A Leap into Leap Day

Today, Feb 29, is an unusual day, a day which happens only once in every four years thus it is called a Leap day and 2012 is a Leap year. (Does it mean that if your birthday falls on this date, you will only grow a year older every four years?)

Why do we need a Leap day?

I'll let Wikipedia explain..
Although most years of the modern calendar have 365 days, a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours. Every four years, during which an extra 24 hours have accumulated, one extra day is added to keep the count coordinated with the sun's apparent position.

The Chinese lunar calendar also incorporates leaping (if there is such a word to describe it), not leap days but leap months. Certain years, there are thirteen months in a lunar year and it is not restricted to any particular month.

How is the leap month determined?

Leap years have 13 months. To determine if a year is a leap year, calculate the number of new moons between the 11th month in one year (i.e., the month containing the Winter Solstice) and the 11th month in the following year. If there are 13 new moons from the start of the 11th month in the first year to the start of the 11th month in the second year, a leap month must be inserted.
(Source)

Notice the calendar in the image above? This is the type of calendar traditional Chinese families would have at home which I have at work as well because it also incorporates the lunar calendar whose days of the month we refer to for events and festivals. It comes in handy for those who go vegetarian on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month. This fast is usually done for religious reasons. Chinese festivals are based on this lunar calendar, but of course, including

- Chinese New Year (1st lunar month)
- Chap Goh Meh (15th day of the 1st lunar month - also last day of Chinese New Year)
- Tomb-sweeping day (3rd month)
- Dumpling day festival (5th month)
- Hungry Ghost month festival (7th month)
- Mooncake/Lantern festival (8th month)
- Nine Emperor God festival (9th month)
- Winter solstice festival (11th month)

So, happy Leap day, Everyone!
Do something nice today, something memorable or something bad which it won't come back to haunt you until four years later! LOL!

Bumi benefits for Thais?!

So now the Thai community is also considered "Sons of the Soil?! You know that the General Election is drawing near. I quote article in The Star today..

Bumi benefits for Thais

PENDANG: The Thai community has been assured that they are entitled to bumiputra benefits and privileges.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the community had long been recognised as bumiputra, adding that their loyalty to the country was unquestionable.

The Prime Minister said even Umno recognised them as bumiputra and allowed Malaysians of Thai descent to set up party branches.

“I would like to state that the Thais here are regarded as bumiputras and I will ensure that they are truly recognised and enjoy the bumiputra privileges.

“They have been loyal to the country. Former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had declared the Thai community as bumiputra and today, I reiterate this.

“They are entitled to purchase Amanah Saham Bumiputra shares, enrol in Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara and can apply for various Mara loans, among others,” he said when meeting the Thai community at Wat Titi Akar and Wat Nanai yesterday.

He said when the political tsunami hit the country and the state in 2008, the community's support for Barisan Nasional remained strong.

Najib also said that when he introduced the 1Malaysia concept, it was to further elevate the spirit of tolerance to acceptance.

“To realise this, there must be a change in mindset and attitude. The time has come for us to accept the diversity rather than just tolerate it,” he said.

Najib said aside from globalisation, the process of localisation was also being pursued by the people.

He cited the setting up of the Thai language school by the community as part of efforts to preserve their culture and tradition as example of localisation efforts.

The Prime Minister announced an allocation of RM500,000 to the Thai language school in Wat Titi Akar and RM9,000 each to the 48 wats in Kedah.

Earlier in Gurun, he said unity among Malays was the key to national unity.

Najib said Malay unity could be reflected in many ways, including through associations such as silat groups.

Najib said the struggle for the country did not end with Malaysia achieving independence but should continue until the country and Malays achieved excellence.

The Prime Minister was bestowed the “Imam Khalifah Agong Gayong” award by the Seni Silat Pusaka Gayong Malaysia organisation.

His wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was presented with an award which carries the title “Sri Pelangi Srikandi Utama”.

Documentary on Sabah - Shoot For The Sky

If you subscribe to satellite tv Astro's Biography Channel, you would be able to watch a documentary tonight on Sabah - a view of the state's landscape from the air.

Professional photographers, Jonathan Tan and Cede Prudente, will take to the skies in the programme called Shoot For The Sky on Astro's Channel 731 at 9pm in which they will fly over Sabah to take images of Sabah from the air. For this assignment, they learned to fly in a powered paraglider or paramotor, to get a bird's eye view of some of the amazing sights in the state, dubbed Land Below the Wind.

Their journey will take them across Sabah's dense tropical rainforests and breathtaking locations such as the long Sandakan coastline, picturesque Semporna islands and majestic Mount Kinabalu.

Below is but one stunning image from their adventure. For more, visit Documentary on Sabah - Shoot For The Sky.

