Beyond Facebook: 7 Great Social-Networking Sites

Facebook, Twitter and career-oriented LinkedIn are the best-known social-networking services—Web sites that help users connect with friends and associates online. But these sites are not for everyone. Some people don’t see the appeal of sharing the details of their lives on Facebook…or of reading someone else’s passing thoughts on Twitter.

But other, lesser-known social-networking services might hold appeal even for those who think social networking isn’t for them. These include services that focus on photos and video…services where participants discuss a specific topic, such as books or shopping…and sites similar to Facebook, only with less uncomfortable sharing and less of what some consider time-wasting chatting.

Among the social-networking services to consider…

For those who prefer snapping pictures to typing words: Instagram is an app-based photo-sharing social network for smartphone users. Use an iPhone or Android smartphone to take a picture, then easily post it to Instagram along with a brief description. It’s a simple way to keep family and friends up-to-date about your life without a lot of typing and without downloading photos from a camera or phone to a computer to load them onto Facebook. If you’re skilled with a camera, your pictures likely will be more interesting than written updates.
You can make your Instagram account public or restrict it to people you have agreed to share with. You also can link the Instagram account to a Facebook account if your family and friends mainly use that social network. It is possible to access some Instagram content through a computer, but it is designed primarily to be used through a smartphone. Facebook is in the process of acquiring Instagram, pending approval from government regulators.
To get started: Visit http://Instagram.com, and follow the directions to download the free app.


For bookworms: On Goodreads, you can share your thoughts about books you’ve read or currently are reading, find out what your friends are reading or search for other Goodreads users whose taste in books is similar to your own. You can join online book discussion groups or start a virtual book club, too. The site uses a computer program to make recommendations about books you might like based on the books you’ve enjoyed in the past. When you find a book that you like, the site provides links to online booksellers where you can purchase a copy.
Example: I loved The Book Thief, a novel I discovered only because of a Goodreads recommendation.
To get started: Visit www.Goodreads.com, and follow the directions to sign up.


To help you remember and share ideas: Pinterest lets you “pin” pictures of things you like on the Internet to a virtual bulletin board. These “visual bookmarks” are a great way to remember ideas—particularly for those who think better in pictures than in words. To return to the Web page where you originally found the picture, just click on the image on your bulletin board.
Pinterest is a handy way to share ideas and items of interest, too. People who view your bulletin board might offer their opinions or suggest comparable items you might like. Some users set up different boards for specific areas of interest.
Example: You could create a bulletin board of online recipes featuring images of dishes that sound appealing, then scan through it whenever you’re looking for something new to cook…and a separate bulletin board with pictures of furniture and decorative items that you’re considering for an upcoming home redecoration.

All Pinterest boards are public, so you can scan through other Pinterest users’ boards for ideas and inspiration. If you find something you like, you can “repin” it to your own board.
Home decoration, women’s fashion and weddings are particularly common themes on Pinterest—most users are women—but men increasingly are using Pinterest as well.
To get started: Visit www.Pinterest.com, and click “Request an Invite.”


For shopping: Fancy is comparable to Pinterest but specifically for shopping. When you find something on the Internet that you might want to later purchase, you can add its picture to your Fancy account. The account then serves as both a way to remember potential purchases and as a venue to discuss them with friends and other Fancy users. You can browse the items that others have posted to find things that you like or for gift ideas. Clicking on an image on Fancy leads to the site where the item can be purchased. Fancy’s focus on shopping has created a community of users who all enjoy shopping online and discussing their purchases with one another.
To get started: Visit www.TheFancy.com, then click “Join Now.”


For those who don’t want to share everything about their lives with everyone they know: Google+ is better than Facebook in some important ways, though it sometimes is disparaged as little more than a Facebook copycat. For instance, it lets users easily sort their contacts into separate “circles” and then lets members of each circle see only certain information.
Example: Create a circle for your professional contacts, another for your close friends and family, and a third for more distant acquaintances. This way, your business clients and long-ago college roommate won’t receive your family news or see your family pictures unless you want them to, something that is much harder to achieve with Facebook.
And unlike Facebook, Google+ is not designed to encourage chatting between users. That makes it the better choice for those who don’t want to devote endless hours to online conversations. The major downside of Google+ is that it doesn’t have as many members as Facebook—though it is growing quickly—so you might not be able to connect with as many of your friends and relatives through it.
To get started: Visit http://Plus.Google.com, and either sign in with your Google account or create a free account.


