Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Narrow escape from Kidnap at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara

This is all over Facebook and Twitter and in The Star today.. a kidnap at The Curve last Sunday at around 5:20pm at the mall's carpark.

From The Star..Marketeer fights off abductors

An Internet marketeer had a close shave with a couple of would-be rapists when she was abducted from the car park of The Curve shopping mall here.

However, the feisty Chin Xin-Ci put up a fight and jumped out of the moving car just as it was exiting the car park.

Recounting the harrowing experience on her Facebook account, she wrote that she was loading her shopping bags onto the backseat of her boyfriend's car when the incident took place at about 5.20pm on Sunday.


Source: The Star..The Curve’s car park on Sunday evening. (insert) Chin was fortunate just to have some scratches and bruises. — Pix taken from Chin’s blog



Read Chin Xin-Ci's Facebook page:

30 hours ago, I escaped from being kidnapped
by Chin Xin-Ci on Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:39am ·

As I sit here writing this, I am just so grateful to be alive.

To think that 30 hours ago I had a knife to my throat, face to face with the threat of being kidnapped and raped.

It was a Sunday, at 5.22PM. I was alone, walking towards my boyfriend's car in level B2 of The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. He was not in town, and I was running errands with his car. Just as I was putting my shopping bags in the rear seat, the rear car door was slammed against my back, and a meat cleaver was pressed against my throat. A man covered my mouth with his hand, and whispered not to scream. He then shoved me onto the floor of the backseat of the car and waved the cleaver at me, reminding me not to scream. He was skinny, wearing a baggy turqoise blue t-shirt, had a thick moustache and short curly hair, approx 5'8", mid-30s, and of Indian descent.

At this moment, second man appeared. He was also in his mid-30s. He was wearing a red t-shirt, had a crewcut, and was of Malay descent. He grabbed my car keys and demanded for my parking ticket. I couldn't remember where it was. They shoved me deeper into the car, and the Indian man got into the back seat with me, while the Malay man got into the driver's seat, driving us out of the carpark.

I told them they could take everything, just let me go. But at that point they didn't even ask for money. Instead, the Indian man started to make sexual advances. Then it hit me. "Oh my God. Oh my God. This is really happening. I'm being kidnapped.. and I think I know what they want."

//

From this moment on, there were a few crucial things that happened that I think is the reason I'm alive today.

1. I managed to get into a position to escape.
When they got into the car, the Indian man had tried to force my body down onto the floor. I knew that the moment I'm on the floor, there would be no chance of escape. So I begged him to let me sit up. I promised him I wouldn't scream or alert anyone's attention. Thankfully, he trusted me, and let me sit up, gripping my arm tightly. Then I told him my arm really hurt and to please not grip it so hard. He loosened his grip.

2. I did not fight for the sake of fighting.
I was in an enclosed space, with no clear escape route. I would never win in a fight with these 2 guys, especially when they have sharp weapons. Had I fought from the get go, I may not have been in a position to escape. I might've even been knocked out cold, and God only knows where I would be right now.

3. I was lucky and sneaky.
I knew that the only way to escape, was to jump out of the car, even if it was moving. They had locked the car doors. So I leaned back, pretended to scratch my hair, and shakily unlocked the door I was leaning against. I'm so lucky they did not see or hear this!

4. I went 'crazy' at the right time.
And then I waited. I knew that the car would have to slow down outside the parking lot, as it exits to merge with the main roads. The moment it slowed down, I opened the car door and tried to make a run for it. I failed. I kicked my legs out of the car, but the Indian man had managed to pull my body back in. From this moment on, everything is a blur. I remember the Malay driver temporarily stopping the car, leaning over from the driver's seat and attempting to close the door and pull my legs in. At that point I remember thinking, "Even if I don't get out now, I need to keep the door open and my legs out the door. At the very least, it should cause a scene, and someone would see me. Or, the door might hit another car and they'll be forced to slow down." So I continued kicking. My right foot pushed against the wide-open car door to keep it open. I recall elbowing, struggling, kicking, and even biting. I lost my glasses, and was struggling blindly for my life. At some point the Malay driver yelled, "BAGI DIA LEPAS! BAGI DIA LEPAS!" (Let her go! Let her go!) and the Indian man loosened his grip. I made a jump out of the still-moving car, and ran for my life.

5. I acted in spite of the fear.
My friends said I was brave. But I didn't feel like it. I was quivering and shaking in fear. I was so afraid. I thought I was going to die. I was weak with fear and deathly afraid. I truly thought "this was it". But I knew I HAD to move. I had to run. Or there would be a worser fate in store for me. While I was quaking in fear, I forced myself to look around and see if there was any way I could escape, or even catch someone's eye.

6. I remembered the people I love.
The only thing that matters when you're faced with potentially horrendous fate, is the people in your life. When I felt the knife to my neck, the first thing I thought was , "This cannot be happening. I must be dreaming." The second? The people that truly matter to me flashed across my mind. It sounds cliche, but it's true. I thought of my parents. My brother. Khailee. Esther. More people. That's all I could think of for a few moments, before I thought, "Shit. I need to get out of here."

//

I ran towards the Maybank outlet at the Curve. There were plenty of people milling around. I screamed for help over and over again. I was hysterical. I grabbed an older Malay man by his shoulders and begged for help before practically collapsing at his feet.

