Thru our eyes we see the World
-
My eyes are my history. They contain the archives of all my memories. Eyes
wide open or shut tight, I can still see them, the faces and places I have
loved...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Something Fishy
Fish pedicures, which involve tiny Garra rufa fish nibbling away at dead skin on the feet, can also be a harbinger for disease.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Back to Basics -- Traits of a Good Politician
Politics consists of "social relations involving authority or power" and refers to the regulation of a political unit, and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy.
Political science (also political studies) is the study of political behavior and examines the acquisition and application of power. Related areas of study include political philosophy, which seeks a rationale for politics and an ethic of public behavior, and public administration, which examines the practices of governance.
The Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-471 BCE) was one of the first thinkers to adopt a distinct approach to political philosophy. His philosophy was "rooted in his belief that a ruler should learn self-discipline, should govern his subjects by his own example, and should treat them with love and concern." His political beliefs were strongly linked to personal ethics and morality, believing that only a morally upright ruler who possessed "de", or virtue, should be able to exercise power, and that the behavior of an individual ought to be consistent with their rank in society.
He stated that "Good government consists in the ruler being a ruler, the minister being a minister, the father being a father, and the son being a son."
The spate of demonstrations and public voicing that are mis-directed that we have so recently witnessed right here on the shores of Malaysia are akin to being embattled in a civil war. One that pits brother against brother -- inside us we are all the same. Now tell me, we certainly do not need a civil war to guide us and shape us like the one in America, do we?
The art and act of good government can exist when the leaders acknowledge that they serve the people of the nation. Overkill to say that they are sworn to protect them as well. Malaysians = Citizens of Malaysia. Are you a Citizen or a Foreigner?
Political science (also political studies) is the study of political behavior and examines the acquisition and application of power. Related areas of study include political philosophy, which seeks a rationale for politics and an ethic of public behavior, and public administration, which examines the practices of governance.
The Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-471 BCE) was one of the first thinkers to adopt a distinct approach to political philosophy. His philosophy was "rooted in his belief that a ruler should learn self-discipline, should govern his subjects by his own example, and should treat them with love and concern." His political beliefs were strongly linked to personal ethics and morality, believing that only a morally upright ruler who possessed "de", or virtue, should be able to exercise power, and that the behavior of an individual ought to be consistent with their rank in society.
He stated that "Good government consists in the ruler being a ruler, the minister being a minister, the father being a father, and the son being a son."
The spate of demonstrations and public voicing that are mis-directed that we have so recently witnessed right here on the shores of Malaysia are akin to being embattled in a civil war. One that pits brother against brother -- inside us we are all the same. Now tell me, we certainly do not need a civil war to guide us and shape us like the one in America, do we?
The art and act of good government can exist when the leaders acknowledge that they serve the people of the nation. Overkill to say that they are sworn to protect them as well. Malaysians = Citizens of Malaysia. Are you a Citizen or a Foreigner?
Dim Sum A Chinese Delicacy - A Reflection on the State of Wealth and Economics
Dim Sum is a Chinese delicacy that is commonly enjoyed in the mornings over a pot of nicely brewed Chinese Tea. The Chinese believe that the tea helps to dissolves the oil in food and aid in digestion.
The name Dim Sum is aptly translated into "A Spot of Heart" meaning that it is prepared with a tinge of heart. Heart-full preparation to create these mouth sized bites of wonder.
I'm a bit saddened by the kan-seongs (traders) in the Dim Sum industry for raising the price of Dim Sum to almost double of what it was back in 2007 (last year). Its not that its no longer affordable but the price hike is ridiculous. It was so much a joy whenever I got wind of the latest promotions here and there with Dim Sum going at 50% discount -- seems that this will no longer apply. I am certain that many other business people in the food and services industry raise their prices not solely due to increases of the raw materials or resources that they use to in delivering their product or service but more often because of their own personal greed and increases in their own cost of living as an individual. Look at it: The employees are not getting paid any more, are they? There is simply no sense of balance here.
Okay, enough on the short insight. I vow not to indulge in Dim Sum but shall still enjoy it once a bluemoon (never on a shiny day or a weekday) as it is no longer good value for money...
The name Dim Sum is aptly translated into "A Spot of Heart" meaning that it is prepared with a tinge of heart. Heart-full preparation to create these mouth sized bites of wonder.
I'm a bit saddened by the kan-seongs (traders) in the Dim Sum industry for raising the price of Dim Sum to almost double of what it was back in 2007 (last year). Its not that its no longer affordable but the price hike is ridiculous. It was so much a joy whenever I got wind of the latest promotions here and there with Dim Sum going at 50% discount -- seems that this will no longer apply. I am certain that many other business people in the food and services industry raise their prices not solely due to increases of the raw materials or resources that they use to in delivering their product or service but more often because of their own personal greed and increases in their own cost of living as an individual. Look at it: The employees are not getting paid any more, are they? There is simply no sense of balance here.
Okay, enough on the short insight. I vow not to indulge in Dim Sum but shall still enjoy it once a bluemoon (never on a shiny day or a weekday) as it is no longer good value for money...
Friday, December 5, 2008
Malaysia is not the only multiracial country
Face it...we Malaysians are not that special when it comes to being a multiracial country. Despite having come a long way since the time of our forefathers, we have regressed into a society full of controversy (as in singular sense). Perhaps we should bite the bullet and be humble enough to start learning from others. Tun Mahathir in all his glory during his overstayed rule in Malaysia did manage a good thing or two amongst his many other deeds. A good example is his introduction of the Look East Policy which nurtured Malaysia to emerge a formidable manufacturer of cars in Asia. No one is perfect...and neither is he.
I crossed upon an interesting documentary on Travel and Living yesterday of the ASTRO cable T.V. channel. It has this Bourdain chef guy on a visit to Columbia to seek pleasures of the tastebud...glorious food. It seems that Columbia has all skin tones imaginable. People of all the world can be seen here, White, Black, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian, African...and all living happily. Although I could see that the majority were not in the trappings of a luxury lifestyle but heck..these people were happy.
It is my belief that Pak Lah had a good thing going and before positive things could come to fruit, bad things happened that were not entirely his doing. We are all proud to be Malaysians. It does not matter if we are an unknown (which we all know that the world in majority knows of us), multi ethnic group instead of multi racial, or even still making our mark on Earth, but the most we have to show at this moment is the childish behaviour we display to the international audience. Can we all just focus on the basics before we regress further. Think of a strong nation that is Malaysia and the Malaysian race that is the people living in harmony here. Is that not a goal worth achieving? Its fine to say that even lovers need a break or a vacation away from each other, but at the end of the day it remains that they get back together stronger and more geared for the future. We should all focus on being Malaysians and a multi ethnic nation - even the term multiracial denotes of a racial divide so drop it. In the true spirit of a global nation, we are beyond religion, race, skin colour, and borders. We are the same inside no matter who we are.
I crossed upon an interesting documentary on Travel and Living yesterday of the ASTRO cable T.V. channel. It has this Bourdain chef guy on a visit to Columbia to seek pleasures of the tastebud...glorious food. It seems that Columbia has all skin tones imaginable. People of all the world can be seen here, White, Black, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian, African...and all living happily. Although I could see that the majority were not in the trappings of a luxury lifestyle but heck..these people were happy.
It is my belief that Pak Lah had a good thing going and before positive things could come to fruit, bad things happened that were not entirely his doing. We are all proud to be Malaysians. It does not matter if we are an unknown (which we all know that the world in majority knows of us), multi ethnic group instead of multi racial, or even still making our mark on Earth, but the most we have to show at this moment is the childish behaviour we display to the international audience. Can we all just focus on the basics before we regress further. Think of a strong nation that is Malaysia and the Malaysian race that is the people living in harmony here. Is that not a goal worth achieving? Its fine to say that even lovers need a break or a vacation away from each other, but at the end of the day it remains that they get back together stronger and more geared for the future. We should all focus on being Malaysians and a multi ethnic nation - even the term multiracial denotes of a racial divide so drop it. In the true spirit of a global nation, we are beyond religion, race, skin colour, and borders. We are the same inside no matter who we are.
Keep the ISA --- Lose the Politicians
For whatever it's worth, the Internal Security Act or ISA as we all know it should not be abolished as it provides a comfort zone towards maintaining the home security of Malaysia. However the only point which needs to be ensured is that the power to wield it should be entrusted to an individual or a committee that is able to act intelligently and without fear or favour; the latter being more needed.
It is extremely embarassing to learn of politicians who are whimsical, childish, rude, and shortsighted. For example, we have those that comment for the sake of letting loose a stream of unintelligibles; fear not that it is offensive to some quarters, those that use filthy language, and more so those that act like children in a playground fighting over who gets to play. Tsk tsk shame on you.
To these politicians I bid you a quick end to your so-called glamorous political career; whereas to those that are respectable (in my eyes) ie Pak Lah - you have done your best and although the tide is against you, your integrity shall be fortified and your good name held in deepest respect.
It is extremely embarassing to learn of politicians who are whimsical, childish, rude, and shortsighted. For example, we have those that comment for the sake of letting loose a stream of unintelligibles; fear not that it is offensive to some quarters, those that use filthy language, and more so those that act like children in a playground fighting over who gets to play. Tsk tsk shame on you.
To these politicians I bid you a quick end to your so-called glamorous political career; whereas to those that are respectable (in my eyes) ie Pak Lah - you have done your best and although the tide is against you, your integrity shall be fortified and your good name held in deepest respect.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Speed up your PC
By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly.
Free up disk space
By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
•Remove temporary Internet files.
•Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).
•Empty the Recycle Bin.
•Remove Windows temporary files.
•Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.
•Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.
Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer. Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.
Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility. As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.
Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2. Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software programs available.
Free up disk space
By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
•Remove temporary Internet files.
•Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).
•Empty the Recycle Bin.
•Remove Windows temporary files.
•Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.
•Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.
Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer. Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.
Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility. As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.
Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2. Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software programs available.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Help my boss hates me
You can ignore the scowls and occasional nasty remarks as long as you're earning raises, promotions, and decent evaluations. Many supervisors just aren't warm and fuzzy. But if you think you're truly on thin ice, you need to talk things over with Mr. Nasty. This doesn't mean bursting into his office and demanding a dramatic, heart-to-heart exchange. Instead, request a half-hour meeting to get feedback. Most conflicts result from communication and work-style differences that make the boss uneasy. He doesn't have to like you, but he does need to trust you and feel comfortable with your habits. Tell him you want to be more responsive to his needs. Does he prefer e-mail or phone? Frequent updates or an end-of-the-month report? Is he cool with your two-hour lunches? Take notes. Heed his wishes. Check in a month later to see how it's working. You may find there is no pleasing the guy; you make all the adjustments and he still finds reasons to rip you apart. This is known as power tripping. Solution: Get a new boss.
Do You Need Life Insurance?
This is a common financial issue that has a fairly black-and-white solution. If you have a family that relies on your income, you need insurance.
If not, you don't, no matter what the salesman says. The more complicated question is how much insurance do you need? First, add up the assets you'll leave behind. Maxing out your financial investments builds savings that could help take care of your family. Second, estimate the obligations you want to cover--the mortgage and child care, for instance. Subtract those obligations from the value of your savings to figure out how much insurance you need.
Most people are better off with a term policy, rather than whole life, which includes a (pricey) investment component. A healthy 40-year-old man can buy a $500,000, 20-year term policy for about $400 a year. Term is a beautiful thing, because most people don't need insurance once they hit 60 as most have paid off debts, college is saved for or paid for, and retirement savings should cover survivor income.
If not, you don't, no matter what the salesman says. The more complicated question is how much insurance do you need? First, add up the assets you'll leave behind. Maxing out your financial investments builds savings that could help take care of your family. Second, estimate the obligations you want to cover--the mortgage and child care, for instance. Subtract those obligations from the value of your savings to figure out how much insurance you need.
Most people are better off with a term policy, rather than whole life, which includes a (pricey) investment component. A healthy 40-year-old man can buy a $500,000, 20-year term policy for about $400 a year. Term is a beautiful thing, because most people don't need insurance once they hit 60 as most have paid off debts, college is saved for or paid for, and retirement savings should cover survivor income.
Free Advice -- When you know you are in the right job
Are your pursuing the right career? Does it celebrate your strengths, creativity and leave you feeling fulfilled and enriched at the end of the day? Are you reaping the financial rewards you deserve? If the answer is yes to all, you can be certain that you are in the right job and for the right reasons.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Guilin China
Guilin (Chinese: 桂林; pinyin: Guìlín) is a city in China, situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery. I love the people and the karst formations especially.
