The Joys of Receiving Emails

**Got this via email yesterday!!!**
I want to thank all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me your damn chain letters over the past few years.
Yes, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of what's left of my heart for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy.
Because of your concern...

* I no longer drink Coca Cola ... because it can remove toilet stains.
* I no longer drink anything out of a can ... because I will get sick from the rat feces and urine.
* I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave ... because it causes cancer.
* I no longer check the coin return on pay phones ... because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
* I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants ... even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day
* I no longer use margarine ... because it's one molecule away from being plastic.
* I no longer go to shopping malls ... because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
* I no longer receive packages from UPS or FedEx ... since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
* I no longer answer the phone ... because someone will ask me to dial a stupid number for which * I will get the phone bill from hell with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Zebekistan.
* I no longer eat KFC ... because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
* I no longer date the opposite sex ... because they will take my kidneys and leave me taking a nap in a bathtub full of ice.
* I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus ... since I now have their recipe.
* I no longer worry about my soul ... because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.
* Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an email to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes. (Geez, the BIBLE did not mention it works that way!)
* I no longer have any savings ... because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time).
* I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

Yes, I want to thank all of you soooooooo much for looking out for me! I will now return the favor. If you don't send this e-mail to at least 1200 people in the next 60 seconds, a large bird with diarrhea will crap on your head at 5:00 PM this afternoon and the fleas of a thousand camels will infest your armpits.

I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's 8th husband's 2nd cousin's 3rd husband's ex-wife's mother's beautician!

Ain't spam great?!?!?
Tags: Joke, Funny, Humour, Spam, Rumour, Snope

Moving Office

Moving office today.....actually my department has moved its stuff 2 days ago ahead of others but today itself we will see the computer server and satellite accessories being removed and installed at the new office. The new office is about 5 minutes away from current location. Thereby internet system will be out in 2 hours time. Really hope that they could set-up everything by tomorrow morning.

The distance from my house to the new office is the same to the current location......
Tags: Journal, Diary, Life, Sudan, Office

Interior Decoration

This is a seemingly trivial domestic incident in Hong Kong, but I found it interesting because it took me a while to figure why the fight was inevitable. Everything can be explained through the floor plan of the re-decorated apartment. A couple lived there, but they have been estranged (but not yet divorced) due to infidelity on the part of the husband (namely, he has a mistress in mainland China). The apartment is in a public housing estate, although the husband has a reported wealth of HK$100 million and could probably live in much better style.

However, the husband believes that his good fortunes were due to the fengshui in this apartment and therefore he continues to live there. Due to the estrangement, the couple live in separate rooms. The husband lives in room A while the wife lives in room E. Previously, both shared the living room (D), the bathroom (C) and the kitchen (B). The wife has her own living room (F). There is an entrance area (G) right behind the front door.

The husband then initiated interior decoration project #1. He hired a contractor to seal the door from Room E to the living room, restroom and kitchen. The wife was mad, but she could not make the contractor stop.

So the wife then initiated interior decoration project #2. She hired a contractor to seal the door from the entrance area G to areas A, B, C, D. So this means that the husband has no access to his own room. Furthermore, nobody had access to the living room, restroom or kitchen.
As said, the fight was inevitable with their children taking different sides. The police was summoned and they came and hauled everyone down to the police station. (source: ZoneEuropa)


Tags: Hong Kong, Interior Design, Humour

Worldwide Holiday on 1 Feb 2019

ENJOY YOUR EACH MOMENT MAXIMUM YOU CAN..... MIT astronomers predicts Worldwide Holiday on Feb 1, 2019 as the world is scheduled to end

The Bible says that only the Father knows the hour. The world and all that is in it are reserved for fire. Revelation talks about a huge blazing mountain being thrown to the earth etc..I believe that this blazing mountain is an asteroid that upon impact, massive earthquakes and volcanic type fire will destroy everthing in its path.

