Must. Get. That. DSL. Power. Surge.....U dont need to wait till the rain starts to pour in malaysia when the lightning can strike even 10, 20 mins before the shower hits the area. Last sunday was the hmmmm....dunno how many times....but last sunday was the WORST hit of all time ever since i am connected to the broadband in this country. Imagine the strong burning smell emitted from my old (Jaring supplied) Aztec modem. There was a little but distinctly sharp 'clack' noise and the modem is dead. I took precautions for my pc as it is connected to a SIRIM approved power surge cable. Now, I must connect the modem DSL phone line to an appropriate power surge specially customised for phone-to-modem connection purpose.
I just got back from G & B shop off taman reko, kajang and asked about this power surge. They have quoted its price: RM 26.00. Alas, i did not carry enough money with me, and so I just bought a new ADSL Aztec modem for RM 91.00.
The shop closes around 7 pm. Maybe I should go back to that shop later today to purchase that power surge item.
Previous post on broadband failure due to lightning strike here.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Friday, March 02, 2007
Reserved
I like reading blogs. I began reading them back in 2003. Those early malaysian bloggers like The Reader, Organized Chaos are still continuously contributing their thoughts (or whatever form of entry) till today.
The number of blogs just kept increasing over the years. In September 2004, I started my own blog with the early intention as an online diary. I wasnt keen to let this blog go public in the beginning. Only towards mid-2005 or so did I have the courage to share my thoughts with other fellow bloggers. Through drbubbles and kakteh , I began my public blogging adventure. However, until now i still havent mustered enuf courage to share every single thought, day-to-day story basis, life experience and anything I consider personal within the blogosphere. The only nearest encounter for that matter is via leaving some comments on those blogs i frequent. By doing so, i may let out some bit of me without creating a blog entry.
I am friendly and easygoing by nature, but experience has taught me to become reserved. It is one of the ways i think that i can discipline myself to be careful not to be such an open book that i was before. I was misunderstood before and thus, the "eccentric one" title. I think i have been a complete individual, totally self-relying person since i was very, very young. My mum had me after 4 years of age gap between myself and my eldest sister. And just a year or so after that, I got another sister, and then 3 yrs after that, another sister, and then 3 bros after that, and then 2 more sisters, which total up to 9 siblings altogether.
My parents told me that I could already take care of myself at a young age of 3 or maybe younger. My eldest sister was too old to play with me and she was the eye candy of my parents for quite some time. And then when my 3rd sister came to the world, I started to develop the affinity of doing things on my own somehow. Nevertheless, I forged some sort of a close bond with the 3rd one as a result of wanting to socialize badly. I was easy to look after, least fussy with food and so on. However, my rebellious streaks began early too. Perhaps, I was seeking some attention that was becoming more and more divided as more members of the family were born.
At a tender age of 5, I tagged along my mum to her birth country, Egypt, just the two of us and not feeling afraid at all. I was given my own hand luggage, and even without a proper, formal education, prior to my tadika year, i can read ABCs and numbers. That i self-learnt through television and by figuring out my eldest sisters textbooks both english and malay ones. Sometimes, i just sat down listening to whatever my mum teaching my eldest sister and it might have absorbed into my tiny but hungry for knowledge brain. It was probably curiosity and the thirst for learning that made me a bit "nerdy" even at a young age. During that 1st ever trip overseas, i wasnt scared of grownups and could actually walk around the airport, and take the lift on my own to get to wherever i wanna roam despite those adult glares on me. I didnt care what they think of me. I was happy in my own world. Furthermore, I didnt do stupid, damaging acts just like my peers that time, jumping around, crying nonsensically for attention and too timid or shy.
People like Ruby Ahmad, Gab, Abdun and Pugly are quite eloquent in sharing their daily experience, while those like Lilyliverbird and bisutulibuta are brazen enuf with their more explicit stories under pseudo identity, but these two have always left me in stitches. Since i am still a bit reserved in exposing all in my head, I would comment in their blog on whatever funny (and genuine) entries they wrote instead.
Oh well, I reckon if I am still not daring enuf to do what most bloggers normally do, at least I can act as a "reporter" to share some current scoops in my own words (or quoted whenever possible). Or I could actually attach some online articles (news mostly) for my own reference and perhaps to some other readers, too if they deemed it interesting enough. I personally dont see cut and paste articles from online news and whatnots a big no-no for a blog entry. It's a way of sharing minus all those email forwarding hassles (and consequences esp in terms of adding more "junks" in the inbox unless some people prefer to send those fwded stuff to their bulk/junkmail box as it does not contribute to the inbox quota).
Part of my so-called "selective" reserved mode and practice (SRMP) was nurtured actively during my PhD years. That way I can still make a lot friends but at the same time preserving some mystery bits of me. Actually that is what many people suppose to be like, but i only get to be more "smarter" in my social skills as i get older. Besides that, as a career-person, by applying SRMP, I also learn to be discreet whenever necessary while still attaining good collegiality and integrity in order to be in harmony within the working environment. A lot of things has improved since SRMP and one of them is my ability to keep secret not just my own but also close friends.
The number of blogs just kept increasing over the years. In September 2004, I started my own blog with the early intention as an online diary. I wasnt keen to let this blog go public in the beginning. Only towards mid-2005 or so did I have the courage to share my thoughts with other fellow bloggers. Through drbubbles and kakteh , I began my public blogging adventure. However, until now i still havent mustered enuf courage to share every single thought, day-to-day story basis, life experience and anything I consider personal within the blogosphere. The only nearest encounter for that matter is via leaving some comments on those blogs i frequent. By doing so, i may let out some bit of me without creating a blog entry.
I am friendly and easygoing by nature, but experience has taught me to become reserved. It is one of the ways i think that i can discipline myself to be careful not to be such an open book that i was before. I was misunderstood before and thus, the "eccentric one" title. I think i have been a complete individual, totally self-relying person since i was very, very young. My mum had me after 4 years of age gap between myself and my eldest sister. And just a year or so after that, I got another sister, and then 3 yrs after that, another sister, and then 3 bros after that, and then 2 more sisters, which total up to 9 siblings altogether.
My parents told me that I could already take care of myself at a young age of 3 or maybe younger. My eldest sister was too old to play with me and she was the eye candy of my parents for quite some time. And then when my 3rd sister came to the world, I started to develop the affinity of doing things on my own somehow. Nevertheless, I forged some sort of a close bond with the 3rd one as a result of wanting to socialize badly. I was easy to look after, least fussy with food and so on. However, my rebellious streaks began early too. Perhaps, I was seeking some attention that was becoming more and more divided as more members of the family were born.
At a tender age of 5, I tagged along my mum to her birth country, Egypt, just the two of us and not feeling afraid at all. I was given my own hand luggage, and even without a proper, formal education, prior to my tadika year, i can read ABCs and numbers. That i self-learnt through television and by figuring out my eldest sisters textbooks both english and malay ones. Sometimes, i just sat down listening to whatever my mum teaching my eldest sister and it might have absorbed into my tiny but hungry for knowledge brain. It was probably curiosity and the thirst for learning that made me a bit "nerdy" even at a young age. During that 1st ever trip overseas, i wasnt scared of grownups and could actually walk around the airport, and take the lift on my own to get to wherever i wanna roam despite those adult glares on me. I didnt care what they think of me. I was happy in my own world. Furthermore, I didnt do stupid, damaging acts just like my peers that time, jumping around, crying nonsensically for attention and too timid or shy.
People like Ruby Ahmad, Gab, Abdun and Pugly are quite eloquent in sharing their daily experience, while those like Lilyliverbird and bisutulibuta are brazen enuf with their more explicit stories under pseudo identity, but these two have always left me in stitches. Since i am still a bit reserved in exposing all in my head, I would comment in their blog on whatever funny (and genuine) entries they wrote instead.
Oh well, I reckon if I am still not daring enuf to do what most bloggers normally do, at least I can act as a "reporter" to share some current scoops in my own words (or quoted whenever possible). Or I could actually attach some online articles (news mostly) for my own reference and perhaps to some other readers, too if they deemed it interesting enough. I personally dont see cut and paste articles from online news and whatnots a big no-no for a blog entry. It's a way of sharing minus all those email forwarding hassles (and consequences esp in terms of adding more "junks" in the inbox unless some people prefer to send those fwded stuff to their bulk/junkmail box as it does not contribute to the inbox quota).
Part of my so-called "selective" reserved mode and practice (SRMP) was nurtured actively during my PhD years. That way I can still make a lot friends but at the same time preserving some mystery bits of me. Actually that is what many people suppose to be like, but i only get to be more "smarter" in my social skills as i get older. Besides that, as a career-person, by applying SRMP, I also learn to be discreet whenever necessary while still attaining good collegiality and integrity in order to be in harmony within the working environment. A lot of things has improved since SRMP and one of them is my ability to keep secret not just my own but also close friends.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Rachel Weisz: Talents in a beauty package
Oscar 2007 has had its final curtain last Sunday, 25 Feb, and those results have been announced. There were some few major surprises, but overall, it's almost predictable. Forest Whitaker and Dame Helen Mirren won the best actor and actress for their political and emotional portrayal of Idi Amin and Queen Elizabeth II while Alan Arkin and Jennifer Hudson (of american idol reject) won the best supporting actor and actress. All four have never won any Oscar before.
Anyways, looking at www.oscar.com, I was mesmerized by Rachel Weisz beauty and charms. She was 2006 best actress for her gritty act in Constant Gardener alongside Ralph Fiennes. Below are her photos taken from that website. It's not the 1st time i am blown away by her natural beauty. She became famous as the love interest and the heroin in The Mummy and Mummy Returns. It's just that every year she became prettier and prettier.
I'll continue with more on Rachel Weisz soon but in the meantime, have a look at the 4 pictures, which i have selected from the oscar website specially for your view. On a personal note, thank you, Sir Gab for your concerns. I was busy, and then had arguments in the family since last CNY, didnt speak much to my mum since then, but in spite of all that, i "debugged and rebooted" myself by driving at night around KL and spent last weekend at a friend's place n managed to continue those nightlife (nocturnal) activities with her and her guy buddy at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa watching and taking pics of the Eye of Malaysia. SAjer nak tulis ayat panjang2.
Anyways, looking at www.oscar.com, I was mesmerized by Rachel Weisz beauty and charms. She was 2006 best actress for her gritty act in Constant Gardener alongside Ralph Fiennes. Below are her photos taken from that website. It's not the 1st time i am blown away by her natural beauty. She became famous as the love interest and the heroin in The Mummy and Mummy Returns. It's just that every year she became prettier and prettier.
