From flickr: subaqua 2

subaqua 2
Originally uploaded by fo2me.

More creative stuff from fo2me: The pliers observing the pegs. They all clamp. :D

Previous pliers photo blogged here.

INSANE: Details of Manned Mission to Mars!

Super self-sufficient astronauts who could repair all the spacecraft's equipment and even manufacture the parts, able to grow edible plants, large 400 tonne spacecraft, recycled water and air, and huge budget from US$20 to US$450 billion are all part of the details highlighted on BBC News' website (via Slashdot). The launch target is February 2031 and the astronauts are expected to stay on Mars' surface for as long as 16 months before returning home. A one way trip would take about 6 to 7 months!

Kidnapped Victim Freed!

Elizabeth Wong's blog notified that kidnapped victim Dora Goh was freed earlier today.

Kidnapped

Dora Goh (picture) was kidnapped by three men in a silver (and an e-mail says it's gold) Camry with the last four digits of the plate 7641.

Anyone with information can contact the nearest police station.

Source: Elizabeth Wong's blog

From flickr: subaqua1

subaqua1
Originally uploaded by fo2me.

Invasion of the pliers! Be very afraid!

FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix - The Leap!

Here is a super rider doing a leap with his horse, taken with severe under-exposure and brightened using Levels in Gimp 2.4:

FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix Sequence

Update: Uh oh... looks like when I uploaded the sequence of images below, Blogger some how shrank it. You won't be able to see it much larger even if you click on it. Sorry!

Here is combination of 8 images in a sequence taken in burst mode, cropped to focus on the rider and the horse, resized, and brightened considerably since the original was underexposed to prevent motion blur. You will have to click on the image to view it larger. The sequence starts from right to left:The sequence shows the rider and the horse do a double leap... errr... if that is what you call it. Sorry, first time watching an equestrian event. Don't know the lingo nor the rules of the game. :P

FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix Champion

Was at the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) 5-Star KL Grand Prix. Here is the final event (as stated above) where the winner Markus Fuchs (currently ranked 3rd in the world) was posing for a photo-cum-video session with our King with Wan Zaleha Radzi looking on. Wow, it appears that she was looking at my direction! :P

More photos later... IF I ever get to process them. I had to SEVERELY underexpose all the shots in order to capture the action because my camera only goes up to ISO400 (and even at ISO400 it is very noisy, so imagine when I bring up the brightness of the underexposed ones at this ISO!!!). Nonetheless, my Panasonic DMC-FZ30 I love!

INSANE: Malaysia Won China Open Women's Singles Title

I did not watch the match but I am feeling proud after coming across Star Online's "Mew Choo wins China Open", especially after reading this line:

She defeated world No. 1 Xie Xingfang of China, 21-16, 8-21, 21-17.

No public holiday tomorrow, though. :(

From flickr: Lagoon Palette

Lagoon Palette
Originally uploaded by Anna Pagnacco.

Check this out! Colourful reflections or pure artistic talent? A whole set dedicated to the wonderful colours of Venice and Burano Island by the Anna Pagnacco here.

Poison Products

Earlier from Star Online Nation, warnings from the Health Ministry:

KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised to avoid buying the Cool & Lightening soap because it contains poison.

“The product registration of this soap has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) following the detection of a scheduled poison, hydroquinone, in this product.

“Hydroquinone is not allowed to be formulated in cosmetics due to possible side effects to consumers if used without medical supervision,” the Health Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

It said that anyone in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling/distributing/using it.

“Hydroquinone can cause redness to the skin, discomfort, changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity,” it said.

In a separate statement, the Health Ministry also advised the public to avoid buying traditional product N-Hanz as it has been found to contain homosildenafil.

“Usage without medical supervision can cause adverse effects such as low blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects,” it said.

Also listed in the statement are Chatlin Brand Hao Zhou San, which has been found to contain ephedrine, and San Qi Luohan Chuanbei Plus Capsule, found to contain pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine.

These can cause, among other things, high blood pressure, insomnia, confusion, nausea and dyspnoea.

“Sellers are reminded that possession for sale of this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

“Any individual who commits an offence under these Regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years, or both,” the statement said.

Consumers experiencing symptoms described earlier should seek medical advice, and may contact the Surveillance and Complaints Unit, Centre for Post Registration, National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau at 03-7957 3611 ext 365/338.

INSANE: Oil Prices Approaching US$100

Various articles from BBC (shared by andrewk), Bloomberg and CNNMoney.com highlighted the oil price was at a high of US$99.29!

