Gift for wife's birthday

Make up your mind not to worry !

ANXIETY is an emotion that we all experience. Anxiety, as well as all the other emotions, can actually be turned around to our advantage. When we use the right amount, in the right place, at the right time, for the right thing, then these feelings can have a positive effect. When we use the wrong amount, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons, they become negative. Excessive brooding over the future or regret for the past gives rise to worry or anxiety. Let us see how we can use the word worry to remind us how to avoid worry.

Worry starts with the letter `W'. We always think of the worst. When we are conducting our business, we worry: ``What if I can't make any money? What if there is a loss?'' We never ask, ``What if I make a profit?'' Worry always arises from this negative tendency in our minds. Yet, very often, when we have believed that the worst would happen, instead, something good happened!

Whenever you recognise the symptom of worry, check this out yourself. You will be thinking about the negative possibilities. Don't think about the worst, think instead about the Wonderful things that might happen.

The letter `O' stands for optimism, and this means refusing to become obsessed with the results of your actions. Think positively about the result, but don't be obsessed with it. Sometimes we get more benefit from our actions than we expected, and at other times, not quite what we hoped for. But if we are so obsessed with a particular result, we usually start thinking negatively. That is, we fear the worst. Why? Because we come to believe that the only good result is the one we imagine we want. Thus we become pessimistic rather than optimistic.

We cannot predict the future, we can only plan for it and work towards it to the best of our ability. Do not become obsessed about achieving a particular result. Who knows, the outcome may far exceed your expectations!

Constant worry not only arises from brooding over the future, but also from regretting the past. We are in the habit of forgetting all of the positive results from our past actions, and remembering only the negative things that have happened. How easily we gloss over all of the victories we have had in our lives and dig up minor failures from the past to reinforce our gloomy outlook.

So `R' is to Remember all of the positive things from the past, and be optimistic for wonderful things in the future. Do not use your memory to think about the worst that has happened, and be filled with regret.

The next `R' is for Restlessness. One major reason behind our anxiety for the future lies in our tendency to be physically restful and mentally restless. We want results but we don't want to work for them. Have you noticed youngsters during examination time? They spend most of the time worried: Will I pass or not? Why does this worry come about? It is usually because they haven't studied. Those who have worked hard and have worked properly for a result, for them there is no need to worry about anything.

Finally, we come to `Y'. This letter stands for `Yes'. Worry continues to haunt us because we say yes to the mind. There will be many situations where worry and anxiety will enter the mind. But do not say yes to the mind.

Make up your mind not to worry -- that is the secret of controlling the mind. Once we have made up our minds, then all that we have learnt from spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita, and all that we learn from spiritual discourses will become effective. In Sanskrit the word for worry is "chinta". A similar word, "chitaa" means the pyre that burns the dead. This chitaa, this pyre, burns us once when we are dead; but chinta burns us continuously while we are still alive!

Worry will enter the mind, but you must refuse to entertain it. Do not say `yes' to worry. Say `no' to worry and to all the sorrows in your life. Swami Chinmayananda once thundered: ``Refuse to be miserable!'' Try it. It is the secret of life....

Beauty of Mathematics

 

 1 x 8 + 1 = 9
 12 x 8 + 2 = 98
 123 x 8 + 3 = 987
 1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
 12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
 123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
 1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
 12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
 123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
 
  1 x 9 + 2 = 11
 12 x 9 + 3 = 111
 123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
 1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
 12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
 123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
 1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
 12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
 123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
 
  9 x 9 + 7 = 88
 98 x 9 + 6 = 888
 987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
 9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
 98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
 987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
 9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
 98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
 
Brilliant, isn't it?
 
And finally, take a look at this symmetry:
 
  1 x 1 = 1
 11 x 11 = 121
 111 x 111 = 12321
 1111 x 1111 = 1234321
 11111 x 11111 = 123454321
 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
 1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
 11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
 111111111 x 111111111=123456789 87654321

How Do You Decide Who To Marry? (written by kids)

(1) You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you

like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she

should

keep the chips and dip coming.

- Alan, age 10

(2) No person really decides before they grow up who they're going

to marry.

God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who

you're stuck with.

- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

(1) Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person

FOREVER

by then.

- Camille, age 10

(2) No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get

married.

- Freddie, age 6 (very wise for his age)

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

(1) You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be

yelling at the same kids.

- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

(1) Both don't want any more kids.

- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

(1) Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to

know

each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long

enough.

- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

(2) On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that

Usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.

- Martin, age 10 (Who said boys do not have brains)

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

(1) I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the

newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead

columns.

-Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

(1) When they're rich.

- Pam, age 7 (I could not have said it better myself)

(2) The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to

mess

with that.

- Curt, age 7 (Good Point)

(3 ) The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should

marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.

- Howard, age 8 (Who made the rule)

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need

someone to clean up after them.

- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

(1 ) There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?

- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favourite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

(1 ) Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a

truck.

- Ricky, age 10 ( The boy already understands)

The man discovered

The man discovered COLORS and invented PAINT;

the woman discovered PAINT and invented MAKEUP.

The man discovered the WORD and invented CONVERSATION;

the woman discovered CONVERSATION and invented GOSSIP.

The man discovered AGRICULTURE and invented FOOD;

The woman discovered FOOD and invented DIET.

The man discovered FRIENDSHIP and invented LOVE;

The woman discovered LOVE and invented LOVE TRIANGLES.