In the meantime, let me leave you with a trailer of the documentary on Bio channel..




More.. The Star..Documentary about two paragliding Malaysian photographers to air today

Keretapi Sarong - Sat Feb 25 Meeting Point

The clock is ticking. Keretapi Sarong day is this

Saturday, Feb 25
4:00pm until 6:00pm


Meeting Point: KFC KL Sentral. When you get there, the organizing team will inform you where to go next. :)

1 - join the project: www.RandomAlphabets.com/KeretapiSarong

2 - what we are doing, is something like No Pants Subway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF9FM6KqCu4

On Sunday, January 8th, 2012 tens of thousands of people took off their pants on subways in 59 cities in 27 countries around the world. In New York, our 11th Annual No Pants Subway Ride had nearly 4,000 participants, spread out over six meeting points and ten subway lines.


3 - watch video the previous project: Fake Water Gun Fight http://RandomAlphabets.com/2011/07/fake-water-gun...

Have fun, People!

Friday Frolics - What Adjective Describes You?

Here is this week's Personality Quiz - What Adjective Describes You?

It's raining right now in Kuala Lumpur though the temperature outside is 91degF. Hope you are having better weather wherever you are.

Happy Friday!

You Are Discerning

Your friends would describe you as a perfectionist. You are very detail oriented. You believe that people should do things right, and that includes yourself. You are very sensitive and observant. You notice everything, and nothing slips past you. You see opportunities where others do not. You are very creative and resourceful.

What Adjective Describes You?

Free Quizzes for Everyone

Brazil celebrates Carnival - Feb 17 to 21

While Argentina is going through the worst train disaster in 40 years, Brazil just concluded their famous annual carnival. It was Samba and glam time as Brazil celebrated Carnival where Samba school dancers took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

Fancy Feathers
A reveler from the Vila Isabel samba school dances on the first night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome on Feb. 20, 2012. Carnival, the biggest and most popular celebration in Brazil, happens in the days leading up to Easter, running all over the country from February 17 to 21.

Sequined Sambadrome
The Imperatriz samba school parades on the first night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome, Feb. 19, 2012.

Samba Steps
Dancers from the Mocidade samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on Feb. 20, 2012.


More images on Time.com

Argentina train crash in Buenos Aires - 49 killed

Oh dear, another crash disaster. This time it's a commuter train crash in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

According to officials, at least 49 people have been killed and more than 600 injured in the worst train crash in Argentina in 40 years.

The train hit the end of the platform at Once station in the capital Buenos Aires during the morning rush hour. Dozens of people were trapped for hours in the wreckage but all have since been taken to safety. Two days of mourning have been declared and planned carnival festivities in the country have been cancelled.

The front carriages of the train were squashed as it hit the terminus buffers at about 20km/h (12mph).

Unlike here in Malaysia, train lines in Argentina are not state-owned and many parts of Argentina's rail network are antiquated and in need of repair. This incident will increase concern about lack of investment in the system.

In September 2011, 11 people died when a commuter train in Buenos Aires hit a bus crossing the tracks and then hit a second train coming into a station.

This latest accident is Argentina's worst train crash since February 1970, when a train smashed into another at full speed in suburban Buenos Aires, killing 200 people.


Source: BBC.co.uk, including images

Serious Memory Loss

I realised I haven't shared a joke in a while. This one came in the mail this morning. Don't pin the people to the ones in the images though. I'm sure they are just for illustration only. Enjoy..

Three mischievous old Grannies were sitting on a bench outside a nursing home

when an old Grandpa walked by.

And one of the old Grandmas yelled out saying,

"We bet we can tell exactly how old you are."

The old man said,

"There is no way you can guess it, you old fools."

One of the old Grandmas said,

"Sure we can! - Just drop your pants and under shorts and we can tell your exact age."

Embarrassed just a little, but anxious to prove they couldn't do it, he dropped his drawers.

The Grandmas asked him to first turn around a couple of times and to jump up and down several times.

Then they all piped up and said,

"You're 87 years old!"

Standing with his pants down around his ankles, the old gent asked,

"How in the world did you guess?"

Slapping their knees and grinning from ear to ear, the three old ladies happily yelled in unison...

"We were at your birthday party yesterday!"


Image source Unknown.

Adele wins at the BRIT Music Awards

Adele has done it again, this time at the BRIT Music Awards held yesterday.

British singer Adele poses with her Best Album and Best British Female awards at the 2012 BRIT Awards in London, 21 February 2012. - EPA - 22 February, 2012

Adele sang the same song earlier this month at the Grammys, where she managed a record-equalling six awards in one night.

The only BRIT award she did not win from three nominations was best British single, which went to TV talent show contestants One Direction for "What Makes You Beautiful".

