Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Dr Phil's test
Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself and send it to yourfriends.
Don't peek, but begin the test as youscroll down and answer. Answers are for who you are now --- not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees.
It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question. Ready??
Begin.
1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon & and early evening
c) late at night
2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast,head down
e) very slowly
3. When talking to people you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair
4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile
6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed
7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're
interrupted...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray
9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before goingto sleep you are...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant
POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 ( c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1
Now add up the total number of points.
OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you,but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involvedwith you.
51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile,rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.
41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing,practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.
31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.
21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.
UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive,someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don'texist. Some peopl e think you' re boring. Only those who know you wellknow that you aren't.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Suburb Report - Parramatta
Wanna know more about the area you are living or your're going to live? The following report is interesting and useful.
Area Profile
The size of Parramatta is approximately 6 km². It has 18 parks covering nearly 23% of the total area. There are 8 schools and 5 childcare centres located in Parramatta. The population of Parramatta in 1996 was 16,841 people. By 2001 the population was 19,187 showing a population growth of 14% in the area during that time. The predominant age group in Parramatta is 20 - 29 years.
Households in Parramatta are primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying between $800.00 - $1000.00 per month on mortgage repayments. In general, people in Parramatta work in a professional occupation. In 1996, 28% of the homes in Parramatta were owner-occupied compared with 30% in 2001.
Currently the median sale price of houses in the area is $437,500.
(Source: realestate.com.au)
PopulationSize 2150 Sydney
All People 22809 3997337
Country of Origin 2150 Sydney
Australian Born 41% 61%
Born Overseas-Top5 2150 Sydney
China 10% 2%
India 8% 1%
Lebanon 3% 1%
New Zealand 3% 2%
Philippines 3% 1%
(Source: domain.com.au)
Monday, January 22, 2007
Where to go on a day of 40°?
Soon we arrived at the Centre. There were four hours free parking time if you get your parking ticket stamped at the entrance of the Centre.
It was 3 am at the time. To our surprise, there was a long queue outside the entrance. Apparently, lots of people had the same idea we've got and chose the pool as an quick escape from the heat.
After about 10 minutes' waiting, we finally entered the centre. The charge for one adult is $6.40, $5.10 for kids over 4 and free for kids under 4.
As soon as we went into the centre, we found it might be a wrong decision to go there as it was totally packed! There were people everywhere. Queues could be seen here and there, outside the change rooms and toilets, and of course, for the lockers as well. I couldn't help recalling the pools in Shanghai.
Luckily we hadn't waited for long to get a spare locker. It cost $2 each time to lock a locker. If we hadn't got a locker, one of us had to be the clothing keeper and had to hunter for a spare seat.
Despite of the surprising number of people there, we still had a good time. There are several different pools, eveyone can find a pool suitable for his/her needs. You can try swimming as a professional in the pool used to be used for formal competition during Olympic 2004. You can also be relaxed by lying into a spa - as long as you were patient enough to wainting in another queue. Of course, there are pools for kids to splash, kick and ride on the artificial waves.
If you felt tired, there was 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival held on spot. Everyone could just walk into the audience and watch.
Should there be less people, and should I know how to swim, I belive, I would have had a even better day in a day of 40°C.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Today's Shopping Receipt
Here are the items on my today's shopping receipt:
Orange Juice 2-litre $2.19
Apple Juice 2-litre $1.99
Bread Wholemeal 650g $1.09
Milk 3-litre $3.06
Drumstick (ice-cream, 8pk Cone) $7.19
Custard 600g $1.69
Sunflower Oil 750ml $2.69
Ham Leg/Extra Lean (@$17.58/kg) $7.82
Cheese Slices 500g $2.99
Baby Potatoes 1.5kg $2.48
Kiwi Fruit x 2 $1.36
Sea Salt 500g $1.39
Banana x 6 (@$1.99/kg) $1.70
Cherry (@$12/kg) $2.80
Monday, January 15, 2007
Warranties for cars
are covered by the warranty. Superficial damage (such as paint and upholstery) and normal wear and tear are not
covered by the warranty.
