Inspirational ! Power of Money, By Adam Khoo( Singapore ‘s youngest millionaire at 26 yrs.)

Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia , Indonesia , Thailand and Suzhou ( China ). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, ‘How come a millionaire like you is traveling economy?’ My reply was, ‘That’s why I am a millionaire. ‘ He still looked pretty confused.

This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book ‘Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires’). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster.

Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky).
I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur’s Orgn)a few years back (YEO) is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worth well over $5m,travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota ‘s and Nissans,not Audis, Mercs, BMWs.

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers’ and tycoons’ sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family’s wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation.

Thank God my rich dad foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, ‘What is the point in making so much money if you don’t enjoy it?’ The thing is that I don’t really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last.

Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life..

Instead, what makes me happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries.

What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone’s life.

What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this blog is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.
I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life’s work (be it teaching, building homes, designing,trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaninglessness.

Spiritual marketing: An emerging concept in Marketing?

I received a mail today, A large scale picture was attached in it, the mailer requested me to look at the picture carefully, below that the following caution was written,

“The President of Argentina received this picture and called it ‘junk
mail.’ Eight days later, his son died.

A man received this picture and immediately sent out copies. His surprise
was winning the lottery.

Alberto Martinez received this picture, gave it to his secretary to make copies
but they forgot to distribute it. She lost her job and he lost his family.

This picture is miraculous and sacred, don’t forget to forward this within 13
days to at least 20 people.

Do Not Forget to forward and you will receive a huge surprise!! “

This is not some think new to every one; I have received hundreds of mail like this, but I never follow what it says, but there are people, who get scare and circulate these types of waste mails. This kind of forceful request is kind of an ugliest way to promote a religion.

But when you think further, there is no other structured mechanism to promote these gods, religion or a living icon, we have lot of books and finding, which talk all about marketing of the products and services and all other bala balas. But no book identified the rising needs of spiritual marketing.

Nowadays there are no of gods, goddess and living spiritual leaders, there in huge competition in this industry. All of them wanted to win the mind of the followers; it’s very complicated to survive in this type of market place which is fully cluttered with huge noise. I believe these types of ugliest promotional efforts are due to the lacking structured framework on marketing and promotion on this spiritual industry. When there are structured frameworks like 4P and 7S’s there is no need for these type mail which make respondents and followers into trouble.

There is nothing wrong in the academicians or researchers of the western world; where they have one god, one religion and they don’t have much need to find ways and means to find a solution. But for countries like India has to develop a structured spiritual marketing framework to match the emerging need.

Spirituality and religion are no more with its holiness as at today. Every think become money earning businesses. Subject to certain exception, there is no difference between a business entity and a religious organization in terms of objective. There are places where people see the god picture/statue by paying high premium price. Recently i got to know a living icon followers has asked to pay a price (nearly in thousands) to see their spiritual leader through the video conferencing method. This indicates the level of intention and crazy towards the religion. Therefore rather than closing down every think under holiness label, better to be transparent on their promotions. Which will not harm believes and hopes of the people who follow thinks in the right way.

Secrets of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is often a difficult undertaking, being an entrepreneur is somethink could not be achieved from learning..its somethink beyond that. This is the series of best videos i have seen in this year from a great presenter.

How CSE will reflect, if Gen.Fonseka becomes president elected

Almost few weeks ahead to the presidential election, I am eagerly waiting to see results of the toughest heavy weight battle I have ever seen. Thinks are so dramatic and subject to huge fluctuations. Every one thought Mahinda could remain as president for at least next ten years after he declared the end of war in a grand manner just 6 months before. But, we as people of Sri lanka, who again wanted to prove that we forget thinks so easily and open for changes at any moment.

At this energetic moment of the country, its worth to analyze how the economy will changes or reflects to the changes in the political agenda. We have been asked to accept the rich picture that we are growing and leading as a prosperous nation. But the actual fact is, the end of the armed conflict has inevitably shifted attention to reconstruction efforts. These would provide further growth momentum, at least in the next year or two. But thereafter to continue this momentum we should have policies and procedures. This growing trend is definitely not because of the economic policies and visionary implementation (nothing so called) of current government.

