How to Send An Email That's Clear for Women

Before you send your next professional email, read over this list, and check for these 5 undermining communication habits that are so common for women. Then delete, delete, delete the ones that you find!

You’ll communicate more powerfully — and your colleagues will appreciate the clearer, more succinct writing too.

Here’s your handy checklist – below

“Before You Hit ‘Send’ Checklist” 

____1. Check for “shrinkers” – words like “just,” “actually” and “almost” (As in, “I justthink….”, “I actually disagree,” “I almost want to suggest that we…”) Delete them!

_____2. Check for any unnecessary apologies - places where you are saying sorry for no good reason, or for simply taking up space on the planet. (“Sorry to bother you but,” “Sorry if this is a silly question…)

____3. Check for any instances of “Does that make sense?” “Am I making sense?” or “Do you know what I mean?”. Replace these questions with something like, “I look forward to hearing your thoughts” or “Let me know if you have questions about this.” I know you were just trying to make sure your audience understood you, but you can find out if they have questions without implying that you’ve been incoherent.

_____4. Check for any undermining qualifiers: “I’m just thinking off the top of my head, but…”, “I’m no expert in this, but…,” or “You clearly know about this more than I do but…” Delete the qualifier and just say what you have to say.

_____5. Check for places where you are hiding your point of view behind a question. Instead of sharing your opinion, i.e. “I think this is the wrong direction for us to take” you might have written, “Does everyone feel sure about this direction?” Sure, sometimes, we use questions instead of statements for strategic reasons- to be diplomatic or nonthreatening, but more often we do it because we are afraid to take a stand or we are afraid of being seen as unlikable if we rock the boat. Use questions as replacements for more explicit statements when it’s strategic – but not as a way of hiding your ideas.

There’s your checklist!

Subway Sandwich, the line that never moves...

All about Subway

Typical of a Malaysian "service" outlet, expect no service good enough to make you glow and smile. Even if you do find that special one place that does, it has got to be rarely consistent. AEON and Tesco cashiers, KFC front of house, Pizza Hut servers and most recently Subway Malaysia line employees. Perhaps there are more, care to share?

Off the road Note: TESCO loves to advertise and display racks with no products...for Heaven's sake if the product is off the shelves - remove the price label please!!!

One thing I'm sure it's not the ethnic background of the hire, take Hinods "the Five Ringgit Store" for example - Malays as sweet and accommodating as can be.  Maybe then it's the volume of business - the more business you get, the less friendlier or appreciative the staff is for the business.

Well this video was captured June 24, a Monday and at about ten in the morning. It was only taken after 10 minutes of waiting in a line less than 10... not counting the 3 who left after waiting too long. And, it shows an unmoving line of customers waiting in queue at the Subway outlet in Kepong Village Mall. Although for the world to see, the minimum 3-person staff was down to 2 and it was impossible to provide timely service but the least they could do was to say, "Pardon us for the service wait, may I have your order please?"...

This entry is NOT really all about Subway. It's about the standards of service in Malaysia that is consistently the same. Even worse is when the help hired cannot even communicate properly is the same lingo (not making reference to Myanmars, Nepalese, Vietnamese and Bangladeshis - by the way there is a very fluent in Cantonese foul language Bangladesh cleaner wearing a Malaysian Harvest uniform at AEON Metro Prima, last seen chatting with a heavily smoking Chinese man in the loo). 

Malaysia Boleh?

Majority of Malaysians Do Not...

I am a Malaysian and while what I am about to write may not represent the true Malaysian, I believe that there is some inkling of truth to what follows - please read on...

What makes a Malaysian? By definition, any person born after the first Merdeka (Independence) Day in 1957 is naturally Malaysian. Growing up in Malaysia was fun - people from different backgrounds, religions and ethnic groups mashed up in a wonderful loving environment. The streets back then were relatively safe to with me walking the length of Kuala Lumpur undisturbed. 

Okay maybe that incident with that one Malay drug addict while asleep on the famous KL BMW (Bas Mini Wilayah)...this person attempted to molest this schoolboy (yours truly). I was a scout back then and we had just done an all-nighter in school having carried out a campfire gathering, so I was bushed and fell asleep on the bus only to be rudely awakened by this person stroking my thigh (didn't even stop even when I awoke). Luckily I had my Scout's Knife with me and I persuasively showed him enough to stop, he alighted at the next stop. Good riddance!

Back to topic, so what does the majority of Malaysians not...

