ARE LOCKERS NEEDED IN PUBLIC AREA?

The answer would surely be a yes. Can you imagine going for a swim and leaving all your belongings in the open? Your valuables might just attract the eyes of some thieves, usually found lingering about at such public places. There was a time when one of my friends at a public swimming pool lost all his valuables which included his branded attire. He has to call someone to pick up a set of clothes in order to get home. The first question that hit my mind was why there were no lockers around to prevent such cases from happening?

I personally had such an experience while visiting a nearby mall. Since there were no lockers around, I had to lock my helmet onto my motorcycle. By the time I had finished shopping and went back to the motorcycle park, my helmet was gone. Someone managed to cut off the strap and ran away with my costly helmet. Incidents like this should not have happened if only the mall management would allocate a space for public lockers.

Another incident happened when I was visiting a client in a semiconductor factory. It was the regulation of the factory to disallow anything electronics into the factory. Thus, I had to entrust my cell phone and laptop at the security checkpoint. Eventually after my meeting, I had a hard time claiming back my cell phone as it got mixed up with a bunch of cell phones of the same color and make. Someone must have accidentally knocked onto the small cupboard with all the visitors’ electronic gadgets in it. Since it was the regulation of the factory, why the management did not even consider having some pigeon hole like lockers? If I were to be allocated a locker with proper numbering, such silly incident may not have happened.

WHERE CAN YOU GET THE BEST WEB HOSTING AROUND?

Nowadays, you would notice that the blogosphere has grown bigger with more and more bloggers appearing to share their piece of their mind. You might wonder how far this is true, considering that a prominent social network has almost controlled the web users from all corners of the world. One thing for sure is that these users might rant about their daily activities very often but on the other hand, they would also like to archive their experiences or products which could easily be accessed through the internet in years to come.

With domain names being sold so affordable for just anyone and great web hosting companies easily available throughout the internet, owning a personal or business website has never been so easy. There are even many free tutorials and ready-made templates available online to make the best out of your website. Some even came with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features for easy online search such as from Google, Yahoo and many more.

Firstly, you would be required to identify what would your target market be, in order to get the best web hosting servers to meet your needs. Would the web hosting be just for personal website/blog or would it be for corporate or online business? As each category has its own requirements, you have to identify which web hosting company suits you best. There’s no right or wrong in choosing any of the abovementioned companies but make sure it’s one that would be dedicated to your interest in a long run.

FREE REGISTRATION FOR MYBROADBAND WIFI

MyBroadband WiFi is an initiative by the Ministry of Energy, Water, and Communication to increase the accessibility of Internet through the usage of broadband in Malaysia. This initiative will also enable the public to access key government's web presences, and e-government services at any of the WiFi locations. MyBroadband WiFi is implemented through a smart collaboration between the government, the community, and the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), whereby each party would contribute different resources to the initiative.

Incorporated as part of the Penang i-Land 2010 Masterplan, the project is designed to provide the necessary infrastructure to realize Penang as a fully connected state by 2010 with reliable, fast broadband and affordable network infrastructure. A few strategic districts such as Batu Ferringhi, Batu Maung, Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas, Bukit Jambul, Bukit Mertajam, Gelugor, Gurney, Seberang Jaya, Sungai Ara, Sungai Dua, Sungai Nibong, Tanjung Bunga, Tanjung Tokong and Teluk Bahang have already had the service booted up. More districts in Penang as well as Kedah would be up soon.

If you would like to try out the FREE WIFI SERVICE, do register yourself an account at http://www.mybroadband.gov.my to be eligible to surf for free. If you would like to be a provider to make Penang’s dream to be fully connected by 2010, just log in the service provider form to sign yourself up.

THE DANGER IN PLASTICS

It has been such a common practice in our daily life to use plastic ware to serve, to store and to put our drinks into it. Did you ever notice that there’s a triangular symbol with a number in it? Most people would just take that as an advice to recycle the used containers but what actually does the symbols meant? If you have the perception of the symbol being a recycle symbol, you better read in detail what I would be sharing below. The NUMBERS meant the CHEMICAL MAKE of the plastic products.

Study carefully each and every of the numbers. Here are the actual chemical terms for the numbers.

You should be watching out for No. 3, 6 and 7 as they are the worst. You should be aware that the chemicals used to produce these plastics can easily creep their ways into your food and drink. How many times have you heard your friends complaining about a drink in a plastic bottle that has the taste of plastic? Well, if you encounter such taste, do not take the drink, just throw it away. They are many cases that people would recycle those plastic bottles to refill their drinks for a long time. Have you ever thought that lower quality plastic bottles under different temperature would emit certain percentage of chemical compound into the drink? AVOID reusing plastic bottles by all means to protect your health.

