Not So Private Life

Popping the popcorn on Gawai

2011-06-01T16:13:00.002+08:00

Happy Gawai to all who are celebrating the Harvest Festival in Sarawak! And happy holidays to those who are enjoying themselves visiting :)

As for me, I'm now taking a break from work... oh well, being a workaholic, there's no way for me to sit there idle. Besides, I've got lots of deadlines to meet too, so I can't afford to waste any spare time I have! So, no visiting for me.

Sigh. My apology to a friend who has invited me to his *kampung! I really wished I could be there, but bad planning by our group of friends prevented me from going. So sorry, buddy!

Anyways, I had a wonderful morning today... *wink wink*

After breakfast this morning, I was helping my mom to clean up when I saw this packet of popcorn kernels in the cabinet.

It was a very easy-to-pop popcorn. As easy as 1-2-3.

Or maybe we should call it "instant popcorn." Well, in a world where everything has to be instant, e.g. instant noodles, instant photos, instant oatmeal, instant coffee, instant tea, even instant passports, I'm more excited than surprised when I picked up this packet of popcorn kernels.

Mom said she bought this early this year at Ta Kiong, tHe Spring. So she gave me the green light to get the kernels popped.

So first of all... opening the wrapper and I found this...

On the outer wrapper and this popcorn bag, they demanded that instructions should be carefully read before going to the next step. So it took me 2 minutes to read and understand (I just don't want to blow my mom's microwave, if anything unexpected happens. Haha). Then into the microwave it went.

After about 4 minutes...

... tadaaa!! The bag has now expanded! Let's see what it's like inside...

Woohoo... one whole bag filled with popcorns!

Curious of how much it is, I emptied the content into the pot we always use to cook instant noodle or soup. Not bad, it filled the whole pot.

Now it's ready to be enjoyed while you watch your favourite drama or movie! *wink*

Looks like this instant popcorn isn't too bad, eh?

Having said that, I think I shall take a break from work and indulge in the drama starred by my favourite actor while enjoying some unfinished popcorns. Yum yum... Now would you please excuse me...

*"Kampung" is the Malay word for "village".

Are toilet signages redundant?

2011-05-19T15:42:00.003+08:00

I was thinking of doing a fun opening for this post on the signages seen in toilets, many of which are considered weird, funny, and redundant but after finding the banner below (you'll see it later), I changed my mind.

Maybe I should use a more serious tone for this topic. Toilet hygiene is no joke.

Well, I'm sure all of us realise the importance of toilets/washrooms, without which we would be in "big trouble", particularly when we're all living in the cities. (I'm not indicating that in the rural areas toilets aren't that important, but hey, at least there are bushes or jungles that one can run to to answer the nature's call. It's much better than having nowhere to go, right?)

For me, I'm very very particular of toilet cleanliness. If I could wait until I get home, then I would wait until I get home! As we all know, public toilets are usually unpleasant and dirty.

Anyway, I know of a lot of friends who ridicule the signages found in local toilets (in Kuching and other places in Malaysia). I heard comments like "Look, they even teach us how to pass urine, as if we're only born yesterday!" Alright, let's look at two common signages found in Kuching public toilets.

You must have seen this one...

... teaching you how to correctly do your 'business'.

Or this one...

... an almost step-by-step guide on how to use the toilet properly -- again, as if we were from the most remote and rural places in the jungle and have never seen or use a seated toilet before!

Ridiculous signs, right? As if we toilet users are so stupid that we need guidelines on how to do our 'business'. But the ultimate truth is... there ARE people who don't know how to use the toilets properly!!

Let me share my experience when visiting my best pal who's working in a church. While waiting for her to have lunch together, suddenly I had an urge. I grabbed the toilet paper (ohh, what would have become of me if there was no toilet paper!), rushed to the toilet (it's the church's public toilet), banged the door shut, opened my pants (I know, too much detail, but anyways...), put the toilet seat in place... and to my horror, I found some yellowish stain and brown colour shoe prints on it. Groaning in pain and trying my best to hold on, I QUICKLY poured water over the seat and wiped it dry and clean before finally resting myself on it.

If you haven't experienced anything like this, then put yourselves in my shoes. You would understand how annoying it is to see users who are so inconsiderate and not civic-minded. Subsequently, the next users become the victims.

Look, people. Even though these public/shared toilets are not owned solely by you alone, you are still RESPONSIBLE to ensure its cleanliness because YOU are also one of the users. And PLEASE... I beg you... DON'T EVER let the next person clean up YOUR mess!! It only shows that you're an inconsiderate and VERY selfish person!! (Consider yourself lucky you've never met me. Otherwise, I'll make sure you suffer the same ordeal you've caused the other toilet users!)

Well, if you do not want to be held responsible, then that's perfectly fine. Just wait till you go home and use your OWN toilet! Oh... please don't even go to the planted shrubs, your urine definitely isn't perfume (you'd cause air pollution!), and you could even kill the shrubs / plants (too much ammonia can cause poisoning, you know?)!

The toilet / washroom / restroom is provided for our comfort, and I think each of us should be thankful for these basic amenities and take good care of them.

Okay, back to the signs.

Mark McGinley, a Texan, found the toilet signs to be useful when he was in Malaysia. If a westerner found it useful, then don't you think we Malaysians (or Kuchingnites) should shut up and start taking up our responsibility to keep the toilets clean at all times, rather than making so much unnecessary comments on the signs?

If the toilet isn't a place of importance, then there wouldn't be a World Toilet Day. Let's read it again. It's WORLD-Toilet-Day. Not Malaysian Toilet Day, or Kuching Toilet Day. Enough said, I hope?

Kudos to the Sibu Toilet Council, who even held a Toilet Cleanliness Seminar last year. This shows that the Local Council is concerned.

But isn't it an irony... we are now living in a world with great advancement in Science and Technology, and yet when it comes to basic cleanliness, most people choose to be ignorant.

Perhaps it is time we give other people a thought (if you have never been thoughtful), and help to make the world a better place to live in. There's enough misery in the world, so please don't add more to it!

Earth Hour - Campaigning for Mother Earth

2011-03-27T16:38:00.008+08:00

Last night from 8.30-9.30 pm was Earth Hour. Did you participate in this global event by a simple action: switching off non-essential lightings?

I was supposed to be watching the Live broadcast of MY FM Awards on Astro at my friend’s house, but then I decided to stay at home for an hour and managed to make my family turn off the lights that we didn’t need. Like many others, they don’t see the necessity of Earth Hour. Worse still, they don’t really bother about the environment. You know, as an (self declared) environmentalist, I feel that I’ve failed terribly. I failed to convince my family to join me in caring for the environment, and I failed to change the mindset of friends who always say “I don’t care” or “none of my business” when the topic of environment is raised.

I believe all environmentalists and those who have made an effort to protect the environment would feel the same disappointment I’ve felt.

Oops, I sidetracked. Let’s go back to Earth Hour.

“Don’t bother, Earth Hour is not going to make any difference anyway.”

**Grin** How many of you out there who have made or heard this remark? Honestly speaking, I said something similar myself when I heard of Earth Hour for the first time: “Switching off lights for one hour can help cool the Earth down? What kind of bullshit is this?” Haha, what a shame, right, to hear this statement from an environmentalist? Like many people today, I didn’t know the main purpose and concept behind Earth Hour. But after learning in depth on electricity generation (especially on fossil-fueled and coal-fired power plants) and reading up on Earth Hour, it finally dawned on me the importance of Earth Hour.

Let’s put scientific data, explanation, proofs and so forth aside for now, and go down to the heart of Earth Hour. First we need to answer the question “WHAT is Earth Hour?” and “WHY is it important?”, which will bring us to a proper and better understanding of Earth Hour.

Photo courtesy of Fabio Lugoboni

I shall be using the Earth Hour FAQs from Earth Hour’s Official Website as a guideline as I explain in layman’s language in hope that it could be easily understood. You may also open the FAQs page for reference as you read the explanations below.

What exactly is Earth Hour?

“Earth Hour is a global grass-roots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Earth Hour 2011 aims to show the actions that people, businesses and governments worldwide are taking to reduce their environmental impact.” (Adapted from Earth Hour: FAQs)

In other words: Earth Hour is just a simple campaign (movement) carried out in a worldwide basis (global), where everyone is requested to switch off the lights as a sign of his/her readiness and willingness to make a difference (to take positive actions for the environment) together with people around the world.

When we join in the global action of switching off our lights this night, we are telling Mother Earth this: “Dear Mother Earth, together with the people around the world, I hereby acknowledge my love for you by switching off my lights. This is the evident of my willing and loving commitment towards protecting you.”

