Friday, December 30, 2005

A dog tale

I'm phasing down for the year.....

A man was leaving a cafe with his morning coffee when he
noticed a most unusual funeral procession. A funeral coffin
was followed by a second one about 50 feet behind the first.
Behind the second coffin was a solitary man walking with a
black dog. Behind him was a queue of 200 men walking in
single line.

The man couldn't stand his curiosity. He approached the man
walking with the dog, "I am so sorry for your loss, and I
know now is a bad time to disturb you, but I've never seen
a funeral like this with so many of you walking in single line.

Whose funeral is it?"

The man replied, "Well, that first coffin is for my wife.
"The inquisitive man asked, "What happened to her?" The man
replied, "My dog attacked and killed her." He inquired further,

"Well, who is in the second coffin?" The man answered,
"My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife when the dog
attacked and killed her also."

A thoughtful moment of silence passes between the two men.

Then the first one asks in excitement "Can I borrow the dog?"

The man replied "Please join the queue..."

Source unknown and meant no disrespect to any canine species too.

New Year Resolutions

And while we are busy partying and saying our farewells to the
old year and hellos to the new, let's not forget the resolutions.
The ones that we made (and missed - so what?!) and new ones just
to keep up with our friends (maybe).

How about some hints here to help you get started...

1. This year, I resolve not to buy a single pair of designer
shoes - I'd buy two.

2. This year, I resolve to buy another kayak to add to the ones
I already have and which are parked at the neighbour's yard.

3. This year, I resolve to buy another Kipling bag, the so
stunning one in shocking pink.

4. This year, I resolve to ...(now you continue)

A toast...

Happy New Year Everyone!





Now, now, don't do anything I would do........

Thursday, December 29, 2005

A true 7th month story

The story took place during the 7th month of the Chinese
lunar calendar and revolved around a young lad named Sam.
Sam at that time was working as a general worker, in a small
company located at Tuas.

During one particular working day, the whole of Sam's company
was requested to work OT in order to meet a deadline due
tomorrow. By the time everything was done, it was already
past 1am and Sam was the last person left in the office.
He was left wondering whether there were still any bus
services at this hour. He decided to try his luck and
quickly tidied up the office, locked up and rushed towards
the bus stop.

The bus stop was situated by a small narrow road with dense
forestation surrounding the area. Sam waited for about 20
minutes and was about to make his way to the main road to
catch a cab when a double-decker bus appeared from nowhere.
He hesitantly waved it down, boarded the bus and the only
person he saw on the same bus was a frail ghastly looking
old woman.

The old woman was dressed in white samfoo and black pant,
attire favoured by maids in those early days or "Ma Jie" as
they were commonly known then. Sam felt uneasy upon seeing
her and was about to go up to the upper deck when a voice
ranged out in Cantonese, "Young man, don't go upstairs.
Upstairs dangerous." It was the old woman.

Her comment sent a chill through Sam's bones and he
figured that the upper deck might be "dirty". He decided
to heed the old woman's advice and grab a seat at the lower
deck even though he felt uncomfortable by her presence. It
was an agonizing 20 minutes journey before Sam reached his
bus stop. He quickly alighted and turned to steal a quick
glance at the old woman, who stared right back at him by
the window. Without further ado, Sam hastened his pace and
was fortunate to reach home safely.

The next day, Sam was requested to work OT and ended up
being the last person left in the office again. It was
already past midnightand Sam was contemplating whether
to take a cab home but decided against it in the end as
money was tight. So he made his way to the bus stop again
and after about 20 minutes, the same double-decker bus
appeared.

Sam boarded the bus and saw the same old woman again.
He decided to go to the upper deck again when the old woman
called out to him, "Young man, don't go upstairs. Upstairs
dangerous." Even though, he heard it before, he still felt
a certain fear inside him since it's the 7th month. To be
on the safe side, he reluctantly took a seat at the lower
deck again and reached home with no incidents.

The third day, Sam was asked to do OT again. By now
he was feeling dreaded and worried as he didn't want to
repeat the same process again. But he obliged nevertheless
since it's his livelihood. He was, you guessed it, the last
person left in the office again. He made the same journey
to the bus stop, occasionally checking his back as he walked.
The double deck bus arrived, he boarded it and saw the
same old woman again. As he proceeded to go upstairs, the
old woman warned him again, "Young man, don't go upstairs.
Upstairs dangerous."

Sam was fed up with the old woman by now and decided to go
upstairs even though he was feeling a bit scared. He saw
no one else when he reached the upper deck and slowly made
his way to the back of the bus and sat down. Sam's heart
began pounding away as he waited anxiously for something
to happen. After 30 minutes, with nothing happening,
Sam went downstairs to confront the old woman and asked
her why she kept saying it's dangerous upstairs.

The old woman turned, stared at him and replied, "Young man,
don't go upstairs. Upstairs dangerous. Upstairs got no bus
driver..."

Dilbert

Ahh....a familiar scenario this time of the year.





Story of a greedy lawyer

I wonder if this is a true story or was it fabricated for
some laughs. Anyway, the story goes like this....

A Charlotte, North Carolina lawyer purchased a box of very
rare and expensive cigars and then insured them against fire,
among other things.

Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these
great cigars and without yet having made even his first
premium payment on the policy, the lawyer filed claim against
the insurance company.

In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost "in a series
of small fires." The insurance company refused to pay, citing the
obvious reason that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal
fashion.

The lawyer sued. and WON!

In delivering the ruling, the judge agreed with the insurance
company that the claim was frivolous. The judge stated
nevertheless, that the lawyer "held a policy from the company
in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and
also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without
defining what is considered to be unacceptable fire" and was
obligated to pay the claim.

Rather than endure lengthy and costly appeal process, the
insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000 to the
lawyer for his loss of the cigars lost in the "fires".

NOW FOR THE BEST PART!

After the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him
arrested on 24 counts of ARSON!!! With his own insurance claim
and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the
lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property
and was sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000 fine.

This is a true story and was the First Place winner in the recent
Criminal Lawyers Award Contest.

Monday, December 26, 2005

1421 - The year the Chinese discovered the world

1421 - The year the Chinese discovered the world.

When I first read about this, it piqued my interest (I've always
found history interesting) so I read every piece of article that
came my way, including the book. I also subscribed to their
newsletter that keeps subscribers informed of their latest
discoveries and so forth.

The "1421 exhibition" is going around the world and the last stop
was in Singapore. It was a walk-in, larger than life showcase of
Zheng He's travels, and helped to raise awareness of the importance
of these voyages.

For Malaysians who miss the exhibition in Singapore, there is good
news as the exhibition has now moved to the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
in historic Malacca. It is hoped that it will from there travel the
world in the wake of Zheng He.

This year, the book has been published in Finland, Estonia and
Mainland China. A French edition is expected in Spring 2006.

There will be a film made and Warner Brothers has acquired
the motion picture rights to 1421, and are aiming to produce two
films, the first of which it is hoped will be released in 2008.

The 1421 team will be busy in 2006 with the notification of
"Zheng He's Integrated Map of the World, 1418."

The map, drawn decades before Columbus, da Gama and Magellan set sail, shows the whole world with extraordinary accuracy. Each continent of the world has remarkable geographical features with near correct general contours and position. All oceans of the world are displayed, as are many major rivers and innumerable islands. The map will be made public on January 17th 2006, so please watch this space!