There are also many cases where serving dishes are left in microwave ovens for reheating food or drinks. AVOID doing that! Although some of those plastics have labels stating that they are microwave safe. How safe are they then? I won’t know unless I check with the hospital on the statistics on cancer patients. If you want to heat up your food, do use ceramic or porcelain that has no metal linings. If you can, do try to use your wok to steam up your food. What about taking you meals on plastic plates or bowl? Due to wear and tear and through the test of time, throw them away. Can you imagine taking in your food with the extra “loose particles” from the badly scratched plastic plates and bowls? No wonder there is a wide concern about the increasing cases of cancer and kidney related sicknesses on the rise.

Who would not be aware about the recent cases of melamine contaminated products? It has caused consumers to be on alert on what type of food they can consume. Worst of all, innocent infants and animals get affected and thus causing them to die. What has happen to the mentality of those manufacturers? Isn’t life worth anything now? How could they bet on the lives of users by only thinking on making profit? So, be careful of what you eat, what you use and aware of what’s the best for you and your future generations. Here is what you should know about melamine poisoning:

REACHING OUT TO THE AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Behind every beautiful angelic face of a child, some are born autistic for causes unknown. Autism is a profound life-long mental disability in which children are so withdrawn that they have difficulty in developing normal social and emotional relationships with the people around them and in understanding the world which they live in. The signs or symptoms of autism generally appear during early childhood. Autistic children, if unattended, can become so withdrawn that they have difficulty in developing normal social and emotional relationships with the people around them, and in comprehending and being fully aware of their environment as a result of their mental deficiencies. Normal development of communication is inhibited and speech is delayed or developed abnormally. As a result of this failure to cope with people and situations, the child is slow in play and social interaction. When the development of social skills is retarded, the autistic child appears to be odd in the areas of self-growth, family orientation and interaction in society.

An autistic child tends to resist change and is often upset when something new is introduced to him or her. Therefore, ritualistic use of objects, odd and repetitive behaviour, and obsession with objects are usual. More often than not, the child is hyperactive and does not know when to stop. Prolonged temper tantrums and screaming fits are very common.

Differences Between An Autistic Child And A Normal Child:

Thanks to the Lions Community service project, dedicated volunteers, public support and Lions family throughout Malaysia that The Association of Resource and Education for Autistic Children (REACh) was able to provide FREE SERVICES to the autistic children and their families since 1987 in Penang. From a small group of four children, the Centre is now offering FREE SERVICES to more than 55 children, ranging from 5 years old to 23 years old. Another Centre in Butterworth was opened in 1998 to meet the increasing needs of the northern region in Malaysia. This has enabled the Centre to help more children to achieve their developmental milestones.

With the commitment and dream to expand their services to more autistic children in the country, the Centre is requesting for donations in cash or kinds. You can sponsor a teacher program, or towards their building funds to relocate to a bigger premise to cater to their growing numbers and needs; or you could even donate educational materials and toys, musical instruments, stationeries, computers, and audio-visual materials for their daily usage. You can also contribute a sum of RM2000 (US$530) and above to support the work at the Centre annually, either by making a specific commitment to give contribution for a teacher’s salary or support the cost of maintaining and providing the services at the Centre.

For more information on how you can offer your services or donation in cash or kinds, please contact the following centre:

Association of Resource and Education for Autistic Children (REACh)
184 Jalan Bunga Cempaka,
Off Jalan Yeap Chor Ee,
11700 Bukit Gelugor, Penang,
West Malaysia.
Tel: 604-657 4357
Fax: 604-657 8315
Email: lrcac@pd.jaring.my
Website: www.lionsreach.net

CRUELTY BEYOND WORDS

Many of you would have known that China would be holding the Beijing Summer Olympic Games between August 8 and August 24, 2008 but do you know why many countries are planning to boycott the Olympic Games? There are just too many reasons the world leaders have voiced out ranging from human rights, animal rights up to pollution.

Just look at how China’s brutal treatments to the Tibetans as reported by the National Post. It has becomes more overt as the regime's rhetoric becomes more shrill and paranoid. Most cities are under martial law. Roadblocks have been set up to prevent internal travel as well as to keep Western journalists from reporting the truth on the protests and hundreds of deaths and arrests made. Even the Epoch Times reported countless of news on the repression faced by the Tibetans.

On top of the human rights problems faced by China, there were also outcries on animal cruelty from animal lovers throughout the world. As reported by the Daily Mail, “Thousands of pet cats in Beijing are being abandoned by their owners and sent to die in secretive government pounds as China mounts an aggressive drive to clean up the capital in preparation for the Olympic Games.”

The cull comes in the wake of a government campaign warning of the diseases cats carry and ordering residents to help clear the streets of them. Can you imagine how pitiful those furry animals are being crammed into a small cage and sent to some secret death camps? Paranoia is so intense that six stray cats including two pregnant females were beaten to death with sticks by teachers at a Beijing kindergarten, who feared they might pass illnesses to the children. Even doctors are advising their pregnant patients to get rid of their cats as these cats will bring illness to the babies.