• We do not simply park our cars. We park within allocated parking bays.
• We do not key, scrape or dent the car next to us even if they parked too closely to us.
• We abide by the traffic lights rules and stop at red.
• We do not tailgate the person in front who is hogging the lane and holding up traffic.
• We do not suddenly cut in another lane without signaling or at the last moment.
• We queue when it is required. We do not cut queue.
• We do not shout and use international sign language at other car drivers.
• When we walk across roads, we make sure it is safe - walk quickly and at pedestrian crossings. We do not walk slowly daring oncoming traffic and act blind. We also do not hold out our hand, stopping traffic and act as if we own the road.
• We do not walk shoulder to shoulder on narrow walkways with those next to us and prevent other people from overtaking us from behind or getting by us from the front.
• We do not make merry in public places and create a noisy nuisance of ourselves.
• We do not work for the need of money but rather for the purpose of assisting others get things done.
• We do not force others to succumb to our will; rather we show them the way and allow them to choose.
• We do not condone dirty politics and all its ills.
• We do not complain when the neighbor litters the front and the rubbish conveniently  blows to the front of our house.
• We do not also complain when heavy commercial & construction vehicles park and make the nice neighborhood we live in their depot. Even if we did complain to the local municipal, we do not expect much to change.
• We do not wish for change as change is strange, new and unpredictable to us.

There's just so many things that we Malaysians are not but one thing certain - the majority of Malaysians do have 2 things in common, anything that's free AND food! 

So be Malaysian, Malaysia Boleh!

Hot Hazy Summertime Blues in Malaysia

Wikipedia the free encyclopedia describes haze as a traditional atmospheric phenomenon where dust, smoke and other dry particles obscure the clarity of the sky.

Well in Malaysia it is very traditional alright, right down to consistently during summer (since 1982 too). Just as if the ozone layer is already not depleted enough and so burning hot! The way I see it, only idiots (because there are definitely more than a few of them) in Indonesia who make it a point year after year to do massive wide open burning.

While the Indonesian Government has only made disparaging retorts so far and in the past along the lines of - "the 'people' doing open burning is no other than those from Malaysia and Singapore", they seem to be nonetheless appreciative of these business mis-adventurers from overseas. Otherwise, why would they be knowledgeable of the nationalities of the perps and yet do nothing constructive and effective against them !?!

Hell they don't even get fined...even if they do - money can't buy back what is already lost, or maybe they are thinking that when the haze lifts and until the next time - it is sufficiently timely for those poor affected souls (such as Malaysians) to "heal" before the next attack!!!

No action doesn't mean that the problem will go away, yes it does but then again what about a year from now !?!

Every year we in Malaysia suffer the same problem with hazardous levels of haze, what are we? Some meek neighbor who only hold weekend parties and stay indoors (gap shut) while the next door neighbor does open burning!?! Oh good! Maybe the wind will blow the haze back in their faces and into their haze-resistant lungs... Hmph! Fat chance of that happening!

Schools closed, eye irritations, breathing difficulties -- WHY WHY WHY must we meekly endure this annual assault to our precious health?

Surely there must be some responsible and caring people in Indonesia who do not appreciate the lack of action and who are equally concerned about their own health and the environment that they live in, right?

There is hope still:

Walhi or Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Indonesian Forum for the Environment) noted that the root causes of the haze have remained the same, three decades after it became a trans-boundary problem. Quote Walhi's Southern Sumatra acting Executive Director Hadi Jadmiko, "Efforts to stop open burning should begin from the Indonesian Government". He goes on to say that the haze COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF the Government (of Indonesia) had been serious in tackling the issue by coming down hard on open burning over the years.

If not:

Let us pray that the good people in Walhi get elected to government roles of power and hopefully (and thankfully then) will we only have a hot BUT NOT hazy summertime in Malaysia...

Until that happens, I'll be indoors with the air-conditioners on and god forbid having to go outdoors mask on...

By the way, Malaysian Government is ramping up efforts WITHIN Malaysia by telling us to call 999 and report any open burning...

MAHAP

MALAYSIAN AGAINST HAZE & AIR POLLUTION

   

MY beloved Malaysia, Merdeka, Elections and Marching On

Go forth filled with glorious pride Malaysia!

Post Merdeka certainly isn't what it is supposed to be nowadays with so many issues related to racism; otherwise why would there be an endless count of pro-unity advertisements in the media and being exposed to all these ads makes me start to wonder if racial harmony is really at stake.