Let's watch her perform at the BRITs. Enough already? One more time?



I'll throw in lyrics this time for you to sing along.

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your ship [shit] bare
See how I leave with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch
And it's bringing me out the dark

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling
We could have it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it, to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

Baby, I have no story to be told
But I've heard one on you
And I'm gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Make a home down there
As mine sure won't be shared

(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
The scars of your love remind me of us
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
I can't help feeling
We could have had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it, to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
But you played it, with a beating

Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
You'll pay me back in kind and reap just what you've sown

(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
It all, it all, it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

We could have had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

We could have had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)

But you played it
You played it
You played it
You played it to the beat.

Source: The Star.. Adele adds to awards haul at triumphant BRITs

Join "Keretapi Sarong" this Saturday - Kuala Lumpur

Now this is something interesting. If you enjoy flashmobs, group activities and such, this activity should provide some entertainment or fun if you participate.

Come Saturday, Feb 25, expect hundreds of people dressed in colourful sarongs to flock to trains in the city, Kuala Lumpur. Observers can take pictures, smile or wave at participants.

Venue..

The Keretapi Sarong poster that can be seen all around Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Keretapi Sarong is an event inspired by No Pants Subway, a flashmob which, in 2009, organised 1,200 New Yorkers to ride the subway without wearing pants in a snow storm.

The event is organised by RandomAlphabets (RA) with the objective to bring people together and have fun. RA is a non-profit organisation that puts together event-based projects in and around Kuala Lumpur.

Participants are encouraged to write their “sarong stories” on a piece of A4 paper and hold it up during the event like them below..

At the end of it, these “sarong stories” will be posted on the Keretapi Sarong official website (www.keretapisarong.posterous.com) as well as on RA's Facebook page. Your chance at fame here.

Keretapi Sarong is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday. The venue will be announced on the website today.

Anyone game for it?


Source: The Star.. Keretapi Sarong to chug through

Malaysian weather - monsoon seasons

The Water Dragon this year may be true to its word. Some days, like yesterday, Kuala Lumpur skies can be as blue and beautiful as this, the image below. If you stand back a little, with some imagination, you may even spot a face or two smiling down at you.

Other days, like today, the sky can be this grey and unfriendly.

Everyone says the weather nowadays is not what it used to be some years ago. Temperatures can go so high that people flock to shopping malls and complexes to get some respite or it can get so cold with hours of rain that you don't feel like venturing out.

And talking about the rain, Ipoh was flooded yesterday after a six-hour downpour. Ipoh is a city in the northern part of Peninsula Malaysia in the state of Perak. Water overflowed river banks flooding villages and schools. Evacuation had to be carried out in places badly affected. Residents said the water reached waist level at the height of the floods which started at about 4am yesterday according to The Star.

Source: The Star

If you are visiting Malaysia for the first time, it would be good to know a little about the Malaysian weather. Malaysia being in the tropics, and just above the Equator, goes through two different monsoon seasons.

The Southwest Monsoon is from late May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon from November to March. The Northeast Monsoon is characterised by heavy rainfall, particularly in the north-eastern states of Peninsula Malaysia (viz., Kelantan and Terengganu) and western Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

The Southwest Monsoon is milder with winds coming from the south west and normally signifies relatively drier weather. Heavy downpour is also expected which may cause flooding in low-lying areas. The intermonsoon period is the transition period between the monsoons.

A point to remember when visiting Malaysia is to time your visit away from monsoon months especially if you are visiting the east coast where there are many resorts popular with foreign tourists. These resorts include the islands of Redang, Perhentian, Tioman including Club Med Cherating in Kuantan as well as the beaches of Terengganu where watching greenback turtles laying eggs is a popular activity.

However, if you are visiting the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia, anytime of the year is a good time. As the weather changes without warning sometimes, it would be advisable to pack an umbrella or a raincoat. Timing your visit to coincide with major festivals may allow you to enjoy the country more. Major festivals here are Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Christmas, Dragon Boat festival (Penang), Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the latter to witness the fire-walking ritual.

Malaysia is a paradise for shopping, everyone knows that. For a greater shopping experience, visit during the months of July and August. This is the period of the annual Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival with discounts as much as 70% off the usual price.

Oh, but I digress. What can I say, Malaysian weather may be hot and humid but I wouldn't trade it for any other. Psst.. if your winter is too cold and dreary, come on over. We've got plenty of blue skies and all things nice.

Video - Arab flies into a rage over couple’s kiss at lodge

I guess this must be the most-searched video in Malaysia currently after news broke that an Arab guest in a backpackers lodge flew into a rage over couple’s kiss at lodge. It happened in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The guy didn't pay the bill according to comments on You Tube.