We must not speculate on the date...because only the Father knows. Jesus second coming will be in an hour unknown to man ..like a thief whose coming is not known. Let us just be reminded of the grim reality of how the world is going to end and live for Jesus and the glory of God.

That is why it is even more pressing for us to share with the lost and just continue to keep on sharing and leaving the result to God.

Anyway, NASA has eliminated the chances of that asteroid crashing into planet earth via their report on 2 Aug 2002.

Tags: NASA, MIT, Asteroid, Space, Science, Bible, God, Christianity

Intel® Core™2 Extreme quad-core

Now available in quad-core.
Experience performance second to none on highly-threaded apps² and get in the game like it was meant to be played with the Intel® Core™2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700—the world's first quad-core desktop processor. (source: Intel)
Just when people were just buying the latest laptops which has the latest Intel Core2 Duo processor, Intel released this new chip. This new chip only has a 9 months competition advantage over their rivals.

Only 9 months??? Meaning to say AMD could produce another equivalent or better chip soon.
Tags: Intel, Intel Core2, AMD, Processor, Technology

Women's World Open Squash Championship

Nicol David, Malaysian squash queen, downs Natalie Grinham to keep world title. The world number one and defending champion succeeded in retaining the women’s World Open squash title at the Ulster Hall in Belfast yesterday.
Nicol won in five games to retain her world title. It was hard work for Nicol as she had to fight back in a dramatic final to become the first Malaysian athlete to win a world championship title for the second consecutive time. Nicol, who became the first Asian player to win the title last year, took 98 minutes to defeat fourth-seeded Australian Natalie Grinham 1-9, 9-7, 3-9, 9-5, 9-2. Click here to view all matches' results in the championship. (source: World Squash)
Tags: Sports, Squash, Nicol David, Natalie Grinham

Increase of Toll Rates Confirmed !!

* Latest - Toll rates for five highways will go up on Jan 1 next year as the Government can no longer afford to subsidise toll increases, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said on Monday. Within 24 hours, a change of tone. I'm not surprised as they are politicians.....meant to talk like this (source: The Star also). By the way, I have blogged about such increase (with percentage of increase too) way back on 16 Oct 2006. Other goods and services affected by it will also see increase in their prices.

ONLY YESTERDAY (Sunday) - The Cabinet will decide by the end of this year whether to increase the toll charges for the five concessionaires. The concessionaires are Guthrie Corridor, KL-Karak Highway, Grand Saga, Lebuhraya Damansara Perdana and Lebuhraya Shah Alam.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the concession agreements would be due by Jan 1 next year. “I have submitted the working papers to the Treasury, the Economic Planning Unit and the Attorney General to get their feedback,” he said.

“Once my ministry receives the feedback, the Cabinet will decide whether to increase the toll.” He added that the Government would have to pay compensation to the concessionaires if they decide not to increase the toll. “The agreement lapses every three to seven years, so we will have to review the toll. If we do not allow them to increase the toll, then we will have to compensate them,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday. (source: The Star)
Tags: Toll, Highway, Lebuh Raya

3 Civil Wars in Middle East

Jordan's King Abdullah has warned that three civil wars could break out in the Middle East crisis anytime unless the international community takes urgent action. He said conflicts in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories could spin out of control.

In Lebanon - tensions between pro- (led by Hezbollah) and anti- (led by March 14 Alliance) Syrian groups.
In Iraq - sectarian conflicts between the Sunni and Shiite.
In Palestine - the Hamas and Fatah (even have their own website) factions are on collision course.

And with Israel added into the picture, it's really hot........click here to see key maps tracing the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from pre-1947.
Tags: War, Civil War, Conflict, Middle East, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Hezbollah, March 14 Alliance, Sunni, Shiite, Hamas, Fatah

Coke with Mentos

Have seen enough pictures and video clips showing how Coke will react when mixed together with Mentos sweet.