When I was young (way way back in school), skin color was never an issue. We all mixed well socially and never thought of others as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, Eurasian or English. Yes, there was a chap named Mark in school back then and he was from good ol' England. So why should there be an issue since then? I mean, people back then around my age should be the same people now who are now 'perceived' racist right? I really don't know...and we cannot go round asking others if they are racist, except of course we can judge by their actions to know.

Nazism stresses and believes in the superiority of one race over others. After a war and Adolf Hitler, there are still self proclaimed Nazis in this world. But, Malaysians are generally a peace loving lot. It's "in our blood" and culture. We are not Nazis and neither are we some form of the Ku Klux Clan. Racism and all it's extremities has no place in the modern world and certainly never in Malaysia.

What I do know is that racism should never arise as we Malaysians are Satu Malaysia, Satu Bangsa!

Harmony is not forged of tolerance; rather it comes from the mutual understanding and acceptance of one another. Yet, most of the earlier mentioned ads carry the Tolerance message.

Is the Merdeka model now dead? Hah! There is no straight answer because we Malaysians are so diverse. I may be a post Merdeka (way post, read all I could from proper History textbooks) but I think and still believe in Merdeka - it's history, significance and appreciation is a single component that bonds and binds us together...

The 13th General Elections also brought on another side of politicians that we have never seen or heard of -- they who lost started lamenting that the very people they 'helped' had voted for another. Just goes to say that these persons are politicians first before anything. And is it not true that this voting process allows us - a Malaysia citizen to have our say in choosing those whom we believe are capable to be the people's representative in the Parliament, Government and country? Instead of complaining, any proper bona-fide community service provider would have continued doing what they do best, that is to serve the people without falter -- actions do speak louder than words.

I learned long ago that national harmony can be a success only when we know why we are doing it, are clear about what we want to achieve (not Apa Lagi Cina Mahu nonsense) and set ambitious but realistic targets AND expectations. There must not be any trial and error and taking the 'we'll find out as we come upon it' attitude too. There will be a million people who will tell us a million ways why we failed to be Satu Malaysia Satu Bangsa BUT this country has way more than a million people. Right?

So if you are Malaysian and reading this - believe in unity and never back off!

 

Apa Lagi Cina Mahu?

Definitely not for some social misfit like Zaini Hassan to be part of the respected media and Utusan Melayu. Why talk about skin color when we all born and bred in Malaysia are One Bangsa One Malaysia? Even in the below slated reference to his follow up post to Apa Lagi Cina Mahu?, he remains adamant in defending his rants. "Kaum Cina" might have been better, perhaps? Tsk tsk, I should take back my words on trusting the media for unbiased reporting -- sorry that is not reporting; rather it is the writings of a social misfit - a person who does not understand that we are after all Malaysians.

Zaini Hassan rants on about the "blood flowing in Chinese" being the blood of 5,000 years of civilization. Then he talks about Chinese feeling that they can live without Malays in Malaysia.  Come on... is he serious, just how wrong can he be?

To us "Chinese" life is not all about money, Chinese schools, the Chinese Language and Chinese culture. Please wake up if anyone at all still thinks this way (and by the way, I attended a Sekolah Kebangsaan and only picked up the Chinese Language way after school)! Excuse me, I'm Chinese but none of the aforesaid applies to what I need.

Our dear PM, Najib Razak, is already doing so much for the nation -- that I am experiencing (not hearsay, bull**** or whatnots). Mind you, it is not his fault that GE13 went by with poorer results. Just a bit about GE13? The ONLY candidate that I saw in my DUN was the BN's candidate and yet she lost. So what does that say then?

Zaini Hassan goes on further to compare the Chinese in Singapore with that of Malaysia but falls short of making a point. Instead, he praises the Singapore Government for being fair and not bias in favor of Chinese. Are they better for not favoring one over the other? Ahem, just exactly what is he trying to say? Bad choice of an example, I say.  

And that statement about DAP claiming Malaysia belongs to them this time round? Wakey wakey, Malaysia is not for one but for all Malaysians.

So Apa Lagi Cina Mahu? Definitely not "segalanya" or everything. I'm Chinese and I want to live life peacefully and to be able to do the things I love.

Got it? 

  

Reference Source:
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Rencana/20130508/re_03/Pasca-PRU-13-Ke-mana-Melayu-selepas-ini#ixzz2SqEUnNnv

1 Malaysian's View after GE13

May 5th? Thank the stars it is finally over. Lucky for me the indelible ink wiped off easy too -- according to the SPR chap's media statement the proper process of shaking the ink bottle before application was not done. Whatever.