I will always remember the relief and liberation I felt, running over Mutiara Damansara's manicured grass and into the crowd.

//

Today, I found out that the entire ordeal from the moment I left the parking ticket payment machine, to my escape, happened in about 4 minutes. To me, it felt like one long nightmare.

We never think its going to happen to us... and then it does. I used to think that this is something that happens only in the papers and to people far, far removed from me. But then it did happen to me. I moved to PJ/KL 6 years ago, and I've spent countless mornings, afternoons and nights at The Curve. When my friends and I were organizing Rock Up! back in 2008, we were walking around the place at 4AM even. It's been 6 years, and never once did I feel that I was unsafe at The Curve. Until yesterday.

I feel like moving out of the country ASAP. Getting the hell out of this state where you hear of a kidnapping or attempted one every month (remember Nayati?), or a snatch theft every week. And yet I'm fully aware of the fact that in another country with more lax firearm laws, they would've been holding a gun to my head, not a cleaver. And that would've been so, so much worse.

I'm Blessed. By God's grace, I am alive and relatively well. And I will live another day to build another cat iPhone app. It just was not my time to go. And for that, I thank God.

I want to share this story with everyone because cops tell me that they rarely get to hear it from someone who escapes.

Girls, be so very careful. Be vigilant, and please try not to go anywhere alone. If you need to walk to the carpark, and you're alone, get a guard to go with you. I was recently told that it's part of their job description to assist anyone if needed.

Guys, watch out for your girlfriends, wives, mothers, sisters and friends. Walk with them, don't take their paranoia or fear lightly. Watch out for them.

And everyone, just watch out for each other. Take care of each other. These things really DO happen. As I ran out of the car, so many people came to help me. Strangers who didn't know who I was, came forward and offered me tissue paper, water, cellphones, and general comfort.

Malaysians, please care for one another. You already do. Just keep on caring. Keep watching out for each other. Don't worry about being thought of as "busy body" or "overreacting". The world can be a cruel place, but all it takes is for people to care for one another to make all the difference.

.....

Thank goodness, Cin-Xi managed to escape with minor injuries albeit with an experience to last a lifetime. Bad incidents do happen any time of the day or night. We (ladies) simply have to be alert and be aware of our surroundings outside of our home, even outside the gate. A girlfriend was robbed at knife-point while getting out of her car to open the gate, but that's for another time.


Google doodle for Peter Carl Faberge

Peter Carl Fabergé also known as "Karl Gustavovich Fabergé" is Google's honoree today. Born 166 years ago on May 30 (died September 24, 1920) he was a Russian jeweller, best known for the famous Fabergé eggs, made in the style of genuine Easter eggs, but using precious metals and gemstones rather than more mundane materials.

Here's one of those beautiful Faberge Easter eggs, the Bouquet of Lilies or Madonna Lily Egg by Faberge

Image source: Wikipedia

Monday, May 28, 2012

Another accident at scene of Ferrari crash

In Singapore, the site of the horrific Ferrari crash two weeks ago was again the scene of another accident early Saturday morning.

A Lexus beat the red light and crashed into a Comfort taxi at the junction of Rochor Road and Victoria Street early yesterday morning, according to local media reports.

The injured male taxi passenger was sent to the Singapore General Hospital after the accident, which was reported to the police at about 3.15am Saturday morning. He received outpatient treatment.

According to a latest statement by the police, a 30-year-old driver of the Lexus has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and dangerous driving.

Video on YouTube..



Source: Asiaone..Drink driver arrested for another accident at Ferrari crash site

Winner of Plate WWW 1

When the results of the winning bid for the vehicle registration number plate WWW 1 was announced a few days ago, everyone must have been wondering who won it. Wonder no more, The Star reported that:

Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ismail has won the tender for the much sought after car number plate WWW 1, with the highest bid of RM 520,000. The Sultan topped 9,999 other bidders.

Sultan Ibrahim Ismail Sultan Iskandar topped 9,999 other bidders including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who won the number plate WWW 5.

The results of the tender are available on the Road Transport Department (JP) website.

The number surpassed the record set by "MCA 1" in 2010 which was sold for RM300,100.



Source: The Star..WWW 1 bid winner is Johor Sultan

Update:
Related articles:
- Johor Sultan is owner of number plate WWW 1
- Johor Tengku Mahkota hits out at critics of WWW 1 bid

- Sultan wants WWW 1 to be fixed on national car

Beckham shows off his incredible ball skills

If you are not into football, you can skip this short video.
If you are not into David Beckham, you can skip this video too.

If you are into football, watch it, maybe.
If you are into David Beckham, watch it.

And if you are into both football and David Beckham, this video is a must-watch. Methinks..

Video shows Beckham + Samsung GALAXY Note + Beethoven – World-renowned, football superstar Beckham shows off his incredible ball skills to the melody of Beethoven’s classic, ‘Ode To Joy,’ while kicking a series of balls against a 15-foot wall of drums with the help of the Samsung GALAXY Note.


Amendment to the Evidence Act - relating to Internet usage

What do you think of the amendment to the Evidence Act passed by the Dewan Rakyat last month? It is one thing to bring anonymous hate-mail senders and stalkers to book but quite another when innocent Internet-users are held responsible for an act that they are not guilty of.