This phenomenon is also found in the following websites with video clips:-

- Eepybird
- Steve Spangler Science (in this, you'll see it shooting more than 10 feet high)
- Google video (few videos on such experiment)
- Mentos Geyser contest (to such an extent too!)

You decide whether to take both in your mouth at the same time!!

Tags: Coke, Coca Cola, Mentos, Geyser

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't have at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise." When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine."

My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..."This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~ Paid In Full ~

Tags: Christianity, Inspiration, Jesus, Satan, Attorney

Responsible Tourism Award 2006

Responsible Tourism is about tourism operators "providing quality travel experiences that promote the conservation of natural environments and offer opportunities and benefits for local communities". Wild Asia believes that Responsible Tourism is a business ethic that all tourism operators should adopt. Wild Asia works with Asian tourism operators to help them understand the principles of sustainable tourism and to promote best management practices amongst them.

UN’s World Tourist Organisation launched the World Responsible Tourism Day at the World Travel Market in London on 6 Nov 2006. (source: World Tourism Organisation)

The winners for the Responsible Tourism Award 2006:-
Category: Luxury-Boutique Resorts and Hotels

a) Evason Phuket and Six Senses Spa, Thailand; RT score: 100%

A 260-room resort with rates starting from RM770 (US$210 at low season), Evason Phuket already has two certifications under its belt – Green Globe 21 and Thai Green Leaf. (Backed by United Nations, Green Globe 21 is an international certification scheme for RT operators. The Thai Green Leaf Foundation certifies hotels that are committed to environmental conservation.)

b) Alila Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; 85%
c) Alila Manggis, Bali, Indonesia; 84%

Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Batang Ai, Sarawak, Malaysia; 65% (Category: Eco-ventures, lodges and homestays)

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi Island, Malaysia; 65% (Category: Destination Award (Best in Langkawi)

Tags: Travel, Leisure, Tourism, Responsible Tourism, World Tourism Organisation, Wild Asia, Asia, Phuket, Bali, Batang Ai, Langkawi, Evason Phuket, Alila Ubud, Alila Manggis, Nanga Sumpa, Tanjung Rhu

A1 Grand Prix

A1 Grand Prix is the first opportunity in any area of motorsport for nations to compete on a level playing field. It is a series where technology and innovation are deliberately equalised and performance is determined by human bravery, skill and excellence. A1 Grand Prix is more than just another motorsport phenomenon; it's an entirely new sport - The World Cup of Motorsport. Pitting driver against driver and country against country for the first time in history, A1 Grand Prix will bring together 25 nations representing 80 per cent of the world's population to actively compete on a level playing field.

Today, Malaysia is hosting the 4th race out of a total of 12 races in a season. Malaysia has also sent a team to participate in this A1 GP where the lead driver is Alex Yoong (pic) with Fairuz Fauzy as the 2nd driver, a former Formula 1 driver for the Minardi team back in 2001. He didn't get to acclimatise himself well with the fast speed of Formula 1 and thus, faded out naturally the following year. He got in by virtue of the Malaysian government wanting a driver to represent the country. The government got a local corporate entity to sponsor Minardi with Alex Yoong packaged in. So he was pushed right up to the scale of motorsport when he's not ready for it. Back home, we Malaysians were so ashamed of his results, when you knew how he got into the scene.

Tags: Sports, A1, Grand Prix, Motorsport, Racing, Alex Yoong, Malaysia

British English VS Malaysian English

Who says our English is teruk.? Just see below - Ours is simple,short,concise, straight-to-point, effective etc.........

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS
Britons: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.
Malaysians: No stock.

RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who page?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY .
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians: No-need, lah.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing the door) Can ar?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want la...

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.
Malaysians: You mad, ah?

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please ! lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time.. Do I know you?
Malaysians: See what, see what?

WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.
Malaysians: Die-lah!!

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: Wat happen Why like that....