About more than a year ago, dogs have fallen victims to the country’s “clean-up” massacre. Now cats become the victims. There were even reports stating that hundreds of cats were sent to infamous restaurants in Guangzhou, southern China to be served in their exotic animals menus.

Although the Beijing government is eager to show the world the city in a good light during the Olympic, but the way the government dealt with animals especially cats in such an inhumane way will seriously tarnish the image of Beijing and the Games.

The concern on the public’s health due to endless pollutants in China is another factor the world’s environmentalists are not happy with. Even ABC News reported a “lost” Beijing National Stadium in haze. China has been ordering polluting factories in and around the city to shut down or relocate during the Games to ease Beijing's choking smog. Drivers are allowed out on to the roads only three times a week. This is just a temporary measurement. What will happen after the Games? Will these factories stop polluting the air? No, they will not. The air would still continue to be bad to the health of the residents surrounding those polluting factories.

China may be the most populated country in the world. It does not mean that killing a few thousands by poisoning them will help in the over population problems. The people deserved the right to live in a cleaner and safer environment. Now you have a clearer picture of the reasons behind the boycotting of attending the Games, reading, viewing and even purchasing products from the Games.

PRESERVING OUR NATURE

If you are a nature’s lover, you should go to one site which I frequent a lot. The Nature Conservancy is one organization that I would give a thumbs-up for what they did since 1951. They are the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

Since their founding, the organization had protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide with more than 100 marine conservation projects globally such as in the region of Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, and USA. They have also addressed threats to conservation involving climate change, fire, fresh water, forests, invasive species, and marine ecosystems. It will be a waste if you did not check out their stunning jaw-dropping photograph collections on the Coral Reefs, Forests, Freshwater Ecosystems, Great Rivers, Islands, Marine Ecosystems, Rainforests or Tropical Forests.

If you plan to help in the conservation practices in you daily life that will affect the natural world around us for the benefits of your future generation, you can always start by assisting in the bird conservation, improving the quality of the rivers, combating invasive species by not dumping them into where they should not be and helping in protecting the coral reefs.

Here are some of nature’s wonderful colors to share with you all. Won’t it be sad if such nice places are polluted by human’s uncivilized actions? Think before you throw your next bit of rubbish onto the grounds, seas or rivers!

WHY RUIN THE BODY WITH ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE?

Do you think drug is essential to the human body other than for therapeutic and medical effect? Do you think taking a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug is justified in order to satisfy a person’s pleasure to be vulgar or to be more courageous? Even with the wide public awareness on the danger of abusing drugs, there are still about 5% of the world population consuming illicit drugs per annum. This is one of the worst items ever created by human which is highly being abused.

Why is it that a person consume drug? It is because that the chemical substance within a drug altered the brain function allowing the mood, behavior, and consciousness of a person to look at situations in a different perspective. In a long run a person will be addicted to the drug and thus refused to get out from that artificial pleasure they are experiencing. With the euphoric effects of drugs, most drug addicts will lose their senses along with the abuse usages of these stimulants, analgesics, hypnotics and hallucinogens contained drugs.

With the alarming figure of addicts coming from the teenage group, you can see many countries setting up at least a drug treatment center to educate youngsters and at the same time eradicate the root problem of the abuse. There are many steps performed by these drug rehab centers in their short and long term programs such as detoxification and withdrawal, self control and communication exercises, sauna cleansing process, study improvement and drug free remedies for discomforts.

Other than the drug abuse problem, there is another addiction which has caused much concern among the public. It is alcoholism. Even though the sales of alcohol are legal in many countries, many drinkers did not moderate their consumptions and inadvertently became drunkards. Thus, they could not stop themselves from drinking even more. There are also alcoholism rehab centers to help these alcoholics set their lives back to the right tracks.

Addiction expelled the mind to think rationally. It drowned memories, defaced the brain, diminished a person’s strength and caused many incurable wounds. It is a witch to the body, a devil to the mind, a thief to the pocket and a self murderer to a person’s health. There is nothing great about being addicted to anything except for the physical and moral degradation of a person.

HEALTH ISSUES MANY AVOIDED

There are many health issues that both men and women would avoid discussing in public as they have the phobia of ending up as laughing stocks amongst their friends. Why would anyone want their lips sealed on such issues? Sex life issues are not big deals when there are relevant professions out there to help you pull through.

One of the most sensitive issues which fall upon men as they are afraid of losing their machismo in front of the women is impotency. Due to the modern lifestyles and job stresses, many men have somehow or other overly consume alcohol and drugs, smoke and eat extensively, resulting in overweight, lack of fitness and having bad diets. Thus, quite a handful will eventually have sexual function problems in the later part of their lives.

Most men are busy to get out from their heavy working schedule for a visit to the GP and thus taking no heed at all in their sex lives. That is why 21menhealth.com was set up for this purpose. They have the best possible information and advice as your GP would provide to assist you to pull through the trauma. They even recommended viagra but advised users to put in their best efforts to boost up their sexual lives by natural means such as getting the proper nutrition, having regular exercises and taking certain supplements.