Basically it means the owner of the Internet account will be held liable for anything published on his blog, his Facebook page, Twitter, etc.

The amendment to Section 114(a) of the Evidence Act includes the following stipulations:

> If your name, photograph or pseudonym appears on any publication depicting yourself as the author, you are deemed to have published the content.

> If a posting comes from your Internet or phone account, you are deemed to be the publisher unless the contrary is proved.

> If you have the control or custody of any computer which published any material, you are presumed to be the publisher unless proven otherwise.

Take a look at the clauses..
Source: The Star


Answering critics who said the amendment was unfair in pushing the burden of proof to the accused, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Chairman, Datuk Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tarmizi, said that owners of Internet accounts where hate messages had originated could easily rebut charges against them if they were innocent.

“For example, if you can produce witnesses to say that you were nowhere near your computer or any other communicating device at the time the message was sent out, you can get off,” Sharil said.

More: The Star..Cyber bullies and stalkers often get away because of lack of evidence

Saturday, May 26, 2012

1Malaysia Pad - new Tablet in the market

If you haven't had enough of 1Malaysia programs and products, here is one more to add to the stable, the 1Malaysia Pad, a new tablet in the market. I remember when Apple's iPad was unveiled, the name created quite a stir, and now we have our very own...Pad!


Officially unveiled at a soft launch yesterday, this 7-inch pad, using the Android Gingerbread operating system is claimed to be on par with the ones currently available in the market. The 1Malaysia Pad is developed by MalTechPro Sdn Bhd and will be in the market next month after its official launch at an introductory price of RM999 for the first 5,000 units.

The tablet which can be customised to a client's needs also comes with built-in applications including the 1Malaysia Messenger or 1MM app which offers free messaging between users like popular applications such as WhatsApp and Blackberry Messenger. The tablet comes with two cameras – 3.0 megapixel device at the back and a 0.3 megapixel in the front – WiFi and 3G data capabilities, a Li-Polymer 4000mAH battery and a 32GB micro SD memory card.

MalTechPro being an apps (applications developer provides customisation of the 1Malaysia Pad according to the needs of the client.

It has been reported that Malaysia is the largest tablet market in South-East Asia, racking up sales worth US$374mil (RM1.18bil) last year. When it gets launched next month, will the store be needing rope stanchions to keep enthusiastic customers in line? We'll see.


Source: The Star


Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Frolics - The Autumn Leaves Color Test

A simple quiz this week. Strange how a simple choice of a colored leaf can reveal things about oneself.

My rating for this personality quiz is 4, mostly true. Your turn. Have a great weekend!

Rating
1 = Absolutely not true
2 = Some truth
3 = 50% true
4 = Mostly true
5 = Close to 100% true




You Are Dreamy and Easygoing



You have a well honed sixth sense. Your intuition is a gift, and you use it wisely.

You are the ultimate escapist. If you can't escape physically, you escape with your thoughts.



You are easygoing and easy to please. You are mild-mannered and apt to get along with just about anyone.

You find it easy to give to others selflessly. It makes you happy to make others happy.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

You Are a Masterpiece - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

I received this in an email today.

- One of the best sermons from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - The founder of Art of living.

A plum once said, 'just because a banana lover came by, I converted myself into a banana. Unfortunately, his taste changed after a few months and so I became an orange. When he said I was bitter I became an apple, but he went in search of grapes. Yielding to the opinions of so many people, I have changed so many times that I no more know who I am. How I wish I had remained a plum and waited for a plum lover.'

Just because a group of people do not accept you as you are, there is no necessity for you to strip yourself of your originality.

You need to think good of yourself, for the world takes you at your own estimate.

Never stoop down in order to gain recognition. Never let go of your true self to win a relationship. In the long run, you will regret that you traded your greatest Glory - your uniqueness, for momentary validation. Even Gandhi was not accepted by many people. The group that does not accept you as YOU is not Your world.

There is a world for each one of you, where you shall reign as king /queen by just being yourself. Find that world...

In fact, that world will find You. What water can do, gasoline cannot and what copper can, gold cannot. The fragility of the ant enables it to move and the rigidity of the tree enables it to stay rooted.

Everything and everybody has been designed with a Proportion of uniqueness to serve a purpose that we can fulfill only by being our unique self. You as you alone can serve your purpose and I as I alone can serve my purpose. You are here to be you... Just YOU.

There was a time in this world when a Krishna was required and he was sent; A time when a Christ was required and he was sent; a time when a Mahatma was required and he was sent; There came a time when you were required on this planet and hence you were sent. Let us be the best we can be.


In the history of the universe, there has been nobody like you and to the infinity of time to come, there will be no one like you. Existence should have loved you so much that it broke the mould after making you, so that another of your kind will never get repeated.

You are original. You are rare. You are unique. You are a wonder. You are a masterpiece. .. Your Master's piece. Celebrate your Uniqueness.?"

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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

Six simple practices to happiness;

1. Accept; What is, is. What is not, is not.
2. Learn to laugh at yourself. See the lighter side.
3. Keep a smile. Cause a smile.
4. Put enthusiasm into everything.
5. Give more than you receive.
6. Count your blessings and practise gratitude.


