tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133614052024-03-24T01:55:31.225+08:00He who has ears, let him hear!The honest truth, and nothing but the truth.Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-92042032597035603532008-07-02T17:23:00.005+08:002008-12-10T07:01:59.738+08:00Leaving with a bang<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Well, whaddaya know...<br /><br />Blogger is back to normal!<br /><br />But a little, too little, too late.<br /><br />I've started experimenting with Wordpress. I've decided to shift my blog to Wordpress.<br /><br />This blog is closed down. See new version at: <a href="http://hastenministries.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">http://hastenministrie</span></a></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://hastenministries.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">s.wordpress.com/</span></a><br /><br />I'm glad it happened. So much better than this one!<br /><br /><br /><br />So, was it a blessing in disguise?<br />Didn't something good come out from the bad?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Was it the devil's fault?<br />Should we blame Satan for everything that goes wrong?<br /><br /><br /><br />I'll leave you with this.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KubgMDSMXfI&hl=en"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KubgMDSMXfI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Yes, it's rock and roll.<br />Yes, it's "Christian rock and roll".</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yes, the guys have long hair.<br />Yes, the guys don't look like guys on their CD cover.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yes, this song's content raises many red flags.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9IR6-b8P7CjS5ky6Pkf4m84dmeNN8GN_BnrIYm5_BxkzO_PEYofcFjASeH5z5BbUOFvYZrP-WLILXLlRMecQDfXfj9oeepBO3Ur6Q-pBpnP6IzlLQYYtJgVYHlxqRSuoJ2ukxQ/s1600-h/stryper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9IR6-b8P7CjS5ky6Pkf4m84dmeNN8GN_BnrIYm5_BxkzO_PEYofcFjASeH5z5BbUOFvYZrP-WLILXLlRMecQDfXfj9oeepBO3Ur6Q-pBpnP6IzlLQYYtJgVYHlxqRSuoJ2ukxQ/s400/stryper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218345814612794514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />A highly controversial band, with a highly contentious song...<br /><br />Yet that is what people remember them for!<br /><br /><br /><br />So, don't forget my new blog address:<br /><br /><a href="http://hastenministries.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">http://hastenministries.wordpress.com/</span></a><br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-11937737273602537432008-07-01T21:33:00.000+08:002008-07-01T21:38:14.831+08:00Some will say it's the devil's fault...There is a problem with Blogger.<br /><br />The entire text editing toolbar is gone.<br /><br />Can't bold the fonts.<br />Can't italicize the fonts.<br />Can't change font type.<br />Can't change font size.<br />Can't change font colour.<br />Can't put hyperlink.<br />Can't insert pictures.<br /><br />Even in the "edit post" page, the fonts come out in HTML format.<br /><br />Anyone knows how to overcome this problem, please let me know.Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-52030788945116697952008-06-29T21:44:00.011+08:002008-12-10T07:02:00.467+08:00If the sticker says it's true, it's true!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4th training run:</span><br /><br />35 minutes around Kepong Metropolitan Park. Early morning run, with a few short uphill stretches. Slight pain on both hamstrings for a day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 things I've learned:</span><br /><br />1. Running early in the morning feels different from running later during the day. It's harder to stick to the plan when your body hasn't really "woken up" yet. Must get used to early morning runs before the race.<br /><br />2. One round around Kepong Metropolitan Park takes 23 minutes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time left before Siemens Run:</span><br /><br />6 days and 8 hours. Time to do equipment check.<br /><br />The shoe is a sad case... Its soles have been sewn back before. And now, look...<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ZJ7iV_fpkXtMR1meo6yi708ORVLQUcEE5oGqwVzKj4d-7tQWzZB0DLhNNu6Ex8zFjzBMLi1sPPyG5PcKhD8SKskRMQ8xP1kg9tI9uHTIPV7Xbxolm86A17NJJSJLaFJa_srHQ/s1600-h/P1010022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ZJ7iV_fpkXtMR1meo6yi708ORVLQUcEE5oGqwVzKj4d-7tQWzZB0DLhNNu6Ex8zFjzBMLi1sPPyG5PcKhD8SKskRMQ8xP1kg9tI9uHTIPV7Xbxolm86A17NJJSJLaFJa_srHQ/s400/P1010022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217304248793150578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thought of buying a new pair. But I'd rather buy it after the race at the race venue. They usually have a specialized stall to sell running shoes at special prices on that day.