See if these fascinate you too:

Urn found in Nevada


Coin dug out of an embankment at Ocean Park, BC


Chinese cast brass artefact found in Northwestern Australia.
It was found with Chinese pottery and an opium pipe.


Painting of Chinese Junk in California


Cave paintings of Chinese junks in Thailand


Chinese figures on Spanish Church


Get a glimpse of voyages and maps here:
Info on New World discoveries

Thursday, December 22, 2005

999 Roses for your sweetheart

While we're still on LOVE, how would you ladies (men too, why not?)
like to receive 999 red roses from your significant other or someone
who is so smitten with love for you?

Well, a gentleman in Penang just did that. He sent his lady love
999 red roses for her birthday. It's in a bouquet shaped like a
three-dimensional heart, decorated with silver ornaments and a
crystal. He said “I wanted her to have an unforgettable birthday
and also wish that her happiness will be jiu jiu (very long)."

Ahhhhh......so sweet. Btw, the present came with a price-tag of
RM3,500 (approx USD920).

Now, would you ladies love to receive such a present and would you
gentlemen give such a gift? Common, let's hear it.



Read story: 999 roses for a lady...The Star

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Installing LOVE

This being the season for loving and giving and all, thought
a little how-to for installing LOVE or more of it would be
helpful. ;) Here goes......

Installing LOVE

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready to
install it now. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your HEART.
Have you located your HEART, ma'am?


Customer: Yes, I have, but there are several other programs
running right now. Is it okay to install while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running, ma'am?

Customer: Let's see... I have PAST-HURT.EXE, LOW-ESTEEM.EXE,
GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM running now.

Tech Support: No problem. LOVE will gradually erase
PAST- HURT.EXE from your current operating system. It may remain
in your permanent memory, but it will no longer disrupt other
programs. LOVE will eventually overwrite LOW-ESTEEM.EXE with a
module of its own called HIGH-ESTEEM.EXE.


However, you have to completely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and
RESENTMENT.COM. Those programs prevent LOVE from being
properly installed. Can you turn those off, ma'am?


Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invoke
FORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessary until
it's erased the programs you don't want.


Customer: Okay, now LOVE has started installing itself
automatically. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes. You should receive a message that says it will
reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do you see that message?


Customer: Yes, I do. Is it completely installed?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base
program. You need to begin connecting to other HEARTs in order to
get the upgrades.


Customer: Oops. I have an error message already.
What should I do?

Tech Support: What does the message say?

Customer: It says "ERROR 412-PROGRAM NOT RUN ON INTERNAL
COMPONENTS." What does that mean?

Tech Support: Don't worry, ma'am, that's a common problem. It
means that the LOVE program is set up to run on external HEARTs
but has not yet been run on your HEART. It is one of those
complicated programming things, but in non-technical terms
it means you have to "LOVE" your own machine before it can
"LOVE" others.


Customer: So what should I do?

Tech Support: Can you pull down the directory called
"SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?


Customer: Yes, I have it.

Tech Support: Excellent. You're getting good at this. Now, click
on the following files and then copy them to the "MYHEART"
directory: FORGIVE-SELF.DOC, REALIZE-WORTH.TXT,
and ACKNOWLEDGE-LIMITATIONS.DOC. The system will overwrite any
conflicting files and begin patching any faulty programming.
Also, you need to delete SELF-CRITIC.EXE from all directories,
and then empty your recycle bin afterwards to make sure it is
completely gone and never comes back.


Customer: Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with new files.
SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor right now and it shows that
PEACE.EXE, and CONTENTMENT.COM are copying themselves all over my
HEART. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes a while, but
eventually everything gets downloaded at the proper time. So,
LOVE is installed and running.
You should be able to handle it from here. Ah, one more thing.


Customer: Yes?

Tech Support: LOVE is freeware. Be sure to give it and its
various modules to everybody you meet. They will in turn share it
with other people and they will return some similarly cool
modules back to you.


Customer: I will! Thanks for your help!

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Merry Christmas Everyone!

This is the time to be merry. Really. Christmas is such a
jolly time. There's so much spirit in the air - so much cheer.
So let me contribute just a little extra smile to this world
we call the blogosphere. Merry Christmas everyone and hope the
new year brings better tidings to one and all.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Joke of the Year

The weekend is here again. Honestly, been looking forward to it since Monday. Here's a joke to wind up the day or week more like it. Enjoy....... and have a grrrrrrrrrrreat weekend.

Voted joke of the year


A young lady in the maternity ward just prior to labour is asked by the midwife if she would like her husband to be present at the birth.

I'm afraid I don't have a husband" she replies.

OK Do you have a boyfriend?" asks the Midwife.

"No, no boyfriend either."

"Do you have a partner then?"

No, I'm not attached, I'll be having my baby on my own."

After the birth the midwife again speaks to the young woman, "You have a healthy bouncing baby girl, but I must warn you before you see her that the baby is black."

"Well," replies the girl, "I was very down on my luck, with no money and nowhere to live, and so I accepted a job in a porn film. The lead man was black."

"Oh, I'm very sorry," says the midwife, "that's really none of my business and I'm sorry that I have to ask you these awkward questions but I must also tell you that the baby has blonde hair."

"Well yes," the girl again replies, "you see the Co-star in the movie was this Swedish guy." "Oh, I'm sorry," the midwife repeats, "that's really none of my business either and I hate to pry further but your baby also has slanted eyes.

"Yes," continues the girl, "there was a little Chinese man also in the movie, I really had no choice."

At this, the midwife again apologises, collects the baby and presents her to the girl, who immediately proceeds to give the baby a slap on the butt.

The baby starts crying and the mother exclaims, " Thank god for that!"

"What do you mean?" says the midwife, shocked.

"Well," says the girl extremely relieved,

"I had this horrible feeling that she was going to bark."

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Cancer - general knowledge

Just received this and thought it's good general knowledge to be shared. Unfortunately, not able to give real credit as actual source is unknown.

Important information about cancer prevention:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple
nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,
environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet
and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells
and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,
gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver,
kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and
damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often
reduce tumour size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and
radiation do not result in more tumour destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and
radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence
the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and
complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and
become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause
cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells
by not feeding it with the foods it need to multiply.

a Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one
important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like
NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is
harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or
molasses but only in very small amounts.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk
and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being
starved. Milo, Ovaltine, Horlicks are made with milk and best
avoided.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is
acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than
beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth
hormones, parasites, etc which are all harmful to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains,
seeds, nuts and a little fruits helps put the body into an alkaline
environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have caffeine. Green tea
is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of
digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become
putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining
from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein
walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy
the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence,
Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc) to enable the
body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements
(Maitake e.g ) are known to cause cancer cells apoptosis, that is,
induce cancer cells to commit suicide.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive
and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.
Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and
acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit.
Learn to relax, enjoy and trust God for healing.

16 Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment.
Exercising daily and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to
the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to
destroy cancer cells.

17. Cancer can be reversed with nutrition, supplements and clinically
proven complementary and alternative therapies.

18. Cancer can be healed by divine intervention of God the Healer.....

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT INFO:
1. Sugar is a cancer feeder. Avoid sugar Sugar substitutes like
Equal, Spoonful, NutraSweet are made with Aspartame, a chemical that
is harmful to the body. A better natural alternative is Manuka honey
in small amounts.