Source unknown but here is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's website

Phillip Phillips is the new American Idol - Season 11

We have it, America has voted! From the last two finalists, the new American Idol is Phillip Phillips! This year sees a new record number of votes - 132 million! It was a spectacular 2-hour Grand Finale show. Malaysians were able to watch this live all the way from Los Angeles on Astro Ch 711. There will be repeats tonight, so don't miss it.

It was a great two hours of music and entertainment. The show started with Phillip Phillips singing two songs with John Fogerty of CCR. Other invited artistes included Rihanna, Neil Diamond (which the guy finalists also sang a medley of his songs just ahead of him), past Idol winners, Fantasia Barrino (she looks like Wow!) and Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Lopez, Aerosmith (Walk This Way being one of the two numbers) and a host of other great artistes. The guy finalists sang a medley of Bee Gees numbers in a tribute to Robin Gibb who passed away a few days ago. Jessica Sanchez, the runner-up, belted out a number of songs including the Whitney Houston classic, I Will Always Love You. Give it a listen from a previous performance in the video below.



Disappointed with the outcome?

Oh, by the way, Ryan Seacrest announced that auditions for Season 12 will start in summer.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

And Then There are Two - American Idol Finalists

The time has come!
Tuesday night (US time) will see the last two finalists perform in the bid for the Winner of the American Idol Season 11. The two finalists are 16-year-old with a big voice, Jessica Sanchez, and 21-year-old singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips, the latter whom Jimmy Iovine, the show's mentor said, "He has a certain thing that some of the other (recent Idol winners) didn't have. I don't know how he was missed in the industry because he has such charisma and such a great character."

And on Wednesday (again US time, 8am Malaysia time Thursday) watch a 2-hour Finale of the crowning of the new American Idol Season 11 - all on StarWorld, Ch 11 on Astro.

If Sanchez wins, she will be youngest Idol champion and the Fox TV contest's first female winner since Jordin Sparks in 2007. The home-schooled teen was saved from elimination by the show's judges last month after coming bottom in the public vote.

Hear Jessica Sanchez perform "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith at the Top 3 performance show.


Phillip Phillips performs "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger at the Top 3 performance show.


Joshua Ledet performs "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige at the Top 3 performance show. Joshua was voted out.


You can check out full performances with judges' commentary at http://www.americanidol.com

Who are you rooting for to win the American Idol Season 11? Better yet, vote for your favorite singer to be crowned the new American Idol.



Source: The Star..Jessica Sanchez has to connect to win 'Idol', says Iovine

Monday, May 21, 2012

Children Full of Life - A Must-watch video

If only teachers across the world are like Mr Toshiro Kanamori who truly understands what teaching children is all about and who certainly made a positive difference in the lives of his students.

This is a must-watch video, especially for teachers. Thanks to Pandabonium who allowed me to 'borrow' it from his site.

"In the award-winning documentary Children Full of Life, a fourth-grade class in a primary school in Kanazawa, northwest of Tokyo, learn lessons about compassion from their homeroom teacher, Toshiro Kanamori. He instructs each to write their true inner feelings in a letter, and read it aloud in front of the class. By sharing their lives, the children begin to realize the importance of caring for their classmates."



I don't know about you but I had to stretch for tissues. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Olympic Torch Relay begins at Lands End

Yesterday was the start of the Olympic torch relay in England after the flame arrived from Athens the day before. The relay started its 70-day tour of Britain at Land’s End, with triple Olympic champion Ben Ainslie running the first leg from Land’s End. The London 2012 Summer Olympics will begin on July 27.

On Friday the flame was flown to the UK in four safety lanterns on board a gold-liveried British Airways jet, flight number BA 2012. It landed at RNAS Culdrose, where Princess Anne carried it onto British soil before Beckham lit a cauldron at the air-sea rescue base.
Counting down to the Games/Opening Ceremony on July 27
Video on the handing over of the Olympic flame in Athens

Here is where you can watch the Torch Relay live and get the chance to see Great Britain albeit online.

Image source: London2012

Related articles:
- Greece hands over Olympic flame to England
- London Olympics torch route revealed

Chelsea FC are the new Champions of Europe - Winner of UEFA Champions League

Source: uefa.com

Didier Drogba did it for Chelsea, putting in the winning penalty that made history for Chelsea FC, the new Champions of Europe. They beat Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties in the German team's Allianz Arena stadium to be crowned European Champions for the first time on Saturday.

There is a new name on the UEFA Champions League trophy after Chelsea FC's victory against FC Bayern München made them the first maiden winners since Borussia Dortmund in 1997. More..Chelsea etch new name on trophy

Source: The Star



In the homefront, Kelantan FC beat Sime Darby FC in the Malaysia FA Cup finals at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil Stadium.

Mohammed Ghaddar Mahmoud was the hero for the Red Warriors, making good a penalty kick in the 58th minute. Kelantan had previously lost in the 2009 and 2011 finals.

Source: The Star

Friday, May 18, 2012

Greece hands over Olympic flame to England

Also saw on CNN last night, live telecast of the formal handing over of the Olympic flame in Athens to a London delegation led by Princess Anne and including David Beckham at the Panathenaic stadium where the first modern Games were held in 1896.

