Forbes picked this stocks to look out for in 2013

Forbes actually picked 12 stocks in total, I've narrowed it down to companies which we are more familiar with here.

BUY Procter & Gamble (PG).

 Don Yachtman

In ten years you may not be using a cellphone, but new parents will still likely be buying Pampers. Yacktman is attracted to the predictable business and strong cash flows. Sweetening the deal: a 3.3% dividend yield

BUY Pfizer (PFE).

 Ken Fisher, Fisher Investments

Says Fisher of the pharma stalwart, “It has near endless top-notch brand names, and a stream of new products will capture growth from an ageing developed-world demographic plus new emerging middle classes overseas—all wrapped in a classically cheap stock.”

BUY Acacia Research (ACTG)

 Ryan Crane, Stephens Investment Management

Acacia buys patent portfolios and makes money by licensing the technologies or suing violators for infringement. Currently has licenses with Microsoft, Oracle and dozens more. Has over 250 patent portfolios. “It’s a high-margin clearing house for IP,” says Crane. “Five years ago they would not have existed.”

BUY Microsoft (MSFT)

Robert Kleinschmidt, Tocqueville Asset Management

Says Kleinschmidt, "I'd rather own Microsoft, which is sort of the opposite of Apple. It's just as cheap from a valuation perspective. Microsoft can't do anything right. It's like the red-headed stepchild. But if they surprise, I think there's a lot of upside, and I don't think there's much downside."

BUY FIAT (FIATY)

 Guy Spier, Aquamarine

Some consider Fiat Chief Sergio Marchionne the Steve Jobs of autos. Fiat owns two-thirds of Chrysler and produces iconic brands like Jeep, Maserati and Ferrari. It trades at 2.4 times enterprise value to cash flow. A turnaround stock that could double.

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Bosses Humour

My Bosses Jokes

The boss returned from lunch in a good mood and called the whole staff in to listen to a couple of jokes he had picked up.

Everybody but one girl laughed uproariously.

"What's the matter?" grumbled the boss. "Haven't you got a sense of humor??"

"I don't *have* to laugh," she said. "I'm leaving Friday..."

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Real Office Blunders from others!!!

Here are some real stories from people all over- things that really happened to them!!!!

Please learn from the mistakes of others!!!

Who Will Supervise the Supervisor?

My supervisor had only one drink, but was already smashed. Upon coaxing from a coworker, I gave him a peck on the cheek thanking him for a gift that he had given me as my Secret Santa (grab bag). He wouldn't leave me alone the rest of the night. It was even more embarrassing because his wife watched the whole thing!

Crying It All Out

There we were in such a party where guys and girls both drink. Two of them ended up crying and saying what they needed of a partner, which all of us realized they wouldn't have done if they hadn't been so drunk.

Who's the Boss

The owner of our company, Rupert Murdoch, showed up at a holiday party one year. One of the executives was so nervous, she said to her husband as she introduced him to the boss, "Marty, have you met Poopert Murdoch?"

Embarrassed

Years ago, my then boyfriend got so drunk that at the dinner table, not only did he light up a cigarette while everyone was eating, but also decided to to butt it into his empty dinner plate. About 15 minutes after that, he started an argument with me because I was chatting to one of my young collegues who was sitting on the other side of me. Mind you he was about 19, and I was in my 30s. The boyfriend said to me in a raised voice that he did not come to the party for me to talk to other people. At the end of the night, I was saying goodnight to my boss, who said, "what are you doing with that guy? You can do so much better." One of the most embarrassing nights of my life.

I Was the Gaffe

At my first "official" Christmas office party of my career, I sampled every kind of alcoholic beverage my boss had on hand (it was held at his home), from wine to beer to scotch and other liquors. My then-boyfriend had to practically drag me out and spend the night to be sure I wasn't suffering from liquor poisoning. I have no idea to this day whether anyone else at the party knew how drunk I was.