I'll continue with more on Rachel Weisz soon but in the meantime, have a look at the 4 pictures, which i have selected from the oscar website specially for your view. On a personal note, thank you, Sir Gab for your concerns. I was busy, and then had arguments in the family since last CNY, didnt speak much to my mum since then, but in spite of all that, i "debugged and rebooted" myself by driving at night around KL and spent last weekend at a friend's place n managed to continue those nightlife (nocturnal) activities with her and her guy buddy at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa watching and taking pics of the Eye of Malaysia. SAjer nak tulis ayat panjang2.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tadika time
To kak teh, here is the tadika story i owe u earlier.
I had a fun-tastic Kindergarten year. If i really close my eyes and think about it, i can actually see myself back in that tadika. It was those years in the age of innocence.
U get to feel like Axel Frog doing silly things in tadika...
I can still remember its theme tune.
I had a fun-tastic Kindergarten year. If i really close my eyes and think about it, i can actually see myself back in that tadika. It was those years in the age of innocence.
U get to feel like Axel Frog doing silly things in tadika...
Everything seemed like so uncomplicated. We learnt many nursery rhymes, singing together, playing together, and it was my 1st ever formal education. We were taught on ABC, huruf jawi, muqaddam, simple english, and basic numbers. At 6 yrs old, i can read and write. It's not that big deal really, certainly not in the genius kid group either. But at least, it made my darjah satu year a lot easy.
Earlier today, one of my tadika (kindergarten) songs came into my mind. Probably i wasnt in a really good mood or something....u know la those time of the month plus this stupid issue on insurance car settlement. Bengang giler dgn diorg nih....i call this person citer lain, and then bila call another 1 of the same company citer lain gak....hangin betul!!!!!! so i tried to pull meself together to remain cool, calm and collected as much as possible. Lagu tadika ni we sang before we leave home and it goes something like this:
Terima kasih, terima kasih,
kepada cikgu dan juga rakan,
Saya dah penat,
Say dah penat,
Saya mahu lah pulang....
*******************************************************************************
I used to follow University Challenge, a quiz program mainly for undergraduates and postgraduates university students in the UK and is shown on BBC 2 every Tuesday night at 8.30pm during each university term. Back in 1997 during my undergraduate years, i lived with 4 other malay students in a 5 bedroom house. We all shared one tv set and so i dont get to watch this program every week unless i was alone in the house or if the rest of the housemates had other things to do in their own room.
However, during my PhD years (i skipped masters, only did PhD and bachelor degree), I lived on my own, with my own tv, hence i got to choose my own programs! Yea for the love of god, finally i can have things my way including which tv channel i wanna watch and so on. Nevertheless, i still had fun living in a shared house though we had to compromise and share many things together.
OK back to my PhD years. I have been religiously watching University Challenge almost every Tuesday. But the season i remembered the most was autumn 2004-summer 2005 season.
That pic below shows Jeremy Paxman, the show host, standing in the middle of 4 Corpus Christi lads who won in that aforementioned season. The guy, Mariani, sitting second from the left was chosen as the best contestant, having answered the most questions right. I still dunno what is his origin, but he does look oriental (far east) to me. It was fun watching those nerds helping each other during the bonus questions, which are the extra point set of questions each group will get when one of them buzzed and answered each of the main questions correctly. Jeremy Paxman, a well known BBC TV personality, is known for his acid tongue and annoying questions he wud normally ask during "an interrogation" session with some politicians or certain well-known figures. However, he did make me laugh on many occassions. People say he is scary and in your face but i think that has made him a household name for quite a number of years since he began his tv appearance.
You almost certain will not find a goodlooking contestant in this program, but i am impressed at many of them who managed to answer some mindboggling questions. They have to be quick and precise and must listen very carefully to every Paxman's fast-paced questions.
I can still remember its theme tune.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The Swiss Guy has done it again at Australian Open 2007
Even though Fernando Gonzalez has fought brilliantly, he was still outsmarted by Roger Federer, who has emerged as the champion of the Single Men match today in Melbourne. I dunno what kinda mantra or prayers these two great tennis players would normally silently chant to stay focus and spirited, or what kinda motivation that drove them to be the winner, all i can say here is it all boils down to the mind power. It is without a doubt that these two lads had to brave themselves in order to go through the matches, playing in front of each of their opponent's supporting team and thousands of spectators with high expectations. I must congratulate Fernando for continuing his brilliant performance despite on the lower winning odds. Of all the matches he has ever played against Roger, he has yet to win any.
And I am thoroughly enjoyed myself watching them playing on the Astro channel star sport 82.
This is the first ever final match in a grand slam that Fernando (pic above) has ever played in his life. He definitely is getting better and better each year. Some said that his strong motivation and inspiration comes from his blonde girlfriend who has been watching most of his games except the SF and final. He played fast and has gone more powerful than ever. Such a showmanship was quite unforgettable especially the moment he beat another tournament favourite, Rafael Nadal on a straight set.
Yet, Roger (pic above) also has his own master plan and one of them would be to place himself in the top echelon of the great tennis players in the history. Today marked his 10th Grand Slam winning, and 4 short of Pete Sampras record of 14. The latter has never won Rolland Garros and so does Roger. This French Open in June has so far empowered Rafael Nadal's position as the consecutive king of the clay court.
Holding the Australian Open trophy for the third time in his life (previous ones were in 2004, 2006. Roger lost to Marat Safin in the SF stage in 2005). With that, he is now a regular winner in Melbourne and the 1st player to win a Grand Slam this year.
Off he goes, aiming for more victory in this year's remaining 3 Grand Slams. Roger Federer is leaving the court carrying his Wilson racquets in the bag,the championship trophy, a fat cheque and a heart full of pride.
To Andy Roddick, better luck next time. You were such a one man show guy with all that shouting, cursing, mumblings that had me laugh. Not just that, you also like to pull your shirt up to wipe those excess sweat off your face while exposing your nice torso. Although you have lost to Federer in the SF match, you have entertained us with your superb tennis skills and a lot of perseverance. At least you did win against him previously at the Kooyong Classic here in Melbourne.
And I am thoroughly enjoyed myself watching them playing on the Astro channel star sport 82.
This is the first ever final match in a grand slam that Fernando (pic above) has ever played in his life. He definitely is getting better and better each year. Some said that his strong motivation and inspiration comes from his blonde girlfriend who has been watching most of his games except the SF and final. He played fast and has gone more powerful than ever. Such a showmanship was quite unforgettable especially the moment he beat another tournament favourite, Rafael Nadal on a straight set.
Yet, Roger (pic above) also has his own master plan and one of them would be to place himself in the top echelon of the great tennis players in the history. Today marked his 10th Grand Slam winning, and 4 short of Pete Sampras record of 14. The latter has never won Rolland Garros and so does Roger. This French Open in June has so far empowered Rafael Nadal's position as the consecutive king of the clay court.
Holding the Australian Open trophy for the third time in his life (previous ones were in 2004, 2006. Roger lost to Marat Safin in the SF stage in 2005). With that, he is now a regular winner in Melbourne and the 1st player to win a Grand Slam this year.
Off he goes, aiming for more victory in this year's remaining 3 Grand Slams. Roger Federer is leaving the court carrying his Wilson racquets in the bag,the championship trophy, a fat cheque and a heart full of pride.
To Andy Roddick, better luck next time. You were such a one man show guy with all that shouting, cursing, mumblings that had me laugh. Not just that, you also like to pull your shirt up to wipe those excess sweat off your face while exposing your nice torso. Although you have lost to Federer in the SF match, you have entertained us with your superb tennis skills and a lot of perseverance. At least you did win against him previously at the Kooyong Classic here in Melbourne.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Yeay for Serena Williams!!!
The great relief:
The celebration has just begun:
Saturday, 27 January 2007, Australian Open, Melbourne.
Many congratulations to the resurgence tennis player, Serena Williams on winning her third Australian Open Single Women title beating Maria Sharapova, the world top seed woman on a straight set 6-1, 6-2.Serena entered as an unseeded player, ranking at 83 due to her serious knee injury that had restricted her tournament back in 2006. This victory would place her in the 15th rank.
Overall, this is her 8th Grand Slam single title. She has also won 6 Women Double titles, playing as the one half of her elder sister, Venus Williams. On a Wimbledon record, these two Williams sisters have dominated the single title from 2000-2001 for Venus, 2002-2003 for Serena and then Venus won her title again in 2005.
Serena dedicated this Australian Open win to her half sister, Yetunde Price who was shot dead in LA in 2003.
Here are some of the photos of Serena: the first top 2 pictures were taken just after she just won against Maria during the second set, and the 2 bottom pictures during the trophy-giving ceremony.
The big smile that says it all:
Ladies, this baby is mine for the 3rd time and it looks awesome next to my ample bosom:
Tomorrow is another very important match: Single Men Final between the reigning champion Roger Federer versus the surprisingly hot Chilean Fernando Gonzalez. Having seen Speedy Gonzalez trashing Rafael Nadal in the QF and continuing his masterpiece winning streaks by another straight set win against Tommy Haas has made him another superpower in the tennis world. He has never even made it to any SF in any Grand Slam championship before and only won a trophy in a double match. And for that, I can assure u that tomorrow's match is gonna be an epic battle of the less-expected against a winning favourite.
The celebration has just begun:
Saturday, 27 January 2007, Australian Open, Melbourne.
Many congratulations to the resurgence tennis player, Serena Williams on winning her third Australian Open Single Women title beating Maria Sharapova, the world top seed woman on a straight set 6-1, 6-2.Serena entered as an unseeded player, ranking at 83 due to her serious knee injury that had restricted her tournament back in 2006. This victory would place her in the 15th rank.
Overall, this is her 8th Grand Slam single title. She has also won 6 Women Double titles, playing as the one half of her elder sister, Venus Williams. On a Wimbledon record, these two Williams sisters have dominated the single title from 2000-2001 for Venus, 2002-2003 for Serena and then Venus won her title again in 2005.
Serena dedicated this Australian Open win to her half sister, Yetunde Price who was shot dead in LA in 2003.
Here are some of the photos of Serena: the first top 2 pictures were taken just after she just won against Maria during the second set, and the 2 bottom pictures during the trophy-giving ceremony.
The big smile that says it all:
Ladies, this baby is mine for the 3rd time and it looks awesome next to my ample bosom:
Tomorrow is another very important match: Single Men Final between the reigning champion Roger Federer versus the surprisingly hot Chilean Fernando Gonzalez. Having seen Speedy Gonzalez trashing Rafael Nadal in the QF and continuing his masterpiece winning streaks by another straight set win against Tommy Haas has made him another superpower in the tennis world. He has never even made it to any SF in any Grand Slam championship before and only won a trophy in a double match. And for that, I can assure u that tomorrow's match is gonna be an epic battle of the less-expected against a winning favourite.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Timeless Beauties at the Golden Globe Awards 2007
They are full grown women, each with their own enchanting personas and timeless beauty that shouts aging with full of grace.
