Monday 6 August 2012

[www.keralites.net] Tips for a realistic Asset Allocation

 


The first tip for asset allocation management is to diversify your investment. Putting all your eggs inside one basket is too much a risk.  So do not invest all your money in one company, expecting to generate cores of rupees in revenue.  Strategic asset allocation requires diversification.

If you want to invest in various assets, assign a determined percentage. Suppose you wish to invest in share market, since it is a risky investment, you should balance it with other, less risky assets. For example, Government Bonds, NSC, PPF, Bank Term Deposits etc. They may have a low return over investment (ROI), but you can be pretty sure that they will pay you what they promised.

The second tip is to find a group of asset allocation tools that can help you in your decisions. For example, one of those tools is the internet. The World Wide Web is an excellent source of information. You can find the investments opportunities available at all over the world.   Plus, you will be able to recollect the latest news in the geopolitical situation at different parts of the world.
 
The world is an ever changing place, so it is in your best interest to maintain yourself informed. Another practical tool is an asset allocation calculator. The difference between a typical calculator and this application is that it will help you decide in which way you should make your investments. And, it can make a projection on how much money are you going to receive after a determined number of years.

Finally, there is paid and free asset allocation software. In the case of the first one, they can be pretty complex pieces of software. They may use different mode of calculations and predications. Before considering buying one of these packages, make a thorough research and determine if you really need them. In the case of free software, forget about it. There is no way in which someone will invest so much time in decent asset allocation software and then distribute it for free. Those kinds of things may happen with computer games, but not with investment software.   I never recommend to buy software for planning your asset allocation, the main defects of this software is, again you need to be an expert in operating this software.  In case you failed to operate this software as per the direction, definitely the result will be wrong and misleading.  Finally you will end up with a wrong asset allocation   which will defect  the entire objectives of a financial planning and proper asset allocation.


Optimizing strategic asset allocation should be the priority of every person who wants to have an untroubled future for him and his family. Although determining which are the correct asset allocation models isn't easy. In case you aren't able to determine the best strategic asset allocation, you can always look for an expert financial planner, for a fee, is willing to do so.
 
Best Regards
Prakash Nair

www.keralites.net

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
KERALITES - A moderated eGroup exclusively for Keralites...
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Homepage: www.keralites.net
.

__,_._,___

[www.keralites.net] Advice requested

 

Dear All,

Myself and my wife are senior citizens(I am ex SBI) settled down in Chennai for the last 35 years.

We are toying with the idea of relocating back to Kerala(Kochi).We have properties in Chennai and so cannot shift immediately. Also, we are not sure whether living conditions in Kochi will be as good as what we enjoy right now in Chennai.

1.Can anyone help us to take on RENT a WATER FRONT FULLY FURNISHED 3BHK in ALUVA(or Marine Drive) for a reasonable rent?(My idea is to try it out for a few months or a year and if we like it, we will buy a flat and shift permanantly)

2.I am also open to the idea of taking on rent flats owned by NRIs who keep their flats vacant for most part of the year and stay for a month or two every year.This will be a WIN-WIN situation for both parties.The owner will get some income and his flat will be well maintained during their absence.I will get a fully furnished flat by paying a nominal rent.

3.Please note that we need only a periyar facing flat with view from all rooms, and FULLY furnishid with ACs and preferably a servant's room.

I now look forward to reciving replies for NRI s who are interested to offer their flats to me.

Warm regards,

B.Jacob
Gem Corporate Service Apartments
Flat G "Gem Court"
#91, IVth Main Road Gandhinagar
Adyar, Chennai-600020
Ph: 044-24901864/42607864 H/P:9840089864


www.keralites.net

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
KERALITES - A moderated eGroup exclusively for Keralites...
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Homepage: www.keralites.net
.

__,_._,___

[www.keralites.net] Donate Eyes

 

Donate Eyes…..

Why should we donate eyes?