The political climate in Malaysia certainly makes me uncomfortable -- to either be listening, seeing or reading about gutter (the public thrashing and humiliation of others) politics. Make it a crime punishable to law and I say if there's any expo'se to be done, let the police and media do it after due investigative work!

Moving forward, I'm looking forward to:

A collective Government who will continue to stamp out factors detrimental to a modern civilized prosperous country such as extremism, racism, favoritism and corruption.

Educational programs reaching all levels of society to inform of the backwardness of judging others based on their language, behavior, customs and/or religion. 

A Government that is thrifty and looks after the welfare of all Malaysians irrespective of age, gender or political affiliations. Thrifty also means spending it's money within Malaysia instead of overseas for charity or on humanitarian grounds -- unless of course there is a surplus and it's own people already have enough welfare.

More police presence to deter crime. Though a one-liner but boy oh boy is it critical!

Weeding out all illegals and stopping the influx of immigrants or otherwise risk being overrun, an increasing crime rate plus health and employment concerns.

Country leaders and representatives who are respectful of their status in society and shy away from scandals and misdoings.

SO, please do the needful!

P/S Share This.

PPS I also hope ("hope" coz it's been so long and yet...) the Government doesn't forget the badly in need of tarring roads, traffic and flood systems too while at IT!

MY Guide to Voting in the 13th General Elections

Racism suspended (or preferably eradicated). Peace maintained.

The 13th General Elections in this beloved country Malaysia that I call home will indeed be the "Mother of all Elections". Will the 'Opposition' lead by Anwar of PKR garner more seats than back then in 2008 or will Barisan Nasional triumph and win back seats it lost and more? I care not...

What I do care for is quick and fair elections. Not having to queue long for my time to exercise my rights as a Malaysia citizen and vote. There is no particular 'brand' of politics that I 'succumb' to; rather I always vote for the representative that I believe (hopefully and sincerely) will bring about some change to the area I live.

Manifestos, pledges, propaganda, plans and promises do not work with me. Neither do those haphazardly installed banners and posters along the road. If the message is clear, voting should not be based on last minute marketing efforts. If it is, OMG! To tell you the truth, the incumbent I voted for in 2008? Never met the man before and I don't think I ever will. I think in this aspect Hannah Yeoh is my model of a good representative - easily seen, accessible and approachable. Now tell me how many are like that?

But I do sing praises of the people behind the I Love PM, We Love BN campaign. Goes hand in hand beautifully. If you love the PM than you must love BN and vice versa. Can't go wrong with that!

Most Malaysians do not place a lot of emphasis about history and don't realize that they are inadvertently continuing the same situation from back then. I don't too. I choose to forgive and forget...but this 2013 will be about change. Change that is for the better even if its someone new with no previous track record of achievements, scandals or failures.

No big deal except that you and I will both be voting for Malaysia so choose wisely. Voting is your own responsibility. Don't leave it to others to tell you who to vote (especially not me but I didn't).

Me? I vote for Malaysia. I vote for Harmony. I vote for Peace. I vote for Progressive Action. And, so forth.

MY Wishlist:
For Government leaders will look into income increases reflective of inflation, traffic management systems that no longer make a 30-minute drive an hour (can't say less traffic since its the cars that are daily increasing), improving public safety (i.e. relative of mine who called for emergency police response in Bandar Mahkota Cheras from the police in Sungai Long was asked to call Kajang instead), controlling the surge of foreigners that are neither legal workers nor students, removing unfit drivers from the roads, etc...

  

TESCO Malaysia Everyday Offers, Or Not?

Believe it or not but even the best of Malaysia's superchain hypermarkets do screw up, more than once! 

That's why it is always better to check, check and triple-check before you commit to your purchase. Although there is a written code that in established stores such as Tesco for them to honor the price tag on the product, what happens when instead of a tag -- a generic master tag on the shelf and/or bin is used AND WRONG? 

Hypermarkets are fond of saving manpower on price tagging, so they did away with individual item tagging. It made their life so much easier as price changes could be effected with just a simple one tag change per barcode.

Let me quote my personal experience at Tesco:

I am not too fond at times (too many to count) of having to be informed by the Tesco cashier to get a refund from the Tesco Customer Service Counter. More often there is a queue of customers already waiting their turn. Most of the times when I feel that my time is more precious I would just accept having paid extra because on top of the time spent in queue there is also a waiting time for their Customer Service representative to run to wherever the product in question is located to verify the difference!

Why can't anyone or someone please do their pricing changes efficiently?

