Y1's Musings

Wow, RM370 Billions?

2009-12-22T15:58:00.003+08:00

It was alleged that former PM Dr Mahatir wasted RM100 billion during his twenty over years tenure. That is a lot of money. But now Dr Mahatir said RM270 billions spent in 5 years by Ahmad Abdullah Badawi! Is that why we Malaysians feel so poor?

http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/2009/12/form-royal-probe-on-dr-ms-squa.html

3. The commission should not confine to one Prime Minister only but to Tun Abdullah Badawi's regime.

4. It should include how RM270 billion of Petronas money paid during Abdullah's five-year term was spent; what projects were financed by this huge fund and the cost of all these projects.

Fantastic Perfect Last Minute Christmas Gifts Ideas

2009-12-15T11:05:00.006+08:00

It is now ten days to Christmas and getting the proper gifts for family and friends will be the most stressful activities for most of us from now on. People are already thronging the malls and gifts shops snatching any available gifts. The sight of queues will raise the blood pressure gauge a few ticks and our hearts will have little or no peace nor goodwill towards all drivers and last minutes shoppers.

We now have the wonders of the internet and the world wide web to save us from the hassle of the season which is meant to be peaceful with all kinds of goodwill towards all. Some of us may have already used the web to purchase gifts but as the day draw closer, there may be issues of the delivery being on time regarding those last minute purchases for those we have forgotten. Panic! Will what we order get to the recipient before Christmas?

Fear not, There is a fantastic new way to reduce Christmas Shopping Stress and it is brought to you by your friends at Blackhawk Network. It is the largest provider of gift cards sold in grocery and convenience stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. It now provides Facebook users with a great new way to purchase and send iTunes Online Gifts.

How is it delivered? Through facebook! What kind of gifts are we talking about? It is music, movies, TV shows, audiobooks and more. Now there is a gift for anyone but everyone!

Anyone who reads this online is sure to have a facebook account. In fact anyone who does not have a facebook membership is like, so uncool. Therefore, getting Christmas gifts is as easy saying facebook! Post your gift onto your friend's wall and they can simply redeem their gift instantly on the iTunes Store. You tell me how easy is that? So get down to your local grocers or convenient store and get your Blackhawk Network gift card now. Forget about the mall.

Have a stress-less fun-filled and most of all a peaceful Christmas that is full of goodwill towards all.

Double Standard!

2009-10-24T10:01:00.002+08:00

As a non lawyer, I find it confusing. While the Perak Parliament Speaker could be challenged the Federal Parliament Speaker who is a Federal Goverment appointed speaker cannot be challenged.

http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/28009/84/

Note: Perak Govt is ruled by the opposition party to the Federal party.

High Blood Pressure?

2009-10-05T12:24:00.003+08:00

This politician claimed he was physically assaulted by his opponent.

"After the Maghrib prayer, I felt like fainting, I threw up and passed out. I was in pain and my blood pressure shot up to 65/95. It was never that high before,

High? Hahahaahahaha.

What is the normal range of blood pressure for most people?

A guide to blood pressure levels:

Less than 120/80mmHg - blood pressure is at the ‘optimal’ level so follow a healthy lifestyle to keep it that way
121/81 - 129/84mmHg blood pressure is ‘average’ and you would benefit from lowering it
130/85 - 139/89mmHg - blood pressure is on the ‘high side of normal’ and should be lowered
140/90mmHg or above - if readings are consistently at or above this level you have ‘high’ blood pressure, take action now to lower it

Either the politician is a liar or the government controlled news agency is spinning out of control.

100 youths

2009-10-04T12:58:00.000+08:00

We had at least 100 youths gathered at our home on the first night of the Chinese New Year, last year. And they came mostly at the same time from 7pm onwards till way after midnight when I had to escape back to the seclusion of my room to sleep with boisterous noise groups upstairs outside our bedroom playing internet games (they brought their own notebook and linked through our home wi-fi) while another group was having a whale of a time downstairs with the PS2 challenging each other with electronic games. I was told some only left at 6am while at least half dozen slept over.

I am amazed at the energy of youth and how they can create so much fun with each other. I aim convinced if we allow them space and a secured environment like an open home, they all can have healthy fun and great time of togetherness. The company of each other is enough to set each other off. Fun and company is so evident. It does not take much for them to have a great time. All we provided was plenty of food (bbq chicken wings and fried noodles, curry chicken and rice) and lots of soft drinks. It is not expensive.

Youths and their large reserve of energy need company and they need to be connected. As I grow older, I seem to have forgotten how my younger days were no different, except the games they play now are generations apart. Yet it is not difference basically in that we all like to enjoy a time together with a great company people we like. Some like it quiet and small but others like it noisy and crowded.

It is good to mingle with youth. It invigorates and challenges me in keeping a conversation going with them. I look forward to more should the occasion arise but this time we shall be better prepared.

Bye Dubai#2

2009-10-03T13:01:00.000+08:00

http://y187.blogspot.com/2008/12/bye-bye-dubai.html

That was what I posted in 2008.

Now is the reality. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/5/business/20091005075300&sec=business

A year after Dubai became the Gulf's biggest credit crunch victim, dozens of gleaming new towers that mark the city's skyline stand empty. Even camps for migrant workers have posted "to let" signs after the building boom ended and billions of dollars worth of projects were scrapped or put on hold, including a half-mile-tall (kilometer-tall) skyscraper that was announced at last year's Cityscape.

Flying Eagle

2009-09-25T13:03:00.003+08:00

When the eaglet flew, parents can only watch from afar. Praying he will fly well, fly high and fly with the wind. Many decisions will be made by the new flying eagle. Daily routine and disciplines will be his own choice. All the years of nestling at home will be tested. Now he has to decide how high and how far he wants to fly.

