North Korea Missile Launchers (South Korean News Agency Reported)

North Korea continues to take hostile actions, moving two of its short-range missile launchers to its east coast.Yahoo! News carried the April 21 Reuters press release, citing the missile move as an indication the communist nation is preparing for a test launch of its missile capabilities.

A missile launch has been expected by South Korea and its allies as aggressions mount along the Korean Peninsula. With weeks of antagonistic rhetoric pouring out of Pyongyang, many experts feel Kim Jong-un will be compelled to display an increased show of supremacy.North Korea’s recent threats of armistice nullification and preemptive thermonuclear war demonstrate a defiance from the young supreme leader.

According to Reuters, an unidentified military source told a South Korean news agency that the satellite imagery showed the North had relocated two mobile missile launchers to South Hamgyeong province.

"The military is closely watching the North's latest preparations for a missile launch," the source said.

The launchers carry Scud missiles – Non nuclear tactical ballistic missiles with a range of approximately 200 miles.South Korea’s Yonhap news said North Korea is amassing arsenal in the area. The Scud launchers join two mid-range Musudan missiles and seven smaller mobile launchers in the same region.

Concerns are high that an attack or test launch will coincide with the April 25 anniversary of the founding of North Korea’s army.

North Korea continued to defy U.N. Security Council resolutions when a rocket launched in December allegedly put a satellite into orbit. Critics say the launch was solely a test of the North’s ability to add a heavy payload to a rocket – a sign that the nation continues to develop technology to deliver a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile.

North Korea has continued to reiterate that it will not give up its nuclear weapons, although it has yet to be confirmed that any exist.


Source : Examiner.com

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Five Ways to Save - Buying Your First Home

Buying the first home is for most people the largest single investment of their life. Not just in monetary terms; it is also avery emotional experience with a mix of genuine excitement and fear. The Five Ways to Save tips below have been designed to bring some common sense to this big investment and to put you in a strong position to buy a property that will be both a great home and a successful investment

Get your Savings in Order

The global financial crisis (GFC) started because banks allowed people to buy properties that they could not afford. Both the home buyers and the banks were losers in this exercise.

Before you set about buying a property, demonstrate to yourself and the bank that you can save. This will ensure that you and the bank feel much more comfortable about the purchase. Ideally you should be able to save to around 20% (and more) of the property value to form a deposit. Also, you should make sure that the mortgage repayments are not greater than what you have been able to regularly save.

Research, Research, Research

There is a lot to research to be done when buying a property. Here are some key points to consider: 

• Your preferred location(s) - You want to be comfortable with the location


• Design and size of the home - No point buying a house if it doesn't meet your living needs both now and for the future. For example, would it be easy to extend?


• Potential growth prospects of your preferred locations - Are there many new developments happening in the area? Do people want to live there? Locations with limited growth potential may limit future price growth


• Actual price growth of the preferred locations - Has the location shown real price growth? Potential growth is one thing, but real growth shows that there is an appetite for people to live in the locations


• The total costs of buying and keeping the home in order - Think past the mortgage repayments


• Finance options - Checkout various opportunities and always remember that cheapest does not mean best


• How to protect your new home - Protect the home via home insurance and protect your salary via personal insurance(note: Tip 5 has more on this).

Start your research with friends and family as you can learn from their experiences. Obviously the web is great and a good banker/mortgage broker can also help. Remember, real estate salespeople work in the interests of the seller so they will have some bias. However, a real estate specialist in the location you are seeking will have valuable information that is hard to find elsewhere. After a bit of trial and error, you'll soon work out which ones you can work with.

Compromise, but not too much

Life involves compromise from time to time, but be careful. Once you have done your research you could be disappointed that you can't find anything around your price range in the location you want. As a result, you may make a make a snap decision to buy a nice house in a cheaper location. A snap decision to buy can also be as a result of 'deal fever' This can often happen through sales pressure, particularly at auctions. It's all too easy to sign a deal very quickly because it feels emotionally right, at that particular time, rather than rationally thinking it through.