I do believe that Tesco already has in employ more than sufficient staff at hand (reference: Kepong Village Mall, Tesco HQ - staff parking already spilled over to 2nd level) to manage and overcome the said problem. Perhaps THEY don't see it as a problem, who knows?

So coming back to the picture proof -- quite hilarious, really. I was informed by one of their floor staff who was busy stocking up the bin, that the product referred to by the price tag was not the product displayed below it but actually meant for another product???

Question: If not, why continue stocking up the same product displayed "since" another product was supposed to be in place?

My actual question was one of curiosity as I only wanted to know why the promotional price is higher than the previous normal pricing!

Lesson learned -- always compare pricing and never believe in "promotions". Lastly, do check the expiry too!

P/S Complaining is also futile, the real people in charge who do care are not easily reachable...

MY Malaysian Dream

Food, shelter, clothing and income. Commerce Study teaches us that these are the essentials for survival. Any less would create hardship and an unbearable existence. 

Born post 1957 did not leave me any less appreciative of the struggles of our predecessors to make this country independent of another country's rule and management. It does however make me feel that Malaysia was never a British Colony -- the British never intended to settle down in Malaysia and procreate. The 3 major races at the time - Malays, Chinese and Indians were the ones that did.

In fact, the United States of America was more a British Colony than we ever were -- in that sense. Pocahontas and her likes are greatly outnumbered today, so to say.

However, the good that the British brought with them, i.e. infrastructure and education cannot be denied.

As a 3rd generation Malaysian being born and bred in this wonderful country called Malaysia, just what exactly is the Malaysian Dream about -- more importantly, am I truly living the Malaysian Dream?

Do I have food? Do I have shelter? Do I have clothing? And, do I have income to sustain them all? So what more do I want then? Is this not the Malaysian Dream?

I don't know.

Perhaps the idle mind has time to ponder and give rise to wants. Wants of power, recognition, equality and more. Are these the new and modern needs of society?

Take for example the antics of politicians during their assembly -- the way they verbally abuse one another in so-solemn a meeting and then there are those  who come to blows. Absolutely shameful!

Maybe that's a bit off topic but hey I can't deny that I abhor publicly elected representatives of the people who have questionable motives and act childishly!

Okay so then what is MY Malaysian Dream?

I want the feeling of being safe and secure at all times - not to be worrying about the crime rate and having to look over my shoulder every now and then. I want to be served by locals instead of cheap imported labor who may sometimes be carrying communicable disease(s). 

I want to know how so many Africans can be in Malaysia without visible signs of employment and income -- don't you agree? At one point they even caused sensational news by being rowdy in the Chow Kit area and a tough enforcement issue due to their size (height and build, of course). But that soon died down and now I see them in Petaling Jaya, Bandar Mahkota Cheras and Kepong. They obviously don't look like students least act like one, so how do they sustain having a car, apartment etc.? The Burmese (Myanmarese) can at least be seen working in local eateries - whether legally or otherwise, who knows?

I pray that people in the Government act maturely, responsibly and in the best interest of the public at large. Same goes for news agencies who highlight political antics -- for them to stay on track and unbiased. As far as the public is concerned, I feel that a good government is felt and not always be heard or to be seen. I'm looking forward to the 13th General Elections -- waking up early in the morning, dressing up, going to the voting centre and then standing in a long queue for my turn.

I want straight answers from government agencies that have to be dealt with. I don't want the merry go round treatment.

I don't want the once a year haze party from across  the sea. I HATE HAZE! Even smokers do not appreciate another smoker blowing their cigarette smoke at them -- after all, we do have our own open burners.

I want less traffic jams (as if that would really happen)! I want Traffic enforcers at every street corner to ensure that motorists do not cut queue, speed, go through red traffic lights, throw rubbish, spit and tailgate. There are just so many inconsiderate people on the roads these days that driving out is like going on to a battlefield -- if you don't hit them, they hit you! 

So what do I really want?

I want to wake up every morning and safely enjoy life freely...perhaps then I'll surely be living MY Malaysia Dream.

Car Accident Hassle

Reckless drivers in Malaysia are not a dying breed, although they should be. Instead, they seem to be increasing year on year. When accidents do occur it is already to late to be sorry and yet, these people do know but care little. There is no point in delving deeper into their sorry excuses for recklessness...

Share this story with others.

