Tiring trip to Sudan. Arrived on Sunday, 27 Nov and now I'm on the way back to KL on 31 Dec. It's not like I'm going to Singapore but this is all the way to Sudan and back. Challenging indeed.
Thanks to Emirates for providing me the Gold Tier membership. This will allow me to access Business Class lounge whenever I travel with Emirates Airlines and having privilege lines for boarding or obtaining tickets. In Khartoum, access to Business Lounge not granted ..... sigh. The plane took off on time today, one of those rare occasions, at 8.10pm.
Arrived in Dubai around 12.20am and had to line up to obtain my connecting flight's ticket. Enquired from an airport staff on why I was not provided with hotel voucher. The man said you have to arrange with the Emirates office that issued the ticket ........ sigh ..... ten hours wait in the airport.
Next I went for shopping at the duty free area. Bought a few camels for decoration at the new house. Then went up to the Business Lounge at Terminal 3.
Upon reaching the lounge, I passed my ticket to a lady behind the counter. Somehow my ticket was printed with the word "Silver" denoting that I'm still a Silver Tier member and this lady told me to go to another lounge located at the faraway Terminal 1 basically reserved for Silver Tier members.
I told her to check again as I knew that I'm a Gold Tier member to which she mentioned that the ticket has informed stated clearly. She didn't even want to check but passed it on to her next colleague (a guy) who confirmed that I'm a Gold Tier member. Was it so cumbersome to check?
I thought I would be bored to death here in this lounge. To my surprise, they have xBox games - racing car in a replica car with 3 big screens, football and motorcycle race are there too. Food is plentiful.
It's close to 6am now and I'm shall to go for my nice breakfast.
Heard that my house is almost done now.
Tags: Gold Tier, Silver Tier, Emirates, Business Class Lounge, XBox
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Frantic Life
I think this is the longest break I have taken from blogging, since 15 Dec 2009. Life in KL office was filled with tight schedules. Need to submit a number of assignments within short periods. It was way past 8pm daily. Once back home, it was more planning for the new house.
Left KL for Sudan on 11 Dec 2009 and this is the period that I don't mind being in Sudan. Reason is that winter has set in. When I inserted the quote of "Sudan winter has set in" in my msn chat, many friends queried me on that sentence.
Most friends were blur about the weather in Sudan and some asked what sort of winter am I having here. One friend even said "don't tell me there's snow in Sudan".
Let me clear this. Winter season doesn't snow here. And who says that it must snow during winter. Normal day time weather would be above 40 degree centigrade. Now, it's hovering around 32 to 35.
Night time reading on normal days would be around 30 plus. During winter season, it's 22 and below. You need a jacket on a windy night if you were having a drink at those opened cafe.
On 17 Dec 2009, I left Sudan for KL. Arrived at KL home around 4pm and straight off to new house.
On 19 Dec 2009, friends arrived around 9am plus to assist in the shifting to the new house. Was so busy with the shifting till I have forgotten to take any pictures. Many thanks to the friends and relatives that came to give a hand on that day itself.
My bro-in-law and sis-in-law came all the way from Malacca to lend a hand in cleaning the house. They did it from Thurs till Sat (the day I moved in). Just by saying thank you is not enough.
Come Sunday, 20 Dec 2009. Met up with the drama team to confirm the Christmas drama. My script came out quite late this time and caused all the last minute arrangements. Had a drama practise on Tues night to firm up the loose parts.
From 20 Dec 2009 till 26 Dec 2009, it was havoc at new house. Various suppliers are still coming in to intall this or that. A supplier's lorry hooked onto my new auto gate and broke it (left side of the gate). What to do? That poor guy is getting a pay cut for that. Cost of repair came up to RM550. Need further alignment on the left gate now.
Washing machine delivered to my house without being installed. How do you expect my family to use it then? And when the technician came, he said my water tap is different. The plumber, technician and me looked at each other. I called the supplier and gave them a good piece of my mind on that afternoon. Enough is enough.
Carpenter was slow in his work and it delayed the kitchen cabinets. Power sockets can't be installed at those areas and my fridge and water treatment system can't be switched on as well. One thing led to one another.
Some friends asked "Why did you move in then?". Good thing I moved in the week before as I was not expected to be in Sudan this weekend. Coming weekend would be the new year. Just need to finalise many stuff at the condo for the handover too.
On 26 Dec 2009, the night where I'm supposed to leave for Sudan, I was still purchasing some lightings for my house. This was not last minute but more of no time to do so.
On Wed afternoon (23 Dec), received a phone call from a colleague saying that I'm expected to be in Sudan on Sunday. What a week! Never mind, one thing at a time. Christmas came and all went by smoothly before some tension in the beginning of the service. The wire connection from the projector and two laptops couldn't fit in ...... my my.
Will blog again with a few pictures on Christmas Day.
Tags: Frantic Life
Left KL for Sudan on 11 Dec 2009 and this is the period that I don't mind being in Sudan. Reason is that winter has set in. When I inserted the quote of "Sudan winter has set in" in my msn chat, many friends queried me on that sentence.
Most friends were blur about the weather in Sudan and some asked what sort of winter am I having here. One friend even said "don't tell me there's snow in Sudan".
Let me clear this. Winter season doesn't snow here. And who says that it must snow during winter. Normal day time weather would be above 40 degree centigrade. Now, it's hovering around 32 to 35.
Night time reading on normal days would be around 30 plus. During winter season, it's 22 and below. You need a jacket on a windy night if you were having a drink at those opened cafe.
On 17 Dec 2009, I left Sudan for KL. Arrived at KL home around 4pm and straight off to new house.
On 19 Dec 2009, friends arrived around 9am plus to assist in the shifting to the new house. Was so busy with the shifting till I have forgotten to take any pictures. Many thanks to the friends and relatives that came to give a hand on that day itself.
My bro-in-law and sis-in-law came all the way from Malacca to lend a hand in cleaning the house. They did it from Thurs till Sat (the day I moved in). Just by saying thank you is not enough.
Come Sunday, 20 Dec 2009. Met up with the drama team to confirm the Christmas drama. My script came out quite late this time and caused all the last minute arrangements. Had a drama practise on Tues night to firm up the loose parts.
From 20 Dec 2009 till 26 Dec 2009, it was havoc at new house. Various suppliers are still coming in to intall this or that. A supplier's lorry hooked onto my new auto gate and broke it (left side of the gate). What to do? That poor guy is getting a pay cut for that. Cost of repair came up to RM550. Need further alignment on the left gate now.
Washing machine delivered to my house without being installed. How do you expect my family to use it then? And when the technician came, he said my water tap is different. The plumber, technician and me looked at each other. I called the supplier and gave them a good piece of my mind on that afternoon. Enough is enough.
Carpenter was slow in his work and it delayed the kitchen cabinets. Power sockets can't be installed at those areas and my fridge and water treatment system can't be switched on as well. One thing led to one another.
Some friends asked "Why did you move in then?". Good thing I moved in the week before as I was not expected to be in Sudan this weekend. Coming weekend would be the new year. Just need to finalise many stuff at the condo for the handover too.
On 26 Dec 2009, the night where I'm supposed to leave for Sudan, I was still purchasing some lightings for my house. This was not last minute but more of no time to do so.
On Wed afternoon (23 Dec), received a phone call from a colleague saying that I'm expected to be in Sudan on Sunday. What a week! Never mind, one thing at a time. Christmas came and all went by smoothly before some tension in the beginning of the service. The wire connection from the projector and two laptops couldn't fit in ...... my my.
Will blog again with a few pictures on Christmas Day.
Tags: Frantic Life
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
To Reduce Is To Increase
Many Malaysians are baffled by the government who flip flops with various actions. In order to reduce certain usages (of services or products) by the citizens of Malaysia, the government has to implement some drastic action to discourage Malaysians.
For example (what I could recall after laughing over it with my colleagues):-
a) To discourage people from travelling overseas, the government will increase the application fee for an international passport.
b) To discourage people from using motor vehicles of more than fifteen years, government decided to get those car owners to spend more to conduct vehicle inspection on the road worthiness. In other words (from certain car industry people), it's to encourage such car owners to spend more to buy the Proton cars.
c) To discourage people from using / discontinue the RON 92 petrol, government said that RON 95 and RON 97 of higher prices are of better petrol quality. In Europe, cars are still running on RON 92 which makes foreign produced cars a better choice as it could run on cheaper fuel and this will affect the sales of local made cars as local made cars may not perform well in RON 92.
d) To prevent people from spending too much, government decided to impose a RM50 penalty for each credit card held.
e) To prevent people from getting diabetes or consume too much sugar, government may discontinue subsidy for this item which will definitely increase the price for sugar.
f) To prevent people from buying cigarettes, the government will enforce cigarette packaging to consist of more cigarettes but at a much much much much higher pricing.
g) To prevent people from congesting the city, the government may in the future impose an entry fee for those motor vehicles that has only one passenger which is the driver himself.
h) To discourage people from using plastic bags anymore, the government (or state government) will instruct the supermarkets not to distribute any plastic bags and to sell canvas bags instead that could be used again and again.
i) To discourage people from buying foreign made / imported cars, the government imposed higher import tariffs on those cars in order for the local made cars to survive. However, the local made cars are sold at a higher price in Malaysia if compared to the exported version where the specs are slightly better.
j) To discourage people from congesting the roads and to get the citizens to take public transportation (referring to the lousy bus systems), the government decreased subsidy for the petrol.