Now, Earth Hour is NOT A SOLUTION to global warming. Turning off the lights is a symbolic gesture to show that we care. Earth Hour is a global event because we “share a unified moment” through a simple action. It shows us that “a solution to the world’s environmental challenges is possible if we work on them together” (Earth Hour: FAQs). This answers the question of why Earth Hour is important, and why as individuals our participation is important.

But is that all? Does it mean that we only take action for that one designated hour and after that, we can start wasting our resources again? Of course not!

Let us look at another scenario: During a wedding, the groom and bride exchanged their vows of love and commitment to each other. Does it mean that they were committed to each other only at that very moment they were making their vows? Or do they have to make an effort every moment of their lives to keep their marriage going?

So it is with Earth Hour. It doesn’t just stop there. Earth Hour is a yearly reminder of and the renewal of our commitment and responsibility towards the environment. It calls everyone living in this Planet Earth to continually adopt environmentally sustainable lifestyles, taking personal accountability for the adverse impact we’ve made on our Planet.

Have you made your commitment yet? If not, it’s still not too late to start today. And hopefully, more people would be able to join the next Earth Hour in 2012. Let us together make a difference, to save the Earth, our home!

Here's Hong Kong's Earth Hour. Well done, Hong Kong!

From drama to spamming

2011-02-10T15:41:00.003+08:00

I'm taking a little break from work right now. I've been staring at the LCD monitor since 9 am this morning. My brain is kind of drained; my eyes strained. @_@ A short nap would be fantastic.

But to have a good nap, I would need this.

Photo screenshot from TVB's The Rippling Blossom, Episode 1

*Chuckle* This sleep mask (or eye mask) is cool, right? Just wondering if we can get the same one here in Kuching.

Anyway, I've been watching this TVB drama The Rippling Blossom since its first episode. If you're a fan of Damian Lau, Myolie Wu, Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Michael Tse, Tavia Yeung and Eileen Yeow, then you should catch it too. It's on Astro On Demand. But since I don't have Astro, I watched it online via streaming of live broadcast from 翡翠台. You can do so by using PPS or PPTV.

TVB's The Rippling Blossom 《鱼跃在花见》

The story is about how the two brothers, Michael Tse and Chilam got back their japanese cuisine restaurant, and the challenges they faced as sushi chefs, including competition between the two brothers in their relationships and career. For now, I would say it's still very interesting and funny. It's something like a japanese anime coming to live.

As for me, my favourite actor is none other than Damian Lau Chung Yan. See, he's cute right? *awww*

Damian as Mo-Yung Ching, a renowned Hokkaido seafood merchandiser

Okay, enough with this drama. And enough with Damian (I could go on and on and on and...). I really NEED to get off the computer and take a short break. And after that I have to combat the spammers.

I'm helping out with the church's website maintenance. And look at the spams I've got EACH DAY. At least 600 spams. Arrghhh~! I HATE YOU, SPAMMERS! Don't you have anything better to do other than spamming other people's site and emails?! It took me at least half an hour everyday to delete the spams (I also need to make sure I don't delete those that are not spam). What a waste of my precious time!

Chinese New Year in 2 days

2011-02-05T14:00:00.001+08:00

This is the third day of Chinese New Year. While checking the stats of this blog as I got ready to work, I had a shock of a lifetime when I saw my blog being listed under Blogger of the Week on MyInternet, DiGi website.

My first reaction was ... "Yikes! What have I done?! Am I being blacklisted?!" Oh well, no wonder my blog suddenly receives so much traffic these few days. But I do wonder HOW I got listed there. Honestly speaking, I really like that little simple nice banner with a green globe and plants, may I "steal" it? *chuckle* Sincere thanks to DiGi or whosoever who got my simple blog listed!

Anyway, to the fellow Chinese friends, how have your Chinese New Year celebration been? I had a bad start.

First day, I was down with severe headache and I slept the WHOLE day. Woke up around 8 pm, took a bit of food, and took medicine too as the headache got worse. At about 10 pm, headache was finally gone so I watched The Superb Matchmakers (媒人帮) on NTV7.

Photo courtesy of http://sinsonsen.blogspot.com

It wasn't bad. I would have to say that it was quite impressive. Credit should be given where credit is due. The Malaysian actors/actresses/producers have improved a lot since the last time I watched a Malaysian-made movie/drama (like about 10 years ago?). Thumbs up and well done!

Second day, I stayed at home working on my report (well, being a workaholic...) until a group of youths stormed my house. Everything was fine except two things that made me feel frustrated.

They were all minding their own businesses. Talking among themselves, playing with iphones/ipods, and they couldn't even remember who the host is. So 'tis what visiting is all about?

Okay then, that is still forgivable compared to this one.

The rubbish bin was RIGHT THERE and see where the tissue paper ended up? On the floor. I'm very sure that it wasn't the fan that blew it off the table.

Here's another piece. Someone must have just left it there right after use. Couldn't even bother to throw it into the bin that is less than 5 steps away.

So the question is, if you can't even bother about keeping clean at someone else's house, then it is definitely impossible that you would even remember not to litter at public places. Agree with me?

At night, I went out with friends to watch I Love Hong Kong (我爱HK 开心万岁).

Wow, this feel good movie really makes people feel good! We laughed from the beginning to the end. And people even clapped! It wasn't like 花田喜事2010 (not sure what the English name is) aired last year, which was funny but illogical, and a bit lame too. I Love Hong Kong is different as the story was more realistic, added with humour. I particularly enjoyed the scenes by Sandra Ng. But you would need to understand at least 50% of Cantonese to watch this movie, or else you'd be at a lost. The subtitles do help, but it's still an advantage to know Cantonese. Definitely a MUST watch!

Let me share with you two miracles that happened. I was still suffering from slight headache before watching this movie but after watching, my headache was gone! One of my friends lost her voice before the movie, but she laughed so much that after the movie, she regained her voice. *chuckle* See, miracles do happen!

Okay, better get back to work now. Well, I may have a lousy start to another year, but I hope my days get better and there would be a happy ending towards the end of the year!

A Happy New Year to all Chinese celebrating Chinese New Year and Happy Holidays to non-Chinese! Salam 1Malaysia! *wink*

Unity in action

2011-01-27T22:51:00.003+08:00

Just my two cents. Couldn't help but am touched by it recently.

When this happened...

And netizens, most of whom are Malaysians, regardless of race and religion...

Together voiced out their concern and disgust towards the issue...

Which finally caught the attention of the authorities, made the headlines in newspapers, and actions are being taken...

United for the common good; differences among individuals are put aside.

A good example of 1Malaysia.

If for such a matter so small and insignificant, Malaysians could unite to face it together, then there would not be any issues too big to be overcome in the future.

This incident makes me proud to be a Malaysian.

Well done, fellow Malaysians! *Thumbs up*

Say no to polystyrene !

2011-01-26T02:37:00.000+08:00

I would get pretty upset if I see my food served with polystyrene eateries.

I've noticed quite a number of times that, 3 out of 5 stalls at the makan places I always "haunt" are using polystyrene eateries.

Anyone who has even the most basic knowledge in environmental sciences would know that polystyrene is not environmental friendly and takes only-God-knows-how-many-years to biodegrade (that is, IF it's even degradable!).

Let's do some mathematics. Say, in Area S there are 50 stalls selling a variety of food. Out of these 50, 30 stalls are utilising polystyrene utensils. If one stall is able to sell a minimum of 30 servings per night (assuming that 1 polystyrene plate/bowl is used per serving), then 30 stalls would be selling 900 servings per night. Which means, at least 900 plates/bowls are being disposed of per night; 4,300 plates/bowls in a week; 27,000 in a month and 324,000 in a year (take-away polystyrene containers, plastic spoons, forks and bamboo chopsticks are excluded). Assuming that there are 10 eating outlets in Kuching City alone, then at least 3,240,000 plates/bowls will end up in the Mambung dumpsite per night.

Can you imagine the amount of polystyrene rubbish we Kuching people produce? I cannot find an exact photo of polystyrene utensils piling up, but I guess the photo below would suffice. Simply replace those big polystyrene boxes with polystyrene plates and bowls, and imagine yourself standing there looking at that pile of rubbish.

Still not convincing enough?

We cannot deny that polystyrene products in the food industry are considered sanitary, sturdy, efficient, economical and most importantly, convenient (source). However, at the same time, polystyrene is found to be not environmental friendly, and worse still, it could be a health hazard:

Toxic chemicals leach out of these products into the food that they contain. These chemicals threaten human health and reproductive systems.
These products are made with petroleum, a non-sustainable, heavily polluting and disappearing commodity.
The product does not biodegrade. It crumbles into fragments that have no expiration date.
A certain percentage of product will be dumped in the environment, persisting on land indefinitely as litter and breaking up into pieces that choke and clog animal digestive systems in waterways.
The product takes up more space in landfills than does paper and eventually will re-enter the environment when landfills are breached by water or mechanical forces.
(source)

We as Earth's residents are responsible for all kinds of environmental pollution, which in the end affect us in return. For the food stall operators who still prefer to use the polystyrene -- please stop being so selfish. For customers who prefer to take away their food in polystyrene containers -- perhaps you would consider bringing your own container; it's more hygienic and you have less rubbish to be thrown out. For those who enjoy sitting down and enjoying the food right there and then, we can avoid ordering food from those using polystyrene utensils, or better still, bring our own utensils.