Brace yourself, here we go, from the top:
1. Jennifer Lopez aka J Lo:
Flaunting her sultry body draped in classic yet revealing black gown that has projected those aura of elegance as well as a sure message: I am back with a vengeance and I'm still a diva!
Look at those lovely sexy back! Aint she a gem or what? A bit generous on the bottom but hey, nobody's perfect. It's a trademark, innit....
She certainly has been doing a lot of workouts in and outside bedrooms.....
2. Beyonce Knowles:
Thats a definite bootilicious...still is one and we hope that she'll just keep on getting better!
Dark and exotic....and a nice view too...A Feast to the eyes....
Having sponsored by L'oreal mustve made her very conscious with her hairdo...It is one lovely lock there and I hope they are all hers.
3. Heidi Klum:
The model, wife and a mummy who enjoys her pregnancy. It was fun to see her with Tyra Banks in Tyra Banks Show. And heidi sure is not afraid of getting candid in front of the camera. U go, girl!
4. Helen Mirren:
She is THE QUEEN of the night. And not just because she had won two golden globe awards for her role as the England queen Elizabeth Regina II. She is a living proof that if u feel good about yourself, you will radiate the positive aura even at your winter age. I do admire people like her who gives us hope that despite the fact that there are numerous age-defying skin products, botox and whatnots, the most important thing is the way we project ourselves. The way I see it, natural beauty is attributed to the sheer calmness, happiness, self-control, loving and caring about ourselves, positive thinking, not wanting to have ill-thoughts or treacherous envy towards others, beneficence and good health. Those skin products are there to accentuates what is already a gift of God.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
First week of January 2007
2007 began with some major news locally as well as internationally. Here goes the brief reviews:
1. The end of Saddam Hussein's life as he was sentenced to be hanged to death at the gallows in Baghdad, Iraq on the 31st december 2006.
2. Ban Ki Moon from South Korea has been elected as the new UN Secretary General, successing Kofi Annan.
3. Catastrophic flood in Aceh, another devastating disaster just 2 years after tsunami.
4. Unusually massive floods in some part of the southern states of Malaysia, i.e. Johor and Melaka. Such incident is the first time since more than a hundred year ago.
5. The launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007) by the malaysian prime minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
This is also to mark the 50th independence of Malaysia. A definite attraction is a 60 m tall ferris wheel called the Eye On Malaysia is stationed at the aforementioned Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. It is fitted with 42 air-conditioned gondolas and runs about 1.5 rpm (approximately 12 minute for one full circle). It basically looks similar to London Eye down the Thames riverbank in Westminister.
6. Fatal ferry accident near Java, Indonesia
7. Adam Air plane crash in Sulawesi, Indonesia
8. A major earthquake in Taiwan on the 27th December 2006 has caused major internet disruption in more than 10 countries across the Asia Pacific including Malaysia. The connection has not fully recovered yet but good news is that they are working around the clock to fix this problem which involves going down the ocean to mend those sub-marine cables. Jaring CEO, Dr.Mohamed Awang Lah referred this incident as internet tsunami.
1. The end of Saddam Hussein's life as he was sentenced to be hanged to death at the gallows in Baghdad, Iraq on the 31st december 2006.
2. Ban Ki Moon from South Korea has been elected as the new UN Secretary General, successing Kofi Annan.
3. Catastrophic flood in Aceh, another devastating disaster just 2 years after tsunami.
4. Unusually massive floods in some part of the southern states of Malaysia, i.e. Johor and Melaka. Such incident is the first time since more than a hundred year ago.
5. The launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007) by the malaysian prime minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
This is also to mark the 50th independence of Malaysia. A definite attraction is a 60 m tall ferris wheel called the Eye On Malaysia is stationed at the aforementioned Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. It is fitted with 42 air-conditioned gondolas and runs about 1.5 rpm (approximately 12 minute for one full circle). It basically looks similar to London Eye down the Thames riverbank in Westminister.
6. Fatal ferry accident near Java, Indonesia
7. Adam Air plane crash in Sulawesi, Indonesia
8. A major earthquake in Taiwan on the 27th December 2006 has caused major internet disruption in more than 10 countries across the Asia Pacific including Malaysia. The connection has not fully recovered yet but good news is that they are working around the clock to fix this problem which involves going down the ocean to mend those sub-marine cables. Jaring CEO, Dr.Mohamed Awang Lah referred this incident as internet tsunami.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Hajj Callings
The one and only Makkatul Mukarramah.
Talbiyah:
Labbaikallahumma labbaik,
Labbaikalaa shareeka laka labbaik,
Innalhamdah wanni'matah
laka walmulk,
laa shareeka lak.
Talbiyah translation:
Here I am, O Allah, here I am,
there is no partner for you, Here I am!
Surely, all praise and blessings
are for you and dominion is Yours.
There is no partner for you.
Ibadah Hajj is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam. It is compulsory for the able ones to perform it once in their lifetime. Such holy rites and rituals are conducted in Zulhijjah, the twelfth month in islamic calendar.
Inshallah, one day I will get my turn to perform Hajj.
Talbiyah:
Labbaikallahumma labbaik,
Labbaikalaa shareeka laka labbaik,
Innalhamdah wanni'matah
laka walmulk,
laa shareeka lak.
Talbiyah translation:
Here I am, O Allah, here I am,
there is no partner for you, Here I am!
Surely, all praise and blessings
are for you and dominion is Yours.
There is no partner for you.
Ibadah Hajj is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam. It is compulsory for the able ones to perform it once in their lifetime. Such holy rites and rituals are conducted in Zulhijjah, the twelfth month in islamic calendar.
Inshallah, one day I will get my turn to perform Hajj.
Monday, December 25, 2006
What Karen Armstrong manifested about Christianity and Islam
I'd like to share this article as something to ponder about in conjunction with Christmas and the upcoming eidul adha celebration.It is an article from islamonline.com (click here).
“The Muslim prophet born in Bethlehem”- Armstrong
12/23/2006 9:00:00 AM GMT
The relationship between Christianity and Islam has become one of the most important issues of our time. This topic could not be more appropriate as Chrisman Eve draws near, as well as Muslims’ Eid ul Adha festival. It’s important to cite incidents from history where Islam and Christianity lived together with no conflict between both faiths' followers. It’s also important to draw lessons from history of both religions to confront the widespread misconception about Islam and Muslims, portrayed by most media organisations in the West and those profiting from a continuing strife between Christians and Muslims, as enemies of Christians.
“In 632, after five years of fearful warfare, the city of Mecca in the Arabian Hijaz voluntarily opened its gates to the Muslim army. No blood was shed and nobody was forced to convert to Islam,” said a recent article by Karen Armstrong (pic above), who was nun before becoming a prolific writer, television broadcaster and prominent figure on the London media scene, known for her writings aimed at helping Westerners, particularly her own countrymen, develop a better understanding of Islam and its Prophet.
When writers talk about the "clash of civilizations", they focus on “a looming conflict between Christianity and Islam”. When neo-cons in the United States articulate their world view, they identify Islam as their enemy. Why has the relationship between Christianity and Islam become so problematic?
In her article on The Guardian, Armstrong, one of the most provocative, original thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world, intended to show “people in the west, who have regarded Islam as the implacable enemy of Christianity ever since the crusades,” that contrary to what’s being said about Muslims nowadays and the active campaign led by hardline politicians and media organisations in the West against Muslims, “for centuries Muslims cherished the figure of Jesus, who is honored in the Qur'an as one of the greatest of the prophets and, in the formative years of Islam, became a constituent part of the emergent Muslim identity.”
“There are important lessons here for both Christians and Muslims - especially, perhaps, at Christmas.
"The Qur'an does not believe that Jesus is divine but it devotes more space to the story of his virginal conception and birth than does the New Testament, presenting it as richly symbolic of the birth of the Spirit in all human beings (Qur'an 19:17-29; 21:91).
Also trying to enlighten people in the West with more understanding of how Qur’an praised Jesus and showed special respect for his figure, Armstrong stated:
“Time and again the Qur'an insists that, like Muhammad himself, Jesus was a perfectly ordinary human being and that the Christians have entirely misunderstood their own scriptures. But it concedes that the most learned and faithful Christians - especially monks and priests - did not believe that Jesus was divine; of all God's worshippers, they were closest to the Muslims (5:85-86).
“Jesus, it was felt, had an affinity with Muhammad, and had predicted his coming (61:6), just as the Hebrew prophets were believed by Christians to have foretold the coming of Christ. The Qur'an... denied that Jesus had been crucified, but saw his ascension into heaven as the triumphant affirmation of his prophethood. In a similar way, Muhammad had once mystically ascended to the Throne of God.
“(Jesus) was a great model for Muslim ascetics, preaching poverty, humility and patience. Sometimes he took sides in a political or theological dispute: aligning himself with those who advocated free will in the debate about predestination; praising Muslims who retired on principle from politics ("Just as kings have left wisdom to you, so you should leave the world to them"); or condemning scholars who prostituted their learning for political advancement ("Do not make your living from the Book of God").”
Stressing that Jesus held a special place within early Islam, Armstrong further stated:
“The Muslim devotion to Jesus is a remarkable example of the way in which one tradition can be enriched by another. It cannot be said that Christians returned the compliment. While the Muslims were amassing their Jesus-traditions, Christian scholars in Europe were denouncing Muhammad as a lecher and charlatan, viciously addicted to violence. But today both Muslims and Christians are guilty of this kind of bigotry and often seem eager to see only the worst in each other.”
“The Muslim devotion to Jesus shows that this was not always the case.”
In her book, Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time, Armstrong attempted to confront the boundless ignorance among non- Muslims about Islam and its Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as Islamophobia that soared noticeably following Sept. 11 attacks on the United States and the smear anti-Muslims campaign that followed the event, negatively affecting lives of many Muslims living in the West.
Armstrong depicted the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as both a mystic touched by God on a mountaintop and a canny political and social reformer who preached loyalty to God rather than tribe; reconciliation rather than retaliation and cared for orphans and the poor; and in many incidents empowered and supported women, which might surprises many in the West who believe that Islam doesn’t pay much attention to the women’s rights.
In her introductory note to her biography, Muhammad, she writes:
"Islam is a universal religion and there is nothing aggressively oriental or anti-Western about it. Indeed, when Muslims first encountered the colonial West during the 18th century, many were impressed by its modern civilization and tried to emulate it."