What I can say is that the government will tend to 'punish' its citizens into doing something instead of coming up with an encouraging plan so that people will do it willingly which could benefit the citizens at the same time.
Definitely wrong approach in solving problems.
Following were suggested by colleagues:-
a) To decrease cholesterol level for all Malaysians, prices for whatever eggs will be increased up to 50 cents per egg.
b) To discourage people (men generally) from approaching prostitutes, each condom shall be sold at RM50 per piece.
c) To discourage people from eating unhealthy food such as nasi lemak and goreng pisang, coconut and cooking oil will be increased tremendously.
Tags: Malaysia, Price Increase
For example (what I could recall after laughing over it with my colleagues):-
a) To discourage people from travelling overseas, the government will increase the application fee for an international passport.
b) To discourage people from using motor vehicles of more than fifteen years, government decided to get those car owners to spend more to conduct vehicle inspection on the road worthiness. In other words (from certain car industry people), it's to encourage such car owners to spend more to buy the Proton cars.
c) To discourage people from using / discontinue the RON 92 petrol, government said that RON 95 and RON 97 of higher prices are of better petrol quality. In Europe, cars are still running on RON 92 which makes foreign produced cars a better choice as it could run on cheaper fuel and this will affect the sales of local made cars as local made cars may not perform well in RON 92.
d) To prevent people from spending too much, government decided to impose a RM50 penalty for each credit card held.
e) To prevent people from getting diabetes or consume too much sugar, government may discontinue subsidy for this item which will definitely increase the price for sugar.
f) To prevent people from buying cigarettes, the government will enforce cigarette packaging to consist of more cigarettes but at a much much much much higher pricing.
g) To prevent people from congesting the city, the government may in the future impose an entry fee for those motor vehicles that has only one passenger which is the driver himself.
h) To discourage people from using plastic bags anymore, the government (or state government) will instruct the supermarkets not to distribute any plastic bags and to sell canvas bags instead that could be used again and again.
i) To discourage people from buying foreign made / imported cars, the government imposed higher import tariffs on those cars in order for the local made cars to survive. However, the local made cars are sold at a higher price in Malaysia if compared to the exported version where the specs are slightly better.
j) To discourage people from congesting the roads and to get the citizens to take public transportation (referring to the lousy bus systems), the government decreased subsidy for the petrol.
What I can say is that the government will tend to 'punish' its citizens into doing something instead of coming up with an encouraging plan so that people will do it willingly which could benefit the citizens at the same time.
Definitely wrong approach in solving problems.
Following were suggested by colleagues:-
a) To decrease cholesterol level for all Malaysians, prices for whatever eggs will be increased up to 50 cents per egg.
b) To discourage people (men generally) from approaching prostitutes, each condom shall be sold at RM50 per piece.
c) To discourage people from eating unhealthy food such as nasi lemak and goreng pisang, coconut and cooking oil will be increased tremendously.
Tags: Malaysia, Price Increase
Saturday, December 12, 2009
On The Way to Sudan
It's time to be in Sudan again for ad-hoc assignments. This time, it's for one week.
Three of us flew together and put up at the transit hotel, Millenium Hotel, before taking our connecting flight at 3pm. Saw a yellowish car at the hotel entrance and noticed it was a rare Mustang car. Beautiful.
Wasted that the owner didn't come to ignite the engine. Could have been a powerful roar as American cars are usually on power (as mentioned by my colleague).
Their happy face before arriving in Sudan. This is a shuttle bus that will bring us to the airport. The driver was forced to drive us to the airport even though there were three of us in it.
On the way to the airport, I thought I saw an air conditioned pedestrian bridge that comes with elevators too. Pampered Emiratis.
Three of us flew together and put up at the transit hotel, Millenium Hotel, before taking our connecting flight at 3pm. Saw a yellowish car at the hotel entrance and noticed it was a rare Mustang car. Beautiful.Wasted that the owner didn't come to ignite the engine. Could have been a powerful roar as American cars are usually on power (as mentioned by my colleague).
Their happy face before arriving in Sudan. This is a shuttle bus that will bring us to the airport. The driver was forced to drive us to the airport even though there were three of us in it.
On the way to the airport, I thought I saw an air conditioned pedestrian bridge that comes with elevators too. Pampered Emiratis.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Meals at Hailam Kopitiam
With so many types of kopitiam food outlets in Kuala Lumpur, I was already asking when will one open up at my residential area.True enough, the Hailam Kopitiam decided to open up in Taman Danau Desa. One of the bosses told me that this is their 16th outlet.
Not bad for a local kopitiam that originated from Kuala Pilah of Negeri Sembilan. Glad for all these locals that came up with such innovative restaurants that are giving a challenge to renowned cafes like Coffee Bean, Starbucks, or Gloria Jeans.
Their set-up are almost the same with other local kopitiam type of restaurants as they sell almost similar food.
In a hailam food outlet, you must try their Hailam Traditional Chicken Rice Special to see whether they deserve the right to use the word hailam in their name.
The Hot Chocolate drink is found in a kopitiam too? A bit westernised I think.
The Hailam Chicken Chop with Rice that comes with black pepper gravy is excellent. The gravy is filled with strong pepper taste and it burns a bit in your lungs as you swallow the meat. I like it this way.
The Hailam Special White Coffee Iced Blended was filling too. Quite like white coffee. Can't drink too much of coffee as it will give me migraine.Price wise - reasonable for this type of food outlet. After tasting only two of their dishes, can't say much about the rest of it in the menu but those that I have ordered were good.
Maybe it's still new, the outlet is filled during lunch and dinner time during the weekends.
Tags: Hailam Kopitiam, Food
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Weird Stuff at HUKM
Was at Hospital UKM today and noticed some weird stuff. Camera went to work immediately.
At first I thot it was an accident but upon going nearer, this fella parked this way because the car park was full.
Since the Kancil car is known for its small size, the driver took advantage of it to squeeze between the lamp post and a car in front (which drove off when I reach there).
While walking about in the hospital, I noticed this eye catching public notice ....... Sunathon???
What word was that? Can someone enlighten me? haha
You need to know the malay language also to understand the meaning of this 'new word'. Does that mean that the hospital will line up hundreds of boys to have the Sunathon all on 5 Dec 2009?
Tags: Hospital UKM, Sunathon, Kancil
At first I thot it was an accident but upon going nearer, this fella parked this way because the car park was full.Since the Kancil car is known for its small size, the driver took advantage of it to squeeze between the lamp post and a car in front (which drove off when I reach there).
While walking about in the hospital, I noticed this eye catching public notice ....... Sunathon???What word was that? Can someone enlighten me? haha
You need to know the malay language also to understand the meaning of this 'new word'. Does that mean that the hospital will line up hundreds of boys to have the Sunathon all on 5 Dec 2009?
Tags: Hospital UKM, Sunathon, Kancil
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cannot Speaking Inglish in Ofis?
Our wonderful Deputy Education Minister has said this - "if you speak English at your workplace, that's weird".
Reason for saying that - it's harmful to the nation's culture and identity.
Crazy fella ............. sorry to say that lah but then I think he has not seen a lot in life.
My company for one has lots of foreigners (besides the cleaning ladies) in the office. English language is being used so that everyone understands each other. By conversing in the national language, we would have to translate each and every sentence or words every now and then in order for all to understand and respond accordingly.
Maybe need to appoint a professional translator that majors in a few language or a few translators sitting in a meeting room ............ haha. We would be holding a routine department meeting having many translators sitting together in a meeting room just like the United Nations having dozens of professional translators. Now you see what I meant.
The same thing goes for many multinational companies based in Malaysia as they would have lots of professionals coming from various nations.
At a time when we are encouraging foreign direct investments, the senior management staff of such investors would usually be based in Malaysia to oversee the business operations. Now, this fella has to open his mouth to tell us that speaking English in office is weird.
The government is also trying to bring back many professional Malaysians who had been working overseas for a number of years in order to beef up our human resource capacity. These Malaysians may not be fluent with the national language anymore. Are we telling them not to come back now?
You who speaks English in office is weird and he's perfecto for not doing so.
I guess that he's strunggling a lot with the English language itself.
Reading: Malaysian minister says English at work 'weird' - Malaysia Today
Tags: English Language, Deputy Education Minister, Weird
Reason for saying that - it's harmful to the nation's culture and identity.
Crazy fella ............. sorry to say that lah but then I think he has not seen a lot in life.