Office Parties

Last year at an office party one of the ladies was dancing with their dress above her waist...totally drunk and kissing a co-worker. Her mother and other family members worked at the company as well. She was fighting with them because they would not allow her to drink anymore and were dragging her out as she was screaming and kicking. The family was mortified as well as everyone who was watching. She still works at the company....they have since cancelled the office parties due the to the "economy downfall"....wink wink. There is always one in the bunch

Putting Out The Fire

One of the guys from accounting in a large corporation was very, very drunk at the Christmas party. He decided to relieve himself on the burning logs in the fireplace. Bad choice. Within a short time following that party, there was one less guy in accounting.

 I Notice a Theme Here

Almost every "incident " is related to drinking too much booze. And, almost every gaffe is of a sexual nature (except the ones involving puke). Rather than be embarrassed later by whom you hit on, or puked on, why not use some self-control with that glass in your hand?

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

How to Survive Office Parties

I can tell many people dread it as everyone is complaining about it as the date draws nearer!!!! It’s boring said the older staff, very dangerous others said…..hmmm….. Since the  stakes seems to be high… lol… here  is more on how to survive it……..

1) Prepare & be aware

Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours, so a quick brush up on important names, current affairs and likely topics will help you sail through the small talk.

2) The loner always stands out like a sore thumb!!!!

There’s nothing to gain from being self-conscious or aloof, so demonstrate you’re a fun team-player and embrace the party spirit. If it’s a costume party, make sure you show some effort. Ours is not….thank God!!!!! Dancing, pull off a few moves. Karaoke, get up and rock the mike. Showing a secure sense of humor certainly won’t do your stock any harm and it’s a great way to break the ice.

If you’re more of a conversationalist than a performer there are still steps you can take to widen your circle. Don’t get stuck only talking to the people you know, You already work with them daily, so get out and make new connections you can later follow up on.”

3) Don’t drag your better half along, suffer alone!!!!

Do your spouse and yourself a favor by giving them the night off. They don’t want to be dragged along for inspection by a room full of strangers spouting crappy in-jokes, so make your excuses (“Oh, it’s their office party tonight as well” usually does the trick) and be done with it.

 Taking this hurdle off the track absolves you from an evening of awkward introductions and leaves you with a better chance to network. It also enables you to maintain a helpful layer of mystique and ensures the pair of you won’t be cowed into a painful dinner with Joe and June from accounts!!!

4) You might be photogenic but the camera is not your friend in such an event!!!

Much like a dog, a photo is not just for Christmas so think twice before going for that “Gang Nam style” pose which will inevitably spend the best part of 2013 displayed proudly above the office copier by merciless colleagues. And just in case they’re the jealous, firing type, it’s probably best to apply a 5-ft buffer for any shots featuring you and your boss’s spouse.

Your actions will have consequences. And whilst it may be a social environment, it is still work and your boss is still your boss. And if you are female & you do not want to be seen by your boss’s wife to be beside him whole night!!!!

5) Don’t be a douche & talk work in a party!!!!

Show you have a life outside the office by filling the evening with more convivial topics.

People are more likely to help people they like or know, so figure out who you might need in the future and just spend a few relaxing moments with them. And it sounds obvious, but don’t be boring. There’s no shame in greasing the wheels of conversation with a little creative storytelling, so long as you keep it credible.

6) You are what you wear!!!!!

You want to show you’re a well-dressed stylish individual, so it’s important to make an effort, but always keep it classic and understated. Bearing in mind the camera factor and the propensity of Christmas Party mishaps to remain hot topics well into June, it’s probably best to save the Saturday Night Fever outfit for the next convention, even if you are shooting for the much-fabled ‘ironic’ look.

7) Invest a little!!!!

As we’ve established, this one night will be discussed for many more to come so it’s worth injecting some festive cheer into your wallet.  You don’t have to overspend — nothing outrageous, but just enough to ensure yours is at the classier end of the gift spectrum. You don’t want to overdo it. Be careful you are not seen to be trying too hard, as that can be equally as bad!

