Italian Properties

A friend just got back from a trip to Venice, Italy. I wonder if he was there checking out Italian properties. I wouldn't be surprised as Italy is really a beautiful country and great real estate is in abundance. Plus, owning properties in Italy is not a hassle.

When you think of Italy, what comes to mind are its beautiful weather, great Italian food, wonderful holiday spots. Besides its many famous cities, Tuscany and Sicily come to mind. Even George Clooney has a villa in Italy. I believe it's even featured in the movie, "Oceans Twelve".

After the Floods, what's next?

Malaysia has certainly started the year in extremes of weather. We have hardly recovered from the terrible floods and now we have been warned to brace for a dry spell. Due to the hot and dry weather, the country is also on high alert for peat and bush fires, with three areas in Pahang and Selangor named as potential red spots. Read story..

Looking for a Loan?

There have a number of houses undergoing renovation last month in my neighbourhood and they all look like new with the new coat of paint and lovely new facades and all decked up with Chinese New Year decorations. I am really glad that all that din and mess by the roadside has been cleared and our neighbourhood has got its peace and quiet back again.

Normally around about the Chinese New Year, there would be more renovations going on to get the homes done up before the celebration. Doing up a home can be a costly affair but luckily loans are available for the purpose of home improvements. Many will use the equity tied up in their home to take out a secured loan for this purpose.

An extension, double glazing or general upgrading are all usual reasons for a secured loan or home improvement loan. Other reasons the loan can be used for are to use it to fund a new business, for education, weddings, a honeymoon, a new car or that dream holiday.

If you are in the UK and are looking at taking out a loan, check out this site: ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk. They have a comprehensive selection of loans and links to UK loan providers and information and advice on choosing the most suitable loan to suit your needs. Their selection includes personal loans, secured loans, car loans, bad credit loans, business loans, and others. You could even ask for a mortgage or a remortgage quote.

Thomas Kinkade & Graceland

Have you heard of Thomas Kinkade? Thomas Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light, is America's most collected living artist. Coming from a modest background, Kinkade emphasizes simple pleasures and inspirational messages through his paintings. As a devout Christian, Kinkade uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life-affirming values.

There's a Thomas Kinkade event coming up on March 23 and 24. It's actually a Thomas Kinkade and Graceland event where he will be at Graceland to unveil his newest Studio Masterwork entitled Graceland, 50th Anniversary and will be joined by Priscilla Presley for this special anniversary celebration event! VIP Special Package tickets go on sale starting yesterday, February 5, 2007. You can call 1.800.238.2010 for more information or visit www.elvis.com/kinkade for reservations and information. For more information..


This is NOT a sponsored post.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United

Soccer is a popular sport all over the world. The English Premier League plays a big part contributing to its popularity. Shops selling the EPL club attires and accessories are doing a roaring business with a broad fan-base here. I see a lot of fans of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool donning their jerseys.

If you are a soccer fan, a supporter of Manchester United and a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I found this website that will interest you. It is a Cristiano Ronaldo fansite. Know all you want to know about this young talented Portugese soccer star who is currently playing for Manchester United. Watch videos and get latest news and regular updates on him plus links to other resources.

Help Feed the Hungry

I hope you are still helping to feed the millions of hungry people in the world by just clicking daily on the site. You could bookmark the site or link it on your own site or you could come to my site and click on it at the sidebar just below the clock. It is as simple as that. Together, we can make a world of difference, I hope.

Eric Schiffer in "Death Wish Returns"

There are a number of actors and actresses whose popularity does not fade. Their fans grow with them and remain loyal over the years. Charles Bronson is one of them. Remember "Death Wish"? If you enjoyed that movie, you will be happy to note that there's going to be a remake, an independent release starring Celebrity Eric Schiffer.

Eric Schiffer is himself an internationally world famous celebrated leader, visionary and organizational leadership expert. He has been named by Business Week as one of the top ten entrepreneurs in America. Eric also writes books from his research findings from projects that lasts from three to six years in length. Being a member of Mensa, Eric has been featured in many esteemed magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post and Entertainment Today.

Leave Applications

Alas! It's back to Monday again but hey, who says Mondays have got to be dull and boring? Mondays can be fun and perky too especially when you have friends who love you enough to lighten up your Monday with this wonderful collection of side-splitters. These are real-life leave applications and they will sure have you laughing more as you read along. So, enjoy them.


The Leave Applications

· Infosys, Bangalore: An employee applied for leave as follows:
"Since I have to go to my village to sell my land along with my wife, please sanction me one-week leave."

· This is from Oracle Bangalore: >From an employee who was performing the "mundan" ceremony of his 10 year old son:
"as I want to shave my son's head, please leave me for two days.."

· Another gem from CDAC. Leave-letter from an employee who was performing his daughter's wedding:
"as I am marrying my daughter, please grant a week's leave.."

· From H.A.L. Administration Dept:
"As my mother-in-law has expired and I am only one responsible for it, please grant me 10 days leave."

· Another employee applied for half day leave as follows:
"Since I've to go to the cremation ground at 10 o-clock and I may not return, please grant me half day casual leave"

· An incident of a leave letter:
"I am suffering from fever, please declare one-day holiday."

· A leave letter to the headmaster:
"As I am studying in this school I am suffering from headache. I request you to leave me today"

· Another leave letter written to the headmaster:
"As my headache is paining, please grant me leave for the day."

· Covering note:
"I am enclosed herewith..."

· Another one:
"Dear Sir: with reference to the above, please refer to my below..."

· Actual letter written for application of leave:
"My wife is suffering from sickness and as I am her only husband at home I may be granted leave".

· Letter writing:-
"I am well here and hope you are also in the same well."

· A candidate's job application:
"This has reference to your advertisement calling for a ' Typist and an Accountant - Male or Female'... As I am both(!! )for the past several years and I can handle both with good experience, I am applying for the post.


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