For more information on plastics and polystyrene: Polystyrene Fact Sheet, Dangers of packaging chemicals getting into food.

On the road? Be responsible.

2010-04-25T02:16:00.000+08:00

I've been trying my very best to contain my anger and dissatisfaction, but I don't think I'm able to do that any longer... please allow me to say this...

To ALL drivers in KUCHING who practise dangerous driving, young and old alike... YOU SUCKS!!!

Oh well, I'm not saying that I'm a good driver or my driving skill rocks, but at least I'm a responsible driver and I abide by the traffic rules. And at least I'm not like some drivers who couldn't care less of the other drivers on the road.

You see, if you encountered injuries or even death because of YOUR own carelessness, then I couldn't be bothered because YOU DESERVED IT after all. You pay for your own recklessness. However, if your carelessness inflicted injuries and, the worst of all, death upon the other road users, then... YOU ARE GUILTY OF MURDER, and you may (oh you SHOULD!) regret for the rest of your life as long as you live.

So how did you like the video above? Inspiring, I hope?

These are the types of drivers I particularly HATE with ALL MY HEART:

1. Those who couldn't be bothered to signal before overtaking. So, those signal lights are there to beautify your car?

2. Those who overtake others when the traffic light ahead has already turned red, and they still end up waiting for the light to turn green. So what's the point of overtaking when you're just one car ahead? IDIOTS.

3. Motorcyclists who drive right in the middle of the road or/and those who are not to the left nor at the middle of the road... You guys are giving us a hard time and causing traffic jams! Not only that, I have to specially look out for you when you're around, just to make sure that I have enough time to stop if you lost balance and fell. You're the last person I ever thought of running over!

Of course, there are a lot more to the list above.

If each driver has other road users’ interests at heart, I believe everyone would have been extra careful when driving on the road and the most horrible accident could have been avoided.

Please, people, don’t be so selfish. If you want to reach your destination in one piece, so do others. You don’t own the road. Besides, I’m sure you don’t want to spend extra money repairing your damaged car because of accident, which you could have avoided but you didn’t due to your own carelessness. And you don’t need to be rude too. What’s wrong with practising courtesy on the road? I’m sure that wouldn’t burn your arse.

It’s NOT FUN at all to put other people’s and your own life at stake.

If you really like to speed, then please go to the indoor Go-Kart in Pending, by all means. It is THE SAFEST PLACE for you to speed, to drift, to race against others, and at the same time to de-stress.

Enough said. I wish you all a safe and accident-free journey everyday. Oh, and see you at the indoor Go-Kart.

[I found these two Malaysian websites to be pretty impressive: Safety Tips-Road Safety and Pandu Cermat – Malaysian Road Safety Blog. The latter allows readers to leave comments and they have quite interesting discussions too. Worth a visit.]

An Appeal for the Stray Cats and Dogs

2009-12-01T00:49:00.002+08:00

Calling all animal lovers! My friends in Kuala Lumpur need help badly. They do not have enough fund to support the stray dogs and cats they have rescued, and this is already the third month they are not able to pay for their shop rental. Below is the letter of appeal from the owners. Please help them any way you are able to! I thank you in advance, on behalf of my friend.

Dear Friends

We are 2 of many individual rescuers who rescue stray animals. We started with 1 animal and then 2 and then more and more, and then …… out of control. The number has now ballooned to 240 dogs and cats. We are now facing SPACE constraints, MONEY constraints, LABOUR constraints, etc., etc., to take in any more animals. Nevertheless, we are still taking as we cannot stand to see them walking the streets and running the risk of being cruelly treated/inhumanely caught by evil dog-catchers. Most importantly, we want to work with other genuine rescuers and animal lovers, and in our small way try to reduce the stray problem. Strays are not strays by choice. They are still God’s creatures.

It is our fervent wish to have a piece of land to start a no-kill shelter to house the strays and provide them a safe refuge. We want this to be a place where people and animals can interact, with the eventuality of the animals being adopted. This requires financial means and resources as the animals have to be vaccinated, neutered and fed.

God has been very good in somehow letting us meet up with Mrs Kam and the Operafest again. Mrs Kam, without hesitation, offered to start the ball rolling by holding a charity concert in aid of these stray animals. Mrs Kam herself is a rescuer and she understands our plight.

We now humbly appeal to you to help us in our cause for the strays:
We need a piece of land to start the shelter and we’re willing to pay reasonable rental for it. Anyone has unused land to spare?
Do buy tickets and come for the Operafest Children's Choir concert on 20 December 2009. Please sponsor generously to help us help the strays.

If you want to know us better, please visit our website: http://www.tailsunlimited.com.

God bless you for your generosity and compassionate heart for strays.

Amy / Ruth
(Tails Unlimited)

The sample ticket of the Children's Choir; costs RM30/ticket.

You may also contact them through email and on mobile phone...

Mobile: 012-3815932 / 010-2939282

Email: info@tailsunlimited.com | scl1996@hotmail.com

If you are residing in Kuala Lumpur, or you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur on business trip or on vacation, please go to the concert at Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jln Putra (opposite the Mall), 8.30 p.m. on 20 December 2009.

A preview of the performance of the Operafest Children's Choir. Not bad, aren't they? Again, I sincerely ask for your help; please help them to help the cats and dogs!

The Environment from A Girl's P.O.V

2009-11-01T19:16:00.003+08:00

This girl said it all. Are you listening?

"If you don't know how to fix it, then please don't break it."

For the full text of Severn Suzuki's speech, please click here.

Rare beauty

2008-12-22T09:16:00.002+08:00

I couldn’t help it when I landed on the website of one of the government agencies in Mukah Division. A light bulb suddenly went on, brightening that very corner of my brain, highlighting that small piece of memory I thought I’ve lost. I frantically clicked every link I could find for a photo of him but unfortunately, none I’ve found. Oh well, it’s been really long since I last met him!

He was one of the finest looking Foochow guys I’ve ever met so far. The time machine of the mind brought me back to the time when I met him for the first time due to my work. Before I met him face to face, I saw his photo on their organization chart. “Crap. Another unfriendly chap. Hmmph.” Being a person who is not very keen of meeting government officers, that was the first thought I had. The wait wasn’t too long before my colleagues and I were invited into his office together with the other officer whom we met just the other day.

I looked around at his huge office with not-so-much anticipation. Would there be anything good coming from this guy? I was skeptical. After a few unpleasant encounters when dealing with government officers, I’m no longer fond of them. Well, why should I be, anyway? Most of them have given me quite bad impressions, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one’s the same. However, I have to admit that there is still exception.

Then a man walked in. He was well-dressed, very tall, well-built, and above all that, good looking. I looked at him wide-eyed (I didn’t mean to be rude, just couldn’t help it!). He exchanged handshakes with us and started introducing himself. WOW. He has a deep tone of voice (he should be able to sing Bass well, hahaha) and very soft-spoken too! My colleagues were very impressed with him as well and they were saying that he is one of those who are really concerned with the matters of the people. What can I say? He definitely belongs to the ‘exceptional list.’

Yeah, I know. Don’t be shocked, ok? I know I am crazy, but it’s not wrong “adoring” someone who’s good looking, right? Don’t worry, I don’t and won’t “lust” over him like some people do. At least I only remember him when I saw that particular website (which I don’t visit that often unless I need some information for work-related matters only).

So… yup, that’s my story. For me, the most interesting thing when it comes to meeting strangers is that we are received with such hospitality and kindness, which do not occur frequently, especially with the government sectors. Don’t you agree with me?

My Carbon Footprints

2008-12-09T12:56:00.005+08:00

What is carbon footprint? Find out all about it here. Also take a look at Odie’s (my comrade!) site as she’s done quite a good job bringing up the whole matter.

(Click to enlarge)

The total carbon footprint I’ve left behind annually is 9.241 tonnes. Hmmm… that’s A LOT! When I thought that all these while my carbon footprint should be minimal, at least of the country’s average or lower, but little did I know that mine is higher than the country’s average! Whoa, that’s something really scary!!

I made a compared with Odie’s carbon footprints. Besides all the carbon produced from secondary sources, most of my footprints are from flying. As a job requirement, I fly quite often. I tried not to as I love my own bed and everything at home.

