Enjoy a Trans-Siberian rail journey

Think of Russia and after fur hats and vodka perhaps the next thought in this game of word association would be the Trans-Siberian Railway. The trip is almost synonymous with the country. It stretches from Moscow across the expanse of Siberia to the Pacific Ocean port of Vladivostok. It's an epic journey – roughly 10,000 kilometres or a third of the globe.

But this seven-day journey is also a gateway to some of the most fascinating places in the world. The Trans-Siberian passes the world's deepest lake, cities that were once closed off to the outside world and the vast Siberian steppe.

It's an adventure we had to have. We've lived in Moscow now for just over a year but ever since we arrived, we've been told that "Moscow is not Russia". It's a city of 13 million people, crushing traffic jams, pollution, a few dozen billionaires and hosts of begging babushkas. We've been told the "real" Russia exists outside Moscow.

So, this summer - when most of Moscow disappears to country dachas – we're bound for the Russian heartland via a train carriage on the Trans-Siberian. Our three-week holiday will begin when we board the flight to Vladivostok this Saturday. We're planning to make our way back to Moscow on the train with a few stops along the way. Most of the Muscovites we know think that we're mad.

But we're not discouraged. We have the train tickets. We have bottles of mosquito repellent to ward off the most common Siberian scourge. We've had our shots to ward off tick-borne encephalitis – just in case we encounter some reindeer. We still need to buy a nozzle to use on the train for a makeshift shower. And we need to pack for weather ranging from sub-zero to plus-40. We're practising some key phrases in Russian and reading up on our first stop and the starting point for this trip: Vladivostok.

You've just read the first post of the exciting rail journey
of Emma Griffiths on her adventure from Vladivostok to Moscow.
Her account is best enjoyed in chronological order. Below are
some of the pictures from her photo gallery. Hope you'll enjoy the
adventure as much as I did.

His Favorite Passion Pose

Every guy has a sex position he prefers, and believe it or not, it can reveal a ton about his personality.



Side-by-Side
"Men who like the closeness of side-by-side sex tend to need reassurance of a woman's feelings for them," says body-language expert Jan Hargrave. "This sexual stance provides a lot of intimacy, which would indicate that he's the sensitive and sweet type."




From Behind
You'll always feel looked after by this confident, take-charge stud. Still, he can be standoffish at times. "In this position, you can't make eye contact, so he won't feel like he's exposing himself emotionally," Hargrave explains


Missionary
"Men who prefer missionary tend to do things by the book, making them faithful, loving boyfriends who won't let you down," says Hargrave. If you like stability and tenderness, he's your match.



Woman-on-Top
According to our August 2005 sex survey, 53 percent of men prefer this chick-in-charge pose. "These playful guys are always looking to have a good time, but they still know how to be attentive," explains Hargrave. "Pleasing you is a priority, which is why they prefer a position that best allows you to achieve orgasm."

Source: Cosmopolitan Men

Residents rudely awakened by floodwaters

SHAH ALAM: Sunday is a day for sleeping in but not yesterday. Instead, the rest day turned out to be one of anxiety for thousands of residents here who were rudely awakened at dawn by floodwaters gushing into their homes.

Read full story...The Star

A Card for a Friend

Went shopping for a card yesterday. It's for an academic achievement.
Thought this one's pretty cool. Carries a good message too.
Love the colours. Did I ever mention that I love colours?
Probably that explains why I'm attracted to flowers.

Just check out the last quote: Winners celebrate the little victories

Great advice this one because most times we're too caught up with
merely existing and not really living that we don't pay enough attention
to celebrating the small victories.

Take a break. Take time out to love yourself, I tell my friends.
Shouldn't we all?

It is Good to be A Woman

1. We got off the Titanic first.

2. We can scare male bosses with the mysterious gynecological disorder excuses.

3. Taxis stop for us.

4. We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.

5. No fashion faux pas we make, could ever rival the Speedo.

6. We don't have to pass gas to amuse ourselves.

7. If we forget to shave, no one has to know.

8. We can congratulate our teammate without ever touching her rear end.

9. We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.

10. We have the ability to dress ourselves.

11. We can talk to the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.

12. If we marry someone 20 years younger, we are aware that we will look like an idiot.

13. We will never regret piercing our ears.

14. There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.

15. We can make comments about how silly men are in their presence because they aren't listening anyway.
(Source Unknown)


It is indeed good to be a woman.

The Day the Mona Lisa was Stolen

On Monday, August 21, 1911, the world's most famous work of art--Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa--was stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris. That morning, many museum employees noticed that the painting was not hanging in its usual place. But, they assumed the painting was taken off the wall by the official museum photographer who was shooting pictures of it up in his studio.

By Tuesday morning, when the painting hadn't been returned and it was not in the photographer's studio, museum officials were notified. The painting was gone!