My company for one has lots of foreigners (besides the cleaning ladies) in the office. English language is being used so that everyone understands each other. By conversing in the national language, we would have to translate each and every sentence or words every now and then in order for all to understand and respond accordingly.
Maybe need to appoint a professional translator that majors in a few language or a few translators sitting in a meeting room ............ haha. We would be holding a routine department meeting having many translators sitting together in a meeting room just like the United Nations having dozens of professional translators. Now you see what I meant.
The same thing goes for many multinational companies based in Malaysia as they would have lots of professionals coming from various nations.
At a time when we are encouraging foreign direct investments, the senior management staff of such investors would usually be based in Malaysia to oversee the business operations. Now, this fella has to open his mouth to tell us that speaking English in office is weird.
The government is also trying to bring back many professional Malaysians who had been working overseas for a number of years in order to beef up our human resource capacity. These Malaysians may not be fluent with the national language anymore. Are we telling them not to come back now?
You who speaks English in office is weird and he's perfecto for not doing so.
I guess that he's strunggling a lot with the English language itself.
Reading: Malaysian minister says English at work 'weird' - Malaysia Today
Tags: English Language, Deputy Education Minister, Weird
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Maybank Used For Phishing
Malayan Banking Berhad ("also known as Maybank"), being the largest bank in Malaysia, has been often used by syndicates to dupe Maybank's customers into revealing their internet user id and password. Once you log in using those so-called Maybank 'links' ........ your money will be all gone within seconds, if not minutes.
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Received an email from maybank@dynasty.com.my alerting me that my maybank account has been blocked. Is this a Malaysian based email address?
Specifically requested me to click at a maybank2u link to restore my access.
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Within minutes, received another email from maybank2u@myb.com.tr. I clicked on the supposedly link to maybank2u.
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And this is what you get to see in a new pop-up window. The exact duplication of the genuine site.
If you were so blur and did key in your username and password, you can wave bye bye to all your monies in your maybank account.
This is known as phishing. These internet syndicates were trying their luck / scams in hoping that blur blur Maybank customers will key in their particulars.
In fact, and sadly too, there are blur blur fellas out there.
Related post: Con Job Involving Four Local Banks
Tags: Phishing, Maybank, Malayan Banking Berhad, Maybank2u, Internet Scam, Internet Syndicates, Con Job
.jpg)
Received an email from maybank@dynasty.com.my alerting me that my maybank account has been blocked. Is this a Malaysian based email address?Specifically requested me to click at a maybank2u link to restore my access.
.jpg)
Within minutes, received another email from maybank2u@myb.com.tr. I clicked on the supposedly link to maybank2u..jpg)
And this is what you get to see in a new pop-up window. The exact duplication of the genuine site.If you were so blur and did key in your username and password, you can wave bye bye to all your monies in your maybank account.
This is known as phishing. These internet syndicates were trying their luck / scams in hoping that blur blur Maybank customers will key in their particulars.
In fact, and sadly too, there are blur blur fellas out there.
Related post: Con Job Involving Four Local Banks
Tags: Phishing, Maybank, Malayan Banking Berhad, Maybank2u, Internet Scam, Internet Syndicates, Con Job
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Merchants Charge Credit Card Users
The Malaysian government has decided to impose a service tax of RM50 for each principal credit card holder wherelse the supplementary card would be penalised with a service tax of RM25.
Reason given for the implementation of the service tax is to 'teach' credit card holders to spend wisely. What else does the government want to teach me where my credit card balances are clean every month? That I reduce my charges to the credit cards in spite of me having settled all amounts every month? You call that teaching but I call it penalising.
As I'm renovating my house, I was able to charge to my credit cards for lots of purchases and raked up lots of points at the same time lately. I do have the cash but I prefer using my credit cards to pay for it owing to the points.
Unfortunately, the government has decided that I'm to be penalised for using the credit cards. Ok, maybe the government has to think of some ways to earn some revenues to maintain the nation's economy.
But what do you say when the merchants, who have signed up with banks to have a credit card facility in their businesses, are also charging consumers like you and me.
Of late, I have been shopping around for many stuff for the house renovation. Certain shops (not all) that accept the usage of credit cards (applies to both VISA and MASTECARD) for payments have told me this - "I have to charge you 3% extra because you are using the credit card to pay". If you pay by cash, it'll be a bit cheaper.
The goverment is taxing me and now the merchants are passing their costs to me as well. In the end, it's the consumers that are dying.
As far as I understand is that merchants arranged to have credit card facilities in their business premises for their customers' conveniences. At the same time, they'll tell their customers that the credit card facilities were set-up for the benefit of the customers but the customers would have to bear that costs. Fair?
One merchant has fixed the amount of money to be paid if you use your credit card. Say RM5 for each credit card transaction.
What does VISA and MASTERCARD have to say about such practises? Does your company explains to the credit card users who should bear that 3% charges?
What does our local banks have to say about such arrangements? Do you all (banks) know about such games being played?
Are the merchants permitted to pass the costs to the customers? What's the answer?
Tags: VISA, MASTERCARD, Service Tax, Credit Card
Reason given for the implementation of the service tax is to 'teach' credit card holders to spend wisely. What else does the government want to teach me where my credit card balances are clean every month? That I reduce my charges to the credit cards in spite of me having settled all amounts every month? You call that teaching but I call it penalising.
As I'm renovating my house, I was able to charge to my credit cards for lots of purchases and raked up lots of points at the same time lately. I do have the cash but I prefer using my credit cards to pay for it owing to the points.
Unfortunately, the government has decided that I'm to be penalised for using the credit cards. Ok, maybe the government has to think of some ways to earn some revenues to maintain the nation's economy.
But what do you say when the merchants, who have signed up with banks to have a credit card facility in their businesses, are also charging consumers like you and me.
Of late, I have been shopping around for many stuff for the house renovation. Certain shops (not all) that accept the usage of credit cards (applies to both VISA and MASTECARD) for payments have told me this - "I have to charge you 3% extra because you are using the credit card to pay". If you pay by cash, it'll be a bit cheaper.
The goverment is taxing me and now the merchants are passing their costs to me as well. In the end, it's the consumers that are dying.
As far as I understand is that merchants arranged to have credit card facilities in their business premises for their customers' conveniences. At the same time, they'll tell their customers that the credit card facilities were set-up for the benefit of the customers but the customers would have to bear that costs. Fair?
One merchant has fixed the amount of money to be paid if you use your credit card. Say RM5 for each credit card transaction.
What does VISA and MASTERCARD have to say about such practises? Does your company explains to the credit card users who should bear that 3% charges?
What does our local banks have to say about such arrangements? Do you all (banks) know about such games being played?
Are the merchants permitted to pass the costs to the customers? What's the answer?
Tags: VISA, MASTERCARD, Service Tax, Credit Card
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Chicks Used To Entice Customers
Dead chickens being hanged outside to dry up or to collect dust before being cooked. How unhygienic.
Tags: Chickens
Tags: Chickens
Friday, October 30, 2009
Buy Your Coffin Online
You can order your own coffin before you rest in peace for good. If you think your time is about to run out, click Wal-Mart.com quickly to order a coffin. Don't worry about the delivery time as they rely on Federal Express to courier the coffin to you.Who would simply order a coffin for no reason? That's where FedEx come into play and it will reach you within forty eight hours. Hopefully it can reach you on time.
The price ranges from US$895 to US$2,899. The most expensive coffin is 100% bronze and the interior plush velvet is hand made. Wow .......... furthermore, it allows you to pay in twelve installments. I wonder whether you could last that long to pay off the twelve installments?!?!?! Unless you were buying it for another unfortunate person.
The abovesaid coffins are being sold at offer prices and will last till 31 Dec 2009. So, if you want to save some money, die earlier.
Sorry to tell you, you can't return the coffin once delivered to your place unless it due to freight or cosmetic damage from shipping.
Just when you thought this coffin/casket is a taboo product, another similar wholesale company by the name of Costco is giving Wal-Mart a run for their money by selling coffins/caskets too. Costco must have analysed that these products will bring in handsome profits.
Buying tip: If you can't wait up to seventy two hours, don't order from Costco.
Tags: Coffin, Casket, Wal-Mart, Federal Express, FedEx, Costco
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Want To Try Flying a Boeing?
Malaysia Airlines is giving you, yeah you irrespective of your nationality, a chance to be in a Boeing 777-200 cockpit. It's no joke but at a price of course.
A normal person like you and me could at last fly a Boeing 777-200 even though we don't have a licence to fly as a pilot. The MH Flight Simulator Experience ("FSE") is opened to the general public at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang.
If you have played those Flight Simulator pc game before, this would be quite similar just that this is done in a real cockpit set-up for such purpose. That's the same cockpit used for training MAS pilots. I remembered those yesteryears in trying to fly a small plane (the pc game format of course) and it was not easy just to take off. Once up there, it's not easy to land it. I gave up on mastering that game without getting to take off and land safely at least once.