CSE has shown an unexpected growth of more than 100% within the last 5 to 7 months and been rated as the 2nd successful stock exchange in the world. These changes caused due to the recovery from the global financial crises and the end of war. Influence of the both factors sourced bulk change. That also been claimed as due to the dedicated commitment to growth by the government and central bank. But last two months CSE showed a mixed bucket of up and downs without any major break through.

In my believe, the activities of CSE is now purely responsive to political factors. None other factor could not have a major influence at this point of time. There is always a hope that economy will become strong if UNP is in power. So this is the time for hopes and believes. Investors and traders are making their decisions with political view point. Foreign investors are waiting for a proper settle down in political arena of Sri lanka. Therefore this weak momentum of CSE will continue for next two three weeks up to Jan 10.

There after people may be at a clear position to judge who’s likely to outperform. Based on those judgment investment and stocking will take place. If Gen.Fonseka becomes strong, more and more stocking would take place and that would boost the indexes to blink in green before election. But if he becomes president elected the seen thereafter will become more critical than as it is now. Parliamentary elections and political turnarounds will hugely influence the stake of the CSE there after. But despite those effect, I would predict ASPI will jump at least 300 points after week of election if General becomes president elected.

If Mahinda managed to retain the power for the next X no of years, then there would be a downturn in market condition but it would not be a huge flop. Because the thinks will become stable if he retain the power. Therefore, the negative result of the hopes of CSE investors would turnaround the ASPI to remain red for two three weeks after the election. But in my prediction, the down would be some think between 100 to 150 point on a slow phase.

Therefore my equation
100 = 120 (If Gen.Fonseka becomes)
100 = 90 (IF mahinda elected)

So, in overall in terms of CSE is concerned, the colors become green if Gen.Fonseka becomes the president elected and becomes red if MR retains the power of the nation. so,energitic investors again a time to take risk…world is widely open with opportunities.

Milanka crossed the 3,000 and gave me bajaj platina.

The Milanka Price Index which tracks the most liquid 25 stocks in the CSE crossed the all important 3,000 mark today. I expected this day for a long time after i started investing in stock market in january this year at a time every body felt that the countries economy was heading to a almost worst stage. But apart from every think related to war and post war event i belive that i have judged the sri lankan economy in a possitive way. Every ruppee i earned turned into stocks immediately, then i became so addictted and got cash advance on my credit card and invested more and more above my earning capasity. The only think i had was the hope, i closely monitored the changes happened due to the circumstances of the war…

After i invested everythink i have and everythink i brought from my mum, my eager and hopes are not calmed, then i wrote a mailed letter to my friends, i felt ashamed to ask them straightly. this is the letter i wrote to them,

from P.Sutha haran
to ……………………………
date Fri, Apr 24, 2009 at 11:19 PM
subject Investment plan
mailed-by gmail.com

hi frns
Do you hv some money saving?
you are having it on a saving account (less than 5% interest) without any direction…
then you are the person i am looking for…
keep on reading.

I too have a simple plan.
i am investing my savings on Share market.
I do believe that i can brink out best by investing in a selected portfolio.

if you believe me
u can lend your stag money (10,000 – 70,000) to me at the rate of 23% annual interest rate . ( 100,000 will be 123,000 in one year)
i will assure the return of capital and interest on a timely manner.
The credibility dat i can prove at the moment is my name “Suthaharan”

r u interested …then contact me
(negotiations posible)

but no body turned around, they might thought that i am tring to become another sakvithy. but its important to note the share index at the time i am writing the letter. Its somethink around 1800 of MPI and 1550.

So thats mean for every 1800 ruppee u invested on shares should have returned you 3000 ruppees as at today roughfly 66% return in 4 months and if converted into year its somethink 200% return. ultimately i bought a brand new bajaj platina only from the profit i made in last six month. So i am writting this to prove my credibility never failed and my words became true.