Previous oil price tracking in this blog:

1. INSANE: Breaking the US$93 Barrier
   
2. INSANE: Crude Oil Prices Higher Than All Time
   
3. INSANE: Oil Prices Break US$90
4. INSANE: Oil Prices Set Another Record High
5. INSANE: Oil Prices At All Time High

Optimus Prime in Hit Game Assassin's Creed! :O

Can you see it in this video?

Source: Gamebrink.com via Digg

IonBuck's Photo Slideshow

I have been searching for a slideshow code for my photos uploaded in Flickr for a long time and at last, days ago, Google made it possible. Now you can see a tiny slideshow (errr... I did expect the photos to be larger, but this is better than nothing, I guess) of my photos on the top of the right column.

:P

Proton To Go Solo Again

Excerpts from Star Online Nation "No foreign partner for Proton":

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said there would be no foreign partner for Proton for the time being as the national car manufacturer was showing signs of a turnaround.
...

“We have to look at the issue of a partnership in the present circumstances (now that Proton is making a turnaround in terms of its business),” he said when commenting on Khazanah Holding’s announcement that it was stopping all talks with VW and GM over Proton.

He said the negotiations had not entered into the discussion of terms but was at a stage of “whether the Government wanted to go or not go” with the decision to get a partner for Proton.
...

However, Nor Mohamad said this did not mean the Government was rejecting the possibility of an alliance or partnership with a global car manufacturer.

“As Proton improves, it would be easier to go into a strong alliance. We have a little more time for that,” he added.

Made In Malaysia: AMD's Latest Quad Core

Source: AnandTech "AMD's Phenom Unveiled "A Somber Farewell to K8"

The Mother of All Seed Banks

The mother of all seed banks (to be honest, before reading this, I did not even know there exists such a plan to backup the world's most important plants) will be operational 26 February 2008 at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. The purpose of seed banks is to protect the best seeds for important plants should there be a major catastrophe that destroys the ones in the wild.

Norway's Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located some where in the Arctic. There exists about 1,400 seed banks worldwide but they are all susceptible to economic stability and environment effects, among others.

This one vault will be the final backup should anything happen to all the other vaults. Owned by Norway, all the seeds submitted will belong to their respective countries.

Source: National Geographic News "Cooling Begins for "Doomsday" Seed Bank"

I Got 'em Donuts!

Yum, yum! I bought 6 donuts earlier from Big Apple Donuts & Coffee at The Curve with my friend:And ate one. Now I can sleep soundly. :P

Previous post about Big Apple Donuts here.

From flickr: TWO BILLIONTH

TWO BILLIONTH
Originally uploaded by yukesmooks.

Photo number 2,000,000,000!!! No kidding!

Pandas May Face Starvation

An alarming article from LiveScience.com titled "Unusual Panda Migration" highlights the problem faced by the giant pandas. Their staple food, the arrow bamboo is going through a once-in-60-year cycle of flowering and dying before regenerating. Pandas will not eat bamboos that are flowering.

And it gets worse - it will take 10 to 20 years for the bamboo to grow back and that 80% of the world's remaining pandas are located in the very area where the bamboo is regenerating.

No solution was highlighted in the article, but China and the World Wildlife Fund are trying.

Note: Photo from the same article.

Update 14 November 2007: There is a video on National Geographic News here.

End of Life for 1 Sen

We might not be seeing the most unwanted 1 sen coin anymore by 1 April 2008. So went the Star Online article "Bye-bye, 1sen coin":

It is no joke but by April 1 next year, you would not have to use the one-sen coin anymore thanks to a "rounding mechanism" that would be used for all over-the-counter transactions.

The mechanism, which will be fully implemented by April 1, means all payment totals will either be rounded up or down to the nearest five sen.

For example, if the total amount to be paid is RM82.01 or RM82.02, it would be rounded down to RM82; if the total is RM82.03 or RM82.04, it would be rounded up to RM82.05.

.....

Shafie said the Government would also be able to reduce its minting costs as it was anticipated that the demand for the coin would reduce drastically once the mechanism was implemented.

Little Solar

Ever since reading about something like this on an airplane magazine, this piece of technology has always been at the back of my mind and occasionally would pop right to the front. Starting from the current awareness for the need of renewable energy to saving electricity bills, this is one cool piece of innovation!

This is a mini "charger" that absorbs solar power and charges its internal batteries. The power can then be transferred to any compatible mini devices. Quite cool, eh?
Anyone used this before? Care to share its usefulness?

Learn more at Solio's website here. Came across this via Symbian Freak's article.

ps Please ignore the "Buy Now" at the picture. This is not an advertorial and does not link to the Solio store. :P Update: Oops... looks like I can't link to the photo. You will just have to click on the blank image to take a look. :$

March for Electoral Reform!