Whitney Houston Memorial - Homegoing

Source: The Star

Her family didn't call it a funeral but instead named it Homegoing. The Whitney Houston Memorial began at 1:30am local Malaysian time and didn't finish until almost 6am this morning. I stayed up to watch to bid farewell to an icon in the music industry whom millions around the world will miss for a long, long time to come.

As TIME magazine put it, In Turns Poignant and Rousing, Friends Celebrate Whitney Houston. Below are a sample of expressions and performances by friends and family celebrating Whitney's life.

Let's start with Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston's co-star in The Bodyguard who singled out Whitney to play the part. It was her first movie role. Filming was delayed by a year for Whitney to complete her tour.


Costner, who starred in the 1992 film The Bodyguard alongside Houston in her first film role, put to rest Houston’s uncertainty about her own acting skills. “You weren’t just good enough, you were great. You sang the whole damn song without a band. You made the picture what it was. A lot of leading men could have played my part, a lot of guys could have filled that role. But you Whitney, I truly believe, were the only one who could have played Rachel Marron at that time.”


Keys choked back tears as she remembered her close friend Whitney Houston for “[t]he way she crept into everybody’s heart, the way she was a beautiful human being…She’s an angel to us, and a beautiful human being. I think we’ve been sent an angel for a long time.” Her stirring rendition of “Send Me an Angel” paid tribute to this facet of Houston’s personality.

“We talk about her voice, and we talk about her talent, which was a beautiful thing. But what I’m going to miss is crazy Whitney.” The gospel singer paid tribute to Whitney Houston with a humorous anecdote about he and his sister, CeCe, preparing for their first tour with Houston’s help. May you rest in peace, Whitney Houston. Source: Time.com

Livestream and satellite broadcast of Whitney Houston Memorial

The family of Whitney Houston does not plan to open the funeral service for Whitney Houston to the public. Attendance to the private funeral will only be by-invitation only to close friends and family. Also spotted at the funeral home (Whigham funeral home in Newark, N.J., on Friday) : Houston's mother, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick and Clive Davis, among others.

Other celebrities and personalities expected at the funeral include Aretha Franklin, Brandy, Rev. Jesse Jackson. Houston's rep, Kristen Foster, reportedly told RumorFix.

Other confirmed guests include Chaka Khan, Bebe & CeCe Winans, songwriter Diane Warren, pop singer Darlene Love, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Antonio "L.A." Reid and Ray J.

Here's the reported guest list from RumorFix:

-- Rev. Jesse Jackson - confirmed. He will not speak, just attend for support
-- Marvin L. Winans - he will deliver the eulogy
-- Aretha Franklin, Whitney's godmother - ET reports she's been asked to sing
-- Dionne Warwick, Whitney's cousin - she joined Whitney's mother, Cissy Houston, to make funeral plans
-- Kim Burrell, Whitney's longtime friend - she is rumored to sing
-- Bobby Brown, Whitney's ex-husband - there are conflicting reports on whether he'll attend
-- Chaka Khan
-- Bebe & CeCe Winans
-- Bishop T.D. Jakes
-- Antonio "L.A." Reid
-- Ray J, Whitney Houston's rumored on-again and off-again boyfriend
-- Brandy
-- Diane Warren, songwriter
-- Valerie Simpson of the duo Ashford & Simpson
(Source: ibtimes.com)

However, Associated Press has been allowed to have a camera at the venue for livestreaming for fans around the world to bid farewell to the pop star.

In New Jersey, Governor, Chris Christie has ordered flags flown at half-staff at state government buildings on the day of the funeral amid a number of complaints registered in emails and other messages.

The Governor answered his critics by saying that he was not claiming Houston was a role model, but that she deserved the tribute because of her huge cultural impact and as a famous "daughter of New Jersey."

Fans who want to bid Whitney Houston farewell will also be able to watch her private funeral on E! - Whitney Houston Memorial Live. In Malaysia, it will be on Astro Ch 712, 1:30am, Sunday.

Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder have been reported that they would sing at the funeral. Kevin Costner, her co-star in The Bodyguard, and Clive Davis, the person who discovered Ms Houston and a close friend are expected to speak at the funeral. The eulogy will be given by gospel singer and longtime family friend, Marvin Winans.

Whitney Houston was born in Newark. She died in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Saturday at the age of 48. Her body was flown back to her native New Jersey on Monday.

Livestream of funeral at http://livestream.com/aplive

Friday Frolics - What's Your Ideal Pet?

So, you are thinking of getting a pet to keep you even busier but not sure what pet to keep? This week's Friday Frolics personality quiz may be able to help you decide.

Though the reading for me is not entirely true but it makes me laugh, the last bit, that is. Enjoy..