When parents see good results, they cannot take too much credit for it. It is God's grace. Parents can only stand in amazement at their offsprings' achievements. The greater the success, the greater will be the wonder and joy for the parents. We can only continue to cheer them on and hope and pray for their journey to be in step with God. When there is danger we warn. When there is injury we point towards God's healings. When there is great results and rewards, may they remember God's favour.

Surprise Blessing

2009-09-24T13:11:00.004+08:00

When we received something you never expect, we will be surprised right? That is what we usually react, especially birthday parties thrown unexpectedly. Having gone through so many, we can more or less expect it when our birthday comes around. The element of surprise is no longer a novelty.

However when your son decide to give you something never expected, it is a blessing beyond words. It happened to me last month when my second son came home for his semester break and gave us a sum of money from his scholarship allowance. It was a surprise blessing. I never expected, not until he started to work that is. He caught us by surprise. It was a wonderful blessing. God be praised for He has done wonderful things.

Eggs

2009-09-11T17:50:00.000+08:00

I have said before, and I say it again.

Eggs are great and they do not cause health problems.

BBC , Times and many othe reports quotes British Nutrition Foundations and British Heart Foundation as confirming it.

I love eggs, and therefore it is good news for me. :)

Cricket Anyone?

2009-09-09T14:14:00.000+08:00

No not this type! Its the game where 22 men played in whites under the midday sun, where they stop for tea and lunch.

Here is a tea towel explanation for cricket, the game:

The Ashes Cricket series between England and Aussieland can be a great spectacle. For the last decade and a half, the Aussies were so dominant that any test between the two would have been a foregone conclusion. This year England has somehow got together a good team to give Ozland a fight. The series of 5 five-days test matches is now at the final test. It is finely poised.
England is leading 2-1 with one draw. England will get the urn if they win or draw. Ozland needs to win to retain the ashes-in-a-urn trophy.
Suddenly cricket has drawn much greater crowds and passions then football to the consternation of both the football authorities as well as the cricket circles. Football because it has drawn away crowds and attention. Cricket because the rowdy crowds are not the cup of tea for the stiff upper lips of those who like their game gentlemanly and with supposedly good sportsmanship and genteel clapping.

Check this and this out if you are interested... which is unlikely for most ;p

Test cricket is one of the most unusual sports. It could be very exciting and nervy or it could be very boring.

Money from AdSense?

2009-08-14T17:04:00.000+08:00

click

Can we make money while blogging or is blogging a complete waste of time? I thought blogging was only for fun but for some serious bloggers, they are making some serious pocket money!

click

Now you know why suddenly googles ads are appearing on my blog.

Am I rich now? I checked my account and I have now accumulated 7 (yes seven) US (no not million dollars, no not thousands, no not hundreds and not even tens, ah you are getting the drift by now) but one big seven US cents!

No we cannot cheat by clicking on the ads ourselves and we cannot tell people to click on it either. Visitors must click on them on their own free will. The more clicks the more money!

Its simple as that but yet its not that simple. To generate clicks there must be traffic. No traffic means no click means no money!

RM63.1m Gone!

2009-08-13T10:58:00.000+08:00

Osu gambled RM63.1m at Ritz

Daily Express (Sabah) is able to reveal for the first time that he blew a total of £9.027 million (RM63.19 million) in London's Ritz Hotel Casino over a period of five months in 2002, alone.

click

How can anyone lose so much in such a short time? Either he is duped, conned, plain dumb, or blinkered! What do you think?

And he was a leader! Did he use our money?

Great Sex?

2009-08-09T10:45:00.000+08:00

For those who want to remained married, in love and still have great sex after 23 years, this is a good (hilarious) power point show with song

click

now this is great sex!

jun, nm, loc is this graphic enuf?

but

you

must

remember

sex

the

mind

Two Eagles

2009-08-08T10:00:00.000+08:00

...... but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Last night two eaglets have flown out of the nest. They will learn to fly over the support of the wind with their wings spread out wide. They will see with their own eyes where the wind directs them. They will find sustenance over the horizon on their own. They will know the provision of God for their lives. They will look to their Heavenly Father for guidance.

Of course they will have a home nest to fly back to rest. They will still find shelter in their parents abode. Until they build their own nests, home is where their parents are.

I bless them, my sons. I bless them as they jouney into manhood. I bless them to seek their own identity apart from their parents. I bless them with all my love and all the Love of the Father. I bless them with all the heavenly wisdom to make the right choices in life. I bless them to be free in Jesus. I bless them to be empowered by the Spirit of God.

Go my sons, go where the Father leads.

MyCard

2009-08-07T15:14:00.000+08:00

Finally my wife and I applied for our MyCard.... this week.

We were dreading it. Horror stories abound of long queues and harrassed public in a stuffy crowded room!

Surprise surprise.... there was no queue, no form to fill and no need to pay anything. We just produce our old hibiscus IC, sat infront of two glaring spotlight and have our mugshots taken, given a form (to take to another counter) no need to fill the form, show our old IC again and have our thumb prints taken digitally. Viola its done before you can say thank you Abdullah Badawi! It will be ready in two months time.

It was so fast that when we came out of the building, there was no parking ticket even on our car screen. And service was very courteous too. We need to be thankful for small things like this.

So, have you applied for your MyCard yet?

Faith and Titles

2009-08-06T08:23:00.000+08:00

Putera UMNO chief has been grilled for being extravagant with the truth and is now being made fun of for his MBA from "Princeton"

However comical I may find this scenario, I find it equally amusing in the Christian circuit (could have been circus mind you) and the health supplement purveyors. Many claim to be Doctors when titles can be more or less bought off the shelves or honorary titles are being conferred by suspectable organisations.