Source: The Star

The flame will be kept overnight in lanterns at the British embassy in Athens and then flown on the golden-liveried 'Firefly', British Airways Flight 2012, to a navy base in Culdrose near Land's End in south-west England.

The 70-day, 8,000-mile (12,874-km) relay around Britain starts on Saturday and organisers hope it will spark an explosion of enthusiasm for the third Summer Games London has hosted.

"Once that flame starts its route...8,000 torchbearers within 10 miles of 57 million people over 1,000 villages, towns and cities, I think people will recognise that actually there is no turning back now. It's theirs." - Seb Coe, chairman of the London organising committee LOCOG. Check out the London Olympic Torch route.


Source: The Star..Greece prepares to hand flame to London

Friday Frolics - What Kind of Storm Are You?

How is the weather at your place today? Kuala Lumpur is not raining neither is it overcast. In fact, rather pleasant outside though the temperature is a high 93 deg F, approx 33 deg C. Let's do a weather quiz this week. What kind of storm are you if you were a storm. Take the quiz to find out.

My rating for this quiz result is 2 - some truth, I guess.

Rating
1 = Absolutely not true
2 = Some truth
3 = 50% true
4 = Mostly true
5 = Close to 100% true


Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!



You Are a Blizzard



You are both dangerous but beautiful. People both welcome you and fear you.

You can cause a lot of trouble and even destruction. Some would argue that you're worth it though!


You tend to overtake people and change everything. You aren't subtle, but you are sometimes hard to see through.

There is a quiet and stillness that you sometimes bring. Some find you to be quite peaceful.

R.I.P. Donna Summer (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

Saw on CNN last night that Donna Summer has died - Thursday morning from cancer. She was surrounded by her family in Florida. Donna Summer was one of the most influential singers of the disco era. She was 63.

She is survived by her husband, singer and producer Bruce Sudano, their daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda and Summer's daughter, Mimi, from a previous marriage.

In her singing career, Donna Summer won five Grammys, videos below:











Another one of her hits, She Works Hard For The Money. This song was based on a true-to-life experience. Summer was in Chasen's restaurant in LA. She went to the bathroom & saw the attendant taking a nap with a small TV. Donna startled her & the woman told Donna she worked 2 jobs and was really tired. Donna thought 'Wow she really works hard for her money." That night Summer wrote the song in 20 minutes. The bathroom attendant is on the back of the album cover. 1st line of song says her name."Onetta there in the corner stands" - from SongFactsDotCom (Wikipedia)



Thanks to YouTube..

An interview on Larry King Live in 2003


R.I.P. Donna Summer!

Read Music world pays tribute to Donna Summer

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Happy Birthday My Friend

It's a colleague's birthday today, so we had a little tea party in her honour this morning. While guys talked shop, as usual, gals talked about shopping (what else!) and children for those who are moms. One mom shared that she likes to take her son to her neighbourhood park in the evenings where there is a variety of playground equipment. She said her son is an active boy so all those climbing and crawling activities are just what he needs.

Happy Birthday and best wishes my friend!


Image source: 123greetings

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Google doodle for Teacher's Day

Google honours Teacher's Day today with a Google doodle. How cool is that!

Happy Teacher's Day!


Ferrari accident in Singapore - Watch collision impact on video

Are you always in a rush to get going the minute the light turns green? You may think again after watching the video which captured the recent accident at Bugis Junction in Singapore on Saturday in which three people were killed after a red Ferrari jumped a red light and rammed into a taxi which subsequently hit a motorbike.

The three who died are the driver of the red Ferrari, Ma Chi, a Chinese national, a financial investor from Sichuan who together with his wife and child had relocated to Singapore four years ago; the 52-year-old taxi driver, Cheng Teck Hock, who died in Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Sunday evening after his heart stopped; and his passenger, Shigemi Ito, a Japanese woman in her 20s believed to be living and working in Singapore.

The video..


The two survivors of this horrific accident are 26-year-old motorcyclist, Muhammad Najib Ghazali, and a 20-something female passenger in the Ferrari, believed to be also a Chinese national, a student who earlier on was celebrating at a graduation party with her classmates. Ms Wu Wei Wei, a student from Wuhan, China, has just completed a hospitality course at the East Asia Institute of Management.

Watching the video, there is no denying that it is all so fast, so surreal. The cars were certainly real, not plastic model car kits that kids play with or adults collect them as a hobby.

Again, take a minute or two before you step on that accelerator. Also, most importantly, never jump a red light!


Sources:
- Yahoo
- The Straits Times
- YouTube

Electronic pickpocketing is a real threat

In an earlier post, I mentioned that it's easier to buy gifts for ladies than for men. I stumbled on a gift that is suitable for both men and ladies.

Ever heard of an rfid blocking wallet? Yes, such wallets are available in this advanced technology world we live in. Electronic pickpocketing is a real threat in this day and age, and experts predict it could even be the number one way your credit and debit card information is stolen.

Here's proof that electronic pickpocketing can be done and so easily too.




"Beau Sancy" diamond auctioned for 9 million Swiss francs

Ooh, I love diamonds. Who doesn't?!

Now here's a diamond that will have everyone drooling. A diamond coveted by kings, queens and princes for centuries, used to reinforce alliances between nations and pawned to pay off royal debts sold for 9 million Swiss francs ($9.57 million) at Sotheby's in Geneva on Tuesday night.