2. Milk causes the body to produce mucus Cancer thrives on mucus. A
better calcium alternative is unsweetened soya milk.

3. Green tea has anti-cancer properties. It is a better substitute
for coffee and tea, which have caffeine, bad for people with cancer.

4. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour.
Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

5. Meat like pork, beef, chicken contain livestock antibiotics,
growth hormones, parasites, etc., which are all harmful for people
with cancer. It is better to eat fish, or eat a little free-range
chicken. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of
digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines
become putrefied and leads to more toxic build-up.

6. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining
from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein
walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy
the cancer cells.

7. Water - best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known
toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic,
avoid it.

8. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink
fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and
eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

A little effort on our part will yield great return in the long
run... keep up the discipline and enjoy every single moment in life.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Crooks are getting creative

Stinking day for clerk who loses RM46,000

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a “stinking” day for a despatch clerk.

The 50-year old man was just outside the Maybank branch in Bukit Bintang at 12.30pm with RM46,000 to deposit when he noticed a peculiar smell coming from his body.

He realised that his shirtsleeve was covered with faeces.

Along came a Good Samaritan, believed to be a Caucasian, who offered to help him to clean up.

After the Samaritan had gone, the clerk found that it wasn’t just the sleeve that the man cleaned.

His sling bag containing the money was also gone.

Police said they were looking at closed circuit videos to find out the identity of the Caucasian.

Source: The Star

Today in History

December 13, 1642
Abel Tasman, the Dutch navigator, and his crew were the first Europeans to arrive to New Zealand. Several of his men were killed in attempting to land when Maoris interpreted an exchange of trumpet fanfares as a prelude to battle. Maoris call New Zealand "Aotearoa" which means the "Land of the Long White Cloud."

Maoris first arrived to New Zealand about 10 centuries ago:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com.au/dest/aust/maori.htm


December 13, 1937
In one of the worst atrocities of World War II, Japanese troops invaded the Chinese city of Nanking (at the time China's capital) and over the following few months killed nearly 370,000 Chinese civilians. The violent episode has become known as the "Rape of Nanking" because about 80,000 women of all ages were raped by Japanese soldiers.

"The Rape of Nanking" by Shi Young and James Yin is a new book on the
subject:
http://www.tribo.org/nanking/background.html

Source: The LearningKingdom


On the local front, in The Star today:

Nude squat woman identified

PETALING JAYA: The woman featured in the video clip doing ear squats in the nude testified on Tuesday before the Commission of Inquiry probing the incident.

She is a 22-year old Malay, and is currently three-months pregnant.

Related Stories:
Nude woman in video clip may testify today
Azmi returns with China’s message for enforcers
OCPD: Squats are standard procedure
Panel takes a peek at room
Club patrons perform ear squats

Thursday, December 8, 2005

The 90/10 Principle

Have you read this before?
Author : Stephen Covey (Management Guru)

Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations). What is this principle?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How?

By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example.

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.

You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minut e delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

Why?

Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is " D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee.

How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry.
You gently say,"It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?

Do you lose your temper?

Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)

Do you curse?

Does your blood pressure skyrocket?

Do you try and bump them?

WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?

Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on.! Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.

Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result?

Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. There never seem to be a success in life.

Bad days follow bad days.

Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time. Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest.

Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged. You can be different! Understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life.........!!!!!!!

John Lennon, Oct 9 1940 - Dec 8 1980

Today, December 8, marks the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death. Who killed John Lennon? Was it a senseless killing done by a madman or was it a conspiracy to remove him because he was thought to be a dangerous radical or a political activist?

Whatever it is, the world has lost one of its greatest musicians.



The account of "The Assassination of John Lennon" reads

The scene outside New York's spooky old Dakota apartment building on the evening of December 8, 1980, was as surreal as it was horrifying. John Lennon, probably the world's most famous rock star, lay semiconscious, hemorrhaging from four flat-tipped bullets blasted into his back. His wife Yoko Ono held his head in her arms and screamed (just like on her early albums).

A few yards away a pudgy young man stood eerily still, peering down into a paperback book. Moments earlier he had dropped into a military firing stance - legs spread for maximum balance, two hands gripping his .38 revolver to steady his aim - and blown away the very best Beatle. Now he leafed lazily through the pages of the one novel even the most chronically stoned and voided-out ninth grader will actually read, J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye.

The Dakota doorman shouted at the shooter, Mark David Chapman, "Do you know what you've done?"

"I just shot John Lennon," Chapman replied, accurately enough. More...

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

Taugeh (bean sprouts) going up by 10 sen

Aiyoh! Even taugeh has not been spared.



The humble taugeh, a popular and cheap vegetable, has not been spared the effects of spiralling prices. The price will cost 10 sen more from Saturday, Dec 10.

Taugeh is widely used for hawker food, i.e., taugeh chicken hor fun, char koay teow, hokkien mee, mee rebus, tauhu sumbat, poh piah and pasembur. It is also served as a side dish with salted fish.

According to taugeh producers, the increase is necessary due to the increased cost of the raw material, the imported mung beans. A gunny sack of beans used to cost RM75 but it is now RM135.

Read story: Price of taugeh going up by 10 sen...The Star

Monday, December 5, 2005

Red Envelopes and the Law of Attraction

Are you superstitious?

Interesting article from Catherine Franz.

Red Envelopes and the Law of Attraction
The Universe sends me messages all the time. Last month, a
particular one jumped out at me when I was reading, "Feng
Shui for Dummies." It is a short half-page box about red
envelopes. The main message was about how red envelopes is
a tradition in Chinese history. The Chinese would insert
money into a red envelope, usually a coin, and then present
the envelope to the person performing a Feng Shui cure for
good luck.

The information didn't say much to me but the very next day
I was passing by a yard sale. I stop at yard sales maybe
once a year. This one seemed to pull me back. A mile or
two down the road, I did a u-turn. I didn't really want to
be there but since I was already out of the car, I shrugged
and remembered that heart pull that made me turn the car
around.

Yard sales are okay, however, it’s the people that I want to
know more about. This lead to a discussion with the lady as
I scanned the tables There they were, red envelopes. Still
wrapped in its original packaging. Five cents, what a
steal. I grabbed them, paid the lady, slightly giddy
because I had never seen bright #10 red envelopes, only red
Christmas card envelopes. Afterwards I asked if she knew
what the Chinese tradition was. She said she did, she is a
Feng Shui consultant but she stopped using the envelopes
years ago.

Well, you know what they say about yard sales, "One persons
trash is another’s treasure." A few days later I was
writing an attraction check -- a donation above the 10% that
is paid to the universe. It was to a website that promotes
writers. It was only for $2.00, however, what I've learned
it isn't the amount and the figure came from finding $20.
The gesture is about attracting more money -- keeping the
flow open with the Universe. I placed it in the red
envelope and mailed it later that day.

I found two quarters next to the mail box. Later that day I
bought a lottery ticket, something I seldom do, and won $10.
Later I found a $10 bill in the pocket of a pair of slacks I
bought at the thrift shop. I was seeing the Law of Tenfold
occurring in rapid order.