Why are people so hungry for recognition and are so insecure for the lack of qualification? Let me propose that they do not know their God nor have accepted themselves. They have to hide behind achievements and recognitions by their peers.

For those who profess to be believers, is not their identity, destiny, significance and sustenance found in Jesus? If not, may I suggest that their faith in God has missed the target should they choose the route of buying titles or choose to display their honorary titles prominently .

I am not debunking recognition for scholarly achievements and academic excellence. I am amused at bogus titles. Come to think of it, are we not laughing at the number of datuks in town?

The Prize

2009-08-05T11:57:00.000+08:00

prophet's hand! heheh, he shy!

ok today was the prize giving for my winning the 'show me the goals' fantasy footbal... from prophet...

the parrot fish head meehoon soup was good, huge chunks of meat and absolutely filling... squeeze in the lime and chili padi... salivating in my mouth still... :D

cost? rm5.50 each bowl only.... cheap

Father's Day

2009-08-03T14:37:00.000+08:00

this is what i received from my sons

on father's day a few weeks ago

and

these

are

the

wise

words

ok, this leads me to some conlusions

1) they have a great sense of humour like me;

like father like son

2) i don't have any wise words :(

3) my tai tai is the best

and she makes me looks good, thank God

or made me looks like a fool.... hehehe :D

great eh?

happy belated father's day

to all fathers

thanks to all the mothers

More Sex

2009-08-01T10:58:00.000+08:00

Sex starts in the mind. Sex is more than a physical act.

God said it was not good for man to be alone, he created woman. God created the male and female sex and it was good. Sex is for physical population as well as physical intimacy. It is good for procreation and for recreation.When the female came along the male exclaimed, "whoaa man!" That is how woman got her name!

Gen 2:23 The man said,"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Sex is to be enjoyed to the fullest.

But for sex to be throughly enjoyable it is in the context of a stable relationship where there is security for both male and female. Sex in an uncomitted relationship is insecure and the sexual acts become a temporary thrill and an addiction that cannot be satisfied without the security of marriage.

So for those of you who are married, enjoy it to the fullest without shame but remember it starts in the mind. A guilty mind or an angry mind or a dull mind will hinder great sex. That's why good relationship is important for great enjoyable sex. A great daily relationship is the best foreplay.

For those who are yet to be married, wait. It is worth all the waiting. Wait for the fruit of relationship to ripen into marriage. Unripe fruits are bitter and sour. Ripe fruits are sweet and enjoyable.

Winner's Prize

2009-07-30T11:19:00.000+08:00

Steaming hot: Parrot fishhead rice noodle soup.
A bowl of delicious steaming hot black parrot fishhead with vermicelli (rice noodle) in clear soup. Parrot fish is a great delicacy to many people in Asia. There are four large chunks of fishhead in this bowl. The best part of the fish is its skin which is thick and crunchy. Parrot fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

-------

That is my prize for becoming the champion of the '"show me the goals" fantasy epl football and a side challenge with my net friend prophet :D

Looking forward to the breakfast, mouth watering already!

SEX

2009-07-30T10:01:00.000+08:00

i have not finished blabbing about food yet but i shall touch on sex today...

Sex is good, and God made it good

why should the devil have all the good sex?

let me be controversial :D sex is in the mind

if it is not mostly in our mind, why does pornograhy flourish? i believe it first start with our fantasy and fantasy is the domain of our mind. tempting images and forbidden fruits (echo of eden, eve?) only enhance the desire... don't you think?

so where is the explicit sex?
not explicit enough meh? its in your mind mah :D

more later

Smoking Beauty?

2009-07-29T21:59:00.000+08:00

Here is another interesting advertisement.

It shows the link between smoking and beauty.

So smoking is cool?

Think again!

Health

2009-07-29T09:18:00.000+08:00

food is such an emotional subject... and i also love to eat roast duck

yes, fat is bad and fatty crispy siew yoke is definitely bad
but life is to be lived to the full... and there must be joy
joy in food, work, relationships... all these are good

(hmmm sex is good too... i will say something about this another time and knowing that my children and tai tai also come in and look see... it will defintely be explicit ;p )

yes grain cereals and yogurt defintely are food for healthy living

and exercise will not kill anybody :D

that's why we do them all responsibly to enjoy life

The Link Between Smoking and Sex

2009-07-28T18:01:00.000+08:00

I found this advertisement interesting, there is a link between smoking and sex for males.

If you think that Viagra is the answer, think again.

Food

2009-07-27T17:06:00.000+08:00

now that i started on food... do we eat to live or live to eat?
as you ponder on this...

one of my favourite is crispy skin roast pork. i used to be able to do a killer roast during my student days in the uk but.... now, lazy lo and also no equipment... i prefer the english cooker with a grill hood on top but i just cannot find it here in malaysia...

food glorious food... now gotta go for the kon lau mein at chiu tai seng... i think its call sincere coffee shop :D

Pray and Touch.

2009-07-25T16:33:00.001+08:00

Mar 7:31 Then Jesus left the territory of Tyre and passed through Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the territory of the Decapolis. 32 Some people brought him a deaf man who also had a speech impediment. They begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 Jesus took him away from the crowd to be alone with him. Putting his fingers into the man's ears, he touched his tongue with saliva. 34 Then he looked up to heaven, sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened!" 35 At once the man's ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to talk normally.

The context of this few verse is that Jesus returned to the Decapolis, the place where he delivered the demoniac and caused thousands of swines to perish, so much so he was not welcomed there. After a period of time, his returned was welcomed and people brought the sick to him. Why? Because Jesus sent the delivered back to testify of the healings.