This writer was most unfortunate of late to be involved in a car accident (no fault of his). It could have been due to Monday blues erratic driving behavior but is that really a reason? Traffic on school days is normally busy with parents sending their kids to school. And, one of these in her Proton Wira unceremoniously rear-ended this writer's car. Apparently, she had decided to be in a rush and cut the long queue of cars; only to rear-end this writer's car when she cut in behind suddenly.

What followed was a bag of lies...

"Oh I'll pay for the repairs, don't you worry about it. Small matter. Don't make a police report", she said. This writer then had her call him on his mobile to register that her given contact number was correct.

It was a tedious process of getting the damage assessed that included numerous attempts to contact this woman.

Finally at his wit's end, this writer gave her the ultimatum of paying for the damage; failing which the accident will be reported to the police. "Oh that is so expensive. Let me contact my insurer for advice and please don't try to rush me, I need time. I'm only a blue collar worker and I stay in an apartment so I don't have that much of money. Don't make a report, I'll be fined by the police", she said. This writer wonders what happened to her earlier statement that she would pay...

She doesn't call back.

Her Third Party Claims contractor calls and informs this writer to proceed to the Balai Polis to lodge the accident report with his assurance that he will "settle" everything.

The report was made speedily. A Lance Corporal lady cop typed the report (is this a new service by the PDRM? If yes, it's a welcomed improvement!). This writer then sees the "Sarjan" and was given a short interview (apparently this new service meant that Sarjan need not view this writer's car as Sarjan kept seated). The photographer traffic policeman then took pictures of the writer's car.

To cut this long story short. 

2 options for the repairs were available. To get it fixed by the writer's car insurance panel repair workshop OR by the earlier mentioned Third Party Claims contractor. Wrong choice if you chose the latter.

Why?

If you are not in the wrong (meaning the police issues a traffic summons to the other party), it is a better option to get the repairs done at your car insurance panel repair workshop. They will process everything from getting the Loss/Claims Adjuster to documentation and repairs. At the end of it all your car insurance company will claim against driver-at-fault's car insurance. Also, you may complain (aided by your car insurance company since it's their panel workshop) if the repairs is unsatisfactory. No brainer really.

A third party claims contractor? He most probably claims the same amount from the driver-at-fault's car insurance and do not replace with new. Their trick to entice you? Zero payment required from you and speedy "repairs".

Lessons learned:

1. Always settle on the spot and never allow the person who is in the wrong get away.
2. Jot down the driver details, i.e. car registration number, name and NRIC number and contact number.
3. Proceed to the nearest police station to lodge a report. Note: All traffic accidents must be reported within 24hours.
4. Never trust any other workshop aside from those on the panel list of your car insurance company.

This writer is currently still waiting for his car to be returned by the third party claims contractor, so to all you reckless Malaysian drivers out there: May the inconvenience you cause to others be multiplied many times over unto you! Grrr....

Building a Better World with Mozilla

Watch The Mozilla Story today to see how you can help build a better world through the efforts of Mozilla.

See how Mozilla protects privacy, user choice and freedom on the Web with the tools they create and the training they provide to help us in return make the Web a place we want. Don't just watch the video YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ4DJgfPed4, do your part by making a donation today to this worthy cause.

Go to https://donate.mozilla.org/page/contribute/openwebfund and see how every dollar you donate can make a difference and support a Mozilla Project. Questions? Visit their FAQ site at http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/donate_faq.html or send an e-mail to donations@mozilla.org for more information.

The Web should be safe, open and accessible for all...

All contributions go to the Mozilla Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization and is used in its dicretion for its charitable purposes. They are tax-deductible in the U.S. to the fullest extent permitted by U.S. law. This blogger is in no way affiliated to Mozilla but truly believes in the headway efforts of the creators of Firefox.

American Fractures Penis in Malaysia

Sex can hurt but so can love. Who would ever imagine that any man or creature endowed with the stated organ above can actually fracture it while having sex. Much as I would like to say Malaysia Boleh for a first known case in Malaysia, it is nothing to be proud of -- well at least Malaysia made the news, again.

Apparently, such cases are not uncommon and has occurred before in Malaysia. The injury happens when the tissue trapping blood during an erection breaks when bent. A cracking sound is heard followed by intense pain and flaccidity. There is only 6-10 hours time for repair surgery before there is irreversible damage. Doctors' say -- avoid vigorous sex to minimize risk of injury, not that some listen anyway...

30-year old American, Ray Elbe, a mixed martial arts (MMA) exponent is the proud character in this organ-chilling tale. Eking out a living by teaching Brazilian and mixed martial arts at a studio in Ara Damansara, poor Ray "fractured" his "little treasure" having sex with his girlfriend on December 3. Ouch!