The man discovered TRADING and invented MONEY;

the woman discovered MONEY and invented SHOPPING.

Thereafter man has discovered and invented a lot of things...

but the woman are still BUSY in ....... shopping

Honey and Cinnamon

It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon

cures most of the diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries
of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey
as a vital medicine for centuries. Scientists of today also accept honey
as a Ram Ban (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey
can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's
science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage
as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also. A famous magazine
named Weekly World News published in Canada dated 17 January, 95 has given
a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched
by western scientists.

The list is show below:

No.	Disease	Curing way
1.	ARTHRITIS:	Take one part honey to two parts of luke warm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two. Or arthritis patients may daily, morning and night take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research done at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast. They found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month. Mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
2.	HAIR LOSS:	Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found very effective if kept for 5 mins. also.
3.	BLADDER INFECTIONS:	Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of luke warm water and drink it. It destroys the germs of the bladder.
4.	TOOTHACHE:	Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has stopped aching.
5.	CHOLESTEROL	Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, if given to a cholesterol patient, it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic cholesterol is cured. As per the information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complains of cholesterol.
5.	COLDS:	Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.
6.	INFERTILITY:	Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years    in medicine to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before sleeping, their problem will be solved. In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and to strengthen the uterus have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body. A couple in Maryland, America had no children for 14 years and had left hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above, the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.
7.	UPSET STOMACH:	Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
8.	GAS:	According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
9.	HEART DISEASES:	Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chappati instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that due to the increasing age the arteries and veins, which lose their flexibility and get clogged, are revitalized.
10.	IMMUNE SYSTEM:	Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
11.	INDIGESTION:	Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
12.	INFLUENZA	A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
13.	LONGEVITY:	Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts performing the chores of a 20 year old.
14.	PIMPLES:	Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
15.	SKIN INFECTIONS:	Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
16.	WEIGHT LOSS:	Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
17.	CANCER:	Recent research in Japan and Australia has reveled that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.
18.	FATIGUE:	Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful than detrimental to the body strength. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton who has done research says that half tablespoon honey taken in one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts decreasing, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
19.	BAD BREATH:	People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
20.	SINUS & HEADACHES:	Drink mix up with honey & lemon juice helps sinus headaches.

.

Women and Men

Friendship between women

 

One night, a woman didn't come back home. The next day, her husband asked her "where did u sleep last night?". She said " in one of my friend's home". Her husband called to the ten of her best friends but no one confirmed the woman's words.

 

 

 

 

Friendship between men

 

One night, a man didn't come back home. The next day, his wife asked him: " where did u sleep last night?". He said " in one of my friend's home". His wife called to the ten of his best friends. Eight of them confirmed his words and two of the told that he was still there with them. :D

Employees according to Zodiac Signs

Aries Employee Profile

==================

Aries employees make excellent troubleshooters.

They'll usually want to be out in the field at a variety of
different
work sites fixing things. They certainly won't be happy for very
long behind a desk in a 9 to 5 schedule.

The bored Aries employee who has been forced into a square
hole will typically be restless, angry, and careless with details.
No amount of money would compensate for being stuck in a
routine job. Money in fact isn't why they are working at all.
They do want to be paid fairly and need a status position to
satisfy their competitive tendencies--
but even more importantly, they'll want challenging new
projects. They typically like to have a sense of responsibility
and need to feel needed. In return, they'll give their all and
provide detailed, consistent work. They will literally work
themselves to exhaustion to prove themselves.

If you want to keep your Aries co-worker productive and happy,
you'll want to give them the opportunity to work independently
or let them help and lead less experienced workers.

Taurus Employee Profile
===================

Taureans make some of the best employees. They are loyal,
hardworking, and no-nonsense. They work methodically and
follow projects through until they are complete. Some may
appear to work a little too slowly-usually because they are so
careful-but they will always finish what they start. They thrive on
structure, schedules, and routine. You'll find them doing the
same exact thing at the same time every day.

Taureans, however, are not exactly the malleable workers that
they often appear to be. If they have to work in a chaotic
environment, they won't be happy and will be prone to child-like
temper tantrums and stubbornness. They might react similarly if
they have to work around ignorant people or at a job where
there is no obvious potential for advancement.

Taureans will be very unhappy if there isn't a ladder for them to
climb. Even in the worst situations, they will find a way to
advance slowly, winning over the most difficult people who
may stand in their way of progress.

Taurus employees will only take so much patiently and happily
before they feel they are being taken advantage of. They will
gladly accept orders and do whatever dirty work needs to get
done, but they expect rewards. They want material gain, salary
increases, and the potential for more power.

To make your Taurus employees happy, be sure to give them
projects through which they will see tangible results-hopefully
something that will allow them to express their unique creativity
in addition to their practical side. They don't want to feel mired
in details for long periods of time.

Make sure to schedule regular performance and salary reviews.
This show of respect should keep them loyal to the company

Gemini Employee Profile
===================

Gemini employees can have difficulty concentrating on one
thing for long periods of time. They have quick-moving minds
and love to talk and communicate their ideas with others.
They thrive on social interaction -- even if their jobs don't
particularly support it. You'll be able to find them wandering
from desk to desk gossiping about all the sordid news in the
office. They can be powerful persuaders in their speech and
make ideal salespeople and mediators.
. They love to nego-
tiate and can work out the best Deal for everyone involved.