<br /><br />Went to Midvalley Megamall to check out shoe prices. Any decent pair of running shoes cost more than RM200. Really "good" ones go over the RM300 bracket. Some come close to half a grand. It's madness!<br /><br />I'm very hesitant to buy commercial brands. You won't really know whether you're buying into its technology, or its marketing.<br /><br /><a href="http://nikerunning.com.my/?ref=running_global_redirect"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Nike</span></a> has a wide range of shoes for every kind of sport imaginable. But its boon can also be the bane. Their shoe line is so diverse, you start to doubt whether or not they are for real.<br /><br />They put a sticker on it, they say it's running shoes. They put another sticker on it, they say it's for some other purpose. They put a new name on the running shoes, the price goes up a few hundred bucks. Is there a real way of knowing <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">for sure</span> that what you see (and pay for) is what you get?<br /><br />Same goes for <a href="http://www.reebok.com/US/#/sport/running"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Reebok.</span></a> Once I bought a Reebok DMX. Supposed to come with some canggih feature that I can't recall anymore today. It's supposed to "feel different" than regular running shoes. It turned out to be true. It felt different!<br /><br />It blisters my feet.<br /><br />That's the thing about running shoes, you see. You can't tell whether or not the shoe is really for you until you've tried it on for a few long runs. They can say whatever they like. In the end of the day, they can just put a sticker on the shoe. Or put the shoe in a nicely crafted box. And pass it off as a "new, hebat, high-tech running shoe." When by right, it's actually a generic one that originally couldn't be sold off the racks.<br /><br />You will "feel different" for a while. But it's all just psychology. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoooou can't deny that your feet don't lie, and you're starting to feel it pain...</span> Eh, I think some singer said something like this before.<br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.asicsamerica.com/sports/running/shoeFitGuide.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Asics</span></a> is "the only brand recommended by the Australian Institute of Sports". They put a tag on it. And the price flies over 350 bucks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.puma-shoes.us/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Puma</span></a> doesn't have serious running shoes. They look like they are more in it for the fashion.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Umbro </span>is big on football shoes. Not for running.<br /><br />The only brand that seems to have reasonably acceptable running shoes is <a href="http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/usrunning/content/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Adidas.</span></a> Some pairs go for under 200 bucks. Light weight, good cushioning, soles look good, design looks not bad.<br /><br />They have this new line of shoes called Adizero. It's their lightest shoe. Pretty impressive for its light-weightness. But can't say much about its cushioning for long runs. It makes your wallet light too.<br /><br />I was hoping to find <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Brooks</span></a> running shoes. But it seems like they've dropped out from the commercial market. Can't find them anywhere in Midvalley.<br /><br />I trust Brooks more than any other commercial brand because Brooks produces running shoes, and running shoes only. My guess is that their specialization makes them less commercialized, and less likely to produce generic shoes, only to morph them into running shoes by putting a sticker on it.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">But alas... Their specialization must've kept them off commercial shelves. Anyone who knows where to find Brooks, please let me know.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You see, buying a good pair of running shoes is a very personalized thing. What's important is buying the "right" kind of shoe.<br /><br />What kind of arch does your foot have? Are you a flat foot, a normal arch, or a high arch?<br /><br />Are you an overpronator, or a oversupinator? If you have an overpronation problem, your foot tends to roll inward when your foot is on the ground. Your inner part of your shoe wears off faster. If you have an oversupination problem, it's the opposite. Your outer part of the shoes wears off faster.<br /><br />All this boils down to orthotics. Some shoes have special insoles, specifically desgined to manage the problem of lateral foot motion. It may not be a problem for a 1k run. Or 2k run. But over 10k or a half-marathon, you will definitely feel the problem. I am an oversupinator.<br /><br />You walk into any Nike shop. Or Adidas shop. Or Royal Sporting House. Ask the shop assistant aka salesman. See if they have any clue on what you're talking about. My bet is, they have no clue. They will tell you which one is on promotion, and which one can discount.