SLEEP DISRUPTION CAN CAUSE DIABETES RISK

I have written about SLEEPING TIPS IN A SUBTLE WAY and a simple test on HOW INSOMNIAC ARE YOU but I have just found out through an article I read recently that sleep disruption can cause Type 2 Diabetes risk. This risk is rapidly increasing in our modern world now much like an epidemic without us realizing the danger it will pose to our lives.

What do you understand by Type 2 Diabetes? It is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. It is quite prominent recently amongst adults over 40 years old but now even children and adolescents are affected now.

It was reported that some researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found out that disrupting sleep damages the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, thus potentially raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

"Since reduced amounts of deep sleep are typical of aging and of common obesity-related sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, these results suggest that strategies to improve sleep quality, as well as quantity, may help to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in populations at risk," said co-author Dr. Eve Van Cauter, a professor of medicine.

I guessed the increasing pressures and stresses in our modern society have somehow affected our health indirectly. Not many people are aware that our life-style patterns and many stress-generating factors in society, contributed to the growth of diabetes. The increasing population of diabetes patients all around the world has reached an alarming stage that we must no longer ignore.

Diabetes is not a child’s play and the complications it might bring can even result in death. Treatments are rather expensive and majority of people with this illness could not even afford to pay for the medical bills in a long run. As I have written in my yet another article on WATCH YOUR SUGAR LEVEL, monitor your eating habits and have lots of exercises. Do not ever land yourself into obesity. Take life step by step and have your required sleep intake regularly. I assure you that being a diabetic is not a fun thing at all.

I WAS ALMOST CONNED

I did not expect to receive TWO emails that are so convincing and genuine to find out later that they were phishing emails. Thanks to PayPal’s efficient team who responded to my suspicion in less than 3 minutes upon sending my email. If you find any suspicious emails regarding PayPal, you can email those fraudulent cases to spoof@paypal.com

DON’T YOU THINK THIS LOOKED GENUINE?

WHAT ABOUT THIS ONE WHICH CAME IN FEW HOURS LATER?

In fact, both the above are fakes. What is a phishing email? Phishing emails attempt to steal your identity and will often ask you to reveal your password or other personal or financial information. PayPal will never ask for your password over the phone or in an email and will always address you by your first and last name. (In fact, those emails also did state this information)

HERE IS THE ACCOUNT UPDATE REQUEST

IMPORTANT THINGS TO TAKE NOTE (LOOK AT THOSE IN RED SQUARE)

1. The URL is not from PayPal but from a redirection. (It should be http://www.paypal.com/????? and not from a third party website)

2. Why would they want my mother’s maiden name as well as social security number? (You must not simply provide any information online until you are sure that Item 1 is a secured and authorized site)

3. Why do they want my credit card number, card verification number, card signature/pin number? (You have given your credit card number and verification numbers when you have verified with PayPal. You do not need to do that again. As for the card signature/pin number, it is a personal number and SHOULD NEVER be disclosed to any party)

4. You SHOULD ALWAYS open up a new browser when you want to do any online transactions. Make sure that the website is from the EXACT URL you wanted.

Nowadays, people will do anything just to get hold of your personal information, especially your financial information. If they are smart in conning you, you have to be smarter than them. PayPal has come out with a test. Take up their Fight Phishing Challenge at https://www.paypal.com/fightphishing to learn 5 things you should know about phishing. It will surely help you in ensuring your money is securely where they should be.

SACRIFICE YOUR TIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Martin Luther King once said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Even Mahatma Gandhi has his say in “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” What these two great men said is true. We have been so engrossed in our daily affairs that we no longer take heed of the needs of many worthy causes out there in our world. All the time we have been selfish in thinking about “I, Me, I, Me” without ever try laying a helping hand to serve others.

Think carefully. When was the last time you asked, “How can I of help to you?” It does not have to be to any charitable organizations or any social centres but to the people as close to you as your parents or siblings. Days? Weeks? Months? Years? Forgot when? If you do not have the financial ability to help, time is all you have and time can be the sort of service most people would want. Being with the people you love is a service. Lending an ear to listen is a service. Helping someone to carry things is a service. Even assisting a friend or colleague in learning something new is a service.

There are many ways you can provide your service to others. Big or small, people know, people appreciate and people will remember. So, during this coming celebration or just any other normal days, extend your hands to give your service to another. Spend some time with someone you do not know in an old folks’ homes, adoption centres, hospitals, children welfare centres. Volunteer yourself in social work. Support a worthy cause. Touch the heart of someone. After all, sharing your peace, love and joy would not hurt you except for that little bit of time.

ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY BAMBOO

Bamboo has long being regarded as a staple food for the Chinese and Japanese. Now it is gaining newfound popularity and being cultivated widely as cash crop in Europe as well as in the US. Aside from its long established culinary appeal, the revival of Bamboo in the West owes much to its astonishing versatility of being the main ingredient in a dizzy array of applications from floors, mats, mugs, musical instruments to some medical uses.

Bamboo’s environmental value as a natural erosion barrier with its highly compact and intricately tangled root system is also worth mentioning. Bamboo also helps mitigate water pollution due to its high nitrogen consumption, making it the perfect solution for excess nutrient uptake of waste water from manufacturing, intensive livestock farming, and sewage treatment facilities.

There are more than a thousand species of bamboo around the world. Most have relative short growth cycle and can be harvested within 5 years. This is a high yield and highly renewable resource as the usage for the entire crop of bamboos hardly has any wastage.

Bamboo is known to have an infamous cooling effect on top of being an avid oxygen producing agent. A small strand of bamboo can generate enough oxygen to reduce the temperature of a garden by as much as ten degrees.

With the strength that rivals steel and a density that matches those of hardest woods, it is of no surprises that some varieties of bamboo are found to be rot-resistant and require little toxic chemical treatments.

Bamboo also has some medical uses. Secretion from bamboo is used internally to treat asthma, coughs, and can be used as an aphrodisiac. Ingredients from the root help treat kidney disease. Roots and leaves have also been used to treat venereal disease and cancer. Sap is said to reduce fever, and ash will cure prickly heat.

OMG – HOW TO CLEAN THAT?

I hate it when my household furniture and floors get stains that refuse to come off. Sometimes just for some rare stubborn spots, I will have to buy a whole bottle of solution to clear them off. What a waste! Homemade solutions can work just as well as some commercials products and it is definitely cheaper too. It is also one of the best means of avoiding exposure to house-hold hazardous materials. Here are some of my homemade “mix & match” time-tested recipes which may loosen your budget.

BRASS TARNISH: Make a paste with 1 oz. of lemon juice or white vinegar with salt. Apply with a clean rag and wipe off the excess.

CERAMIC TILES: Mix 10 parts of water to one part of white vinegar. Apply with a soft brush, then wipe with a damn sponge.

MILDEW AND SOAP BUILT-UP ON CAULKING: Apply by rubbing alcohol straight from the bottle with a clean rag.

MILDEW ON EXTERIOR WOOD: Mix 1 qt. of bleach and 1 oz. of non-ammoniated detergent to 1 gal. of water. Apply with a mop, work it in with a brush and rinse with clear water within 10 minutes.

FRESHEN UP PAINTED WOOD SIDINGS: Mix 1 qt. of bleach and 1 cup of trisodium phosphate. Dissolve in 3 qt. of warm water. Apply with a wide brush. Leave for 15 minutes. No scrubbing needed. Wipe off the area with clean water.

MOSS INFECTED CONCRETE: Mix 3/4 cup of bleach to 1 gal. of water. Clean of the loose material with a stiff brush. Apply the solution and leave for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

WATER RINGS AND PLASTIC STAINS: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Apply the surface with a clean rag and wipe off the excess.

CLOGGED PIPINGS: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the clogged piping. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover up. Let it set for a few minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling water down. Flush it. The combination of baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids into soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.

LIME AND MINERAL DEPOSITS: Lime deposits around faucets can be softened for easy removal by covering the deposits with vinegar-soaked paper towels. Leave the paper towels on for about one hour before cleaning. This will leave chrome clean and shiny.

MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER: Vinegar and Salt. Mix together for a good cleaner for all kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

KNOWING THE RINGS OF EVERLASTING LOVE

Ever wonder what is the meaning of a ring on your finger? It symbolizes many interests apart from marriage and courtship. Here are some descriptions of the different types of rings available in the market.

Engagement and Wedding Rings: These rings are usually found on the fourth finger of the left hand. The classic ones are single diamond stone rings. Most couples would have a set of wedding band rings for the exchange of vows in addition to the engagement and wedding rings. The plain wedding band is usually worn daily while the wedding ser is reserved for special occasions.

Eternity Ring: The ring has diamonds studded all around the band and is usually presented during anniversaries.

Promise Ring: Young couples who are going steady may wear this thin band with a small diamond on it. It represents pre-engagement.

Friendship Ring: Teenagers wear this very often. Normally it is a less expensive 916 gold or 926 sterling silver.

Class Ring: This is a trend amongst the Americans as it indicates graduation.

Signet Ring: This ring is with a metal or stone plaque for initials or family crest usually worn by the aristocrat lineage.

Birth Stone Ring: Some believe that wearing the birth stone which represents the birth month, will bring good luck to the wearer.

Cocktail or Dinner Rings: These rings are worn for dressy evening events. This ring features a diamond and some accent color stones.

Costume Ring: This ring is normally used as part of the costume jewelry to compliment with the colors of a dressing. They are usually made from cut glasses of different colors.