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Karen Armstrong biography
(click this for source)
Karen Armstrong spent seven years in the Society of the Holy Child Jesus during the 1960s and later wrote a tell-all book, "Through the Narrow Gate" (St. Martin's Press, 1982) that bemoaned the restrictive life. (The frightened nuns did not know the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 had ended for several weeks; they were not allowed to inquire about the outside world.) Armstrong is still hearing about the book: "Catholics in England hate me. They've sent me excrement in the mail." Readers who have followed her lately are learning her more optimistic ideas about what Islam, Judaism and Christianity have in common with A History of God (Ballantine, 1993), Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths (Knopf, 1996) and The Battle for God (Knopf, 2000) which all focus on what unites the three great monotheist faiths.
Armstrong teaches Christianity at London's Leo Baeck College for the Study of Judaism. It was her first trip to Jerusalem in 1983 that piqued her interest in commonality among faiths. "I got back a sense of what faith is all about." At the time she was an atheist who was "wearied" by religion and "worn out by years of struggle." Born a Roman Catholic in the countryside near Birmingham, England, in 1945, she gave up on religion after her time in the convent. "I was suicidal," she said of life in her late 20s. "I didn't know how to live apart from that regimented way of life."
With an undergraduate degree in literature from Oxford University, she began teaching 19th and 20th century literature at the University of London and worked on a PhD. Three years later, her dissertation was rejected. Without it, she did not qualify to teach at the university level and took a job as head of the English department at a girls' school in London. Not long afterward, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. "After six years at the school I was asked to leave, but nicely," she said. "My early life is a complete catastrophe. It all worked out for the best."
She left the school in 1982 and began working on television documentaries. The story that took her to Jerusalem set her on a new career path and changed her earlier impressions about God. She went from atheist to "freelance monotheist" but has never returned to the Catholic Church or joined any other.
Since her writing career took off, Armstrong's communion with God occurs in the library, where she spends up to three years researching her books, which are as densely packed with detail as her conversations. "I get my spirituality in study," she said. "The Jews say it happens, sometimes, studying the Torah."
Armstrong says, "It's inevitable that people turn to more than one religious tradition for inspiration," she said. "It's part of globalization." She recently read from the Buddhist canon of teachings for her next book. "Religion is like a raft," she said, explaining the Buddha's view of it. "Once you get across the river, moor the raft and go on. Don't lug it with you if you don't need it anymore." She knows that mode of travel: Leave one raft behind to pick up the next just ahead.
She is the author of numerous books on religious affairs which have been translated into forty languages. She is also the author of three television documentaries and took part in Bill Moyers’s television series Genesis. Since September 11, 2001, she has been a frequent contributor to conferences, panels, newspapers, periodicals, and throughout the media on both sides of the Atlantic on the subject of Islam.
In 2005 she published A Short History of Myth, the first volume in an ambitious project undertaken by Canongate Books to retell the great myths of the world - a project that they estimate will take 30 years to complete.
In 2006 she published The Great Transformation, and is now rewriting her biography of the prophet Mohammed. When asked about this project, during an interview on New York Public Radio in 2006 she said, ' "I have rewritten my biography of the prophet Mohammed, based on the latest research - he was not a warrior, but he found himself, like many of the Axial Age sages, in a violent society and he eventually brought peace to the region by practicing a daring policy of non-violence worthy of Ghandi. He stopped the violence and went into Mecca unarmed and forced the Meccans to negotiate with him accepting terms that his followers thought were disgraceful."
Boxing day: Tsunami second anniversary and James Brown RIP Obituary
It has been two years since the catastrophic tsunami that has affected Aceh (Sumatra, Indonesia), few places in the northwest coast of Malaysia, west coastlines of Thailand, south-western coast part of Myanmar, half of south Sri Lanka, few places in Maldives Island, many parts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and few beaches in Kenya ,where all lies around the Indian Ocean. Of all the countries mentioned, it was Aceh, Sri Lanka and Thailand that were affected the most by the horrific tragedy.
I was in london when it occurred and was following the news in the newspapers and electronic media avidly. Such devastating disaster had killed hundreds of thousands of people and wiped out many areas, especially in Aceh, Sumatra, which was the hardest hit area.
IN a matter of minutes only, those doomed areas have become massive graveyards. Tropical paradises, sleepy towns, thriving fishery businesses all drifted away. Such scenes could only be described as equivalent to an armageddon. So many things have been destroyed and nothing much could be done.
And during this boxing day, 26 December 2004, Aceh has suddenly become the most famous place in the world. Previously, it was globally known for internal feuds and political problems spurred by the separatists who demanded independence from its motherland, Indonesia. Apparently, Aceh was no stranger from bloodsheds and instability. In fact, it has been under Indonesian Army scrutiny for many years. Then, the disastrous tsunami hit its coast wiping out towns and its dwellers.
As reported by AP:
The 2004 tsunami generated an unprecedented outpouring of generosity, with donor pledges reaching some $13.6 billion, but many of the 2 million made homeless complain they still do not have adequate places to live.
Some survivors say they are stuck with poorly built structures that leak, are termite-infested or located in flood zones. Several aid agencies, meanwhile, have been forced to delay projects or rebuild homes after contractors and suppliers ran off with the funds.
That shows that despite the huge loss, the whole world sympathized with the victims irrespective of their beliefs, creeds, race and backgrounds.
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Another main news today was the death of the legendary Godfather of Soul, RnB, Funk and Disco, James Brown (pic above) at the age of 73 due to pneumonia. His signature song without any doubt is "I got you (I feel good)". It was hugely popular all around the world that it was featured in so many hollywood movies where one of them is an oscar award winner "Good Morning, Vietnam" starring Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker and the late Bruno Kirby (whom people would recognize him as the jolly but hot-tempered friend of Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers. He also passed away earlier this year).
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May the late "soulfunk-sex machine" James Brown and the Tsunami victims rest their souls.
I was in london when it occurred and was following the news in the newspapers and electronic media avidly. Such devastating disaster had killed hundreds of thousands of people and wiped out many areas, especially in Aceh, Sumatra, which was the hardest hit area.
IN a matter of minutes only, those doomed areas have become massive graveyards. Tropical paradises, sleepy towns, thriving fishery businesses all drifted away. Such scenes could only be described as equivalent to an armageddon. So many things have been destroyed and nothing much could be done.
And during this boxing day, 26 December 2004, Aceh has suddenly become the most famous place in the world. Previously, it was globally known for internal feuds and political problems spurred by the separatists who demanded independence from its motherland, Indonesia. Apparently, Aceh was no stranger from bloodsheds and instability. In fact, it has been under Indonesian Army scrutiny for many years. Then, the disastrous tsunami hit its coast wiping out towns and its dwellers.
As reported by AP:
The 2004 tsunami generated an unprecedented outpouring of generosity, with donor pledges reaching some $13.6 billion, but many of the 2 million made homeless complain they still do not have adequate places to live.
Some survivors say they are stuck with poorly built structures that leak, are termite-infested or located in flood zones. Several aid agencies, meanwhile, have been forced to delay projects or rebuild homes after contractors and suppliers ran off with the funds.
That shows that despite the huge loss, the whole world sympathized with the victims irrespective of their beliefs, creeds, race and backgrounds.
*************************************************************
Another main news today was the death of the legendary Godfather of Soul, RnB, Funk and Disco, James Brown (pic above) at the age of 73 due to pneumonia. His signature song without any doubt is "I got you (I feel good)". It was hugely popular all around the world that it was featured in so many hollywood movies where one of them is an oscar award winner "Good Morning, Vietnam" starring Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker and the late Bruno Kirby (whom people would recognize him as the jolly but hot-tempered friend of Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers. He also passed away earlier this year).
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May the late "soulfunk-sex machine" James Brown and the Tsunami victims rest their souls.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Christmas 2006 crackers
Merry christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.......
50 Christmas crackers as featured in The Sun (click here):
50 Christmas crackers as featured in The Sun (click here):
WHAT happened to the hyena who fell into a pot of gravy?
He made a laughing stock of himself.
WHAT goes ha ha ha clonk?
A man laughing his head off
WHY is it so difficult to train dogs to dance?
They have two left feet.
WHAT is the definition of an American Bra?
One yank and it's off
WHAT'S six inches long and two inches wide and drives women wild?
Money.
A MAN goes to the doctor and says: "Doctor, I've got a strawberry stuck up my bum."
And he replied: "It's OK, I'll give you some cream for that."
WHY did the hedgehog cross the road?
To see his flatmate!
WHAT goes up and never comes down?
Your age.
WHAT do you call a woman who has lost 95 per cent of her brain? Divorced.
WHAT do you get when you cross a cat with a lemon?
A sour puss!
WHAT did the one strand of hair say to the other strand of hair when asked if he could borrow his shampoo?
Yes, but only on one conditioner.
WHAT happened to the blonde tap dancer?
She fell in the sink.
WHAT did the Policeman say to the stomach?
You're under a vest.
WHAT do you give a man who has everything?
Antibiotics.
DID you hear about the man who fell into an upholstery machine?
He's fully recovered.
WHAT do you call a man that plays with leaves?
Rustle!
TWO oranges walk into a bar.
One says to other: "You're round."
WHAT do you get when you cross a donkey with an onion?
A piece of ass that brings a tear to your eye!
A MAN goes to see his Doctor and says: "Doctor I have a lettuce stuck in my bottom."
The Doctors takes a look and replies: "That's only the tip of the iceberg."
WHAT do anniversaries and toilets have in common?
Men always miss them
DID you hear of the mathematician who had constipation?
In the end he had to work it out with a pencil.
HOW do hedgehogs make love?
Very carefully.
WHAT do you call a girl with eggs and bacon in her hair?
Cathy.
HOW do you keep your husband from reading your emails?
Rename the folder 'Instruction Manuals'.
WHAT do you get when you put a fish and an elephant together?
Swimming trunks.
WHAT are three words you never want to hear while making love?
Honey, I'm home!
WHY did the jazz musician like the wooden board?
Because it had a nice groove in it!
"Waiter! This coffee tastes like mud."
"Yes sir, it's fresh ground."
WHAT'S brown, steams and comes out of Cowes?
The Isle of Wight ferry.
WHO'S the coolest person at a hospital?
The Ultra Sound Guy!
HOW do you know you're living in a redneck town?
You get married for the third time and have the same in-laws
I had a crash with an ice-cream van last night. I wasn’t hurt, just had a bit of Mr Whippy lash.
WHAT'S orange and fizzy and comes down the chimney at Christmas?
Fanta Claus!