Have respect for Najib please
I came across this article. I hope that Lim either removes it or tones it down since I felt much upset after a read.
from the blog of Lim Kit Siang
Excerpt:
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should go on leave from his duties as Deputy Prime Minister until all questions implicating his credibility, especially arising from the statutory declaration by private investigator P. Balasubramaniam, are investigated and cleared. Balasubramaniam’s statutory declaration dated 1st July and made public today in effect challenged the truth and veracity of various statements and denials by Najib in connection with the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in October 2006 – that Najib had not known or ever met Altantunya. Najib, as well as the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, cannot allow Balasubramaniam’s shocking statutory declaration to go unchallenged as it raises grave fundamental issues as to their fitness to hold high political offices in the land. Balasubramaniam’s shocking statutory declaration has brought back to Malaysians the emotional scene at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate’s court on 16th November 2006 when Razak was charged for abetting the murder of Altantuya, when his wife Mazlinda Makhzan lost her cool and shouted at journalists: “My husband is innocent. My husband is a good man. He supported me and protected me. Why are you writing all these stories about him. He is not out to become the Prime Minister. Why are they doing this to him?”.
from the blog of Lim Kit Siang
Excerpt:
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should go on leave from his duties as Deputy Prime Minister until all questions implicating his credibility, especially arising from the statutory declaration by private investigator P. Balasubramaniam, are investigated and cleared. Balasubramaniam’s statutory declaration dated 1st July and made public today in effect challenged the truth and veracity of various statements and denials by Najib in connection with the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in October 2006 – that Najib had not known or ever met Altantunya. Najib, as well as the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, cannot allow Balasubramaniam’s shocking statutory declaration to go unchallenged as it raises grave fundamental issues as to their fitness to hold high political offices in the land. Balasubramaniam’s shocking statutory declaration has brought back to Malaysians the emotional scene at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate’s court on 16th November 2006 when Razak was charged for abetting the murder of Altantuya, when his wife Mazlinda Makhzan lost her cool and shouted at journalists: “My husband is innocent. My husband is a good man. He supported me and protected me. Why are you writing all these stories about him. He is not out to become the Prime Minister. Why are they doing this to him?”.
Atlantuya Razak Baginda Nirmala
I had a bout of insomnia last night and just could not coax myself to sleep. I had this gnawing feeling inside of me. It dawned upon me that Razak Baginda was never guilty at all in the first place and he had probably wasted a whole lot of his time in jail due to unforeseen circumstances. How can he be guilty in this heinous crime that saw to the death of a Mongolian lass that was painted as someone alluring and a leech for money since he was charged for only abetting the crime? A puppet can only move if so controlled by the actions of the puppeteer. A person is not only innocent until proven guilty by a court of law but the most basic and cleverly overlooked fact is that the charge must be proper. But never mind that and never mind how long the case was painfully prolonged, I believe that there is a clause that a person cannot be tried for the same crime. It would be most unfair then if the 2 former UTK officers were not released as well. Life in jail is no fun.
As for Nirmala Bonat and her former employer Yim, true justice was served with her conviction of 18 years. Yim Pek Ha a housewife was taken back to Kajang Prison pending her application for stay of execution that will be heard today in the High Court. In this 2004 case that gained nationwide interest, for obvious reasons, it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that Yim had repeatedly subjected to acts of torture determined to cause the latter much pain and suffering. I'm pretty sure that this will serve as a strong reminder to all current and future employers not to ill-treat their servants. Not only is it wrong in the eyes of the law but it is also inhuman to carry out such acts. In a dream if Yim had murdered Nirmala or asked someone to cause her to disappear, she may have been released earlier (although it is still wrong but still better than subjecting the poor girl to physical abuse over and over again). A befitting punishment.
Life is controversial.
As for Nirmala Bonat and her former employer Yim, true justice was served with her conviction of 18 years. Yim Pek Ha a housewife was taken back to Kajang Prison pending her application for stay of execution that will be heard today in the High Court. In this 2004 case that gained nationwide interest, for obvious reasons, it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that Yim had repeatedly subjected to acts of torture determined to cause the latter much pain and suffering. I'm pretty sure that this will serve as a strong reminder to all current and future employers not to ill-treat their servants. Not only is it wrong in the eyes of the law but it is also inhuman to carry out such acts. In a dream if Yim had murdered Nirmala or asked someone to cause her to disappear, she may have been released earlier (although it is still wrong but still better than subjecting the poor girl to physical abuse over and over again). A befitting punishment.
Life is controversial.
Malaysia sex for hire case - women laundering
Kuala Lumpur - Haslinda Merican M.A. Merican (43), former production house manager involved in drama and documentary productions and tourism promotions, has lost in her appeal against the conviction and sentence of 10 months jail and $5,000 (Ringgit Malaysia) fine for her role in the sex-for-hire case back in 1995. During the trial, the names and age of the women claimed to be artistes were disclosed in the court of law. They were aged from between 18 and 35. Justice Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah of the Malaysian High Court, in dismissing the appeal ruled that there was no misdirection of justice and that the ruling of the lower court would stay. A small price to pay for women laundering.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Of junk mail and contest scams --- so gullible
http://millionaire-living.blogspot.com/2008/11/dont-let-tired-excuse-of-winning.html
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Vision Short Sight a Pearl of the Orient no longer a Heritage Site (soon)
Malaysian island could lose new world heritage status: A statement by the United Nations said on Monday that Malaysia's Penang island could lose its newly-acquired world heritage status because of a row over plans for four high-rise hotels.
Hubert Gijzen, the regional chief of UNESCO, the UN's cultural wing, who officially presented the listing to Penang and southern Malacca state at the weekend, said the body would send experts to help resolve the controversy. It is claimed that the hotels, all of which have been approved by Malaysian planning authorities, would be too tall under UNESCO's rules for world heritage listing. "I have spoken to the Malaysian minister of unity, culture and heritage and we agreed to set up a joint UNESCO mission of experts who will sit with the local government and developers to work this out," he told AFP. "The team will look at all angles and submit its findings and we will try to work it out but if after several rounds we cannot reach an agreement then the island will risk losing its heritage status," he said. "So I think this is the best way to resolve the situation and I am now waiting for the minister to write formally so that we can begin." Last week Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said his government was in a bind as the state could not afford to face legal action over cancelling the buildings which exceed UNESCO's 15-metre (49-foot) maximum height limit. He said three of the buildings were approved by a previous state government, and the fourth was approved before heritage status was granted in July. A member of the former state government has said the guidelines on the height policy had been amended to allow the buildings, and Gijzen said that claim would have to be investigated. "All countries have to go strictly by the guidelines which are rarely amended. If it violates the guidelines then it cannot be done," he said. The UNESCO boss said the determining factor would be the exact location of the buildings. "There is a matter of which zone these buildings are located in as the rules are very strict for the inner zone, less so for the immediate zone and there is some flexibility for the outer zone," he said. "If the development is outside the outer zone, it could be higher than 15 metres." The New Straits Times reported Monday that two of the four hotels would be located in the inner zone while the other two would be in the outer zone. Penang's capital, George Town, along with the port city of Malacca, were awarded heritage status after years of waiting for recognition. Penang's capital was honoured for its colonial-era pre-World War II buildings. Malaysia had hoped the heritage listing would boost tourism, which is a key foreign exchange earner. If only the powers that are were more far sighted.
Hubert Gijzen, the regional chief of UNESCO, the UN's cultural wing, who officially presented the listing to Penang and southern Malacca state at the weekend, said the body would send experts to help resolve the controversy. It is claimed that the hotels, all of which have been approved by Malaysian planning authorities, would be too tall under UNESCO's rules for world heritage listing. "I have spoken to the Malaysian minister of unity, culture and heritage and we agreed to set up a joint UNESCO mission of experts who will sit with the local government and developers to work this out," he told AFP. "The team will look at all angles and submit its findings and we will try to work it out but if after several rounds we cannot reach an agreement then the island will risk losing its heritage status," he said. "So I think this is the best way to resolve the situation and I am now waiting for the minister to write formally so that we can begin." Last week Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said his government was in a bind as the state could not afford to face legal action over cancelling the buildings which exceed UNESCO's 15-metre (49-foot) maximum height limit. He said three of the buildings were approved by a previous state government, and the fourth was approved before heritage status was granted in July. A member of the former state government has said the guidelines on the height policy had been amended to allow the buildings, and Gijzen said that claim would have to be investigated. "All countries have to go strictly by the guidelines which are rarely amended. If it violates the guidelines then it cannot be done," he said. The UNESCO boss said the determining factor would be the exact location of the buildings. "There is a matter of which zone these buildings are located in as the rules are very strict for the inner zone, less so for the immediate zone and there is some flexibility for the outer zone," he said. "If the development is outside the outer zone, it could be higher than 15 metres." The New Straits Times reported Monday that two of the four hotels would be located in the inner zone while the other two would be in the outer zone. Penang's capital, George Town, along with the port city of Malacca, were awarded heritage status after years of waiting for recognition. Penang's capital was honoured for its colonial-era pre-World War II buildings. Malaysia had hoped the heritage listing would boost tourism, which is a key foreign exchange earner. If only the powers that are were more far sighted.
Pardon me way to go Mr, George Bush
I expected Presidential Pardons to be in the utmost sense an act where common justice has failed. Current American President George W. Bush has since granted pardons to 14 individuals and commuted the prison sentences of two others convicted of misdeeds including drug offenses, tax evasion, wildlife violations and bank embezzlement. These pardons were announced yesterday and are Mr.Bush's first since March this year and come just as he will vacate his position as President of the United States of America. Who says he isn't a softie; even if the list were not of his own choosing.
Mr. Bush has undoubtedly been very stingy during his time in office about granting clemency, but still more grants can be expected. Including these recent ones, he has granted in total 171 pardons and eight commutations. That's still less than half as many as Presidents Clinton or Reagan issued during their time in office. Both were two-term presidents, just like Mr. Bush.
Mr. Bush has undoubtedly been very stingy during his time in office about granting clemency, but still more grants can be expected. Including these recent ones, he has granted in total 171 pardons and eight commutations. That's still less than half as many as Presidents Clinton or Reagan issued during their time in office. Both were two-term presidents, just like Mr. Bush.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
We Shall Overcome, Yes We Can: Barack Obama 2008
As I listen to CNN's live telecast of the victory speech by the man of the century, of change, of a new era, President Barack Obama, the first "black" President of the United States, I am inspired by his tag note of Yes We Can. It is the birth of a new era in world equality. It is a blessing to a world divided by differences.
Hopefully President BO shall overcome and lead the world to a better standing. People Power. Voice of the modern world thank you.
Congratulations many times over President BO. May you always remain blessed and true to your beliefs.
Hopefully President BO shall overcome and lead the world to a better standing. People Power. Voice of the modern world thank you.
Congratulations many times over President BO. May you always remain blessed and true to your beliefs.
A Big Win for Barack Obama
It will not only be a big win for Barack Obama (BO) but for America as well should he win the Presidential Race. I've had CNN on live since last night and I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that he really does win big.
BO believes in peace, justice, humanity, and social change, and although we are miles apart I share those same ideals as he.
As a world leader, America has a lot to prove and electing BO as the next President of the United States will cement their community as one that is truly a society above all discrimination, especially that of race and skin color. A free society, a free nation, and a free world awaits you BO. Kudos.
BO believes in peace, justice, humanity, and social change, and although we are miles apart I share those same ideals as he.
As a world leader, America has a lot to prove and electing BO as the next President of the United States will cement their community as one that is truly a society above all discrimination, especially that of race and skin color. A free society, a free nation, and a free world awaits you BO. Kudos.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An American Dream --- Barack Obama
I am voting (in spirit) for Barack Obama because we share a common faith in peace, justice, humanity, and social change.
Our faith was profoundly tested during 12 years of Reagan-Bush and 8 more of Bush-Cheney. America has fallen from the leader among nations to the pariah. Our economy is collapsing, our savings are vanishing, and our planet is in peril. Yet the powerful people and institutions who created this disaster continue to rule us - and rob us blind.
Barack Obama is an extraordinary gift to America and the world. Through compassion, intelligence, and hard work, he has overcome the enormous obstacles of race and lack of wealth. He is an inspiration to us all.
In just two years, he has built a movement unlike any in history. Thanks to his own family history, he has been able to bridge the divides of race and class to build the most diverse coalition in history. But we are not just temporary political allies - we are becoming one enormous family. And by focusing on the enormous problems we face as a people, he has given us Hope.
I am inspired by Obama's gifts of intelligence, compassion, optimism, and courage. I love his beautiful family, and the extended family he has helped us create. I want him to win, and much more importantly, for all of us to succeed. And I know it will be a struggle, every hour of every day.
We are in the fight of our lives, and of our childrens' lives. My vote is just the start of my commitment to that fight.