When properly stimulated, they can manage to keep their
wandering mind focused and actually be quite productive.
When they are bored, bogged down with mundane detail-
work, or forced to work with people who they consider droll,
they can become mean-spirited and gossipy. Their moods
can fluctuate vastly day to day, as well as their productivity.

It is really against their nature to be forced into an average
workday schedule and environment. They are happier traveling.
lf they are in an office they will need constant new stimulation.

Most will be wanting advancement if they see this as a way to
escape the limitations of their jobs. This can motivate them to
put extra effort into their job. If you work with a Gemini, try to
avoid getting into any debates with them - they will surely
win and it could end in some hard feelings on your part. They
will need an accepting environment-one that supports their
need for multi-tasking.


Cancer Employee Profile
====================

The Cancer employee isn't at work to feed their ego -- their
job is just a job and a means to get paid. They work steadily
and are usually very reliable. You'll be able to depend on them
to show up on time and do what is necessary. They won't get
involved in power struggles or get upset when someone
advances before them. They are able to accept the situation
because they see it simply as a rung on the ladder up. Their
motivation is security.

They'll want more money the longer they've stayed at a job.
They don't want to have to worry about how they'll make ends
meet tomorrow so they'll need a stable position without much
risk. Cancerian workers can slip into some dark moods on
occasion.

During these periods productivity tends to drop-as well as
everyone else's in the office. Their moods can be so strong
everyone becomes affected. To avoid the frequency of these
occurrences, managers and co-workers should try to make
the work environment as homey as possible-keep it well
heated, cozy, and friendly. Don't press them to reveal their
true inner thoughts-their tendency is to be secretive and
protective, and they could see prying as an attempt to
disturb their security.

Leo Employee Profile
=================

Leo workers want to be first and at the centre of the office.
Even if they can't lead, they'll look for every opportunity to
increase their own status -- and if someone else seems
ahead of them, look out. They will make it clear that they
aren't happy by pouting and complaining. They want
advancement so much that they'll take on more respon-
sibility and carry a heavier load than anyone else does in
the office. And they are self-promoters. It is likely that they
are telling everyone in the office what a great job they are
doing as well as giving everyone unwanted advice.

They know they are superior and want everyone to know it
as well. This arrogance can sometimes cause problems
when working with management. But typically, they are just
hard workers out to demonstrate just how good they really are.

They thrive in sales positions - they can promote a product
or company just as well as they promote themselves.

Their strength and arrogance isn't just show either. In a crisis
situation, Leos really demonstrate their true courage.

Leos want to lead and will be pushing for more responsibility
and rewards. They are happy to train and mentor new co-
workers as they enjoy giving advice and being in positions of
authority.

If you are trying to manage a Leo employee, you'll need to
give them plenty of praise, responsibility, and independence.
They will certainly want to help lighten your load of manage-
ment responsibilities. Just be careful- the next thing you know
they could be taking over your job.


Virgo Employee Profile
==================

In the right situations Virgos love to work. They make ideal
emloyees, happily working late into the night to make sure
everything is perfect and in order. If you are looking for an
employee who doesn't mind starting from rock bottom in the
most entry-level position at the company, hire a Virgo.

They'll have no complaints about the position being beneath
them. They are CONTENT with basic, honest hard work.
Their contentment isn't always apparent, however.

They love to complain and worry. They are quick to criticize
the way things are done around the office and are the first
ones to grumble disapprovingly at what they consider to be
extravagance or laziness. They are blunt and honest and
don't mince words over what they feel just isn't right.

Usually, this will be brought on by someone doing a half-
baked job or not being considerate of other co-workers.

You'll want to constantly reassure them, but this will do little to
quell their anxieties. They actually enjoy worrying, and there
is little you can do about it. Just give them a detail - oriented
project and let them work alone on it. You won't have to
supervise a Virgo worker. They'll check all the facts before
getting started and catch their own errors when they are done.

To keep a Virgo employee happy, you should also make sure
their environment is orderly and calm. You should also provide
small gestures of appreciation. They don't need extravagance,
just let them know you appreciate them in small ways that
won't embarrass them. They will probably just shrug their
shoulders and say, "It's no big deal." But deep down inside
they need these little reassurances.



Libra Employee Profile
==================

Libra employees are detailed, dedicated workers with
sensitive natures. Managers and co-workers sometimes
find them difficult to get a handle on. They pick up the
energy of the office and are unable to prevent it from
affecting them. Loud noise, flashy colors, and discordant
vibrations will put them off so much that they will have
difficulty fulfilling their obligations at work.

One day they may seem like the most bright, hardworking,
ambitious employee around. The next day they might be
down, irritated, and unable to produce. Co-workers
shouldn't fret when Libra employees are in a dark mood.
It really won't last, as a happy state of mind can come over
them just as quickly. When Libra employees are in a
balanced frame of mind, they can be a powerful presence
at work-they have a way of gracing everything they touch.
Underneath that mess of moods, they really are basically
happy and stable people. They are capable of profound
logical thought and evaluate all sides of a situation before
acting. They are one of the most intelligent Signs around.

They are expert researchers and mediators. And their
sensitivity to their environment makes them naturals at
keeping things looking great. They will easily help others
resolve conflicts and can act as a go-between with workers
and management so that everyone ends up happy.

If you want to keep your Libran worker smiling, give them
the respect they are due and put them in a position where
they can project their great charm and diplomacy. They
won't be CONTENT to take orders for very long, either-
make sure they are given increased responsibility



Scorpio Employee Profile
====================

Scorpio employees usually exude a quiet self-confidence. They
are self-sufficient and do not depend on others for a sense of
self-worth. They keep their private life separate from work and
take complete responsibility for their actions and their situation.
They don't make excuses; they just take care of business and
expect everyone else to do the same. Those who don't, co-
workers and managers- will have to endure the Scorpio wrath.