According to Ray, "I jumped out from that intimate moment with blood shooting out from my groin. I tried to run to the shower and felt myself losing consciousness".

After collapsing, Ray ended up with 10 stitches to his chin and several chipped teeth. Fortunately, he is expected to fully recover as the injury did not involve a major artery. Unfortunately, he had to pay in excess of Ringgit Malaysia Seventeen Thousand (RM17,000++) for his stay in the hospital.

Ray now hopes to sell his story and pictures to recover some of the cost. Any takers?

The New and Trendy MINI Watch 3D in Style

Timepieces, Watches and Jewelry...move over Gangnam Style!



Malaysia's latest fashion fun watches has got to be the from Korea, now introducing The MINI Watch from Korea.

The MINI Watch is fun & fashionable and extremely artistic. Each watch design features lovable themes that virtually pops out from a hand-crafted engraved dial. While others are calling The MINI Watch collection the loveliest and cutest of all worldwide, some watch enthusiasts are deeming it the new 3D Watch of the century, and I do agree so *after checking out TwinkleTimeKL*.



TwinkleTimeKL on Facebook is currently selling for a limited time at an introductory price, these simply-must-haves, for about Ringgit Malaysia Seventy Five (RM75/=) a piece; which is a good deal and I saved at least 40-50% compared elsewhere.

The MINI Watch could well become a collector's item easily as it's affordable and attractive. There are also many individualistic designs to choose from and to wear for different occasions *a fashion statement, dress watch or fun watch, you decide*.


Now that's The MINI Watch for you (and me)!

Find out more or how to get your MINI Watch in Malaysia at http://www.facebook.com/twinkletimekl

This blogger is normally quite reserved and against all form of promotion but TwinkleTimeKL deserves it.

Malaysia's 55th Independence Day

I was very lucky being a student in a local primary school many years ago when called for "active duty" to partake in the Malaysia Merdeka Day procession at Dataran Merdeka.

Vivid memories of that day remain till this day...except for the theme we had for that year. Embarrassing as it was, I had even kept my "souvenir" T-Shirt for many years even after outgrowing it. This year's theme happens to be Janji Ditepati (Promises Fulfilled) and has proven to be quite controversial as many quarters has depicted it to be more political than patriotic and not in the spirit of independence. 

It, the theme has always if not mostly, reflected the aspirations and goals of the people. Positively I'm taking it as a reminder to be a citizen of Malaysia who shall uphold my promises to others and work towards fulfilling them. That's how I see it! Enough said!

Let us travel back in time to the eve of the first Merdeka, August 30th, 1957:

Kuala Lumpur - Crowds of people from all walks of life are starting to gather at the Royal Selangor Club Padang (later named Dataran Merdeka with a massive flagpole erected to hoist the Malaysia Flag and still manages to evoke strong feelings in me of Merdeka and it's meaning whenever I drive through).

The event? To witness the handover ceremony from the British to our beloved Bapa Kemerdekaan, Tunku Abdul Rahman. At the stroke of midnight, the Union Jack was lowered and the Flag of Malaysia was raised as our NegaraKu (national anthem) was played. This was followed by seven chants of 'Merdeka'.

On Merdeka Day morning, August 31st, 1957 at the just completed Merdeka Stadium over 20,000 people attended and witnessed the reading of the Proclamation of Independence by our Bapa Kemerdekaan. This was followed by the raising of the Flag of Malaysia accompanied by the NegaraKu and a 21-gun salute.

Back to this day (August 30th, 2012), I'm sitting at home merrily typing away and reminiscing about the good old days. Glad too that traffic on the way home wasn't too stressful despite it being the eve of such an important day for Malaysia and having had a wonderful dinner with the family.

Peace to you Malaysia!

P/S: Best thing about Merdeka? Waking up and turning on the telly for the live telecast.

How to lodge a complaint

First and foremost, decide if there is justifiable cause for you to complain and whether it will get you the result that you desire. 

In this wonderful country Malaysia, I find that many of the service and/or product providers are if I may dare say so lackadaisical in their approach in handling complains that there brought to their attention (most don't even bother to acknowledge the complaint, think KFC, PizzaHut, Harvey Norman etc).

Perhaps it's the pride factor (I'm never wrong?) or maybe it's how many complains are written or made verbally when the person complaining is not in the "right" frame of mind. Believe me...I know because I've handled many complaints before.