The police were contacted immediately and they set up headquarters in the museum curator's office. The entire museum was searched from top to bottom. This took a week because of the size of the Lourve: it's a 49-acre building which runs along the Seine river for 2,200 feet. The only thing a detective found was the heavy frame that once held the Mona Lisa. It was discovered in a staircase leading to a cloakroom.

Once the news became public, French newspapers made several claims as to the nature of the theft. One newspaper proclaimed that an American collector stole the work and would have an exact copy made which would be returned to the museum. This "collector" would then keep the original. Another newspaper said that the entire incident was a hoax to show how easy it was to steal from the Louvre.

Many people were questioned about the theft--from museum employees to people who worked or lived nearby. Perhaps somebody might have seen someone acting "suspiciously?" The police even questioned Pablo Picasso. Picasso had previously bought two stone sculptures from a friend named Pieret. Pieret had actually stolen these pieces from the Louvre months before the Mona Lisa was stolen. Picasso thought that perhaps his friend might have also stolen the Mona Lisa.

Fearful of the implications and bad publicity, Picasso had the sculptures given to a local newspaper in order for their return to the museum. Picasso wished to remain anonymous, but someone gave his name to the police. After an interrogation, the police concluded that Picasso knew nothing about the theft of the Mona Lisa.

Luckily, the painting was recovered 27 months after it was stolen. An Italian man named Vincenzo Perugia tried to sell the work to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy for $100,000. Perugia claimed he stole the work out of patriotism. He didn't think such a work by a famous Italian should be kept in France. What Perugia didn't realize was that while the Mona Lisa was probably painted in Italy, Leonardo took it with him to France and sold it to King Francis I for 4,000 gold coins.

How did Perugia steal the Mona Lisa? He had spent Sunday night in the Louvre, hiding in an obscure little room. Monday morning, while the museum was closed, he entered the room where the painting was kept and unhooked from the wall. In a staircase, he cut the painting from it's frame. While trying to leave the building, he came to a looked door. He unscrewed the doorknob and put it in his pocket. He then walked out of the Louvre and into the pages of history.

Interestingly enough, ten months before the painting was stolen, the Louvre decided to have all masterpieces put under glass. Perugia was one of four men assigned to the job. Police questioned Perugia after the theft, but his easy-going, calm demeanor settled any doubts of his involvement.

Source: http://www.arts.ufl.edu

Postcards from America

If you teach U.S. geography, or if you're an armchair traveler
who want to explore America without leaving your seat cushion--
you've come to the right place.

Or if you're a postcard or photography lover, you too have come
to the right place.

Ken, a photographer and graphic designer, photographs and creates
the Live-at-the-Scene postcards while Priscilla, a writer and
former American history teacher, writes the accompanying captions,
personal messages and trivia questions.

What began as a personal vacation is now a permanent way of life
as Ken and Priscilla continue to explore and share America with
like-minded individuals, like you and me.

Sample these which are the 2005 Photo Contest Winning Entries

Photo 1: Canadian Rockies, Alberta














Photo 2: Lake Mead, Nevada














Photo 3: Willamette Valley, Oregon














Photo 4: Pine, Idaho














And visit:
http://www.postcardsfrom.com/

Morning Pleasure

Good mornng!

Today, I had one of the most pleasurable morning drives to work.

Sporting listeners called in giving their views on whether
they'd still like to be gainfully employed even at the age
of 85 or 90.

This was prompted by a report that medical advancement may be
heading towards enabling us to live longer and that world economies
might suffer if there is a shrinkage in the workforce.

There was a good balance of for and against and arguments
brought forth provided some chuckles.

Well, what do you think? Can you see yourself still working
beyond the current retirement age?


To me, mornings without music are no mornings at all.
Two songs heard are worth mentioning. One is "Better Man" by
Robbie Williams. The next time you hear it, pay attention to
the lyrics - poignant and beautiful at the same time.
Better still, let me paste the lyrics here, end of page.














The other is "Save the Best for Last" by Vanessa Williams.
Did you know that when she was born her mom introduced her as
"Here comes Miss America!"? Well, what do you know! It turned out
Miss Williams was a winner in the Miss America pageant but was
forced to renounce her title for posing in the Penthouse magazine.













Caught a couple of football snippets too:

Ronaldo of Brazil might be quitting Real Madrid end of season
citing that fans are not loving him enough. That goes to show
love does make the world go round - more so for celebs?

Anton Ferdinand, defender in West Ham United, might be playing
for Barcelona. Anton is Rio Ferdinand's brother and cousin of
Les Ferdinand.


And here's a little bit about Tom Cruise. He's considering taking
legal action against a magazine for stating that he has split up
with his current squeeze, Katie Holmes.