ALTERNATIVE TO THE RANKING HOLOCAUST

With many websites/blogs in yet another Google downgrading exercise getting slapped with a PR0 recently, it is rather hard for many people, especially advertisers/marketing people/bloggers to check on which are the quality or non-quality sites anymore. All these while, most people depended solely on Google PageRank. Now we have an alternative solution to rank a site with RealRank.

What is RealRank? It is actually another great project by IZEA to counter attack on Google’s PageRank massacre. It is a piece of JavaScript that many of the PPP members already have and those outside of PPP will be able to get from a separate site without joining PPP or SocialSpark. It also gathers REAL traffic information, much like your analytics platform and ranks users based on their standing within the network.

The formula is relatively simple. 70% weighted towards VISITORS per day. 20% weighted towards amount of ACTIVE INBOUND LINKS per day, where as the balance 10% weighted towards PAGE VIEWS per day. This project will officially hit the cyberspace within the next 2 weeks.

This new metrics will not only give an accurate statistic on a site’s worth, it will also provide those sites with some breathing space to earn some money online. After all, most earners around the world are mothers or fathers who would want to earn some extra cash to provide their children with a better future and living standards. I do not see anything wrong with that.

I have my rank checked at RealRanker.com. Have you check yours yet?

CAN SEE BUT CANNOT DOWNLOAD – YOU SURE?

I immediately fell in love with this “How The Cat Wakes You Up In The Morning!” video in YouTube but the problem is that I cannot download the animation for my own collection. The only way I can keep it is by embedding it into my blog.

It was said that “curiosity kills the cat”. I did not die from my curiosity to find out more by searching all over the internet for the ultimate solution. In fact, I gained more knowledge on the online file conversion. I found www.vixy.net. This service allows me to convert a Flash Video / FLV file (YouTube's videos, etc) to MPEG4 (AVI/MOV/MP4/MP3/3GP) file online. It is using a compressed domain transcoder technology. It converts FLV to MPEG4 faster and more accurate than most transcoder.

Converting a YouTube movie to the format of your choice is as easy as ABC. Here are the few simple steps:

1. Open up http://vixy.net and select the format you want.

2. Open up the YouTube video that you would want to download. For my case, it is “How The Cat Wakes You Up In The Morning!” Click on “Share” below the video. It will show a link (URL).

3. Copy the URL and paste it into the blank column in VIXY and press “Start”.

4. Upon completion, a pop up menu will be shown. Click on “Save to disc”.

5. Congratulation…you have downloaded your favorite video.

HOKKIEN MAGGIE MEE – THE HEALTHIER WAY

Many people would have just gone outside to buy a packet of this type of noodle as preparation is rather time consuming. You can imagine the time involved in softening the instant noodles, peeling the prawns, boiling the eggs, cooking the meat stock, blending the prawn skins, frying with chilies, shallots, onions and oil, not forgetting cutting the meat into strips. As for me, I do not mind having the effort to cook a healthier meal. At least it will free myself from consuming too much of Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG).

What most people are not aware is the effect of ready packed instant noodles on our bodies. Normally, we just put in the water to boil, throw in the instant noodles, pre-packed powder and let it cook for 3 minutes. What we do not realize is the change in the molecular structure of MSG when boiled together with other ingredients within the powder, making it toxic to our bodies. Moreover the wax that coats the noodles will remain within our bodies for 4-5 days before it is totally out from them. Too much of foreign compounds in our bodies can be cancerous in a long run.

The right way to cook instant noodles is to drain away the excess water when the noodles softened. Boil another pot of water, off with the fire, throw in the noodles, powder and let it stand for a few minutes before consuming it. In case you want to have dry noodles, toss the cooked noodles dry and mix with the powder on a plate. Some people will tell me that it is a waste of time and gas. Would you prefer to have a healthier life or would you save cost on gases and ruin your life in the future? It is all up to you!

THE MAKING MONEY ONLINE LIST – SURVEYS & OTHERS

Here is the second part of the listing for making money online. It would be advisable to read through the first part “The Making Money Online List – Reviews & Advertising” before proceeding further here. Some of the links mentioned below are not suitable for people outside US.

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SURVEYS & OTHERS SITES:

SurveyScout: SurveyScout Private Site costs $69.95 to join, but they have an 8-week money back guarantee in case you are not happy with their service. They are now offering a limited 50% rebate. It is only $34.95 now for signing up as early birds.

MaviShare: This is a pay you as you try their products and services site which you will get paid for trying products, free samples, and free trials. The money will immediately pass on to you via PayPal. This is only for US and Canada citizens. You will only be paid upon the actual customers they gain. Well, $50 or more for a referral program would not be bad too.

Your2Cents: This is an “earn as you do survey” type of system. Payment will be from $1-$5. Payment mode is by check. This is more suitable for people in US as they might do an audio survey through mobile.