I can say that I’ve done my best to conserve energy at home, and so far my family is quite cooperative as well. They switch off the lights when nobody is in the living room. Sometimes when I came home at night after outings with friends, I found myself in the dark, and sometimes I tripped over chairs when trying to find the switch to the light. They don’t do that last time, so I’m surprised when they finally took up the practice.

Hmm… looks like something must be missing... or else, what is the reason for my secondary output of carbon to be that high?

Now, your turn to take the Carbon Footprint calculator and see how much carbon you contributed. Oh, I mean “contributed.” Hehe.

Taxi drivers, what have you done?

2008-09-18T21:14:00.002+08:00

Tsk tsk tsk... taxi drivers, you guys are not even on par with our politicians whose names appear every now and then in the papers, but you made yourselves name and at the same time tarnished Malaysia's image. You are more famous than our politicians now.

Aren't you proud of yourselves?

Shame on you!! (excluding those courteous drivers)

Jansz has a story to tell, while Mr. Beagle has "good" recommendations on what we can learn from the taxi drivers.

Today's news (18 September):

Malaysia's 'worst in the world' taxis tarnish national image

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - - The ads promoting "Malaysia: Truly Asia" aim to welcome visitors with a warm smile to a prosperous and modern nation, so the taxi fleet branded "the worst in the world" can come as a bit of a shock.

Even the locals are not spared the shabby service of unkempt and hostile drivers behind the wheels of decrepit vehicles who refuse to use the meter, overcharge and pick-and-choose which destinations they will travel to.

At the popular KLCC mall under Kuala Lumpur's iconic Petronas Twin Towers is a typical scene, as a gang of cabbies negotiate with a young Norwegian couple just metres from a signboard warning against "taxi touts".

"Flat rate, flat rate, no metre," one driver insists as the tourists try to find a cab to take them to their hotel, less than two kilometres (1.2 miles) away.

Anxious to escape the baking heat, they agree to pay 25 ringgit (7.22 dollars) for a trip that would have cost less than three ringgit on the meter.

"Is it expensive? We don't know, we thought it is normal here," said the woman as they piled in with their shopping bags.

More frequent visitors, however, are vocal in their criticism and say that aggressive and unprofessional drivers are tarnishing the nation's image as a squeaky clean and hospitable destination.

"I first visited Malaysia in 2006 and I was impressed by everything I saw except for the worst taxi service I have endured," said Kabir Dali, an Indian tourist waiting in vain for a metered taxi at another mall.

"I paid a whopping 260 ringgit (74 dollars) from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to town and was later told that was twice the proper amount."

Complaints about taxis are common in many countries, but in Malaysia it has escalated to an outpouring of frustration, on blog sites and in letters to newspapers.

In a survey by the local magazine The Expat, some 200 foreigners from 30 countries rated Malaysia the worst among 23 countries in terms of taxi quality, courtesy, availability and expertise.

The respondents lashed the fleet as "a source of national shame" and "a serious threat to tourists -- rude bullies and extortionists".

Salvation is in sight though, as a number of smaller, up-scale operators enter the market to provide a more expensive but quality taxi service for frustrated visitors and locals.

The uniformed drivers, behind the wheels of smart new multi-purpose vehicles and sedans, switch on the meter as a matter of course and do not refuse destinations -- surprising and delighting commuters in the capital.

Abdul Razak, operations manager for Dubai-based Citicab which launched here in January, said that even in poorer nations such as Thailand and Indonesia, taxis are smarter and the drivers far more courteous.

"I would say it is the worst in this region, undoubtedly. I have travelled to all countries in this region and our company operates taxis in many parts of the world. The situation here is the worst I have seen," he told AFP.

"The vehicles are in shabby condition, the driver will take you if he likes your face -- that is, if he agrees with where you want to go for the price he insists on."

The government has called on taxi firms to lift their standards, but various campaigns have achieved little, and many blame the lack of enforcement on rampant corruption in the police and bureaucracy.

"It is difficult for the roads and traffic department to take stern action," said a security officer at one city mall as he watched the touts swoop.

"Taxi operators and the company which hold the licences are all linked to some politician or another," he said. "Drivers here are ruthless because they are unchecked by authorities who are almost non-existent."

John Koldowski, from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, said that "less than desirable" taxi drivers have an outsize impact on a nation's image.

"The first contact a tourist gets with locals is often during airport transits to hotels and it creates a very, very strong first impression, either be good or bad," he said.

"Authorities certainly need to do their jobs and act upon any complaints strongly, quickly and visibly." (News Source)

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

2008-09-18T19:37:00.004+08:00

Dammit! As much as I H-A-T-E this dude who's got very thick skin, I'm actually... another replica of... of... hiiim?!?!?!?!

*puking hard*

Congratulations Fish, you are...

Kenny Sia of kennysia.com

You have it all, or so you think. Big balls, big bird, big everything. Also a big heart and ever-ready big hug to give out to everybody who needs one. But you didn't know this. You're the one who need a hug the most. So hugs to you!

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

Mr. Brown Show: NSF = National Sex Force?

2008-09-14T18:26:00.004+08:00

Warning: You must be 18 and above to understand this podcast.

Malaysia is expecting a population increase to 70 million by year 2100 (source). As of September 2008, our population amounted 27.73 million (source: JPN). And so is Singapore after they realised that their population needs some boosts.

However, Singapore came up with an exciting... I mean, sexciting programme called National Sex Force (NSF) to give training and encouragement to men and women on how to "produce" and increase their "productivity".

Well, of course that's not true if it's from Mr. Brown Show!

To think about about it, if Malaysia has something like NSF, surely almost everyone would love to be registered! Don't you? Hahahah.

Click here to listen to the podcast.
Another quality production by Mr. Brown.
Quality guaranteed by Ms. Fish. *wink*

Dissatisfaction!

2008-09-06T15:49:00.004+08:00

How very true it is!

I met my good pal today, who's also a consultant in another environmental consulting company. She told me her encounter of the reviewing process for EIA and EMP. Amazingly, I have the same experience and like her, I'm sick, sore and tired with all these. Enough is enough. I believe that the other consultants in Sarawak may have felt the same way too... being ridiculed.

What do we get after all the hard work, and we are sincere in what we do? Being ridiculed.

Now, this message is for all the agencies who are involved in the review of EIA, EMP and similar kind of assessment reports:

Look, we are humans too and we admit that we make mistakes. No matter how much experience we have, we still err, because we are merely humans. We always try our best to produce the best flawless report for the project proponent, but still, we are bound to making mistakes. If you produce a list of comment on our reports, can we kindly ask you not to just keep it to yourselves? If you do not circulate all your comments to us, how do you expect us to improve? And what's the point of you keep complaining about our reports when we are not even told of the mistakes we've repeatedly made? How on earth can your comments be "private and confidential"? It just doesn't make any sense at all! Tell us, what is there to be private and confidential about??

Now listen, y'all. You've got only 2 choices:

Keep complaining about the same thing and keep your complaints secret; likewise, all of us consultants shall keep making mistakes and give you more trouble. Anyways, it's not our fault to make mistakes, it's YOUR FAULT for not helping us improve! Or...

Talk to us sincerely and discuss issues with us properly and kindly instead of screaming and raising your voices at us. Tell us what mistakes you've detected, and kindly send us all the comments from all the agencies involved. If you have done that and we choose to ignore it. Then yes, the blame is definitely on us.

We have made ourselves clear, I hope?

At the same time, I would like to convey our gratitude on my friend's behalf, to the few sincerely kind NREB officers whom we have met. Thank you so much for your help and your kind assistance, and for being so patient with us when we missed out an issue or two in our reports. Keep it up, and two thumbs up for you!

Meaning in the name

2008-08-27T18:40:00.005+08:00

I found this at my friend's blog and decided to try out what mine means. Here goes...

What My Name Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.

And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.

You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.

You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.

People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.

You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.

You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Okay, let us do some analysis of what are being said of me...

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.

Not really the case... I'm more of a "What is mine, is mine, and I am in control and it's none of your business until I ask for your help."

You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.

Oh really? So far I'm not a threat to my colleagues yet. Haha.

People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

Hahaha. Exactly.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

Including when I'm at work. Well, I tried my best not to get into trouble.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

Haha. Almost. But I have to admit that I'm always striving for perfection, although most of the times I failed. Sad, isn't it?

So now you get to know a little bit about me. See, I'm not too bad a person, am I? *Chuckled*

Losing it's purpose?

2008-07-30T17:39:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of Cartoon Stock.

I attended a simple training course for EIA consultants in Kuala Lumpur this morning. Very interesting indeed, and it is more interesting when there is a chance to meet so many other consultants. The experience we exchanged is priceless, simply priceless. However, I do have one question in mind as I look at these fellow comrades. Are they working for the sake of the business, or for the protection of the environment?