WHAT do you call a nun that sleepwalks?
A roaming Catholic.
WHAT do you call cheese that doesn’t belong to you?
Nacho Cheese
WHAT do you do if your toe falls off?
Call a TOW truck for help!
WHICH island has the highest death rate?
Corpsica!
AN invisible man marries an invisible woman.
The kids were nothing to look at either.
WHAT wobbles and flies?
A Jelly-copter.
WHAT is the difference between a smart blonde and a UFO?
There have been sightings of UFOs.
WHAT is the difference between a woman and a magnet?
Magnets have a positive side!
HOW did the beaver get online?
He logged on!
HOW do you get a fat person in bed?
A piece of cake.
WHAT'S the similarity between PlayStations and boobs?
Both are made for children, but used by adults.
What do you call a basement full of blondes?
A whine cellar.
WHAT'S got two grey legs and two browns legs?
An elephant with diarrhoea.
HEAR about the man that collected five thousand door knockers?
He won a nobel prize.
WHAT'S brown and sits on a wall?
Humpty dump.
WHAT has four legs but can't walk?
A table!
He made a laughing stock of himself.
WHAT goes ha ha ha clonk?
A man laughing his head off
WHY is it so difficult to train dogs to dance?
They have two left feet.
WHAT is the definition of an American Bra?
One yank and it's off
WHAT'S six inches long and two inches wide and drives women wild?
Money.
A MAN goes to the doctor and says: "Doctor, I've got a strawberry stuck up my bum."
And he replied: "It's OK, I'll give you some cream for that."
WHY did the hedgehog cross the road?
To see his flatmate!
WHAT goes up and never comes down?
Your age.
WHAT do you call a woman who has lost 95 per cent of her brain? Divorced.
WHAT do you get when you cross a cat with a lemon?
A sour puss!
WHAT did the one strand of hair say to the other strand of hair when asked if he could borrow his shampoo?
Yes, but only on one conditioner.
WHAT happened to the blonde tap dancer?
She fell in the sink.
WHAT did the Policeman say to the stomach?
You're under a vest.
WHAT do you give a man who has everything?
Antibiotics.
DID you hear about the man who fell into an upholstery machine?
He's fully recovered.
WHAT do you call a man that plays with leaves?
Rustle!
TWO oranges walk into a bar.
One says to other: "You're round."
WHAT do you get when you cross a donkey with an onion?
A piece of ass that brings a tear to your eye!
A MAN goes to see his Doctor and says: "Doctor I have a lettuce stuck in my bottom."
The Doctors takes a look and replies: "That's only the tip of the iceberg."
WHAT do anniversaries and toilets have in common?
Men always miss them
DID you hear of the mathematician who had constipation?
In the end he had to work it out with a pencil.
HOW do hedgehogs make love?
Very carefully.
WHAT do you call a girl with eggs and bacon in her hair?
Cathy.
HOW do you keep your husband from reading your emails?
Rename the folder 'Instruction Manuals'.
WHAT do you get when you put a fish and an elephant together?
Swimming trunks.
WHAT are three words you never want to hear while making love?
Honey, I'm home!
WHY did the jazz musician like the wooden board?
Because it had a nice groove in it!
"Waiter! This coffee tastes like mud."
"Yes sir, it's fresh ground."
WHAT'S brown, steams and comes out of Cowes?
The Isle of Wight ferry.
WHO'S the coolest person at a hospital?
The Ultra Sound Guy!
HOW do you know you're living in a redneck town?
You get married for the third time and have the same in-laws
I had a crash with an ice-cream van last night. I wasn’t hurt, just had a bit of Mr Whippy lash.
WHAT'S orange and fizzy and comes down the chimney at Christmas?
Fanta Claus!
WHAT do you call a nun that sleepwalks?
A roaming Catholic.
WHAT do you call cheese that doesn’t belong to you?
Nacho Cheese
WHAT do you do if your toe falls off?
Call a TOW truck for help!
WHICH island has the highest death rate?
Corpsica!
AN invisible man marries an invisible woman.
The kids were nothing to look at either.
WHAT wobbles and flies?
A Jelly-copter.
WHAT is the difference between a smart blonde and a UFO?
There have been sightings of UFOs.
WHAT is the difference between a woman and a magnet?
Magnets have a positive side!
HOW did the beaver get online?
He logged on!
HOW do you get a fat person in bed?
A piece of cake.
WHAT'S the similarity between PlayStations and boobs?
Both are made for children, but used by adults.
What do you call a basement full of blondes?
A whine cellar.
WHAT'S got two grey legs and two browns legs?
An elephant with diarrhoea.
HEAR about the man that collected five thousand door knockers?
He won a nobel prize.
WHAT'S brown and sits on a wall?
Humpty dump.
WHAT has four legs but can't walk?
A table!
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Click this to see babies singing you merry xmas.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
HRH Prince William on his Sandhurst graduation day
Prince William has been commissioned as the a british army officer and will become a 2nd lieutenant.
He obtained his first degree, with a second class upper from the University of St.Andrew last year, and most recently he has just finished his military training course at the elite Sandhurst College, Surrey, England. Photos from the graduation below:
Hold it to yourself, dear Prince William, careful.....
Ur mama, the late Princess Diana be proud. She must be smiling at you from heaven. Congratulation on your commissioning day.
This was taken during Prince Harry's graduation ceremony last April, 2006.
Doesn't he look handsome or what in that uniform? I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to join one graduation ceremony of my family friend's son at that elite college last year's August. I dont know why but a lot of men looked rather dishy in a complete uniform be it as an army, navy, police, and so on....I'm thinking of getting my future husband to wear one on a special private occassion together....grrr....
Thursday, December 14, 2006
doodle and scribble
What is doodling? According to Answer.com, doodling is a mindless sketch, an aimless drawing, while a person's attention is otherwise occupied.
Anna Koren examined on the habit of doodling and scribbling and made some interpretations based on the doodling style. Here are some of the excerpts of what she thinks of doodling:
There are an abundance of different types of Doodles, ranging from retracing letters in a written or printed text to complex and three-dimensional drawings, via a variety of idle scribbling.
The process of doodling appears to only be a partially conscious one. Not once does it appear that the pen takes on a life of its own, and the "artist" himself is surprised by the results.
One generally indulges in doodling while one's mind is on something else, rather than on the actual matter of doodling. People doodle in various situations - for instance, in the course of telephone conversations, lectures, while compiling lists and making notes.
Doodles are assessed in much the same way as specimens of handwriting: by examining the same indicators such as the layout on the page, the structure of the stroke, movement, angles, roundness, and speed. However, the doodle cannot be gauged by quite the same codes as those applying to handwriting analysis, and the closest common component between the doodle and the person's handwriting is the signature.
In a certain sense, the interpretation of doodles can be compared to the interpretation of dreams in the course of psychological treatment. Deciphering a doodle is not a simple task. However, it could serve the graphologist with an important clue as to the direction of the analysis and its depth in the same way as the dream serves a similar purpose to the psychologist.
Doodles carry a vast array of symbols, some clear and uncontestable, others obscure and concealed. Tracing hearts often represents a romantic period; pistols and arms could indicate overt of repressed aggression; boats and cars point to a nomadic urge, the desire to travel and the need to go on holiday. It is only people who are musically oriented who would trace musical notes and keys, and people on a diet would often be inspired by food-related subjects in their doodles. Drawing bars often points to a feeling of suffocation.
Significance of the position of the doodle on the page:
-CENTER - Extroversion, a need for attention, sensitivity to privacy, and the need for space.
-LEFT - Held by the past, drawn to the past, apprehensiveness, sensitivity, fear of being exposed.
-TOP - Enthusiasm, spirituality, and an unpractical approach.
-BOTTOM - A critical and practical approach, at times depression.
Shading-in of letters
At times, this is merely an expression of boredom, with no significance. At other times, it can indicate anxiety, lack of self-confidence, tension, and at times, a compulsive behavior and/or lack of faith in oneself.
Pressure
- HEAVY - could express energy, activity, at times aggression.
- MEDIUM - points to a well-balanced personality.
- LIGHT - could be evidence of sensitivity.
- IRREGULAR - might indicatethat the person's inner energy is not altogether regulated. A lack of stability and frequent changes in moods, restlessness, and impatience.
Doodles can assist the Graphologist and serve as a clue regarding a person's personality, or reveal a process being experienced by the "doodler"; but, as mentioned above, it is not possible to perform a character analysis on the basis of a doodle alone. It is strongly recommended to refer to the specimen of the handwriting and look for pointers supporting manifestations revealed in the doodles.
See the actual scribbling/doodling images by clicking on Anna Koren's name above.
I doodle when I speak on the phone or while i was thinking of something while studying an article from a journal. Interestingly, there are quite a few people I know who does the same thing. One of them is my former PhD supervisor. Not only that, he also plays with his hair if he is not scribbling while he is on the line. I do the same thing too....Apart from that, playing and twisting my hair is also my main habit and I do that while I'm talking on the phone, while watching tv at home (and sometimes still practise such habit while in the cinema), when taking a break from reading, before sleeping, while talking to my mum, when trying to pacify anxiety, that sort of habitual actions...It's like some toddlers and thumbsucking, playing with my hair is something that relaxes me sort of.
Refering to Anna Koren's website, my doodles would normally looks like those or closely described by those of the number 1, 5, 11, 12 and 13. On many ocassions, number 1 and 11 are my typical doodles. Number 12 is quite frequent as well. Sometimes, when I'm in a certain kind of mood, I could be doing number 13, 15 or a more proper sketches like the sketch at the bottom of the website.
Last raya, I met a fellow blogger, Pak Adib for the first time at his place in Taman Maluri and he showed me one of his moleskins. It contained many of his thoughts represented in a form of doodling besides some short written notes. He was also kind enough to present me with a mini blank moleskin as a raya token for me.
So I guess this doodling habit, the art of menconteng if I had to describe it in plain malay isnt such a weird thing after all. However, it could be indicating the dark side of us if our scribbles look like some very strange, possibly gory images....
Of Smiths, Jolie and Pitt
It is not that they are my favourite of all the actors and actresses....