8) The After Party Move is just as important

Many workers  forget  that the office party is intended to be a treat and not a form of torture. Show your consideration by thanking the organisers for their efforts –  a handwritten note or card – a gesture that will make them feel good and do your reputation no harm at all.

Meanwhile,  it’s crucial to build on any office party successes while the iron’s still hot. Be sure to follow up after parties, especially if a decision maker has shown they’re interested in taking the conversation further. Making the right impression on the higher ups can open many doors.
 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Some of the things not to do at the Office Party!!!!

If you work ion a big company like mine, chances are there might be a party, especially when your team has done well, the copany has done well also !  Before you pop the champagne, be mindful that your behavior at the holiday bash will impact your professional reputation come Monday morning and beyond.

Here are some of the things not to do at the holiday office party in 2012:

1. Be sloppy drunk.

In some offices, the booze flows freely but remember: The holiday party is one of the few occasions where you'll be in a social gathering with upper management. Nurse a drink through the evening, or stick to non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone has a story about the co-worker who got sloshed at the office party and the behavior is never remembered fondly.


2 Tell dirty jokes.

The holiday party is a chance to show off your dazzling personality and intelligence to the powers that be. While the conversation need not focus on work topics, talking politics, religion, and sex is a quick way to alienate someone. If you want to tell a joke, keep it clean.


3. Steer clear of people you don't know.

This may be the only chance you get all year to actually have a conversation with someone impt. Take the opportunity. Introduce yourself. This is not the time to complain, ask for a raise or go into a lengthy analysis of what the market risks are. Just.say a few words about what you do for the company, and stay upbeat. Making a positive impression could help you later on.

4. Dress provocatively.
You don't want to be remembered for the sexy outfit you wore. Dressing too casually or suggestively can make you look unprofessional. Stay away from casual Friday clothes and avoid jeans.


5. Flirt outrageously.

This isn't the time to pursue your secret crush. Stay clear of the co-worker who is drunk; you don't want to put yourself at risk with someone who has less self-control.


6. Leave without thanking the host.

If you're in a colleague's home, come with a small gift like a bottle of wine. Make sure to thank the host of the party before you leave.


7. Be the last one to leave.

Don't overstay your welcome. You don't want to be the last to leave the office party. (You also don't want to be the first to arrive and stand around making awkward conversation; arrive 10 or 15 minutes after the party starts.) Stay for the public remarks by the BOSS; but leave 30 minutes before the end of the party or whenever you see a critical mass of people exiting.

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Some of the things you should NEVER share with your boss!

Some things are better left unsaid, and avoid these topics with your manager  or boss at all costs

1. Your Side Business

It’s fine to have a hobby, and it’s also fine  if that hobby makes you a profit. What’s not fine is selling your services to your manager or office colleagues. They are paying you a salary and their work is being neglected by the start-up you’re promoting on their time. Yeah, that just don’t seem fair right?

2. Exhaustion Due to Late Night Studying

It’s fine to walk into the office tired from a late night of working overtime—in fact, bosses love that.  But it’s not OK to complain because you had to stay up and study for an exam you have to take in order to make a career switch. It’s practically telling the whole world you are actively trying to get another job outside of the company. Your colleagues will be pissed & your boss worse!!!

3. Details of your sick leave

If you need a MC, fine! Even feel free to share whether it’s something minor or serious, if you really want. But, whatever you do, leave out anything that will conjure up unpleasant images in your boss’ mind. E.g don’t tell him about your infection you have , ahem, down there.

4. The Real Reason You Left Your Last Job

Acceptable reasons for leaving your previous job for your current one can be any number of things: relocation, a career switch, an urge to feel challenged or an interest in a different company culture. One thing that is not a sufficient reason, and if spoken could cause some serious damage to your boss-employee relationship? That you were looking for something “slower-paced, less challenging, easier.”

While outright lying can harm your relationship with your boss, the same goes for being way too honest and open with things you should share only with your friends (specifically, your good friends—the ones who won’t judge you). Even if you’re close with your manager, it’s a good rule of thumb to run from the above situations just in case.