I still believe MPI would grow at a slow rate and would hit the target of 3500 in next 6 month. i forecast Tourism sector has a massive potential of growth.. i i believe hotels would give a better return in near future.

Trading and services also would give better return due to the expansion of the new geographical market. If the busineeses grow within the country then automatically other sectors would give return. but my mighty mind says here after the growth will be slow and traders of stock would gain more than the long term investers.

Therfore whoever focusing to gain some money could try to become an investor atleast this moment where the sun smilies from the east in sri lankan economy.

Jaffna Market so elastic?

The post war situation is so dramatic in Sri Lanka so far. All are with an enthusiastic mind set and with a lot a of hurry to achieve some think. The competition between every organization who provide goods and services are trying to out beat others by serving to the Jaffna market.

Banks and Financial Institution

All the bank have started their operations so far. I hear that one of the leading bank has secured a place in jaffna town by agreeing to a deal of 150,000 rent for a 1500 Sq area. What this indicates? is there so much potential in jaffna peninsula?

I doubt, Are they trying to show a big picture? Are these organizations are trying to overtrade? Do they heading for a financial crisis in northern region? Wel, i think so.. the organizations with long term focus might suffer a lot, Is that same boom condition as at today will remain the same for ever? Undoubtedly no…This boom may be for next one and a half year. Thereafter who knows what will happen? Because jaffna people have subject to lot of ups and down after eighties.

In my concern bank and financial institution can survive in a short term. Tamil are good in saving, that only happens when the banks give higher interest rate. Under Sri Lankan economic condition the interest rate will fall 8% or 6% in next couple of months. In such interest rate i don’t think that they (jaffna people) will turn to the bank. even they might grow some cows to get milk, but they wont be attracted by such an interest rate. In Tamils mentality is that they use the bank only for deposits purpose, they never get loan from bank. They grown with a mind set, not to borrow or beg from anybody including bank. So i am waiting to see, what these banks going to do in long term. Because the jaffna people never seen such competition nearly with 15 banks. They might know only HNB,BOC and Commercial…so what others going shake?

Education Institution
So far lot of institutes have started their operations, thinking that jaffna students are so elastic to change. I don’t know how much student population in jaffna peninsula?. Will they bother about this private institution. Well some established bodies such as ICASL and CIMA could bring their best. but others again doubtful?

Because all their focus, one is going abroad or entering into universities(not private). In good old time, the backbone of the northern culture is becoming educated. They are the hardcore contestants of national educational systems. In 60.s and 70 s more than 60% of student who are selected medical faculty of university of Colombo are jaffna students(under merit Criteria). Still you can see that proportion among doctors above the age of 50. Then only government changed the university selection based on the population proportion. Later this reason also becomes a root cause for ethnic problems.

I do believe they still have that mind set of studying hard to enter the local universities. But other private institutes who go with some foreign (uk) banner would score some sixes.. but for others still questionable.

This is the nature i would predict mainly for the service type organizations. But for the product , the boom will continue for ever because jaffna Tamil people never felt shortage of their money saving in any sort of situation in the history. Even they bought a loaf of bread for 200/= and a box of matches for 150/= at the times when every think went against them… and at a time when no body bothered them.

The first ever Sri Lankan Bloggers Meet

For the first time in Sri Lanka, tamil bloggers from all part of the country met in a common place to share their view thoughts and ideas. Nearly 80 bloggers who write in tamil gathered at “Colombo Tamil sangam” in order to make the event a success. It is important to mention that bloggers from Jaffna,Mannar and Batticalo also participated the event with a great interest.

According to my knowledge, this is the first time in Sri Lanka a large no of bloggers officially met in a place. The event was initiated by some of the famous tamil bloggers namely A.R.V.Loshan,Vanthiyaththevan,Bullet and Aathirai. The intention of this event is to build a close relationship and network within the tamil bloggers community of this nation.