The auction house called the "Beau Sancy" diamond "one of the most important historic diamonds ever to come to auction", reflecting its role in the fluctuating fortunes of Europe's royal families for more than 400 years.


More history about the "Beau Sancy" diamond..Diamond at heart of royal Europe goes for $9.5 mil

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Man caught smoking in an AirAsia aircraft

The Star today reported about an Air Asia passenger who has been arrested at the airport in Sandakan for smoking in the toilet of the aircraft.

The 27-year-old man, who was on the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan on Sunday, was caught smoking in the toilet by a flight attendant about 30 minutes before landing. Apparently, he hasn't been paying attention to the safety demonstration onboard.

The man was handed over to airport policemen shortly after the flight landed at 10am. According to the police, the case would be forwarded to the Health Department for further action.

There you have it. Some don'ts can land you in trouble. Smoking is best done in the comfort of your own home, outdoors, of course.

For your viewing pleasure, here's an AirAsia inflight safety demonstration but with a (funny) twist, sure to get every passenger sit up and pay attention.


Monday, May 14, 2012

These Boots are Made for Walking..

Now who says cowboy boots are for cowboys only? A visiting colleague from the U.S. just walked into the office with the most rugged-looking pair of cowboy boots, and I know he isn't a cowboy. I don't know, he probably is back home, being from the state of Texas.

I think cowboy boots not only are they good to look at, they will surely provide many years of wear and feet protection. Not sure if they are suitable for our climate though but I have seen people wearing them here and they look great too - both the wearer and the boots. Are you a boots person?

Wait, let's get retro a little with this Nancy Sinatra classic, These Boots Are Made for Walking. Enjoy!

Manchester City is the new Champion of EPL

(Source: The Star)

Ouch! It was painful to watch the game, even more painful when the championship was snatched from Manchester United literally at the last minute. But... life goes on and congratulations go to Manchester City, the new champions of the English Premier League 2011-2012 season.

EPL table end of season 2011-2012
(Click on image to enlarge)
(Source: Premierleague.com)

Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson, remained defiantly upbeat:

He talked up the experience gained by new signings such as Phil Jones and Ashley Young, whose first title chase ended in bitter disappointment as they lost out on goal difference to Manchester City despite ending with a very healthy 89 points.

Ferguson can also point to injuries and illness to key players, particularly leading central defender Nemanja Vidic and midfield workhorse Darren Fletcher.

“We take great credit from the fact that we have had so many injuries this season and we’ve coped with that very well. They are only young players, it was excellent for them,” Ferguson said on Sunday, offering a silver lining to the club’s fans who have no trophy to celebrate for the first time since 2005.

“They’ve experienced what has happened today and they’ll be around in five, six or 10 years time for Manchester United. The experience is good for them, even if it’s a bad one.”

“I would like to say on behalf of Manchester United, congratulations to our neighbours,” he added.

“It is a fantastic achievement to win the Premier League, it’s not easy to win, it’s the hardest league in the world and anyone that wins it deserves it.

“It was a cruel way but we’ve experienced many ups and downs in the 25 years that I’ve been here and most of them have been great moments. We have won the league three times in the last five seasons and we nearly did it again today.

“I’m pleased with their performance this season. With 89 points, it would have been good enough to win most leagues.”

“We don’t need to worry about that (City),” he said. “I think we have a rich history, better than anyone, and it will take them a century to get to our level of history.

“But for us it’s still a challenge and we’re good at challenges. We’ll kick on from here.”


Source: The Star..Ferguson upbeat as United end empty-handed

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

A video for Mothers..

- Moms are always there for you
- Moms shape lives and inspire dreams
- Moms are the heart of the family
- Moms grow love better than anyone, especially Moms like you

If there are trophies for loving and caring, for being the best of friends, for taking care of scrapes and bruises, for mending socks and hearts, for that special bowl of chicken soup or dose of wisdom, for that figurative knock-on-the-head, I believe Moms would win them all! :D


Happy Mother's Day!


and here's Google's Tribute to Mothers..


Old things don't go, New things won't come

The Chinese people have a saying that in order for new things to come into one's life, the old things must go. True to form, the colleague who lost his crash helmet in a theft as mentioned in an earlier post has got himself a new replacement, a bluetooth motorcycle helmet something like the yellow helmet in the image.

As for the friend whose car was broken into, the glass has been fixed and the car vacuumed of the glass splinters plus a few other tweaks done as part of maintenance. He now parks his car in a 'safer' spot, he believes.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Facebook may charge $2 for important posts



Facebook, the social networking site, whose recent IPO has been oversubscribed is running a test feature and charging is one of the options they are considering. The new feature tested in New Zealand, would make comments more prominent on a user's newsfood. Users were presented with the option to "highlight" their posts for $2 payable through either Paypal or credit card.

Spokeswoman Mia Garlick said: "We're constantly testing new features across the site.

“This particular test is simply to gauge people's interest in this method of sharing with their friends.”

Garlick said they were also trialling a free version of the feature in other areas.

Facebook is currently free to use, and the new option could provide a lucrative revenue stream from their 800million active users.


What do you think of this new feature? Would you use it?