Whatever and however, the best method to make known your dissatisfaction is to do it face to face and in front of the right person. Got it? You should try to RESOLVE your issue with the respective person or company before making it known in writing. Besides, it will serve as a reference that you have already attempted to resolve the issue but couldn't and hence the written complaint.

Alright and enough said. Now that you fave miserably failed to get their attention and expected desired response, the following information is important when you write-in:

1. General information such as your name and other pertinent contact details; and

2. Complaint Information - indicate location, date, time, cause of complaint and person(s) involved.

Always be clear and concise. Provide relevant facts in an orderly manner and avoid unnecessary details or repetition. Attach supporting evidence (if available). Last but not least, indicate a time that you would like to receive a response.

There is never a right way or a wrong way but there is a good way about how you go about getting things done or your ideas across. So best of luck!

What is 33388 SMS, Read the Fine Print or Be Charged

How to cancel 33388 free services?

If you have ever been charged for mobile messages, especially from 33388?

Give up?

Next time, read the fine print before accepting any so-called "free" offers. A friend of mine painfully learned his lesson by having all the prepaid credit in his Hotlink and Digi numbers drained out. Funny thing is, calling the mobile operator to cancel/block the "services" from 33388 does not work as no action is taken...

 Sample courtesy of 1Malaysia Voucher link:

This is a Djugo service. Djugo is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of the listed products or retailers. Trademarks, service marks, logos, (including, without limitation, the individual names of products and retailers) are the property of their respective owners. |You will be charged for all questions received by you (save for marketing SMS) including the first question is chargeable at RM4.00. | By answering a question, you will trigger the next question also chargeable at RM4.00 per question received by you.| Answer as many questions as possible to accumulate highest score at campaign closing date to win the prize.| No additional chargeable question will be sent if you do not answer the previous question. | There is no maximum amount of questions to be answered |Additional data and SMS charges may apply | Age: 18+ only - ask bill payer's permission | Helpdesk: 03 – 2175 4700 (9.30am – 5.30pm (Mon – Fri) | By sending an SMS to 33388, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the ‘General Terms & Conditions’ and agreed to be bound by these 'General Terms & Conditions'. | Closing date of the campaign: Friday, 1 June, 2012, 11:59 pm +8GMT. | Service Provider: Ericsson (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

TO STOP, send a message in reply to 33388 with the text OUT. In return you should get a reply that says they acknowledge and will stop sending any messages.

Good Luck,  you'll need it.

Footnote: Gimmicks WILL come in all shapes and sizes SO if it's FREE (most probably and often not) -- consider all before you accept anything.

A tribute to a living legend, now gone - Steve Jobs

Wednesday, October 5 2011 marks the saddest day in the lives of many people. Steve Jobs the man who brought Apple to it's shiniest and brightest moments left the world at the age of 56. Details of his long battle with pancreatic cancer - a disease that ultimately claimed him remains unknown.

He was more than just the man behind the Mac and iPhone. Even in Malaysia now, one cannot help but hear the tributes on radio and coffee shop chit chats. Even Twitter at the time of this posting remains inaccessible, possible due to overwhelming tweet traffic.

He believed in himself. Despite having the odds against him, he believed in himself. He believed in his vision. He believed that he could change the way we communicate. He believed he could make a difference. And he did.

 This past week we said goodbye to Steve Jobs - the co-founder of Apple who revolutionized the way we communicate, work and play. But life was never easy for him and the only reason Jobs succeeded is because he believed in himself.

 He didn't let the naysayers stop him. He didn't let the doubters hold him back.

 He dropped out of school because he couldn't afford the tuition. He collected used soda cans and returned them to collect the deposit money. He walked 7 miles just so he could get a hot meal from a shelter. But all along he believed in himself and his vision. He never gave up. When he slept on a cold hard floor with only a blanket he didn't give up.

 Through all those years of struggle, Steve Jobs directed his mind, his subconscious mind and his powers to follow his vision. That vision and belief was planted on his subconscious mind, success was sure to follow. And did it ever.

When he passed away on Wednesday - Steve Jobs was a billionaire, surrounded by his family. He built one of the most valuable companies in the world and he made a big difference.

 Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco on February 24, 1955. He was adopted shortly after his birth and reared near Mountain View, California by a couple named Clara and Paul Jobs. His adoptive father was a machinist for a laser company and his mother worked as an accountant.

 He leaves behind three children from his marriage to Laurene Jobs (Reed, Erin, and Eve), as well as his first daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs.

 Rest in eternal peace Steve Jobs... there will be no other like you...