WHEN SOME ONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it here let me show you,
Malaysians: Like that also don't know how to do!!!!

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me
Malaysians: Celaka u
Tags: British, Malaysia, Language, Joke, Humour, Funny

FESPIC Games 2006

What is FESPIC Games ?
FESPIC Federation (formerly spelled out as Far East and South Pacific Games Federation for the disabled) is the sports organization for the persons with disability in Asia and South Pacific. The 1st Games were held in Oita, Japan in 1975 under the leadership of the late Dr. Nakamura, and the 8th Games were held in Busan, Korea in October 2002 with 2,199 participants from 40 countries and territories in the region.

Malaysia is hosting the 9th FESPIC Games from 25 Nov to 1 Dec 2006 with majority of the events being held at the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

The mascot (left) is the mouse deer, the native of Malaysia. Locally known as pelanduk or kancil, this shy animal is regarded as being very agile and also a quick thinker. The legendary animal is a favourite in local folktales, commonly known as "Sang Kancil", noted for its intelligence, wit, cunning feints and quick reaction to escape from all kinds of danger, especially from its enemies.

Tags: Sports, FESPIC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Paralympic

Current TV Trend

I favour a LCD TV lately too especially when the prices are down back home in Malaysia. But I noted that this guy from Ireland has a much better idea where you could bring the cost of owning such TV models to a price where you could afford that big screen TV.

Tags: TV, Flatscreen, LCD, Plasma, Visual

Malaysian Astronaut

American Spaceman is called Astronaut / Russian Spaceman is called Cosmonaut

Chinese Spaceman is called Taikonaut / Malaysian Spaceman? - Can-or-naut!

The Top Minister in Malaysia was thinking about sending somebody into space. Three potential can-a-nauts were called for an interview - one Indian, one Malay and one Chinese.

Top Minister interviews the Indian first: "So, Muthu, this is a dangerous mission. How much do you think you should be paid?" Muthu replied: "One million ringgit." "Why so much?" asks Top Minister. "Very dangerous mission, Datuk. Maybe no come back!" replied Muthu. "That's understandable," says Top Minister. "Thank you...please ask the Malay guy to come here".

So the Malay walks up, and is asked the same question. "Alamak!...2 million, Datuk," replied the Malay candidate. "Two million? That's twice as much! Even the aneh before you asked for only one million." "You see, Datuk," explains Mat. "I have 4 wives and 15 children ... With 20 of us, it is a big family to support when I am gone...!" "I see," says Top Minister. "Okay, can you ask that Chinese guy to come then?"

The Chinese guy comes in and Top Minister asks, "Ah Chong, given this is a very risky mission, how much do you want?" Ah Chong thinks for a while, and says, "3 million." Top Minister appears shocked. "What?!? 3 million! Why so much?" Ah Chong beckons Top Minister to come closer. He quietly whispers into his ear, "Datuk, one million you keep, one million I keep, and then one more million to send that aneh into space lah!"

Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humour, Astronaut, Space

Global Warming

From my previous postings on Living Far Beyond Planet's Means and Tiny Island States Seek International Help ....it's very clear that humans are reacting to the global warming effect and affected by it in a way as seen in this picture....

Tags: Environment, Jokes, Funny, Humour, Global Warming

World's Largest Church @ South Korea

Yoido Full Gospel Church, founded on 18 May 1958, has the world's largest congregation of Christians in a single church situated at Yoido, western Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. It's founder pastor, Rev. David Cho Yong-gi (biography), through God's calling has led a tremendous Christian growth in the country.
Today the church is attended by an estimated 750,000 members with 11 worship services in the main building throughout the week. The church organisation has 527 pastors with 100,113 leaders supporting them.