As for this MAS experience, the only setback is that you have to pay RM500 for a 20 minutes experience. You'll get a chance to to visit a flight deck and you'll be guided on how to take off and land the plane by a Simulator Engineer. Not bad, isn't it?
You must meet the following simple requirements before being allowed to test the flight simulator:-
a. 10 years of age or older;
b. get written consent from parent or guardian to participate in FSE (applicable to participant under the age of 15 years old);
c. be in good health and free from heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by the motion of the simulator. It is advised that expectant mothers should not participate;
d. be dressed appropriately in smart casual clothing with flat shoes; and
e. not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Keen? Do contact Flight Simulator Sales & Marketing of Malaysia Airlines.
This is definitely not a paid blogposting. Anyone willing to sponsor me so that I can blog more about it? MAS? Hellooooo ........ can you hear me?
Tags: MH Flight Simulator Experience, Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 777-200, Cockpit, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Simulator Engineer
A normal person like you and me could at last fly a Boeing 777-200 even though we don't have a licence to fly as a pilot. The MH Flight Simulator Experience ("FSE") is opened to the general public at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang.
If you have played those Flight Simulator pc game before, this would be quite similar just that this is done in a real cockpit set-up for such purpose. That's the same cockpit used for training MAS pilots. I remembered those yesteryears in trying to fly a small plane (the pc game format of course) and it was not easy just to take off. Once up there, it's not easy to land it. I gave up on mastering that game without getting to take off and land safely at least once.
As for this MAS experience, the only setback is that you have to pay RM500 for a 20 minutes experience. You'll get a chance to to visit a flight deck and you'll be guided on how to take off and land the plane by a Simulator Engineer. Not bad, isn't it?
You must meet the following simple requirements before being allowed to test the flight simulator:-
a. 10 years of age or older;
b. get written consent from parent or guardian to participate in FSE (applicable to participant under the age of 15 years old);
c. be in good health and free from heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by the motion of the simulator. It is advised that expectant mothers should not participate;
d. be dressed appropriately in smart casual clothing with flat shoes; and
e. not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Keen? Do contact Flight Simulator Sales & Marketing of Malaysia Airlines.
This is definitely not a paid blogposting. Anyone willing to sponsor me so that I can blog more about it? MAS? Hellooooo ........ can you hear me?
Tags: MH Flight Simulator Experience, Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 777-200, Cockpit, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Simulator Engineer
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Singaporean Bloggers To Be Monitored
Blogging in Singapore has taken a new twist.
Singaporean bloggers seated in front of their own desktop PC / laptop will be monitored on how and what they blog about (besides those people who urinates in the public toilets).
Singapore's Media Development Authority is looking at rules to ensure that bloggers do not simply endorse, review, advertise, recommend or promote products & services. The main issue here is that some bloggers are being paid to do so where conflict of interest may arise.
If you are being paid, most likely you are obligated to write positive remarks, right?
One of the rules being looked into is that bloggers would be required to state whether gifts were presented / money was paid / products & services were provided for free - prior to putting up that blog post.
I'm all for this new ruling so that consumers won't be duped into obtaining products & services that could be fake/below standards via blogs.
I do lots of reviews and recommendations but they were my own opinions / experiences while using those products & services. If I do get an opportunity where a party requires me to blog about their products & services, I'll certainly be transparent about it. I won't promote the products & services which are lousy or one that fails even my own standards knowing that I'm to be paid or given benefit-in-kind to write about it. In other words, if I have nothing better to say, I'll just keep quiet.
One thing that disturbs me most is where some bloggers do post about products & services not known to them. Such bloggers will be assigned certain products & services to blog about and will be paid once that's done. The best thing, the products & services do not even exist in Malaysia. There's no blogging ethics at all and money is all they think about.
What's your stand on this issue? Malaysia gahmen should impose this too.
Reading: Bloggers who get gifts or money may have to own up - ytlcommunity
Tags: Blogger, Bloggers Monitored, Singapore, Media Development Authority, Blogging Ethics
Singaporean bloggers seated in front of their own desktop PC / laptop will be monitored on how and what they blog about (besides those people who urinates in the public toilets).
Singapore's Media Development Authority is looking at rules to ensure that bloggers do not simply endorse, review, advertise, recommend or promote products & services. The main issue here is that some bloggers are being paid to do so where conflict of interest may arise.
If you are being paid, most likely you are obligated to write positive remarks, right?
One of the rules being looked into is that bloggers would be required to state whether gifts were presented / money was paid / products & services were provided for free - prior to putting up that blog post.
I'm all for this new ruling so that consumers won't be duped into obtaining products & services that could be fake/below standards via blogs.
I do lots of reviews and recommendations but they were my own opinions / experiences while using those products & services. If I do get an opportunity where a party requires me to blog about their products & services, I'll certainly be transparent about it. I won't promote the products & services which are lousy or one that fails even my own standards knowing that I'm to be paid or given benefit-in-kind to write about it. In other words, if I have nothing better to say, I'll just keep quiet.
One thing that disturbs me most is where some bloggers do post about products & services not known to them. Such bloggers will be assigned certain products & services to blog about and will be paid once that's done. The best thing, the products & services do not even exist in Malaysia. There's no blogging ethics at all and money is all they think about.
What's your stand on this issue? Malaysia gahmen should impose this too.
Reading: Bloggers who get gifts or money may have to own up - ytlcommunity
Tags: Blogger, Bloggers Monitored, Singapore, Media Development Authority, Blogging Ethics
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Request Made to Reduce Coverage on Auditor-General's Report
There you go ............ as predicted. The Auditor-General's annual report has opened up so many cans that are full of worms in it and a MP,Datuk Wira Ahmad Hamzah, from the ruling party is now suggesting to reduce the media coverage that the annual report is getting now.
Reasons given -
* gives a very bad impression and it is meloyakan (nauseating)
* embarrassing perception which would cause our competitiveness to drop
Trying to cover up something?
The people who caused all this bad impression and embarrassing situations didn't even think of such as long as someone's pocket is filled. And this MP is worried about it instead.
If it was done right from the beginning, we need not come to this stage of shameful reporting. Anyhow, all these years, there were no improvements being made despite many shocking revelations that were exposed.
But that doesn't mean we should just keep it behind closed doors. We still need to publicise such deplorable actions by the respective federal / state government departments. This report is meant for the public's consumption as taxpayers have the right to know how their tax contributions are being managed.
As for this MP, I really wonder about his knowledge on an audit exercise. He said that the auditors should also "teach” and “guide” especially for those who might have done wrong.
Hello MP, if those people had committed those acts, they should be sacked or jailed if any criminal offence existed. The auditors' job is not to teach or guide people.
This MP suggested that prior to the release of the annual report to the public, the auditors should have asked the department head to explain on those irregularities. What if those department head took ages to respond? Wait till the cow comes home?
He also questioned on who should audit the auditors. So, whistle blowers are always the guilty parties, not those who committed the 'sin'.
I think he's very ignorant of what an audit is all about but yet he brought this topic up in the parliament.
Reading: Parliament: 'Filter AG’s report' - Star
Tags: Auditor-General Annual Report, Auditors, Audit
Reasons given -
* gives a very bad impression and it is meloyakan (nauseating)
* embarrassing perception which would cause our competitiveness to drop
Trying to cover up something?
The people who caused all this bad impression and embarrassing situations didn't even think of such as long as someone's pocket is filled. And this MP is worried about it instead.
If it was done right from the beginning, we need not come to this stage of shameful reporting. Anyhow, all these years, there were no improvements being made despite many shocking revelations that were exposed.
But that doesn't mean we should just keep it behind closed doors. We still need to publicise such deplorable actions by the respective federal / state government departments. This report is meant for the public's consumption as taxpayers have the right to know how their tax contributions are being managed.
As for this MP, I really wonder about his knowledge on an audit exercise. He said that the auditors should also "teach” and “guide” especially for those who might have done wrong.
Hello MP, if those people had committed those acts, they should be sacked or jailed if any criminal offence existed. The auditors' job is not to teach or guide people.
This MP suggested that prior to the release of the annual report to the public, the auditors should have asked the department head to explain on those irregularities. What if those department head took ages to respond? Wait till the cow comes home?
He also questioned on who should audit the auditors. So, whistle blowers are always the guilty parties, not those who committed the 'sin'.
I think he's very ignorant of what an audit is all about but yet he brought this topic up in the parliament.
Reading: Parliament: 'Filter AG’s report' - Star
Tags: Auditor-General Annual Report, Auditors, Audit
Thursday, October 22, 2009
1TooMany
Nothing wrong with the title ....... it's correct ........ 1TooMany.
The Prime Minister launched the 1Malaysia concept, back in April 2009, to foster closer relationship amongst the multi ethnic/racial society in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister is looking towards the 'One Dream, One People, One nation' and was glad that this has brought much positiveness to the nation. He has claimed that Malaysians are accepting the 1Malaysia concept which brought about the win in the recent Bagan Pinang by-election.
