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