The event started with a grand note by celebrating the 10th year anniversary of bloggers.com which was an accidental match on that day (23rd August). Then all the bloggers introduced them self in brief. Some of the bloggers made their speeches on key topics such as “Bloggers and law”, Usage of portals for bloggers”, “How to make your blog popular” and “Experience as a blogger”. Finally the bloggers meeting end up with a discussion forum and Q & A session where valuable discussion were made regarding technical and practical issues on writing blogs. The event was a great success and meeting dissolved with an intention to meet on another day.

Beauty Vs Money – Outstanding Business analysis by J.P.Morgan

A young and pretty lady posted this on a popular forum:

Title: What should I do to marry a rich guy?

I’m going to be honest of what I’m going to say here. I’m 25 this year.
I’m very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with
$500k annual salary or above. You might say that I’m greedy, but an
annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York. My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary? Are you all married? I wanted to ask: what should I do to marry rich persons like you? Among those I’ve dated, the richest is $250k annual income, and it seems that this is my upper limit. If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York CityGarden(?), $250k annual income is not enough.

I’m here humbly to ask a few questions:
1) Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names and addresses of bars, restaurant, gym)
2) Which age group should I target?
3) Why most wives of the riches is only average-looking? I’ve met a few girls who doesn’t have looks and are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys
4) How do you decide who can be your wife, and who can only be your girlfriend? (my target now is to get married)

Ms. Pretty

Awesome reply:
Dear Ms. Pretty,

I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls
out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to
analyse your situation as a professional investor. My annual income is
more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone
believes that I’m not wasting time here. From the standpoint of a
business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very
simple, so let me explain. Put the details aside, what you’re trying to
do is an exchange of “beauty” and “money”: Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square. However, there’s a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can’t be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It’s not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worried 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a “trading position”. If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for long term – same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or “leased”. Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income. This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps. If you are interested in “leasing” services, do
contact me…

signed,
J.P. Morgan

Dialog: A failure Brand?

It is simple ” Whoever trying to show a big picture without future potential will ultimately fail”. A good performer does not talk much. These statement has become true in the case of dialog telecom in Sri Lanka.

According to my best of knowledge, it is the only company has promoted its IPO in an exclusive manner by running out huge promotional campaign. I don’t understand the logic behind the promotion of IPO. Its obvious that if a company performs well, people definitely going to buy your shares. The only requirement is issuing a prospectus as per the company law. I still remember how rich the dialog’s prospectus at the time of IPO. Lot of Sri Lankan became shareholder for the first time due the massive promotion of dialog. Still the Dialog holds the third position in terms of market capitalization.

JOHN KEELLS HOLDINGS PLC 79,673,859,875.00 9.91(%)
SRI LANKA TELECOM PLC 75,804,120,000.00 9.43(%)
DIALOG TELEKOM PLC. 42,754,836,626.25 5.32(%)
COMMERCIAL BANK OF CEYLON PLC 33,484,706,437.00 4.16(%)

All these promotional strategy is by the direction of the malayshian parent company, they have cultivated maximum from the dialog. They have gone back to malayshiya with a huge profit in the name of share premium. All are the earning of poor sri lankans. Imagine how much they would have earned at share prices were 26. When they founf dialog is going bad and strucggling in competition they simple transfered their ownership. Now another owner bought the company at the time the reccession is peak. Some times they too dispose thier holding when market prices turned better by making huge profit.Who knows? ultimately these foreign players making Dr.Hans as a innocent victim of all issues.

Because of their heavy promotion a share having a nominal value of two rupees went in to twenties on the first day after it went public. The business minded traders have turned their money into gold through that occasion. But people who turned due to promotion and bonded emotionally with dialog are still have not recovered their cost.

Even share prices went to Rs.3.60 at the peak of the recession. But everybody felt dialog has the potential to fight back and believed Dr.Hans can ride the horse in right direction even though there is high completion.

Despite all hopes, Dialog made a announcement today(14.08.2009) which clearly establishes the weakness and inefficiencies. Here the announcement.