<br /><br />My current Nikes are bought at Ipoh at RM150. That was many years ago. There was this shoe shop at Ipoh's Jusco called Kinta City. All Nike shoes go for RM150. Went there on Kit Soon's recommendation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"What? You went to Ipoh... to buy shoes??"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Umm... Yeah."</span><br /><br />I need a short-term solution: The cobbler at Taman Selayang...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAxaDWd5obMG5TzRgq0dBO9mgCWl9INryyZKMMR4f_hWtaIVgjIz3GzwGq-rLqEjenUthI-IYzxIZhEltn9WDQVna4BH96sF9FnrPVAU6mjaShUW-Zo1Yc5ppvyYvLQBT92dK8g/s1600-h/P1010029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAxaDWd5obMG5TzRgq0dBO9mgCWl9INryyZKMMR4f_hWtaIVgjIz3GzwGq-rLqEjenUthI-IYzxIZhEltn9WDQVna4BH96sF9FnrPVAU6mjaShUW-Zo1Yc5ppvyYvLQBT92dK8g/s400/P1010029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217304038337334802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For only RM1, they are as good as new! Worthy for another 10k run.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Other gizmos I have...<br /><br />A contraption to keep my specs on my face:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIeATkkKIhRJn1j_gtHzbemudojML_5nKX9JK6QEdYhFayeB02fuqJSw-Rp3FSXEZDBUy9LKbvygkX5LPZe1nJR1P6lq9no37SWFBD9j0Rm8JeQeT4ZTWeLUZYGp9vhjOi2Osew/s1600-h/P1010032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIeATkkKIhRJn1j_gtHzbemudojML_5nKX9JK6QEdYhFayeB02fuqJSw-Rp3FSXEZDBUy9LKbvygkX5LPZe1nJR1P6lq9no37SWFBD9j0Rm8JeQeT4ZTWeLUZYGp9vhjOi2Osew/s400/P1010032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217303795550487202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Lasik surgery: A few grand.<br />One-day contact lenses: 20 bucks per pair.<br />Geeky contraption: A little more than a green dollar bill.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A device to keep your car keys, photostat IC and some money with you:<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNJjnXJyhGNvagmSOQVVNecwgkjzMPwZ_EBH3Wj3E8zaFBUUX7eAHTVZSV6b2s9Z19iBy3TUzcKnlymCSSRCIkP6l7Wt6uQgsD4SzYNZ54X_tY9JMeI35wwUNllUdIyfuh6mUow/s1600-h/P1010026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNJjnXJyhGNvagmSOQVVNecwgkjzMPwZ_EBH3Wj3E8zaFBUUX7eAHTVZSV6b2s9Z19iBy3TUzcKnlymCSSRCIkP6l7Wt6uQgsD4SzYNZ54X_tY9JMeI35wwUNllUdIyfuh6mUow/s400/P1010026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217303424416381282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Originally an mp3 carrying case for my Creative mp3 player. Strap it around your right arm, and you're good to go.<br /><br />Nike has an arm strap specially desgined for that purpose.<br />Nike strap-on case: RM40.<br />Cetak rompak mp3 carrying case: A little more than a red dollar bill.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Definitely <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">a lot</span> cheaper than preparing equipment-wise for cycling.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-10188288294891687532008-06-28T14:42:00.005+08:002008-06-28T15:43:55.275+08:00No turning back<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Finally made the deposit for NGV installation. After one big round of research, phone calls and personal visits to NGV workshops, here is how I came to my decision. My research may prove to be useful for you.<br /><br />The first workshop I went to was <a href="http://www.ngv-sugoingv.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Sugoi NGV Technology.</span></a> RM3500, 60L, semi-fibre tank.<br /><br />Why 60L? A 60L tank fits right at the back of my Proton Iswara 1.3's boot space. Any bigger than that, I have to sacrifice my spare tyre space. The next time I get a flat tyre, I can just cry on the road.<br /><br />Why semi-fibre? There are 3 kinds of tanks. Metal, fibre, and semi-fibre.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Metal tanks</span> are heavy. a 60L tank will be heavier than 60kg.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Fibre tanks</span> are light. But the price of a fibre tank will make you go on a high-fibre diet for the next 3 years.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Semi-fibre tanks</span> allow you to eat proper meals while feeding your car. It's lighter than a metal tank. A 60L tank will be around 50kg. In the long-run that kind of weight will make a difference.<br /><br />So, the two unchangeable factors are the 60L volume, and the semi-fibre material. Based on those two constants, and RM3.5k as a benchmark, the research starts.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Gemari Auto Services, Batu Caves.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">"Nombor yang anda dail..."</span> Out.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Juara NGV, Batu Caves.</span> Same thing. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Nombor yang anda dail..." </span>Out.