I laughed a little, took $2.25 cash and placed it in another
red envelope, this time I mailed it to another place that I
felt strong pull towards. Again, my inner voice said, "That
isn't much." The universal voice counter balanced it with,
"It isn't the amount, and it’s the energy that you feel
towards who you are giving it to. Look where it originally
came from." Ah, trust. It does take consciousness.

The red letters continue to go out. I send out my 10% and
the Law of Tenfold transpires in so many forms. Now, I
can't say it’s the red envelopes, nor can I say it’s only
the contribution energy it’s being mailed with. What I can
say is that I did this before the red envelopes and the Law
of Tenfold worked occasionally but since the results are
almost a perfect percentage.

At the moment, I'm out looking for more bright red
envelopes, the #10 kind. When I find them, I'll post the
vendor information in the comments section. That is, unless
you know where I can find them, then let me know.

If you tried this, let me know your story. Sharing is part
of Law of Tenfold. Always remember the key is to ask for it
back after you sent your contribution out. Ask for it back
tenfold. And don't forget the 10% back when it returns.
This maintains the flow of money in your life and with the
Universe.

Nicol is world squash champion


HISTORY MAKER: Nicol David hoisting the World Squash Open championship trophy in Hong Kong last night. The victory is expected to push her ranking to World No. 1 when the new list comes out in January.—STARpic by KAMAL SELLEHUDDIN

Malaysia's Nicol David capped a superb year-long run in squash by bagging the prestigious title in the World Squash Open championship in Hong Kong yesterday.

The 22-year-old lass, currently ranked third in the world, was in devastating form as she powered to 8-10, 9-2, 9-6, 9-7 win over world No. 2 Aussie Rachael Grinham to emerge as the first Malaysian, first Asian and the youngest woman world squash champion.

Read article: Nicol is world squash champion...The Star



CENTRE OF ATTENTION: World champion Nicol David with the Grinham sisters, runner-up Rachael (left) and Natalie. – STARpic BY KAMAL SELLEHUDDIN

Related article: Squash queen rules the world...The Star

Friday, December 2, 2005

The Power of the Future Card

This one is hilarious - you might have come across it but never mind have another laugh.

The multi-purpose Future Card will be the version of our perpetually metamorphosing IC in the near future. With an embedded smart chip, it can also be used as a passport, store our medical history, driver's license, act as an ATM card, serve as an electronic purse and even be used at the National Library... whatever you do with the card... you will be tracked!

It may also be a tracking device via GPRS (Good or Bad, depending on the situation). However, a recent debate has brought to light the questionable control on access, potential information abuse and privacy infringement. As the debate rages on, I can foresee a likely scenario when ordering pizzas in the near future...

Pizza Hut: Thank you for calling Pizza Hut. May I have your…
Customer: Haloh! Pisar Hut-ah? Can I order-ah?

PH: Can I have your Future Card number, sir?
C: It’s arh… hold on prease… arh… it’s 690230-88-5551.

PH: Thank you, Mr. Tan Ah Beng @ Or Kwee Tau. You’re calling from 17-D Lorong Cempedak, Gasing. Your home number is 6788988, your office number is 6788788 and your mobile is 021-6788688. Which number are you calling from?
C: Home-lah, wah, where you get all my phone numbers-ah?

PH: We are connected to the Future Card system, sir.
C: OK-lah, OK-lah, can I order your seafood pisar?

PH: That’s not a good idea, sir.
C: Why cannot-ah?

PH: According to your latest medical records, you have high blood pressure and high cholestrol level, sir.
C: What? Wah-lau-eh… medical records also you know. So what you lecomend?

PH: Try our low fat Hokkien mee pizza, I’m sure you’ll like it, sir.
C: Wah, how you know I like Hokkien mee-ah?

PH: You borrowed a book titled ‘Popular Hokkien Dishes’ from the National Library last week, sir.
C: OK, OK, beh-ta-han. Give me three family size pisar. How much-ah?

PH: That should be enough for your family of 10. The total is RM45. How would you like to pay?
C: I pay by Future Card, can or not?

PH: I’m afraid you have to pay us cash, sir.
C: Why?!

PH: Your credit card is over the limit and you owe your bank RM6,720.55 since October last year, sir.
C: ##**@@**! Everything also know, chia-lat!

PH: That’s not including the late charges of your housing loan, sir.
C: OK-lah, I run to ATM to take cash before you come to my house-loh.

PH: You can’t sir, based on the records, you’ve reached the daily limit on machine withdrawal today.
C: What?!

PH: The latest withdrawal is RM250 for 4d and Toto at 4:56pm, sir.
C: Never mind, just send the pisar. I borrow money from my Ah Mah. How long-ah?

PH: 45 minutes, sir. But if you can’t wait you can collect it with your motorcycle. You are only 5 minutes away.
C: Where got transport?

PH: According to your Future Card, you own a Honda scooter, registration number FE 3288…
C: ##**@@**!

PH: Better watch your language, sir.
C: Why should I?

PH: Remember on 15th July 1987 you were convicted of using abusive language on a policeman…
C: *[ugh}*

PH: Is there anything else, sir?
C: Nothing. By the way, still got stock on the 3 bottles of free cola as advertised?

PH: We normally would, sir. But based on the records, you are also diabetic…

Next scene: The customer turns around and tells his kids "I’m going to the hawker centre to tah-pao. Pisar no stock."

Thank God It's Friday!

Yes! TGIF! And to round up the week, let's have some laughs
from The Star.

New Meanings:

ADULT:
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and
is now growing in the middle.

BEAUTY PARLOUR:
A place where women curl up and dye.

CANNIBAL:
Someone who is fed up with people.

CHICKENS:
The only animals you eat before they are born and after
they are dead.

Thursday, December 1, 2005

Freedom of music?

Should there be freedom of music? What do you think?
Read on......

KUALA LUMPUR: The Star
Norwegian black metal group Mayhem will not be allowed to perform in Malaysia because it promotes “unacceptable” values, Deputy Cultural, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong said.

“I assure you that the ministry will do all it can to prevent this group from coming in,” he said in Parliament yesterday.

He said he had seen the group's song lyrics and felt disgusted by them.

An advertisement had appeared in a local newspaper saying that the group would be performing at an entertainment joint in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 4.




Responding to concerns raised by Idris Haron (BN – Tangga Batu) while winding-up the Budget 2006 debate at committee stage, Wong said Mayhem’s application had not reached Puspa, the agency in charge of allowing foreign groups to perform in Malaysia.

Idris said the group promoted Satanic worship and drug use, as could be seen from its motto “Bringing hell to your doorstep” and their song titles included Carnage, A Time to Die and Deathcrush.

He also said that a group called “Say No to Black Metal” would hold a demonstration if Mayhem was allowed to perform here.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Ronaldinho is European Footballer of the Year

I'm not a fan of Ronaldinho (Brazilian player and now playing for
Barcelona FC) but he does deserve the awards bestowed upon him,
the latest being the European Footballer of the Year.

Have you seen him in action? He is quite a player alright.
However, I love to watch Zinedine Zidane play though but
that's another story. Let's let Ronaldinho have his glory here.
Congratulations! Ronaldinho.



PARIS: Ronaldinho completed a hat-trick of awards when he was named European Footballer of the Year on Monday.

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward won the vote by European soccer journalists organised by French soccer magazine France Football after guiding Barcelona to last season’s Primera Liga title.