But I think he got carried away till the concepts of 1Region and 1World were mentioned when he addressed the 35th Unesco general conference’s opening plenary session. Not saying that it's impossible to achieve this two concepts but it's way too big. The United Nations is still experiencing certain difficulties in bringing nations to agree on grave issues all these years.
I'm sure that the concepts of 1Region and 1World can't beat the following 1 ....... 1Toilet!
What 1Toilet?
The state of Terengganu's Education, Higher Learning, Human Resource, Science and Technology Committee mooted the 1Toilet concept. Now how is this 1Toilet going to work along with 1Malaysia?
The 1Toilet was to get teachers and principals to share the same toilets with their students. Just by the virtue of sharing the same toilet will bring much transfer of wisdom from the teachers and principals to the students ?!??!?!?!??!??!
This is really getting 1TooMany now. Can we stop abusing the "1" thingy?
I think we should encourage all government-linked-companies to adopt this 1Toilet as well. I want to see all the Tun, Tan Sri and Datuk to share the same toilets with their managers, executives, clerks and office boys. I'm sure this will enhance the corporate mentality and thus, increase the productivity and effectiveness of each company.
What about 1Race? Bangsa Malaysia?
What other 1 should we have?
Reading: ‘1Toilet’ plan to let teachers and students mingle freely - Star
Tags: 1Malaysia, Malaysia, 1Toilet, 1Region, 1World, Unesco General Conference
The Prime Minister launched the 1Malaysia concept, back in April 2009, to foster closer relationship amongst the multi ethnic/racial society in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister is looking towards the 'One Dream, One People, One nation' and was glad that this has brought much positiveness to the nation. He has claimed that Malaysians are accepting the 1Malaysia concept which brought about the win in the recent Bagan Pinang by-election.
But I think he got carried away till the concepts of 1Region and 1World were mentioned when he addressed the 35th Unesco general conference’s opening plenary session. Not saying that it's impossible to achieve this two concepts but it's way too big. The United Nations is still experiencing certain difficulties in bringing nations to agree on grave issues all these years.
I'm sure that the concepts of 1Region and 1World can't beat the following 1 ....... 1Toilet!
What 1Toilet?
The state of Terengganu's Education, Higher Learning, Human Resource, Science and Technology Committee mooted the 1Toilet concept. Now how is this 1Toilet going to work along with 1Malaysia?
The 1Toilet was to get teachers and principals to share the same toilets with their students. Just by the virtue of sharing the same toilet will bring much transfer of wisdom from the teachers and principals to the students ?!??!?!?!??!??!
This is really getting 1TooMany now. Can we stop abusing the "1" thingy?
I think we should encourage all government-linked-companies to adopt this 1Toilet as well. I want to see all the Tun, Tan Sri and Datuk to share the same toilets with their managers, executives, clerks and office boys. I'm sure this will enhance the corporate mentality and thus, increase the productivity and effectiveness of each company.
What about 1Race? Bangsa Malaysia?
What other 1 should we have?
Reading: ‘1Toilet’ plan to let teachers and students mingle freely - Star
Tags: 1Malaysia, Malaysia, 1Toilet, 1Region, 1World, Unesco General Conference
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Do We Pay When Contract is Breached?
It's sickening to read a newspaper article stating that "not a single reservoir in Selangor was cleaned or washed for the whole of last year". Not only that, even the Sungai Sireh water treatment plant in Kuala Selangor had not been washed for over 10 years.
What's happening? Who's in charge of it?
Let's see:-
* Raw water - State government of Selangor
* Water treatment - Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (ABASS)
* Distribution of clean, treated water to consumers - Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas)
Our monthly water bill would have included all the above services - provision of raw water, water treatment and distribution of consumable water to us. Failure on one part of the services would have considered a breach of contract?
If they had not done / completed their works, why do we still need to pay the full amount? It's always at the expense of the consumers. What choice or say do we have when such things happen?
If we protest by not paying, we would be penalised.
If they didn't do their works, how should they be penalised?
Reading: Operators fail to follow clean-up schedule - Star
Tags: Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Splash, Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd, ABASS, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Syabas, Water Treatment Plant, Reservoir
What's happening? Who's in charge of it?
Let's see:-
* Raw water - State government of Selangor
* Water treatment - Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (ABASS)
* Distribution of clean, treated water to consumers - Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas)
Our monthly water bill would have included all the above services - provision of raw water, water treatment and distribution of consumable water to us. Failure on one part of the services would have considered a breach of contract?
If they had not done / completed their works, why do we still need to pay the full amount? It's always at the expense of the consumers. What choice or say do we have when such things happen?
If we protest by not paying, we would be penalised.
If they didn't do their works, how should they be penalised?
Reading: Operators fail to follow clean-up schedule - Star
Tags: Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Splash, Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd, ABASS, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Syabas, Water Treatment Plant, Reservoir
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Will Our Buildings Withstand Earthquake?
After experiencing those earthquake shakes at my condo and office building before, it's really not comforting to have read about a Bernama news report that Malaysian buildings cannot withstand a strong earthquake even if it happens at a neighbouring country.
Indonesia's many earthquakes have caused many tremors in Malaysia and a 6.0 Richter Scale shake in Indonesia could be felt in Malaysia easily.
A professor from the Universiti Sains Malaysia's Disaster Research Unit has commented that less than 1% of Malaysia's buildings have constructed the buildings factoring in the earthquake situation. My my.
Which of the buildings in Malaysia then?
Answer: Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Penang Bridge and Komtar. Only three structures? That's even less than 0.1%. For those of you whose buildings that are not mentioned .......... ahhh you know what to do.
My office building shook on 30 Sept 2009 when a strong earthquake hit Padang in Indonesia. It was a correct decision to evacuate the building no matter what.
I did hear from friends that not all their colleagues evacuated their offices on that day with some saying that it's just a tremor from Indonesia (if it was an earthquake) and some said that there's no earthquake in Malaysia. Some people really take things for granted.
A structural engineer has told me before that even if it was just a tremor due to an earthquake that has happened faraway, a building may not collapse immediately. Structural damage may have occured but we don't know. If there was a damage and if the structure was built according to actual designs, the structure could withstand the damage temporarily up to say thirty minutes. That's enough time to evacuate and walk faraway from the building.
What about you? Will you evacuate or you are more worried about what others may say about you being the first person to run away?
Reading: Less Than One Per Cent Of Buildings In Malaysia Have Earthquake Preventive Measures - Bernama
Related post - Earthquake Shook My Office Building
Tags: Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Penang Bridge, Komtar, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Disaster Research Unit, Earthquake, Richter Scale, Structural Engineer
Indonesia's many earthquakes have caused many tremors in Malaysia and a 6.0 Richter Scale shake in Indonesia could be felt in Malaysia easily.
A professor from the Universiti Sains Malaysia's Disaster Research Unit has commented that less than 1% of Malaysia's buildings have constructed the buildings factoring in the earthquake situation. My my.
Which of the buildings in Malaysia then?
Answer: Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Penang Bridge and Komtar. Only three structures? That's even less than 0.1%. For those of you whose buildings that are not mentioned .......... ahhh you know what to do.
My office building shook on 30 Sept 2009 when a strong earthquake hit Padang in Indonesia. It was a correct decision to evacuate the building no matter what.
I did hear from friends that not all their colleagues evacuated their offices on that day with some saying that it's just a tremor from Indonesia (if it was an earthquake) and some said that there's no earthquake in Malaysia. Some people really take things for granted.
A structural engineer has told me before that even if it was just a tremor due to an earthquake that has happened faraway, a building may not collapse immediately. Structural damage may have occured but we don't know. If there was a damage and if the structure was built according to actual designs, the structure could withstand the damage temporarily up to say thirty minutes. That's enough time to evacuate and walk faraway from the building.
What about you? Will you evacuate or you are more worried about what others may say about you being the first person to run away?
Reading: Less Than One Per Cent Of Buildings In Malaysia Have Earthquake Preventive Measures - Bernama
Related post - Earthquake Shook My Office Building
Tags: Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Penang Bridge, Komtar, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Disaster Research Unit, Earthquake, Richter Scale, Structural Engineer
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sorry State of Public Asset
Going to certain government offices (I can say that this applies to any part of the world) is something that many people do not look forward to. The queues would be long, waiting period for the processing of documents may be hours and the worst of all would be the waiting area are congested.
But it won't beat the situation as shown below -
Tags: Government Office
But it won't beat the situation as shown below -
Tags: Government Office
Monday, October 12, 2009
Barred From Leaving Malaysia
Recently, there were some Malaysians that were barred from leaving Malaysia. Who are they? Wanted criminals? Tax evaders?
Those badly affected were Malaysia Airlines employees who have to travel frequently in their line of duty. It was affecting the cabin crews and can you imagine that you are trying to board your plane (or report for duty in the airplane) and you were stopped at the Immigration check point.
The last minute replacement crew would have been rushed from somewhere to replace that crew that was barred from leaving Malaysia.