 

 

"The eye is the window to the world, at the same time, it is the window of the soul." - Shakespeare.

India is shouldering the largest burden of global blindness. There are 45 million people in the world who are blind, of which as many as 15 million are Indian. Three times that number suffers from a significant impairment of vision that threatens their ability to be physically or financially self-sufficient. The cumulative loss to the country's GNP is estimated to be to the tune of US $11.1 billion (Shammana et al 1998). The total population of our country is 1.08 billion, out of the same 52 million are having mild visual problems, including 3,20,000 children. If we look at the root cause of the blindness, we may be surprised to hear that 66% of the causes are either preventable or curable. While the problem is formidable, the need to take up the challenge of curtailing it is compelling.

The greatest blessing comes from giving sight to a blind person. Imagine the world of a person who cannot see-a world of darkness, without hope. God has blessed all of us with eyes. But some of the less fortunate persons cannot see through them. Most of the blind are unable to earn a living. They are forced to depend on others. But, for some of these carnally blind persons, there is hope. This hope comes from the kindness of persons who are blessed with good eyesight, who will donate their eyes when they are of no use (after death). This great act of charity costs nothing. What is being donated is useless to the donor after death.

The blessings this donation brings are fantastic what blessings can be more than the heartfelt thanks of two persons who are now able to see. You have the power to bring immense joy: To give sight to the blind.


What is Eye Donation?

 

What is Eye Donation?

Eye donation is an act of donating one's eyes after his/her death. Only corneal blinds can be benefited through this process not other Blinds. It is an act of charity, purely for the benefit of the society and is totally voluntary. It is done after death. The eye donation of the deceased can be authorized by the next of kith & kin even if the deceased did not pledge to donate his / her eyes before death.


What is the use of eyes received?

The eyes, which are received through such magnanimous gestures, are of great benefit to the society. The front, clear and transparent tissue of the eye called as cornea can be used to restore vision to corneal blind person. The other portions of the eye are also used for research and training purposes to develop cures for some of the common eye diseases.

What is Corneal Blindness?

The Cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye. It is a focusing element of the eye. The Vision is dramatically reduced or lost if the cornea becomes cloudy. This loss of the vision is referred as corneal blindness.


What causes corneal blindness?

The cornea can get damaged through accidents. Children, while playing with sharp objects (e.g. bows and arrows, pen, pencil, etc.) can accidentally damage their cornea. Corneal blindness can also happen to elders. Some of the industrial causes are chemical bums, flying debris or road accidents. The cornea can get damaged due to infections and malnutrition as well.


Is there a cure for corneal blindness?

Yes. Removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with a healthy cornea by surgery can cure corneal blindness. Till date the treatment of the corneally blind people is corneal grafting. Artificial corneas have not yet been developed and hence the only source for cornea is from our fellow human beings. The first corneal transplant took place in 1905.


What is the source for the cornea?

Fortunately, cornea can be removed from a deceased person within six hours of death and can be used for surgery. Artificial cornea has not yet been developed nor is there any other objective. The eyes, which would ultimately be consigned to flames, or buried along with the body, can restore sight to two needy people.


How can one donate eyes?

Eyes are removed only after death. A person wishing to donate eyes should make close family members aware of their intentions. After the death of the person, it is the family who can inform the nearest eye bank to fulfill the wishes of the deceased or authorize the removal of the eyes if somebody from an eye bank approaches the family.


What is an Eye Bank?

An Eye Bank is a charitable organization and is not for profit. They are purely functioning for the benefit of the society. The eye banks facilitate removal of eyes, processing of eyes and evaluation of the eyes and distribute them to the needy. The first Eye Bank was set up in United states in 1945 at Newark City. Around 500 + – Eye banks in India.


How do I ensure that the eyes so donated would not be misused?

Eye Banks are covered under "Transplantation of Human Organs Act" since 1994. It is a criminal offence to buy or sell organs. The Government issues a certificate of registration to eye banks and has a provision to inspect them regularly. In case a complaint is filed against any eye bank, the Government can take legal action.