Source: The Daily Chilli

Supermarket queues are no fun

Being stuck in a supermarket line is no fun. I am talking about long queues and each customer having a full trolley-load of items. This is why I try not to go shopping too close to closing time. This is when the queue starts.

Ideally, buying less than eight items will ensure breezing through the Express line checkout but this isn't possible most times when I normally go shopping with a list of items instead of popping in to buy one or two items.

What could also slow down the checkout is when the printer runs out of paper or the scanner decides to quit which was what happened the other day. With regard to scanners, I was told that the posguys barcode scanner system is reliable and I certainly hope the supers and hypers that I go too have this system installed.

I'm sure I'm not alone when it comes to not being a fan of queues.

Buy tulips for Mother's Day at Sungei Wang Plaza

Each year around this time of the year, fresh tulips are being flown in from The Netherlands by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. No difference this year. Surprise your mom with fresh tulips this year or indulge yourself with a beautiful bouquet of these fresh air-flown tulips and in the process contributing to a charitable cause.

Hand-pick your own colourful bouquet of beautiful tulips at the 14th KLM Annual Charity Tulip Sale which will take place today at the Concourse Level of Sungei Wang Plaza from 11am onwards.

Priced at RM5 each, there will be 3,500 stalks for sale including the double tulip. Proceeds this year will benefit the Special Children Society of Ampang (SCSOA). The fundraiser targets to raise RM28,000 this year.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there!


Source: The Star..Saying it with lovely tulips

Friday, May 11, 2012

Friday Frolics - Which Architectural Style Are You?

Strange quiz this week's, even stranger result. Not sure how to rate this, so no rating on this one. Check out what's your architectural style.

Happy weekend, everyone, and to mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day!



You Are Modern



You are a very exciting person to be involved with in any way. You are like a drug.

You make for a very formidable opponent. You destroy all challenges in your way.



You are a naturally powerful person. You know how to get what you want.

You crave success, but you're going to become successful on your own terms.

Andy Lau proud father of baby girl

The Star reported that

HONG Kong superstar Andy Lau is the proud father of a baby girl who weighs about 2.7kg (about 6 lbs), China Press reported.

It was reported that Lau's wife, Malaysian Carol Chu, 46, gave birth at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in Happy Valley on Tuesday.

The report also said that both mother and daughter were doing fine. However, Lau, 50, has yet to make any official statement about the birth.


Andy Lau's “Little Dragon Girl” was born on May 9.

Congratulations Andy Lau and Carol Chu!


Image source

Buying gifts for ladies is easier. Methinks..

I am of the opinion that it is easier buying gifts for ladies than for men. I suppose men would beg to differ. Gifts for ladies can include skincare products and perfume and flowers too, of course. Do we give flowers to men? Maybe. Sometimes.

However, skincare products can be a bit tricky unless we know the brand the recipient is already using. The other day, a colleague received as a gift, some gift vouchers for Clarins products. She was beaming because that is the brand she uses.

Have you received gifts that you had absolutely no use for? Easy solution. Give it to someone who has a use for it.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Genting Resorts World hotel deal

Planning a holiday to Genting Highlands? Resort World has a great hotel deal for stay in July and August at RM48 per night.

My apologies, I should have highlighted this earlier when the ad first appeared. Nevertheless, there are still two more days to make the booking. Clicking on the image below will take you to the Genting Highlands website where you can make your booking or check out details about the hotel deal.

Indonesia Missing Sukhoi plane found

The Sukhoi plane that went missing at around 2:50pm yesterday with 50 people onboard during a demonstration flight over West Java in Indonesia, has been found according to The Jakarta Post. An official said this morning that the Russian Sukhoi Super Jet 100 airplane was spotted by one of the rescue helicopters.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 - Source: The Jakarta Post


The airplane was found at 9:15 a.m. this morning by the helicopter on a hill of Mt. Salak in Bogor, West Java, at the height of 5,500 feet above sea level. This is close to the height of Genting Highlands which is a little over 6000ft at its maximum level.

However, officials have not received reports on the details of the plane's condition.

The airplane was on a “road show” in several Central and Southeast Asian countries to introduce the airplane by conducting demonstration flights.


Sources:
- The Star
- The Jakarta Post



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Multipurpose Rescue Vehicle (MRV) made in Malaysia

With floods being so rampant nowadays especially in low-lying villages after a heavy downpour, it is a good thing too that a multipurpose rescue vehicle (MRV) has been invented. This is how it looks like..courtesy of The Star..
This locally-made Multipurpose Rescue Vehicle (MRV) is the first of its kind in the world and is designed to carry out critical rescue operations. It can navigate through aftermaths like floods, typhoons and fires and can also be driven up a 45-degree slope on hilly terrain. It can also move through muddy, slippery and inundated roads.

The MRV is manufactured by LWK Automotive Green Technologies (LWK Green) through a RM2.2mil grant given by Mosti, i.e., Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.


Source: The Star..Malaysia launches Multipurpose Rescue Vehicle

Google doodle honours Howard Carter

Google honours Howard Carter today with a doodle for his 138th birthday.