HOWEVER, there is a special something about love is in the air could easily be seen through these two people namely Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Honestly, I have never seen Jolie projecting such a natural chemistry towards any man but Pitt. I could be wrong but i can actually see some on-screen sparks between her and pitt. She was always known to be some sort of a femme fatale or someone adventurous enuf (could be described as one brazen hussy with demented mind, misunderstood, incorrigibly eccentric, untamed heart and all that shit). Hell, all i know is that, I seldom capture this kind of natural love act depicted in hollywood movies.....normally it is either faking it or lust-oriented. It could also lead to short flings or platonic friendship or even ultimately, marriage like quite a number of them, hollywood and around the world actors and actresses. Unless one of them admitted to be gay or sexually confused, or becoming religious, or switching faith, etc.
photo source: yahoo! movie
photo source: E! onlineThe recent news reported in E! Online (click here) could either salvage or detriment Jolie's image who has already been thought of as a homewrecker when she could be true to her feelings. Just a few days ago I saw their movie together, which at one time have sparked endless rumours regarding their courtship and Brad Pitt-Jennifer Aniston marital status: Mr. and Mrs.Smith. That was my first time I watched it from the start till the end. There were quite a few moments that really caught my eyes on how Jolie displayed her soft spot for Pitt. Some of the significant ones (in my opinion) were when she giggled when Pitt was doing/saying something silly, the way she said when he asked her what she thought of him the first time she saw him, and when she turned her back to get a glimpse at Pitt at the moment she reached to the other building having escaped her office block by rope sliding.
Pitt mustve been harbouring some feelings toward her too albeit when he was a married man and the other half of Aniston. He was also known to go serious with some of his fellow actresses off the screen. Those memorable affairs with Juliet Lewis and Gwyneth Parltrow were once a hollywood item during the 90s. Then there was Jen who became his first wife. They quickly became Hollywood's golden couple. The only time they shared moments on the screen was in an episode of Friends, one of the most popular american sitcoms. Unfortunately, they are no longer together. Their much talked about fairy tale romance and relationship ended with a divorce a year ago. A four year marriage that was. And Jolie was accused to be one of the culprits that brought them down.
Besides TomKat, Pitt-Jolie baby was another long-awaited news of this year. The birth of a baby girl in Namibia last May had further cemented their love and commitment for each other. It's too early to presume whether they would tie a knot or not. But with the joint surnames for their own baby as well as the other two adopted children, time will tell how far would this beautiful lovebirds last. And it seemed that children are the key which binds them together.
On a personal note, I had dreamt about Brad Pitt three times during his affair with Parltrow. I was not smitten by him. NOPE. In all of my dreams with him, we were good friends, and at one time, Pitt made a confession to me that he was having problems with Gwen. Amazingly, that took place before Pitt and Parltrow even admitted that they were going through a hard time. Talking about small wonders, eh....
Saturday, December 09, 2006
one week without broadband connection...sigh
It's been a week since i lost my jaring connection due to network card and broadband modem faulties....this was the 3rd time such thing has ever happened...and CERTAINLY NOT because of jaring service. It was DUE TO this heavy rain/monsoon season with all that heavy downpours, thunderstorms, lightning strikes and so on that had interfered with the broadband system.
As this is the 3rd time i changed the modem, FOR free from jaring and this is also the 3rd time i had to replace with a new network card 10/100Mbps, and the fact that all my pc cables, printer and network adaptor are connected to a power surge cable extension, the LAST resort would be to disconnect the phone line from the modem when the pc is not in use. Such is the crucial step to avoid another visit to the Jaring Internet Outlet as well as our nearby pc hardware shop repeating the same thing: return old faulty modem and replacing it with a new one (it is for free as it is inclusive of the monthly bill) and getting a new network card (just a small surcharge for the 3rd one courtesy of G & B pc hardware, Jalan Reko, Kajang, but twice for free). ON top of that, disconnecting the phone line (DSL) from the modem would protect the broadband splitter from malfunctioning.
What to do....I have been using my 1st network card for like 4 years without any problems in the UK and the 1st 6 months of my broadband connection here in Malaysia until this torrential rainy season hits the country. Penat memang penat...seriously getting tired of such hassle. A month before that, my youngest sister did something that led to pc system crash and i had to ask my adek ipar's genius computer maintainer to come over my place to fix my pc.
Good thing i can still get connected to the internet via my office pc. But our faculty LAN connection is only up to 10MBps whereas my home connection goes up to 100MBps. You dont need to be a rocket scientist to figure out which one is better and faster.
And just 2 days ago, we have upgraded our electrical Amp consumption, from 43 to 60Amp by replacing the old fuse box with a new one, and fixed a new fuse system at the electric meter box. This electrical power overload could also be one of the notorious reasons that has affected my broadband modem.
************************************************************************
Eh, how come Asia Game 2006 in Doha is not that happening? is it because our malaysian contingent are not doing that well, except a few like the bowling team? Not much of coverage being reported in the newspaper? that bad, huh....they got almost nothing to say hence the modest number of report.
As this is the 3rd time i changed the modem, FOR free from jaring and this is also the 3rd time i had to replace with a new network card 10/100Mbps, and the fact that all my pc cables, printer and network adaptor are connected to a power surge cable extension, the LAST resort would be to disconnect the phone line from the modem when the pc is not in use. Such is the crucial step to avoid another visit to the Jaring Internet Outlet as well as our nearby pc hardware shop repeating the same thing: return old faulty modem and replacing it with a new one (it is for free as it is inclusive of the monthly bill) and getting a new network card (just a small surcharge for the 3rd one courtesy of G & B pc hardware, Jalan Reko, Kajang, but twice for free). ON top of that, disconnecting the phone line (DSL) from the modem would protect the broadband splitter from malfunctioning.
What to do....I have been using my 1st network card for like 4 years without any problems in the UK and the 1st 6 months of my broadband connection here in Malaysia until this torrential rainy season hits the country. Penat memang penat...seriously getting tired of such hassle. A month before that, my youngest sister did something that led to pc system crash and i had to ask my adek ipar's genius computer maintainer to come over my place to fix my pc.
Good thing i can still get connected to the internet via my office pc. But our faculty LAN connection is only up to 10MBps whereas my home connection goes up to 100MBps. You dont need to be a rocket scientist to figure out which one is better and faster.
And just 2 days ago, we have upgraded our electrical Amp consumption, from 43 to 60Amp by replacing the old fuse box with a new one, and fixed a new fuse system at the electric meter box. This electrical power overload could also be one of the notorious reasons that has affected my broadband modem.
************************************************************************
Eh, how come Asia Game 2006 in Doha is not that happening? is it because our malaysian contingent are not doing that well, except a few like the bowling team? Not much of coverage being reported in the newspaper? that bad, huh....they got almost nothing to say hence the modest number of report.
Friday, December 01, 2006
One fine day in Chelsea
Dear you,
More than 2 years ago, summer 2004, you asked me out and we spent like 2 days in a row around leicester square and covent garden (supposedly one of your favourite spots). I still remember the day you bought me this DVD Hum Tum from HMV leics sq. I remember at one time i thought of ditching you at HMV and quickly finding my way home. But, and i just dont know why, I could not make it....There's like something that pulling me back to u. And I was amazed by my reactions. It was as if fate has been written, stories have been made that i decided that i should just go ahead with it. Nonetheless, i took my own precautions too, just in case. You remained ever so gentleman despite my sometimes cold and hostile manners. I was simply protecting myself. And I was testing u too, how long can u put up with me. Every time u sent me home, u wud plant gentle kisses on my cheeks. A few days after that, I went to Bradford for a little sibling gathering with my 2nd bro and my 3rd sis at her place. The next day, the three of us joined this international bradford university students trip to Lake District. While we were enjoying those breathtaking views from the bus, I received a voice mail from you. Right after that, i felt those warm, fuzzy feelings...it just happened and it took me by surprise indeed. What has he done to me???? Was i actually beginning to feel for him? Those feelings i got after that voice mail was an automatic response, simply magic.
Did u remember on the eid fitri 2004 , the 1st time i met your family? I came with my ex-officemate, Abi, all the way to east london. Such was one of the places that I have been avoiding unless if i have no choice. Wait, not just me but like 3/4 of the londoners. Too much immigrants like asian (your species), west indian blacks and so on....bit dodgy except if u go around Canary Wharf area as it has been revamped into a mini Manhattan. But I managed to drag my feet and went against the odds. I was just a bit posh like that.
Or should i say, the rest is history? Since then, we've gone through ups and downs...most of the down parts were caused by you. You and your weird behaviour. You did not manage to meet my mum when she came to visit me in december 2004. You spoilt things up. But still we seemed to manage to go through it. I still remember the day when u came to see me looking all worn out and sad. We sat next to each other and u told me that u felt like wanting to die by volunteering yourself as a british soldier for the peace core. Then you cried on my shoulder. That was the second time you wept. I just hugged you and let u lose yourself until you compose yourself again.
This is a special song dedicated to you. I know it is one of your favourite evergreen songs: Suspicious minds by Elvis Presley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiNoqi_XpNY
One year ago, you bought me a bouquet of flowers while we strolled down Fulham Road in Chelsea. You accompanied me to Chelsea and Westminster hospital because I had a kidney test appointment there.
It was a lovely autumn-winter morning. It was the last day I saw you. It was the last day we were together. And I will cherish all those moments together. Not long after that, I came back to my homeland, Malaysia.
We are definitely not a typical couple. I love my space. And you like your own corner too. I dont see why we should restrict our moves and our circle of friends. I am of course more social than you. You are more of an introvert and I am more of an extrovert. Despite the unconventional stuff, there are just a lot of things that made me drawn to u. Baby, if Allah permits, and with all the constant prayers and commitment we have for each other, we will be together. There have been so many magical moments, peculiar ones, those that only God knows why....You know I love you. And even though you were like Cary Grant in Charade, and you can be very ,very, very annoying at times, you accepted me just the way I am. We were so natural when we have each other. No inhibitions.
I leave it to God, tawakkal to him for He knows more and He has better plans. Nevertheless, I wanna thank you for all those loving companionship and memories. We are each other's Yin and Yang.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
That snake is real
Third day of Shawal 1427H, 26th Sept 2006, Thursday marked the very first time I ever had a physical encounter with a python.....
This is me and no, I am not doing a parody of Britney Spears MTV performance.
This is me and no, I am not doing a parody of Britney Spears MTV performance.
One of those snakes that had her ;-D
I never knew a snake , especially that of a python species can be that heavy until I had that creepy crawly beast over my shoulders. Damn it was one heavy reptilian I tell you. It didnt take that long to slowly find its ways between my legs and body and I DONT mean it in a dirty way. It DID curl and that was my face looking rather stupefied yet thrilled at the same time to feel a snake on my body for the first time in my life.
Dont just take my word, how about I dare you to experience it yourself at Langkawi Snake Sanctuary. It is opposite Tok Senik Resort.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Tom-Kat got hitched
Image source: BBCTheir affair is certainly one of those most popular and probably one of the most joked about love stories across the media all over the world. Yet love defies everything for them and they have proven their utmost commitment by exchanging vows and becoming formally lawful wedded husband and wife. They are of course none other than one of the most prominent actors in Hollywood, Tom Cruise and his newlywedded missus, a former teen drama queen of Dawson Creek fame, Katie Holmes.