time of sale)
of the vehicle.
licensed dealership should have a form describing the vehicle displayed. The form includes the dealer's name, cash price, engine number, odometer reading and whether a
warranty applies. The form displayed will either be a Form 4, 6, or 8 and this will indicate the term of the warranty applying
to the vehicle.
warranty as described above.
information contact the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) web site at http://www.asic.gov.au/ or call 1300 300 630.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Where to buy a car
Buying from a car dealership
Buying a car from a licensed motor vehicle dealership is the safest way to purchase a car and provides many advantages. Unlike buying privately, the dealer has an obligation to guarantee that there is no money owing on the car. In certain conditions the dealer is also obliged by law to provide a warranty, which gives you great peace of mind.
Also the dealer often provides the opportunity to trade in your old car. However, you may not get as much money trading-in your car as you would if selling it privately.
Unlike buying from an auction, you get to test drive the car and make sure it has the power and features you require. Finance can also be obtained through most licensed car dealers again saving time and headaches.
Buying a car from an auction
The benefit of buying a car at auction is that you could pick up a real bargain. The cars come from situations that include deceased estates and repossessed vehicles, and quite often are in satisfactory condition.
The risk with buying at auction is that the cars are not covered by a statutory warranty and generally the auction house will not allow a test drive. You can arrange an independent vehicle inspection at your own cost but not on the day of the auction.
Most auction houses will require a 10% deposit or $500 at the fall of the hammer.
Buying a car privately
Buying a car privately involves relying on your own judgement and knowledge. You can arrange for a vehicle inspection at your own cost but there are no statutory
warranties. Also, making sure that the vehicle is not encumbered, stolen or de-registered is the responsibility of the buyer.
Doing a REVS check will help you ascertain this. Always ask the seller for, and note down, the information listed below. Ensure the information shown in the paperwork matches what is on the actual car.
• The current certificate of registration.
• A pink slip which is no more than 42 days old (unless the car was registered in the last 42 days).
• Proof that the person selling the car is the owner eg. a sales receipt or driver’s licence to help identify the seller.
• The registration number.
• The engine number.
• The VIN (vehicle identification number) or chassis number.
Buying from a car market
Car markets bring buyers and sellers together in the one place without the need to drive all over town. However, you are still buying ‘privately’ and therefore need to rely on your own judgement and knowledge. There will be no guarantee of title or warranties supplied. They are often temporary situations and have become an outlet for backyard operators to dispose of substandard vehicles, or even possibly stolen
vehicles.
When do you need a pink slip?
If the vehicle has been registered in the last 42 days, you do not need a safety check report (ie. a pink slip). The pink slip shows if the car is fit for registration or not. A pink slip must not be more than 42 days old.
If the vehicle is not registered you need to take it to an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station (AUVIS). They will conduct a roadworthiness check and identify the vehicle for the purpose of registration for the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). To find your nearest AUVIS, contact the RTA on 13 22 13.
Something to avoid – roadside selling
There are no safeguards with this type of car sale. There are no guarantees of title and no warranties supplied. You could be stuck with a vehicle that has been poorly repaired or even written-off. No matter how good the bargain looks, steer well clear of this method of purchasing a car.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Income tax - what you pay in Australia
While it is possible to 'pay as you go' with tax, you still have to submit a tax return at the end of the financial year, which falls on 30 June. It is advisable to use the services of an accountant to do this.
If you start your employment as a salaried worker, visit an accountant to find the best tax set-up for you. There are two kinds of qualified accountant in Australia: the certified practising accountant or CPA, or chartered accountant. There is little difference between the two, but make sure your accountant has either qualification.
For basic information on tax rates, fringe benefits tax - which affects employment benefits like company cars and business expenses - superannuation and family tax benefits visit the Australian Tax Office website.
If you will be paid a salary you can work out your weekly, fortnightly or monthly tax deductions in the tax calculation section of the website.