For video chats: Airtime is a new way to make free video phone calls to anywhere in the world over the Internet. Unlike the better-known online video-calling service Skype, which requires you to download free software before making calls, Airtime requires no additional software—it works seamlessly through Facebook.
Also unlike Skype, Airtime, launched in June by Napster cofounders Sean Parker and Shawn Fanning, hopes to combine online video calling with social networking. In addition to enabling video calls to friends and acquaintances, Airtime gives users the option of arranging online video chats with strangers—perhaps people with whom they share an interest.
Warning: Earlier services that attempted to arrange video chats between strangers failed in part because some participants said and did inappropriate things or were in an inappropriate state of undress. Airtime hopes to limit this problem in part by weeding out users who receive low rankings from previous chat partners.

To get started: Go to www.Airtime.com, then click the “Launch Airtime” button. A Facebook account is required, as is a high-speed Internet connection and a webcam.


To blog easily and without restrictions: Tumblr is a micro-blogging platform—a service that lets users post regularly on topics of interest to them.
Tumblr is comparable to the better-known instant-messaging platform Twitter, but Tumblr is less restrictive. While Twitter posts can be no longer than 140 characters, Tumblr posts can be any length and can include photos and video and audio files. Tumblr often is a better option than Twitter for blogging about visual topics such as art or interior design where including photos is very beneficial…or about auditory topics such as learning to play a musical instrument or speak a foreign language where audio files can be a big help.
To get started: Visit www.Tumblr.com, then click the “Sign up” button at the top of the page.
Source: Sharon Vaknin, senior associate editor at CNET.com, a leading technology review Web site now owned by CBS Interactive. She previously hosted a tech-oriented radio show on radio station KSFS San Francisco. www.CNET.com

Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship 2013

Yayasan Khazanah, the investment arm of Malaysia government has opened 3 scholarship for qualified Malaysia candidates as follows :

• The Khazanah Global Scholarship : The Khazanah Global Scholarship is a prestigious award that offers opportunities for bright and high-achieving Malaysians to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies at the selected world’s leading universities in the United Kingdom, the United States or Australia. Details of The Khazanah Global Scholarship is HERE

• The Khazanah Watan Scholarship :The Khazanah Watan Scholarship 2013 is a prestigious award that offers opportunities for talented and high-achieving Malaysians to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies at selected leading local universities. Details of The Khazanah Watan Scholarship is HERE.

• Khazanah – Cambridge Scholarship : The Khazanah-Cambridge Scholarship provides financial sponsorship to Malaysians who plan to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Details of Khazanah – Cambridge Scholarship you can read HERE.

How to apply Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship 2013

If you have outstanding academic record, the necessary motivation and drive to succeed and leadership potential, you are invited to apply for the Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship (Biasiswa Khazanah).
All applications for Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship 2013 must be made online at Yayasan Khazanah yayasankhazanah.com.my by 17 September 2012.

Malaysia Scholarship Search Terms:

• medicine scholarship overseas malaysia (1)

Biasiswa Related to Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship 2013

• Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship 2011

  Yayasan Khazanah invites qualified candidates to apply for their scholarship as follows : The Khazanah Global Scholarship : Those who are planning to pursue or ...

• Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship 2012

  Yayasan Khazanah invites qualified candidates to apply for their scholarship as follows : The Khazanah Global Scholarship : Those who are planning to pursue or ...

• Khazanah Watan Scholarship 2013

  Khazanah Watan Scholarship 2013 The Khazanah Watan Scholarship 2013  is a prestigious award that offers opportunities for talented and high-achieving Malaysians to pursue Undergraduate and ...

• Khazanah Global Scholarship 2013

  Khazanah Global Scholarship 2013 The Khazanah Global Scholarship is a prestigious award that offers opportunities for bright and high-achieving Malaysians to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate ...

• Khazanah-Cambridge Scholarship 2013

   Khazanah-Cambridge Scholarship 2013 The Khazanah-Cambridge Scholarship provides financial sponsorship to Malaysians who plan to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of ...

ING Scholarship Award (Local)

ING Malaysia invites eligible candidates to apply for their ING Scholarship Award (Local) for year 2012 to pursue bachelor degree programme.
At ING Insurance, we are eager to offer scholarships and work placement for people who are eager to learn. We offer a challenging yet nurturing, demanding yet rewarding place of work; where your learning and ideas will find fertile ground to grow.
As with our brand promise ‘With You For Life’, we offer young Malaysians the opportunity to realize their fullest potential and to learn without boundaries.

Scholarship Eligibility
The ING Insurance Scholarship is open to all Malaysians who have gained admission to the following Top 10 local universities as ranked by QS World University Rankings to pursue First Degree (Honors):

1. Universiti Malaya (UM)
2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
6. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
7. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
8. Multimedia University
9. Universiti Teknologi Mara
10. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

Minimum Requirements

1. Diploma / Matriculation – Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of at least 3.50.
2. STPM 2010 – at least 3 As and 2 Bs.
3. Students currently pursuing First Degree – Current CGPA of at least 3.50.
4. Not exceeding 25 years of age on 1 September 2012.
5. Have confirmed a place to pursue a First Degree in 2012.