Yoido Full Gospel Church, has named Rev. Lee Young-hoon as the successor to its current pastor and founder Cho Yong-gi. Lee, who is currently the pastor of the Full Gospel Church's Los Angeles, California chapter, won 435 of the 933 votes cast by church officials in a closed-door vote at the church's headquarters in Yoido on Sunday. Lee, 52, will take over the congregation in 2009 after receiving a two-year apprenticeship from Cho, whose pastorate will then officially come to an end.

Tags: Yoido Full Gospel Church, Yoido, Seoul, South Korea, Cho Yong-gi, Lee Young-hoon, Christianity, Church

Let The Console Wars Begin

Well, gamers who intended to get new models for their consoles will have 3 options now with Sony's Playstation 3,

Microsoft Xbox 360 and

Nintendo's Wii.

The 3 consoles are now out in the market just before the year end holiday season. We will see by mid next year which of the console will emerge as the favourite console.

As for my preference, I still prefer PC games with those strategy games basis or a first-person shooter game. Once in a while, I don't mind dabbling with my colleague's PS2 which he brought along to Sudan.

Tags: Sony, Playstation3, ps3, Microsoft, Xbox360, Nintendo, Wii, Technology, Console, Games, Entertainment

Mexico's "Illegitimate President"

Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the opposition leader who lost in the recent Mexican presidential election has held his own swearing-in ceremony declaring himself as the new president of Mexico challenging the President-elect Felipe Calderón. López Obrador claimed there was a massive election fraud and he doesn't recognise the election results........hmmmmm same tone at the recent Democratic Republic of Congo's presidential election by Jean-Pierre Bemba who lost.

López Obrador was "sworn in" by Senator Rosario Ibarra, a human rights activist and member of his party, who placed a red, green and white presidential sash across his shoulders before an estimated 100,000 supporters in the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square. Oh mine, this will lead to more chaos in Mexico with 2 major camps opposing each other. Let's pray that it's just a political gimmick with the intention of setting up a shadow government which monitors the current government.

A poll in the Reforma newspaper yesterday showed that 56% of those questioned oppose his decision to name himself "legitimate president" while just 19% back him. (source: Boston Globe)

Tags: Mexico, President, López Obrador, Felipe Calderón, Election, DR Congo

Ian Thorpe

araThe great Australian swimmer, Ian Thorpe has announced in a press conference that he will be retiring, at the tender age of 24, from competitive swimming competitions and will not participate in the upcoming 12th FINA World Championships to be held in Melbourne itself.

Tributes are pouring in for the sensational swimmer who has cracked numerous records at all levels throughout his swimming career since the age of 14. His achievements included the 11 world titles, 5 Olympic gold medals and set 13 individual long-course world records in a glittering career. (source: Swim News, IHT Sports, Adelaide Now, The Age, Herald Sun, Sydney Morning Herald)

Tags: Sports, Swimming, Ian Thorpe, Australia, Retire, Tribute, IHT, Adelaide Now, The Age, Herald Sun, Sdyney Morning Herald

Urban Legends

At times you might have received certain emails on peculiar happenings throughout the world or even in your own country that threatens your safety or expressed concern for our own family members.

Example:-

Kidney stolen after a heavy party fling and left in a bath tub filled with ice cubes

A certain email attachment named 'Life Is Beautiful' going round the email world stating do not open this email with named attachment which has virus in it

Emails stating that if you send a particular email to a number of persons in your list, AOL or Microsoft will reward you for helping them to market their services

For more of such urban legends or false news, you can view it under Snopes which has a full reference of such scams or false news. Before you thought of forwarding such emails, think again and search it under Snopes first and update yourself with the latest creation. In this particular website, each news has been verified and explained as to why it was not real.

Sometimes I felt irritated by such emails even from personal friends who don't have the audacity to verify whether the emails they sent out are true or not even though it was with good intention. It flips me more when a learned person send it to you. What say you?