Bird flu in Malaysia, no human victim so far.... and here's where
my morning ride ends. Have a wonderful day ahead, y'all.

And oh, here's

BETTER MAN
Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain

Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel I’m getting old
Before my time

As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord I’m doing all I can
To be a better man

Go easy on my conscience
’cause it’s not my fault
I know I’ve been taught
To take the blame

Rest assured my angels
Will catch my tears
Walk me out of here
I’m in pain

As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord I’m doing all I can
To be a better man

Once you’ve found that lover
You’re homeward bound
Love is all around
Love is all around

I know some have fallen
On stony ground
But love is all around

Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain

Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel I’m getting old
Before my time

As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord I’m doin’ all I can
To be a better man

Everything has a gender

You may not know this but many non-living things have a gender.
For instance,

1) Ziploc Bags are Male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.

2) Copiers are Female, because once turned off, it takes a while to warm them up again. It's an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed,but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed.

3) A Tire is Male, because it goes bald and it's often over-inflated.

4) A Hot Air Balloon is Male, because, to get it to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under it, and of course, there's that hot air part.

5) Sponges are Female, because they're soft, squeezable and retain water.

6) A Web Page is Female, because it's always getting hit on.

7) A Subway is Male, because it uses the same old lines to pick people up.

8) An Hourglass is Female, because over time, the weight shifts to the bottom.

9) A Hammer is Male, because it hasn't changed much over the last 5,000 years, but it's handy to have around.

10) A Remote Control is Female. Ha! You thought it'd be male , didn't you? But consider this - it gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying!

Oh, well.........

Forbidden Love

They were together in the house.

Just the two of them.

It was a cold, dark, stormy night. The storm had come quickly
and each time the thunder boomed he watched her jump.

She looked across the room and admired his strong appearance...and

wished that he would take her in his arms, comfort her and
protect her from the storm.



She wanted that...more than anything.

Suddenly, with a pop, the power went out... She screamed...

He raced to the sofa where she was cowering.

He didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms.

He knew this was a forbidden union and

expected her to pull back.

He was surprised when she didn't resist but instead clung to him.




The storm raged on...as did their growing passion And

there came a moment when each knew that they had to be together.

They knew it was wrong...

Their families would never understand... So consumed were

they in their passion that they heard no opening

of doors...just the faint click of a camera......








>>>>>

>>>

>>

>

















Source: Unknown

Phasing down for the weekend

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

One Thousand Bloggers

I got in! I got in! I'm One of the OneThousandBloggers!
Just found out. Yeah, it's a complimentary spot and it's
a long story. Don't want to bore you with the details.

Nope, I won't tell you the spot. See if you can find it.
Clue: It's such a sweet, sweet spot - I could hardly
believe it. You'll agree.

If you find it, don't jump to conclusions though. I can
explain as to why I chose that image. Besides, it's pretty.
You see, I was working on that and it seemed so convenient,
so I just sent it in there and then. My text is actually lame,
on hindsight. I should have just used "Happysurfer in KL" or
something like that. Oh well.... not complaining. I'm one
happy surfer.

No prizes for spotting the spot though. Happy searching!

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.


Source: The History Channel

A Rose from Robin

How sweet!
Thank you, Robin.
I pick this one.













Happy Valentine's Day.

Everyone, Happy Valentine's Day to you too.

Just Ten Years Ago

Just ten years ago.
Before the computer age,

-- An APPLICATION was for employment.

-- A PROGRAMME was a television show.

-- WINDOWS were something you hated to clean.

-- A KEYBOARD was a piano.

-- MEMORY was something you lost with age.

-- A CD was a bank account.

-- COMPRESS was something you did to garbage.

-- LOG ON was adding wood to a fire.

-- A HARD DRIVE was a long trip on the road.

-- A MOUSE PAD was where a mouse lived.

-- CUT you did with scissors.

-- PASTE you did with glue.

-- A WEB was a spider's home.

-- And a VIRUS was a flu !!!!!

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

Now, in the 21 century...

-- Our communication - Wireless

-- Our dress - Topless

-- Our telephone - Cordless

-- Our cooking - Fireless

-- Our youth - Jobless

-- Our food - Fatless

-- Our labour - Effortless

-- Our conduct - Worthless

-- Our relation - Loveless

-- Our attitude - Careless

-- Our feelings - Heartless

-- Our politics - Shameless

-- Our education - Valueless

-- Our follies - Countless

-- Our arguments - Baseless

-- Our boss - Brainless

-- Our Job - Thankless

-- Our Salary - Very less

-- Our Future - Hopeless!


Source: Unknown

Marriage - - A 5-part Insight

As a follow-up from comments from the previous post,
see what can happen if the wrong wine is chosen?