Corporate Disclosure
14th August 2009
“Pursuant to Rule 8.1 (a) of the Listing Rules of the Colombo Stock exchange, we write to inform you that, the Board of Directors at its meeting held today resolved to undertake a one-off network modernization step aimed at converting its Core Network to 100% Next Generation Network (NGN) formulation.

NGNs provide a compelling opportunity to de-scale operating costs by a significant margin, while also reducing future capital expenditure and carrying values of core network assets due to the 80% over reduction in per-subscriber core network capital costs.

The decision to undertake such one-off modernization was based on the fact that the modernisation of Dialog’s core network is slated to deliver a positive impact of Rs. 1.5bn. to the Company’s P&L on an annualised basis going forward. The case for modernisation is further supported by an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) in excess of 100% and a payback period of less than one calendar year from the point of commissioning. Dialog commenced its transition to NGN in 2006, enabling the Company to complete a 100% modernisation with a modest incremental investment of Rs 485Mn (USD 4.2 Mn).
The decision to modernize specific elements of the Core Network requires a provision for impairment of legacy network elements. Accordingly, the Company has provided for an immediate impairment charge amounting to Rs. 6,031,620,039 in the quarter ended 30 June 2009.

My Questions

They said they are aimed at converting its Core Network to 100% Next Generation Network (NGN) formulation. So do they into a 100% outdated or back generation technology as at today?

How a Next Generation Network (NGN) formulation can reduce 80% over reduction in per-subscriber core network capital costs? It is a reliable statement or just to retain the stakeholder?

Wow look at these nice words, its amazing “The case for modernisation is further supported by an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) in excess of 100% and a payback period of less than one calendar year from the point of commissioning.” This is the first time I am hearing a concept of IRR with 100% and payback with in a year. Is that certain? Don’t you feel these are false promises? Can anyone give a practical example for above situation any ware in the world?

Look at the final words from a No 1 branded company some time before “The decision to modernize specific elements of the Core Network requires a provision for impairment of legacy network elements. Accordingly, the Company has provided for an immediate impairment charge amounting to Rs. 6,031,620,039 in the quarter ended 30 June 2009”

This is complete nonsense to accept that a leading company having 6 billion worth impairment loss. Then why a young company investing in 6 billion worth technological assets which can be out dated. I am accepting the fact in technological business its certain. But impairment for 6 Billion, wasn’t it too over for a company running in public fund. Isn’t it disclosing an inefficient situation?

The only reason they are going for such huge investment is, they cant compete in the market with jaint regional players. Any way they have to bring down the cost to retain the market. Their cost reductions pricing strategies lead them the 9 billion loss. so now they transfering every inefficiency to the shareholders.

Ok, anyway I still have believe in Dr.Hans. Can he do some amazing thinks within the only company which announces VRS schemes other than government of Sri lanka.

Celebrate Your Right to Be Left-Handed-Thursday August 13th: Left – Handers’ Day 2009

No-one has come up with a definitive reason for WHY some people are left-handed, but about 13% of the population around the world are, and it is thought to be genetic – it definitely runs in families. Researchers have recently located a gene they believe “makes it possible to have a left-handed child ” so if you have that gene, one or more of your children may be left-handed and will pass it on through the generations!

The way the brain works is incredibly complex, but this simplified explanation will give you some understanding of where our left-hand dominance comes from. The brain is “cross-wired” so that the left hemisphere controls the right handed side of the body and vice-versa and hand dominance is connected with brain dominance on the opposite side – which is why we say that only left-handers are in their right minds!

The left hemisphere (RIGHT HAND CONTROL) controls Speech, Language, Writing, Logic, Mathematics, Science, this is the LINEAR THINKING MODE.