What Bennifer (Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez) has failed, TomKat (the nickname supossedly jocular made for Tom and Katie) has proven otherwise. Despite all the constant mockings and widely exposed stories , gossips more likely, have been made up (or true ones but bearing explicitly cynical remarks whenever possible), they managed to stay together. Not to mention that famous stunts in Oprah Winfrey talk show made by Tom Cruise himself that gained millions of attentions across YouTube. You just type his name and that videoclips hit the top list.
Not just that, Scientologist Tom Cruise has also proven to the world that he is indeed not THAT sterile after all. What with his obsessions and love-craze with Katie Holmes that they actually were bestowed with a "home-grown" baby girl name Suri. In Malaysia, suri, a sanskrit-origin word, is commonly used to define The Lady in House, as in suri rumah tangga, while permaisuri loosely interpreted as the Queen of the house.
May I congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Cruise on their lavish wedding day (last weekend) in a 15th century old castle with a lake view backdrop in Bracciano , 40km north-west of Roma, Italy.
Tom, you certainly DO love that woman. Hopefully this third wedding will be more successful in your quest for another Mission: Impossible III.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
My Way: Frank Sinatra
The first quarter of 2004 was one of the hardest experience in my life ever. It was then that I cried and cried until I felt like collapsing. My knees were all wobbly and my body shook like it never had with too much sorrow and pain. It was when I had this major dispute with my old supervisor. I could say that I was in a real deepshit of my life so to speak. I am not one who easily breaks down and cry, but when it really hurt me inside, cut me deep inside my heart, i just could not get a grip of myself anymore but to just shed those tears almost endlessly. I even cried in the bus on my way home from my college. I cried while carrying out my experimental works. I was at one of my lowest points of my life. It was indeed a matter of life and death to me somehow. I cried over the phone with my mum, my lecturer colleagues in malaysia and most of all, I cried in front of my college mates. They were like my rock there. Without them, i felt like going insane honest to God. It was rather embarrassing but hey, it's either cry or die.
Then, that was also the time when i got hooked up with Frank Sinatra's song: My Way. Its lyrics and melody literally speaks to my soul and has touched my innermost feelings.
A videoclip showing Ol' blue eyes performing one of his signature songs, a truly evergreen song: My Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSlp6LgJ-u0
Alhamdulillah, with a lot of prayers from my family and friends, such overwhelming episode ended with a triumph and "monumental" relief. And a year ago, I attained my PhD.
Now, it is still one of my classic numbers. Last year, i found out that he also shares his likeness towards this particular song. Anita Sarawak loves it. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad loves it. I reckon those who've had their shares of highs and lows in their lives would definitely resonate well with this song. And especially the way Frank Sinatra sang it that makes it rather soothing and captivating. A motivating song that alleviate fears and anxieties, which leads to the rising of one's own dignity, confidence, determination and self-esteem.
Then, that was also the time when i got hooked up with Frank Sinatra's song: My Way. Its lyrics and melody literally speaks to my soul and has touched my innermost feelings.
A videoclip showing Ol' blue eyes performing one of his signature songs, a truly evergreen song: My Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSlp6LgJ-u0
Alhamdulillah, with a lot of prayers from my family and friends, such overwhelming episode ended with a triumph and "monumental" relief. And a year ago, I attained my PhD.
Now, it is still one of my classic numbers. Last year, i found out that he also shares his likeness towards this particular song. Anita Sarawak loves it. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad loves it. I reckon those who've had their shares of highs and lows in their lives would definitely resonate well with this song. And especially the way Frank Sinatra sang it that makes it rather soothing and captivating. A motivating song that alleviate fears and anxieties, which leads to the rising of one's own dignity, confidence, determination and self-esteem.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
news round-up 1
It has been a while since I sent some newsbits on my blog.
It is just a way of sharing some of the news of the world which I found rather interesting, mind-stimulating, or simply something I read and found it interesting enough to be shared with others.
I should make a proper indexing to this subject title, so it will remain part of the active archive list of postings.
So here it goes:
It is just a way of sharing some of the news of the world which I found rather interesting, mind-stimulating, or simply something I read and found it interesting enough to be shared with others.
I should make a proper indexing to this subject title, so it will remain part of the active archive list of postings.
So here it goes:
- Islamic-finance grows in the USA (click source)
- Nobel peace prize winner 2006: Mr. Muhammad Yunus, an economy professor of Chittagong university turned Grameen Bank Founder became this year's Nobel Laureate for inventing microcredit schemes to help the poors in Bangladesh. More news at:
- An impetus to battle poverty: Reuters
- Bangladesh celebrates first Nobel Prize: AFP
- Nobel for anti-poverty pioneers: BBC-1
- World banker to the poorer: BBC-2
- Banker wins Nobel Peace Prize: Guardian
- Champion of the poor: The Times
- Another Nobel Prize winner, Orhan Parmuk from Turkey who was tried last year over charges of insulting turkish national identity (click source2)
- Headscarf is compulsory for non-muslim students at a new Islamic school in Leicester, UK (click source 3 , source4)
- To the moon and Beck: Surprise, surprise, but after a dismal performance having lost to Croatia 2-0 on a Euro2008 qualifying match, the resigned captain and ousted England player, David Beckham's service is once again in need. Not long ago, he was completely thrown out of Steve McLaren team (possible clash of opinions apart from Beck's sissy , overblown metrosexual image). Now, many English are inquiring for him to be recruited back to his old team, which is now captained by John Terry, a Chelsea club captain. Yet, some people did lick their own filthy spits so to speak, boohoo shame on them! But on second thought, english football fans can be a bunch of psycho lot. They worship those who scored the winning goal but if that footballer slacken a bit (or they say that chap has lost his marbles) or the whole team kept losing, they definitely will find something/someone to be blamed for. And man, they can be very harsh on putting down someone's spirit or shaming him in public. OK, it's not just the english football fans, it's whatever sport with huge-followers and from whichever countries around the world, like baseball and american football for the americans, football for italians, english, brazilian for eg, and so on. Further reading at:
- Fans want David Beckham back? how anal is that: The Sun
- Wenger desperate for Beck's touch (hmmmm....): Times Sport, Guardian football
Fart machine and air pollution.
A recent report in BBC has put a blame on cows for emitting hazardous amount of methane (CH4) gas to the atmosphere (click news source) from their nether region. It was found out that one cow produces approximately 400 litres of methane due to farting.
Methane, a greenhouse gas, also known as the primary component of natural gas source (read more at wikipedia) is one of the prime reasons for ozone layers depletion and global warming. Nevertheless, methane is also the prime source for the biomass renewable energy as one of the cheaper and renewable alternative to fossil fuel. Extensive research have also been carried out using methane potential in fuel cell applications as means to produce hydrogen through catalytic steam-methane reforming process. Compressed methane is also used as a clean fuel alternative in many vehicles nowadays and is known as NGV (natural gas vehicle).
Now, why must they blame cows for becoming one farting machine when we have never heard of a farmer who died because of that? It has to be as the result of some sort of a chemical fertilizers in the grass meadows where they let the poor cows chomping throughout the day among other things. Other possibilities could be through feeding the cows with beans and a lot of other grain/seed produce apart from letting them grazing leaves, which of course is their staple food.
Not only do the cows fart methane, they also burp methane. This actually affect the growth rate of a cow. BUT somehow, this seemed to be the worry of those farmers in the UK. What about other places around the world where they have huge cow farms like New Zealand, Switzerland and India?
Speaking of cow fart, i had a worse but funny incident with horses farting. That was like a year ago during my istanbul tour. I was with my turkish friend, fatma the day we went to an island nearby istanbul called Princes Island, or locally known as Buyuk Ada (translated as "big island"). No fuel-based vehicle is allowed there to retain and preserve its natural ecology. Therefore, only horse and donkey carts and carriages, as well as bicycles are the only means of wheel-vehicled transportations. That applies to tourists as well if they wish to tour around that island.
Fatma recommended that we should get on the horse carriage ride as it is a must there. So off we went to a vacant carriage at a special station meant for tourists. At first we both sat in the carriage while the driver sat alone manouvering two healthy horses named Phyllis for the mare and Morad for the male one. After a while, i got excited on the thought of doing a "cowgirl" stunt and asked if i could sit next to the driver while we were on the course. Without further ado, he stopped the carriage to let me climb onto the seat and off i went riding directly facing two horses' behinds.
Yeeee...haaawww...!!!!!!
It was all fun watching the beautiful sceneries on the ride until one of the horses started to break out one long, powerful wind followed by dumping some craps on a special crap sheet hanging underneath them. Unbelievable! How rude was that! Not long after that, the second horse did the same thing. Boy, i wish you could watch how they lift their long, bushy tails up and let out those awful gas. That time i began to imagine if those people in hollywood have had such experience like me while filming on a horse carriage...or even worse, Queen of England and the whole royal family lot during their royal excursion in the public and so on....
Nonetheless, i was just laughing all the way seeing how capable those horses, one by one emitting that pungent-smell fart, but nobody was harmed (as in fainted to say the least) during the journey. Not even the horse driver who has been doing this job for ages.
Ironically, farmers normally have longer life than those city-dwellers. And some people have the cheeks to blame those herbivorous animals (cows, horses, sheeps, etc) to be one of the causes of air pollution? In spite of that, some people still do research on this cow flatulence or belching effect to the environment. Go read it at:
Methane, a greenhouse gas, also known as the primary component of natural gas source (read more at wikipedia) is one of the prime reasons for ozone layers depletion and global warming. Nevertheless, methane is also the prime source for the biomass renewable energy as one of the cheaper and renewable alternative to fossil fuel. Extensive research have also been carried out using methane potential in fuel cell applications as means to produce hydrogen through catalytic steam-methane reforming process. Compressed methane is also used as a clean fuel alternative in many vehicles nowadays and is known as NGV (natural gas vehicle).
Now, why must they blame cows for becoming one farting machine when we have never heard of a farmer who died because of that? It has to be as the result of some sort of a chemical fertilizers in the grass meadows where they let the poor cows chomping throughout the day among other things. Other possibilities could be through feeding the cows with beans and a lot of other grain/seed produce apart from letting them grazing leaves, which of course is their staple food.
Not only do the cows fart methane, they also burp methane. This actually affect the growth rate of a cow. BUT somehow, this seemed to be the worry of those farmers in the UK. What about other places around the world where they have huge cow farms like New Zealand, Switzerland and India?