Additional Requirements

1. Good command of the English Language, both written and oral.
2. Excellent achievements in both extra-curricular activities and sports.
3. Flexible, versatile and possess high teamwork capabilities.

Field of Studies
The scholarship is for those who pursuing studies in the following fields :

• Mathematics
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Economics
• Law
• Actuarial and Financial Mathematics

Tenure of Scholarship
Minimum period required by the recipient to complete the course.

Conditions of Scholarship

1. The Scholarship holder is required to enter into a 5-year bond with ING Insurance Berhad upon completion of the course.
2. Applicants must not hold any other scholarships/awards without prior approval from ING Insurance Berhad.
3. The Scholarship holder is required to do his/her practical training with ING Insurance Berhad for the duration as required by their field of study.

How to Apply ING Scholarship Award (Local)

Please download and complete the application form and enclose documents as listed in the application checklist. (Download Scholarship FORM)
Please send your completed application to :
(On bottom left hand corner of envelope, please write : 2012 ING Scholarship Program)

Attention:
Talent Management
Human Capital Division
ING Insurance Berhad
17th Floor Menara ING,
84 Jalan Raja Chulan,
PO Box 10846
50927 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Alternatively, you can complete the form, scan your documents and email them to hcd@ing.com.my : Please title your email – 2012 ING Scholarship Program
You may also contact us at 03-2058 4838 ext 1417 / 1444 / 1420 / 1494

Closing Date

The Closing date for ING Scholarship Award (Local) is 14 September 2012
• Preference will be given to applicants from lower-income families.
• ING Insurance customers or children of ING Insurance customers are encouraged to apply.
For more information on ING Scholarship Award, visit official scholarship page.

10 Soalan Sebelum Bertunang

Membuat keputusan untuk berkahwin bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah. Perkahwinan bererti memasuki suatu alam yang berlainan sama sekali dengan alam yang pernah dilalui sebelumnya, bak kata Tan Sri S M Salim dalam salah satu lagunya, 'dulu lain sekarang lain, dulu bujang sekarang dah kahwin'.

Setiap pasangan yang berkahwin pastinya mengharapkan perkahwinan itu kekal bahagia buat selama-lamanya. Ramai yang berjaya. Namun tidak kurang pula yang kecewa.

Al-Ustaz Jasim Muhammad al-Mutawwa', bekas kadi ahwal syakhsiyyah di Kuwait  menyimpulkan antara sebab berlakunya keretakan dan kegagalan dalam perkahwinan adalah kurang taaruf atau tidak mengenali antara satu sama lain dengan mendalam sebelum berkahwin.

Taaruf yang mendalam atau mengenali bakal teman hidup sebelum melangsungkan perkahwinan sangat penting demi menjamin kesejahteraan dan keseimbangan dalam menjalani kehidupan berumahtangga.

Ini tidak bermakna pasangan mesti melalui alam percintaan sebelum berkahwin, kerap bertemu dan berhubung melalui panggilan telefon, sms, chatting dan sebagainya.

Percintaan sebelum berkahwin seperti yang dilakukan oleh segolongan masyarakat dan ditonjolkan dalam segala macam media sebagai suatu kemestian, suatu dunia yang penuh dengan keindahan dan keseronokan adalah sebenarnya penipuan belaka.

Alam percintaan tidak mendedahkan hakikat diri yang sebenarnya. Masing-masing berusaha menunjukkan yang terbaik sahaja di hadapan pasangannya.

Setelah berkahwin barulah terbongkar segala rahsia, segala perangai dan sikap buruk yang selama ini disembunyikan.

Untuk mengenali calon pasangan hidup anda dengan mendalam, al-Ustaz Jasim Muhammad al-Mutawwa' mencadangkan agar anda mengajukan 10 soalan.

Soalan-soalan ini boleh diajukan secara langsung semasa sesi taaruf, atau melalui orang tengah. Jika calon memilih untuk bertemu, melihat dan berkenalan  pastikan pertemuan itu tidak dilakukan secara berdua-duaan di  tempat suci dan terpencil.

Jangan cemari niat yang suci dengan melanggari perintah Allah dan Rasul. Jangan relakan syaitan menjadi orang ketiga di antara anda dengan si dia.

10 soalan itu adalah:

1. Apakah wawasan hidupnya?

Setiap orang mempunyai wawasan dan cita-cita yang ingin dicapai dalam hidupnya. Inilah yang perlu anda ketahui mengenai bakal pasangan hidup anda.