Your Ideal Pet is a Cat

You're both aloof, introverted, and moody. And your friends secretly wish that you were declawed!

What's Your Ideal Pet?

Work is Hard. Time for Friday Frolics!

New Series of Malaysian Banknotes and Coins

The new Malaysian coins are now in circulation. Was elated (I'm simple like that) when I received at a checkout counter a 10-cent new coin yesterday. No surprise actually because I've seen the whole set of the new coins.

In fact, I own a mint set of the new coins as well as a full set of the new notes of the new series of Malaysian banknotes.

According to Bank Negara Malaysia, the exercise of issuing new banknotes and coins is undertaken periodically every twelve years. The theme of the design of the new currency series includes features that are distinctively Malaysia. It also has enhanced security elements in line with the latest advancements in technology for currency notes.

The new fourth series design of banknotes feature in the denomination of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20 and RM100. The current design of the RM50 banknote already in circulation since December 2007 to commemorate Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary of Independence will continue to remain in circulation. The new design coins are the third in the series for the denominations of 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. This new series of banknotes and coins will co-circulate with the existing series until the latter are gradually withdrawn from circulation.



The Star today highlighted problems encountered with the new coins at parking autopay machines. I remember we used to have this problem when the one ringgit coin was introduced.


Source: Bank Negara Malaysia


Related articles:
- How to go about Identifying Counterfeit Banknote
- Bank Negara issues new notes

Possible violent incidents in Thailand - be warned

If you are heading to Thailand, you may want to be alerted on possible violent incidents in the country following Tuesday's bomb blasts around Soi Sukhumvit 71 in Bangkok.

In a latest development, four more countries, Italy, Norway, Israel and Taiwan, have issued warnings to their citizens in Thailand to be aware of possible violent incidents in the country.

On Wedenesday, ten countries issued warnings. They are Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and New Zealand.

Bangkok Post reported that

The suspects involved in Tuesday's multiple bombings in Bangkok were part of the same network of terror involved in bomb incidents in India and Georgia earlier this week, according to Itzhak Shoham, Israeli ambassador to Thailand.
More..Bombers 'part of terror group'

Singapore Airshow 2012

Above: Jackie Chan's Embraer Legacy 650 lands in Singapore for the Singapore Airshow 2012

If you are in Singapore from Feb 14 until 19, you may want to take in a visit to the Singapore Airshow 2012 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. This is Asia's largest airshow and one of the three most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world.

Plus, you will get to see actor, Jackie Chan's Embraer Legacy 650 which is making its first public appearance since delivery to the international movie star. Jackie Chan's jet, with its distinctive dragon motif, is also the first Legacy 650 to be displayed at the Singapore Airshow.

The  US$30 million (S$37 million) jet left Brazil to meet him in Singapore. Jackie Chan offered to be Embraer's Brand Ambassador, especially for China.

"I chose the Legacy 650 because its large three zone cabin, offering incredibly quiet performance and luxury," said Jackie Chan.
 

The Legacy 650 is very spacious with three distinct cabin zones, a wet galley and the largest in-flight accessible baggage compartment of its class.

Jackie's plane can hold up to 13 passengers and is capable of up to eight-hour flights around Asia and elsewhere.

For you who are familiar with aircrafts, the Legacy 650 range is 3,900 nautical miles (7,223km) affording such nonstop distances as Beijing to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong to Adelaide, Australia, carrying four passengers. Its state-of-the-art cockpit includes the Honeywell Primus Elite avionics suite, greatly reducing the pilot workload and enhancing safety.

With three distinct cabin zones, the Legacy 650 is the only jet in its class with this level of comfort. Advanced Wi-Fi technology and significantly reduced cabin noise means the Legacy 650 ensures an environment in which passengers can work or rest. 

It includes a fully equipped wet galley and the largest in-flight accessible baggage compartment, something Embraer is known for.

Source: plushasia.com

What does 40 Dollars mean to you

This one is primarily for US readers...a call for action.
For the rest of us, it carries a message that we could all benefit if we also have this kind of gesture in our own country.

The US government is collecting feedback on what losing 40 dollars a paycheck would mean to you.  Respond by going to WhiteHouse.Gov, or use the hash-tag #40dollars on Twitter.  Watch video

What’s wrong with Valentine’s day, Nazri asks

Sharing article from The Malaysian Insider with regard to Muslims celebrating Valentine's Day.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — All Malaysians including Muslims should be allowed to celebrate Valentine’s day, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said today.
“Why can’t it be celebrated? I disagree...it is not a form of prayer,” said the defacto law minister.

He was asked to comment on Islamic affairs minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom saying that Islamic religious authorities have launched nationwide enforcement efforts to nab Muslims celebrating Valentine’s Day today.

