Escalera a ninguna parte.

Escalera a ninguna parte.
Originally uploaded by xip.

Escalator to heaven?

Clash of the Titans

Fear or envy? The US has been looking over China's shoulder and their latest criticism is about China's expanding military. Well, China is saying that its military buildup is important for world peace.

My guess is we can expect more clashes between these two countries in the future!

Source: Reuters "China rejects U.S. criticism of military build-up"

In addition to that, Japan's policy chief of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Shoichi Nakagawa, commented that Japan might fall into Chinese hands one day, citing China's massive military as the base of his claims.

Source: Star Online "Japan MP says Japan could become Chinese province"

Lady In Black

Lady In Black
Originally uploaded by D_m_i_t_r_y.

D_m_i_t_r_y has been producing very interesting portraits and this is one of his latest!

Upper Earth

This is cool or what? For a whole lot of explanation on earth's atmosphere, check out the link below:

Source: NASA Earth Observatory "The Top of the Atmosphere"

brook in the meadows

brook in the meadows
Originally uploaded by the-father.

Something taken by the-father that will help to sooth some tired eyes. :)

Worth a thousand words...

Dylan Martinez took this photo of the Queen of England with her smiling grandson, capturing the moment. Prince Harry will possibly be looking for some action in Iraq.

Source: Reuters Blog

All new Coke from the outside

Japan Today reported that Coca-Cola is going to have an all new look (right) in line with its "The Coke Side Of Life" campaign meant to encourage people to make positive choices in life:

The Coke Side of Life = Coca Cola = positive choices
Positive choices = good
Therefore, drink Coke when you make positive choices OR drink Coke so that you can make positive choices...

The new look is now in Japan which will go worldwide in March.

Google’s First Production Server

Google’s First Production Server
Originally uploaded by jurvetson.

jurvetson took a photo of Google's first production server... I actually don't know what are the differences between a normal server and a production server but I feel that since it is Google and that it is Google's first of something, I should post it here. :P

International Clown

Even a parade in Germany pokes fun at this guy. Could this fella be the person most made fun of in the world? Finally he is bringing some joy...

More of this coming from Infowars.com here.

The Biggest Turn-Ons...

... are a pair of feet. Besides that, footwear and other accessories associated with the feet are also high on the fetish list... that is, according to The Independent which in-turn reported from a research conducted by the University of Bologna. Surprisingly, muscles only turn-on 5% of those surveyed (up to 150,000 people from fetish dedicated discussion groups on the net, though according to the report, it could be no more than 5,000 people that are ACTUALLY surveyed).

Well, accurate or not, it is always nice to know...

Legally Blonde The Musical

Oh yes, there is a musical adaptation of the two Legally Blonde comedies (2001 and 2003) starring Reese Witherspoon. The original movie was about blonde Elle (Witherspoon) being dumped by her boyfriend. To get him back, she went to the same law school as him... and she ended up being a very good lawyer. The second movie... that one I did not watch.

This musical seemed to have garnered rave reviews from many American critics... seems like it's on its way to success! Well, I do still find it weird to have a comedy like this to be made in to a musical but here you go... anything can be done these days. :)

Source: Reuters Blog "Legally Blonde a hit in San Fran"

Flames

GASP! With squinting faces, this photo looked like something coming from a horror movie or something... but it is in fact taken behind flames from burning of offerings and incense in China.

Source: Reuters Blogs "Flames"

Work is so close...

ARGH! After over a week of not working (long Chinese New Year break combined with additional leave), it... it hurts to think about the coming Monday. BACK TO WORK! What a nightmare. Monday is no more than a day away. What's worse, knowing that the next long break will not come until... until... May which would still not be comparable with this long break.

Sigh... reality sets in with a bang.

Oh, and those of you who did not get such a long break, need not feel envious. The break is over, yeah. We are all going back to work on Monday. :'(

flea

flea
Originally uploaded by eeloy.

Being abstract is one thing, this top view of some where in Berlin by eeloy has got someone walking in the photo... now that's good timing.

30 secrets in 30 days: #22 quirks

30 secrets in 30 days: #22 quirks
Originally uploaded by celluloidson.