Jesus taught healing by showing it. He touch the place of sickness and prayed. He looked up to heaven and then look at the disease. He prayed and he touched. He healed by praying and touching.

What are we to do when faced with challenges? Follow Jesus by praying and touching people.

Visiting Flood Victims

2009-07-24T23:49:00.000+08:00

Sunday visit to a kampung affected by flood, barely 15 minutes out of Kota Kinabalu. Note the bad roads, that's why there are so many 4x4 in Sabah. We brought along rice, instant noodles and clothings for 29 families in this kampung who lost almost every possession to the flood.

We entered by 4x4s and on foot, young and old, 8 car loads went.

We left them with a prayer.

The really young one prayed too!

Update:
More than 7 days, the situation is not back really to normal yet

2 Sons

2009-07-15T11:25:00.000+08:00

The Lord is good. I am blessed with 2 sons and a daughter. This is my reflections on my sons as they will soon be leaving home for further studies. My daughter has a few years left with us still.

Number 1 is naturally smart. Street smart, socially smart and athletically smart. Good looking, he has it easy as most things comes to him naturally without much effort. His academic results show 3 Bs and I think he could easily have gotten at least one A if not more out of those Bs, with a little more effort. He will go far in life. If he will be more disciplined, he will go even further. Number 1 is more into health. His course in either physiotherapy or dentistry will help people to remain and maintain health. He has chosen well. Financially whatever course he takes will be provided for, thankfully.

Number 2 is determined. He needs to work hard. Disciplined and quiet, he achieves what he desires. His efforts are showing the great results academically, socially, musically and in sports. He will do well in life with a good character. Not a natural leader but he will lead and will achieve great things. He will attempt feats and will overcome obstacles. He is more technical. His chosen course in engineering suits him well. Financially number 2 will be well provided for because of the conditional scholarship offered. Praying that his actual results will qualify for it. He is quietly confident about that.

As their father I am very pleased with them, what little input I have in their lives, they have both grown up well. More so because they both have their own spiritual understanding of the world and a very personal faith in Jesus. Both are now on the verge of leaving for further studies. I bless them and pray for them to continue on the journey they have chosen. I will continue to support in whatever ways I can.

Both have made good choices that suits their characters, rather than be persuaded to choose career that will earn the most. Financial rewards and job security will come sooner or later for those who excel in any field they choose.

RM2,280/kg Beef

2009-07-13T16:46:00.000+08:00

Kobe beef, that legendary Japanese delicacy that can cost US$300 (RM1,140) for half a kilogramme, may be produced in Sabah. What meat can possibly cost so much?
click
Kobe beef
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Kobe beef is beef made from cows that are fed a diet enriched with beer and massaged lovingly by attendants in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. Japanese Kobe Beef is well-marbled and very tender. The attention and time given to the cows is said to produce the best beef and gives Kobe beef a high cost.

click

diet enriched with beer and massaged!!!!

Question: Is it not better to drink the beer, get a loving massage at the same time while having a tender beef steak rather than to feed the cow, lovingly massage it and then eat the poor thing?

Football

2009-07-12T17:48:00.000+08:00

The English Premier League is coming back soon. But my team will be the first in the league to play competitively. Why? Because they won the European Champions League! They are being punished and they need to play some minnows before they are allowed to defend the Cup! Silly isn't it?

They will be playing TNS (hey Liam, Jun, NM, not that TNS ok?) on Wednesday. After the saga of its captain, sanity will soon be restored, hopefully. :p

Come on you Reds!!!

All Malaysians Equal?

2009-03-06T10:45:00.002+08:00

If this is quoted correctly, this is the first time I am hearing a ruler says there is no such thing as "Ketuanan Melayu". If a ruler says so, why are some Malays still harping on it and why are these 'brain washing' camps still being held for Government Officers and University Students?

KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Syed Jamalullail, yesterday took to task those propounding the "ketuanan Melayu" (Malay supremacy) policy, accusing them of using "narrow-minded ways to achieve personal objectives". He said every Malaysian, irrespective of age, gender, social status or religion, enjoyed equal rights.The ruler said some Malaysians were making a big issue of the "ketuanan Melayu" issue and asking that supremacy or rights be given only to a particular race."It is very unfortunate to see these self-interested parties raising sensitive issues which could dampen the spirits and hopes of millions of people. In Malaysia, every race is tuan," he said in his speech at the launching of a seminar on the Federal Constitution here.

http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2497408/Article/index_html

Retreat

2009-02-19T11:19:00.002+08:00

It is better to retreat after a bruishing battle. Jesus did it everytime after massive public ministries of teachings and healings. Very often he was accused by His enemies of being the devil! He needed to retreat, so do we.

Elizabeth Wong is a high ranking up and coming political star. She has been bruised and battered by being emotionally 'raped' with her private images exposed. Such images should only be seen in the privacy and security of her home. These images are only meant for the person whom she trusts and cares for. But it has been cruelly violated. She is deeply hurt and her wounds need healing. Covering up by staying busy (if she does not resign from the Exco position or even being the ADUN) will cause more damage to her. Our mind and heart (emotion) is a very fragile thing. If left unattended to, she will be hardened and she will seek revenge. If she does that I foresee a trail of destruction in the future.

She now needs support from those who love her. It is not right to clamour for her attention right now nor put more pressure on her to remain as if nothing has happened to her. Good intentions of her supporters pleading for her not to resign will not be helpful. She need to retreat, rest, recover, and be refreshed for more battles ahead. Let her go.

Elizabeth Wong

2009-02-17T13:42:00.005+08:00

I salute Elizabeth Wong. In all that I have read about her, this spunky woman (is it any surprise that I admire spunky woman? I married one!) has intergrity and places principle above self. She chose to resign though she has done nothing wrong in her own lifestyle preference. She seems to be a victim.