The amount of tax you pay also depends on your visa status. If you are a foreign resident, use this table as a guide.
A guide to the amount of tax you pay...
Weekly earnings Weekly rate
A$0 - $383 29 cents for $1 earnings
$383 - $960 $111 plus 30 cents for each $1 of earnings over $383
$961 - $1,152 $242 plus 42 cents for each $1 of earnings over $960
$1,153 and over $365 plus 47 cents for each $1 of earnings over $1,153
If you are an Australian resident, the individual income tax rates for 2006-07 are:
Taxable income Tax on this income
$0 – $6,000 Nil
$6,001 – $25,000 15c for each $1 over $6,000
$25,001 – $75,000 $2,850 plus 30c for each $1 over $25,000
$75,001 – $150,000 $17,850 plus 40c for each $1 over $75,000
Over $150,000 $47,850 plus 45c for each $1 over $150,000
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Sydney rents to soar 20%
An economist at Macquarie Bank, Rory Robertson, says a significant switch from property to superannuation is under way following changes by the Federal Government to make super a more attractive investment.
"Presumably, the nearer investors are to age 60, the more likely they are to sell properties in order to buy assets that qualify as superannuation," he said.
Mr Robertson predicted a bulge in tax-based selling of rental properties before the end on June 30 of transitional arrangements that allow the well-off to shift an extra $1 million into superannuation.
Adding to the pressure on the rental market, the number of new homes approved in NSW fell 10.6 per cent to 2496 in November, the Bureau of Statistics reported yesterday. This compares with 6000 in late 2002, in the middle of the property boom.
On the demand side of the equation, the low affordability of homes for sale is putting pressure on rents by , Peter Cosforcing more young families to stay in rental accommodation longer.
The federal Treasurertello, has said he hopes the super changes will not only induce people to save more but turn them away from other types of investment such as property. "One of the areas I think [savings] could reallocate is out of the property market and into superannuation," he said last year.
The president of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, Cristine Castle, said the super changes were a big factor in Sydney's rental shortage. "The victims here are going to be the tenants," she said. With the shortage of rental properties already severe, renters should brace for rent rises of as much as 20 per cent this year, she said. "Rents were very low for five years, so I'm afraid it's catch-up time."
Rental supply increased from 2000 as a result of another Federal Government tax overhaul that halved the tax paid on capital gains, prompting investors to pour money into investment properties.
The Real Estate Institute is calling on the Government to temper the effects of its latest super tax changes by allowing the direct transfer of investment properties into super funds.
"With the current situation, it means that you have got to sell that investment property and then put the cash into superannuation," Ms Castle said. "We would like to see those rental properties remain available."
A third of Australian families live in rental accommodation.
Supply of new properties is expected to tighten further. A survey of investors by the Mortgage Industry Association of Australia found just one in 10 expects to buy an investment property in the next six months. Looking ahead two to five years, less than a quarter intend to buy property.
(Source: www.smh.com.au)
Australian Salary
Average Australian Salary: $63,675
Sector
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Accounting
$36,075
$139,500
$69,058
Administration / Office Support
$22,967
$77,400
$40,831
Automotive
$39,775
$92,213
$58,281
Banking and Financial Services
$31,661
$154,654
$60,393
Community, Sport and Leisure
$40,164
$82,725
$55,342
Construction, Building and Architecture
$35,599
$155,789
$78,635
Customer Service and Call Centre
$28,267
$89,583
$45,810
Education
$36,091
$70,077
$49,100
Engineering
$39,483
$145,824
$81,262
Executive
$50,638
$176,200
$100,739
Government and Defence
$48,758
$80,008
$64,597
Graduate
$35,963
$61,971
$46,257
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism
$30,521
$67,824
$42,320
Human Resources and Recruitment
$37,720
$136,000
$69,486
Insurance
$34,453
$114,596
$58,945
IT and Telecommunications
$38,987
$140,790
$76,601
Legal
$39,425
$123,871
$73,548
Logistics, Transport and Supply
$32,887
$115,281
$59,788
Manufacturing
$33,903
$89,995
$55,393
Marketing
$40,970
$131,400
$76,330
Media, Advertising, Arts and Entertainment
$38,942
$103,250
$64,210
Medical and Healthcare
$44,186
$121,639
$84,019
PR and Communications
$47,236
$103,000
$70,003
Property and Real Estate
$38,071
$111,575
$63,960
Retail
$31,878
$114,616
$52,235
Sales
$27,321
$216,125
$75,650
Scientific
$39,937
$89,149
$60,051
Trades and Services
$34,752
$84,451
$50,985
All figures may include benefits
Source: MyCareer.com.au
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Cost of living in Sydney
Australia's cost of living is lower than that of Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States and the United Kingdom.