The spirit of the people for true democracy!

My Donut

I had two (unfortunately, one was already in my stomach when I took this photo) of these a few hours ago. Did not sprinkle any sugar and took it plain, but tasty nonetheless. :P

WoonCC, the donuts were from the market!!!
Craving suppressed... for now...

Air Asia Uniform TOO SEXY?

Star Online Nation "Air Asia uniform 'too revealing' ":

KUALA LUMPUR: A Wanita Umno delegate from Kelantan said the uniforms of the female cabin crew of budget airline AirAsia are too short and “show too much skin.”

Kubang Kerian delegate Datuk Zaleha Hussin said the uniform was an embarrassment to women.

She called on the Government to compel the carrier to change the uniform of the stewardesses, which she felt was too revealing.

“Tell AirAsia to change their stewardess' uniform. We don’t want to see too much of their buttocks, thighs and legs,” she said, when debating the motion on religion and social issues yesterday.

Zaleha suggested that the uniform be changed to reflect Eastern and Islamic values.

At this juncture, Umno deputy permanent chairman Badruddin Amiruldin, who was presiding over the session, interjected:

“I think they don’t have enough cloth.”

To this Zaleha replied: “Cloth can be bought.”

SERIOUSLY? I thought the uniform were similar to everyday suits that women wear to work? Is our Malaysia Airlines air stewardess' uniform less sexy?

Wave of Ingenuity or More Talk?

I was a little surprised after reading this brief Star Online Nation article "New fuel scheme" where our Prime Minister mentioned that a new subsidy scheme is in the works where the rich will pay more than the poor. On the side note, he said the government is also working on ways to counter dependence on foreign workers.

A sudden stroke of ingenuity or just more talk? I am not too optimistic here, especially the fuel subsidy after taking into consideration the failed diesel quota some time back. :(

Another source: NSTOnline "Subsidies on fuel to be revised"

STOP!

I just got to stop searching and posting donuts uploaded by fellow flickerers... for now...

Only sleep can stop my crave... I hope to sleep soon! Good night all!

From flickr: knit donuts

knit donuts
Originally uploaded by katbaro.

Even knit donuts can make me hungry now...

From flickr: Sugar Rush

Sugar Rush
Originally uploaded by Sofia Katariina.

Someone took a bite off this nice, colourful and delicious donut!

From flickr: Glazed

Glazed
Originally uploaded by moonlightbaker.

Chocolate donuts! One of the best!

From flickr: Doughnut Keychains!

Doughnut Keychains!
Originally uploaded by toriloveskitty.

Imagine if I have even one of these keychains, I would be craving for donuts a few times a day!

From flickr: Home made donuts

Home made donuts
Originally uploaded by Le Hibou.

The making of donuts...

From flickr: Mmm Sprinkles

Mmm Sprinkles
Originally uploaded by NoNo Joe.

Getting up close on a donut now...

From flickr: randy's donuts with boeing 747. inglewood, ca. 2006.

randy's donuts with boeing 747. inglewood, ca. 2006.
Originally uploaded by eyetwist.

Getting all randy thinking of donuts? :O

From flickr: LICIOUS-LOOPS

LICIOUS-LOOPS
Originally uploaded by Pink Sushi.

Well done! My craving for donuts at 10pm is fueled by these bunch!

From flickr: D'oh!

D'oh!
Originally uploaded by El Buen Matador.

Homer and Bart and a donut! YUM!

From flickr: Yod & Donuts

Yod & Donuts
Originally uploaded by MadVinyl.

Oh wow! Donuts! I am craving for donuts! But I am too lazy to go hunting for some... I will just search 'em out in flickr. :P

Thousands of Bananas

Thousands of bananas washed up on two Dutch North Sea islands on Wednesday after at least six containers fell off a cargo ship in a storm and at least one burst open, a local official said.

A half-mile stretch of beach on Terschelling island, 70 miles north of Amsterdam, was littered with bunches of unripe fruit from Cuba, Buren said. Bananas also washed up on neighboring Ameland island.

And some other items washed ashore in the past:

Terschelling residents are no strangers to stuff turning up on their beach; a year ago thousands of tennis shoes, aluminum briefcases and children's toys washed ashore, drawing crowds of treasure-hunting residents. Some 20 years ago it was a load of sweaters.

Source: Yahoo! News/Associated Press via Digg

INSANE: "Only A Matter of Time Before Oil Hit Triple Digits"

Crude oil peaked at US98.62 earlier before settling at US$98.12 a barrel. Analysts say it will breach the US$100 mark soon...