Her resignation is right. It will put a stop to aspersions into her private dignity. Those who desire higher office ought to live with higher morality. Those in public office can no longer claim to have a private life, those who desire privacy ought not be in public leadership.

Tragic though it may be that a capable and hardworking leader has been brought down, it is good for government on the long run. Thank God for people like Elizabeth, Malaysia may just turn out better for such examples. Those political opponents who have cast stones better watch out. She has set the right example. May another good leader be chosen take up the baton.

Boycott USA?

2009-01-12T10:04:00.003+08:00

If we boycott all things american, just imagine:

No McD, KFC, Pizza Hut...
No CSI, House, ESPN...
No Boeing, F-16, M-16...
No Starbucks, Coffee Beans, Dunkin Donut...
No Hollywood, American Idol, National Geographic...
No Ford, Cardilac, Harley Davidson...
No Tigerwood, Michael Jordan, Mohd Ali...
No Levi's, Dockers, GAP...
No Visa, Mastercard, Amex...
No Coke, Pepsi, Sprite...
No Dell, HP, Apple...
No Intel, AMD....
No Microsoft, Yahoo, Google...

Without these, especially the last 3 ... can we participate in anything global in the 21 Century?

When money is god

2009-01-07T11:34:00.002+08:00

When your whole life is built upon trusting money to deliver, to satisfy, to empower. What hope is left when money fails?

Death seems to be the only way out.

Back to Normal?

2009-01-03T15:49:00.002+08:00

Time and events don't always fall in the order we wish they would.

December 08 started normally enough, as normal as my expected routine and hectic schedules and impossible deadlines are in my current season in my life.

Mid December's planned holiday was eventful enough. Genting, Ipoh, Penang and Kedah and back to Selangor/KL with all the activities, food (yes plenty and in great variety too) and meetings. The trip culminate in a class reunion (which I have no time to post yet) with my primary school mates in KL before we flew back on 22.

Since coming back, barely catching our breathe, entertaining was non stop with Christmas Eve dinner, farewell dinner, new year eve parties, and a bar barakah ceremony.

In the midst of all these was a death of a dear friend's young daughter (http://thehingeblogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/when-child-dies.html) which both of us was glad in the way that this friend did not hesitate to call upon us for support and during which we gladly give of ourselves to be with them in their time of need. Though the story did not end as we would like but yet God has His way we will never understand this side of heaven. The tragedy is a poignant reminder of our frailty during times of celebrations and parties.

One event very personal to our family seems buried in all the rush of events, it is to celebrate and praise God for the full scholarship being offered to Daniel! This pales in comparison to the weeping together with friends at their loss.

Weeping cannot wait. Celebrations can always be held for another time.

Wife's Blogs Logs

2008-12-09T17:41:00.001+08:00

The Hinge: Three Dog Tales

http://eadotcom.blogspot.com/2008/12/kiss.html

Good read

Bye Bye Dubai

2008-12-07T12:23:00.004+08:00

The bigger, brasher and taller they build, the harder they will fall. The lesson from the Towel of Babel has not been learnt yet, and will never be learnt it seems.

"In last month, a fireworks display was so enormous it could only truly be appreciated from the heavens (literally—it was visible from space). The occasion was the opening of the $1.5 billion Atlantis resort complex on an enormous artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. The point of the party, its promoters explained, was to show the world that Dubai is a land of fantasies come true, an over-the-top destination for good times. But among many of the guests, the mood was funereal. As the fireworks exploded, the global economy was imploding. "

Here is more for a good read

Algae Energy

2008-12-05T10:36:00.002+08:00

Yes those green stuff in water. They multiply like crazy. A nuisance for aquaculture as they choke the life out of fish or shrimps by taking all the oxygen.

Nuisance can be good news too. They can be turned into energy by extracting oil from them.... ah the ubiquitous oil for a energy starving world.

http://www.originoil.com/

Waste Energy

2008-12-05T10:23:00.002+08:00

This is a good time to talk about energy. Dropping oil price does not mean oil reserve will last, in fact it might deplete faster.

Now there is gold in rubbish. Electricity from the huge amount of waste we all throw away. Recycling is not it. Burning it for energy might be.

"Waste could fill many of nation’s wants by 2020, says fuel report"

Future Energy

2008-12-03T12:37:00.003+08:00

Fossil fuel will eventually run out.

Despite the fall in oil prices world wide, governments must actively look for renewable energy sources soon before another world oil crisis due to speculations and cartels.

This caught my eyes today. Energy from the ocean tides and currents. This is perenial. As long as the earth spins round the sun and the moon around the earth there will always be tides. How to tap into this perpetual motion is the answer to the search.

Australian technology.

Holy Brawling

2008-11-10T11:05:00.003+08:00

Brawling in the holiest place?

That is what happens when we place significance into insignificant places. Emphasising on the relics and forms. When the Spirit has left, what is left is bricks and stones. Dead lifeless acts remain.

And we will fight over 'our' tradition and square foot of earth.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7718587.stm

Another Christian perpective. Our shame.

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2008/11/monk-see-monk-do-disgrace-of-church-of.html

Conflict

2008-11-08T15:54:00.003+08:00

One say no, one say yes!

Both from the same government.

Regarding the high court verdict on releasing RPK, the govt is not speaking with one voice whether they will challenge it or not!

KAJANG, Nov 7 - The Home Ministry will not dispute the decision of the court to release blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA), said its minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
"That is the decision of the court. So, if he is released, it's the right of the court," he told reporters after launching the Kajang Prison Mosque, Hulu Langat, here today.- Bernama

(The Star) - The Government may appeal against the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to release Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin from the Internal Security Act (ISA) detention.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz said the High Court’s decision ought to be respected.
“But I think the Government will appeal,” he said yesterday.