Speaking of cow fart, i had a worse but funny incident with horses farting. That was like a year ago during my istanbul tour. I was with my turkish friend, fatma the day we went to an island nearby istanbul called Princes Island, or locally known as Buyuk Ada (translated as "big island"). No fuel-based vehicle is allowed there to retain and preserve its natural ecology. Therefore, only horse and donkey carts and carriages, as well as bicycles are the only means of wheel-vehicled transportations. That applies to tourists as well if they wish to tour around that island.
Fatma recommended that we should get on the horse carriage ride as it is a must there. So off we went to a vacant carriage at a special station meant for tourists. At first we both sat in the carriage while the driver sat alone manouvering two healthy horses named Phyllis for the mare and Morad for the male one. After a while, i got excited on the thought of doing a "cowgirl" stunt and asked if i could sit next to the driver while we were on the course. Without further ado, he stopped the carriage to let me climb onto the seat and off i went riding directly facing two horses' behinds.
Yeeee...haaawww...!!!!!!
It was all fun watching the beautiful sceneries on the ride until one of the horses started to break out one long, powerful wind followed by dumping some craps on a special crap sheet hanging underneath them. Unbelievable! How rude was that! Not long after that, the second horse did the same thing. Boy, i wish you could watch how they lift their long, bushy tails up and let out those awful gas. That time i began to imagine if those people in hollywood have had such experience like me while filming on a horse carriage...or even worse, Queen of England and the whole royal family lot during their royal excursion in the public and so on....
Nonetheless, i was just laughing all the way seeing how capable those horses, one by one emitting that pungent-smell fart, but nobody was harmed (as in fainted to say the least) during the journey. Not even the horse driver who has been doing this job for ages.
Ironically, farmers normally have longer life than those city-dwellers. And some people have the cheeks to blame those herbivorous animals (cows, horses, sheeps, etc) to be one of the causes of air pollution? In spite of that, some people still do research on this cow flatulence or belching effect to the environment. Go read it at:
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Belasungkawa
We Malaysian may have not yet fully recovered on the bereavement for dear Hani Mohsin Hanafi, actor and Roda Impian game show host, who passed away just over 2 months ago, and now, we had had to mourn for another dearly beloved singer-turned entertainment show host, Seha, yesterday (wednesday, 11/10/06). I was 9 years old when she and her duet partner, Shuib belted that evergreen song, Mulanya Di sini (lyrics below, source: Imnogman).
Mulanya Di Sini
( P: )
Tibanya di sini
Bagai terulang lagi
Kisah yang indah
Di antara kita berdua
( L: )
Sehingga di sini
Tiada berpaling lagi
Kita berteman
Seiring jalan dan sehaluan
( L: & P: )
( korus )
Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai
( P: )
Mulanya di sini
Ku kenali dirimu
Sehingga kini
Sehingga ke akhir waktu
( L: )
Akhirnya di sini
Ku kenali hatimu
Sehingga kini
Kita akan terus berlalu
( L: & P: )
( korus )
Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai
( L: )
Di hadapan kita ada jalan
Menuju di kejauhan ada sinar menanti
Di penghujung perjalanan ini
( P: )
Oh... sambil bernyanyi
Mendendang senandung yang syahdu
Riangnya hati dan indah duniaku
( L: & P: )
( korus )
Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai
( P: )
Tibanya di sini
Bagai terulang lagi
Kisah yang indah
Di antara kita berdua
( L: )
Sehingga di sini
Tiada berpaling lagi
Kita berteman
Seiring jalan dan sehaluan
( L: & P: )
( korus )
Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai
( P: )
Mulanya di sini
Ku kenali dirimu
Sehingga kini
Sehingga ke akhir waktu
( L: )
Akhirnya di sini
Ku kenali hatimu
Sehingga kini
Kita akan terus berlalu
( L: & P: )
( korus )
Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai
( L: )
Di hadapan kita ada jalan
Menuju di kejauhan ada sinar menanti
Di penghujung perjalanan ini
( P: )
Oh... sambil bernyanyi
Mendendang senandung yang syahdu
Riangnya hati dan indah duniaku
( L: & P: )
( korus )
Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai
Seha's life has shortlived due to chronic lung cancer which was diagnosed a few months ago. She has two daughters from her first marriage and is survived by her second husband of three years marriage. I have always seen her rather bubbly and smily face on the telly. Somehow i wasn't aware of her divorce with her former husband as she seemed to shun her life away from the limelight. Or probably i missed reading it somewhere on the news. Semoga dicucuri rahmat ke atas roh al-marhumah seha dan almarhum hani mohsin.
Monday, October 09, 2006
human circle of life: from birth to death
Last night, i received a text message telling me that we have just lost one prominent faculty member, Prof. Madya Dr. Zainol Abidin Abdul Rashid. He died due to brain hemorrhage as a result of him slipping down from his own home water tank. He intended to do the DIY on the water tank himself but at the detriment of his own life. I was really, really saddened by the loss. Even though I have not known him for a long time, it was enough for us to share some good laughs together.
He was responsible for the creation of Muslims in Space, a tool to assist in determining the prayers time as well as the qiblah (kaabah orientation) while in outer space. Such was a brilliant discovery in time with the first malaysian space voyage program where Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was selected among thousands of malaysian applicants to join the russian astronaut team to be trained as the first malaysian astronaut.
Dr.Zainol has left such an important legacy which in turn would be an inspiration for muslims worldwide for further aerospace explorations without neglecting the islamic practice.
Below is his last email to all of us engineering faculty members:
TiungSAT-1 tidak berkubur, now is orbiting to death (possibly reentry and burst sometimes in the near future), battery has malfunction.
We have gain a lot of knowledge and experiences through TiungSAT-1.Not only the team has benefitted from the program, many universities and school has incorporated and activitely involved in space activities, the Malaysian public are now aware of the space program. The TiungSAT-1 programme has enable Malaysian to embark with confident into the challenging space technologies and business.
There are a lot of publications in local and international conferences and journals by Malaysian on the space technology.
Innosat is the programme that bridge the industry (ATSB) and universities into long-term programme for educating, training, critical mass development, and knowledge development in space programe.
***********************************************
About 30mins after that heartfelt text message, i received another one and this time bearing a good news from my friend, Azizah, who has just given birth to a healthy baby boy, weighing 3.0kg at Hospital Serdang. She was already at 5.0cm dilation when she got admitted to the hospital, a week earlier to her predicted due. The second baby delivery experience for her was much more easier than her first born.
***********************************************
One man gone, another man is born. Still, Dr.Zainol will be terribly missed. May he rest in peace with a lot of blessings during this holy month of Ramadhan.
This morning, we received another news that AlMarhum Dr.Zainol's head of department, Professor Azah has just lost her mother. Two losses in that Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering department in less than two days.
Additional info: For those in Malaysia who are available on the 27 Oct, 3 Nov and 24 Nov, you can watch a program entitled "Ilmuan Islam" on TV3 that will feature Dr.Zainol.
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Monday also the day we lost one of the brilliant british snooker players, Paul Hunter, who died of some sort of a rare stomach cancer called neuro endocrine. Known for his sleek and flamboyant appearance and sporting shoulder length blonde lock, the Yorkshire man (he was from Leeds) has left a hole in the professional snooker arena. He was given a year out to undergo the cancer treatment last July but unfortunately, he did not survive that long. Hunter leaves a wife and a daughter, who was born nearly 9 months after he was diagnosed with the disease in March 2005.
This is really devastating, especially as most of the snooker players are down right fuddy duddy fellas, with only few exceptions: the late Paul Hunter himself and Ronnie O'Sullivan. Not only that, both these two fellas are also very cheeky and creative on the snooker table with their spontaneous ability to perform some "daredevil stunts" with their cue sticks.
As shocking as it is, he will always be remembered as one of the great snooker legends for many more years to come.
He was responsible for the creation of Muslims in Space, a tool to assist in determining the prayers time as well as the qiblah (kaabah orientation) while in outer space. Such was a brilliant discovery in time with the first malaysian space voyage program where Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was selected among thousands of malaysian applicants to join the russian astronaut team to be trained as the first malaysian astronaut.
Dr.Zainol has left such an important legacy which in turn would be an inspiration for muslims worldwide for further aerospace explorations without neglecting the islamic practice.
Below is his last email to all of us engineering faculty members:
TiungSAT-1 tidak berkubur, now is orbiting to death (possibly reentry and burst sometimes in the near future), battery has malfunction.
We have gain a lot of knowledge and experiences through TiungSAT-1.Not only the team has benefitted from the program, many universities and school has incorporated and activitely involved in space activities, the Malaysian public are now aware of the space program. The TiungSAT-1 programme has enable Malaysian to embark with confident into the challenging space technologies and business.
There are a lot of publications in local and international conferences and journals by Malaysian on the space technology.
Innosat is the programme that bridge the industry (ATSB) and universities into long-term programme for educating, training, critical mass development, and knowledge development in space programe.
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About 30mins after that heartfelt text message, i received another one and this time bearing a good news from my friend, Azizah, who has just given birth to a healthy baby boy, weighing 3.0kg at Hospital Serdang. She was already at 5.0cm dilation when she got admitted to the hospital, a week earlier to her predicted due. The second baby delivery experience for her was much more easier than her first born.
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One man gone, another man is born. Still, Dr.Zainol will be terribly missed. May he rest in peace with a lot of blessings during this holy month of Ramadhan.
This morning, we received another news that AlMarhum Dr.Zainol's head of department, Professor Azah has just lost her mother. Two losses in that Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering department in less than two days.
Additional info: For those in Malaysia who are available on the 27 Oct, 3 Nov and 24 Nov, you can watch a program entitled "Ilmuan Islam" on TV3 that will feature Dr.Zainol.
*******************************************************************
Monday also the day we lost one of the brilliant british snooker players, Paul Hunter, who died of some sort of a rare stomach cancer called neuro endocrine. Known for his sleek and flamboyant appearance and sporting shoulder length blonde lock, the Yorkshire man (he was from Leeds) has left a hole in the professional snooker arena. He was given a year out to undergo the cancer treatment last July but unfortunately, he did not survive that long. Hunter leaves a wife and a daughter, who was born nearly 9 months after he was diagnosed with the disease in March 2005.
This is really devastating, especially as most of the snooker players are down right fuddy duddy fellas, with only few exceptions: the late Paul Hunter himself and Ronnie O'Sullivan. Not only that, both these two fellas are also very cheeky and creative on the snooker table with their spontaneous ability to perform some "daredevil stunts" with their cue sticks.
As shocking as it is, he will always be remembered as one of the great snooker legends for many more years to come.
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