One last point on compromising - It is important to understand that the value of a house is largely based on the location. The actual house (bricks, fittings etc) do lose value. Therefore, consider compromising on the actual house before the preferred location. You can always fix things about the house, but you can't fix things about the suburb.

 Learn how to negotiate

You'll be up against some very sharp sales people. Your mortgage provider needs a deal and real estate sellers are known for their ability to sell just about anything. By contrast, most first homebuyers have had a fairly sheltered life when it comes to negotiating big investments.

Buy a book on how to negotiate. If you are simply not good at it, find a good friend or a family member to help you. Most families have the proverbial 'wheeler and dealer'. There are 'buyers agents' available and they could be worth talking to. Negotiating is not easy but it can pay off huge dividends if you can do it well.

Protect the new home (and that includes protecting you)

There are several steps to help protect the home, its value and your ability to meet the repayments: 

• Property inspections - Have it inspected for build quality and for termites. The inspections can seem expensive at the time, but they come in handy when negotiating the price and better prepare you for future costs if you do buy the home


• Choose building and home contents insurance wisely - Make sure you are covered for all the big issues in the area that you buying in. For example, if you are near a flood prone area, can you get flood damage as opposed to storm damage?


• Make sure your income is safe - Personal insurance is vital to protect against unforseen illness and accidents. You can also better protect your income by making sure you are a 'valuable commodity' in the market place through on-going education


• Maintain your home - Try and do as much as you can to keep the home in good shape. Have regular pest inspections, keep the garden in order etc. As the saying goes, a 'stitch in time saves nine'.

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Small Business Desktop Computers

Small desktop computers are smaller than traditional desktop models. It is a good choice in rooms where space is a problem. With small computers, users get sufficient space to keep other items like extra drives and circuit boards.

Small desktop computers are available as slim line models. The computer case is long and wide, similar to ordinary desktop models. The difference is in the height and thickness of the cases. These computers are designed using the same techniques and principles as in a generic computer system. It makes use of both internal and external storages. The system disc can be an internal storage unit. Backup devices and data storage discs can be external devices.

Small desktop computers have advanced features and capabilities unlike the ordinary digital computers. There are small computers with megabytes of memory and large disks. Some computers come with integrated monitor and keyboard. Some computers have robust design and thermal efficiency that can benefit the computers in a wide range of applications. These computers facilitate users to operate more than one processor at the same time. These computers can even function as a server.

Small desktop computers make use of microprocessors and other discrete electronic components. There can be electrostatic discharges from users to these devices. This discharge gets coupled at the circuit board that holds the microprocessor and other components. This may cause damage or destruction to the devices. There are a number of methods used in small computers to solve this problem. One way is to have metallic shields at the connecters of key boards or display interfaces to circuit boards.

Small desktop computers can be used for personal and business needs. It finds usage in areas where large volumes of information are to be stored. With computers, it is possible to perform three dimensional calculations with less computational expenses and to produce sophisticated graphics. In the medical field, these computers can be used to diagnose diseases.

Desktop computers are ideal to rent for stationary businesses or classrooms that do not require much mobility. Desktop computers are bulky and wired plus, it's necessary to first finalize the venue before placing the rental order. It is also necessary to check for proper grounding and electrical supply.

The operating system preferences should be told to the renting company in advance. Also tell them what processor speeds are needed, what is the memory required and what software needs to be installed. Companies generally allow any software to be installed. Ask for multimedia support. Check for other things like USB port requirements, audio-visual enhancements, etc.

Desktop computers are preferable for classroom teaching. Computer training institutes also function with rentals. This becomes economical compared to investing a lot of capital. There are companies that provide entire setups with desktop computers. Once the order is placed, these companies would set the equipment up according to the requirements. Check for proper functioning of each component beforehand. Renting companies also provide services of technicians, who may be present or available by phone or email.

If Internet or intranet is to be used, then it must be mentioned to the company in advance. The renting company would then affix the necessary modems or cables. Desktop computers are also ideal in places where LAN connections are to be used such as cyber cafés and small offices. These establishments usually have rented desktop computers.

