，發大財，然後把錢財全部布施出去，歷史上記載「三聚三散」。
他散財之後，再從小生意做起，過了幾年又發了，發了財馬上就散財，他三次散財，他得的果報是置千金之產五次，這是真正的聰明人。
有錢大家享福，大家都擁護你，不會害你；你有錢自己享福，所謂「一家保暖千家怨」，不曉得多少刀在那裡圍著你，你還會有好日子過嗎？
世間許多有錢人，在我眼當中，他們是可憐人，可憐在哪裡？
他們外出要有好多保鑣，唯恐別人殺他。住在旅館先要搜查，怕人家放炸彈，提心吊膽，身心不安。
哪有我們這麼自在，上街東逛西逛沒人管你。他不知道他被錢害了，如果把錢財布施出去，不就沒事了嗎？果真能散財布施，你走到哪個地方，人家都歡迎、都會照顧，這才是真正大自在。
實在講，死了一分錢也帶不去。這是世間最可憐的人，他不覺悟。
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