They don't mind being completely vocal about what they feel is
wrong with any given situation. And if you tread on their fire be
sure to expect retaliation. They won't take insults or opposition
lying down.

If you manage a Scorpio employee, be sure to follow through
with your word and don't break any promises-Scorpio is
keeping track and building up some heavy resentments
against you if you do. You may not even be aware of it until
too late-but when Scorpio gets too much, you'll be sure to
know.

Scorpio employees will react towards those around them
exactly as they are treated. When they get what they want,
they will be very accepting.

If you are trying to work with or motivate a Scorpio co-worker,
be sure to treat them respectfully and act professionally.
Give them challenging work that allows them to utilize their
awesome self-confidence and courage.

Sagittarius Employee Profile
======================

The Sagittarian employee is head strong, cheerful, and willing
to help. They exude self-confidence and take on tasks like
there's no tomorrow. They are willing to tackle even the
toughest of projects as long as it is challenging and gets them
out of the routine. Lucky for them, their shining personalities
and honest enthusiasm seem like a bright spot in the office-
otherwise co-workers might begin to build animosity towards
someone so arrogant and extravagant.

Their tendency to exaggerate and take on more then they can
handle usually results in missed deadlines and dropping the
ball-not because they are lazy of procrastinate, but because
their enthusiasm just gets the better of them sometimes.
Don't let their nonchalance fool you-they really do care about
what they are doing. They just have an easy-going attitude
that allows them to keep on smiling even when they just
messed up big time.

Just because they are flexible and easy-going doesn't mean
they won't tell you exactly how they feel-what is working for
them and what isn't. And they won't just blindly take orders -
they need to understand the method and reason behind the
process.

If you are trying to motivate your Sagittarian employee, be
sure to feed them plenty of challenging new projects and
hint that some business trips might be on the horizon once
deadlines are met.

And whatever you do, try not to question their intentions-
it is the quickest way to make them upset. They aren't
capable of deceit.

Capricorn Employee Profile
======================

A Capricorn employee with too much to do is a happy worker.

They need plenty of projects and responsibility. There is no
sadder sight than a Capricorn worker without a sense of
responsibility. They need to be needed. They are covertly
ambitious - usually not flashy or obvious about it-but you will
usually know that they are serious and determined about
advancing themselves.

They are completely scrupulous, so much so that they can be
self-disparaging. But they are no pushovers. They can wear
down even the toughest customers. Their persistence is
incredible. Once they set their sights on a goal, they work
away at it until the bitter end-whether the goal be that hard
sell or the new hardware release.

Capricorns don't work for free, however. They expect to be
paid handsomely and be given more and more responsibility.
They need to come out ahead of the pack in the end, and
they see the work environment as their primary vehicle.

They won't go in for the typical office gossip and politics, though.

They want to get down to business at work and see it as no
place for fooling around.

With a strong sense of duty and respect towards their superiors,
it is rare they will join in on boss-bashing or knocking the system.

They can get frustrated, however, with blue sky management
schemes that lack common sense, and they will interject their
dry sense of humor in the most critical ways.

If they want change, they will be unyielding. If all their effort
leads to naught the result will be deep moods of darkness and
depression with a sense of hopelessness.

Keep your Capricorn employee happy by paying them fairly
and giving them plenty of hard work. Arrange for a path of
advancement within your organization for them. If you don't,
you might find them looking for other opportunities.


Aquarius Employee Profile
=====================

The Aquarius employee can't tolerate unfairness in the office.

Hair brained schemes will get the positive attention they
deserve if an Aquarian has anything to do with it. They'll try
to help everyone see the good side of a bad situation if it's
the last thing that they do. They are so smart-they can't help
but hold management in disdain if they feel that they are
being unfair and unintelligent. It isn't that they are overly
ambitious and think they could be doing a better job- just
that they think people in power should know better.

Most Aquarius workers are still looking for themselves and
will want to try their hand at a variety of jobs in the workplace.
Whatever they are doing, they will do conscientiously.

They usually have strict personal codes that include a strong
work ethic. Their bright, off-beat intelligence, and trustworthi-
ness will typically gain them many friends-in and out of work.

Beneath that sometimes odd-ball behavior is solid, concrete
thinking and sensitivity to co-workers. Keep your smart
Aquarius co-worker happy by giving them plenty of opportunity
to learn news kills.

Raises are less important to them. No amount of money will
make it worth their while to stay in a stagnant position. Don't
let them get too bored or they will simply find another job as
easily as they found this one-their genius is easy to spot

Pisces Employee Profile
===================

The Pisces employee can be a loyal and hard-working, if
unconventional, worker. In the right position, they are able to
keep their daydreams in check and buckle down on the
detail work-giving their all to the boss and corporation whom
they feel are worthy of devotion.

On the flip side, there is no image of extreme misery like that
of an ill-placed Pisces worker. They will act as though their
cubicle were a prison cell as they daydream of their own
business or next vacation.

Unhappy Pisces workers usually won't stick around too long.
Often Pisceans will drift from one job to another looking for
that ideal environment to which they will be able to commit
and feel a sense of purpose. And if things are going in a bad
direction at the office, Pisces will be the first to sense it.
They'd rather pick up and leave then wait until the problem
reaches a head. Pisces are often misunderstood by their
co-workers.