Seriously its a Joke and worth a Laugh
Abdullah Badawi was visiting Singapore and during a meeting with Brigadier Lee, he commented to him that he was so disappointed with his cabinet people for being stupid, and asked him how he managed to have such an efficient cabinet in Singapore. PM Lee said, ʽSimple, Abdullah, I choose able men for my cabinet.ʼ Abdullah asked, ʽYes, but how do you know that they are able?ʼ PM Lee replied : Just ask them simple questions to test their intelligence. They donʼt need to be too difficult. Let me illustrate to you.ʼ Just then, DPM Tony Tan was walking by, PM Lee called out to him, ʽHey Tony, come over here.ʼ Tony walked briskly over and PM Lee asked, ʽTell me, Tony, who is your fatherʼs son ?ʼ Tony Tan immediately replied, ʽMe ! Of course.ʼ PM Lee turned to Abdullah and said, ʽSee, all my ministers can answer such questions. Why donʼt you go back and try?ʼ Abdullah thanked PM Lee and left for Putra Jaya. Once he was back, he immediately summoned Home Minister Syed Hamid, and shot the question at him, ʽTell me, Hamid, who is your fatherʼs son?ʼ Syed Hamid was shocked beyond words and did not know the answer. After a while, he recovered and said, ʽBoss, let me find out and Iʼll tell you tomorrow.ʼ Abdullah, a bit disappointed, agreed, hoping that Syed Hamid will give him the answer the next day. Meanwhile, Syed Hamid was panicking that the PM was testing him. He tried desperately to find out the answer from his staff, but none of them knew the answer. The next morning, he thought a smart guy like Anwar must know the answer. So he phoned and when Anwar picked up the phone, Syed Hamid said: ʽHello, Anwar !!, I want to ask you a question. If you do not willingly give me the answer, I shall have you detained under the ISA.ʼ Anwar then agreed reluctantly and Syed Hamid asked: 'Tell me, who is your fatherʼs son?ʼ Anwar who was fuming at having been threathened over such a trivial question replied: ʽOf course it's me, you stupid!ʼ and he slammed the phone down. Satisfied that he got the answer, Syed Hamid confidently walked into Abdullahʼs office and said: ʽBoss, Iʼve got the answer to your question.ʼ Abdullah, happy that his minister wasnʼt that dumb, said, ʽSo tell me quickly Hamid, who is your fatherʼs son?ʼ Syed Hamid confidently replied, ʽItʼs ANWAR!ʼ Abdullah slapped his own forehead in disgust and said: ' No you stupid ! Itʼs TONY TAN !ʼ
I Remember Well for the Reason, a Season, and a Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh..
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life by reading this in my blog.
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh..
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life by reading this in my blog.
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Be strong and in control
Not all confrontations and interaction with others need to be painful. You'll be able to confront any person or issue that you've been too timid to deal with and you won't be aggressive as long as you feel strong and in control. Cultivate your personality and actions to generate this strength and management as needed.
Thought of the Day
It's important to obey the rules of the road, both on and off the highway. Use all your wits when you deal with the life events you encounter and you'll be OK.
Cups of Kindness
In such modern (actually I do think that we are regressing with the many wars, domestic and local violence that's happening in this world we call our own) times, find time to visualize yourself drinking and sharing from the Cups of Kindness. This is a reminder that by giving of ourselves, we also receive. Maintain a certain degree of generosity towards others. Do not judge others easily nor lightly. Become a tolerant person. The strongest and most important source of kindness is from within you. Playfulness, kindness, and innocence are all sources of energy and well-being.
Play it straight
You sometimes when we have a not exactly trouble-free day? The atmosphere is charged with discouragement and uncertainty?
Well its only natural that you are inclined to distrust the good intentions of the people close to you and to question their love. It goes without saying that such feelings are diametrically opposed to creating an atmosphere of happiness and fulfillment... Be on your guard against an onset of the blues! You're feeling unsure about your professional ambition and in a difficult situation ---just be wary of false promises that you might receive. Play it straight.
Well its only natural that you are inclined to distrust the good intentions of the people close to you and to question their love. It goes without saying that such feelings are diametrically opposed to creating an atmosphere of happiness and fulfillment... Be on your guard against an onset of the blues! You're feeling unsure about your professional ambition and in a difficult situation ---just be wary of false promises that you might receive. Play it straight.
Adopt a new philosophy
That's right! Get ready to adopt a new philosophy. Maybe you have been approaching your relationships in too much of a negative way. You could be thinking about problems rather than solutions. Try and break out of your old patterns. Don't spoil something that shows real promise with those ancient, negative attitudes! Try to be a better communicator. Share what is on your mind in a loving, affectionate way. Be different...go ahead it won't hurt you to try.
Razak's out --- bless Atlantuya's soul
The man's out. That's exactly how justice is served in Malaysia --- fair and square. I knew from the start of the case that Razak Baginda was innocent. He only had an intimate relationship with Atlantuya; so what if she's "allegedly" murdered by 2 special task policemen that he asked to help.
Being with another woman besides your legal married wife is not a crime and should never be. So he's innocent and so be it. From the pics in the local dailies, Razak certainly does not look in anyway like he's been to jail; in fact he looks like any regular rich joe on the street.
Even the grieving father (Dr. Shariibu) has gotten past his grief and has nothing more to say except that this is Malaysian justice. Hey! I take offence to that. malaysia for your information has a really good judicial system with an excellent track record! A man cannot be tried twice for the same crime!
Kudos Razak. I hope that you make up for lost time. God bless you.
Being with another woman besides your legal married wife is not a crime and should never be. So he's innocent and so be it. From the pics in the local dailies, Razak certainly does not look in anyway like he's been to jail; in fact he looks like any regular rich joe on the street.
Even the grieving father (Dr. Shariibu) has gotten past his grief and has nothing more to say except that this is Malaysian justice. Hey! I take offence to that. malaysia for your information has a really good judicial system with an excellent track record! A man cannot be tried twice for the same crime!
Kudos Razak. I hope that you make up for lost time. God bless you.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - Malaysia Prime Minister in Waiting
That does it.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak son of one of Malaysia's great political icons, Tun Abdul Razak bin Haji Dato' Hussein Al-Haj(March 11, 1922-January 14, 1976) who was the second Prime Minister of Malaysia ruling from 1970 to 1976, is set to become the next Prime Minister of Malaysia after his predecessor Pak Lah steps down next year. This is confirmed by the overwhelming support Datuk Seri Najib received with the 140 nominations he has garnered for the top post in UMNO. His sole contender Ku Li has only received 1 nomination to date.
Datuk Seri Najib's father Tun Razak was the Prime Minister responsible in setting up Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition of political parties that have stayedin power in Malaysia till today. Tun Razak is also renowned for launching the Malaysian New Economic Policy (MNEP).
With Datuk Seri Najib taking on the role of our nation's top leader next year we look set to a sea of positive changes that will wash out the problems that have plagued us since the last change. Hopefully, the conditions of transparency, anti-corruption, and efficiency introduced by Pak Lah that brought about such problems will be reviewed and redefined to prevent its backlash from continuing into Datuk Seri Najib's tenure as the new Prime Minister of Malaysia.
As a Malaysian I am pleased that stability will once more return to our shores.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak son of one of Malaysia's great political icons, Tun Abdul Razak bin Haji Dato' Hussein Al-Haj(March 11, 1922-January 14, 1976) who was the second Prime Minister of Malaysia ruling from 1970 to 1976, is set to become the next Prime Minister of Malaysia after his predecessor Pak Lah steps down next year. This is confirmed by the overwhelming support Datuk Seri Najib received with the 140 nominations he has garnered for the top post in UMNO. His sole contender Ku Li has only received 1 nomination to date.
Datuk Seri Najib's father Tun Razak was the Prime Minister responsible in setting up Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition of political parties that have stayedin power in Malaysia till today. Tun Razak is also renowned for launching the Malaysian New Economic Policy (MNEP).
With Datuk Seri Najib taking on the role of our nation's top leader next year we look set to a sea of positive changes that will wash out the problems that have plagued us since the last change. Hopefully, the conditions of transparency, anti-corruption, and efficiency introduced by Pak Lah that brought about such problems will be reviewed and redefined to prevent its backlash from continuing into Datuk Seri Najib's tenure as the new Prime Minister of Malaysia.
As a Malaysian I am pleased that stability will once more return to our shores.
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Rat Race in Malaysia
Every year a commendable effort by The Edge-Bursa Malaysia, the RAT RACE, draws 100s of corporate chiefs and executives who take delight running in hot and humid Malaysia, braving sun and rain if may to raise record-breaking millions for charitable organisations.
The Kuala Lumpur Rat Race in the tradition that is the Rat Race (I aptly call it the Race Against Time---RAT Race), participants run in their office attire armed with laptops, PDAs, briefcases, mobile phones and some even sporting colourful hair-do’s with fancy dresses to match.
A usual over a hundred participating teams from both local and foreign, private and public listed companies, participate each year. This is an honourable cause which shows that being human isn't just about work and play, it is about giving back to society and caring for the community.
The Kuala Lumpur Rat Race in the tradition that is the Rat Race (I aptly call it the Race Against Time---RAT Race), participants run in their office attire armed with laptops, PDAs, briefcases, mobile phones and some even sporting colourful hair-do’s with fancy dresses to match.
A usual over a hundred participating teams from both local and foreign, private and public listed companies, participate each year. This is an honourable cause which shows that being human isn't just about work and play, it is about giving back to society and caring for the community.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A Millionaire is the making: $2 a meal
The mushrooming of many a place offering a filling meal at $2 has come to my attention. So far I have given my business to the outlets in Bandar Manjalara, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, and even the one in Ampang New Village. I would say outlets as the owner is most probably the same enterprising person.
A relative of mine had the opportunity to make small talk with the owner and it seems that this gentleman is planning to open over a 100 of these $2 a meal concept restaurants in the Klang Valley. According to him the goal is not to make money as in getting rich quick. His philosophy is rather different and noble. He intends to educate people to be vegetarian. Yes thats right---its a vegetarian restaurant.
My first visit was not because I knew of the $2 a meal deal but rather because I had the itch to go vegetarian for the day and I was much surprised when I saw that a meal of 3 "dishes" with a plate of rice was only at $2. More so when I saw that besides the obvious they also had wantan mee, noodles, nasi lemak, and all at the same affordable price of $2. Water and tea is free.
The concept is rather simple. Self service - you queue up to order, pay and after finishing return the utensils, plates, cup, and whatever to the proper allocated bins with signage. Simple and cheap. I definitely would go gain sometime when I next become a vegetarian again for a day.
A relative of mine had the opportunity to make small talk with the owner and it seems that this gentleman is planning to open over a 100 of these $2 a meal concept restaurants in the Klang Valley. According to him the goal is not to make money as in getting rich quick. His philosophy is rather different and noble. He intends to educate people to be vegetarian. Yes thats right---its a vegetarian restaurant.
My first visit was not because I knew of the $2 a meal deal but rather because I had the itch to go vegetarian for the day and I was much surprised when I saw that a meal of 3 "dishes" with a plate of rice was only at $2. More so when I saw that besides the obvious they also had wantan mee, noodles, nasi lemak, and all at the same affordable price of $2. Water and tea is free.
The concept is rather simple. Self service - you queue up to order, pay and after finishing return the utensils, plates, cup, and whatever to the proper allocated bins with signage. Simple and cheap. I definitely would go gain sometime when I next become a vegetarian again for a day.
Malaysia Politics is not a Tsunami
I just wonder what people nowadays are thinking. Everything just about it has do do with "tsunami". Do they really know what the word tsumani means?
A tsunami (pronounced /(t)suːˈnɑːmi/) is a series of waves created when a body of water, such as an ocean, is rapidly displaced. Earthquakes, mass movements above or below water, some volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions, landslides, underwater earthquakes, large asteroid impacts and testing with nuclear weapons at sea all have the potential to generate a tsunami. The effects of a tsunami can be devastating due to the immense volumes of water and energy involved. Since meteorites are small, they will not generate a tsunami.
The latest I heard of this word being used in error was in a radio ad while on the way to work. It was one advertising some amazing self help economic guru who had published some 45 best sellers on the topic of economic know-how; most obviously some sort of get rich DIY text. In this ad the word tsunami was used to described the current world economic situation. Economy, now does that in anyway remotely tie in to a natural disaster? I would believe that the current world economy is no more than a man-made disaster and definitely not some natural disaster (aka act of God in insurance terms).
Another classic example is how the not so recent March 2008 Elections held in Malaysia where my fellow Malaysians experienced a "sea" of change of having the long entrenched political coalition of some major political parties visibly denied a 2/3 majority in the ruling government of Malaysia. This they the ignoramus also termed a tsunami, a political tsunami they so say and wrote. I'm really disappointed but amused at the same time. Therefore before the next time it is used to refer wrongly to a situation that is not a natural disaster where most probably life and property is lost, please rephrase it.
A tsunami (pronounced /(t)suːˈnɑːmi/) is a series of waves created when a body of water, such as an ocean, is rapidly displaced. Earthquakes, mass movements above or below water, some volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions, landslides, underwater earthquakes, large asteroid impacts and testing with nuclear weapons at sea all have the potential to generate a tsunami. The effects of a tsunami can be devastating due to the immense volumes of water and energy involved. Since meteorites are small, they will not generate a tsunami.
The latest I heard of this word being used in error was in a radio ad while on the way to work. It was one advertising some amazing self help economic guru who had published some 45 best sellers on the topic of economic know-how; most obviously some sort of get rich DIY text. In this ad the word tsunami was used to described the current world economic situation. Economy, now does that in anyway remotely tie in to a natural disaster? I would believe that the current world economy is no more than a man-made disaster and definitely not some natural disaster (aka act of God in insurance terms).
Another classic example is how the not so recent March 2008 Elections held in Malaysia where my fellow Malaysians experienced a "sea" of change of having the long entrenched political coalition of some major political parties visibly denied a 2/3 majority in the ruling government of Malaysia. This they the ignoramus also termed a tsunami, a political tsunami they so say and wrote. I'm really disappointed but amused at the same time. Therefore before the next time it is used to refer wrongly to a situation that is not a natural disaster where most probably life and property is lost, please rephrase it.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Banana Leaf Rice: Careful where you eat it though
Banana leaf rice is a typical dish in South Indian cuisine.