In a way, I can't pity such people as they have a duty to settle their income tax or loans. If you have taxes or loans to be paid, do pay first because you are obliged to do so. It could also be a chicken and egg story where a cabin crew needs to 'fly' to earn their income in order to pay for the taxes or loans.
Unfortunately, I have also heard from someone that even though you had made payments to PTPTN, the people working there were slow in updating the files. In due time, info on bad loan accounts were sent to the Immigration Dept to nab such culprits.
In this case, I agree that income tax defaulters/evaders should be barred for they were supposed to pay taxes based on preceding year's income. They have earned the income but failed to remit the required amount. It's their bad financial management then. They chose to default.
Some are really innocent. Some acted as if they were innocent. Why did it happen in the first place? It happened because these people took it for granted.
The Malaysian Airlines System Employees' Union (MASEU) is calling for a review on the travel ban on income tax and study loan defaulters. What for? To protect people who flout the laws?
Unless these staff had agreed on settlement plans with IRB or PTPTN in advance, they should barred. Well, you were barred because you failed to do something properly. Whose fault in the first place?
If it was IRB or PTPTN that didn't update their files even though settlement agreements/payments were made, then we should get those fellas in IRB or PTPTN to compensate for the loss of income of those that were barred from travelling for no reasons. Fair?
It works in both ways, cannot be just penalising the defaulters but also the bad performers.
Reading: MAS employees want review of travel ban on tax, loan defaulters - Star
Tags: Inland Revenue Board, IRB, National Higher Education Fund Corporation, PTPTN, Immigration Dept, Malaysian Airlines System Employees' Union, MASEU, Malaysia Airlines
It seems that the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) are conducting such checks in collaboration with the Immigration Dept and managed to catch up with many income tax and loan defaulters.
Those badly affected were Malaysia Airlines employees who have to travel frequently in their line of duty. It was affecting the cabin crews and can you imagine that you are trying to board your plane (or report for duty in the airplane) and you were stopped at the Immigration check point.
The last minute replacement crew would have been rushed from somewhere to replace that crew that was barred from leaving Malaysia.
In a way, I can't pity such people as they have a duty to settle their income tax or loans. If you have taxes or loans to be paid, do pay first because you are obliged to do so. It could also be a chicken and egg story where a cabin crew needs to 'fly' to earn their income in order to pay for the taxes or loans.
Unfortunately, I have also heard from someone that even though you had made payments to PTPTN, the people working there were slow in updating the files. In due time, info on bad loan accounts were sent to the Immigration Dept to nab such culprits.
In this case, I agree that income tax defaulters/evaders should be barred for they were supposed to pay taxes based on preceding year's income. They have earned the income but failed to remit the required amount. It's their bad financial management then. They chose to default.
Some are really innocent. Some acted as if they were innocent. Why did it happen in the first place? It happened because these people took it for granted.
The Malaysian Airlines System Employees' Union (MASEU) is calling for a review on the travel ban on income tax and study loan defaulters. What for? To protect people who flout the laws?
Unless these staff had agreed on settlement plans with IRB or PTPTN in advance, they should barred. Well, you were barred because you failed to do something properly. Whose fault in the first place?
If it was IRB or PTPTN that didn't update their files even though settlement agreements/payments were made, then we should get those fellas in IRB or PTPTN to compensate for the loss of income of those that were barred from travelling for no reasons. Fair?
It works in both ways, cannot be just penalising the defaulters but also the bad performers.
Reading: MAS employees want review of travel ban on tax, loan defaulters - Star
Tags: Inland Revenue Board, IRB, National Higher Education Fund Corporation, PTPTN, Immigration Dept, Malaysian Airlines System Employees' Union, MASEU, Malaysia Airlines
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Malaysia Finished Behind Laos
"Malaysia Finished Behind Laos" - when I saw that headline in the online news, I got a very good feeling that it was related to football. True enough, it was. How devastating!
If you think that it was alright because it was just the Under-19 team representing Malaysia, please bear in mind that this group of players (if they are the best) would be representing Malaysia for as long as they can play. So, don't think of World Cup qualifications for the next 10 years???????
Hopefully they can spot a few other talented players over the years to beef up this squad.
How can Malaysia's football development be so poor? Whose fault? Our future doesn't look bright at all. Foundation is always the main thing.
If you were to say 'please give them a chance', I would tell you to follow up with the on-going Under-20 World Cup being held in Egypt. Look at who has qualified for this World Cup tournament.
Of all countries, Laos? And kudos to Laos for the fantastic results knowing the fact their resources/facilities are way below what Malaysia can provide for their team.
Why am I bothered with this football progress since it's so poor? I'm passionate about it since young and would love to see my own country being up there. That's why! Not just because I like to ridicule.
Reading: Malaysia finish behind Laos - Star
Tags: Laos, Football, Soccer, Under-20 World Cup
If you think that it was alright because it was just the Under-19 team representing Malaysia, please bear in mind that this group of players (if they are the best) would be representing Malaysia for as long as they can play. So, don't think of World Cup qualifications for the next 10 years???????
Hopefully they can spot a few other talented players over the years to beef up this squad.
How can Malaysia's football development be so poor? Whose fault? Our future doesn't look bright at all. Foundation is always the main thing.
If you were to say 'please give them a chance', I would tell you to follow up with the on-going Under-20 World Cup being held in Egypt. Look at who has qualified for this World Cup tournament.
Of all countries, Laos? And kudos to Laos for the fantastic results knowing the fact their resources/facilities are way below what Malaysia can provide for their team.
Why am I bothered with this football progress since it's so poor? I'm passionate about it since young and would love to see my own country being up there. That's why! Not just because I like to ridicule.
Reading: Malaysia finish behind Laos - Star
Tags: Laos, Football, Soccer, Under-20 World Cup
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Bloggers Invited By Federal Government
Received an invitation from the Ministry of Federal Territories last week to be present for the Blog4FT campaign which was to be held at Pavilion KL on Monday.I did question the person who invited me as I was wondering how did he obtain my email address and how did he get to know that I was a blogger. You know what I mean when you receive an email from the Federal Government people.
Found out that he was the Special Officer to the Minister too. A small world indeed when my colleague told me he knew this guy after reading the email invitation for this event.
Took leave on Monday and ran around to settle some stuff for the new house and rushed back to shower prior to departing for Pavilion KL. Quite a jam along Jalan Sultan Ismail after exiting Smart Tunnel. Arrived at the centre of Pavilion and saw that it was filled with chairs in view of the launching of the Blog4FT campaign.
The shopping centre was beautifully decorated with Kolam designs in anticipation of the forthcoming Deepavali festival on 17 Oct 2009.
Back to the campaign. What's the campaign about?
The Ministry is engaging bloggers and traditional media to write about stuff / happenings in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.Browse through the dedicated website for this event itself, Blog4FT. Are you game for it? A blogging competition is being held and the Ministry actually encourages you to blog positively and promote FT indirectly.
It's opened to anyone divided into four categories, namely:-
* Malaysian Public - This category is open to all Malaysian citizens except those that fall under the Malaysian Media or the Junior Categories.
* Junior - This category is open only to Malaysian citizens below the age of 18 as at 31 December 2009.
* Malaysian Media - This category is open to employees of Malaysian Media Companies registered with the Malaysian Government.
* International - This category is open to non-Malaysian citizens.
I found that this is a good move indeed as this Ministry is trying to build good rapport with the bloggers instead of threatening bloggers as done by another ministry (which do not deserve my mention).
Registered my goodself upon arrival and was told that the event may begin around 3.15pm. My guess was correct. The little delay to the start of the event attended by big shots was expected.Don't know how many bloggers were invited but felt privileged to be one of the bloggers.
While waiting for the event to begin, I dropped by at Dome cafe which was located just besides the event area. Made full use of the RM5 voucher (part of the door gift) and ordered a Tiramisu cake (a blogger has forgotten to take picture of his food?!?!??!). After deducting the RM5, the cake cost me RM9.95.
The arrival of the special guests was welcomed by a group of drum instruments performers. Can't take a picture as they were seated on the other end of the stage. You get to see different races playing their own drums (must learn the names of those drums) and they were able to rhyme it beautifully.
The Minister, YB Dato' Raja Nong Chik, gave a short speech telling us that he just got the hang of the internet and high technology era because of pressures from his kids.After much persuasion from his kids (not those in kindergarten mind you but teens), he caught up with it really fast and is now known as the Facebook Minister in the Cabinet for having a thriving Facebook account.
Sadly and maybe unfortunately, the Ministry of Federal Territories' website is not updated and bearing in mind that the event was organised by the same ministry, they should have taken more responsibility in updating the name of the Minister. It's still showing the previous Minister's name and the previous organisation chart ......... tsk tsk tsk.
C'mon, please update your website.
At the end of the speech, a number of guests were called to the stage to press a button I supposed and it initiated a "biometric scanner". That's what it says at the screen behind them.
Thereafter, a short skit was presented by five individuals depicting how they were brought up in FT since young and what FT was to them.