For the developers and construction-based companies, EIA is a nightmare. It means the out-flowing of their resources in the form of dollar sign. Incurring more cost, which may also mean a little less come-back, and with those tedious environmental laws that are a total burden for them, who would like it that way?

For some consultants, (well, perhaps most of them), it is how much the company earns, how well-known the company is in the local market, and how competitive they can be that count. They work to be paid. The environment may never be the factor, but they try to address every possible impact that can be foreseen. They work hard only to look forward to 3 things: 1. Approval by DOE or NREB; 2. To impress DOE or NREB and their clients; and perhaps, 3. For their own good name.

Doing it just for the sake of doing it without knowing its actual purpose. What good can EIA make?

During my undergraduate years, the lecturer posed me one question, “Do you think EIA can solve the problem?” Innocently, I answered, “Yes.” Until I acquired some real personal experience in the field of EIA, I would not have known how useless EIA has been. Maybe not in other countries like Australia and America, but in Malaysia, I would say that it isn’t that successful at all.

If EIA is a planning tool, why don’t the developers and construction companies make good use of it? Worse still, some companies refuse to cooperate with the environmental consultants in terms of providing the needed information. But the worst of all, it is our Government who is always keeping some data to themselves and refuse to share, with the excuse that these are private and confidential.

When environmentalists and environmental consultants are not supported by the Government, what hope is there for us if we are serious about protecting the environment? The accountants have their Malaysian Institute of Accountants; the bankers have their Association of Banks in Malaysia; the medical doctors and surgeons are registered with Malaysian Medical Association… who is protecting us, the environmentalists and consultants?

Enough said, I guess?

*EIA = Environmental Impact Assessment

Sematan...Beach In Danger

2008-06-02T19:10:00.003+08:00

I managed to wake up as early as 6.30 a.m. during my holiday trip to Sematan on the second day of Gawai.

As one of the members of our group is a JKR staff, we had the privilege to stay in JKR bungalow. Well, not a huge nice bungalow as you imagined. It was just a medium-sized, wooden quarter with 3 rooms.

What I hated most was being fed by the mosquitoes! Darn, as if I’m a blood bank!

A few of us decided to go down to the beach. As we were on our way, someone noticed that there was a stockpile of something that looked like pipes. You know, those big, long, steel pipes. Those were already a bit rusted.

As we moved nearer, I noticed that a lot of those pipes were erected along the beach. When my friends waded out to cool their feet and enjoying the beach walk, I stayed close to the pipes. I noticed the badly eroded beach.

These pipes were cut and erected along the shore to support the shore and prevent further erosion. I believe the erosion of this beach is not a new problem. It must have been discovered by the local council (or DID maybe?) much earlier already. I also noticed that right behind these pipes, there were already gabion walls installed! Which means, these gabion walls did not serve their purpose!

Even with the gabion walls in place, erosion (as shown by arrow) still happens. There should have been some really nice mangrove vegetations here before, but now, only one tree or two can be seen. Of course, I saw some casuarina trees too, but only around the beach resorts. Sooner or later, these casuarina trees will slowly die out as well.

So what makes Sematan so special until people flock to fill up the resorts and even the lousiest inn, especially during the festive seasons? Its seafood? The (dirty and eroded) beach? The rural-ness of the place? Or simply to get away from the busy city life (at this kind of place?!)?

I went there quite unwillingly, well not by force, but because some friends of mine were going so I figured perhaps I should just follow. If I knew there were SO many people staying in one wooden house, and I had to sleep outside without a pillow, blanket and mattress, I wouldn’t have agreed to go. However, it was quite an experience, and a good breakthrough for me when I recognized that beach erosion is also a problem in the small, undisturbed town of Sematan.

Beach erosion… who to be blamed?

Recycle? Who cares...

2008-04-28T22:08:00.007+08:00

I was sitting at my desk, giving my fullest attention on what I was doing when suddenly, I saw something which I didn't expect to see.

Right across the room where the recycle box is, the cleaner emptied the used papers into a big garbage bag.

I stopped my work straight away and started to observe the lady cleaner. After she moved all the used papers into the garbage bag, she continued emptying the trash bins into the same garbage bag.

If anyone would have noticed, I was watching her in horror. As if I've seen a ghost. My first reaction was "What the hell..." Then I immediately intercom my boss' secretary, only to find out that it has been so all the while.

One question for my boss. What is the purpose of having a recycle bin in the office when it is NOT used for recycling?? Simply as a temporary platform before those used papers end up in the garbage bag? Or just for the sake of showing off??

Is it THAT difficult to practise recycling? Recycling can be another method of generating extra income too, although it's rather insignificant compared to the monthly revenue the company is able to get.

Okay, you can't do it for the sake of environment. Fine. Then, for the sake of money, why not?

Even my parents who used to think that I'm nuts, are now gradually putting recycling of used papers into practice. And I firmly believe that a lot of young people today are practising recycling too.

If they can, why can't you?

I feel kind of ashamed knowing that the company I work for, an environmental consultancy company, has no difference from those who couldn't care less for the environment.

Heh, if only recycling is mandatory for everyone and every organisation in Malaysia, like in Monroe County, Malaysia can surely be one of the well-recognised 'green' country. It would be very nice to be famous, isn't it?

Here is something I found while searching for photos for this post. It is a list of things that can be recycled and not. I think it's very useful for everyone, so do take time to read it. I learned something from it too.

(Photo obtained from Unheard Blog)

Post Earth Hour

2008-04-18T13:08:00.007+08:00

I was browsing for some local environmental news in Malaysia when I came across this piece of article written by Koh Lay Chin, a columnist of the New Straits Times newspaper. She was making a commentary on Earth Hour, a global event on 29 March at 8-9 p.m.

Surprisingly, our Petronas Twin Towers and other sites of pride for Malaysia were still shining bright during the Earth Hour.

Disappointed? Yes, of course. It's somewhat sad too.

I couldn't agree more on what Ms. Koh said:

Any event that could raise environmental awareness should be taken up with enthusiasm, and jumping on this global bandwagon could only have been a good thing.

If only our Malaysian leaders would have thought of this:

If city and municipal councils in Malaysia were to take up the cause, they would not only earn plus-points in the environmental stakes, they gain respect and heighten civic consciousness.

I hope that Malaysia and her dwellers can do better than this in the next Earth Hour (2009).

To read the whole report, click to enlarge the photo below.

Source: DOE

Other links:
Earth Hour - Show Your Love
Thumbs Up For Students

Thumbs up for students!

2008-03-29T11:29:00.003+08:00

Guess what I've found?

To the teachers and students of Maxwell Secondary School (Malaysia), well done! I'm very proud of you.

So proud and impressed that I have to show this to the rest of the world... if students can do this, why not those big organizations? Shame on those McGreedy! Shutting down for one hour would cause them to lose big bucks!

Anyways, the money sign is much more important than the environment to them. I'm just amazed at how brainless these smart people are... their wealth comes from the environment, and yet they are doing nothing to give back to the environment. All they ever do is take, take, and take to fill their pockets to the fullest, while letting the earth go poorer, more polluted, and less suitable for living.

Again... to the teachers and students of Maxwell Secondary School, two thumbs up!! Keep up your good work!

Earth Hour - Show your love!

2008-03-29T10:07:00.004+08:00

This is indeed a marvelous event. It started out as a national event in Australia but now, it's a global movement. Simply amazing!

It's very heart-warming to see so many individuals, companies and main cities are participating tonight. As I look through the list of cities taking part, I spotted Dubai, Tel Aviv (Israel), Manila (the Philippines!), Jakarta (Thailand!) and some others.

My interest now... is whether Malaysia is joining.

Malaysia is not officially involved, which is a bit sad. However, I'm glad to know that there are a lot of Malaysians out there who love the environment, and they are willing to close their businesses for one hour (see Malaysia Business Supporters list). My two thumbs up for these people, and for all Malaysians who have signed up for this event, and all those who have not signed up but will be participating tonight.

For our dear newly formed government... maybe we can join Earth Hour officially next year?

For all those reading this... please support Earth Hour Movement and join in the effort of conserving energy. Even though you can't totally switch off all of the lights (or power supply) tonight, it's okay... just switch off whichever electrical appliances and lights that you're not using and are not needed at that time. A small effort can go a long way, you know.

Let us switch off our lights tonight... for Mother Earth!

For more info on Earth Hour, visit:
Earth Hour (Official Site)
Earth Hour Blog (Live Updates)

Which CSI character are you?

2008-02-24T23:56:00.006+08:00

I just couldn't help it when I saw this quiz. I LOVE CSI Vegas... and I just have to take the quiz!! So here are the results...