Who is Howard Carter? Howard Carter (9 May 1874 – 2 March 1939) was an English archaeologist and Egyptologist, noted as a primary discoverer of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

On 4 November 1922, Carter's excavation group found the steps leading to Tutankhamun's tomb (subsequently designated KV62), by far the best preserved and most intact pharaonic tomb ever found in the Valley of the Kings. After several months of cataloging the contents of the antechamber, on 16 February 1923, Carter opened the sealed doorway, and found that it did indeed lead to a burial chamber, and he got his first glimpse of the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. More on Wikipedia..

Painted walls in the burial chamber KV62 (Tutankhamun's tomb)
Valley of the Kings, Egypt

The tomb directly facing the camera is that of Rameses VI. In front of it and to the right, half-hidden by the shoulder of the central mountain, is the tomb of Tutankhamun.


Source: Wikipedia

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Apple gadgets for Mother's Day gifts

I read in The Star that 91% of mothers who took part in a survey said they wanted an iPad as a Mother's Day gift instead of fresh flowers. The survey conducted by TechBargains.com revealed that most mothers in the United States wished for the gadget. Many years ago, the gadget of desire would probably have been an ipod touch though this Apple gadget is still an object of desire for many.

The survey also showed that 59% said they would not spend more than US$50 (RM153.50) for gifts and 19% would not buy any gift for their mothers.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Dry Cat Food to give away




I have great news for cat-owners and cat-lovers in the Klang Valley or whoever is coming to the city to be able to pick up the goodies.

In a very kind gesture, Alltra Marketing Sdn. Bhd. is giving away dry cat-food for free. If you are interested, please email me for their email contact. Hurry while stocks last!

Meow!

Industrial grade batteries last longer

When it comes to batteries for the mouse - and we are not talking about the pesky ones running around the house (those need a different kind of battery) *grin* - I have found that the longer-lasting duracell procell aaa or Energizer brand works better. These may cost a little extra but they are still cost-effective not having the need to replace them ever so often. The next time you buy batteries, look for industrial grade batteries. They last longer.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Happy Wesak Day!


Happy Wesak Day!

A few Buddha quotes below to share:

- If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your path.

- To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

- If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.

- If it is not truthful and not helpful, don't say it.
If it is truthful and not helpful, don't say it.
If it is not truthful and helpful, don't say it.
If it is truthful and helpful, wait for the right time.

- You can only lose what you cling to.


Image source: Wikipedia

Friday, May 4, 2012

Friday Frolics - The Surreal Test

Let's take a cute quiz this week. Have fun!

I'd give a rating of 4 for this one.

Rating
1 = Absolutely not true
2 = Some truth
3 = 50% true
4 = Mostly true
5 = Close to 100% true


Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!



You Are Cheerful



You are a friendly and welcoming person. You know how to make the best of a bad situation.


You tend to think most about yourself. You can't help but look inward and introspect.


You are open minded and tolerant. You believe strongly that people should be allowed to do their thing.


You have the most fun when things are simple. You don't like making a big fuss out of anything.

Breaking and entering

A friend had his car broken into at Hartamas yesterday. A side glass was broken to gain entry. Good thing his laptop and iPad were not in the car then. He lost his house-keys though and a few other small items including his sunshades but the loose change in the coin compartment were not taken. His black leather shoes were also untouched.

On the same day, a colleague had his crash helmet stolen from his motorbike at a shopping complex carpark. He normally locks both his shoei motorcycle helmets by the side of the bike. He found one missing after he finished shopping and went back to get his bike.

Life goes on..

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Red Hot Chicks

Red hot chicks says the title. What were you thinking! The mother-bird must have scouted around and found this sweet spot to be warm and safe enough for her chicks. Wonder if the eggs were also hatched here, whose heat from the traffic lights could probably be close enough to heat generated by incubators.

This shot is The Star's Thumbnail winner of the day on April 29 contributed by Ang Kian Eang. Cute enough to stop traffic, indeed. Good job there!


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Depressed wife sits through hubby’s classes

Here is a beautiful real-life story I read in The Star:

AN 80-year-old professor from China's Jiangsu University of Science and Technology brings his wife, who is suffering from depression, to his classes so that he can take care of her while giving his lectures, Sin Chew Daily reported.

The professor would seat his wife in the last row of the class before he starts his lectures.

She would listen to his lectures but sometimes, she would walk up to the professor.

The professor would apologise to his students before bringing his wife to her seat and continue his lessons, it reported.

The news about the professor and his wife has been circulating on the Internet and the news has touched many Netizens.

However, some wondered why the professor has not retired at the age of 80.

According to the university, the professor was re-hired because he gave good lectures and the students liked to attend his classes.



So sweet, don't you think?

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Man City 1 Man United 0

Vincent Kompany headed home for Manchester City in first-half injury-time

Aiyoh!! Manchester United lost!

Kompany's goal for Manchester City put them on top of the EPL table on goal difference.
Score: Manchester City 1, Manchester United 0.

With two more matches to go, can MC win their first ever Barclays Premier League title? Or rather, can MU retain their title?

Let's look at the remaining two games fixtures..

Sunday 6 May 2012

13:30 Newcastle v Man City (Sports Direct Arena)
16:00 Man Utd v Swansea (Old Trafford)

Sunday 13 May 2012
15:00 Man City v QPR (Etihad Stadium)
15:00 Sunderland v Man Utd (Stadium of Light)

Well, what do you think?




Source: premierleague.com