So what is the govt saying?

Raja's Free!

2008-11-07T10:01:00.001+08:00

Yahoo!

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/7/nation/20081107094618&sec=nation

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/92620

Thank God that some judicial sense still prevails.

Well Said, Zaid.

2008-10-31T16:11:00.001+08:00

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/11527-zaid-says-racialist-social-contract-a-1980s-umno-creation

Pray for more like him, willing to call a spade, a spade.

Change? Not Yet.

2008-10-25T12:07:00.000+08:00

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/11133-not-all-nep-elements-will-go-najib-aide-clarifies

Ah clarifications. Can we be blamed for being cynical?

Making the right noise

2008-10-24T12:05:00.001+08:00

NEP will be changed, eventually. But is he talking one thing to one audience and another thing to his supporters?

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/11093-najib-ready-to-end-special-privileges-for-malays

Pray that it is true. And not in another 50 years.

Denial.

2008-10-20T12:47:00.000+08:00

So it is not true that manifestation. Lord have mercy if it is true.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/10821-najib-denies-manifesto-that-has-country-buzzing

Does not look good

2008-10-20T09:22:00.001+08:00

http://sloone.wordpress.com/2008/10/20/future-msian-pm-or-king-of-scandals-and-denials/

But when Abdullah took the lead, we were deeply disappointed after a while.

Can UMNO change? Will it change for the better or for worse.

Pray. Lord have mercy.

ISA abuse

2008-10-18T17:15:00.001+08:00

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/18/nation/20081018165921&sec=nation

Used to detain an activist who posted information according to the police as false. But isnt the ISA for national security? Why cant they use other laws? Cheesed off.

Think Evolution is right?

2008-10-09T16:34:00.002+08:00

Watch and think again.

http://aimediaserver4.com/studiodaily/videoplayer/?src=ai4/harvard/harvard.swf&width=640&height=520

If evolutionist think all these are caused by chance, their faith is stronger!

Our Govt Ignores Polls

2008-10-09T13:34:00.002+08:00

Even the Malays want the NEP on Economic affirmation based on race abolished?

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/10233-poll-shows-most-malaysians-want-nep-to-end

Why don't the govt listen? Personal benefits and failed delivery system that benefits the few.

This will be good

2008-10-09T13:33:00.000+08:00

If true.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/9/nation/20081009125449&sec=nation

The poor is always God's concern.

Evolution Ending?

2008-10-07T09:25:00.002+08:00

Why does evolution end today? What kind of Theory is that? It theorise the past and presume the future.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1070671/Evolution-stops-Future-Man-look-says-scientist.html

Ridiculous!

We need more within

2008-10-01T07:20:00.002+08:00

Zaid calls for repeal of ISA in open letter to PM
KUALA LUMPUR, SEPT 30 - Datuk Seri Zaid Ibrahim, who quit as de facto Law Minister because he wasn't getting any support for his proposed reforms, has written an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for the abolition of the ISA.
Here is his letter in full:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com.my/index.php/malaysia/9819-zaid-calls-for-repeal-of-isa-in-open-letter-to-pm

Straight A Students Better?

2008-10-01T07:10:00.003+08:00

At Oxford, Mr Lim completed a master's in Chinese Studies, focusing on the work of Gao Xingjian, the first Chinese recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, and made it into the East Asian Studies PhD programme at Princeton University a year later.

Usually eloquent, Mr Lim was stumped when asked just how exactly he made good.
'I just don't think a three-hour exam is the best way to test any student's ability' was what he finally said.

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,178065,00.html

Too big to fail?

2008-09-26T17:19:00.002+08:00

Anything that can be shaken will be shaken.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aWxliUXHsOoA&refer=home

The question is will the USA fail?

No justification

2008-09-25T14:16:00.000+08:00

The ISA has to go.

http://themicahmandate.org/community/sivin12.shtml

Good Move

2008-09-23T12:11:00.001+08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7630603.stm

Sad Day

2008-09-23T11:58:00.000+08:00

RPK is Kamunting-ed

Pray for calm and quick release.

http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/hartal-isa-on-standby-mode-rpk-to-kamunting-for-2-years/

Cracks showing

2008-09-21T17:13:00.001+08:00

We knew it for a while.

How big will it be?

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9344-umno-works-to-keep-it-together

If Only

2008-09-19T20:59:00.005+08:00

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9321-if-the-pm-had-only-thrown-away-caution-not-chances

And yet it could have been so different if he had followed the strategy of throwing caution to the wind and trying to outflank his party.

3 out of 4

2008-09-19T20:59:00.004+08:00

Sheih's out

http://kickdefella.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/sheih-is-back/

One more. RPK.

Who Decides?

2008-09-19T20:59:00.003+08:00

ISA seems to be a ball being kicked about. No one seems to want the responsibility.

The home minister says it is the police who decides to arrest and to release.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9283-teresa-koks-release-decided-by-police-says-syed-hamid

The former PM says "people who enforce it (ISA) refused to amend it" during his time.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/19/nation/2069691&sec=nation

Who actually decide? If it is entirely up to the police, this is simply ridiculous and abuse of power by the police.

Abolish ISA is the best solution if no one wants the responsibility.

edit:

Theresa Kok asking the right questions:

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/19/nation/20080919132938&sec=nation

UnKoked

2008-09-18T16:41:00.003+08:00

Theresa's out.

Praise God.

Mind Game

2008-09-18T16:41:00.002+08:00

Anwar is playing mind game on the cornered Prime Minister.

Will he succeed?

916

2008-09-17T12:01:00.002+08:00

As expected it did not happen but most of us hope it will happen, if not this week, maybe next week, next month, next year or next general election?