Which CSI character are you? Your Result: You are Greg Sanders Greg You dont take life too seriously, and can make even the most serious person laugh hysterically. Although you are often a goofball, you have great respect and loyalty for those you care about. You use humor often, but arent afraid to deal with serious situations when necessary. You put up a tough front, but deep down youre just a dork that cares deeply for others. You arent afraid to pursue whatever your dream is at the time, and you manage to overcome whatever obstacle is in your path. You make friends easily, but remain loyal to the ones you care about the most. You love rocking out to whatever band you are obsessing over at the time, and you are always up to date on current trends. Overall, you are sweet, funny, compassionate, determined and loyal.
You are Gil Grissom
You are Nick Stokes
You are Sara Sidle
You are Warrick Brown
You are Catherine Willows
Which CSI character are you? Take More Quizzes

My second character is Gil Grissom~! Awwwwww~ He's my favourite guy in CSI!!

I like him SO much because he's really smart, analytical and professional, and it's my dream to reach his stage of professionalism.

Perhaps, if I ever meet this type of guy in my life... well, of course he needs to be someone like Grissom, not just being smart, but his personality too... I would surely and undoubtedly fall for him.

*sigh* If only Grissom exists... *sigh*

Is that a tsunami?

2008-02-24T02:43:00.004+08:00

Familiar photo?

It was circulated through emails, and was reported to be taken right before tsunami hit the island of Sumatra.

I was fooled, maybe you were too.

This photo WAS NOT taken in Sumatra, nor was it an oncoming Tsunami.

Don't believe me? Click here to read the whole story yourself.

Post Chinese New Year

2008-02-21T23:00:00.006+08:00

Tell me, have you also put on that much weight after Chinese New Year? So much that even the weighing scale is running for its life? Not bad, that means you've enjoyed the festive season to the fullest. You should be proud of yourself because not many people find Chinese New Year enjoyable.

Oh, what about your pockets? Getting fatter too? Or is it only your body that has grown sideways? *Chuckle*

Okay, Chinese New Year's over. It's time to watch your diet again. If you haven't realized this, let me warn you now... more and more people are getting sick lately. When I say sick, I mean really sick. Watch your diet, and your lifestyle too. You KNOW how that old saying goes... prevention is better than cure.

Okay okay... enough with all the bullshits. I hope you had a great Chinese New Year and Chap Goh Meh.

Comic courtesy of C.W.Kee.

Buckle up, rear sitters!

2008-02-03T13:11:00.001+08:00

Image courtesy of Colorado State Patrol

KUALA LUMPUR: People should start wearing rear seatbelts now instead of waiting for the law to be enforced, as it concerns their safety, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said.

Looks like Malaysian Government is seriously looking into this right now. So it's just a matter of time. I'm just wondering… how many people would start wearing rear seatbelts before the law is enforced? Oh, maybe not at all. Even though wearing seatbelts at the front seat is a must, a lot of people still ignore it. I guess it won't make much of a difference.

If the foreign country folks can put this into practise, why can't we? Oh well, let's put it this way... only idiots who will go onto the road without seatbelts. They are either too rich, or they are looking forward to kissing their loved ones goodbye.

To read the full news, click here: Rear seat passengers have to buckle up.

Just for laughs...

Oh I personally think that this seatbelt style is very suitable for married couples. Check it out! (Just kidding!!) Heheheheh.

Ugly World, isn't this?

2007-07-28T15:10:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of CartoonStock.com

Sigh. That was what happened with a friend of mine few days ago. The boss felt that she was challenged as all the while no one ever dared to disagree with her. As a result, he was forced to sign the letter of resignation. Heh, so kiasu.

Well yea, I'm a fresh graduate and I'm yet to see how the system of this world goes. So far I found out that most people are very kiasu, not just the Singaporeans. I mean, I roughly know how most people in this world are. Heard stories from my parents, my seniors and some friends. If possible, of course I don't want anything as such to happen to me!

Getting too close with a colleague, whether you've known him or her for a long time or you just met, will invite bad comments and the spread of hearsy from others. What the heck. Don't they have anything better to do than gossip?

Two best friends work together in the same company. In order to secure the post and to keep all the power to herself, she said something behind her best friend that caused the boss to terminate her.

Now that brings me one question: Can we still trust our best friend(s) if we are working under one roof? My parents have cautioned me about getting too close with colleagues and trusting my best pals too much. They are right; best friends are those who can easily betray you because they know more about you than others do.

I know someone who prefers some to others. He/She would treat his/her gang members real good, while the rest whom he/she doesn't like, don't ever expect him/her to talk to them. If conversation is inevitable, they will receive rude treatment. Tsk tsk tsk...

Happening right here in Malaysia, is the fighting for power, fame and fortune. If you're a Sarawakian, you should know the few companies who are dominating the market. No no, I didn't say it's wrong to strive for more money. Everyone needs money to live! But have you ever wondered, why do rich people want even more? The more they have, the more they want. Perhaps that's why the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. Hello... you who are filthy rich, can you please do some charity by donating your leftovers to those who deprive of it? I'm sure doing charity won't cost you your life!

Sigh. Sometimes I really feel like teaching these humans a lesson or two. This is my initial plan: gather all those who have been betrayed or suffered in one way or another due to somebody, and we pay them twice of what they have done to us. Revenge - yep, that's the word.

However, come to think about it, let God handle all those perverts and liars. All we have to do is just do our part in the society - giving helping hands when it is needed or asked, treating everyone equally regardless of race and religion (which is a bit difficult, I know), try our best to make the world a better best by simply being in it. What have you got to lose?

Well, maybe I should take the initiative to change for the better, starting from myself.

A Different Heaven

2007-07-17T22:12:00.001+08:00

[Video has been removed by the owner. I apologise for that.]

Haha. The producer of this video could be a Catholic. A smart production, indeed, to get more people to be Catholics! *Chuckled* Of course not, I was just kidding. Whatever he was thinking, only he knew.

So what do you people think?

P/s. This post is meant to be a joke and has no intention of making fun or discriminate Protestants.

Proud to be a gangster?

2007-07-12T00:27:00.000+08:00

[Updated: Just found out that the video is no longer available. Doesn't matter, I believe most Sarawakians must have heard and seen the video somehow. The below were just my comments.]

This piece of news was on Borneo Post on Sunday, 8th July 2007.

I remember an essay I've produced in Form 5 regarding gangsterism, which was one of the best essays in class. Gangsterism was bad then, but it is worse now.

Look at those kids. Weren't they proud to be gangsters? They even dare to record it and put the video up on YouTube.com to be shared with the whole world!!

So, let me direct this question to the gangsters in Malaysia as well as in the whole world. You see, I don't really understand one thing. What benefits do you get from beating up those whom you don't like? Okay, you get whatever you wanted -- money, some items, maybe drugs or illegal goods, power and authority, or you-mention-it. Then, you feel 'song' (great and satisfied) for being able to beat others. I don't see all these as worthwhile -- you gained a 'good' reputation for yourself, you lose your dignity and respect (well, why should I respect you if you don't respect me?!), and you minimize the number of years you will live on earth.

What's the point of all these, when you risk your life and safety just to obtain things that don't last forever?

Rare whale in Malaysia?

2007-07-08T01:28:00.001+08:00

Photo courtesy Josep (Flickr).
(Note: This is NOT the photo of the whale spotted off the coast of Miri)

Wow... this is totally amazing! The humpback whale being spotted off the Miri coast! For the very first time!

I'm wondering, what brought the whale over here? Availability of food? Hmm... Most probably it's the food.

Rare whale sighted off Malaysia

KUCHING: The humpback whale, an endangered marine mammal, has been sighted for the first time in Malaysia, off the Miri coast.

The dark-grey whale, which was spotted by a team of aerial marine life surveyors on June 24, is at least 10m in length.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah marine mammal and fishery services' lecturer Dr Saifullah A. Jaaman said it was easy to identify the humpback whale due to its distinct physical features and behaviour.

"The flippers of the humphack whale make up about one-third of its body.

"When it dives, it brings up its tail," he told reporters at the Sarawak Forestry office at the Hock Lee Centre here on Thursday.

Dr Saifullah, the survey team's technical advisor, said the descriptions by a team member who sighted the mammal fitted well with that of the humpback whale.

He said the migratory humpback whales, which feed on small fish, had been sighted in the Philippines waters before.

The team spent about 30 hours on a Cassna aircraft for the survey, stretching from Lawas in northern Sarawak to Tanjung Datu in the southern region.

Sarawak Forestry's chief wildlife warden Wilfred Landong described as "most exciting" the sightings of the humpack whale and several other marine wildlife.

Landong said the team recorded nearly 60 sightings, which included 13 individual dugongs in three groups, seven whales, some 140 dolphins of four species, nine rays, six sharks and 13 marine turtles.

"There were two sightings of Bryde whales off Pulau Talang-Talang and sightings of three other Balaen and unidentified whales of Miri and Mukah," he added.Source: The Star.