Read article...The Star: Ronaldinho is European Footballer of the Year

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Have Toyota will travel

This one doesn't run on petrol nor diesel. The new technological
breakthrough in engine design uses only biodegradable materials
and with very low maintenance costs.

Monday, November 28, 2005

RM1 Coin

To think that having a wallet full of RM1 coins is bad but having
the same amount of 50sen coins is worse. A friend paid a RM1.50
parking ticket with a RM10.00 note and out came a RM1 coin and the
rest in 50sen coins.

Parking meters no longer accept the RM1 coin. Will need to get rid of them through other avenues.

Remember these coins will no longer be legal tender on December 7.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Early monsoon

No wonder it's been raining the past two weeks. The monsoon
is here early
. I can't complain really, it's not like flooded
in KL unlike some parts of Malaysia as in pictures below from
The Star.


PRECIOUS CARGO: A motorcycle being transported through knee-high floodwaters along Jalan Penglima Bayu-Rantau Panjang in Kampung Kajang near Tanah Merah yesterday.

While areas in Kelantan remained flooded, water levels in Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok as well as major river arteries have dropped, allowing some 120 people in Kuala Krai and Tanah Merah districts to move back to their homes.

The situation has also improved in Terengganu and Pahang. – Bernamapic


KUALA TERENGGANU: The northeast monsoons gained momentum sharply in the peninsula yesterday, with heavy rains seen in the east coast states, leading to widespread floods, three deaths and the evacuation of close to 1,000 people.

Most badly hit is Terengganu, where 735 people have been moved from their homes in four districts – 418 in Kemaman, 136 in Dungun, 172 in Setiu and nine in Hulu Terengganu.

In Kelantan, the floods claimed two victims while traffic was barred from 15 roads.
In Pahang, more than 160 people were evacuated in Kuantan district as the floods worsened.


PLAYFUL MOOD: Children playing in the floodwaters at the Rantau Panjang police station yesterday.— Bernamapic

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Drive-through Teller Machines

Like they say "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus".
A colleague forwarded me this to drive home the point.

A sign in the Bank Lobby reads: "Please note that this Bank is installing new Drive-through teller machines enabling customers to withdraw cash without leaving their vehicles. Customers using this new facility are requested to use the procedures outlined below when accessing their accounts. After months of careful research,
MALE & FEMALE procedures have been developed.

Please follow the appropriate steps for your gender.

MALE PROCEDURE:
1. Drive up to the cash machine.
2. Put down your car window.
3. Insert card into machine and enter PIN.
4. Enter amount of cash required and withdraw.
5. Retrieve card, cash and receipt.
6. Put window up.
7. Drive off.

***********************************************************
FEMALE PROCEDURE:
1. Drive up to cash machine.
2. Reverse and back up the required amount to align car window with the machine.
3. Set parking brake, put the window down.
4. Find handbag, remove all contents on to passenger seat to locate card.
5. Tell person on cell phone you will call them back and hang up.
6. Attempt to insert card into machine.
7. Open car door to allow easier access to machine due to its excessive distance from the car.
8. Insert card.
9. Re-insert card the right way.
10. Dig through handbag to find diary with your PIN written on the inside back page.
11. Enter PIN.
12. Press cancel and re-enter correct PIN.
13. Enter amount of cash required.
14. Check makeup in rear view mirror.
15. Retrieve cash and receipt.
16. Empty handbag again to locate wallet and place cash inside.
17. Write debit amount in check register and place receipt in back of checkbook.
18. Re-check makeup.
19. Drive forward 2 feet.
20. Reverse back to cash machine.
21. Retrieve card.
22. Re-empty hand bag, locate card holder, and place card into the slot provided.
23. Give dirty look to irate male driver waiting behind you.
24. Restart stalled engine and pull off.
25. Redial person on cell phone.
26. Drive for 2 to 3 miles.
27. Release Parking Brake.

SEND THIS TO A MAN WHO NEEDS A LAUGH AND TO THE LADIES YOU THINK CAN HANDLE IT!

Discard free samples

Could this be true? An email that is going around indicated
that seven women in KL had died after inhaling a free perfume
sample that was mailed to them. The product was poisonous.

The advice: If you receive free samples in the mail such as
lotions, perfumes, diapers, etc., throw them away. It is
feared that this might be another terrorist act. There is
no publicity on this so as not to create panic or give the
terrorists new ideas.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Top 10 tips for great pictures



Don't you wish your pictures in Langkawi or Bora-Bora came out better?
Kodak offers these Top 10 tips for great pictures:

1. Look your subject in the eye
2. Use a plain background
3. Use flash outdoors
4. Move in close
5. Move it from the middle
6. Lock the focus
7. Know your flash's range
8. Watch the light
9. Take some vertical pictures
10. Be a picture director

Cool toilet

We need a similar one for the ladies...
Source: Simplicity, Blogger's Blog of Note.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Poll: Hong Kong is the best place to surf

If you are in Hong Kong, you are in the best place where surfing the Net is concerned as Hong Kong has been voted the 'Best place to surf' in a poll conducted by Intel Corp.

The Star reported that "A recent poll conducted by Intel Corp rated Hong Kong as the best place in Asia to surf the Net."

The Pacific Coffee Company’s shop at Hong Kong Peak won top honours as Asia’s favourite wireless hotspot in an online poll conducted by the chip giant last month.

The poll noted that a “magnificent harbor view together with a cup of coffee and wireless Internet access proved to be the winning combination.”

The poll drew 1,996 participants from more than 20 countries. Participants, comprising business and leisure travelers, were asked to choose from a shortlisted roll of 36 hotspots from 10 countries in the region.

The Starbucks Coffee Company shop at Circular Quay in Sydney, which is next to the world famous Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, ranked second in the poll, while the Suntec City Convention Centre in Singapore, the country’s most popular venue for exhibitions and international conferences, came third, Intel said.

The other top 10 winners included: Beijing International Capital Airport, Shanghai Xintiandi, Taipei's National Museum of History, and Korea's Jeju Island.

Read article: Poll: Hong Kong is the best place to surf...The Star

Monday, November 14, 2005

Shish-kebab / Satay

Ahh... this is Fear Factor stuff. Would you try these delicacies?
There is star-fish, grasshoppers, centipedes, even spiders, beetles
that look like dates and 'Twistie'-like worms. "One man's meat is
another's poison" rings true here. By the way, these are found in
Hong Kong.





Low's Peak on Mount Kinabalu



Going through the World Heritage Tour, spotted Low's Peak
indicated on the map (top left) of Mount Kinabalu. Was wondering if
this peak is creditted to you, Low? Who knows?

It is a good thing that Mount Kinabalu has been designated a world heritage site. This is one of two in Malaysia. The other being the Mulu National Park.

Million ringgit fairy-tale wedding the talk of the town

Fairy tales do exist afterall...


JOYOUS UNION: Chung and Beh posing for the cameras at their wedding in Kuching on Saturday night. The high-profile wedding is believed to be the first of its kind in the country

BY JACK WONG
The Star

KUCHING: His love melted her heart. Jessie Chung agreed to marry her Ipoh beau Joshua Beh after his sixth proposal.

Chung is no celebrity but her wedding to Beh, an accountant, is the talk of the town and has attracted hordes of pressmen here and from Singapore.

The high-profile wedding is believed to be the first of its kind in the country – the stunning bride was born a male here more than 30 years ago.