May the change be peaceful.

For our Government leaders

2008-09-16T09:03:00.002+08:00

They really need it badly.

Dont be stupid ok?

2008-09-14T10:56:00.002+08:00

The current fight is amongst the UMNO members. Let them fight.

Lets stand aside and watch and pray.

DO NOT LET THEM HAVE THE EXCUSE OF RACIAL TESION TO CREATE CHAOS.

IT IS THEIR TENSION AND CHAOS, NOT OURS

They think we are stupid

2008-09-14T10:46:00.000+08:00

http://aisehman.org/?p=673
Enough said.
They cannot fool all the people all of the time!

Tan's Released

2008-09-13T18:09:00.002+08:00

Some sense. At least. The Sin Chew reporter is back home.

Detained for her safety. But why use the ISA?

Last throw of the dice?

2008-09-13T09:39:00.004+08:00

Desperate times calls for desperate measures.

It looks like the police is at the beck and call of a falling apart government that is desperate to save its own skin in order to remain in power. Internal strives need to be distracted by external threats. But 2 must play the game. So far only cracks are showing within the ruling coalition. Especially Gerakan. MIC is quiet as a mouse. It has enough internal problems especially with its egoistic leader who refuse to accept that he is no longer a leader. MCA is neither here nor there. It is struggling within for power. Umno is cracking wide open with the succession plan and with AAB playing it cool to relinguish power.

The oppositions are not taking the bait.

The only measure left is to create fear and intimidation through the ISA. Reporters and an opposition MP is arrested. For what? No one see them as a threat to internal security. They are only a threat to the security of Umno.

Prayer:

Lord you are just. You judge righteously in all affairs of mankind.

Listen oh Lord. The unrighteous laugh at your face, they are saying 'they is no God' and 'we are lords of all'. They have usurp your power and distort your justice.

Lord in your mercy remember justice.
In your love remember judgement.
In your grace remember the down trodden.
Have mercy over the powerless. Act on their behalf.
So that we might give glory to you.
So that your name be exalted over all the earth.
Let your people know your might. Let you shalom prevail.

Shoot the messenger?

2008-09-13T09:00:00.002+08:00

RPK arrested for writing what he believes in to the chargrin of those in power?

Sin Chew reporter arrrested for writing what she heard?

Theresa Kok arrested for being an opposition MP?

Where is the justice when those who perpetrated seditious comments and abuse power are left scot free.

Lord, you are just. In you justice show mercy.

Confused

2008-08-16T16:10:00.003+08:00

Where do the Malays stand when it comes to justice and meritocracy?

Let's say they are mostly Islamic but do they really practise it or do they practise it in so far as it suits their dominant position in Malaysia?

The protest by 5,000 Uitm students in separate campuses are by young Malays when someone suggest 10% of the places be given to non Malays. http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=59407

However, the huge support for Anwar at Permatang Puah is predominantly Malays too, calling for justice and meritocracy. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080816051907.wh666609&show_article=1

I am confused. Where do they stand? How many groups or factions are there amongst the Malays?

Save the world - Eat Kangroos!

2008-08-10T15:50:00.002+08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7551125.stm

Ha? Because they belch/fart less than sheep and cows = Less greenhouse gas!

Believe it or not!

Anal Attention

2008-07-03T17:04:00.002+08:00

Former DPM and Current DPM now accused of being interested in the rear end.

One on former aide. Another on dead model.

What a load of backsides story.

Are we Malaysians so interested in it?

Petrol Panic

2008-06-24T19:24:00.003+08:00

Petrol panic sets in. Again. The last time was when petrol price increase was announced.

Long queues all over town, set off by rumours that all petrol stations are striking and closing for 3 days.

Rumours! How cruel. How stupid.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/24/nation/20080624172657&sec=nation

Be afraid

2008-06-11T21:17:00.000+08:00

Be very afraid. Petrol price will not rise this year?

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/11/nation/20080611194511&sec=nation

He has lied once too often

Not Mine

2008-04-28T15:13:00.002+08:00

I have never desired fast cars.

But we organised an event for Porche owners from Brunei to come to Warisan Square.

So this is not mine, nor will I want to own one.

Just for a photo opp lah.

Moved

2008-03-17T17:26:00.000+08:00

At last. 8 March 2008. The day the Malaysian voters moved for change.

Hope

2008-03-10T15:33:00.002+08:00

There is yet hope for Malaysia. (Must record this as a matter of history)

8 March 2008. BN denied two thirds majority in parliament and lost 5 state seats to a loose coalition that campaigned on non racial and non religious line.

I have witnessed (1969 I was too young) for the first time that Malaysia may yet have a better future that is non racial and non religious.

Shanghaied2

2008-01-24T06:08:00.000+08:00

My Blog seems to be shanghaied by Daniel (defintely not my son)

Shanghaied

2007-09-27T12:10:00.000+08:00

Was in Shanghai. The food was good. Some are way too exotic.

Would you try it? I did not.

UNCLE

2007-07-23T17:21:00.000+08:00

When I was small, there was a TV show called the man form U.N.C.L.E. What is stood for, I have no idea. Could be United Nations Combat Lowdown Evil?

It si official now I am called an uncle. It is ok if it is from my nieces and nephews. It is ok if it is from from young (I mean teens and below). Even the vegetable and kuih sellers in the market calls me uncle now. It means I am a Lau ah bek.

Could it be my head full of grey hair?

25 today

2007-06-19T15:08:00.000+08:00

I sent my lover 25 roses for 25 great years.

OK la, it was not in a bouquet with basket, ribbons and ferns.