In banana leaf rice, white rice is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curried meat or fish, pickles, and/or papadum. It is traditionally eaten with the hand although I do prefer to eat with my hands clean using the fork and spoon. Banana leaf is used as it is believed that the hot rice will release the coating on the banana leaf, which aids in digestion.
In Malaysia, Banana Leaf Rice is particularly popular among the locals. Kanna Curry House opened some time ago in Bandar Manjalara with neighbours Ambank (Arab Malaysian Bank to the unfamiliar) and a Chinese Food Court.
I thought I would try out the food sampling available and boy did I choose the wrong place to eat. Firstly, the servers there were authentic Southern Indians "imported" from India so there was a wee bit of a communication problem. Secondly, the prices they charge for Banana Leaf Rice is horrendously pricey - much to my dismay (although previously I did go for the typical roti canai and teh ais (iced-tehtarik) and the prices for these were so-so). Thirdly, the quality of presentation of what you may is very inconsistent.
Let me tell you how I fared in this fleece shop. I went over on a good ol' typically hot and windy afternoon for lunch. I stepped in the shop and proceeded to the counter where all the dishes were being kept warm via the electrically heated water thingajamig. Surprised that I didn't get the service I wanted, I walked out and sat at one of the tables at the patio (walkways - by the way it is against DBKL---City Hall regulations to place tables and chairs here, I would know since the restaurant I used to work with always had their business issued fines for doing so).
Anyway after a brief wait I was approached by the waiter/server and I gave him my order - Banana Leaf Rice and a teh ais, and he said not to worry as they will serve it over. Impressive I so thought at first. After some more waiting, the "leaf" arrived. It was a washed Banana Leaf cut to size. Thereafter another good few minutes of waiting before the rice arrived. Aside from the rice nothing else was really that warm or hot at all despite the earlier layout I witnessed. This was followed by a decanter held in hand by a server who then proceeded to lay a small scoop of each 3 different vegetable dishes next to the rice on the Banana Leaf. Being hungry I did not wait further but started scooping the food in. Then a another server came up and asked me if I would like a piece of Chicken, freshly fried, he said. I said ok and this cold piece of fried chicken was added to my leaf plate. Nearly finished by this time another server came up and asked me if I would like some papadum--an Indian flour-based cracker and proceeded to place one measly piece on my leaf plate but not before dropping a piece on the ground and another on the table. He asked me if I would mind having the one on the table as well. I of course said not.
A small group of 4 other customers said down at the next table and surveying what I was eating debated amongst themselves if they should have Banana Leaf Rice as well. The girl amongst them reminded them that it would be costly. Hmm she does know something about this place I thought to myself. When I finally finished what I had so uncleverly ordered to try out, I noticed that the method of serving was much different in their case as they had more various types of "condiments" on their leaf plates than mine.
All in all I paid over $20 for my meal and drinks (I had another teh ais since the first order they delivered wrong a teh limau ais and it was after all a hot day). Mind you the rice and vegetables were $4.20 for what I would normally be charged $2.00 at max elsewhere. For my meal that day I would have only been charged no more than $10.00 elsewhere -- that's 50% or half of what Kanna Curry Fleece-- oops I meant Kanna Curry House charged. I wonder how much the other table was charged...
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not dumb only naively trusting others as I believe that the majority of people do no wrong and even when they have I tend to forget and forgive.
Back to the issue of being fleeced, do not frequent or give your business to food venues which do not display their prices as required by law or who you think is not good value for your hard-earned (sometimes) cash.
In banana leaf rice, white rice is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curried meat or fish, pickles, and/or papadum. It is traditionally eaten with the hand although I do prefer to eat with my hands clean using the fork and spoon. Banana leaf is used as it is believed that the hot rice will release the coating on the banana leaf, which aids in digestion.
In Malaysia, Banana Leaf Rice is particularly popular among the locals. Kanna Curry House opened some time ago in Bandar Manjalara with neighbours Ambank (Arab Malaysian Bank to the unfamiliar) and a Chinese Food Court.
I thought I would try out the food sampling available and boy did I choose the wrong place to eat. Firstly, the servers there were authentic Southern Indians "imported" from India so there was a wee bit of a communication problem. Secondly, the prices they charge for Banana Leaf Rice is horrendously pricey - much to my dismay (although previously I did go for the typical roti canai and teh ais (iced-tehtarik) and the prices for these were so-so). Thirdly, the quality of presentation of what you may is very inconsistent.
Let me tell you how I fared in this fleece shop. I went over on a good ol' typically hot and windy afternoon for lunch. I stepped in the shop and proceeded to the counter where all the dishes were being kept warm via the electrically heated water thingajamig. Surprised that I didn't get the service I wanted, I walked out and sat at one of the tables at the patio (walkways - by the way it is against DBKL---City Hall regulations to place tables and chairs here, I would know since the restaurant I used to work with always had their business issued fines for doing so).
Anyway after a brief wait I was approached by the waiter/server and I gave him my order - Banana Leaf Rice and a teh ais, and he said not to worry as they will serve it over. Impressive I so thought at first. After some more waiting, the "leaf" arrived. It was a washed Banana Leaf cut to size. Thereafter another good few minutes of waiting before the rice arrived. Aside from the rice nothing else was really that warm or hot at all despite the earlier layout I witnessed. This was followed by a decanter held in hand by a server who then proceeded to lay a small scoop of each 3 different vegetable dishes next to the rice on the Banana Leaf. Being hungry I did not wait further but started scooping the food in. Then a another server came up and asked me if I would like a piece of Chicken, freshly fried, he said. I said ok and this cold piece of fried chicken was added to my leaf plate. Nearly finished by this time another server came up and asked me if I would like some papadum--an Indian flour-based cracker and proceeded to place one measly piece on my leaf plate but not before dropping a piece on the ground and another on the table. He asked me if I would mind having the one on the table as well. I of course said not.
A small group of 4 other customers said down at the next table and surveying what I was eating debated amongst themselves if they should have Banana Leaf Rice as well. The girl amongst them reminded them that it would be costly. Hmm she does know something about this place I thought to myself. When I finally finished what I had so uncleverly ordered to try out, I noticed that the method of serving was much different in their case as they had more various types of "condiments" on their leaf plates than mine.
All in all I paid over $20 for my meal and drinks (I had another teh ais since the first order they delivered wrong a teh limau ais and it was after all a hot day). Mind you the rice and vegetables were $4.20 for what I would normally be charged $2.00 at max elsewhere. For my meal that day I would have only been charged no more than $10.00 elsewhere -- that's 50% or half of what Kanna Curry Fleece-- oops I meant Kanna Curry House charged. I wonder how much the other table was charged...
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not dumb only naively trusting others as I believe that the majority of people do no wrong and even when they have I tend to forget and forgive.
Back to the issue of being fleeced, do not frequent or give your business to food venues which do not display their prices as required by law or who you think is not good value for your hard-earned (sometimes) cash.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Virtual murder an online reality
Police say woman logged on virtual reality game and ended ex's avatar.
TOKYO - A 43-year-old Japanese piano teacher's sudden divorce from her online husband in a virtual game world made her so angry that she logged on and killed his digital persona, police said Thursday.
She used his identification and password to log onto popular interactive game "Maple Story" to carry out the virtual murder in mid-May, a police official in northern Sapporo City said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.
"I was suddenly divorced, without a word of warning. That made me so angry," the official quoted her as telling investigators and admitting the allegations.
TOKYO - A 43-year-old Japanese piano teacher's sudden divorce from her online husband in a virtual game world made her so angry that she logged on and killed his digital persona, police said Thursday.
She used his identification and password to log onto popular interactive game "Maple Story" to carry out the virtual murder in mid-May, a police official in northern Sapporo City said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.
"I was suddenly divorced, without a word of warning. That made me so angry," the official quoted her as telling investigators and admitting the allegations.
Written by children
Can you imagine yourself to be the nun, sitting at her desk grading these papers, all the while trying to keep a straight face and maintain her composure!
PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING. IF YOU ARE EVEN REMOTELY FAMILIAR WITH HOLY SCRIPTURE, YOU'LL FIND THIS HILARIOUS! IT COMES FROM A ROMAN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST. KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.
1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.
2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.
3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.
4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.
5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.
6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.
7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.
8, THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTER WARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.
10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.
11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHEDCANADA.. THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.
12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.
13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.
14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.
15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.
16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.
17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.
18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.
19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE..
20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHENJESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.
21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.
22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.
23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.
24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACR IMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.
25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE . THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY
PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING. IF YOU ARE EVEN REMOTELY FAMILIAR WITH HOLY SCRIPTURE, YOU'LL FIND THIS HILARIOUS! IT COMES FROM A ROMAN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST. KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.
1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.
2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.
3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.
4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.
5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.
6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.
7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.
8, THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTER WARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.
10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.
11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHEDCANADA.. THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.
12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.
13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.
14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.
15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.
16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.
17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.
18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.
19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE..
20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHENJESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.
21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.
22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.
23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.
24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACR IMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.
25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE . THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY
Humour is Good
Brother wanted
A small boy wrote to Santa Claus,'send me a brother'....
Santa wrote back, 'SEND ME YOUR MOTHER'....
Meaning of WIFE
Husband asks, 'Do you know the meaning of WIFE? It means 'Without Information Fighting Everytime'!'
Wife replies, 'No, it means 'With Idiot For Ever'!!!'
Importance of a period
Teacher: 'Do you know the importance of a period?'
Kid: 'Yeah, once my sister said she has missed one, my mom fainted, dad got a heart attack & our driver ran away.'
Confident vs. confidential
A young boy asks his Dad, 'What is the difference between confident and confidential? '
Dad says, 'You are my son, I'm confident about that. Your friend over there, is also my son, that's confidential! '
Anger management?
Husband: 'When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?'
Wife: 'I clean the toilet.'
Husband: 'How does that help?'
Wife: 'I use your toothbrush .'
A small boy wrote to Santa Claus,'send me a brother'....
Santa wrote back, 'SEND ME YOUR MOTHER'....
Meaning of WIFE
Husband asks, 'Do you know the meaning of WIFE? It means 'Without Information Fighting Everytime'!'
Wife replies, 'No, it means 'With Idiot For Ever'!!!'
Importance of a period
Teacher: 'Do you know the importance of a period?'
Kid: 'Yeah, once my sister said she has missed one, my mom fainted, dad got a heart attack & our driver ran away.'
Confident vs. confidential
A young boy asks his Dad, 'What is the difference between confident and confidential? '
Dad says, 'You are my son, I'm confident about that. Your friend over there, is also my son, that's confidential! '
Anger management?
Husband: 'When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?'
Wife: 'I clean the toilet.'
Husband: 'How does that help?'
Wife: 'I use your toothbrush .'
Positive Thought of the Day
Professionally every day could be a great day. You could make significant progress towards achieving your most ambitious goals by having the right attitude. Start your day right by being positive and this will have a powerful, very beneficial effect on anything to do with the things you do, and could offer you some excellent opportunities as positive actions receive positive results.
90.3 in the Klang Valley - Discover Malaysia Through the Right TRAXX
TRAXXfm - a one-stop holiday guide that will enlighten you about all the wonderful offerings that Malaysia has. They are already taking the country's airwaves by storm with a brand new presentation so get all geared up for an interactive and informative avenue on domestic and international tourism destination guides. The all new TRAXXfm also comes with great music, a wide reppertoire of everyting from the olde skool to the nu skool ranging from retro, R&B, dance, jazz, rock, right through world music and international hits. Listeners will also get the latest updates on everything under the sun when TRAXXfm's team goes 'LIVE' from their mini studio in MaTiC and everywhere in and around the country on location.
The deejays will also provide the latest updates and information on events in the country that includes sports, concerts, Tourism Malaysia linked events, state events and the latest and best information on food and beverages,through designated slots everyday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Bringing you the best, TRAXXfm also has numerous road shows and other visual radio programmes planned to get in touch on a more personal basis with listeners.
TRAXXfm is definately the right choice to tune in to as the station has something for everyone.
TRAXXfm started broadcasting in 1982 and the station broadcasted nationwide as well as to neighbouring Singapore, Brunei, and parts of Thailand. TRAXXfm is the only Malaysian Radio station that pioneered English as the medium for delivering its programmes when it started as Blue Network and then Radio 4 and the station also played an important role to educate, inform, and to entertain listeners. Currently, TRAXXfm operates 24 hours Live, focusing on great music as well as excellent talks shows and interaction between Deejays and listeners.
'TRAXX' derives from the word 'TRACK' and the 'XX' denotes the old tagline 'Xperience the Xcitement'.
The deejays will also provide the latest updates and information on events in the country that includes sports, concerts, Tourism Malaysia linked events, state events and the latest and best information on food and beverages,through designated slots everyday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Bringing you the best, TRAXXfm also has numerous road shows and other visual radio programmes planned to get in touch on a more personal basis with listeners.
TRAXXfm is definately the right choice to tune in to as the station has something for everyone.