The previous tame oil price increases posted on this blog here:

1. INSANE: Breaking the US$93 Barrier
   
2. INSANE: Crude Oil Prices Higher Than All Time
   
3. INSANE: Oil Prices Break US$90
4. INSANE: Oil Prices Set Another Record High
5. INSANE: Oil Prices At All Time High

A New Era!

Based on NSTOnline's article "Leading the nation into new era of confidence", and our Prime Minister's speech during the UMNO assembly, our country is set for more and better of the past 50 years because of "Umno's role in leading the government that built Malaysia into one of the most successful countries in the world, with an average growth rate of 6.3 per cent per annum over 50 years" and "we give assurance that Umno will not endorse a narrow interpretation of Islam. Islam must not be downsized to fit the needs of a political organisation. Islam cannot become the exclusive domain of any single group."

Also, "God did not create the Malays to be weaker or less intelligent than other peoples. The name of the first Malaysian to go into space is Sheikh Muszaphar - a Muslim and a Malay, chosen by the selection panel in Russia from a large, multiracial pool of candidates. Today, Malays have mastered many professions, lead many organisations and head many institutions. The success of this nation is a testament to the wisdom and greatness of Malay leadership."

Peace and success on the way!

The Keris Protects

From Star Online Nation "Hishammuddin: Keris protects all, not just Malays", comments by keris wielding UMNO Youth Chief Hishammuddin:

"They said the keris is a symbol of fighting. It looks like 50 years after independence, there are still some of our people who do not understand the culture of our people and country," he said in his speech at the Umno Youth assembly on Tuesday.

Saying that the keris is a symbol of strength and for centuries a part of Malay heritage, he said it signifies sovereignty, power, dignity, and responsibility.

He added that the keris is unique in the way it is made, sheathed, worn and used, and it carried with it specific dos and don’ts.

Unlike the axe which is used to chop or the parang (machete) which is used to slaughter, the keris is not an everyday weapon and is carried to official functions and to the palace.

He noted that the ceremonial keris used by the King has its origin from iron derived from 11 keris from the different states in Malaysia.

Thus, he said, the keris was not just a symbol of strength but also of unity, wisdom and knowledge.

Previous keris post here.

Missed Opportunities

Just came back from Johor Bahru (southern state of Malaysia) from work. Very sad in terms of missing many opportunities to photograph some interesting scenes:

1. A rather brilliant sunset at a R&R stop
2. Fantastic night view from level 14 of the hotel overlooking Johor Bahru and across to Singapore
3. Fantastic sunrise of the same view with rays of sunlight shining down upon the land
4. Nice night life at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru (place for unwinding along the waterfront overlooking the Straits of Johor)

If only I had:

1. My huge Panasonic camera with me but I did not bring it along since I have a huge laptop bag and luggage to carry
2. A handphone capable of snapping photos but mine is way too ancient to do that
3. A compact carry around digital camera which I am pondering...

If you were in my shoes, which of the 3 options above would you choose? Or is there a 4th choice? :O

Chinese Population Declines

The Chinese population in Malaysia are declining at an alarming rate! Below excerpts from Star Online Nation article "Chinese urged to have more babies":

State Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Wong Soon Koh said the lower birth rate had resulted in the country's Chinese population plunging from 37% in 1957 to 25% in 2005.

''This will slip further to 24% by 2010 and to 19% by 2030 or a drop of 1% in every five years,'' he said at the United Chinese Association's 30th anniversary dinner here.

He also voiced concern on the high migration rate of the Chinese to other countries.

INSANE: 2 Months Jail For Oral Sex Request From 9-Year Old

ONLY 2 MONTHS' JAIL TERM? S. Siva from Kampung Chik in Tanjung Rambutan, who denied this perverted act, had asked a 9-year old girl to perform oral sex on him for RM20. He had also shown her his private parts. Fortunately, nothing happened, but being sentenced to only 2 months' jail? Will he even change after he is released after 2 months? A sex predator preying on little children! And an offender currently serving a 1-year jail term for stealing!

And his explanation: "I may have been drunk at the time and unaware of what I was doing."

What should be the appropriate punishment be? At least a longer jail term AND strokes of the rotan! What is your opinion?

Source: Star Online Nation "RM20 for oral sex... from a 9yr-old"

INSANE: Extreme Bread Price Increase

Bread and other enriched wheat flour related food stuff prices have increased up to 30%... this is due to an increase in price of the flour worldwide from RM1.80 to RM2.70 per kg. Some increases are:

1. Noodles up by 30%
2. Gardenia white sandwich bread from RM1.90 to RM2.10
3. Other breads, buns and biscuits up from 10% to 25%

Source: Star Online Nation "Bread prices rise by 20 to 30 sen per loaf"