It is the thought that count right? :)

Love you for 25 roses and thorns

25 years of ecstasy and agony

an eventful up & down sojourn

through it all you walked with me

New Office

2007-06-13T12:54:00.000+08:00

Nice View

Not Amused

2007-06-13T07:56:00.000+08:00

I received sms regarding this but not sure whether it was true until it is reported.

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/68515"

Pastor sees red over church demolition
Sabrina Chan
Jun 12, 07 3:45pm

A pastor is crying foul over the demolition of a church in an Orang Asli settlement in Gua Musang, Kelantan on June 4.

'Intimidation' tactics
Police report filed

Sorry, I dont subcribe to the site. They are bullying the original people of the country.

http://zorro-zorro-unmasked.blogspot.com/2007/06/dont-desecrate-our-rukunegara.html

Basis for Race?

2007-06-11T18:16:00.001+08:00

This is most mind boggling if true......

Easy to become a Malay, says MB
Kota Kinabalu: Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali Rustam said a person who is a Muslim, converses in Malay and follows the Malay traditions is considered a Malay.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=50538

It is also picked up by Lim Kit Siang:
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2007/06/11/it-is-easy-to-become-a-malay/

No Joy

2007-06-02T12:23:00.000+08:00

Those for decision basically says
1) It is the constitution, follow the law
2) Those who embraced Islam cannot leave. Otherwise it is desertion from an army
3) Use the shariah law to rectify the issue

Questions
1) The original constitution of article 11 has been amended by article 121. Why?
2) Those who were born into it might never have embraced it. How?
3) The shariah court does not have a good record for those who desire to leave Islam. http://www.suaram.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=29 As far as I know, that court aloowed less than 20 to leave in more than 20 years and there are hundreds if not thousands of such cases pending. What then?

must read:
http://malaysianunplug.blogspot.com/2007/06/must-read-sober-response-to-muslim.html

The way to celebrate

2007-05-13T13:49:00.000+08:00

The sensible thing to do, a proper perspective of what an individual, royal or common, rich or poor, can do when a BIG day comes along.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/5/13/nation/17715743&sec=nation

Royalties (and we are a royal people) need not show off.

Remember the poor is what Paul urges us to do.

This is the spiritual thing to do.

My heart is warmed.
Thank God for good senses in a time of excesses.

Tagged

2007-02-17T08:04:00.000+08:00

1) i do not have 6 bloggers to tag...
there, that is one of the 6 weird things about myself.
2) people my age do not have many friends my age who blog
3) bloogers my age do not tag one another
4) bloggers my age are weird
5) people my age who blog are weird
6) only weird people my age blog

there... i cannot tag anyone liau

Chastity Belt - Safety Belt?

2007-02-16T18:04:00.000+08:00

Friday February 16, 2007 (The Star)

'Chastity belts can thwart rape and incest'

HULU TERENGGANU: Women should wear chastity belts to thwart rape and incest which are rampant nowadays, a well-respected religious figure here suggested.

Datuk Abu Hassan Din Al-Hafiz said chastity belts would protect victims and also help reduce sex crime rate.

More here: http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=2523

----end quote---

Does it really help victims by wearing the belt? Rape is more than sex, it is power. Imagine the fury of the rapist when he finds out that after overcoming the victim that he cannot complete the sexual domination! Instead of being a rape victim, she will become a murder victim.

How did our leaders come up with such great ideas? sighhh

Edit: For those who wanna know what is a chastity belt go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chastity_belt

Graduates Earnings

2007-02-07T15:03:00.000+08:00

DEGREE EARNINGS PREMIUM
Medicine: £340,315

Engineering: £243,730
Maths: £241,749
Business: £184,694
Average graduate: £160,061
Languages: £96,281
Humanities: £51,549
Arts: £34,494

Source: Universities UK/ PricewaterhouseCoopers
But this do not tell you that arts humanities (like lawyers) are usually top governmental officials. Some are even Prime Ministers. How much do they earn? Think about that.

Thinking aloud allowed?

2007-01-20T17:26:00.000+08:00

Yes but it can be costly or even dangerous.

2 of our most famous bloggers are being sued and be forced to watch their expressed thoughts.

I might just want to stop subscribing to that newspaper that is suing. Defamation is personal but does a newspaper have a reputation that can be defamed? Does not make sense to me.

Fruits in season with durians

2007-01-15T00:10:00.000+08:00

Rambutans, mangosteen, langsat (not in pic),...... but what is that fruit as big as a mangosteen, taste like langsat in the pic? I dunno, you tell me. I just eat them.

Beaufort Sabah

2007-01-14T08:16:00.000+08:00

Beaufort, not UK lah. Stopover town to/fro Lawas. Beaufort Fried noodles worth a try.

Lawas Durians

2007-01-14T07:57:00.000+08:00

Round trip of 400 km for durians. Worth the time and money as KK durians (dunno imported from where) cost much much more.

Kueh Chap

2006-12-05T19:42:00.000+08:00

Thick kueh teow in herbal pork mixed meat soup. This kueh (as in kueh teow) chap (as in mix pork meat, ie intestines, liver, lung, tongues, egg, toufoo, cartilage, pork belly) is drowned in a dark herbal soup with the aforementioned meat is simply delicious

Finished with sambal cili padi

Chew Yen in Kolombong is one of my daughter's favourite stall, san the sambal and innards. She loves the soup. Father and mother also love it too lah, except for the sons who are conservative in their food intake.

Good Call

2006-12-02T08:33:00.000+08:00

A sensible voice is the wilderness? click

Frolic with Folic

2006-11-25T07:29:00.000+08:00

A daily frolic with folic is good for your heart, prevents cancer and Alzheimer's.

Rich dietary sources of folic acid include fortified breakfast cereals, bread, green leafy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and green beans, oranges, dried beans, peas and lentils.

click