Everything can be talked about... including how you mount the toilet roll... according to celluloidson, it should be mounted well, this way. :)

Funny Malaysia

Wong Chun Wai contributed to Star Online Opinion section "The joke's now on Malaysia" and I believe he has put the facts and both local and international reactions to these matters rather accurately. Check out his article, which he touched on recent issues such as chastity belts, mistaken raids on a legitimate FOREIGN couple, recruiting Mat Skoding spies (whom could be normal people like the public, hawkers, etc.) to look out for "illegal" activites conducted by couples and this one:

A dean from the business faculty of a top Malaysian public university, for example, makes alleged spot checks during lectures to check on the dressing of female students.

Students who he perceives are wearing tight T-shirts or blouses are singled out. At least on one occasion, they were asked to bend down to see whether parts of their bodies would be exposed.

PLEASE! NO MORE!

How can this be even remotely possible! Like what Wong said, Malaysia should, instead, be "a plural country enriched by different faiths, cultures and ideas. More importantly, we are a tolerant people who place importance on moderation and modernity."

Malaysian Time

When I came across this article (Star Online "Do away with Malaysian time mentality, says daily") , I had to concur. I have my fair share of being invited to wedding dinners. Hence, experience late arrivals of many other guests (after a few times, I have to admit I myself arrived late by around half an hour). However, I am not so sure about other functions, being not a very social person. :D

But yeah, really, we need to stop this. We are being ridiculed by people from other countries. In one of the weddings, there were guests from neighbouring Indonesia. They had quite some fun making jokes when they were told that this is a Malaysian habit.

Kuala Lumpur is transit point

Besides being Visit Malaysia Year, our capital is now the transit point for illegal immigrants (eg. from Pakistan or Middle East countries) seeking to be citizens of other countries, such as Canada and other European countries. Dahsyat!

Source: Star Online Nation "Ring using KL as transit point"

Rickshaw

Rickshaw
Originally uploaded by ShUtTeR PrO.

Interesting and colourful (though a little cluttered) rickshaws taken by ShuUtTeR PrO from Maldives. Photo was taken in Melaka.

Less is more!

Less is more!
Originally uploaded by Pilou@ttitude.

A great example where less details and objects in a photo is equally attractive! It's been viewed 1,515 times and 162 flickr users call this a favourite (at the time of this blog entry)!

Next Hot News - Ban on Fast Food Advertisements

Malaysia's Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has proposed for a ban on fast food advertising and Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin has voiced his support by possibly stopping the ads from airing in Radio Television Malaysia, a government owned media company. The reason is so that we Malaysians will be less impulsive to go out and grab a burger... and some fries... and some fried chicken... add a sundae to it... the list goes on...

A very considerate point of view in the eyes of the ministers, of course.

Source: Star Online's article "Support for ban on fast food ads"

What could be next? Soft drinks are unhealthy and watching TV series could be quite bad, too.

Chastity

Recently, an Islamic scholar came out with the suggestion that women should wear chastity belts to prevent rape and incest crimes (source: Star Online article "‘Chastity belts can thwart rape and incest’").

Obviously, when someone comes out with such... "ideas", there are bound to be plenty of opinions:

One woman wrote in to Star Online's Opinion section supporting the idea, but stated that "...considering that most rapists are men, it is only logical that the ones who need to be “chastity” controlled should be men, not women." (Source: Star Online Opinion section "Syabas to chastity belt")

And of course, in the current space and time, the majority would be against this idea. Not only suggesting such a "proposal" is not suitable in the current society, it (quoting Amnesty International's executive director) "violates a woman’s dignity and her physical and mental integrity." Full article in Star Online's "Shocked groups slam chastity belt for women proposal".

There will not be a solution to this as there will not be a solution to thefts, briberies, murders or any other crimes. One can only hope society's mentality keeps improving (education and law enforcement, anyone?).

What is your opinion?

Chinese New Year - The Second Day

Yup, this is the second day. We usually celebrate this auspicious new year over two days. A photo taken at another premier shopping complex here in Malaysia, 1 Utama:

Splash of Color

Splash of Color
Originally uploaded by birdyboo.

Though not taken for Chinese New Year, this photo by birdyboo is really nice and gives me the Chinese New Year feeling.

Famous Tea Tree Oil Is Not So Safe

Report from Guardian Unlimited's article "Tea tree oil faces ban over health fear" indicated that the European Union might ban the substance over alleged rashes and allergies from clinical trials. It is also believed that tea tree oil also has "hormone-like properties that lead to gynaecomastia - the growth of breasts"!