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Incanto, RWS

This show actually took over from  Voyage de, la Vie, the rock musical cum circus that ran for 2 years before it ended in July (i think).

Anyway both shows have similar concepts- song dance routines interspersed with acrobatic acts. Difference is Incanto adds magic tricks & involves a fair bit of audience participation, making it more happening than it's predecessor. It's sets is bigger & grander making Incanto more impressive well at least to me! Most of all, It's lead by world-famous illusionist Joe Labero, very handsome, charismatic & super charming!!!

He shared the performance with Shenyang Acrobatis Troupe. Love their "Wheel of Death" stunt! It's executed by 4 men, couple of them blind folded as they keep their balance by running a hamster-wheel attached to a gigantic rotating device. This feat has earned awards around the world- including gold prizes at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de L'Avenir & God & Silver Clown awards at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival!!!!

Our boss in his most generous treated us to this wonderful show! We loved it , had a really great time!!!

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Smart Investing

If you had bought $1000.00 worth of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00.

With Enron, you would have $16.50 of the original $1,000.00.

With WorldCom, you would have less than $5.00 left.

If you had bought $1,000.00 worth of Budweiser (the beer, not the stock) one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the 10 cent deposit, you would have $214.00. (only in the states)

Based on the above, my current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle....lol.......

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

The asparagus spirit????

The asparagus episode is not over yet 2 days later!!!!!...lol.....

I seriously wonder are we all OK after that nite of drinking or our minds had been fried in some way? We have all been hit by the asparagus bug. Had asparagus cream soup last night ...lol..... In fact all of us had some form of asparagus within these 2 days!!!!! We compare notes & stuff we ate.... oh no!!!

New BFF declared we have been haunted by the asparagus spirit!!!! lol.....
Really in time for Halloween ...hahhaa.....

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Asparagus can cure hangover!

Was clubbing till late night,  it's holiday & my new colleagues all insisted I went out with them! They were great. We ended up cruising different joints & getting really high...hahhaa.. had lots of fun.

I never had a hang over before...lol... Images of that movie "Hangover one & two" started floating around my mind as I got more & more drunk!!!! Then someone started coming out with ways to beat it. One said, dilute the stuff........ that's start drinking  tons of plain water, & this will dilute the effects of the alcohol, & in no time you sober up! Makes sense but then you better station yourself at the toilet & that aint cool!

Then one said take deep breaths & breathe out heavily through your mouth. The alcohol somehow will escape that way... as alcohol evaporates fast.... really????? Sounds really odd... lol... but hey we are all tipsy, so  anything will do...

And as we were breathing in & out in the most ridiculous manner my new BFF said we should have asparagus!!!! We all go "WHAT?????" come on we are drunk but not that drunk. Asparagus? Never heard of that before. New BFF has to justify...lol... she said when researchers expose a group of human liver cells to asparagus extract, it suppressed free radicals & more than double the activity of 2 enzymes or something that metabolise alcohol!!!! wow!!!!

We double up laughing so hard I think some of us sober up a little through laughing alone!!! God... I really had a great time last nite!

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Some US firms pay CEO more than they pay taxes????

Was talking about this with my boss, we were having lunch! He told me, many big companies in US paid their CEO more than they pay taxes last year.

Tax breaks in the form of R&D, past losses & foreign-held earnings were among those lightening the tax loads for these companies. Their pay average out to be somewhere around US$20 million!!!

Goodness they can buy Sentosa Cove with that, & boss said" what makes you think these people do not own one already?" ....lol....

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Family business vs working for others! Part 2

Adjusting to my new job. New job is not bad. My boss is from the states, very nice guy.

 I still need time to adjust myself to working with an ang mo, they are very different, I like it- no nonsense. They just tell you what they think. After dealing with my uncles all my life, ( people who never says what's in their minds & you have to 'guess' what they want all the time, & if you guess wrong, these old men get angry) dealing with my new boss is a breath of fresh air.