Tags: Snopes, Urban Legend, Emails, Scam, Rumour, Spam, False, Fake, Tales, Folklore, Weird

Haircut of the Year

Haircut of the Year....BEAT THIS
Tags: Hair, Haircut, Fashion, Style, Funny, Humour

Mother Teresa Memorial International Award

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is the first Malaysian to receive the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice.
The award was presented during a ceremony at Taj President Hotel in Mumbai, India, yesterday.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's son, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir received the award on behalf of his father, who is recuperating from a mild heart attack. The award was given in recognition of Dr Mahathir’s efforts in pushing through national unity in a multiracial and multireligious country. During his tenure as the Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir had ensured that economic development and progress was enjoyed by all, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. The award, given by the Harmony Foundation, was to honour men and women of integrity.
Tags: Mahathir, Mother Teresa, Memorial, Taj President, Award, Harmony Foundation

Temuan Community

Temuan Community - a project under Soroptimist International Club of Bangsar ("SICB") in Kampung Hulu Cemperuh, Pahang. A long and lasting relationship started with SICB adopting the 30 families in the community, undertaking health and education and starting a goat-rearing project for them to generate income in 2001. It started due to the sight of a child’s body badly disfigured by fire caught the attention and compassion of the SICB team members who were with members from the Australian Soroptimist.

The goat-rearing project won a prestigious award last week. The project clinched the coveted SI Excellent Best Practice Award for SICB last week, beating 300 entries worldwide. It was the first time that a Malaysian Soroptimist club had won the overall Top Award, although in previous years several clubs had won in other categories. The goat-rearing project also won the International Best Practice Award in Economic and Social Development, one of six focus areas.

SICB’s efforts helped in alleviating poverty of the marginalised orang asli ("indigenous people") in Kampung Hulu Cemperuh.

The award entitles SICB to participate in the United Nations plenary session on the 2007 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York from Feb 26 to March 9 next year. Soroptimist International is a non-governmental organisation for women in management and the professions. It has some 93,000 members in 3,000 clubs in 125 countries. SI has general consultative status with several UN and World Health Organisation agencies. (source: The Star)
Tags: Soroptimist International, Temuan, Commission on the Status of Women, Charity, Women, Social, Community, Pahang

Apple iPhone out in first-half 2007?

A recent article on Chinese newspaper Commercial Times made headlines when it reported that Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, has received orders from Apple to produce 12 million iPhones. It said that the phones are expected to be ready for a first-half 2007 launch. While rumours (here and here) of an Apple smart phone device have been circulating on the internet for a while, this latest report has certainly prompted many fans to believe that Steve Jobs will introduce the iPhone at MacWorld in January next year. Both Apple and Hon Hai have not commented on the report. Hon Hai currently produces iPods for Apple. (source: CNET Asia)
Tags: Apple, iPod, Hon Hai, Foxconn, iPhone, MacWorld, Technology, Mobile Phone, CNET

Wedding of Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes

The wedding of Tom Cruise & Katies Holmes was widely reported throughout the world due to Tom Cruise's popularity, the star of Mission Impossible movies. The wedding was held at a 15th-century Odescalchi castle (read more about the castle's history) which towers over the lakeside Italian town on the shores of Lake Bracciano about 25 miles northwest of the Italian capital.

The ceremony was performed by a Scientology minister before more than 150 relatives and friends. Holmes wore a fitted Giorgio Armani off-the-shoulder bridal gown with a train in ivory silk cadis adorned in Valenciennes lace and Swarovski beaded crystal embroidery, and Cruise also wore a handmade, Armani tuxedo. Holmes' father Martin Holmes, walked her down the aisle, and she carried a bouquet of flowers made by Armani. It included calla lilies wrapped in leaves of galax and steelgrass. Cruise's best friend, David Miscavige, was best man, and the matron of honor was Holmes' sister, Nancy Blaylock.

Other VIPs arriving in limousines or vans through the castle gates included Giorgio Armani, Brooke Shields, Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, David & Victoria Beckham. Holmes was giving Cruise a wedding gift of a Vacheron Constantin watch engraved simply, "I Love You," the watch company said in a statement.