How do I contact an eye bank?

A special Toll free number 1919 (BSNL) Nationwide has been allotted for eye banks. Most of the eye banks all over the country have this number, once information for eye donation is communicated to eye banks; the eye bank sends its team to collect the eyes. By calling this number, details about eye donation can also be obtained. Also, all local news paper carry the eye banks number in their Emergency Number list. You can even get it from 197 (BSNL/TATA Directory numbers.)At last, if required, you can contact any hospital and ask them for the local eye bank number.


What is the procedure for eye donation?

The local telephone directory usually lists the phone number of eye banks under essential services. The eye bank personnel would give directions and precautions to be taken. The process of removing eyes does not take more than 15 to 20 minutes. The eye bank team can come either to the house where death has taken place or to the hospital where death has taken place to remove the eyes there. It would not delay the funeral arrangements.


What precautions are to be taken?

Switch off fans and switch on Air conditioner (if available). Raise the head of the deceased slightly by placing a pillow underneath. Place wet clean cloth over the closed eye lids. Please ensure that the eyelids are properly closed. Keep a copy of the death certificate ready (if available). Contact the nearest eye bank as quickly as possible. Give the correct address with specific landmarks or famous name of our area and mobile and residence number to enable the team of eye bank for locating the house easily. Give alternate cell number of any available relatives also. The eye bank team, which would have a trained technician and/or a registered medical practitioner, would remove the eyes after taking consent on a printed form in the presence of two witnesses and also take A small quantity of blood sample will be drawn to rule out communicable diseases.


After the removal of eyes, would there be any complications or disfigurement?

There are two methods adopted for removal of eyes. Some eye banks would remove the whole eyeball. In such a case there may be temporary bleeding. The team is well trained to take care of such eventualities. There would be no disfigurement. The eye bank team, after the removal of eyes would properly close the eyes so that there is no disfigurement. The second method is the removal of only the clear transparent tissue. Here also a plastic shield is placed in place of the tissue and no difference can be noticed.


Is eye donation against religious principles or traditions?

All religions endorse eye donation. There are numerous examples in our traditions and scriptures, which endorse eye and organ donation. A part of the body would be consumed by flames and reduced to ashes or which is buried and allowed to decay and disintegrate & cannot be put to a better use than restoring vision to the needy!!!

 

Who can donate eyes? Is there any age limit?

Any person of any age can donate eyes. Even if the deceased has medical history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis etc., and even spectacle wearers and people who have undergone cataract operation can donate eyes.


Who cannot donate their eyes?

Patients suffering from Rabies, Tetanus, Aids, Jaundice, Cancer, Gangrene, Brain Tumer, Food Poisoning, Septosamia & a person who has died due to drowning etc. cannot donate their eyes.


You can help by

Eye Donation shows your responsibility to society as a caring, committed citizen.


Your attitude makes a world of difference.....
Your decision offers a vision of hope.


Pledging your eyes and those of the members of your family.


Being a member of the eye donation association.


Calling the nearest eye bank immediately when a death occurs in the family.


By giving the correct address with specific landmarks and a telephone number to enable the eye bank team to locate the place easily.

EYES ARE PRECIOUS: DO NOT BURY OR BURN

MAKE EYE DONATION A FAMILY TRADITION




Best Regards,
Rajendra K. Daftary
daftaryrk@gmail.com

~ Think Positive **~ Be Positive **~ Feel the Difference*

P Save our environment. Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

www.keralites.net

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
KERALITES - A moderated eGroup exclusively for Keralites...
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Homepage: www.keralites.net
.