Typically timid and introspective, they usually keep their true
nature hidden, for fear it wouldn't fit with the corporte culture.
What motivates a Pisces employee to not only stick around
but also excel? Try compliments. And show them how their
work impacts the entire organization.

They need to know that what they are doing is worth
something on a grander scale. Acceptance of their
unconventional organization and planning will be necessary.
Just because their sales report isn't in the typical format
doesn't mean it is any less effective. Keep their environment
bright and upbeat; and an after-work cocktail wouldn't hurt.

Heartless Medicine, Mindless Doctors

Dear Friends,

 

Was the decision to link health to profits by wedding research laboratories and researchers to the industry a good thing? The money flow improved of course but the end result has certainly not been achieved. Today we have dubious, biased research and doctors only too willing to go all the way.

 

A document has recently been shown to me that details the amounts given to various doctors under the guise of "conference fees" and then tracks their volume of prescription of particular drugs under the heading "return on investment". The list contains the name of a doctor who I still cannot believe is involved in this racket. The fact that his "performance" is not upto the mark gives me some solace.

 

We are being targeted by medicines which may well be for illnesses that do not exist. We are being prompted by doctors, some of whom are not applying their brains to the process and refusing to be a part of the racket. It is a case of "Heartless Medicine, Mindless Doctors". This disease has become chronic and incurable.

 

Why do doctors behave in this fashion? The Times of India studied this phenomenon and came out with some explanations.

 

1. Doctors are taught to be insensitive to the pain of their patients.

2. They are taught to force inconvinient cures on their patients "for their good".

3. They are regularly exposed to disease and death thus loosing their respect for life.

4. They pay a lot of money on their education and clinics and are in a hurry to get back their investments.

5. The lure of money and "foreign exposure" prods them into submitting research papers that serves the designs of the industry than help any patient.

6. The pressure of medical representatives to achieve "targets" takes its toll.

 

A case in point is an article published in a recent issue of the Indian Journal of Pediatrics on the study of a iron supplement on breast fed babies. The abstract states in bold letters that the study found that such supplements were effective. But upon going through the article I found that no such claim was made in it! Rather the article pointed out the myriad constraints. Both the authors of the article as well as the editor of the magazine are obviously suffering from the "HMMD" syndrome.

 

What then is the way out? We need informed patients and recourse to special health specific consumer courts.

 

This disease is not confined to modern doctors alone. It is also rampant amongst quacks who claim to be professional natural healers. We should stay away from such frauds.

 

I am enclosing the article that made me reflect on the HMMD disease.

 

Regards,

Jagannath.

 

 

Women should be wary of cancer test campaign

TV commercials exploit fear of breast cancer in the guise of education

COMMENTARY

By Arthur Caplan, Ph.D.

Updated: 9:50 a.m. ET Sept. 14, 2007

 

Myriad Genetics, a Salt Lake City biotechnology company, has seen its stock price rise in the past few days. My hunch is investors are responding to the company's unprecedented direct-to-consumer television advertising campaign aimed at women concerned about breast and ovarian cancer.

 

It would be fair to say that this encompasses just about every woman in the world old enough to have heard of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

 

Those investing in Myriad stock know that is a pretty big market for a company offering a test that can detect genes which dispose women to getting these cancers. 

 

In fact, it's too big a market. Myriad is getting awfully close to overselling its testing technology in the guise of trying to educate women about breast cancer. While Wall Street may be happy, the Myriad campaign is exploiting fear of cancer to sell its test.

 

Myriad is running TV ads, along with some radio and magazine spots, with the slogan "Be ready against cancer" in Boston, Hartford, Providence, and New York City for the next six months. The ads urge women who have a family history of breast cancer to consider getting tested to see if they have a mutation that also puts them at risk. The testing can cost over $3,000.

 

The ads don't make it very clear that Myriad makes the test.

 

More about business
Now, paying that much money might seem worthwhile since women who have the genetic mutation have a very high risk of developing breast cancer and a high risk of ovarian cancer -- much higher than women who don't.

 

Myriad says that the ads are intended to be "informative, factual, positive and empowering with the goal of encouraging women to think about their family history of breast and ovarian cancers." Some physicians would applaud any ad campaign that gets women thinking about their family genetic risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer.

 

I think, however, that these ads make more business sense for Myriad than for public health or for educating women.

 

It is true that certain genes can put a woman at much higher risk of breast cancer. But the genes Myriad offers testing for are responsible for only about 10 percent of all breast cancer. Nor does having the gene mean you will get the disease at a young age.

 

If you have the genetic mutations, you are at much greater risk of getting breast cancer -- but it may not strike until your 50s or 60s. That is a long time off for someone in their 20s to be worrying about getting a cancer that could well be cured in two or three decades.

Many experts on genetic testing recommend the Myriad genetic test only for women who have close genetic relatives who had breast cancer at a young age -- 40 and younger. Perhaps 2 percent of American women meet that criterion.

 

Not only is there a grave risk that the test is being pitched to women who don't need it, it is not clear what women are to do if they do have the genetic mutation. At one extreme, some doctors recommend complete removal of the breasts to prevent cancer. But even that drastic surgery is not 100 percent effective.

 

If you already know you have a family history of breast cancer, then you can get frequent breast exams without having your genes tested. That's all you will do anyway -- even if you test positive.