New South Wales (NSW) has a sophisticated, modern economy and the State has experienced an annual growth rate of 4.3 per cent over the last five years (to 1999-2000). In addition, the cost of living in the State is highly competitive when compared with other areas in the Asia Pacific.
A recent survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2001 found that Sydney sits in 72nd place on a list of 133 world cities for cost of living. The listing puts the most expensive city at number one. Sydney improved 18 places from the 54th most expensive city in 2000. Osaka and Tokyo were among the most expensive cities in the world, while Hong Kong, Oslo, London, New York, Zurich and Singapore were also more expensive than Sydney. According to the survey, a meal for four at a good restaurant would cost considerably less in Sydney than in other major cities.
Cost of dinner for four:
City / Cost
Hong Kong / $US609
London / $US478
New York / $US525
Sydney / $US294
The EIU survey also found that groceries cost around 54 per cent less in Sydney than in New York. Gas, electricity and water cost around half that of New York's utilities. Not only can you find world-class Australian wines in Sydney, the city is cheaper than any other surveyed city for table wine.
Cost for 750ml bottle of wine:
City / Cost
London / $US5.13
New York / $US7.99
Hong Kong / $US8.97
Johannesburg / $US5.15
Sydney / $US5.10
Our currency
Some European and US staff of overseas-based multinationals who are transferred on a short-term basis, negotiate to be paid in their home-based currencies (or the Australia dollar equivalent). This ensures that they will not be disadvantaged by the low value of the Australian dollar relative to their own currencies. The lower cost of living in Australia compensates for A$ wages. On a purchasing power parity basis (adjusting for differences in price levels), Australia's GDP per capita is level with Japan and higher than that of Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Joke: Politics
Dad says, "Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I am the head ofthe family, so call me The President. Your mother is the administrator ofthe money, so we call her the Government. We are here to take care of your needs, so we will call you the People. The nanny, we will consider her the Working Class. And your baby brother, we will call him the Future. Now think about that and see if it makes sense." So the little boy goesoff to bed thinking about what Dad has said.
Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up tocheck on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parent's room and finds his mother asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the doorlocked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy say's to his father, "Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now." The father says, "Good, son,tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about."
The little boy replies, "The President is screwing the Working Class while the Government is sound asleep. The People are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit."
Friday, January 05, 2007
To own a business in Australia (2) - register a company
A company is a separate legal entity and is registered with ASIC – Australian Security and Investment Commission. This form can be used to register a company in Australia.
The major differences between a company and a business:
1. A company name can be used Australia-wide once it is registered. It is registered with federal government. A business name is registered with state government and only effective in one state – you have to register with each state authority if you want to use a business name nationally.
2. A company is a legal entity. A business is not but the proprietor(s) must be a legal entity or legal entities. – In most case, shareholders of a company will only have limited liabilities (limited by their share) but individual business owners may have unlimited liabilities to a business.
3. Different tax rate. Income tax rate for a company is flat – 30% at the moment. Income tax rate for a sole-trader business is same as the rate for an individual which is from 0, 15% to 47% progressively. The rates will vary each year.
4. The application fee for a company is around $400 and an annual return fee of $220 is applied each year. The application fee for a business name is $137 for a three-year period and then a renewal fee is applied for every three years.