“What is wrong with Valentines’ day? People just want to express their love to one another.

“How different is it from other days, where we can do the same thing?” Nazri asked.

He also criticised PAS for campaigning against Valentines’ Day, saying that such efforts were plain “ridiculous”.

Last Friday, official sermons also warned Muslims against celebrating Valentine’s Day, which the federal Islamic authorities claimed was in breach of the tenets of their religion.

In the text of a sermon provided by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) titled “Awas jerat Valentine” (Beware Valentine’s trap), Muslims were told that asking someone to be his or her “Valentine” could lead to idolatry.

PAS Youth has also been spearheading anti-Valentine’s Day celebrations in recent years.

It claimed that the celebrations would lead to greater vice among Muslim youths.

This year, the Islamist opposition party’s Youth wing urged the federal government to exert greater control over Valentine’s Day advertisements to curb social ills.

Valentine’s Day celebrations have been a solely commercial affair since 1969, when the Roman Catholic Church dropped February 14 as a feast day.

Bangkok rocked by two explosions

Two explosions boomed through a busy neighbourhood in the Thai capital on Tuesday, police said, with reports stating an Iranian man may have been responsible for the attacks.

A picture posted on Twitter purportedly showed a wounded man laying on a pavement strewn with broken glass outside a Thai school, his legs apparently ripped off in one of the explosions.

The blasts occurred about 100 yards (meters) apart on Sukhumvit Soi 71, a multilane thoroughfare that is home to businesses and apartment blocks. He gave no other details.

More on telegraph.co.uk

Google doodle this Valentine's

Expect a Google doodle when you visit their homepage today? Google celebrates this year's Valentine's Day with an animation.

Happy Valentine's Day

Whether we like it or not, and no matter what others say, this day is dedicated to LOVE. May your life be filled with LOVE today and forever more..

Adele wins Six Grammys at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards

Adele is the big winner at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards winning six awards. Nominated for six awards, she sweeps them all. The 23-year-old British, claimed three of the music industry's top awards, album, record and song of the year, and added best pop solo performance, pop vocal and short video to her stack of trophies.

(Doesn't Adele remind you of Alison Moyet?)

Foo Fighters come in second with five awards while Taylor Swift takes home two awards - Best Country Solo Performance: "Mean" and Best Country Song: "Mean"

Related article:
What the Stars Wore



Image source: The Star

Nelson Mandela's image on South Africa bank notes

A milestone for South Africa. A new item of interest for numismatists.

Nelson Mandela's face will feature on all South Africa's bank notes to honour the former president's role in fighting apartheid - a befitting tribute to a man who became a symbol of this country's struggle for freedom, human rights and democracy, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.

The new notes will be in circulation by the end of the year. Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first democratically-elected president in 1994.

According to reports, the frail 93-year-old has not been seen in public since the closing ceremony of the Soccer World Cup in Johannesburg in July 2010.

Source: The Star.. South African bank notes to bear Mandela's image

Street styles in Paris during the Fashion Week

Oh my goodness, this is so up my alley. Love it!

This outfit was spotted among others on the streets in Paris during the Fashion Week. More street styles if you are interested..

Picked out a few of my favorites.

Not sure if I'd wear this.. but oh well, to each his/her own.. Love the bag and the blouse and that smile though. (I have a soft spot for big bags.)

Now this is a sweet combo.. Pink pants and purple Celine bag..

A familiar piece in my wardrobe..

Jewelry to die for..

A Chanel jacket..

This ensemble I love too.. the bag, the bag!

A see-through clutch, anyone?

Alright, the list wouldn't be complete without shoes. Here are just a few spotted on the streets of Gay Paree.

Bags? Go check them out yourself..

All images from Marie Claire

Whitney Houston has died

This is shocking news! A sad day for her family, the music industry and for her fans around the world. Whitney Houston has died, at age 48.

News from various sources..

Whitney Houston performs onstage at the 2011 Pre-Grammy


Rolling Stone:
Whitney Houston was found dead today in a Beverly Hills hotel room, the Los Angeles Times is reporting.

Paramedics arriving at the Beverly Hilton found the singer's body.

While the cause of death is still unknown, Houston's publicist Kristen Foster has confirmed the sad news.

Houston had been scheduled to attend the annual pre-Grammy party of music mogul Clive Davis, who discovered her, tonight and had attended rehearsals for the event earlier this week. CNN reports the party is still going on.

MSNBC: Singing superstar Whitney Houston dies at 48

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

NY Times: Whitney Houston, Pop Superstar, Dies at 48

Whitney Houston, the multimillion-selling singer who emerged in the 1980s as one of her generation’s greatest R & B voices, only to deteriorate through years of cocaine use and an abusive marriage, died on Saturday in Los Angeles.