 

Ticking time bomb
Ironically if you watch the ad and then get the test, you could well do yourself some harm.

Some life and health insurance companies will not be thrilled to find out that a woman thinks she is at risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. They might drop coverage as soon as a test is sought. Others will certainly want to know if a test result is positive. As a 'pre-existing' condition, that could spell trouble down the road in getting the costs of treatment for breast or ovarian cancer reimbursed. Or a health-benefits manager could decide that someone with a ticking time-bomb cancer gene is not the sort of person they need on the health plan. There is not much in the way of legislation that protects women against this sort of genetic discrimination.

 

There is no doubt that this ad barrage will be effective. Wall Street already knows that. 

Many women will want the test that Myriad is promoting even though they are not at any particular risk of having the relatively rare genetic mutation, a condition which accounts for a small proportion of all breast cancer. Myriad says it wants to do good by raising public awareness about hereditary breast cancer. Maybe. 

 

But the company's claim would be a lot more convincing if they were not using a shotgun ad campaign likely to yield a lot more lucrative testing than a more targeted campaign which could really inform the 1 in 400 women who might truly benefit from knowing their risk.

 

Arthur Caplan, Ph.D., is director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.

(c) 2007 MSNBC Interactive

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20761643/

Internet Addict

1. A friend stops to see you since your phone has been busy-----for a year!!!!!"(FOR DIAL UP'S) 

2. You forgot how to work the TV remote control.
3. You see something funny and scream, "LOL, LOL."
4. You tell everyone, that after surgery, your mom went to ICQ ......instead of ICU!
5. You sign off and your screen says you were on for 3 days and 45 minutes.
6. You placed the refrigerator beside your computer.
7. You buy a laptop and a cell phone so you can have ICQ in your car.
8. Tech support calls YOU for help.
9. You beg your friends to get an account so you can "hang out."
10. You get a second phone line just to call out for pizza.
11. You purchase a vanity car license plate with your screen name on it.
12. You say "he he he he" or "heh heh heh" instead of laughing.
13. You say "SCROLL UP" when someone asks what it was you said.
14. You find out divorce papers had been served on you 6 months ago.
15. You talk on the phone with the same person you are sending an instant message to.
16. You look at an annoying person off line and wish that you had your ignore button handy.
17. You start to experience "withdrawal" after not being online for awhile.
18. You say......."Where did the time go??"
19. You sit on ICQ for 6 hours for that certain special person to sign on.
20. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
21.You end your sentences with.....three or more periods.......
22. Your shoes are suddenly 2 sizes too small.
23. You think faster than the computer.
24. You enter a room and get greeted by 25 people with {{{hugs}}} and ** kisses**.
25. Being called a newbie is a major insult to you.
26. You're on the phone and say BRB.
27. Your teacher or boss recommends a drug test for the blood shot eyes.
28. Your answering machine/voice mail sounds a little like this...."BRB. Leave your S/N and I'll TTYL ASAP".
29. You get up at 2:00 AM to go to the bathroom and turn the computer on instead.
30. You need to be pried from your computer by the Jaws-of-life.

Think Otherwise

1. There is a man who lives on the top floor of a very tall building. Everyday he gets the elevator down to the ground floor to leave the building to go to work.Upon returning from work though, he can only travel half way up in the lift and has to walk the rest of the way unless it's raining! Why?
(This is probably the best known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. It is a true classic. Although there are many possible solutions which fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying. )
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
2. A man and his son are in a car accident. The father dies on the scene,
but the child is rushed to the hospital. When he arrives the surgeon says,
"I can't operate on this boy, he is my son! " How can this be?
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
3. A man is wearing black. Black shoes, socks, trousers, lumper, gloves and
balaclava. He is walking down a black street with all the street lamps off.
A black car is coming towards him with its light off but somehow manages to
stop in time. How did the driver see the man?
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
4. Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones? This is
logical rather than lateral, but it is a good puzzle that can be solved by
lateral thinking techniques. It is supposedly used by a very well-known
software company as an interview question for prospective employees.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
5. A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early.
Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of
poisoning. Why did the man not die?
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
6. A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The
barman pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you'
and walks out.
(This puzzle claims to be the best of the genre. It is simple in its statement, absolutely baffling and yet with a completely satisfying solution. Most people struggle very hard to solve this one yet they like the answer when they hear it or have the satisfaction of figuring it out. )
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

SOLUTIONS

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
1. The man is very, very short and can only reach halfway up the elevator buttons. However,if it is raining then he will have his umbrella with him and can press the higher buttons with it.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
2. The surgeon was his mother.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
3. It was day time.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
4. A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round manhole cannot be dropped down the manhole. So for safety and practicality, all manhole covers should be round.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
5. The poison in the punch came from the ice cubes. When the man Drank the punch, the ice was fully frozen. Gradually it melted, poisoning the punch.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
6. The man had hiccups. The barman recognized this from his speech and drew the gun in order to give him a shock. It worked and cured the hiccups-so the man no longer needed the water.

Fasting – A Great Act of Worship

Fasting - A Great Act of Worship

From Islamic Newsletter 'As-Sunnah' Issue no: 9

Adapted from the book 'Fasting - A great Act of Worship' by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaimeen and translated by Dr. Abdullah al-Farsi.

 

The Virtues of Ramadaan
Allah says: "O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become Muttaqoon (the pious)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 183] Fasting is a great act of worship, if it was not then Allah, the All Wise would not have made it obligatory on all nations.

Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) narrates: "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "When the month of Ramadaan starts, the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and Satans are chained." [Saheeh al-Bukharee vol: 3, no: 123 and Saheeh Muslim no: 2361 and 2362]

The gates of Jannah are opened as an encouragement for those who seek rewards from Allah and perform righteous deeds. Likewise, the gates of Hell are closed, since less sins are committed in this sacred month and the Shaytaan is chained in order to prevent him from misleading the people and attracting them to sinful acts.

Amongst the virtues of fasting is that it is an atonement of sins. Narrated Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "He who observed the fasts of the month of Ramadaan out of sincerity and hoping for the reward from Allah, he will have his past sins forgiven." [Saheeh al-Bukharee vol: 3, no: 125]

Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported a Qudsi Hadeeth: "Allah says: "All the deeds of Adam's children belong to them, except fasting, which belongs to Me, and I will reward it. Fasting is a shield (against the Hell and sins). If one of you happens to be fasting then he should avoid sexual relations with his wife, and should avoid quarreling. If someone quarrels with him, let him say: 'I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in the Sight of Allah than the musk." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 118) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 2567)]

In this Hadeeth, Allah distinguished the sincere fast from all good deeds and He favored the fast to be greatly rewarded. Fasting is called a shield against Hell Fire because it protects the fasting person from shameful and unjust deeds, which in turn defend him from the Hell-Fire.

Fasting is a praiseworthy act, which carries two occasions of joy for the believer; one while he breaks his fast and enjoys the bounties of Allah, i.e. he was favored with the Mercy of Allah and granted the ability to fast and worship him, while others were deprived from this blessing. The second is when he will meet his Lord and enjoy the abundant rewards of fasting. Another virtue of fasting is its intercession on the Day of Judgement.

The Wisdom behind Fasting:
Fasting is a great act of worship, which a Muslim performs by avoiding all his desires, solely to please His Lord, while hoping for His Mercy and Rewards. Fasting proves the slave's great love for Allah and devotion to Him, because man by nature is desirous and he only prevents his desires and cherished acts to acquire something better and more esteemed.

Fasting is a means of attaining Taqwa (piety) and righteousness. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "He who does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah does not need his refraining from eating and drinking." [Saheeh Muslim (no: 2486)] Thus, one who fasts refrains from all evil deeds and he is more inclined and receptive to the Words of Allah and His Commandments, which make it easy for him to become pious and devout to Allah.

A rich man's fast is more appreciated because even though all the means and food present with him, he abstain from them following the Command of Allah and suffers the hardships faced by the poor and the needy. This helps him maintain humbleness and motivates him to help those in need; thus fasting prevents pride and egoism.

Apart from these spiritual benefits, fasting also includes various health benefits; it reduces the intake of food and relaxes the digesting system. Indeed, Great is the wisdom of Allah, and great are His Graces!

When does fasting begin?
Allah says: "So whoever of you sights (the crescent of the first night of) the month (of Ramadaan), he must fast that month." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 185]

Fasting begins upon sighing the new moon. However, it is not incumbent on every individual to sight the new moon. If a trustworthy Muslim testifies the sighting of the new moon, then everybody should observe fasts.

Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) narrated: "A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and reported: "O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), I have seen the new moon of Ramadaan." Thereupon, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) asked the man: "Do you bear witness that 'Laa ilaha illa Allah.'" (i.e. there is no god worthy of worship except Allah)?" "I do." said the bedouin. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) further asked him whether he testifies that Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) is the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). The bedouin affirmed that too. Thereupon, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) asked Bilaal (radhi allahu anhu) to announce the beginning of Ramadaan." [Sunan Abu Dawood no: 2333 and 2334. It is weak according to Shaikh al-Albanee]

Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) also confirmed the practice of sighting the new moon, saying: "The people were seeking the new moon. Having sighted it myself, I reported to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). He began his fast and ordered the people to begin theirs, too." [Sunan Abu Dawood no: 2335 (saheeh)]

He who sights the new moon of Ramadaan must inform those in authority in the Muslim government or community. Once the Muslim government announces the beginning of Ramadaan upon the sighting of the new moon, it becomes incumbent on all Muslims to begin their fasts.

Astronomical calculations should not be relied upon, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) clearly commanded to initiate fasting on seeing the new moon and not upon astronomical calculations. If it becomes difficult to see the moon due to bad weather conditions, then the Muslims may complete the month of Shabaan, i.e. 30 days of the month preceding Ramadaan, and then initiate their fasts. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Fast when it (the moon) is seen and cease fasting when it is seen, so if it is concealed by clouds, then complete thirty days of Shabaan." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 4 no: 106) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 1081)]

It is not permissible to fast a day or two before Ramadaan, assuming that it might be Ramadaan. Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "None of you should start Ramadaan by fasting a day or two before it, except for a man fasting his usual fast, then let him fast that day." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 138)]

Who should fast and who should not?
Fasting is obligatory on every sane, mature and healthy Muslim. Young children are encouraged to fast. [Saheeh al-Bukharee vol: 3, no: 181] Exempted are those who suffer terminal illnesses, or are too old to fast. Allah does not overburden His slaves.

Permission to abstain from fasting is granted to those travelers, who do not travel for the purpose of breaking fasts. Although it is permissible to break one's fast during travel, it is praiseworthy to maintain the fast if no hardships are imposed. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was asked about fasting on a journey, he replied: "Fast if you wish and break it if you wish." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 164) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 2487)]

Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: "Do not condemn one who observes fast, or one who does not observe it (in a journey), for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) observed fast in a journey or he did not observe it (too)." [Saheeh Muslim (no: 2471)]

In any case, travelers should make up the missed days, once Ramadaan is over and they are back home.