 People are very efficient here, unlike my family business. When you make a mistake, you own it , say sorry & think of ways to solve it. Back with my family business, people made mistakes, they like to hide it, or worse blame someone else. I'm not saying these things dont happen in the new place just that, people on the whole work at high efficiency, so if you hide something, you better be damn good at it, cos when found out, you'll get hell too.

 In my family company, the culprit is never ever punish because the culprit is usually a relative!!!!! God, glad I'm out!

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Unlike Singaporeans Some of us elsewhere are not so fortunate

Here I am talking about my new job .... got to say I'm fortunate.
In fact we singaporeans are so lucky.

I read a piece of dsiturbing news a few days ago about something that's happening in Spain!
People have no jobs , no food & they were forced to go through rubbish bins for a meal!

Unemployment has gone up 50% for the young people there.
This scavenging problem has gotten so bad that the Spanish city has resorted to locking supermarket trash bins as a public health precaution!
As such for a growing number, the food in the rubbish bins helps make ends meet.

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

Family business vs working for someone else. Part 1

Parents had a heart to heart talk with me. On one hand they wanted me to go venture outside & work for some big companies, have some serious experience. After all they've invested alot on my education. But the thing is, who'll take care of the family's buzz if I leave?

I've a cousin around my age working in the family buzz as well. But she's like seriously having some kind of princess attitude. When she was working for someone else, & they ask her to do a small thing for the boss (which is really like a tiny little thing anyone wouldn't mind doing) but for her, it's considered an insult & she quit the next day! So... she came back to the family's company to work... no one dare to scold her,  or ask her to do things. Me???? everything I do it myself...les I offend some relative!

See... it's hard.... I've decided to go work for someone else. Confirm!

Counting the days for my new job.
After my whitening jab, went shopping for new clothes.
Now that I'm working in a BIG company, better get geared up.
From Robinsons centerpoint crossed to 313, proceed to taka then Ion then cross over to Isetan & finally collapse at Dome for a drink & rest my poor legs!!!!!
Mission accomplished, jab done! shopping done! Very very happy!!!

Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler

*Preparation before my Job Interview.

I've written to about 30 firms & most of them reply...thank goodness!
Shows I've some market value....lol....
I'm going for my first interview.
I've not done that before.
I've given some informal interviews in my family's company.
But you cant really count those right?
Most of them are "family members" looking for a job when they cant hack it out there.
So right now I'm researching for ways to ace interviews...hahha.... (rusty lah)

Might have to get myself some new clothes, have a hair cut, do a manicure & maybe do that whitening jab.
What whitening jab?????
That's the one that gives you a radiant look instantly... I think!
Have been chatting with some bloggers about that. Everyone goes to DR Keith Ong @ Parsons Medical.
Hmmm.... will probably do it before the Big Day !

Few Days Later

It's my first interview today,  but I'm not nervous.
Not in a hurry for a job & also dont need that so badly anyway.
You know if you are desperate, experience people can smell that from a mile...lol...

The interview!?????

I  ACE  it. They were impressed with my experience.
Well I did manage my dad's whole company for a long time.
Plus my new radiant look did help I'm sure.
Ok time to really consider their offer.

Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler 

Feel like looking for a new Job!

Family business is the worst!
There are some losers who have no imitative, some non-workers who sits around but still get paid, some with power & make the worst ever possible decisions!

And than there's me... the one who does everything from answering calls, seeing clients, getting business, ordering goods, buying toilet paper, balancing the accounts, calling the plumber, paying the bills, chasing clients to pay up, begging them to pay up..........

Feel like quitting.
But who'll run the family buzz if I leave?
And how's the job market now?
I've started work for the family since I graduated, I've never work for anyone else before.
Will I be ok taking orders.
Here even though I work non-stop, still I'm sort of king, the one giving orders!
But elsewhere......... it's a whole different story altogether!
Dilemma!!!!

 Vitamin C Whitening Jab & Nose Filler