..and on CNN: Singer Whitney Houston dies at 48

Hollywood Reacts To Whitney Houston’s Death

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday at a Beverly Hills, California, hotel, officials said. She was 48.

The entertainer, whose incredible talent was discovered at an early age, was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. (6:55 p.m. ET) at the Beverly Hilton hotel despite resuscitation efforts, a police spokesman said.

Listen to Simon Cowell talking to Piers Morgan about the talent of Whitney Houston on CNN..



R.I.P. Whitney Houston. We will miss you.

Image source: Wikipedia

Feng Shui or not.. Year of the Dragon

If Feng Shui predictions are to be believed, are we seeing the predictions beginning to materialise so soon in the new year of the Dragon?

Latest Earthquakes in the World - Past 7 days
Source - earthquake.usgu.gov


This year's Feng Shui Bazi Chart and Flying Star Chart indicate afflictions primarily in the South-east sector due to flooding as indicated by the predominant water and wood elements in the Bazi Chart for the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon began on Jan 23 2012 lasting until Feb 9 2013.

According to the Flying Star Chart, the countries potentially affected by the negativity would be the Asean region and Australia. The affliction would most probably be centered on floods including landslides, tsunamis, and so forth.

Let's look at the current scenario. Heavy rainfall has caused serious flooding affecting areas of Queensland in Australia, the danger area being St George (coincidentally in south-east Queensland). ST GEORGE'S mayor says mandatory evacuations are running smoothly as the town braces for record flooding.

Series of incidents so far:

This morning, Saturday, Strong tremors were felt in Tokyo as 4.7 quake jolts Ibaraki The Star reported that it jolted Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture in Kanto region at around 10:27am local time (0127 GMT) according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The epicenter was initially determined at 36.1 degrees north latitude, 139.8 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 50 km, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the JMA.

Strong tremors were also felt in Tokyo. There is no immediate reports of damage.

Yesterday,

Yesterday (Friday), the Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi erupted according to the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.

A rumbling sound followed by the spewing of thick ash some 2,000m into the sky heralded the eruption at 8.20am, it said.

People living in the vicinity of Mt Lokon have been advised to keep at least 2.5km away from the Tompaluan crater.

Mt Lokon, 1,580m high, is located near the town of Tomohon, about 20km southwest of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi. - Bernama


The same morning in Fiji, a strong earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, hit the Fiji Islands region Friday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department reported.

The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at 9.48am, was 22km north of Laucala, Fiji, and 7,028km southeast of Semporna, Sabah, it said in a statement.


And in the afternoon at 1.34pm, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Irian Jaya in Indonesia, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said. The epicentre of the quake was located 173km northeast of Sorong in Indonesia and 1,669km southeast of Semporna in Sabah.


On Monday, in The Philippines, a magnitude 6.7 quake struck near Tayasan town on central Negros island, damaging bridges, highways, some public buildings, and toppling power and communications lines. Churches and houses were also destroyed. The death toll from landslides has risen to 35 and scores of missing are feared dead as rains and aftershocks hamper rescue efforts, disaster officials said on Friday.

More than 1,400 aftershocks had been recorded since Monday, making it difficult for rescuers to search for survivors due to unstable ground and softened by several days of rains.

As for Malaysia and Singapore, the two countries have a better Bazi this year hence, we will not be having much excitement in the form of natural disasters. Keeping fingers crossed though.

Also, things will be looking up for the U.S. this year, the U.S. being in the Wealth Star (Star #8). A better economy ahead according to the reading. For your reference is the Flying Star Chart borrowed from Foong PC's blog.

Whether we believe in Feng Shui or not is immaterial. Nature will take its course regardless. The ability to interpret the Bazi Chart and Flying Star Chart provides a way to have an idea of what lies ahead.

If you are interested to know more about Feng Shui for this year, head on over to Foong PC's blog. He attended both Lilian Too's January 1 talk as well as the English and Cantonese sessions conducted by classical Feng Shui master, Joey Yap. All sessions were held at the Plenary Hall of the KL Convention Center (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur.

Video of Assault at KFC outlet at i-City Shah Alam

Headlining most newspapers today is news about the incident at a KFC outlet at i-City, Shah Alam, Selangor.

Danny Ng, the graphic designer who was assaulted by an employee of the fast food outlet is urging the public not to turn it into a racial issue, saying the real matter is about customer service. You can read more about it on Assault not a racial issue, says man in KFC attack

Here is the video if you haven't seen it.

Friday Frolics - Are you an Extrovert or an Introvert?

Do you think you are an Extrovert? Or maybe an Introvert? Take the quiz to find out.