TRAXXfm started broadcasting in 1982 and the station broadcasted nationwide as well as to neighbouring Singapore, Brunei, and parts of Thailand. TRAXXfm is the only Malaysian Radio station that pioneered English as the medium for delivering its programmes when it started as Blue Network and then Radio 4 and the station also played an important role to educate, inform, and to entertain listeners. Currently, TRAXXfm operates 24 hours Live, focusing on great music as well as excellent talks shows and interaction between Deejays and listeners.
'TRAXX' derives from the word 'TRACK' and the 'XX' denotes the old tagline 'Xperience the Xcitement'.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is one of many generic cocktails whose sole link is a reference to “doing it.” What’s in a name—indeed! Sex is often associated with cocktails, though such an observation would not surprise Freud or Kinsey, experts in the field. Sex on the Beach and its offspring are usually and appropriately called “shooters.” Sex sells, and these drinks are particularly formulated with the libido in mind. Some of the wildly inventive names are meant to titillate, while others are blatant forays into potty talk. Winston Churchill or James Bond would never sidle up to the bar and request a Bald Pussy or a Tony’s Screaming Weenie. The names of these drinks are clearly fraught with double entendre—”I’d like a Screaming Orgasm, if you please.” And as with real sex, these drinks come with their risks. The generally sweet but seriously potent concoctions go down so easily that multiple Orgasms will often lay the young toper out prone for the wrong reason. Not everyone wants Sex on the Beach. Joseph Scott and Donald Bain, in The World’s Best Bartender’s Guide, give the recipe for the variant Sleazy Sex on the Beach as follows: “Add 1 ounce of Grand Marnier, but only if you’re feeling particularly wasteful and have little respect for Grand Marnier.”
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces peach schnapps
3 ounces fresh orange juice or grapefruit juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Stir all ingredients over ice in a highball glass.
Variations:
After Sex: Mix together 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce crème de banane.
Orgasm: Mix together 1 ounce amaretto, 1 ounce Kahlúa, and 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream. Absolut Sex: Mix together 1 ounce Absolut Kurant vodka, 1 ounce Midori melon liqueur, 1 ounce cranberry juice, and 1 ounce lemon-lime soda.
Screaming Orgasm: Mix together 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Kahlúa, and 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream.
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces peach schnapps
3 ounces fresh orange juice or grapefruit juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Stir all ingredients over ice in a highball glass.
Variations:
After Sex: Mix together 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce crème de banane.
Orgasm: Mix together 1 ounce amaretto, 1 ounce Kahlúa, and 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream. Absolut Sex: Mix together 1 ounce Absolut Kurant vodka, 1 ounce Midori melon liqueur, 1 ounce cranberry juice, and 1 ounce lemon-lime soda.
Screaming Orgasm: Mix together 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Kahlúa, and 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Ammonium bicarbonate from China
The import of ammonium bicarbonate from three manufacturers in China has been banned as the substance has been found to be tainted with melamine. Ammonium bicarbonate from Broadtech Chemical Int. Co Ltd, Dalian Chemical Industries and Tianjin Red Triangle International Trading Co Ltd has been categorised under Level 6 which means automatic rejection.Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said having pinpointed the contaminant source, the ban of ammonium bicarbonate made by other China manufacturers would be relaxed to a “hold and test” status. Ammonium bicarbonate is a raising agent used in biscuit production and local biscuit makers get almost 95% of the ingredient from China. Liow said the tainted ammonium bicarbonate was most likely due to cross contamination as some factories that produce food-grade ammonium bicarbonate also produce other chemicals such as urea and melamine. There is no benefit in using melamine in biscuit production. Ammonium bicarbonate from other manufacturers in China has been placed under Level 5 (to be tested before release) and that from other countries has been placed under Level 4 (under surveillance). Liow, who was not certain of the market share of the three companies, was speaking to reporters after meeting 50 representatives from biscuit manufacturers and ammonium bicarbonate suppliers. Last week, Malaysia banned all import of ammonium bicarbonate from China after it was found to contain traces of melamine, leading to the recall of 18 types of biscuits from local makers Khong Guan and Khian Guan. Malaysia Foodstuff and Toy Merchants Association president Yeow Kock Tiong appealed to the ministry to relax the ruling on milk-related products from China from Level 6 to Level 5. “Many imported products are already in the market and they have been tested and cleared. “It is the same product and the same brand. Why bar them at the entry point when there have been no problems with the products?” he said.
Najib accepts portal’s apology
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has accepted the apology from the editor of news portal Malaysiakini over a report about his fake manifesto. “The journalist who wrote the article has also resigned as a sign of accountability over a fake story. This shows professionalism on her part,” the Deputy Prime Minister said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby on Wednesday. “I’m satisfied with the apology from the editor of Malaysiakini and also the journalist who has taken full responsibility over the story.” Najib, who is Umno deputy president, said the culprits behind the report are still hiding as no one knew who was responsible. Asked if any investigation would be carried out to determine who the culprits were, Najib said he would “leave it to the authorities”. He had earlier slammed the online report on the manifesto, which was attributed to him, calling it a complete lie and an attempt to tear Malaysia apart. The report carried the ‘manifesto’, in an e-mail from a purported “Najib Support Group.” It said the ‘manifesto’ was to back Najib’s bid for the Umno presidency. Najib’s office issued a statement on Monday denying that he had issued such a manifesto.
Jalan Alor’s renaming becomes hot news in cyberspace By LOONG MENG YEE
KUALA LUMPUR: The international media has picked up on the controversy over the renaming of Jalan Alor to Jalan Kejora. In Singapore’s The Straits Times online, the news made it into the Top Ten most popular read stories yesterday. Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s decision to rename the road also appeared in online versions of foreign agencies such as AFP and France24. Popular search engines such as MSN, Yahoo and Google posted the story on their news sites as well, so did information portals such as AsiaOne. The decision has drawn flak from almost everybody, including traders, tourists and residents. The issue is still being actively discussed at various online forums and the general consensus is €“ why fix something that is not broken? In his blog, Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong said that certain things, such as changing the name of a well-known street, just did not need doing. “Many people are not happy with the change and they are speaking up against it,” he said. On the Malaysian Bar website, reader Tan Peek Guat asked what benefit would City Hall gain by antagonising the people? The complaints had reached Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique. He said that he understood the sentiments of the people as Jalan Alor was an international landmark and promised to listen to all sides. He said he had asked Datuk Bandar Ab Hakim Borhan for a report and a decision on the name would be made soon.
Don’t be stupid, Chong tells women By EDDIE CHUA
KUALA LUMPUR: If women want to be sexually indulgent with their lovers, they must also beware that the acts captured on videos and cameras may one day end up on the Internet. MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said there had been six reports of such cases in the past 10 months. He said none of the women who complained to him was drugged or forced into sexual acts; they were all willing partners. “Women should not be so stupid. There were also cases where the men had used these pictures and videos to blackmail the women.” Chong was asked to comment about the case of two Malaysian women whose 200 intimate photographs with their boyfriend were posted on Oct 16 in one of the blogs that had exposed Hong Kong actor Edison Chen’s sex scandal. Both the local women, said to be popular among the foosball fraternity, were students of a local private university in Cyberjaya when the pictures and videos were taken between 2004 and 2005. Apart from posting the photographs of the threesome in compromising positions, the blog also provided links to download two videos featuring the women and their sexual encounters. The identities of the women, their background and circle of friends were also exposed after more pictures emerged of them attending private parties and going on holiday trips. The article was published on the blogsite after it received a tip-off from an Internet user identified only as “Zac Efron”.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Bright and Light is not always that obvious
Contrary to the traffic belief that motorists in general are more observant of bright and light colors, I tend to agree that it is more like a source of attraction. My car is a good light neon color and it draws IDIOTS like bees to honey. They are supposed to notice my car for the love of Malaysia!!!
There was this time an Equatorial Hotel catering lorry truck knocked into the back of my car. I was stuck in a common occurence in KL, a traffic jam, and this dear gentleman driving the offending vehicle just turned in to the road and knocked into my car. Unfortunately I was stationary all the time and couldn't avoid him even if I saw what he was going to do with cars and cars in front of me.
There was this time an Equatorial Hotel catering lorry truck knocked into the back of my car. I was stuck in a common occurence in KL, a traffic jam, and this dear gentleman driving the offending vehicle just turned in to the road and knocked into my car. Unfortunately I was stationary all the time and couldn't avoid him even if I saw what he was going to do with cars and cars in front of me.
Traffic Log Gregorian Date 21-10-2008
I'm feeling pretty nice and perky this morning. It takes a lot to rattle o'l me from my nice morning. Bah! Had a run-in with some idiot wearing a DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur - "Town Council of Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia - Malaysia is a country in Asia, located south of Thailand and just above Singapore) jacket colored red. Not that the color red drums up much passion or flares me up like a snorting bull in a prized bullfight arena, but the fact that I had stopped at the traffic light, between the MARA building and Pertama Complex, and this smart aleck (obviously devoid of brain matter) literally squeezed his way through nicking my side mirror in that frivolous act. I sounded my horn at him but instead of waving apologetically like what most motorcyclists in the bygone era of my youth used to do, he did like most modern Malaysian motorcyclist, he carried on nonchalantly without a care. Just what is it with people in Malaysia nowadays? I won't used the word Malaysians because my dear o'l country has become a gargantuan melting pot of sorts with people from poorer Asian countries making a beeline for our golden shores of opportunity (if you can call our beaches golden, that is). Things are not just what they used to be. I'm not a racist but just where are my friends that used to be a large majority and good mix of Malays and Indians? I don't think that after a successful over half a century long of having reduced British influence in Malaysia should have us now in this dreary position that we currently call Malaysian Life. Sorry. Back to the headline...now what gives a motorcyclist the right to travel in ALL directions and paths (Paths: road, pedestrian walkways, One-way streets, double line markings, in-between obstacles ie. cars, et cetera...and the list goes on). Who gives them the right to weave in and out of traffic or even hoot when a car needs to turn into the fast lane just because they are travelling right in the middle of the two lanes? What about making their way from left to right or vice versa with just a twist, at most a few, to indicate their direction --- and the mystery is just who is the smart one who brought about this change in regulation? Without the need for signal lights...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Cheapy the Cheapskate
Ever heard of the saying, "a cent for a cent's worth"? An eye for an eye, that's what I've heard almost too often but when it comes to getting quality and good value for your money; is a $1 really a $1's worth? This rings true in most cases when you engage an unscrupulous vendor to give or sell you his service/product. When you see that the quality of the same is way less than what you thought your money's worth is...but is it really true in such circumstances. For instance, if you buy a K-car but you expected an European finishing and quality, is that realistic or even possible? Satisfaction is very subjective to the individual and it is in this aspect that we must also remember there are guidelines and standards for acceptance. Bigger brands sell at higher prices and do you know why? It's not because of their exceptional quality, sometimes you get same and even better from lesser known brands, or even the processing that it goes through. Its because of the marketing $ that went into bringing about the product to you. So next time don't be too concerned about the brand. Think more in terms of whether it suits so, you like it, and of course more importantly, is it worth it.
Cheapy the cheapskate are those who are always out looking for bargains at the expense of other people, takes liberties with free items, and are willing to pay much less than the actual determined value of the product or service they want.
Cheapy the cheapskate are those who are always out looking for bargains at the expense of other people, takes liberties with free items, and are willing to pay much less than the actual determined value of the product or service they want.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Massage Parlors in Malaysia
No matter where I go in Malaysia, this land of the warm and friendly Malaysians, I always come across the local health spa versions that are basically cheap rip-offs of the original trade-sake (sorry not so cheap by local standards) that "spews" out happy endings.
In my line of work, I've come across licensing applications from these so-called spas that are no better than a massage parlor which is a poor disguise for a brothel. The "ladies" in the world's oldest profession are licensed. Hmm.... impressive, and they are also therapists, beauticians, and masseuse....very very professional.
The "healing" centre will basically be located just about anywhere with masseuses who will parade in the waiting room for the customers. The customer makes his choice with his other head and what he sees and likes.
A friend of mine thinks that extra time is given if he's liked. Heck I don't know---all I hear are others telling me that they are shortchanged because the time always seem shorter. We see men go and come there. It’s sad to see them with a big smile on their way out. What is it that draws men to such places? Weakness or fondness, and if either just of what type? Maybe if these places really become legitimate and correctly licensed, then perhaps we won't have so much negativity surrounding it. Parlors like these are a dime a dozen...just don't ask for full-service.
In my line of work, I've come across licensing applications from these so-called spas that are no better than a massage parlor which is a poor disguise for a brothel. The "ladies" in the world's oldest profession are licensed. Hmm.... impressive, and they are also therapists, beauticians, and masseuse....very very professional.
The "healing" centre will basically be located just about anywhere with masseuses who will parade in the waiting room for the customers. The customer makes his choice with his other head and what he sees and likes.
A friend of mine thinks that extra time is given if he's liked. Heck I don't know---all I hear are others telling me that they are shortchanged because the time always seem shorter. We see men go and come there. It’s sad to see them with a big smile on their way out. What is it that draws men to such places? Weakness or fondness, and if either just of what type? Maybe if these places really become legitimate and correctly licensed, then perhaps we won't have so much negativity surrounding it. Parlors like these are a dime a dozen...just don't ask for full-service.