How I wish I could be one of the witnesses to the sighting!

For more information on Humpback Whale, please visit: The Encyclopedia of Earth - Humpback Whale

Bintulu, here I come...!

2007-07-02T18:07:00.000+08:00

... Yeah, right. As if this is my first time in Bintulu. I've been there like... errrm... Okay, lost count.

Well, anyway, when I first arrived in Bintulu (wait, no no, before I even touched down in Bintulu!), the very first thing that came to my mind was: "Oh gosh, how's the hotel I'm staying in gonna be like? It's a cheap hotel, so what should I expect? Or is it gonna be the usual cheap hotels that are of low quality and service?" For a person like me who's so used to staying in high-class hotels, no doubt I doubted.

What about you? Does the quality of hotels matter to you? Or you're satisfied with any kind of rooms as long as you can have a good shower and a good night rest?

If you feel like you want to save and at the same time enjoy your stay in Bintulu, you can certainly give KinTown Inn a try. (No money back guarantee from me, ok?)

Need some insights of how the rooms are? Heh, sure...

View of a single bedroom. Yes, that's SINGLE BEDROOM! I thought that single means there's only one bed, but KinTown Inn has two! Ok, forget about the beds for now. Just look at the picture... don't they look comfy and make you feel like lying on the beds?

But one thing I do want to comment on... the beddings are not as good they seems. Some rooms have blankets with slits and torns, thus kind of spoiling the aesthetic value. However, the blankets can still efficiently give one comfort and warmth.

If first impression is important, then I'll say that the settings and the cosy feelings of the rooms make me feel so at-home! All the rooms are air-conditioned, with Astro and Satelite TV service (but don't expect too much! Some channel can be viewed, some can't), a mini fridge, a dressing table and lamps (duhh)...

To be honest, this is the first place I peep into when I stepped into the room. I love the shower!!! (Nay... I never liked bath tubs... 'coz it's too difficult for me to climb in. Heh.) So what do you think? Like the washroom like I do?

Not satisfied with what you see and think that perhaps you should stay in at least a 3-star hotel? Okay, fine with me. It's not my hotel anyways.

But if you think you want to give it a try, well why not? Call up the number and book your room today. With a minimum of RM69 per night, what have you got to lose?

There's one little secret in KinTown Inn which I love a lot... hehe... wireless online!! Of course, that's only for those who are internet freak like me.

Darn... I cannot believe it that I'm giving this KinTown Inn company a free review!! My dearest readers out there, if you happen to know the Boss of this company, do tell them about this post of mine. And also tell them, I want a tip for my hard work (hey hello, do you know how many millions of my brain cells have died in order for me to think and produce this post?!?!)!

Let's have fun on bed, baby...

2007-06-14T18:07:00.000+08:00

Yewwwww... sounds lustful, eh? Heh.

This is actually one of my old posts when I was still with Blogdrive more than a year ago, which got quite a lot of responses from my friends, online and in real life. I'm now re-posting it here for the sake of my new friends and for those who have never read this post. Any comments, feel free to leave them in the combox. Well... I hope you enjoy...

---===---

Photo courtesy of Cartoon Stock

If you (guys, of course) read this because you thought I'm really inviting you to have a "good time together", then I would conclude that you're a nothing-special-typical-guy who is a sex maniac.

Don't agree with me? It's okay. Did I say you must?

But if you (and those who know me personally), after seeing the title of the post, was so shocked and exclaimed "OMG! What's wrong with Oddz?!?!" (and other similar exclamations) and wanted to find out what this post is all about, well, congratulations! This showed that you know Oddz pretty well!

I found out that there are four types of guys in this world with different reactions to an invitation to sex. See if you agree with me. The sample questions (Q for gals) and answers (A for guys) are between two person of opposite sex who are ordinary friends and have no special feelings for each other. Here we go...

Type 1: Immediate Vacancy
Q: Hey... can we have sex?
A: (excited) You serious?! Sure! why not? Let's do it now!

Type 2: Beauties Only
Q: Hey... can we have sex?
A: Huh? You must be kidding.
Q: No, I'm serious.
A: What? But ... with you? (chuckled) I think better not lah. You're just not up to the "standard".

Type 3: True Love Waits
Q: Hey... can we have sex?
A: Huh? What did you say?
Q: I know you heard what I said. And I'm serious.
A: I'm sorry. I can't do it with a person I don't love!

Type 4: Indifference
Q: Hey... can we have sex?
A: Huh? What?
Q: I'm serious.
A: (changed topic) Oh so what are you planning to buy for Janice? Her birthday's tomorrow.

*Giggled* Oh well. What do you think? Which type of person are you? Or do you think there are more than these 4 types I've listed?

You might be asking me how I got to find these out. Don't worry, I certainly didn't ask them that question. Just a little prediction from the conversations I had with guys I met both in real life and online chat.

I just marveled and at the same time, disgusted at how open-minded and lustful the guys of Type 1 are. In my opinion, most guys will fall into the category of Type 2 and Type 3. Tell me if I'm wrong. And for Type 4... those are very conservative guys who are going to extinct soon. If I find one, I'll list him under the Totally Protected Animals list, and probably keep him for myself. *giggled*

Mockery!

2007-06-07T19:48:00.000+08:00

Alright. First of all, PLEASE READ what I've got to say before you watch the clip.

All of us Malaysians know and agree that our Malaysian-made cars are totally incomparable with those from Germany or any other 1st World countries. It is already a fact, isn't it? But no matter how bad a product is, it doesn't deserve this kind of 'treatment'. And certainly, NOT from this extremely sick angmo kau... Jeremy Clarkson.

By doing what he did, he is actually openly declaring that we Malaysians are:

Useless people - because we build useless pieces of scrap and rubbish;
Idiots - despite the low quality, we still buy the cars, and even export them;
Money-face - we produce cars ONLY to make profit and nothing else.

Don't you think so? Do you think Perodua Kelisa deserves this kind of remarks, which is indirectly humiliating Malaysians as well? I feel so totally looked down upon by him! I feel like... he's saying that Malaysia is a worthless nation!!

And besides, which car wouldn't be dented and wouldn't fall apart when it is done the same way?

Shame on you, for those Malaysians who supported this Bastard in 'downgrading' Malaysians and Malaysian-made products! Yes - quality wise, Perodua and Proton sucks; but aren't we supposed to be thankful that being a 3rd World country, we are able to produce our own cars? How many 3rd World countries out there have their own locally made cars?

My personal comment:
Despite its quality compared with foreign cars, almost all of my friends who are driving Kelisa are totally satisfied with its performance. Click here to read about the satisfied owners of Kelisa. A little, boxy, boring, unimaginative car with such a good performance. Isn't it more than enough?

And for you, Bastard Jeremy Clarkson, it's time to stop this hobby of yours, going about condemning cars. Save your energy to bury yourself in the future!

Professional drivers?!

2007-06-04T00:15:00.000+08:00

What's wrong with Kuching people these days?

Crossing a small road at commercial centres is no longer a safe thing to do, especially when there are lots of cars. Most of the time, crossing a busy small road is just a piece of cake. All you have to do is just walk across when the cars are moving slowly. And even if you are crossing the road half way when a car is driving towards you fast, that car would usually slow down to let you pass.

Now, things have changed.

Even when you are standing by the roadside, trying to make sure whether it is safe to cross, don't forget to put special attention on the cars nearest to you and parking at the side. The drivers might reverse their car without you noticing them and without them noticing you.

This has actually happened to me for a few times now -- 4 or 5, if I'm not mistaken. I also witnessed how my friend almost got knocked if I didn't pull her away from a reversing car. My parents talked to me about it as they have met such a careless driver too; my another encounter was with colleagues.

This sincere piece of word of caution goes out to everyone, whether you're a driver or not. Drivers, please kindly make sure that you check the surroundings, especially the back of your cars, before you start to reverse. You don't want to hurt anybody, do you? Passerby and anyone who's crossing the road (particularly at commercial centres e.g. Tabuan Jaya CC, Sarawak Plaza, Kenyalang CC, etc.), please be extra careful and be alert when you're crossing.

Prevention is always better than cure. So do something, you people out there! Be c-a-r-e-f-u-l!!!

Photo courtesy Texas Transportation Institute

Conserve the Tiger!

2007-06-03T23:09:00.000+08:00

I hope you, readers out there, would give a helping hand after going through this letter from WWF (World Wildlife Fund). I have signed the petition and I'm part of the big tiger photo mosaic. Please support the conservation of tigers!

Dear Friends,

The tiger is one of the most revered, feared and yet popular species on Earth. It is perhaps the most powerful symbol for all of our planet's endangered wildlife.

Once widespread across Asia, fewer than 5,000 wild tigers are now found in just 7% of the habitat they once occupied.