Upon demand, desktop computer renters provide printers, scanners and web cams also. These peripherals increase the cost of the setup. Monitors of the desktop computers can be requested as desired. For small businesses, normal monitors are preferable, but for an added impression you might choose plasma or LCD monitors.

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Musharraf Arrested - Pakistani Police Arrest Former President Musharraf

Former President Pervez Musharraf fled a courtroom on Thursday after judges ordered his arrest to answer allegations he committed treason in 2007, an ignominious retreat for a man who once dominated Pakistan and had hoped to revive his political fortunes.

Pakistani television broadcast footage of Musharraf dashing from Islamabad High Court in a black SUV as several lawyers made half-hearted attempts to pursue his vehicle - a scene that would have been unthinkable when Musharraf was at the height of his powers. It was another blow to his hopes of resurrecting his political career after election officers barred him from standing at next month's general elections, in part due to the various legal challenges he faces.

The bid had garnered widespread popular scorn. Musharraf retreated to a farm in an exclusive residential estate on the outskirts of Islamabad where police set up a cordon restricting access to the area. It was unclear whether the officers were preparing to detain him. As police moved to seal off access, Mohammad Amjad, Musharraf's spokesman, called a news conference to announce that his lawyers would petition the Supreme Court on Friday to withdraw the order. "We will file an appeal against the arrest order in the Supreme Court tomorrow," Amjad said.

He added that Musharraf was "composed and in good spirits". The high court's order pushed Pakistan's increasingly audacious judiciary into uncharted territory, challenging a long-standing, unwritten rule that the top ranks of the army, which ruled Pakistan for decades, are untouchable. Despite Taliban death threats and a host of legal challenges, Musharraf returned from almost four years of self-imposed exile in London and Dubai last month in the hope of winning a seat in the National Assembly at the May 11 polls. But his arrival has placed him at the mercy of judges whose memories are still raw of the showdown in 2007 when he sacked the chief justice, placed his colleagues under house arrest, and lawyers fought running battles with police.

On Thursday, a judge ordered his arrest in connection with allegations he committed treason when he declared emergency rule during his 2007 confrontation with the judges, a move his opponents believe violated the constitution. Judges piled more pressure on Musharraf later on Thursday when they summoned the head of Islamabad police to explain how he was able to flee the court without being detained. Some commentators believe that it is unlikely Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup and resigned in 2008, will be arrested since the military would be unlikely to tolerate such a humiliating spectacle for a retired chief. "I don't think the military establishment would support any move against him," said Mehdi Hasan, a newspaper columnist. The military made no immediate comment on the arrest order.

Although Musharraf's legal battles have provided an electrifying sideshow in the election race, he commands scant popular support and the outcome of the drama is unlikely to have much impact on the final results. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the man Musharraf ousted in a coup in 1999, is seen as the frontrunner to become prime minister. Pakistan's military has ruled the nation for more than half of its 66-year history, through coups or from behind the scenes.
It sets foreign and security policy even when civilian administrations are in power. Pakistan's judiciary has, however, taken an increasingly assertive stance in recent years in confrontations with both the government and the army, and the arrest order against a former army chief is sure to rankle some in the military. 

Musharraf's decision to return has mystified many Pakistanis, with commentators questioning whether he misjudged the degree of popular support he might be able to muster. Musharraf faces charges of failing to provide adequate security for former prime minister Benazir Bhutto before she was assassinated in late 2007. He also faces accusations in connection with the death of a separatist leader in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. He denies any wrong doing.

Source : Reuters.com

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Shame On You Meaning

One of the most damaging things we can do to our partner is to shame them. What does shaming sound like? It is most often a statement made with a tone that conveys disgust and gives our partner the message that they aren't OK or are somehow bad/wrong. Here are some examples I've heard in my office or used on my husband (before I learned how bad shaming is for relationships.

"What is the matter with you?" or "What the hell were you thinking?"