Do before you die
Give it a hard thought. With all this hype about angst and such, what is it that fascinates us more and what is it that you need to do or have thought of doing (just before you go)? I'm feeling a bit dark today and hence this question that we should all ask ourselves...
Chicks are Hot and Dames are Cool
Just what exactly do people mean when they say that Chicks are Cool and Dames are Cool? Why can't Dames be Hot and Chicks be cool as well?
The answer lies in the common perception that age belies the person. As a female of the human race, the energy and allure of youth is often considered as hot, whereas when that same person gets older she becomes cool...
The answer lies in the common perception that age belies the person. As a female of the human race, the energy and allure of youth is often considered as hot, whereas when that same person gets older she becomes cool...
Are you UCHC?
To all the Uber Cool Hot Chicks in this world. Today is your day---word of caution: watch your spending. You don't need to spend to look in the trend...
(Who Watches The) Watchmen
An R-rated movie this outing is makes a pretty good watch by my standards. I admit I am a comics buff. The story is set in 1985 in the alternate reality where costumed superheroes exists and Nixon is the President of the United States. The story revolves around a group of superheroes, 6 actually, some whom are retired after an act of law is passed banning costumed vigilantes. The active ones remaining are Dr Manhattan (the only one who has any real superpowers), The Comedian, and Rorshach.
Director Zach Snyder in making the movie saved around $40million dollars by casting actors who were not typical A-list stars. He however has been pressured to make the film shorter and more audience friendly, something that he reluctantly agreed to.
The film stars Jeffery Dean Morgan, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Stephen McHattie, Carla Gugino, and Malin Akerman. It will be released in 5 month's time (around March 2009).
Director Zach Snyder in making the movie saved around $40million dollars by casting actors who were not typical A-list stars. He however has been pressured to make the film shorter and more audience friendly, something that he reluctantly agreed to.
The film stars Jeffery Dean Morgan, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Stephen McHattie, Carla Gugino, and Malin Akerman. It will be released in 5 month's time (around March 2009).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Joe the Plumber
In the course of the exchange during the Presidential debate between Obama and McCain, the candidates made a national star of Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber who confronted Obama about his tax policies Monday at a rally in Ohio. Both men addressed their remarks directly to “Joe the Plumber,” who would not say Wednesday night whom he would vote for. “It’s pretty surreal, man, my name being mentioned in a presidential campaign,” Wurzelbacher told The Associated Press.
McCain goes on the attack in final debate
Economic proposals spark sharp disagreement as Obama defends new plan.
Republican Sen. John McCain launched a heavy assault on Democratic Sen. Barack Obama’s judgment and experience Wednesday night, making a last-ditch effort in the final presidential debate to change the course of a campaign moving decidedly in his opponent’s favor.McCain bore in on details of Obama’s new $60 billion proposal to address the country’s economic problems, saying they would mean steep tax increases for many Americans. Under the proposal, which he unveiled Monday, Obama would offer tax breaks for companies that create jobs, eliminate penalties for early withdrawals from retirement accounts, postpone foreclosures and boost federal outlays to states and cities.“Why would you want to raise anybody’s taxes right now?” McCain asked. “We need to encourage businesses.”
Republican Sen. John McCain launched a heavy assault on Democratic Sen. Barack Obama’s judgment and experience Wednesday night, making a last-ditch effort in the final presidential debate to change the course of a campaign moving decidedly in his opponent’s favor.McCain bore in on details of Obama’s new $60 billion proposal to address the country’s economic problems, saying they would mean steep tax increases for many Americans. Under the proposal, which he unveiled Monday, Obama would offer tax breaks for companies that create jobs, eliminate penalties for early withdrawals from retirement accounts, postpone foreclosures and boost federal outlays to states and cities.“Why would you want to raise anybody’s taxes right now?” McCain asked. “We need to encourage businesses.”
Paris Hilton is looking for love (and in all the wrong places)
Save Paris! Paris Hilton is looking for (platonic) love in all the wrong places: reality TV shows. In her latest endeavor, "Paris Hilton's My New BFF," which premiered on MTV Sept. 30, a group of hopeful sidekicks compete for the position of Paris' new "best friend." Oh, Paris! You need... more someone who can trip Dina Lohan on her way to the ladies room; someone who dutifully holds your hair out of your face while you hurl Rich Pressco into the bushes outside Chateau Marmont. Is some regular, nonfamous person trained and able to do all that and gaze with tasteful adoration as you shove the bartender aside to dance on the bar? Of course not! Here are top 10 suggestions for a friend who can place that extra "F" in BFF ...
High School Musical 3 (aka HSM)
What will become of Troy and Gabriella? Will Sharpay finally get over herself? And, more importantly, what will they be wearing?
Its worth the wait and a watch.
'Las Vegas of the Middle East'
Dubai has been called the Las Vegas of the Middle East, with its carefully cultivated image as an oasis of liberal entertainment set amid an expanse of conservative countries like Saudi Arabia.The Saudis ban alcohol and require even foreign women to wear enveloping black robes in public. In contrast, alcohol flows freely in Dubai's hotels and women can wear bikinis on city beaches.But what most foreigners don't know — and what the government is not advertising — is that beneath the liberal facade is a legal culture based on Islamic laws and tribal rules that looks a lot more like Riyadh than Las Vegas.While the laws are not always enforced, it is illegal for couples in Dubai to hold hands, hug or kiss in public — much less have sex on the beach.
Britons jailed, fined for sex on Dubai beach
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A Dubai judge on Thursday ordered a British couple jailed for three months for engaging in sex on a public beach this summer. Judge Hamdi Mustafa Abu el-Khair sentenced Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors to three months in jail, a fine of $350 and deportation from Dubai after serving their sentence. The two defendants were not in court to hear the verdict their lawyer on Thursday vowed to appeal.The clash of cultures between residents and the foreigners who flock here to work and play came to a head in the trial of Palmer and Acors, who were accused of having intercourse in public after meeting hours earlier at an all-you-can-drink champagne brunch.
Oops! Gas station charges 35 cents per gallon
Accidental pump discount sparks 90-minute frenzy in Wisconsin...
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. - Sure, gas prices have come down lately. But to 34.9 cents a gallon?That's what Kelly Joosten and dozens of other motorists paid at a Citgo station Monday. The sign advertised $3.43 for a gallon of premium fuel, but the pump cost read $0.349 a gallon."That was amazing," said Joosten, who normally spends about $100 to fill up her 1998 Ford Expedition.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. - Sure, gas prices have come down lately. But to 34.9 cents a gallon?That's what Kelly Joosten and dozens of other motorists paid at a Citgo station Monday. The sign advertised $3.43 for a gallon of premium fuel, but the pump cost read $0.349 a gallon."That was amazing," said Joosten, who normally spends about $100 to fill up her 1998 Ford Expedition.
`Porno' a five-letter word
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kevin Smith made a movie with such a bothersome title he cannot even place ads for it in some places.
Some newspaper, TV and outdoor ads for Smith's comedy "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" have been rejected because of their content or the five-letter word that ends the title, said Gary Faber, head of marketing for the Weinstein Co., which is releasing the film.
Among those refusing to carry ads are about 15 newspapers and several TV stations and cable channels, Faber said. Commercials for the film during Los Angeles Dodgers games on Fox Sports were dropped at the team's request after some viewers complained, said Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch.
Some playfully risque ads with images of "Zack and Miri" stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks were forbidden by the Motion Picture Association of America, which called the ads "highly sexually suggestive and not suitable for general audiences."The company developed a version of the stick-figure poster without the film's name, bearing the slogan, "Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks made a movie so outrageous that we can't even tell you the title."
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
More on winning the Lotto and its free
SIMPLE STRATEGY TIPS ODD-EVEN LOTTO NUMBER TIPS
When you select your Lotto numbers, try to have a relatively even mix of odd and even numbers. All odd numbers or all even numbers are rarely drawn, occurring less than 3 percent of the time. The best mix is to have 3/2 or 2/3 which means three odd and two even, or two odd and three even. One of these two patterns will occur in 68 percent of the drawings.
HIGH-LOW LOTTO NUMBER TIPS
Winning numbers are usually spread across the entire number field. If we take a number field and cut it in half, we have the low half and the high half. In a 52-number game, numbers 1 to 26 would be in the low half, and numbers 27 to 52 would be in the high half. All high numbers or all low numbers are rarely drawn, occurring only 3 percent of the time. The best mix is to have 3/2 or 2/3 which means three high and two low, or two high and three low. One of these two patterns will occur in 64 percent of the drawings.
LOTTERY NUMBER GROUP STRATEGIES
Look at a list of past winning numbers for the Lotto game you play, and you'll see, more often than not, that one or more of the number groups is not represented. For example, in the combination 5-14-30-32-43-52, there are no 20's. Tracking and studying Number Groups can help you decide which group to omit and which group to give extra heavy play.
LOTTERY GAMES SKIPPED STRATEGIES
List the number of games skipped (games out) since the last hit (win) for each of the winning numbers during the last five games. Then mark the number of times each skip occurred. If any skip from 0 to 5 did not occur, play the Lotto numbers that are out that many games. (Help working with lotto games skipped.)
LOTTO NUMBER SUM ADVICE - PLAY A BALANCED GAME
After you choose five numbers you want to play, add them together and make sure that the sum of the six numbers adds up to somewhere between 106 and 179. Sums that fall within that range will account for over 70 percent of all lottery jackpots won.
REPEAT HITS LOTTERY TIPS
In the 6/52 MEGA Millions, on average, one lottery number will be a repeat hit from the last drawing every other drawing or 42 percent of the time.
HOT NUMBER LOTTERY SECRETS
Numbers that have been out (losers) for six games or less account for about half of the winning numbers. Losing numbers that have been out for 10 games or less account for about two-thirds of all the winning numbers. Losing numbers that have been out for 13 games or less account for about three-quarters of all the winning numbers. This tells us that hot numbers are more likely to hit, but don't forget to include at least one long shot in your group of 6.
COLD NUMBER LOTTERY SECRETS It is difficult to know when a cold number will end a long losing streak. If you play a number every drawing because you think it is due, you could be chasing it for many months. Although, when a number has been out for 70 games or so, it might be worth chasing.
Lottery Pools and Lottery Syndicates POOL YOUR WAY TO LOTTO RICHES
Several of the 101 lotto jackpots won were won by groups of people who pooled their money. Sharing the ticket cost with others stretches your Lotto budget. By playing with a group, you can afford to buy more lottery tickets—and play larger wheeling systems—than you could (or should) by yourself. Draw up an agreement and have the members of your pool sign it. When you form a Lotto pool, your group is also pooling its aggregate luck. A jackpot could happen because of the luck just one member brings to your pool. Select your partners carefully. Share your luck with winners, not losers. Avoid negative people. Not only are they unlucky, but they dampen enthusiasm and drain energy from others. You want to enhance your own luck, not dilute its strength. One quick way to tell winners from losers is simply to ask them: "Do you think you are a lucky person?" Many people quickly admit, "I'm unlucky. I never win anything." They won't bring good luck to your group either. CASH IN ON A POSITIVE ATTITUDE No one should play games of chance out of desperation because they need the winnings. The needy have a greater fear of losing the hard-earned money they gamble with. It is just one of life's dirty tricks that the very fear of losing blocks the winning forces. Thoughts are charged with energy, especially when triggered by emotion. Fear attracts exactly that which one fears. A strong desire for a goal that is charged with positive energy, attracts a positive response, especially when every effort is made to attain that goal.
AVOID NUMBER COMBINATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN DRAWN BEFORE
Many players like to bet the numbers that have won someone else a big jackpot, and by doing so, they are almost guaranteed NOT to win one themselves.
AVOID BETTING CONSECUTIVE NUMBERS
Even four consecutive numbers is a very rare occurrence that, in most Lotto games, has never happened once.
AVOID BETTING ONE LOTTO NUMBER GROUP
Never choose all six numbers from one number group, such as all single digits, or all teens, or all 20's, etc. All five winning numbers drawn from one group is highly unlikely.
AVOID THE COMBINATION 1-2-3-4-5-6
The most popular set of numbers most often played is: 1-2-3-4-5-6. Thousands of tickets are bought with this combination every drawing. The selection is too far out of balance to come up in a random drawing.
AVOID PATTERN BETTING
Pattern betting is an even more popular method of marking bet slips. Patterns of numbers marked in a row to make a straight line, either across the bet slip vertically or diagonally get heavy play—which means sharing the prize with others if the numbers are drawn as winners. Other designs such as patterns of initials or numbers or crosses also get heavy play.
AVOID NUMBER MULTIPLES
Other popular combinations that get heavy play are the number multiples, especially 5-10-15-20-25-35 and 7-14-21-28-35-48.
AVOID ALL SAME LAST DIGITS
Many people like to play same last digits, such as 3-13-23-33-43-52, or all digits that end in seven, or some other favorite lucky number. Even four same last digits occur in less than two-tenths of one percent of all drawings. Winning sets of numbers with no more than one repeated last digit represent nearly 90 percent of all drawings.