At the closing of the event, representatives from the Ministry, organiser, sponsors stood at stage for a photo session.
The event (especially the blogging competition's prizes) was sponsored by some large Malaysian companies.
Walked up to the 4th floor to take this picture of the event area.
Could see a better effect of the Kolam design from up there.Tags: Blog4FT, Ministry of Federal Territories, Pavilion KL, Kolam Design, Deepavali, Raja Nong Chik
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Earthquake Shook My Office Building
Last Wednesday's late afternoon, around 6.15pm, I was still in my office trying to touch up some loose end for a document before going off. I was leaning towards my work area and looking at the laptop closely.
My boss came out from his room asking a general question "Did you feel it?". "Feel what" was my response.
He said that the building could be moving. At that of time, I relaxed and leaned onto my chair. Then I felt the chair swaying left to right and vice versa.
I said "I felt it now!"
Straightaway, I moved to the pantry area and looked at the construction site for "The Intermark", an on-going development that is taking place where once the Yow Chuan Plaza stood.
Noticed no work is being carried out and thus, the building wasn't affected by the construction activities. Wasted no time and shut down laptop, moved out as fast as possible. I took the second lift that stopped at our floor. No time to think of running down the steps from 31st floor.
The idea of an earthquake struck me but with the construction activities just adjacent to our 58 storey Vista Tower (formerly known as Empire Tower), we doubted the safety of the building.
Upon reaching ground floor, the security personnel requested us to run instead of walking. Maannnnnnnnnnnnn, what tension!
Upon reaching outside, lots of people were already gathered. Security personnel moved us further away standing just next to the busy Jalan Tun Razak.
One thing I noticed, there wasn't any alarm at all to warn us. It was all phone calls that got us down.
Later on, another colleague from another floor did mention that alarm was sounded but when he got down, so many people had evacuated the building long before him.
As I walked further away, I noticed that the construction workers actually evacuated the whole area much faster than we had evacuated our building.
Two of my colleagues (in this pict) still have time to pose for this shot.
What happened to the alarm and the PA system?
We heard from someone that a person who came down earlier saw our office building swaying.
That's ridiculous. If that had happened, the building would have collapsed. That person ought to go for eye check-up. Or was actually too frightened from the swaying effect.
A colleague of mine who stayed back most of the days felt very relieved. He said that he won't feel guilty in leaving for home at 6.30pm hahahaha. Off he went.
Some colleagues can't go home at all. Reason - their cars are still in the office building.
Well, I parked far far away ....... just next to the BMW showroom. When I walked till the BMW showroom, I noticed the workers at this 4 storey building had also ran down in wake of the strong shake ................... confirmed it was an earthquake.
Reached home and a colleague updated me that an earthquake tragedy struck Padang, Indonesia with a richter scale of 7.6. That's awfully high.
Tags: Earthquake, Richter Scale, Padang, Earthquake In Indonesia, Vista Tower, Intermark, Jalan Tun Razak
My boss came out from his room asking a general question "Did you feel it?". "Feel what" was my response.
He said that the building could be moving. At that of time, I relaxed and leaned onto my chair. Then I felt the chair swaying left to right and vice versa.
I said "I felt it now!"
Straightaway, I moved to the pantry area and looked at the construction site for "The Intermark", an on-going development that is taking place where once the Yow Chuan Plaza stood.
Noticed no work is being carried out and thus, the building wasn't affected by the construction activities. Wasted no time and shut down laptop, moved out as fast as possible. I took the second lift that stopped at our floor. No time to think of running down the steps from 31st floor.
The idea of an earthquake struck me but with the construction activities just adjacent to our 58 storey Vista Tower (formerly known as Empire Tower), we doubted the safety of the building.
Upon reaching ground floor, the security personnel requested us to run instead of walking. Maannnnnnnnnnnnn, what tension!
Upon reaching outside, lots of people were already gathered. Security personnel moved us further away standing just next to the busy Jalan Tun Razak.
One thing I noticed, there wasn't any alarm at all to warn us. It was all phone calls that got us down.Later on, another colleague from another floor did mention that alarm was sounded but when he got down, so many people had evacuated the building long before him.
As I walked further away, I noticed that the construction workers actually evacuated the whole area much faster than we had evacuated our building.Two of my colleagues (in this pict) still have time to pose for this shot.
What happened to the alarm and the PA system?
We heard from someone that a person who came down earlier saw our office building swaying.That's ridiculous. If that had happened, the building would have collapsed. That person ought to go for eye check-up. Or was actually too frightened from the swaying effect.
A colleague of mine who stayed back most of the days felt very relieved. He said that he won't feel guilty in leaving for home at 6.30pm hahahaha. Off he went.Some colleagues can't go home at all. Reason - their cars are still in the office building.
Well, I parked far far away ....... just next to the BMW showroom. When I walked till the BMW showroom, I noticed the workers at this 4 storey building had also ran down in wake of the strong shake ................... confirmed it was an earthquake.
Reached home and a colleague updated me that an earthquake tragedy struck Padang, Indonesia with a richter scale of 7.6. That's awfully high.
Tags: Earthquake, Richter Scale, Padang, Earthquake In Indonesia, Vista Tower, Intermark, Jalan Tun Razak
Friday, October 02, 2009
Higher Calling
A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?
The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, and even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound; a sound like no other that he has ever heard. The next morn in g, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, We can't tell you. You're not a monk.
The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery. The monks again accept him, feed him, and even fix his car.
That night, he hears the same strange mesmerizing sound that he had heard years earlier.The next morning, he asks what the sound was, but the monks reply,We can't tell you. You're not a monk.
The man says, All right, all right. I'm dying to know.If the only way I can find out what that sound was, is to become a monk, how do I become a monk?
The monks reply, you must travel the earth and tell us how many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk.
The man sets about his task. Some forty-five years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the monastery. He says, I have travelled the earth and devoted my life to the task demanded and have found what you had asked for. There are 371,145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth.
The monks reply, congratulations, you are correct and now you are a monk.
We shall now show you the way to the sound. The monks lead the man to a wooden door, where the head monk says, the sound is behind that door. The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked. He asks, May I have the key?
The monks give him the key, and he opens the door.
Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone. The man requests the key to the stone door.
The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. And so it went until the man had gone through doors of emerald,
...... silver, topaz, and amethyst.
Finally, the monks say, this is the key to the last door. The man is relieved to no end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is astonished to find the source of that strange sound. It is truly an amazing and unbelievable sight.
. .. . But I can't tell you what it is because you're not a monk.
Tags: Monk, Monastery, Blades Of Grass, Sand Pebbles, Humour, Funny
Monday, September 28, 2009
To Report Child Abuse?
Parents nowadays really have hard time to take care of their kids. If they can't afford a maid (an Indonesian maid may cost you RM800 per month in time to come), the unfortunate parents may just have to drag their kids to do some shopping.
Kids being kids, when they want to sleep they will just sleep wherever they are.
That three cushions in which the child was sleeping on were items from the shelves. How convenient and considerate of the hypermarket to provide trolleys (the right size) and the cushions.
Well, you can't push a trolley and a pram at the same time, right?
What option do you have left?
Do you consider these actions as child abuse? Hehe
Tags: Child Abuse, Sleepy Child, Hypermarket
Kids being kids, when they want to sleep they will just sleep wherever they are.
That three cushions in which the child was sleeping on were items from the shelves. How convenient and considerate of the hypermarket to provide trolleys (the right size) and the cushions.
Well, you can't push a trolley and a pram at the same time, right?What option do you have left?
Do you consider these actions as child abuse? Hehe
Tags: Child Abuse, Sleepy Child, Hypermarket
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Need for Digital TV?
Having a new house coming up, I got tempted into looking at the slim LCD or Plasma TVs whenever I'm at the shopping centres.
Been reading all this while on such TV technologies and have seen its technology being improved every year. To me, I know I can't catch up with whatever new technology the TV manufacturers will put into the next TV model. Same goes for the computers.
Currently having a Sony 25" thick TV haha ...... after seeing those 1" to 2" thick TV, my TV really looks like a dinosaur. But it has served me well for the last eleven years albeit some small hiccups only. Repairs for such small hiccups were not more than RM1,000 all these years, much lesser if not mistaken.
Today, the Star newspapers deputy news editor called for a quicker change of digital technology from our TV broadcasters as he can't wait till 2015. Which means to say that all current non high definition ready TVs will be obsolete by year 2015?
That will be catastrophic considering the damage to the environment that could be caused by the disposal of hundreds of millions of TV.
I did read somewhere that Malaysia's TV broadcasters may start digital broadcast from year 2012 or 2013 onwards before the full swing in 2015. I also read that even though the TV (like the one that I'm having right now) is not digital ready, there will be a converter gadget to be used to convert the analog signal to digital signal.
I'm sure by that time the converter gadget would be highly expensive because you must have it or else no TV programmes for you till you get one. See the bad point of it? If you are smart or having the contacts to start sourcing for such gadget, you'll be laughing all your way to the bank.