Sickness: As for those whose sickness does not allow them to fast, they fall into three categories:

a) If fasting does not impose hardships and does not harm, then it is better to fast.
b) If fasting is hard but not harmful, then he is permitted to break his fast.
c) If fasting is harmful for him, then he is ordered to abstain from fasting, because Allah says: "Do not kill yourselves." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 29] "Do not throw yourselves into destruction." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 195]

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "There is (to be) no harm or reciprocating harm." [(saheeh) Musnad Ahmad, Ibn Majah (Saheeh al-Jami as-Sagheer no: 7517)]

Missed days must be made up as soon as Ramadaan is over and one is healthy again:

Women: During menstrual period or the post-natal bleeding, women should abstain from fasting. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 172)]. They must make up their missed days as soon as the fasting month is over. The pregnant or breast feeding women, whose health or the health of the suckling baby might be effected due to fasting, should break her fast and make up the missed days later.

Mujahid: It is also recommended for those who engage in combat in the Way of Allah to break their fasts. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) once commanded his companions: "You are going to meet your enemy in the morning, abstaining from fasting is better for your strength, so break your fast." [Saheeh Muslim (no: 2486)]

Praiseworthy Etiquettes of Fasting

(A) Suhoor: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Take (the meal of) Suhoor because there is blessing in it." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 146) and Saheeh Muslim (2412)]. Even drinking a cup of water instead of a meal for Suhoor has blessings, since taking Suhoor implies obeying the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and following his Sunnah. Besides, Suhoor also adds to the physical health with the essential nutrition and strength required to fast. [see Fatawah as-Siyaam, p.40]

(B) Iftaar: Breaking the fast as soon as the sun sets. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking their fast." [Saheeh al-Bukharee 4/173 & Saheeh Muslim 1093]

(C) Invoking Allah upon breaking fast.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Indeed, there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected." [(Saheeh) - Ibn Majah (1/557) ]

Supplication:

"Dhahabadh dhama'u wabtallatil 'urooqu wa thabatal ajru insha Allah"

"The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, Insha'Allah."
[Abu Dawood (2/306)]

(D) Reciting the Qur'aan as much as possible during the month of Ramadaan.

Practices which Break the Fast

1 - Sexual intercourse in the daytime. The willful violation of the fast by this practice requires the fast of sixty consecutive days in order to make up the day. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 57) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 2457)]

2 - Willful ejaculation by means of kissing and caressing, etc. Wet dreams and unintentional ejaculation do not break the fast.

3 - Eating, drinking, smoking or taking any food substitutes such as receiving blood, glucose, or IV. Substances during the fast.

4 - Intentional vomiting.

5 - Menstrual bleeding. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 172)] Regardless of the time when the menses begins. The same rule applies to the post-natal bleeding.

NOTE: Days in which the above 2 to 5 points take place are to be made up a day for a day once Ramadaan is over.

Applying Kohl (surmah), eye, ear or nose drops do not break the fast because they are neither food nor its substitute. Wearing perfumes, using the Siwaak or toothbrush without toothpaste do not break the fast, since it has been reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to do so. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "The siwaak is a means of cleansing the mouth and pleasing the Lord." [Saheeh al-Jaami as-Sagheer (no: 3695)]

NOTE: It should be mentioned here that using toothbrush with toothpaste in the fast is disliked.

Actions that should be avoided while Fasting:

Carelessness in performing other acts of worship: Performing the other acts of worship and duties is most important and Salaat is of specific importance, because without it no act of worship is accepted by Allah.

Not praying in Congregation: Praying in congregation is a great aspect in our religion, thus everyone must attend the prayer. It is reward twenty-seven times greater than the prayer performed individually. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 1, no: 618)]. Once, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was about to burn the houses of those who did not attend the congregational prayers. This was due to the gravity of their sin. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 1, no: 17) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 1369)]
Regularly attending the congregational prayer is directed to men; the best place for a woman is to pray is her house. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Do not prevent your women (from going to) the Masjid, but their houses are better for them." [(saheeh) Musnad Ahmad, Abu Dawood, al-Haakim, Saheeh al-Jaami as-Sagheer no: 7458]

Bad behavior such as lying, cheating, music, backbiting, slandering, etc. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "No slanderer shall enter Paradise." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 8, no: 82) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 180)] and: "There will exist in my Ummah those who will deem unlawful things lawful (such as) fornication, silk for men, intoxicating beverages and musical instruments." [Saheeh al-Bukharee 7/494)]

In a Fatawah (religious ruling), the Shaikh further explains that the fasting of a person who engages in forbidden speech is not invalidated, but its rewards are diminished. The gravity of his sin(s) might be so immense that it outstrips all the rewards for his fast. [Fatawah as-Siyaam]

The Virtues of the Last Ten Days of Ramadaan It has been reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) worshiped Allah more in the last ten days of Ramadaan. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 241), and Saheeh Muslim (no: 2643-2644)]

He used to awaken his family in the night so that they may not loose the benefit of these blessed nights. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 241) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 2643)]

It is also reported that he used to make Itikhaaf by spending the last ten days in the Masjid. [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 3, no: 242) and Saheeh Muslim (no: 2636)]