The right hemisphere (LEFT HAND CONTROL) controls Music, Art, Creativity, Perception, Emotions, Genius, this is the HOLISTIC THINKING MODE

Left-Handers Day History

August 13 is designated International Lefthanders Day by Lefthanders International. It was first observed 13 August 1976. As its name suggests, it is meant to promote awareness of the inconveniences facing left-handers in a predominantly right-handed world. It celebrates their uniqueness and difference. These events have contributed more than anything else to the general awareness of the difficulties and frustrations left-handers experience in everyday life, and have successfully led to improved product design and greater consideration of our needs by the right-handed majority – although there is still a long way to go!!

Fascinating Facts about Left Handed

Most left-handers draw figures facing to the right.

There is a high tendency in twins for one to be left-handed

Stuttering and dyslexia occur more often in left-handers (particularly if they are forced to change their writing hand as a child, like King of England George VI).

Left-handers adjust more readily to seeing underwater.

Left-handers excel particularly in tennis, baseball, swimming and fencing

Left-handers usually reach puberty 4 to 5 months after right-handers

4 of the 5 original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed

1 in 4 Apollo astronauts were left-handed – 250% more than the normal level.

4 out of last five American presidents are left handed, namely Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama

Left-handers are generally more intelligent, better looking, imaginative and multi-talented than right handers – based on discussions among members of the Left-Handers Club!

Left-handers were severely discriminated against during the 18th and 19th centuries and it was often “beaten out” of people. As discrimination was reduced in the 20th century, the number of natural left-handers who stayed left-handed increased

Causes of left-handedness
•Hand orientation is developed in unborn children, most commonly determined by observing which hand is predominantly licked or held close to the mouth.
•In 2007, researchers discovered LRRTM1, the first gene linked to increased odds of being left-handed.
•Long-term impairment of the right hand: People with long-term impairment of the right hand are more likely to become left-handed, even after their right hand heals. Such long-term impairment is defined as eight months or more.
•Testosterone: Exposure to higher rates of testosterone before birth can lead to a left-handed child.

Left-handedness and intelligence

In his book Right-Hand, Left-Hand, Chris McManus of University College London argues that the proportion of left-handers is rising and left-handed people as a group have historically produced an above-average quota of high achievers. He says that left-handers’ brains are structured differently in a way that widens their range of abilities, and the genes that determine left-handedness also govern development of the language centers of the brain.

McManus also says that the increase in the 20th century of people identifying as left-handed could produce a corresponding intellectual advance and a leap in the number of mathematical, sporting, or artistic geniuses.

In 2006, researchers at Lafayette College and Johns Hopkins University in a study found that left-handed men are 15 percent richer than right-handed men for those who attended college, and 26 percent richer if they graduated. The wage difference is still unexplainable and does not appear to apply to women.

List of famous left-handed people
Rulers
•Tiberius
•Alexander the Great
•Charlemagne
•Julius Caesar
•Napoleon Bonaparte
•Queen Victoria of England
•Prince Charles, of England
•Prince William of Wales
•Fidel Castro

U.S. President’s• Ronald Reagan Converted to right-handedness in childhood
•George H.W. Bush
•Bill Clinton
•Barack Obama

Miscellaneous
•Bill Gates, Founder Microsoft
•Benjamin Netanyahu, politician
•Henry Ford, automobile manufacturer
•David Rockefeller, banker
•Dwight F. Davis, founder of the Davis Cup in tennis
•Helen Keller, advocate for the blind
•Edwin Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
•Hendry Ford, Business Man
•Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts (ambidextrous)
•John F. Kennedy, Jr, lawyer/publisher
•Matt Groening cartoonist; ‘Simpsons’
•Henry Ford, automobile manufacturer
•James Baldwin, novelist

Criminals•Osama bin Laden
•John Dillinger, bank robber
•Boston Strangler (Albert Henry DiSalvo), serial killer
•Jack-the-Ripper (?), serial killer

Artists
•Pablo Picasso
•Michelangelo
•Raphael
•Leonardo da Vinci

Actors
•Julia Roberts
•Emma Thompson
•Charlie Chaplin
•Amitabh Bachchan
•Angelina Jolie
•Slyvester Stallone