More information about tea tree oil can be found in Wikipedia.

Benefit of Human Intervention

Humans are bad. We cause global warming. However, there are some good that we are here: A dolphin from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan, called Fuji who lost her tail fin due to a disease that caused progressive deterioration from the edge of it since October 2002. Eventually, her fin was amputated to save her life.

Volunteers from tyre manufacturer Bridgestone and Graduate school of Engineering, Department of Environmental and Ocean Engineering at the University of Tokyo developed prosthetic fins for her and now, with the third generation fin, she has almost regained her full swimming abilities. Fuji can now jump out of water (above) for performances.

Source: Gizmag "Pet prosthesis - Dolphin recovers swimming ability with artificial fin"

Living without a computer for 24 hours

Is that possible? I'm sure it is, but given a choice, I would rather not! Check out this experiment being conducted by Michael, Dennis and Dave. If you wish to take part, the shutdown date is 24 March 2007. Click on the picture to get there.

There is also a blog here.

mavi su / blue water

mavi su / blue water
Originally uploaded by paşanın yeri.

Another cool photo that got to be Flickr's "Interestingness" no. 1! What really got my attention was how paşanın yeri got to make this photo look so interesting and yet rather simple with one main object and a black background.

Cool!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

FIRST day of Chinese New Year! Year of the Pig! End of the 12 Chinese Zodiac cycle! Before anything else,

GONG XI FA CAI!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Updated 3:49pm: Added photo taken at Suria KLCC



Updated 9:53pm: World's most populous Chinese nation celebrates the first day of the Pig year with much grandeur! Check out the Reuters article "Chinese crowds greet the New Year with a bang". Here are the photos featured in that article:

Worshippers burn incense at the Longtou Temple in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on the first day of the new Chinese lunar year February 18, 2007. Chinese around the world welcomed the Lunar New Year which is believed to be an especially auspicious "golden pig year", which only comes around every 60 years. CHINA OUT REUTERS/China Daily

A worshiper prays in front of a fire place in a temple in Shanghai February 17, 2007. Chinese around the world are preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Pig on February 18. REUTERS/Nir Elias

Worshippers burn incense at the Yonghe Gong or Lama Temple in Beijing on the first day of the new Chinese lunar year February 18, 2007. Chinese around the world welcome the Lunar New Year which is believed to be an especially auspicious "golden pig year", which only comes around every 60 years. REUTERS/Reinhard Krause

A worker arranges inflatable pig balloons, part of Chinese Lunar New Year decorations to celebrate Spring Festival, at a park in Beijing February 17, 2007. China will usher in the "Year of the Pig" on February 18, according to the lunar calendar. REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV

Hooters Energy Drink!

Interesting indeed! And here's a photo and a link as proof.

A funny paragraph from the article:

The vice-president of marketing for Hooters, Mike McNeil, said in a statement: "We are very excited to launch this new product into the dynamic energy drink market. When you think of Hooters you think of high energy." Really? Is that really what you think of when you think of Hooters? I'm not so sure.


Source: Slashfood "Hooters launching energy drink"

The Multi-Racial Family

Star Online's article "Chans hold reunion dinner in true muhibbah spirit" shows that it is possible for a multi-racial family to happily celebrate Chinese New Year together. There are both a Malay and an Indian son-in-laws. A great family representing all the three major races in Malaysia. I just hope that this would remind all the races in this country that such a thing as harmony is possible and we could all co-exist together, respecting each race's traditions and religions.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Cleaner Bush

Reuters reported "Moles removed from Bush's face are not cancerous". Two moles. What I think... he has had a very bad year, and he is trying to remove moles to change his luck. Nice try but how can he ever escape the payback for what he had done by bringing war to the world and then try so hard to try to dominate it?

Save your submerged electronic devices with... RICE!

Digital Camera University recently published an article about how you can try to save electronic devices that have fallen into or got splashed by water. Dry it as much as you can and put it in a container filled with rice! No guarantees it will work, but it is worth a try!

A Glimpse at the Year of the Pig?

For all of us curious people, here are some "clues" about what to expect in the lunar new year ahead. Some fortune tellers say there will be wealth for the world, some say due to the fact that Pig years are dominated by fire and water (!?!?!) which cause conflicts. Hence war, diseases and disasters!