Chung, whose original name was Jeffrey, underwent three major operations to become a woman three years ago.

Read more: Million ringgit fairy-tale wedding the talk of the town

Saturday, November 5, 2005

Blessings

Talk about blessings, being alive is blessing itself. Is it not?
And yet we hear of road accidents, fights, abuse of self and of
others and a whole lot of other risks that people put themselves
through as though tomorrow will always be there for them.

Hello people, listen up! Life IS fragile - and so temporary.
It can end just like that! Morbid as it sounds, it is the truth.
So whatever you do, do take care.

Take for instance the accidents that happened over the Hari Raya
holidays with headlines like "Driver killed after car ploughs into
cow"; "Tragedy robs family of Raya joy" or this one "He never got
to buy that carpet" of a 19-year-old young man who just had to buy
a carpet for his room to complete his preparations for the Hari Raya.

What about this one "Couple's saddest Raya" of a couple whose car
plunged into the river and not being able to save their two children,
aged three and four. So sad but so real.

And of course, there are those who were involved with fireworks
and firecrackers and had their fingers blown off or lost an eye
in the process. What a waste, don't you think.

The government has put in so much effort implementing ways and
means so that the Rakyat can enjoy festivals safely and joyously.
The Rakyat in turn has to do their part. Take heed of these
messages: Drive home safely. Your safety is in your hands.

Wednesday, November 2, 2005

Cheaper cancer treatment

Counting our blessings. One of which is the Prime Minister’s
mission to make cancer treatment affordable to sufferers.
An appreciative Malaysian sent The Star a letter published on Oct 31.

Cheapter cancer treatment is good news
I refer to the letter, "Cancer treatment is too expensive",
(The Star, OCt 26). What concerns me is the comment made by
J. Toh's family doctor who said: "If you have no money in
Malaysia, you have no right to get sick, let alone get cancer."

People do not want to get sick whether they have money or not.
I feel sorry for the poor.

Malaysia is the best place to get sick because healthcare in
the government hospitals is subsidised, if not free of charge.

Over the last eight years, four of my friends were diagnosed
with breast cancer. All of them sought treatment in government
hospitals.

One of them was found to have stage-two breast cancer but she
is still alive and healthy today after undergoing surgery and
chemotherapy.

Another only paid RM500 for the surgery. Even though cancer
treatment is very expensive, the Government makes sure nobody
is denied treatment.

Pak Lah's resolution to make cancer treatment cheaper is good
news indeed.

NIGHT OWL
Kuala Lumpur

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

Cancer Awareness - Are X-rays bad for health?

Many of us believe that exposure to x-rays is bad for health.
Letters below published in The Sunday Star and The Star will shed
some light.

This is reproduced letter published in The Sunday Star, October 30, 2005:

Annual checkups should not include x-rays
Staying in an apartment block, I get to know more of my
neighbours' maids than my own neighbours.

Day in and day out, we get to exchange neighbourly greetings
with them and if we have some time to spare, we get to chat
with them.

Quite a number of them must be good to be trusted by their
employers that they have been working here more than the
basic two years.

One such maid is now in her sixth year of employment.
Her employer's wife just died and she was asked to stay on
to help the family with four schoolgoing children who are
now without a mother.

It is almost time to renew her work permit again. Every year,
she has to undergo a full medical check-up as past of the
procedure.

I am aghast to think that this will be the seventh time in
seven years that she has to have an x-ray done. Isn't too
much radiation bad for our health?

I believe the authorities concerned should limit the x-ray
part to once every three or five years.

I dread to think that when these good maids return to their
country, instead of living a happy life after years of working,
they have to suffer from cancer caused by too much x-ray
radiation.

Can the authorities concerned look into this matter as soon as
possible?

CONCERNED LADY
Kuala Lumpur

The response:
Radiation from an x-ray is minimal
I refer to your letter, "Annual check-ups should not include
x-ray", (Sunday Star, Oct 30).

While I am unsure of the indications of requiring a maid to
obtain an annual chest x-ray, I would like to reassure
Concerned Lady the radiation exposure from a regular x-ray
is minimal.

In some practices, an annual chest x-ray may be indicated.
For example, cancer surveillance, follow-up of lung nodules
in areas with no available CT.

The amount of radiation from one x-ray is minimal, close to
what one might get from a six-hour flight or from natural
environmental sources such as radon from soil.

I just thought this might be helpful information to consider.

DR. T.K. KHOO
Rochester, USA
The Star, Monday, Oct 31, 2005

There you have it. X-rays are not to be feared afterall.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Master plan for cancer care

EXCLUSIVE
By AUDREY EDWARDS

PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister’s mission to make cancer treatment affordable to sufferers has been given a timely boost with the Health Ministry’s announcement of a five-year master plan to provide comprehensive care to Malaysians.

Its director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican said the “roadmap” would include early detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, hospice care, herbal therapy and training.

He said the plan was to make cancer management available to all Malaysians, and patients need not have to go abroad for treatment.

“Some types of cancers can be treated in the country. We are also looking at new ways to ensure drugs are accessible.

“We want to fill the gaps in several areas. There will also be ‘full-blown’ information on the preventive aspects of specific types of cancer,” he told The Star.

The plan will look at improving diagnosis strategies for early detection, while the ministry is working on increasing the number of oncologists in the country, he added.

Dr Ismail said that one key target of the plan was to increase awareness of a healthy lifestyle to reduce risk factors.

“Besides having good habits, a healthy diet such as cutting down on salted, preserved and fatty foods will reduce cancer risks. Keeping one’s weight in check to avoid added problems of diabetes and obesity is also important.



Read article: Master plan for cancer care...The Star

MyKad reader a hot seller

This brings to mind my hairdresser who related that she was
asked by her bank manager whether she's a Muslim from Sri Lanka
as her new MyKad said so. The fact is, she is a Chinese from
up north. She hastily got it sorted out.

So this gadget is useful.


USER FRIENDLY: The IST MyReader comes in different colours and can read information stored in MyKad

The reader can display certain information contained in the MyKad such as the IC number (both old and new), address, driving licence details and passport information.

But its biggest selling point is that the information on religion is also displayed.

Mistakes in data entry have resulted in embarrassing situations.

For example, Wong related the case of a woman who wanted to get married but her marriage registration was rejected because her sex was listed as ''male'' in her new MyKad.



Read article: MyKad reader a hot seller...The Star

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Higher ticket fares due to higher fuel prices

Higher fuel prices is the culprit for higher prices all around.
The latest victim being higher ticket fares.

Travelling is fun but can be a costly affair. A traveller has to
contend with the cost of the air-ticket or cost of the tour package
whichever the case.

Even before you get on the plane, the toll begins - fuel surcharge
and travel insurance.

During travel, there are the optional side-trips (that the travel
agent conveniently not mention), the irresistible exotic food
you simply had to try, the impulsive shopping (of things you could
not figure out why you bought them in the first place). Of course
not forgetting the obligatory tips for the guides.

After the travel, there is the arduous task of reconciling the
credit card statements, but this is for another post.
Ahhhh.....the 'joys' of travel.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Greetings!

I don't know about you but I sure am looking forward to the holidays next week. This year, Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa are back-to-back which makes it such a welcome break - to be able to spend a longer time with loved ones outstation. Yippeeee!

Let me take this opportunity then to extend you my best wishes.