Marriage - - A 5-part Insight


Marriage - Part I

Typical macho man married typical good-looking lady and after
the wedding, he laid down the following rules: "I'll be home
when I want, if I want and at what time I want and I don't
expect any hassle from you. I expect a great dinner to be
on table unless I tell you that I won't be home for dinner.
I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing and card-playing when
I want with my old buddies and don't you give me a hard time
about it.

Those are my rules. Any comments?"


His new bride said, "No, that's fine with me. Just understand
that there will be sex here at seven o'clock every night ......
whether you're here or not."


(DAMN SHE'S GOOD!)


************************************
Marriage (Part II)

Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th
wedding anniversary! The husband yells, "When you die, I'm
getting you a headstone that reads: "Here Lies My Wife - Cold As Ever "


"Yeah?" she replies, "When you die, I'm getting you a
headstone that reads: "Here Lies My Husband - Stiff At Last"


(HE ASKED FOR IT!)


******************************
Marriage (Part III)

Husband (a doctor) and his wife are having a fight at the
breakfast table. Husband gets up in a rage and says, "And
you are no good in bed either!" and storms out of the house.
After sometime, he realizes he was nasty and decides to make
amends and rings her up. She comes to the phone after many
rings, and the irritated husband says, "what took you so long
to answer the phone?"


She says, "I was in bed."
"In bed this early, doing what?"
"Getting a second opinion!"


(YEP, HE HAD THAT ONE COMING, TOO!)


******************************************
Marriage (Part IV)

A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement.
He is so proud of himself, that he starts calling his wife,
"Mother of Six" in spite of her objections. One night, they go
to a party. The man decides that it's time to go home and
wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well.


He shouts at the top of his voice, "Shall we go home 'Mother
of Six?' His wife, irritated by her husband's lack of discretion,
shouts right back, "Anytime you're ready, Father of Four."

(RIGHT ON, LADY!)


**************************************
Marriage (Part V) The Silent Treatment

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were
giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man
realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him
at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting
to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on
a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where
he knew she would find it.


The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM

and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see
why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper
by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

(AH! THE INTRICACIES OF COMMUNICATION!!)


_______________________________________________



Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests. God may have
created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before
the masterpiece.

SEND THIS TO SMART WOMEN WHO NEED A LAUGH AND TO MEN
YOU THINK CAN HANDLE IT!

- Source unknown -

A Meme - Perfect Partner

I was secretly gloating about not being tagged with a meme
so far but the bubble has burst, just before CNY. Talk about
a big 'angpow'. Gloating is nipped in the bud, thanks to
Bonnie.

The deal:
The tagged 'victim' (so apt!!) has to come up with 8 different
points that they'd like in their perfect partner, mentioning
the sex of the target.

Then, tag 8 victims to join this game and leave a comment on their
comments box saying they've been tagged. If tagged the second time,
there's no need to post again.


Hmmmm....A perfect partner? How many of us have seriously thought
about it enough to draw up a list of traits? Perhaps it's about time?
But then again, if life is lived governed by lists, would life be any fun?
Anyway, here's my homework as below - have been sitting on it for far too
long so might as well get it over with and get on with life.

Target of My Perfect Partner: Male, please.
My Perfect-Partner:
(In no particular order)

1. A good person - kind, caring, warm, .......
2. Funny and cute - able to make me laugh, fun to be with
3. Emotionally mature - aahhh....my pillar of strength
4. Honest and be able to speak his mind
5. Confident (without being obnoxious)
6. Adventurous and enjoys life
7. Reasonably intelligent
8. Love me like crazy (becoz I know I would him)


There you have it.
My conclusion: Memes are not fun to do (too stressful) so I will not
have anyone go thru it unless of course you'd like to share what
you've got.

Oh btw, I will not do another meme. So, anyone who tags me will
have to expect no response, please. Thank you.

O$LO: No.1 KL: No.95 - KL one of the world's cheapest cities

Despite the flurry of price increases last year, Malaysia remains one of the cheapest places in the world to live in.

In the latest cost-of-living survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Kuala Lumpur was ranked 95th among 128 cities in the world, up three places from the year before.

The most expensive city in the world was Oslo in Norway, knocking Tokyo from the perch for the first time in 14 years.

In that Scandinavian city, the price of a compact disc is US$24.07 (RM90). For that price, you can purchase two CDs in Kuala Lumpur.

Perhaps the starkest difference between living in Oslo and living in Kuala Lumpur is in the cost of owning a vehicle.

It costs a Norwegian US$57,230 to buy a family sedan, US$443 to register the vehicle, US$2,619 for insurance and US$1.98 for a litre of unleaded petrol.

Cont....O$LO: No.1 KL: No.95
KL one of the world's cheapest cities...The NST

Gong Xi! Gong Xi! Gong Xi Fa Ta Cai!

May the year of the Dog bring you the best of everything that you wish for.

- HappySurfer