However, children born during this lunar year will be lucky and will always have help from others. The pig year will also mark the end of the cycle of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. So the Chinese New Year in 2008 will mark a new beginning of the cycle. Let's see what the fortune tellers will say about that next year.

Link: Star Online article "Year of Pig will bring problems, say Malaysian and other fortune tellers"

A Touching Valentine's Day Story

Nope, I'm still not done yet with Valentine's Day even though it was two days ago! Came across this Star Online article yesterday. It's about an old couple who live day-by-day taking care of each other, making a living from collecting and selling recyclable items with their rusty bicycle.

The wife: He is my husband. It is my responsibility to care for him and to love him, no matter what.

The husband commented that "couples like them do not know much about lovey-dovey words."

The husband: But I will take care of her until I die because I am her man and she is my woman. Isn’t that enough?

And what makes this really touching is, the husband is blind since more than a decade ago when he underwent cataract surgery. He was supposed to be resting in bed - doctor's orders. The wife went out to wash dishes in a restaurant to earn a living. Being responsible, he disobeyed orders and went back to work at a construction site where he suddenly collapsed and never gained his sight again (due to over-exertion causing veins in his eyes to burst).

Link: "Blind because of an act of love"

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines Day!
Originally uploaded by HamWithCam.

Wow! How would anyone have thought that you can do that with a book and a filter?

One for you, one for me...♥

One for you, one for me...♥
Originally uploaded by c.zwerg.

Yet another nice Valentine's Day photo... are these sweets? Sweet, sweet Valentine!

Light-hearted

Light-hearted
Originally uploaded by WisDoc.

Interesting Valentine's Day photo from WisDoc. A very innovative way to take this photograph. Check out his description!

Safer Pork in the Future

Great news! Malaysia's pig farmers have agreed to sign a loyalty pledge (whatever this means) that they will not use illegal substances (beta agonist, nitofuran and chloramphenicol (!?!?!?)) on their pigs this coming weekend, right before Chinese New Year. That's great great great healthy news for what's to come in the future.

But what about those pork in the market now...?

Source: Star Online "Pig farmers agree to sign pledge"

Something to Ponder?

Came across these two articles while reading Jeff Ooi's blog which in-turn referred to some interesting facts and figures from blogger Aisehman... As a quick summary, the recent good news from our government on greater economic investments from local and foreign investors during 2006 compared to 2005 needs some really looking into and that our economy will be much better this year would depend greatly on the implementation of the 9th Malaysian plan... What will your conclusion be? Check out the links below:

From Aisehman:
1. Spinning Tales of The Tape
2. Easy Does It

Google's Missing "l"

The world noticed the new Google Doodle specially for Valentine's Day yesterday where it appeared to have a missing "l" and Google appeared to be "Googe" instead. Naturally, Google responded in their official blog:

"...those with true romance and poetry in their soul will see the subtlety immediately."

Which, if I got it right, the strawberry stem represents the "l"... yeah? No? Ok, I'm not romantic or poetic enough.

All the World News

Been reading the world news and lately, it's awhole lot of unrest in Iraq, nuclear power issues in North Korea and Iran, and global warming. Oh right, a lot of George Bush going about proposing a military-based budget and only the past couple of days he was trying to convince the world he was not trying to start a war in Iran...

What could be next?

Terms and Conditions For Males When Watching Female Athletes?

I am not quite sure what this is about but I felt the need to share this as I find this Star Online report rather unusual. We have all watched loads of sports with both male and female participants. Then, suddenly I came across this: Males are barred from watching the inaugural Malaysian All-Women Games... :O

Movie Updates

• There will be a Toy Story 3 in 2009.
• Harrison Ford will return as Indiana Jones on 22 May 2008.

How to be $25,000,000 Richer

How? Just find a solution to counter the global warming crisis we are facing and British tycoon Richard Branson will pay you $25 million dollars. Besides being rich, you would have saved mankind and many other species, preserved islands that otherwise would have submerged, and many more. It's really worth it.

Link: Reuters "Virgin's Branson offers $25 mln global warming prize"

Obelix Was Here

Obelix Was Here
Originally uploaded by dogonnit.

Woah! Really! Reminds me so much of Obelix! Finally tried the "Blog This" feature in Flickr. More to come as I explore more of Flickr!

Efficiency Supersedes Bad Publicity

Just about a few days ago, there was a big robbery at a goldsmith in a local shopping complex. Two security guards and one of the robbers got killed. Shortly, police caught the remaining 7 (6 Thais and 1 local).