Happy Friday, everyone!

You Are 40% Extrovert, 60% Introvert

You're a bit outgoing but also a bit reserved Like most people, you enjoy being social But you also value the time you have alone You have struck a good balance!

Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?

More Personality Quizzes

Of collecting Charms and stuff and Doraemon

People collect different things for different reasons. Stamps and postcards are common items people collect. Others collect bracelets, watches, Barbie dolls (a friend is collecting these), all things ducks, all things frogs, etc., paintings, cars and the list is endless.

Yet another girlfriend collects charms and recently bought a wolf charm to add to her collection. She's a huge fan of Jacob of Twilight fame so that explains.

I was at Low Yat Plaza two days ago and saw a USB thumb-drive in the shape of Doraemon and thought of a regular visitor to my blog who collects all things Doraemon. Any idea who he is?

Fabio Capello resigns as England manager

Source: BBC.com

England's football manager, Fabio Capello, resigned after a meeting with Football Association chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne at Wembley.

Capello, who disagreed with the FA's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy pending his trial in July over alleged racial abuse of QPR's Anton Ferdinand, took over in December 2007.

The £6m-a-year contract was due to expire in the summer, but Capello left the job following a meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne. Capello has taken England to the European Championship.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp receives strong support to succeed Capello. In public Harry Redknapp is the affable, well-respected, cheerful Cockney who is loved by football fans across the country.

Harry is currently managing Tottenham Hotspurs who is currently at third placing (with 50 points) on the English Premier League table, five points behind second placing Manchester United and seven points ahead of Chelsea at fourth.

Harry Redknapp should succeed Fabio Capello as the next England manager now he has been cleared of tax evasion, says former coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Former England captain Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, said: "I am shocked and amazed - I'm really surprised.

"Let's face it, Capello has taken England to the European Championship but if he doesn't want to go then we need to get someone in who does care.

"England should be managed by an Englishman. Harry is an outstanding candidate, Roy Hodgson is in there too.

Former England defender Martin Keown: "It's astonishing. An amazing turnaround.

"I support the FA in what they have done but I feel, looking back, that if John Terry had resigned the captaincy then Fabio Capello wouldn't have had to fall on his sword. Protocol would have been to toe the line but he came out and said something to the contrary.

"It leaves us with a massive hole, four months before a major tournament. Players can survive these situations, they are selfish enough to do that.

"We see Harry Redknapp as a long-term successor and it is an incredible day for the Redknapp family.

Ex-England midfielder Paul Gascoigne told Sky Sports News: "He's (Redknapp) a day-to-day manager, he loves going into work every day.

"I think the obvious choice for everyone is Harry, but I don't think Tottenham are going to release Harry.

"He is a players' man. Everyone would want to play for him and he's proven that at the clubs he's been to.

"If Harry didn't want it and Spurs weren't willing to let him go I would give that man Terry Venables a shot again.

"That man is just an unbelievable manager and Harry is a similar type of bloke."

Source: BBC.com. More on Fabio Capello: Players and pundits react to resignation

Reactions on Twitter..
Striker Wayne Rooney: "Gutted Capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be English to replace him. Harry Redknapp for me."

Defender Rio Ferdinand: "So Capello resigns....what now...."

Midfielder Jack Wilshere: "People have their own judgement on Capello but for a young player who was given the chance to play for my country at such a young age he has shown great belief and trust in me so I can only thank him."

Right-back Kyle Walker: "Gutted to see Fabio Capello go, he put a lot of trust in me and gave me my first cap. just want to say a big thanks really."

Related articles:
Capello in pictures
Fabio Capello quits as England manager after meeting with FA


Source: BBC.com

Shopping for Valentine's Day gifts

Now that Chinese New Year is over, shopping for another occasion is on the cards, gifts for Valentine's. Do people stress over what gifts to buy? Do you?

Gifts for Valentine's Day truly covers a wide range. Lingerie must be quite popular, at least among a few guys here in the office. Saw them checking out a discount lingerie store. I must say their lingerie sets would make any girlfriend happy, and the boyfriend too since they won't make a big hole in his wallet.

Guys, what would you want most for Valentine's from your loved one?

Celebrating Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur - Feb 7 2012

Oh gosh, he seems to be everywhere of late or am I being overly sensitive to his presence at every little function? Or perhaps the general election is imminent?

He, is none other than our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. In this image in The Star, he was officiating the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves. Beside him is his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Hindus celebrate Thaipusam today Devotees and tourists throng Batu Caves for Thaipusam.

Day of devotion - A sea of people flooded Batu Caves early Tuesday to celebrate Thaipusam, a day of thanksgiving and paying penance for Lord Muruga. -FAIHAN GHANI/The Star