Church of Scientology (which I did blog about this so-called 'church' on 27 Oct) ceremonies contain many elements of traditional weddings, including rings and vows. But they also include certain Scientology fundamentals, including vowing never to go to bed without communicating about any differences. A spokesman for the Church of Scientology for Rome, Fabrizio D'Agostino, said an exchange of vows with a Scientology rite was not legally recognized in Italy, and would have to be preceded or followed by a civil union.

News is that they have flew off to Maldives for their honeymoon. Looks like the Paparazzis will be rushing there too.
Tags: Entertainment, Celebrity, Wedding, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Bracciano, Italy, Odescalchi, Church of Scientology, Maldives

Parents Turn Violent During Youth Sports

There was a case that had happened in Philadelphia which I had blogged about it on 24 Oct.
This time at Corpus Christi, Texas, the 5- and 6-year-old athletes were playing with all their hearts in a big championship youth football game. With 10 seconds left on the clock, a coach charged the field and tackled a referee, knocking him unconscious and sparking a raucous brawl. Some parents jumped in to protect their kids, others to protect adults at the bottom of the pile.

Good thing none of the kids was harmed and the police and the district attorney's office are already investigating the case where the coach will be charged for sure.

Peter Roby, Director of Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, said parents are losing perspective on the point of playing sports and are viewing the game through their own eyes, rather than from their child's point of view. (source: CBS News)

Tags: Fight, Corpus Christi, Texas, Football, Sports

World Toilet Day 2006

yeah it's today and you are not supposed to use the toilet on the auspicious day....hahaha

well, i supposed the special day was organised to bring awareness on the importance of hygiene in toilet whether public or private (more so public). The organisation bringing such things up is 'flushed' with ideas on sanitation.

World Toilet Organisation (WTO - don't get mixed up with World Trade Organisation) has just organised a ........

World Toilet Expo & Forum 2006, from 16-18 November 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Next in line is the World Toilet Summit & Expo 2006 which is being held by the Russian Toilet Association in Moscow, Russia today itself to discuss on topics listed here (source: Poop Report).

This is big shitty business, may I say. If you think you are hygienic enough, try this Game and see how you fare in toilet cleanliness.

Tags: World Toilet Day, Toilet, Hygiene, Health, Bangkok, Thailand, Moscow, Russia

Season of Life

Things you can learn which are applicable to our season of life:-
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
* Take naps and always stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you're not.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
* When you are happy, dance around and shake your entire body.
* No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
If I had it all to do over I would work less and go for more joy rides with my sons and bride. The anchors on ESPN's SportsCenter often joke that "an injured athlete is day to day, but then again, aren't we all?" The reality is we are all day to day. Even moment to moment. Life can change in a heartbeat. When the opportunity for a joy ride comes along make it a habit to jump on board.

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
One thing I can count on when I come in the door is that Hannah will be there vibrating with excitement. Wouldn't it be nice to greet your loved one with that enthusiasm? Be sure to bring smelling salts the first time.

* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.I love this one. People often don't know how to react to friends going through a trial like Joni. I wrote an earlier post about being a good cancer buddy that is being published in Crosswalk.com: The Magazine this month. We have found that the mere caring presence of friends has been healing. We don't need answers. We really don't need handy Bible verses. We just need a little emotional nuzzling.

* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
This really resonates with where I am right now. I want to be a authentic follower of Jesus. And at times the way to do that seems buried in a sea of bad experiences, bad decisions, and bad Christians. But I intend to keep digging. I want to dig into His Word more completely and into fellowship with God more authentically. I want to dig into my shortcomings more honestly and allow the Spirit of God to reveal and repair those more completely.