SendEarnings: Your get paid for completing surveys through your emails. The company made every effort possible to send Paid Emails™ to Members outside the U.S., but they can only guarantee regular Paid Emails™ to their U.S. Members.

Associated Content: Associated Content is a platform that enables everyone to publish their content in any format on any topic and then distributes that content to engaged audiences through its website and content partners. Those who contribute to Associated Content's ad-supported collection of original text, video, audio and images gain exposure and often earn cash for their participation. An upfront payment will be offered if your content is accepted. There is no guaranteed payment amount.

StormPay: StormPay’s primary function is offering individual sellers and advertisers a safe, easy, and low cost environment in which they can advertise and sell their goods. In fact, this is an online auction house where you will be charged a minimal amount as advertising fees after a week.

MyLot: myLot is a growing community of individuals from around the world who enjoy sharing information, meeting new people, and helping each other out. Discussion activity earnings are calculated based on a proprietary model that rewards quality responses, relevant discussions and images. By using the services, you will get paid monthly with a minimum account balance of $10.

WordLinx: If you have too much of free time in hand, this could interest you. Advertisers pay members to visit their websites. Members are paid $0.01 USD per click. Members must visit each advertiser's site for a minimum of 20 seconds. Members need a minimum of $10 in their accounts before a payout which usually takes 48 hours can be requested.

SurveySpot: SurveySpot works with marketing research companies all over the world, helping them find out what consumer think about products, ideas and issues of the day. If you qualified and completed a survey that offered a cash award, your award will be added to your panelist account 4-6 weeks from the date you took the survey. This is strictly for US, UK and Canadian citizens.

Synovate: Synovate Global Opinion Panels is one of the largest marketing research firms in the world. Membership in our Global Opinion Panels provides you with many opportunities to voice your opinions on the products and services you and millions of other people across the globe use every day. Checks are mailed once a survey closed. The payment is within 6-8 weeks. Surprisingly this site does not cater for Malaysians.

GlobalTestMarket: GlobalTestMarket was designed to give you the opportunity to get paid for directly influencing global market research. In partnership with top companies around the world, their online surveys offer you the ability to help influence the development of products and services that you use every day. Payment would be issued by check when you have reached 1,000 market points ($50).

Hits4Pay: Hits4pay is an Internet advertising company sharing its advertising revenue with its members. Advertisers all over the world are willing to pay you just for reading their promotional emails and visiting their websites. They even pay you $10 as sign up bonus when you have accumulated $25 in your account. This is more suitable for people in US as they require you to fill up a US tax form.

ClixSense: By taking advantage of the ClixSense online advertising program, as a potential online consumer, you can actually get paid for your web browsing, up to $5.00 for every 30 seconds worth of work. The income you earn is paid directly to you every month. The best part about the ClixSense program is that as a potential online consumer, there is no charge to register your new account and begin earning money immediately. Members will be paid all earnings (minimum $10) via check delivered to your postal address on file or other methods announced by ClixSense.com.

AdBux: Advertisers will pay YOU for every website you view and for every offer you complete! Additionally, you can maximize your earnings with their affiliate program where you can earn up to 150% of your referrals' direct earnings and commissions on any AdBux service that your referrals purchase! Payment can be either check or through PayPal.

Media Dollarz: MediaDollarz is a website where members get paid for participating in advertising promotions. You get paid for signing up for free promotions. You even get paid for completing surveys or even for testing products. New offers come in very regularly. Make sure you check your account at least a couple of times per week so you won’t miss out on new offers being placed! USA / CA / UK / AU / NL only.

Take The Internet Back: You earn by reading emails and by referring others - it is as simple as that. The more you read and the more you refer, the more revenues you will get. More points also mean more ownership of their company. Their program will benefit you both in the short term and especially in the long term. Once revenues start, they will pay out once a month, and your balance must be at least $20.00 to be eligible. They will pay on the 1st of the month and by company check or PayPal.

FinerWorks: This is a site where you can upload your pictures or photos for print. If someone wanted to purchase your print, they will have to pay you a royalty fee, which is 40% of the total sale cost. They will pay out your royalties once a month once the total amount due is $25 or more.

Inbox Dollars: Advertisers pay InboxDollars™ to reach consumers like you. InboxDollars™ shares the revenue we receive from advertisers with our Members. Your get paid for completing surveys through your emails. The company made every effort possible to send Paid Emails™ to Members outside the U.S., but they can only guarantee regular Paid Emails™ to their U.S. Members.

Snap Dollars: As a member, you will earn money from home in a variety of ways, such as get paid to read email, complete surveys and offers, refer friends, play games and more. You will even be paid to join Snap Dollars. Payment is by check. Members must have a valid U.S. or Canada mailing address.

CashMoneyEmail: Cash Money Email will pay you to receive and read email advertisements related to your selected interest. They will also pay you Cash Back for purchasing, joining requesting more information related to your selected interest. They will credit your account with $10 just for joining up now. Payment is through PayPal or by check when you meet the minimum $50 target within 45 days from your request to get paid.