5. Only a company can use “Pty Ltd” or “Ltd” in the end of the name.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Joke: Clyde the farmer
10 tips for a happy heart
One of my ex-colleague died of a heart attack last November. He was only 30 and about to get married at the time. What a shock to everyone who knows him!
People always ignore the importance of health until some tragedy happens…
So from now on, let's start to look after our own health for ourselves, for the ones we love, and the ones who love us.
10 tips for a happy heart
- Choose fish. Cold-water fish which contain protective omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular health problems. Among the best choices are wild salmon, sardines and herring.
- Get in your exercise. Aerobic activity helps maintain heart health. Walking is inexpensive and a popular way to stay fit –– all it takes is a little motivation and a comfortable pair of shoes.
- Control waist size. Make sure you have more low-fat, high-fibre and low sugar foods than other types, and choose more low-fat and fat-free dressings, condiments, sauces and table spreads instead of full-fat ones.
- Take vitamin E, a well-known protective nutrient for the cardiovascular system that may reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complaints.
- Also consider taking CoQ10 and fish oil for their antioxidant and vessel protecting qualities.
- Get Smart About Smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but that risk can be reduced by stopping smoking at ANY age.
- I'll drink to that. Red wine contains antioxidants and flavonoids, and has been associated with heart protection.
- You can have your chocolate and eat it too! That is, if it's dark chocolate. Pure dark chocolate contains a very high amount of catechins (a heart healthy antioxidant). Enjoy it with black grapes and wash it down with a beverage containing natural cocoa powder or tea, additional excellent sources of these heart healthy compounds.
- Have a hearty laugh. Very few things in life are better than a good laugh and it turns out that laughing heartily is good for the heart. Enjoy the lighter side of life with family and friends.
- Manage stress well. Be proactive and address issues as they arise. Try exercise such as yoga, which gives you both a mental and physical lift.
(source from Blackmores)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
To own a business in Australia (1)
I can assure you that everyone is able to do that without paying hundreds of bucks to an accountant.
If you want to have a business name registered in NSW, all you have to do is to fill an application form and lodge it with Office of Fair Trading. The fee is A$137 for three years. In the end of three years, you need to pay a renewal fee, currently is A$104.
You can register your business name with equivalent offices in other states of Australia. Fees and terms are varied in each state.
There is no assets requirement to get a business name registered. Restrictions do apply to some special industries, for example, a doctor needs to present his/her general practice certificate to open a surgery business, an accountant needs to have his/her membership card sighted by the registration officer to have a Chartered Accountant business, and most of the franchisees needs to get an approval letter from the franchiser before they can register the chain-store name. But surprisingly, some businesses don’t have to submit any documents to get their names registered – such as a brothel!
You can click this link to find out business registration information in all states of Australia.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
My favourite donut – Krispy Kreme
来到悉尼之后,就再也不象从前那样fancy甜的东西了。
想我的“甜功”也曾经称霸一方,但同这里的local比,象我这样的吃法可以被甩个十万八千里。Morning Tea、Afternoon Tea的时候,他们可以就着咖啡甚至空口吃marshmallow, TimTam, jellybean等等所有让我都觉得甜的发hou的东西,晚餐后一盘接一盘吃冰淇淋的男女老少更大有人在。
我对大多数的甜甜圈都无甚好感,唯有对Krispy Kreme Doughnuts的original glazed会欲罢不能。那种特殊的香味会引发所有味蕾对它的渴望,哪怕是酒足饭饱的时候。可惜现在的internet只能贴照片不能发味道……
Monday, January 01, 2007
Wasabi Prawn - a quick & easy dish for seafood lover
100g prawn meat
suitable amt. of wasabi
50ml soy sauce
one avocado
Preparation:
1. Add prawn meat into boiled water, cook for 5-7 minutes until it's fully cooked
2. use spoon to take out avocardo meat, mix it with prawn meat
3. Add soy sauce and wasabi and mixed all contents evenly