Today the tiger faces a new threat: the push by wealthy tiger breeders in China to re-establish legal trade of tiger products in their country. Such a move would re-ignite the now-reduced demand for tiger medicines within China and allow the organized crime syndicates that drive tiger poaching to more easily "launder" wild tigers through China.

Join me in recognizing China's efforts to conserve tigers and ask them to continue to remain firm in halting all tiger trade by visiting this site: Tiger Mosaic - WWF.

Thanks

A Lame Joke

2007-04-29T14:29:00.000+08:00

Well, as we all know, Singaporeans are just THAT good with all kinds of lame jokes. And here, I've found another one, which was introduced to me by a friend.

If this clip offends you, I'd advise that you hit the 'Stop' button right away. I'm certainly not putting it here to let you see how funny the reaction of that Indian was. It is funny, alright, but I'll have to admit that this is somewhat disrespectful as well.

To those who created this recording... darn, you're too 'good'! I really wonder what is your brain made up of!! Nay... I doubt that any Malaysians could compare with you guys. *Tsk tsk* Si beh ciak lak~~

Photo courtesy of www.mikekaplowitz.com

Odd Recommendation

2007-03-23T09:38:00.000+08:00

I've been so totally in love with The Mr.Brown Show ever since a friend introduced me to this great Podcast.

And when I say great, I mean great. *Wink*

If I can get my friends and even my colleagues to laugh as they listen to the show, I bet you would too (yes, you! You who are reading this right now!). HOWEVER, you might need to understand the culture and the beauty of the language of Singaporeans and Malaysian in order to catch the balls.

Let's get the ball rolling... the first show I'd like to recommend is The Mr. Brown Show: Parliamentary Language. But this one is exclusively for those who can understand Hokkien. If you can't, then you might need to get someone to translate it for you.

Alright folks, grab an earphone or turn on your speakers, click the link above, sit back and have a great laugh!

Unhygenic Hygene Bin

2007-03-19T19:39:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, toilets can also be quite a place of interest. Don't you think so?

Due to the nature of my job that requires me to travel a lot, airport has been one of my most regular stops. And certainly, having to spend hours in the airport sometimes compels me to visit the toilet at least once before I board the plane.

I forgot where I've taken this photo, but one sure thing, it was in one of the airports I've been to. I was answering the nature's call one day, when I noticed how this blue bin was used.

In such an improper manner!! Tsk-tsk...

The 'red packet' was stuck on the lifter/cover. A piece of tissue paper was also seen -- that female human must have intended to throw it away with the 'red packet' but... well, she just couldn't care much to make sure that they go into the bin completely.

Can't totally blame the ladies too. I believe that the airport management has a role to play as well.

Ladies, I'm sure you have been taught in school or by someone what is the proper way to dispose of the 'overloaded' sanitary pad. Even if nobody told you how, you should be willing enough to read the short pictorial instructions regarding the correct way of disposal. Anyways, these bins are so user-friendly that I bet even the men know how to use them!

Please be more civic-minded, and think of the next user that will be disgusted at your bloody rubbish. Thank you so much.

Photo taken with Motorola L6

Someone doubted me...

2007-03-15T20:54:00.000+08:00

The more I think about it, the more puzzled I am. Am I that suspicion-looking? Well, I made a conclusion that -- my friend can't be blamed, as that is something abnormal but normal.

Looks familiar?

It all started 2 Saturdays ago. My two friends (new friends, we met not more than a year) brought me out to Parkson to buy sunblock. I don't really like to use sunblock, but this time, I really don't have much choice -- will tell you about that in my next post. So finally, after much shopping, we ended up visiting the cosmetics corner and my friend (pic) was given a free make-up (yeah right, where got free? She spent at least RM1000 for those moisturizers, cleansers etc.!) I couldn't believe that I had the chance to sit at the consultation corner and, besides painting myself with the eye shadows and powders (on my hands la~ of course), also I was aware that I was being watched. I even met another guy friend who spotted us -- my friend freaked out and quickly closed her face from being seen, because her make-up was only half done. Me, as usual... was laughing like mad when I saw how she reacted as the guy inspected her. Oh darrn... I forgot to snap a photo of her freakin' out. *LOL*

Clockwise: White-Vanilla peach; Brown-Expresso; Green-Minty Chocolate

Next, we ended up in an ice-cream shop, called Scoops. Just walk straight through the coffee shop near the Parkson carpark, and you will be able to find it quite easily. My friend told me that they sell branded ice-cream. I did a little 'research' on the internet yet I found nothing about it. So... is this really branded???!!! Do you know how much does a small cup cost? RM5!! Gosh!! But the taste was fantastic... they were creamy, thick, and they taste exactly what they are! Do I recommend it? Errms... if you are an ice-cream lover, go ahead, give it a try.

We were all sitting down to enjoy our ice-cream, and out of the blue, my another friend blurted a question at me...

Friend: Oddrey, what is your preference?
Me: *question mark appeared above my head* Errrmm... what did you say?
Friend: I asked... what is your sexual orientation?
Me: WHAT?! You must be kidding. *continued eating ice-cream*
Friend: No I'm serious. I don't mind what your preference is, I respect who you are.
Me: *sigh* I think I'm still attracted to men. ...

Wow. Amazing, eh? There's actually somebody who thought that I'm a homosexual! And kudos to her for so bravely voiced it out.

Does it mean that, if a girl/lady prefer putting on men's t-shirts and jeans/pants, then that girl/lady is a lesbian? Are tomboys lesbians? And how do you tell if a man is a gay or not? Can his outlook appearance tell? Or the way he dresses up? Or his gestures and behaviours? Hobbies? Habits?

I've never approved of homosexual acts (not human but acts). It is simply out of nature. But I respect all homosexual people. Nope, I'm not asking you to agree with me... your opinion is yours, mine is mine.

Anyone else who suspected that I'm a lesbian?

Utmost Appreciation

2007-03-12T22:45:00.000+08:00

I would like to openly thank a person who has really helped me, not just in my career, but in every little thing in life.

I've never expected myself to be ever noticed, and I thought I would be keeping a low profile as long as I work in the company.

I had the shock of a lifetime when the boss gave me a compliment... at that moment, I couldn't really remember the things which he said I've done. I was still in the cloud of blurness until I suddenly realized that it was that colleague of mine who always prompted and pushed me to do most of the works I've done.

That compliment should go to you, my friend! I don't deserve it at all!

And I thank God for you. *smile*

I know you might never read this message, but ... Thank you again, Henry, from the bottom of my heart.

Photo courtesy Toothpaste For Dinner.

Bio-DaVersity Code?!

2007-03-11T00:41:00.000+08:00

Click to watch the movie... or should I say, short clip. Worth the time, worth the effort...

The movie excerpt goes like this:

It is perhaps the greatest secrets of them all, but mankind continues to deny its existence. Follow the adventure of Robert Penguin and Sophie Minnow as they race against time to discover the secret of the web of life.

Ahh... beautifully described, indeed!

You may wonder-- What the heck is this?? A stupid animal clip that makes no sense at all!! Might as well pick up my ass and do somethin' elses, than sittin' round watchin' a senseless idiot f**king clip!!!

If I were standing right there in front of you when you made this remark, I'll also throw you some much shorter remark...

If it were not because of you, yes YOU, you idiot useless brainless cold-blooded only God-knows if you're a human, who loves puttin' money first and environment last and consequently destroying the Mother Nature and all the natural blessings that we humans rely on, we the environment lovers would not have to go all out and dry our brain juices just to think of a way to tell ya it's time to stop all the destructions!! Phiew... *taking a deep and long breath*

PLEASE join our effort in protecting the rich biodiversity. And destroy no more.

A joint effort of NSP* and WWF**.

Note:
*NSP: Not So Private (this blog)
**WWF: Word Wildlife Fund

It's all up!

2007-03-09T22:30:00.000+08:00

Geeez... sounds like that peep's talking to me...

Phiew! *wiping off drops of sweat*

Finally I've got this new blog up and running! It's time to faithfully post and update this blog, and get my brain worked out. I have two horrible syndromes -- STML and Lazy-Brainie.

Don't know what STML is? Ohh, simple -- Short Term Memory Lost. Are you familiar with the animation "Finding Nemo"? Well, you see, I think I'm related to Dory. 'Coz I have the same syndrome as hers. *giggle*

I've just moved from Not So Private - http://notsoprivate.blogdrive.com. All my previous posts are there, so if you want to know me better, or just curious of what kind of articles/posts I blog about, then... feel free to drop by and check it out. Entrance is free!

Okays, enough for the craps. Do stay tuned for more craps to come~ And thank you for stopping by... no matter who you are, or what your purpose is.

Photo courtesy Toothpaste For Dinner.