To Hindu readers let me wish you



To Muslin readers:

May you
have a happy
and blessed Ramadan


And to you who celebrate Halloween:












And to the rest, Happy Holidays and remember that















Also, if you would like to send some e-cards to friends and family,
here are two sites to pick from:

1. 123greetings
2. Bluemountain

Lastly, drive carefully.

Monday, October 24, 2005

Financial help needed for a burnt little boy

Sep 24, 2005
Sep 27, 2005
Oct 5, 2005














Below are messages about Wong Jing Ren, the two-year-old
burnt little boy. This is a genuine case.
Donations can be banked into an account set up with
RHB Bank with the following details:

Name : Wong Jing Ren
Bank : RHB Bank
A/C # 1-12161-0009290-8


From: jennifer
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 11:34 AM
Subject: 2 year old burnt victim Wong Jing Ren needs financial aid

Dear colleagues & friends:

I had on last Thursday (20th Oct) after receiving the e-mail called Gleneagles and was told that the boy (Wong JR) was still in ICU since admission on 27 Sept. I had on the same day called RHB and the bank confirmed an account in the name of Wong JR has been opened by his mother, Mdm Yap.

This unfortunate accident was reported in several Chinese newspapers on 22nd & 23rd Oct when Mdm Yap appealed for public donation to support the huge medical fees, estimated to cost about RM300,000. Thus far, the family has paid out RM70000 on medical expenses and has since run out of resources.

Based on news report, the fire accident happened on 27 Sept in the uncle's house in Ampang, who is a shoe maker operating from home. On that fateful day, Wong JR was sitting on a sofa in front of his uncle, who had just applied glue to a big rubber sheet to be used for shoe making. About 10' away from the uncle, there was an altar with a lighted oil lamp. It was believed that the oil lamp had triggered the fire as the whole house was filled with highly inflammable gases emitted from the industrial glue. When the house suddenly caught fire, out of panic, Wong JR jumped down from the sofa, stumbled over the rubber sheet, fell and got himself glued to the rubber sheet. The big rubber sheet quickly caught fire and turned Wong JR into a fire ball. Wong JR suffered 90% 2nd burn from head to toe, he was rushed to the nearest hospital, Gleneagles.

Wong JR and his family are in desperate need of financial aid, pls donate generously, if you can.

---- Forwarded by Jennifer/SEH on 10/24/2005 09:47 AM -----
Melissa/SEH
10/20/2005 03:34 PM
To Jennifer/SEH@SEH
cc
Subject Fw: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help

Jen, I felt that I've a heart attack after seeing this, nearly want to cry, so pityful. I want to donate n help him, but have no guts to call up the mother to confirm the matter, can't take it if she cries to me, can you do so or not? If this is confirmed, I will bank in the money tomorrow...

----- Forwarded by Melissa/SEH on 10/20/2005 03:37 PM -----
ML Teoh
10/20/2005 01:19 PM
Subject: Fw: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help

----Original Message-----
From: Tan Yoke Ling
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 11:01 AM
To: Tan Yoke Ling
Subject: FW: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help
Hi All,
Receive this email this morning.
I had called up the mother of the child Bonnie Yap (office number 7490 8028 ) this morning to get her permission to do so. I was told that she had made an arrangement with the hospital to ask for help on this sunday newspapers.

If you can't help her financially, please help her to get help from others.

Thank you and may god bless you of what you have done for her.

Rgds,
YL Tan
-----Original Message-----
From: Seng Meng Leng
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 6:41 PM
Subject: FW: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help
For your action.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tong Pin Wan
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 6:15 PM
Subject: FW: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help
Pls help.

This is a genuine case.

Rgds.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lee Leh yee
Subject: FW: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help
Hi All,

My ex-colleague's 2 years old son is currently at ICU ( Gleneagles MC ). He has been badly burnt by fire at his baby-sister's house 3 weeks ago. He had sustained 90% of 2nd degree burn from head to toe. The doctors and nurses were able to stabilized his condition and now he has a better chance of surviving. However, my ex-colleague is now facing a financial problem on the medical cost for her son.

I will pass around the donation envelope, appreciate if you could help and contribute. Alternatively you could bank in to the account as per below mentioned. Thanks !

Name : Wong Jing Ren
Bank : RHB Bank
A/C # 1-12161-0009290-8

Regards,
Lee

-----Original Message-----
From: Bk Cheah
Subject: FW: My Son : Wong Jing Ren Need Help

Hi All,

any donation you all can direct bank in to his account and send me a copy. or you all can call me to collect. When I bank in, I will send a copy to you all.

Thanks & regards.
Cheah 019-4116521

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Bonnie Yap [Bonnie_Yap@vsource.com] [mailto:Bonnie_Yap@vsource.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 1:50 PM
To: 'Bk Cheah'
Subject: My Son : Wong Jing Ren
Hi Ms. Cheah,

Thank you for your kind assistance. Here is some note for the assistance on the fund collection.

There was an accident at the babysitter's house where both have sustain injuries. His name is Wong Jing Ren and he is 2yrs old and have sustain 90% 2nd degree burn from head to toe. Only a small portion on the back is not burnt. He is currently in ICU, Gleneagles Ampang. Due to his age and the injuries, the doctors and nurses of Gleneagles were able to stabilised his condition and he now have a better chance of surviving. We are grateful of the doctors and nurses but we now face a financial problem on the cost of his stay in the hospital.

Name : Wong Jing Ren
Bank : RHB Bank
A/C # 1-12161-0009290-8


Bonnie Yap
Vsource Asia Berhad (502982-W)
(formerly known as Vsource (Malaysia) Berhad)
Tel : +603 7490 8028
Fax : +603 7490 7999

Sunday, October 23, 2005

The U in colour

The next time you find yourself green with envy, feeling in the pink, or sad and blue, take a look at the colours around you.

SCIENTISTS have long known that colours can affect our moods, but now they think the colours we prefer might say something about our personalities as well. Leatrice Eiseman, author of several books on colour including Colour Answer Book, explores how we respond emotionally to colour. She says people tend to gravitate toward certain hues when choosing the colour of rooms, clothes and even mobile phones. Here's what she says your favourite colours say about you:

Red – You have a zest for life. You like to stay on top of things. Key words associated with red are 'winner', ‘achiever', 'intense', 'impulsive', 'active', 'competitive', 'daring', 'aggressive' and 'passionate'.

Blue – Blue is the colour of tranquillity and peace. Although cool and confident, blues can be vulnerable. Blues have a high sense of responsibility and must be careful of perfectionist tendencies.

Green – You are likely to be stable and balanced. You are a joiner of clubs and organisations – especially those that are charitable. You are kind and generous.

Black – Black can represent conflicting attitudes. You may be conventional, conservative and serious or you may think of yourself as rather worldly or sophisticated. Wit, cleverness, personal security, and prestige are very important to you.

Pink – You are talented, charming and warm. You also have drive; however, it's not an overly aggressive, ambitious streak. You are most likely the candles-on-the-table kind of incurable romantic.

o Prefer colour mixtures – If you like lots of different colours, then you are a creative type, one most likely to work professionally with colour. You may have a fragmented personality. You are open and far less rigid than those with very dogmatic likes and dislikes.