Sekiranya anda dan dia mempunyai wawasan dan matlamat hidup yang sama maka perselisihan dalam rumahtangga akan berkurangan.

2. Bagaimanakah kefahamannya mengenai konsep perkahwinan?

Kefahaman serta tasawur atau gambaran yang jelas mengenai perkahwinan amat penting.

Sekiranya kedua-dua pihak mempunyai kefahaman yang berbeza, umpamanya satu pihak menganggap perkahwinan hanya sekadar memenuhi tuntutan nafsu semata-mata, sedang satu pihak lagi memandang sebagai satu ibadah, sudah semestinya rumahtangga yang bakal dibina tidak akan aman daripada perselisihan dan pergaduhan.

3. Apakah sifat-sifat yang digemari dan tidak digemarinya?

Adalah penting bagi setiap pasangan mengetahui kegemaran pasangannya, apa yang disukai dan tidak disukainya kerana kadang-kadang perselisihan berlaku disebabkan kelainan kegemaran dan citarasa.

Sekiranya kegemaran setiap pihak diketahui terlebih awal mungkin perselisihan dapat dielakkan.

4. Apakah pandangannya mengenai anak pada tahun pertama perkahwinan?

Setiap orang mempunyai pandangan yang berbeza mengenai masa yang sesuai untuk menimang cahaya mata.

Sekiranya satu pihak belum bersedia sedang pihak yang satu lagi sudah tidak sabar untuk bergelar ibu atau ayah, pastilah kedua-dua pihak akan berasa tertekan dan perhubungan akan jadi tegang.

5. Adakah dia mempunyai masalah kesihatan atau kecacatan?

Masalah kesihatan yang kronik atau kecacatan semula jadi pada anggota badan tidak wajar disembunyikan.

Mengetahui adanya penyakit atau kecacatan tertentu akan mempengaruhi keputusan yang bakal diambil.

Menyembunyikan penyakit yang kronik atau kecacatan yang mengaibkan boleh dianggap sebagai satu penipuan.

6. Adakah dia seorang yang suka bergaul?

Sesetengah orang suka bergaul dengan pelbagai lapisan masyarakat, mempunyai kawan dan kenalan di merata-rata tempat. Sesetengah yang lain pula suka menyendiri, tidak pandai berkawan dan sukar didampingi.

Orang macam mana yang anda cari?

7. Bagaimana hubungannya dengan ahli keluarganya?

Perkahwian bukan sekadar aqad yang mempertemukan antara dua jiwa. Sebaliknya perkahwinan merupakan hubungan kemasyarakatan yang mencantumkan antara dua keluarga atau lebih.

Oleh itu bakal tunangan harus tahu status keluarga serta hubungan mereka antara satu sama lain. Hubungan kekeluargaan juga sedikit sebanyak menggambarkan keperibadian seseorang.

8. Apakah kegemarannya dan bagaimana dia mengisi waktu lapangnya?

Kegemaran serta cara seseorang memenuhi masa lapangnya juga memberi gambaran tentang wawasan serta cita-citanya dalam hidup ini.

9. Adakah dia aktif dalam mana-mana pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) atau pertubuhan kebajikan?

Keaktifan dalam persatuan kebajikan atau pertubuhan sukarela menggambarkan dia bukan seorang yang sombong dan mementingkan diri.

Orang yang hidupnya sekadar untuk memenuhi cita-cita dan wawasan peribadi semata-mata sebenarnya hidup dalam dunia yang sempit dan mati sebagai insan yang kerdil.

Tetapi orang yang hidup dalam perjuangan akan hidup sebagai insan yang hebat dan apabila dia mati namanya akan dikenang zaman-berzaman.

10. Apakah pandangannya sekiranya ibu bapa masuk campur dalam urusan peribadi atau urusan rumahtangga mereka?

Setengah orang menganggap rumahtangga adalah masalah peribadi yang terlalu khusus. Tiada seorang pun yang boleh masuk campur walaupun ibu bapa sendiri.

Hal ini sangat penting diketahui oleh setiap orang yang akan memasuki gerbang perkahwinan.

Apakah pandangan bakal pasangan hidupnya.

Adakah dia termasuk dalam golongan di atas atau sebaliknya seorang yang terlalu bergantung kepada kedua-dua ibu bapanya walaupun telah berkeluarga?

Apabila anda telah mendapat jawapan yang bersesuaian dengan apa yang dicari, maka teruskanlah hasrat anda untuk melamarnya. Begitu juga halnya dengan pihak yang dilamar.

Pastikan anda mengenali jejaka yang melamar itu dengan mengajukannya 10 soalan di atas.

 Semoga ade manfaatnya.:)