I am believing in the promise of James 1:5 NIV "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
- Burchett Family
Tags: Motivation, Inspiration, Thoughts, Christianity, NIV

Everyone is Beautiful in God's Eyes

At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Hondorf. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I've always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons-something I've done for over 30 years.
Over the years I found that children have many levels of musical ability.I've never had the pleasure of having a prodigy though I have taught some talented students. However I've also had my share of what I call "musically challenged" pupils. One such student was Robby. Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys!) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano.

So I took him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavour. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scalesand some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn.

Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he'd always say, "My mom's going to hear me play some day." But it seemed hopeless. He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled but never stopped in.

Then one day Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about calling him but assumed because of his lack of ability, that he had decided to pursue some-thing else. I also was glad that he stopped coming. He was a bad advertisement for my teaching!

Several weeks later I mailed to the student's homes a flyer on the upcoming recital. To my surprise Robby (who received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and because he had dropped out he really did not qualify. He said that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons but he was still practicing.
"Miss Hondorf .... I've just got to play!" he insisted.

I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was his persistence or maybe it was something inside of me saying that it would be all right.

The night for the recital came. The high school gymnasium was packed with parents, friends and relatives. I put Robby up last in the program before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he would do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my "curtain closer."

Well the recital went off without a hitch. The students had been practicing and it showed.Then Robby came up on stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked like he'd run an egg-beater through it. "Why didn't he dress up like the other students?" I thought. "Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?"
Robby pulled out the piano bench and he began. I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen Mozart's Concerto #21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo ... from allegro to virtuoso. His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people of his age.

After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on their feet in wild applause. Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. "I've never heard you play like that Robby! How'd you do it? "Through the microphone Robby explained: "Well Miss Hondorf . . . remember I told you my mom was sick? Well, actually she had cancer and passed away this morning. And well she was born deaf so tonight was the first time she ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special."

There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.

No, I've never had a prodigy but that night I became a prodigy of Robby's. He was the teacher and I was the pupil. For it is he who taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself and maybe even taking a chance in someone and you don't know why. Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995.

Tags: Motivation, Inspiration, Thoughts, Dream

The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Las Vegas Sands Corp ("LVS") was awarded the project to develop the Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay by the Singapore government.

LVS committed a high development investment of US$3.85 billion. Together with the land price and other associated capital costs, the total investment by LVS would exceed US$5 billion. This is one of the largest investments in the world for a single IR. The IR will include the first casino in Singapore. The IR, to be known as Marina Bay Sands, is scheduled to be opened in 2009.

Its proposal includes plans for 2,500 hotel rooms, 1.2 million square feet of flexible meetings, incentive,convention and exhibition (MICE) space, one million square feet of retail space, three large entertainment venues and a Paiza Club, LVS' successful premium player venue.

It will also be the region's first museum that boasts the best in international cultural and populist exhibits; extensive entertainment programming spanning Broadway, Bollywood, music, sports, fashion and an array of entertainment from Southeast and North Asia; a high-end retail mall featuring sophisticated product offerings; world-class spa and fitness facilities; and fine dining restaurants offering gourmet cuisines from award winning chefs. To know more what are in store at Marina Bay Sands, read more in the IR factsheet.

Lead architect for the said IR is Moshe Safdie and Associates, USA (more architectural drawings in this site).

LVS is a hotel, resort, and gaming and exhibition/convention company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company owns The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and the Sands Expo and Convention Center, where it hosts exhibitions and conventions, in Las Vegas and the Sands Macao in the People's Republic of China Special Administrative Region of Macao.

The company is also developing additional casino hotel resort properties, including The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas and The Venetian Macao Casino Resort in Macao.
Tags: Travel, Leisure, Resort, Las Vegas Sands, Marina Bay, Singapore, Macao, Las Vegas, Casino

Desert Race in Jordan

A horse rider from the Middle East competes in a 120 km (75 miles) International Endurance Race in the desert of Wadi Rum in southern Jordan on 14 November 2006.
Tags: Sports, Race, Middle East, Wadi Rum, Jordan