AVOID LOW NUMBER COMBINATIONS
The majority of Lotto players like to play the calendar numbers, such as birth dates and anniversaries—and their children's ages. This means that the most heavily played numbers are 1 through 31. MEGA Millions has 52 numbers. If you play only the calendar numbers, you might be sharing your jackpot with dozens of other winners. It's not to say that you shouldn't play your personal numbers if you feel they are lucky for you.
In Lotto, the Trend is Your Friend---hogwash or good sense you decide...
When you select your Lotto numbers, try to have a relatively even mix of odd and even numbers. All odd numbers or all even numbers are rarely drawn, occurring less than 3 percent of the time. The best mix is to have 3/2 or 2/3 which means three odd and two even, or two odd and three even. One of these two patterns will occur in 68 percent of the drawings.
HIGH-LOW LOTTO NUMBER TIPS
Winning numbers are usually spread across the entire number field. If we take a number field and cut it in half, we have the low half and the high half. In a 52-number game, numbers 1 to 26 would be in the low half, and numbers 27 to 52 would be in the high half. All high numbers or all low numbers are rarely drawn, occurring only 3 percent of the time. The best mix is to have 3/2 or 2/3 which means three high and two low, or two high and three low. One of these two patterns will occur in 64 percent of the drawings.
LOTTERY NUMBER GROUP STRATEGIES
Look at a list of past winning numbers for the Lotto game you play, and you'll see, more often than not, that one or more of the number groups is not represented. For example, in the combination 5-14-30-32-43-52, there are no 20's. Tracking and studying Number Groups can help you decide which group to omit and which group to give extra heavy play.
LOTTERY GAMES SKIPPED STRATEGIES
List the number of games skipped (games out) since the last hit (win) for each of the winning numbers during the last five games. Then mark the number of times each skip occurred. If any skip from 0 to 5 did not occur, play the Lotto numbers that are out that many games. (Help working with lotto games skipped.)
LOTTO NUMBER SUM ADVICE - PLAY A BALANCED GAME
After you choose five numbers you want to play, add them together and make sure that the sum of the six numbers adds up to somewhere between 106 and 179. Sums that fall within that range will account for over 70 percent of all lottery jackpots won.
REPEAT HITS LOTTERY TIPS
In the 6/52 MEGA Millions, on average, one lottery number will be a repeat hit from the last drawing every other drawing or 42 percent of the time.
HOT NUMBER LOTTERY SECRETS
Numbers that have been out (losers) for six games or less account for about half of the winning numbers. Losing numbers that have been out for 10 games or less account for about two-thirds of all the winning numbers. Losing numbers that have been out for 13 games or less account for about three-quarters of all the winning numbers. This tells us that hot numbers are more likely to hit, but don't forget to include at least one long shot in your group of 6.
COLD NUMBER LOTTERY SECRETS It is difficult to know when a cold number will end a long losing streak. If you play a number every drawing because you think it is due, you could be chasing it for many months. Although, when a number has been out for 70 games or so, it might be worth chasing.
Lottery Pools and Lottery Syndicates POOL YOUR WAY TO LOTTO RICHES
Several of the 101 lotto jackpots won were won by groups of people who pooled their money. Sharing the ticket cost with others stretches your Lotto budget. By playing with a group, you can afford to buy more lottery tickets—and play larger wheeling systems—than you could (or should) by yourself. Draw up an agreement and have the members of your pool sign it. When you form a Lotto pool, your group is also pooling its aggregate luck. A jackpot could happen because of the luck just one member brings to your pool. Select your partners carefully. Share your luck with winners, not losers. Avoid negative people. Not only are they unlucky, but they dampen enthusiasm and drain energy from others. You want to enhance your own luck, not dilute its strength. One quick way to tell winners from losers is simply to ask them: "Do you think you are a lucky person?" Many people quickly admit, "I'm unlucky. I never win anything." They won't bring good luck to your group either. CASH IN ON A POSITIVE ATTITUDE No one should play games of chance out of desperation because they need the winnings. The needy have a greater fear of losing the hard-earned money they gamble with. It is just one of life's dirty tricks that the very fear of losing blocks the winning forces. Thoughts are charged with energy, especially when triggered by emotion. Fear attracts exactly that which one fears. A strong desire for a goal that is charged with positive energy, attracts a positive response, especially when every effort is made to attain that goal.
AVOID NUMBER COMBINATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN DRAWN BEFORE
Many players like to bet the numbers that have won someone else a big jackpot, and by doing so, they are almost guaranteed NOT to win one themselves.
AVOID BETTING CONSECUTIVE NUMBERS
Even four consecutive numbers is a very rare occurrence that, in most Lotto games, has never happened once.
AVOID BETTING ONE LOTTO NUMBER GROUP
Never choose all six numbers from one number group, such as all single digits, or all teens, or all 20's, etc. All five winning numbers drawn from one group is highly unlikely.
AVOID THE COMBINATION 1-2-3-4-5-6
The most popular set of numbers most often played is: 1-2-3-4-5-6. Thousands of tickets are bought with this combination every drawing. The selection is too far out of balance to come up in a random drawing.
AVOID PATTERN BETTING
Pattern betting is an even more popular method of marking bet slips. Patterns of numbers marked in a row to make a straight line, either across the bet slip vertically or diagonally get heavy play—which means sharing the prize with others if the numbers are drawn as winners. Other designs such as patterns of initials or numbers or crosses also get heavy play.
AVOID NUMBER MULTIPLES
Other popular combinations that get heavy play are the number multiples, especially 5-10-15-20-25-35 and 7-14-21-28-35-48.
AVOID ALL SAME LAST DIGITS
Many people like to play same last digits, such as 3-13-23-33-43-52, or all digits that end in seven, or some other favorite lucky number. Even four same last digits occur in less than two-tenths of one percent of all drawings. Winning sets of numbers with no more than one repeated last digit represent nearly 90 percent of all drawings.
AVOID LOW NUMBER COMBINATIONS
The majority of Lotto players like to play the calendar numbers, such as birth dates and anniversaries—and their children's ages. This means that the most heavily played numbers are 1 through 31. MEGA Millions has 52 numbers. If you play only the calendar numbers, you might be sharing your jackpot with dozens of other winners. It's not to say that you shouldn't play your personal numbers if you feel they are lucky for you.
In Lotto, the Trend is Your Friend---hogwash or good sense you decide...
How to win - A free lotto strategy that guarantees your chance at winning
Similar to the ideology that if you do little wrong, its a little wrong, and if you do a big wrong, its the mother of all wrongs, and if you don't do anything you are never wrong. Applying the same concept to winning the lottery and attempting to hit the jackpot of mega millions, you have at least a chance of striking and winning the lottery if you buy at least a ticket. With your single betting slip, you are at least guaranteed an opportunity, without it you get zilch. This advice is free but your bets are not. Remember, one last bit of sagely advice---bet only within your means....
Never accept cash without a record
Especially when you're working with friends or relatives. I had this bad experience with a relative who insists that he paid me cash for a contractor's invoice. Funny thing was there was no record of any sort except the fact that there was an invoice and a call from the contractor demanding payment. Excuse me but I do have some confidence and personal principle when it comes to money. End of the matter was that the relative agreed to pay reluctantly but then again that left a lot of bad blood abrewing because he still thinks he's right and so do I. So if you ever chance to come across such incidents, do not ever accept cash without a record. Of course there were times as well when the customer insisted that he paid cash for my services...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Los Angeles Wildfires Blamed for One Death According to Mayor
Atlanta, Ga. 10/13/2008 07:25 PM GMT
The Los Angeles wildfires that have threatened the suburbs surrounding the downtown area of the city have been blamed for at least one death according to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Reports have indicated the death occurred in the San Fernando Valley where fires have charred 3,700 acres since Sunday morning. No details of the death have been released. A second wildfire ignited on Monday in the hills above suburbs in San Fernando Valley.
The Los Angeles wildfires that have threatened the suburbs surrounding the downtown area of the city have been blamed for at least one death according to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Reports have indicated the death occurred in the San Fernando Valley where fires have charred 3,700 acres since Sunday morning. No details of the death have been released. A second wildfire ignited on Monday in the hills above suburbs in San Fernando Valley.
Dilly the Radio DJ
Dilly has a great voice and a wonderful personality. She's a sweet gal and I just love to listen to her and JD over the Malaysia Red FM (104.9 in the Klang Valley) on the Red Evening Drive (Mon - Fri @ 4 - 8PM). She's also a Female Voice Over Talent and a Freelance make-up artist according to her webpage at http://www.dillyshakir.com --- I'm tuned in...but just wish that she changes her profile pict soon...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Click to Order
A few minutes ago I was ready to buy a book online. I thought it would help me. I love reading and I often do that, because I have trained myself to extract value from everything I read.
It was a cheapie, barely $20, but could be worth it. Anyway, it seemed a no-brainer purchase.
Sooo, I dutifully clicked through the form. I filled out my name and address. I filled out my phone number. I filled in my pet iguana's name. I filled in my height (I'm a little taller than Eric Tsang by the way). I filled in my grandpa's reading habits. I filled in our weather (weltering hot sunny, 35 degrees C here at 1.40pm).
In fact, I spent good time filling in every blank I could find. Then...
"Click to Order."
Imagine my surprise - on the next screen I was informed that the book was a real one. Paper pages. Whaat! Who sends real books these days? Then the second shock. The shipping cost was almost twice the price of the book. Now, I don't know about you, but to pay twice the price and wait maybe 20-25 days for paper-based information was not for me. That guy lost a sale.
But I learnt from the experience.
It was a cheapie, barely $20, but could be worth it. Anyway, it seemed a no-brainer purchase.
Sooo, I dutifully clicked through the form. I filled out my name and address. I filled out my phone number. I filled in my pet iguana's name. I filled in my height (I'm a little taller than Eric Tsang by the way). I filled in my grandpa's reading habits. I filled in our weather (weltering hot sunny, 35 degrees C here at 1.40pm).
In fact, I spent good time filling in every blank I could find. Then...
"Click to Order."
Imagine my surprise - on the next screen I was informed that the book was a real one. Paper pages. Whaat! Who sends real books these days? Then the second shock. The shipping cost was almost twice the price of the book. Now, I don't know about you, but to pay twice the price and wait maybe 20-25 days for paper-based information was not for me. That guy lost a sale.
But I learnt from the experience.
Running a Country should be like running a Club
Face it. We all live in our own little communities that make up this wonderful world in a planet called Earth, one of the little planets in a solar system out of many galaxies that are out there. We all need a place we can relate to, a place to come back or visit, a place to sleep, eat, and procreate.
I liken a country to a club because we are all members of at least one and while we respect the individual, or should at least attempt to, the wants and dictation of the majority rules. People who do not abide the club rules are penalized. Like a BBC (Billionaire Boys Club) a country draws its members and grows. People associate wealth with success and like generates like. When the club coffers are full, the maintenance of its facilities is done properly and the members benefit. Unfortunately, the cake is only this big and as in a club membership is always limited. The next resolution would be to open a branch elsewhere, but then again a country can't just "open a branch" elsewhere unless they colonized or seize another country which again is not right.
Weekend blues that's life....
I liken a country to a club because we are all members of at least one and while we respect the individual, or should at least attempt to, the wants and dictation of the majority rules. People who do not abide the club rules are penalized. Like a BBC (Billionaire Boys Club) a country draws its members and grows. People associate wealth with success and like generates like. When the club coffers are full, the maintenance of its facilities is done properly and the members benefit. Unfortunately, the cake is only this big and as in a club membership is always limited. The next resolution would be to open a branch elsewhere, but then again a country can't just "open a branch" elsewhere unless they colonized or seize another country which again is not right.
Weekend blues that's life....
Friday, October 10, 2008
Lizzie Berkley (Elizabeth)
In 2008, Berkley signed on to star in a multi-episode arc of CSI: Miami, in which she plays Horatio Caine's (David Caruso) ex-lover, Julia Winston, who is also the mother of his recently discovered son. The episodes which Berkley appeared in were very highly rated and all of them featured in the top 10 Nielsen ratings chart.She has since appeared in the show's season six finale and has confirmed that she will be returning for season seven in the fall. Too bad she's married but she still has that wow factor.
The House Bunny (2008)
Anna Faris rocks and not just with a widening of the eyes and a shimmy of the ta-tas. I last saw her in Scary Movie, back then she sucked. But what would you expect from a movie of such genre. Now she stars in the gaily laughable, formula comedy The House Bunny — and she gives an A+ performance in the kind of farce from which she's more than ready to graduate. Faris plays Shelley Darlington, a Playboy Bunny banished from Hef's mansion on the grounds she's way old: 27, which is, she's told, 59 in Bunny years. Homeless, the cheerful waif stumbles her high-heeled way onto a college Greek row. And before you can say Zeta Alpha Zeta, she becomes house mother to a sorority of losers in danger of having its charter revoked because they can't recruit any new losers to join them.Wisdom from Shelley to her Zeta girls: ''The eyes are the nipples of the face.''
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Search Web on Facebook Via Microsoft Live Search
It's been almost a year since Microsoft invested $240 million in Facebook. What does that type of cash get you these days? A search box, apparently. Facebook announced this week that it will include an option to search the Web via Microsoft Live Search without leaving Facebook.com.