Everyone became really proud of our police force. Much emphasise was given by the government and the media.

But let's not forget that this efficiency here is more of an anomaly if anything. There are other crimes that have yet to be solved, both big and petty ones like "disabled man loses bike and fake leg to thieves". Snatch thefts are running rampant.

And all the bad publicity that the police force were getting like sudden reduction in summons that was taken back a day later, police having part time job as a robber at night, etc.

Yup, it would take more than this to clear our Malaysian police force's name. Let's hope this efficiency continues.

Star Online Link:
Cops' swift action will be a deterrent, says Abdullah

Cute 18

Check out 18 cute pandas from the Wolong panda conservation facility in China. There's a video on Reuters' website. Click on the picture to go there.

Face Matters

Our information ministry recently came out with a remark saying that it may reduce available exposure time for Pan-Asian looking models, even though they are Malaysians. The reason being they do NOT portray true ethnic Malaysian looks. With these kinds of press releases, there are bound to be lots of opinions.

Some agree, saying that true ethnic Malaysian looking models should be given more chances and that Malaysia should be represented by people that "look" like Malaysians...

Naturally, Pan-Asian models would be against this and they label this as discrimination.

An ad agency actually came out with a reply saying that Pan-Asian models actually represent the all-in-one Malaysian look. Hence, advertisements need not be made several times for each particular race.

We are in the 21st century and we are supposed to be talking about things like global warming is caused by humans, NOT Malaysian models cannot represent Malaysia IF they appear to be of mixed parentage.

Star Online links:
For: Move seen as giving others a chance
Against: Malaysian models defend the mixed look
Ad Agency reply: Ad agency explains why Pan-Asians are preferred models

Diamonds Got a New Friend in Forever

Scientists have created a compound that is about 10 times stronger than diamond. It's a mixture of molten tin and a mineral called barium titanate in a temperature of 300 degrees Celcius. After the compound cools, it goes blah blah blah technical talk and becomes really strong.

For much more in-depth information, check out the article from NewScientistTech here.

Courtesy

While taking the LRT (Light Rail Transit - Malaysia's version of the tube/mass rapid transit/electric train) earlier today, there were two ladies with children in their care. Two younger people actually stood up and gave their place to these two ladies. One of them was traveling with his parents and their faces really lit up. They were so proud of him.

Personally, I was rather proud of these two, too. Nice sight.

Initially, my title was "Malaysian Courtesy" but then, I am not sure if they were Malaysians or not, though I am so hoping that they are. :)

I finally know what Matt Groening looks like...

Came across this article where Matt Groening (the guy that brought us the long running cartoon, The Simpsons) talks about the return of Futurama, another of his brilliant idea. I was kind of disappointed when it was cancelled back in 2003 but glad that it will make a comeback next year, 2008.

And, most importantly, I've got a face to the name now. I've never known what Matt Groening looked like till now. Very ignorant I know.

More about the article from TV Squad here.

Sony Bravia TV-Phone?

First there are "Walkman" phones. Then, a Cybershot phone. Now, enjoying their successful partnership, Sony Ericsson is releasing a phone based on another of Sony's rather successful line of products, the Bravia LCD TVs.

What does this phone do? Watch TV on a 3" LCD, of course. And it's capable of time-shifting, which is record while you watch and then, you can rewind or fast forward the show in real-time. Besides that, it's got a 2 megapixel camera and errr... a microSD slot (!?!).

Bombshell: Only to be made available in Japan.

Info from CNET Asia's On The Radar "Sony Ericsson screens its Bravia TV-Phone"

Reunification

Star Online article "Woman's stares led to reunion with biological parents" revealed an accidental case of being switched at birth of two babies. A Chinese boy was switched with a Malay boy and they were given names and were raised according to their "adopted" parents' respective religions.

A chanced discovery by a sister due to resemblance to the biological father led to the rediscovery of the true parents of one of the switched babies... more>>

Danger Vases

Swedish home specialist Ikea is recalling glass vases with high internal tensile stress that breaks easily when knocked or scratched. This is a world wide recall. According to the article from Star Online below, 1,000 of these vases had been sold for the past six months. So far no one in Malaysia was reported to be injured from these vases.

A full refund will be given. Please call 03-7726 7777 for more info.

Star Online Link: "Ikea urges customers to return glass vases"