__,_._,___

[www.keralites.net] ISLAMIC MANNERS-19

 

ISLAMIC MANNERS-19

Visiting the Sick

8.1 VISITING A PATIENT
It is your duty to visit your Muslim brethren in time of illness. This will enhance and nourish the bond of Islam and the brotherhood among you. As a committed Muslim, do not undervalue the great reward from Allah. Imam Muslim reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'A Muslim visiting ill brethren will continue to be in the Khurfa of paradise until he, or she comes back home. He was asked, 'What is the khurfa of Paradise?' He answered, 'This means the harvest of paradise.' Imam Ahmad and Ibn Hibban in his authentic book reported that the Messenger said: 'A visitor walking to visit a patient will be wading in the mercy of Allah. When the visitor sits with the patient they will be immersed in mercy until his, or her return.'

8.2 PRAYING FOR THE SICK
It is very appropriate to say few prayers for the sick asking Allah (SWT) to bless them with recovery and help them through their sickness. Bukhari and Muslim reported that Aisha said 'If someone fell sick the Prophet would pass his right hand over them while saying the following prayer 'O the Lord of humans, take away the suffering, bring the recovery, no cure but your cure that leaves no ilness.' In another hadith reported by Bukhari, Ibn Abbas said that the Prophet when vising a sick person would say: 'Hold on, may Allah cleanse you.'

8.3 THE LENGTH OF THE VISIT
Certain etiquette will make your visit to an ill person a refreshing and morale boosting one. Your duty is to ease his or her pains, and to make him or her more conscious of the rewards they will gain in return for their suffering and endurance.

Make your visit brief. Sick persons may not withstand such long visits. The length of the visit should be not longer than the time between the two speeches of Friday. In this respect, it was said that the visit should be long enough to convey your greeting and wishes (Salam), to ask the sick how he or she is doing, to pray for recovery and to leave immediately after saying good-bye.

If you visit a patient say your greeting
And immediately you should say, 'Good-bye'
The best visit is every third day The best stay is in the blink of an eye
Do not bother the patient with many questions
Two or three words will get you all along.

At the end of his book of Malkite Fiqh, Al-Kafi, Imam Ibn 'Abdul Al-Barr said: 'Whether you visit a healthy or an ill person, you ought to sit where you are told. Hosts know better how to ensure privacy in their home. Visiting an ill person is a confirmed Sunnah. The best visit is the shortest. The visitor sought not to sit too long with an ill person, unless they are close friends and the ill person enjoys their company.'

Engr.Sulthan

www.keralites.net

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
KERALITES - A moderated eGroup exclusively for Keralites...
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Homepage: www.keralites.net
.

__,_._,___

[www.keralites.net] Ramadan recipe-19

 

Crispy Falafel with Yogurt Dip Recipe

Fun & Info @ Keralites.net
Crispy Falafel with Yogurt Dip Recipe
Photo: Anna Williams

The Arabic Food Recipes kitchen (The Home of Delicious Arabic Food Recipes) invites you to try Crispy Falafel with Yogurt Dip Recipe. Enjoy the Arabic Cuisine and learn how to make Crispy Falafel with Yogurt Dip.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
2 eggs, whisked
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup canola oil

Preparation

In a food processor or blender, process the chickpeas, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of water until almost smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and add the shallot, cumin, red pepper flakes, 2/3 of the garlic, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, and 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs and mix well. Roll into 16 balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and flatten slightly to form patties.

Place the remaining bread crumbs in a bowl or dish. Dip the falafel patties in the whisked eggs, then roll in the bread crumbs, coating evenly.

Prepare dip: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt and pepper with the remaining garlic, salt, and parsley. Mix well. Cover and set aside.

Heat half the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place 8 of the chickpea patties in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Add the remaining oil, if necessary, and cook the remaining patties. Drain. Serve with the yogurt dip.

If You Don't Have... store-bought bread crumbs, make fresh ones in a food processor. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup crumbs.



Engr.Sulthan

www.keralites.net

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
KERALITES - A moderated eGroup exclusively for Keralites...
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Homepage: www.keralites.net
.

__,_._,___