"Be a real man" or "Man up" or "What kind of a man would ask me to pay rent?"

"You are disgusting!" or "You are a loser!"

"Joe Shmoe is a real family man." (implying that your partner isn't)

"You are just like your mother/father." (if this isn't a compliment and let's face it, it usually isn't!)

"You're crazy!" or "You're so emotional!" or "You're so needy!" or better yet "You're psycho!"

Shaming can also be conveyed non verbally by eye rolling, huffing and puffing, giving a nasty look, or being sarcastic.

It is very important that we feel emotionally safe in our relationships. We cannot possibly feel that way when our partner consistently sends us shaming messages that explicitly or implicitly imply that we are somehow not ok.

I wholeheartedly believe that relationships can be negativity free. I work with the couples who come to see me to have this kind of relationship. Negativity free means no blaming, no shaming, no criticism, and no feeling emotionally unsafe. 

Most people don't believe this is possible. My own therapist is skeptical when I tell her that my husband and I very rarely fight. Why we would waste our time fighting when we darn well know how to talk about what's bothering us without blame and criticism, how to get our needs met, how to not build resentment, and how to allow the other person to truly be themselves? We wouldn't!

These shaming behaviors are so ingrained, it's difficult to stop them. We've heard since we were small that we are either good or bad, right or wrong. But there is a better way!
In short, it's best for your relationship if you confide your needs and feelings and stop diagnosing your partner, interpreting them, or blaming/shaming them.

So instead of, "What's the matter with you? Why can't you keep a job? How could I have married such a loser?" you can stop implying that there is anything "wrong" with your partner, take responsibility for how their behavior impacts you, and express what you really need, "When you told me you got laid off from your job, I felt really scared because I'm not sure that we can live on my salary alone. I need to know that you are going to go out and look for another job immediately or file for unemployment so that I'm assured we will have money coming in soon. Are you willing to do that?"

Your partner will appreciate you being on their side and simply sharing your needs and feelings without all the blame. At the same time you are also being clear about what you need to feel OK in the situation and you are asking for your partner's help in meeting your need. He/she will likely be able to respond in a more satisfying way than if you continue to berate them.

What often happens when we blame or shame our partner, is that they now become so invested in defending themselves from our perceived attack that the real issue (how will we survive without your job?) gets lost. He/she will spend time blaming their boss for their job loss or ineffectively fighting back, which means that you won't get the satisfaction of knowing if your partner is willing to meet your needs until you somehow finally resolve this argument in three days or never.

Here are some simple steps to determining how you feel/what you need:

1. Figure out what you are feeling in the situation (you may feel angry that your partner lost their job, but is that your MOST primary feeling? In this case, you likely feel scared about an uncertain future, so go with that. A scared partner is easier for most of us to deal with than an angry one)

2. Figure out what your needs are in the situation (we need money to survive/I need to know you are willing to do what it takes to contribute positively to this situation)

3. Figure out the strategy to get the needs met (unemployment/get a new job)

4. Ask your partner if they are willing to help you get your need met (Are you willing to look for a new job immediately or file for unemployment or employ some other reasonable solution?)

Just for fun (on your own) you can think of your most judgmental thought about your partner "you are so lazy". Now let this thought go and return to your feelings and needs.

This can be a difficult shift to make, but you can motivate yourself to respond in this new way by thinking about how much time and negative energy you will have to invest if you go the blaming/shaming route ("You are so lazy") versus a more satisfying, less destructive route ("I am scared about our finances, please reassure me that you will do what it takes to contribute.")

This doesn't mean that we don't get to ask our partner to change their behavior. But they will not be able to respond to "You are so lazy" productively. They will get stuck in their shame and will want to avoid you, not work with you to make things better. Even if he/she does go out and get another job, there will be negative feelings of resentment between the two of you due to your partner feeling so disrespected by you, which damages the relationship in the long run. Your partner cannot give freely to you under the threat of coercion. It has nothing to do with whether they love you or not, or whether they are truly dependable or not. It has everything to do with human nature.

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