Why need to laugh when only going to the bank? I would be laughing wherever I go if it was me hehe.
British government has started their change of technology way back in 1998 and would switched off the analog transmission in year 2012. Such a developed country took fourteen years. Malaysia intend to create a record by shortening it to three years.
In USA, the full digital transmission should have begun in June 2009 and USA TV broadcasters believed that up to 3 million TV viewers may only get to see "snow falling" on their TV screens by now.
I'm at a lost of which TV to aim for if I decided to get one. I saw the beautiful Pioneer Kuro model. It's colour and clarity is the undisputed champion. Price wise - out of reach haha. Pioneer will stop manufacturing plasma TVs from next year onwards. That will even deter me from thinking about Pioneer Kuro fearing about the spare parts later on. Also heard that it may not be a problem as Pioneer obtains the main component materials from Panasonic, being the OEM supplier.
So, the Panasonic full HD plasma TV caught my attention now and it's much more economical compared to Pioneer Kuro model.
When I was in Harvey Norman, Ikano recently, the sales person recommended me take Samsung full HD plasma TV instead. He said that the reason why Pioneer Kuro's colour is so fantastic was due to its dark black screen (when switched off). Samsung's plasma TV is almost similar but Panasonic's black screen looked dark silver to me.
Now, I'm confused!
Reading: Digital TV – the sooner the better for the country - Star
Reading: Millions Still Unprepared for — Gulp — Tomorrow’s DTV Transition - Wired
Tags: LCD TV, Plasma TV, TV Manufacturers, TV Broadcasters, Sony TV, High Definition TV, Pioneer Kuro, Panasonic Full HD Plasma TV, Samsung Full HD Plasma TV, Analog Transmission, Digital Transmission
Been reading all this while on such TV technologies and have seen its technology being improved every year. To me, I know I can't catch up with whatever new technology the TV manufacturers will put into the next TV model. Same goes for the computers.
Currently having a Sony 25" thick TV haha ...... after seeing those 1" to 2" thick TV, my TV really looks like a dinosaur. But it has served me well for the last eleven years albeit some small hiccups only. Repairs for such small hiccups were not more than RM1,000 all these years, much lesser if not mistaken.Today, the Star newspapers deputy news editor called for a quicker change of digital technology from our TV broadcasters as he can't wait till 2015. Which means to say that all current non high definition ready TVs will be obsolete by year 2015?
That will be catastrophic considering the damage to the environment that could be caused by the disposal of hundreds of millions of TV.
I did read somewhere that Malaysia's TV broadcasters may start digital broadcast from year 2012 or 2013 onwards before the full swing in 2015. I also read that even though the TV (like the one that I'm having right now) is not digital ready, there will be a converter gadget to be used to convert the analog signal to digital signal.
I'm sure by that time the converter gadget would be highly expensive because you must have it or else no TV programmes for you till you get one. See the bad point of it? If you are smart or having the contacts to start sourcing for such gadget, you'll be laughing all your way to the bank.
Why need to laugh when only going to the bank? I would be laughing wherever I go if it was me hehe.
British government has started their change of technology way back in 1998 and would switched off the analog transmission in year 2012. Such a developed country took fourteen years. Malaysia intend to create a record by shortening it to three years.
In USA, the full digital transmission should have begun in June 2009 and USA TV broadcasters believed that up to 3 million TV viewers may only get to see "snow falling" on their TV screens by now.
I'm at a lost of which TV to aim for if I decided to get one. I saw the beautiful Pioneer Kuro model. It's colour and clarity is the undisputed champion. Price wise - out of reach haha. Pioneer will stop manufacturing plasma TVs from next year onwards. That will even deter me from thinking about Pioneer Kuro fearing about the spare parts later on. Also heard that it may not be a problem as Pioneer obtains the main component materials from Panasonic, being the OEM supplier.
So, the Panasonic full HD plasma TV caught my attention now and it's much more economical compared to Pioneer Kuro model.
When I was in Harvey Norman, Ikano recently, the sales person recommended me take Samsung full HD plasma TV instead. He said that the reason why Pioneer Kuro's colour is so fantastic was due to its dark black screen (when switched off). Samsung's plasma TV is almost similar but Panasonic's black screen looked dark silver to me.
Now, I'm confused!
Reading: Digital TV – the sooner the better for the country - Star
Reading: Millions Still Unprepared for — Gulp — Tomorrow’s DTV Transition - Wired
Tags: LCD TV, Plasma TV, TV Manufacturers, TV Broadcasters, Sony TV, High Definition TV, Pioneer Kuro, Panasonic Full HD Plasma TV, Samsung Full HD Plasma TV, Analog Transmission, Digital Transmission
Monday, September 21, 2009
First Day of Hari Raya
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my muslim friends!
On the first day of Hari Raya, the muslim bethrens' new year celebration, I was invited by an office colleague to be at her parents' house for lunch. Privileged to be invited and right after Sunday morning's church service, I drove over to Taman Dato' Senu, Sentul to feed my stomach. First time being in this area and the house was not too hard to find.
Upon chit chatting with her dad, pakcik told me that he was from Kelantan. He did mention that in Kelantan, the Hari Raya atmosphere is really good. Neighbours from all races will drop by anytime of the day to wish each other. It was not to be in the city area where you have to extend your invitations before people from other races will come to their house.
He said that there's no such thing that Hari Raya is only for the muslims. At the Kelantan towns, all races will come together and people will eat and celebrate together without any barriers. This is because of no interruptions from the politicians.
The family was glad to see a chinese dropping by on the first day of Hari Raya and of course, was served with ayam masak merah, beef rendang, ketupat, cookies etc.
The politicians have made and are still making a mess of the racial situation in Malaysia and hence, the need to have all those 1Malaysia promotions and the call for unity after fifty two years of independence from the British.
On Monday noon, another invitation to a Malay colleague's house. Food! Food! ..... of course, it's more than food. It's the relationship.
Go down to the normal Malaysians' life and you get to see people living in harmony. Preference is to see a peaceful nation too irregardless of race. The mainstream media is often doing the unjust part by playing the dirty racial game. And you may be wondereing at who's instruction. Totally irresponsible.
May Malaysia see a quicker economy recovery after the Hari Raya festival.
Tags: Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslim, Malay, Taman Dato' Senu, Sentul
On the first day of Hari Raya, the muslim bethrens' new year celebration, I was invited by an office colleague to be at her parents' house for lunch. Privileged to be invited and right after Sunday morning's church service, I drove over to Taman Dato' Senu, Sentul to feed my stomach. First time being in this area and the house was not too hard to find.
Upon chit chatting with her dad, pakcik told me that he was from Kelantan. He did mention that in Kelantan, the Hari Raya atmosphere is really good. Neighbours from all races will drop by anytime of the day to wish each other. It was not to be in the city area where you have to extend your invitations before people from other races will come to their house.
He said that there's no such thing that Hari Raya is only for the muslims. At the Kelantan towns, all races will come together and people will eat and celebrate together without any barriers. This is because of no interruptions from the politicians.
The family was glad to see a chinese dropping by on the first day of Hari Raya and of course, was served with ayam masak merah, beef rendang, ketupat, cookies etc.
The politicians have made and are still making a mess of the racial situation in Malaysia and hence, the need to have all those 1Malaysia promotions and the call for unity after fifty two years of independence from the British.
On Monday noon, another invitation to a Malay colleague's house. Food! Food! ..... of course, it's more than food. It's the relationship.
Go down to the normal Malaysians' life and you get to see people living in harmony. Preference is to see a peaceful nation too irregardless of race. The mainstream media is often doing the unjust part by playing the dirty racial game. And you may be wondereing at who's instruction. Totally irresponsible.
May Malaysia see a quicker economy recovery after the Hari Raya festival.
Tags: Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslim, Malay, Taman Dato' Senu, Sentul
Sunday, September 20, 2009
One Cream Cures All
Found a cream that cures all .... Aire Disinfector. Of course it acts as a disinfector as mentioned by its name. Besides that, it's also a miracle cream that can kill spermatozoom (& whatever that is closely related to it, hehe).
It can destroy HIV ...... all the researches done thus far are obsolete. Medical experts will be queueing up to grab tons of this products, re-brand it and sell as if it was their new discovery.
It can act as a lubricate ........ it kills and allows you to enjoy at the same time????? It even shrink cunt??!?!?!??!?!?!??!?
Price? RMB50 only.
Those pharmaceutical companies will definitely close shop when this product is marketed worldwide. And the general rule for buyers - caveat emptor!
It can destroy HIV ...... all the researches done thus far are obsolete. Medical experts will be queueing up to grab tons of this products, re-brand it and sell as if it was their new discovery.
It can act as a lubricate ........ it kills and allows you to enjoy at the same time????? It even shrink cunt??!?!?!??!?!?!??!?
Price? RMB50 only.Those pharmaceutical companies will definitely close shop when this product is marketed worldwide. And the general rule for buyers - caveat emptor!
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