"By integrating web search into Facebook, you can increase the information available to share with your friends, family and coworkers on the site," according to a Facebook blog post. Not quite sure what your friend's latest status update means? Google--uh, I mean, Live Search it in the Facebook search box on the upper-right-hand corner. A drop-down menu will give you the option to search the term within Facebook.com or on the Web. Live Search will produce search returns within Facebook, but clicking on a link will produce a pop-up window directing you to your link of choice. Facebook said it is "working on a number of other new ways to leverage all the web has to offer" but did not provide additional details. Facebook made no mention of whether search terms will show up in a users' news feed, but let's hope the social networking site has learned its lesson on that front after the Beacon debauchal.
True Friends
True friends understand you best and offer a solution or just a strong shoulder when life is at its worst. And they’re usually the first to celebrate with you when life is wonderful.
Vodafone and Verizon to offer new touch-screen BlackBerry
Research In Motion is taking on Apple with a BlackBerry phone that puts a new twist on touch-screen technology.
RIM is known for its e-mail-oriented phones with large keypads. With the new model announced Wednesday, called the Storm, RIM is giving up for the first time the physical keypad in favor of a large screen, similar to the one on the Apple iPhone.
But RIM has listened to users who find the iPhone's glass screen awkward to type on because its virtual buttons provide no tactile feedback. The Storm's whole screen is backed with springs; when pressed, it gives under the finger.
The long-rumored Storm will be available before the holidays from Verizon Wireless in the United States and from Vodafone Group in Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand, the companies said. The price has not been announced..
The iPhone's facility with Web browsing and movie playing are big reasons for its appeal. The Storm will initially lack an equivalent of Apple's iTunes movie store, though shorter clips will be available through Verizon Wireless's VCast service.
As a Web browser, the Storm more closely emulates the desktop experience than the iPhone does. That is because the screen can distinguish between light touches and firm pressure. A light touch can move around a cursor, while firm pressure activates a link, much as moving a mouse cursor has a different effect from clicking a mouse button, said Mike Lazaridis, co-chief executive of RIM.
Google puts tunes from YouTube a click away
Google introduced a new type of e-commerce ad that YouTube users can click to buy digital goods from Apple's iTunes or Amazon.com.
In its continuing effort to find a way to make money from its YouTube unit, Google introduced on Tuesday a type of e-commerce ad that YouTube users can click to buy digital goods from Apple's iTunes or Amazon.com. Under the new program, viewers of a video with a music track, for example, would be able to click on an icon to download that song from one of the two music stores.
In its continuing effort to find a way to make money from its YouTube unit, Google introduced on Tuesday a type of e-commerce ad that YouTube users can click to buy digital goods from Apple's iTunes or Amazon.com. Under the new program, viewers of a video with a music track, for example, would be able to click on an icon to download that song from one of the two music stores.
Obama campaign geared for attacks
The Obama campaign said it was expecting the "nastiest attacks" yet as McCain trails in polls and Democrats have built a lead in voter registrations.
S. Korea aims to end stigma of adoption and stop 'exporting' babies
Just how much, though, is the critical question as the South Korean government is pushing aggressively to increase adoptions by South Koreans and decrease what officials consider the shameful act of sending babies overseas for adoption. Since the 1950s, tens of thousands of South Korean children have been adopted by foreigners, mostly Americans, because of South Koreans' traditional emphasis on family bloodlines and reluctance to adopt.
To bolster domestic adoptions, the government last year began offering $90 monthly allowances per child for those who adopt children up to 12 years old, as well as more generous health benefits for the children. Even greater health benefits are now given to adopted disabled children. The government also made it easier for South Koreans to adopt. Single people can now qualify, as well as older ones. Until last year, prospective adoptive parents could be no more than 50 years older than the child; now the age gap has been increased to 60 years. In addition, the government has made foreign adoptions more difficult by imposing a five-month waiting period before children can even be considered for overseas adoption. It also increased payments to foster parents to try to keep children inside South Korea longer and increase their chances of being adopted domestically. The government's goal has received much media attention and popular support here. But adoption agencies and some adoptive parents and experts say the government's new policies are concerned less with the children's welfare than with saving face. Increasing the age gap and allowing singles to adopt have lowered the standards for domestic adoptions in a way that could be detrimental to the children, they say, even as the government has created unnecessary obstacles to foreign ones.In recent years, adoption agencies have conducted campaigns — some featuring movie and TV stars — urging adoptive parents to tell people about how their families were formed in the hopes that more openness would lead to less prejudice. The government's efforts got a boost when some celebrities adopted and went public with the news. Still, many adoptive parents choose not to share how their families were formed, according to adoption agencies, with some engaging in elaborate ruses to pass off the children as their biological sons or daughters.
To bolster domestic adoptions, the government last year began offering $90 monthly allowances per child for those who adopt children up to 12 years old, as well as more generous health benefits for the children. Even greater health benefits are now given to adopted disabled children. The government also made it easier for South Koreans to adopt. Single people can now qualify, as well as older ones. Until last year, prospective adoptive parents could be no more than 50 years older than the child; now the age gap has been increased to 60 years. In addition, the government has made foreign adoptions more difficult by imposing a five-month waiting period before children can even be considered for overseas adoption. It also increased payments to foster parents to try to keep children inside South Korea longer and increase their chances of being adopted domestically. The government's goal has received much media attention and popular support here. But adoption agencies and some adoptive parents and experts say the government's new policies are concerned less with the children's welfare than with saving face. Increasing the age gap and allowing singles to adopt have lowered the standards for domestic adoptions in a way that could be detrimental to the children, they say, even as the government has created unnecessary obstacles to foreign ones.In recent years, adoption agencies have conducted campaigns — some featuring movie and TV stars — urging adoptive parents to tell people about how their families were formed in the hopes that more openness would lead to less prejudice. The government's efforts got a boost when some celebrities adopted and went public with the news. Still, many adoptive parents choose not to share how their families were formed, according to adoption agencies, with some engaging in elaborate ruses to pass off the children as their biological sons or daughters.
Central banks coordinate global cut in interest rates
In a move of unprecedented scope, the world's major central banks lowered their benchmark interest rates Wednesday, a coordinated effort to halt a collapse of share prices and a freeze in credit markets that threatens to set off the first global recession since the early 1970s. The action failed to calm gyrating markets, however, amid the growing realization that a serious and prolonged recession may be difficult to avoid. The Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and the central banks of Canada and Sweden all reduced primary lending rates by a half percentage point. Switzerland also cut its benchmark rate, while the Bank of Japan endorsed the moves without changing its rates. In another monetary first, the Chinese central bank joined the effort — without explicitly saying it was doing so — by reducing its key interest rate and lowering bank reserve requirements to free up cash for lending. The Fed's benchmark short-term rate now stands at 1.5 percent. The European Central Bank's is 3.75 percent.Taken together with other moves in the United States, Britain and Continental Europe in the last few days, the rate cuts look like part of a broader, global strategy that embraces aggressive use of monetary policy and taxpayer recapitalization of ailing banks, generating cautious optimism among crisis-weary analysts.
U.S. may take stakes in banks
Having tried without success to unlock frozen credit markets, the Treasury Department is considering taking ownership stakes in many United States banks to try to restore confidence in the financial system, according to government officials.
Treasury officials say the just-passed $700 billion bailout bill gives them the authority to inject cash directly into banks that request it. Such a move would quickly strengthen banks' balance sheets and, officials hope, persuade them to resume lending. In return, the law gives the Treasury the right to take ownership positions in banks, including healthy ones.
Treasury officials say the just-passed $700 billion bailout bill gives them the authority to inject cash directly into banks that request it. Such a move would quickly strengthen banks' balance sheets and, officials hope, persuade them to resume lending. In return, the law gives the Treasury the right to take ownership positions in banks, including healthy ones.
Traffic Today
I'm definitely not amazed by the quality of car drivers on the roads. We Malaysians can and are many things, and one of these is the fact that we can be and are real monsters on the road. We could wish that these people clean out the filthiest bus station latrine with their own face, if you know what I mean.
Just when things are starting to come together quite nicely and we are enjoying our sometimes smooth cruise --- Malaysia is a land of many traffic jams --- on the highways and city roads, along comes the occasional idiot who will annoy you (perhaps I should rate them on the same level as the Road Mosquito aka Malaysian Motorcyclist). They won't buzz you but they surely do annoy you.
Just this morning a Hyundai swerved into my lane from the opposite side without even giving a consideration that my vehicle was in the way. Just yesterday I did the same but I swear I really didn't see the oncoming traffic and the fact that the particular vehicle was cutting in as well from a one-way lane the wrong way didn't help either. But this moron today practically made eye contact and still went ahead.
Well the powers-that-are have created this problem that I don't see a solution, so the next best thing is to drive carefully even more and of course pray hard.
Just when things are starting to come together quite nicely and we are enjoying our sometimes smooth cruise --- Malaysia is a land of many traffic jams --- on the highways and city roads, along comes the occasional idiot who will annoy you (perhaps I should rate them on the same level as the Road Mosquito aka Malaysian Motorcyclist). They won't buzz you but they surely do annoy you.
Just this morning a Hyundai swerved into my lane from the opposite side without even giving a consideration that my vehicle was in the way. Just yesterday I did the same but I swear I really didn't see the oncoming traffic and the fact that the particular vehicle was cutting in as well from a one-way lane the wrong way didn't help either. But this moron today practically made eye contact and still went ahead.
Well the powers-that-are have created this problem that I don't see a solution, so the next best thing is to drive carefully even more and of course pray hard.
Smarter and more confident
TRUST. Trust in yourself and believe that you are smarter and more confident. Know that you can see and rely on your instincts as correct and begin to trust yourself more. The more you do, the more confident in your own instincts and abilities you become. The occasional disappointment that will occur is only a part of your learning and growth curve and will make you stronger.
And October's emphasis is...
The emphasis is on money this month: how to get it, keep it, grow it and spend it. The global crisis is sending shockwaves into each and every nation where there is a financial market and it does not seem to be over too soon. Better be prepared if not already otherwise the consequences may be dire. Buckle-up and weather out this storm period.
Along with acquiring and using money in smart ways are issues concerning credit, debt, interest rates and the way your money is being managed. Look at the housing market and stock market. You are advised to do very careful research during the advanced 3 weeks before applying for loans or credit. Instead of spending additional money on new items, do what you can to pay down existing debt. If you're stretched to the max, remain as calm as possible and check out any and all options that help you protect yourself, your income and quality of life. Job seekers may get jobs but not receive the same level of pay that they would have a year ago.
If you're not on the jagged edge financially, don't quickly make any final decisions that affect your finances. Take your time, you'll have a better view of things. You'll also be treated with greater respect. You may also be paid more or receive benefits that you wouldn't ordinarily get.
If you feel pressure to make a choice and hurry through a process, don't. If at all possible, keep yourself steady, focused and calm for just a few more days. If you jump the gun or feel so nervous about money that you agree to less than ideal terms and sign documents, you're likely to be at a loss. Rewards and opportunities are only what you make of them. Remain calm and very hopeful - and you'll probably be better off.
Along with acquiring and using money in smart ways are issues concerning credit, debt, interest rates and the way your money is being managed. Look at the housing market and stock market. You are advised to do very careful research during the advanced 3 weeks before applying for loans or credit. Instead of spending additional money on new items, do what you can to pay down existing debt. If you're stretched to the max, remain as calm as possible and check out any and all options that help you protect yourself, your income and quality of life. Job seekers may get jobs but not receive the same level of pay that they would have a year ago.
If you're not on the jagged edge financially, don't quickly make any final decisions that affect your finances. Take your time, you'll have a better view of things. You'll also be treated with greater respect. You may also be paid more or receive benefits that you wouldn't ordinarily get.
If you feel pressure to make a choice and hurry through a process, don't. If at all possible, keep yourself steady, focused and calm for just a few more days. If you jump the gun or feel so nervous about money that you agree to less than ideal terms and sign documents, you're likely to be at a loss. Rewards and opportunities are only what you make of them. Remain calm and very hopeful - and you'll probably be better off.
Sad day as Malaysia PM announces step down
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, Kuala Lumpur - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced to a packed conference room on the 39th floor of the UMNO headquarters that he would be steeping down as Prime Minister of Malaysia in March next year. Looking dapper in a dark-striped suit and tie, Pak Lah as he is fondly called by many, reminded the crowd to publish only what was in his statement and not deviate from it. It was indeed a sad day for Malaysia and as a Malaysian I too feel an obvious sense of loss and slight despair. This great and former icon of good governance and statemanship that I have good memories of will soon be fading out of the political scene in Malaysia. Whatever its worth it is worth mentioning that his past achievements were nothing short of great and it is in this respect that I personally feel that he should remain active (perhaps behind the scene) to provide a check and balance in the government. Oh Pak Lah where will you go? Please stay active for the sake of country and its people. Hidup Pak Lah!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Not feeling optimistic?
You're not feeling all that optimistic about recent plans? These plans may just prove to be unrealistic. Take a deep breath and move away. That's just the first step toward success, though, as long as you're willing to change course. If something didn't turn out as you'd hoped today, don't beat yourself up over it. When you fail or when you succeed, all that matters is YOU.
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