EmailPaysU: E-mail Pays U offers its opt-in subscribers 2 very profitable forms of paid e-mails. Their standard paid to read email earns you $.02 per email advertisement you receive and read from their company. Subscribers can also earn valuable point e-mails that are exchanged for cash 6 times a year. Combine this with their powerful referral program and the pennies really start to add up. They are also giving $10 just for joining up. Payment is by check.

THE MAKING MONEY ONLINE LIST – REVIEW & ADVERTISING

The recent Google Page Rank (PR) upgrading has shown a huge jump in rankings for many websites/blogs around the blogosphere, especially those from blogger.com. With a nice PR reading, quite a number of people have asked me on the ways to earn some money online. Well, I must admit that I am still new to the online money making business but a bit of effort to do researches frequently have proven to be quite fruitful in my attempt to earn more. I am going to review and share with you a few sites in my list. Make sure you read through the policies and terms of each company before you sign up as each company has their own terms and conditions. Here is my extremely long list of potential money making links in no specific preferences or orders.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS TO START EARNING:

- A valid website or blog
- At least 18 years old
- A valid PayPal account or a US/Canada address for receiving check
- Active blog(s) with a minimum of 30-90 days old (requirements vary)
- Reasonable amount of traffics
- Some HTML knowledge

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REVIEW & ADVERTISING SITES:

PayPerPost: There are many opportunities here and you will get a minimum of $5 for writing each review. If you are lucky, you might even land yourself with a $500 or more reviews. Payment into your PayPal account will take about 30 days.

Smorty: Opportunities here are quite limited and tend to get snatch up rather fast before you can even receive an email from them. Refreshing frequently does help but not always. Minimum payment is $6. Payment is within a week or more.

LoudLaunch: Opportunities here are rather slow. Minimum payment is $10. Payment is within 30 days or more.

Blogitive: There are many opportunities here with over 100 advertisers hare. Minimum payment is $5. Payment is within a week or more.

Blogvertise: You will have to blog to promote Blogsvertise once you signed up. Tasks or assignments will be emailed to you to be completed within 5 days. The current payout rate for new accounts is $4 - $25 per entry. Payment is within 30 days or more.

PayU2Blog: Bloggers in their network get paid to blog. Making money with your blog is very easy when you are a member of the Payu2blog network. Bloggers in their network blog about many topics and have fun making money while blogging. You are paid every 2 weeks via PayPal.

SponsoredReviews: This is yet another advertiser pay blogger review site. The payout could range from $10-$1000. Payment is through PayPal bi-weekly.

Bloggertizer: Sign up and get your blog indexed. Once an advertiser contacts you, the two of you work out the terms, to include such things as length, fee, review process, method of payment, posting date, and more. Payment is through PayPal.

Blogging Ads: This will be the easiest way ever to make money blogging but approval for the blog will take up to six weeks. The company will supply the advertisers, the text and the money, all you have to do is post the ad on your blog. Minimum payout is $5. Payment is a week or more.

Helium: Helium is a community of writers who are revolutionizing publishing. Every article that comes to Helium is rated by other members, using our proprietary peer review technology. Through our fair, trusted and democratic rating system, each article submitted to the site is ranked against competing articles, until it’s placed in its proper position based on its quality. Helium shares a portion of its revenue with those who share the most and the best with us. They pay based on your quality of submitted article.

Money4Banners: Money4Banners.com is a new approach to Web site advertising that uses a standard 468 x 60 pixel banner, which is much more visible and appealing to surfers. They will reward you with $5.00 every month, as long as you keep three of their 468x60 ads. Your site may be large or small, with a high or low traffic count, but you will continue to receive $5.00 for as long as you retain the ads. What could be simpler? Join now and you will receive $10.00 after a successful signup. Payments via Amazon or PayPal are made the first week of every month.

Google Adsense: AdSense offers a number of ad formats and advertising products. Publishers are encouraged to experiment with a variety of placements, provided the certain policies are respected. You get paid whenever someone on your site clicks on one of the AdSense ads. Their EFT payment system which will help get your AdSense earnings delivered directly to your bank account every month without any additional effort.

Nuffnang: Nuffnang is a blog advertising community in Malaysia and Singapore. The dream of Nuffnang is to create an opportunity for local advertisers to reach out and experience the power of blog advertising in Malaysia. Payment is received about a month plus by check when you reach RM50 and above upon request.

Advertlets: Advertlets is a blog advertising network in Malaysia and Singapore. Bloggers make money doing what they love by selling advertising space on their blogs. Advertisers get to connect their message to the right audience through the use of demographics. They will pay you by cheque once your account balance reaches the minimum payout rate of RM100. Payment will be processed within 30 days.

Keep a watch out for the second part of this post. Coming up “The Making Money Online List – Surveys & Others”.