Eiseman says the word has gotten out on the significance of colour and that designers now create styles and products specifically to meet people’s colour preference. She says even mobile phones – which have become popular ways for people to accessorise and express themselves – have gotten in on the act. Sprint and Sanyo, for example, now make phones in colours ranging from silver to deep blue and satin red to forest green – one of their phones even comes with changeable colour-accent plates for those who prefer colour mixtures.

Do the colours of a cellphone really matter? According to Eiseman, the answer is yes. She says 60% of our decision to buy a product is based on its colour. – HealthNewsDigest.com


Source: The Star...The U in colour

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Super Crab Porridge


The Super Crab Porridge served in Claypot is best enjoyed in groups

Super crab porridge served in Clayport - this is enough to give one a huge appetite. What about Cheese Cooked Octopus or Salty Egg Prawns? Yummy! All these can be enjoyed at a restaurant in Petaling Jaya, Super Crab Aroma Seafood Restaurant.

Source: The Star

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Furby up for grabs on Red 104.9

Here's a chance to win a Furby. According to The Star:

From now until Oct 29, you can look out for the Red Sorento Crew to win yourself a Furby. Track down the locations of the Red Sorento at noon everyday.

Next, try your best to put Furby to sleep and you will stand a chance to bring home a Furby worth RM199.

You can also stay tuned to Terry and Albert In the Coffee Shoppe between 1pm and 4pm from today until Oct 21.

Listen up for the cue to call and dial 03-4043 1049 and give the deejay the password “Hey Furby”.

You are required to answer some multiple-choice questions.

If you answer correctly, you will take home a Furby. For more Information, visit www.red1049.com.my.

The Star operates Red 104.9.

Source: The Star

Friday, October 14, 2005

Furby, the talking, singing cuddly toy

Christmas is fast approaching and if you're already drawing up a presents list why not include a Furby.


The new Furby is bigger and more advanced than the 1998 version that took the world by storm

Furby can chat with you any time of the day, sing songs or tell jokes when you are down and play games with you when you are bored.

“Furby became a historic bestseller and a cultural phenomenon when it hit the market in 1998,” said Hasbro's Toy Malaysia general manager Ng Chai Lee at the launch of Furby in Subang recently. 40 million pieces were sold globally.


Hasbro’s Toy Malaysia marketing manager Albert Tan holding up two of the new Furbys’

It can speak hundreds of words, speaking English and “Furbish.”

It has a flexible beak, rolling eyes and movable ears and brows for a wide range of facial expressions.

The new Furby, which is double the size of the original version, comes with an “ off” switch. Alternatively, you can ask it to go to sleep, and it will close its eyes and snore.

The Furby is available at Toys'R'Us stores and leading department and toy stores.

Source...The Star

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Egg, prawn and cabbage prices up



BY SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: Food items such as eggs, white prawns and round cabbage will cost slightly more under ceiling prices the Government has set in the run-up to the festive season.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said that Grade A eggs would now cost 2 sen more than the current market price of 28 sen each.

“Similarly, consumers will have to pay 50 sen more for round cabbage at RM2.50 per kilo. White pomfret and large white prawns are capped at RM40 per kilo compared with the previous RM33 and RM38 per kilo, respectively,” he told reporters after the post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

“This ceiling price is the result of the compromise between the ministry and the wholesalers and suppliers after many meetings and much monitoring of market trends.

“The prices are to allow them to still reap profits, but not too much. At the same time, these prices will not prove too burdensome to consumers.”

Shafie said egg suppliers wanted the ceiling price to be fixed at 32 sen for this period, from Saturday until Feb 28.

“But we finally agreed on 30 sen, which is comfortable for both traders and consumers,” he said.

Other items which will cost more are Grade B and C eggs. Grade B eggs will now be at 29 sen, up from 27 sen, while Grade C eggs will cost 3 sen more at 28 sen.

Imported beef, local and imported bone-in mutton, local mackerel, grated coconut, shallots, tomatoes, and Chinese cabbage will cost less under the ceiling price scheme, which covers 23 food items.

This year, Shafie said, the ceiling prices of these items would also be standardised within each state.

“Only chicken – both standard and super chicken, which will retail at RM6 and RM6.70 per kilo respectively – imported buffalo meat and Chinese potato will have their prices standardised in peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

Shafie said traders had been reminded to display pink price tags for controlled items and to adhere to the ceiling price, adding that failure to do so could result in their being compounded, fined up to RM15,000 or even jailed.

“We have also made arrangements with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to revoke the licences of any trader found to repeat the offence during this time,” he said.

Source: The Star

RM100 for buffet is too much

RM100 for buffet is too much, says Toyad.

What do you think? Let's hear some views.

KUALA LUMPUR:
Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad says hotels are overcharging for the breaking of fast buffet during Ramadan.

Although the ministry has no power to control buffet prices, he said hoteliers should be reasonable as charging RM100 or more was too much.

“I think consumers will have their opinion. Consumers have the right to make a choice. But again, I will say RM100 is too high,” he told reporters after opening the 10th anniversary of Optimax Eye Specialist Centre here yesterday.

He was commenting on a statement by the Malaysian Hoteliers Association that hotels would stick to their decision to charge RM100 or more for the breaking of fast buffet.

Dr Toyad said his ministry and the Health Ministry were working to ensure the success of the health tourism promotion campaign.

He said a Cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had been set up to co-ordinate and monitor the campaign.

The health tourism industry shows promise because Malaysia has a high standard of medical expertise at competitive prices, he added.

Source: The Star

Monday, October 10, 2005

Ramadhan buka puasa treats

I thought this is an excellent idea. McDonald's has got its
own buka puasa buffet. Everything you can eat for only RM9.00
for kids below twelve and RM18.00 for adults.

Here's one more place for buka puasa buffet.

Residents counting their days at flats


Once a popular landmark of Kuala Lumpur, the Pekeliling Flats will be demolished by the end of the year

By LIM CHIA YING
The Star

EVER since the move to Sri Rampai Flats began in May, the Pekililing Flats is almost devoid of life, especially in Blocks A and B.

Residents have left their empty homes behind to dust, rubbish, stray cats and even rats.

But, life at the blocks opposite the vacated ones still goes on as it has for decades.

Read story...Residents counting their days at flats

Wednesday, October 5, 2005

New deadline to pay summonses

Good news for those who have yet to settle their traffic summonses.

New deadline to pay summonses
By Salina Khalid

THOSE who missed the Sept 30 deadline to pay at a discounted rate summonses issued by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) can still do so until the end of this month.

Mayor Ramli Mahmud said the city council had decided to extend the period due to overwhelming response from the public.

The 70% discount is being offered on all MBSA-issued summonses including for traffic and parking offences. Previously, the city council only gave discounts up to 50%.

Read story: New deadline to pay summonses...The Star

Friday, September 30, 2005

Budget message: Adjust lifestyle


HEAVY LOAD: Abdullah posing with his bag, containing his Budget speech, which he jokingly said was too heavy to carry at the Finance Ministry last night after going there to check on the final preparations for today’s Budget 2006. At his right is Nor Mohamed.

BY YAP LENG KUEN and JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU
The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Adjust your lifestyle to the new circumstances and don't expect too many goodies from the Budget.

That is likely to be the main message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Parliament today, according to observers canvassed by The Star.

There will certainly be some relief for the people, particularly the poor, but most of the measures had already been announced last month, said one analyst.

Read full story...Budget message: Adjust lifestyle