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Suria Profesional Service, Batu Caves.</span> RM4k, 70L, metal tank. Price more expensive, the size won't fit, and it's metal. Out.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Nice Network, Batu Caves.</span> RM2998, 55L, metal tank. Price cheaper. But it's not a snug fit compared to a 60L. And it's metal. Out.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">BMC-IB. </span>RM3.2k, 55L, semi-fibre tank. Price cheaper. But not a snug fit. I won't mind paying a little bit more for a snug fit, and for making less trips to the NGV kiosk. Also, I don't like the name of the shop. It sounds more like a serial number. And the workshop is just a small one. Put on KIV.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">6. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Gas Emas, Batu Caves.</span> RM3.3k, 60L, metal tank. Price is cheaper. Fit is ok. But it's metal.<br /><br />The main thing is, I wasn't impressed with the workshop. It's only a small workshop, with enough space to service not more than 4 cars at a time. I can hear a gas leak coming from one of the cars. NGV installation is quite a high-tech procedure. Really unwise to entrust it into a small-time workshop that gives a bad impression of its skills. So, out.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">7. <a href="http://www.ngv.com.my/default.asp?pageid=104&cac=20"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Hijau MOG, Jalan Ipoh.</span></a> RM3.5k, 60L, semi-fibre tank. Exactly what Sugoi is offering me. But...<br /><br />There were no cars in the workshop. Why? Because they've run out of stock. No more tanks, no more casings, nothing! The workers got nothing to do. It says something about their business management.<br /><br />Their new shipment of NGV tanks will come in 2-3 weeks time. But even when it comes, they have to service the cars that already made their booking <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">before </span>the petrol price hike! The queue will be really long.<br /><br />It's not that they don't have customers. They do. But not having a single tank in your workshop? That's a bad case of mismanagement. Major.<br /><br />Oh, by the way, remember the shop that gives "special price" to malays? Yah, this is the one. Apparently, the RM3.3 tank is the metal one. RM3.5k is the semi-fibre one. He wasn't really being "racist". He was just trying to sell me a better product. My bad. Sorry!<br /><br />But still, I don't feel comfortable going there. If the offer is exactly the same, point for point, I'd rather go to Sugoi. Where the workshop is as big as a warehouse, and it looks more reliable. You don't want to fix an NGV unit for a slightly cheaper price, only to have it backfire and cost you a bomb to repair it. Reliability ranks high in my order of preference.<br /><br />So, can put on KIV. But can say, quite "out" la...<br /><br /><br /><br />So, in the end of the day, after pusing here, pusing there...<br /><br />The winner is still the first shop I went to. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sugoi NGV Technology!</span><br /><br />Paid RM500 for deposit. Installation date: 2nd August. Coinciding with my car's 1st birthday.<br /><br />Excited. Counting the days. And hoping I am not a victim of marketing gimmicks again...<br /><br /></span></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-68056794977167722822008-06-26T14:49:00.004+08:002008-06-26T15:31:08.358+08:00If your wife don't let...<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3rd training run:</span><br /><br />30 minutes. Battled the scorching sun, a long uphill run, and the same carbon-monoxide-spewing bus 3 times.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 things I learned:</span><br /><br />1. There is a big difference between running on grass and running on asphalt.<br />2. There is a big difference between running late in the evening and running at 4:30 pm.<br /><br />As usual, inspirational tale for the day...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rocky I:</span><br /><br />Rocky Balboa loses the fight to Apollo Creed.<br />The fight was so close, Apollo only won by a split decision.<br />Apollo won the fight. Rocky won the hearts of many.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rocky II:</span><br /><br />Apollo Creed fixes a re-match.<br />Rocky's wife ends up in the hospital.<br />He has to cope with a re-match, a wife in hospital and a new-born baby.<br />Rocky won't train.<br />Rocky's coach can't get him to train.<br /><br />Rocky's wife says one word.<br />Rocky Balboa gets back into training.<br />Rocky Balboa trains even harder than before.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6o2lmM2Utu8&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6o2lmM2Utu8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />3 things you can observe:<br /><br />1. Rocky has a bigger fan base after a defeat, not a victory.<br />2. He still gets his apple at the market.<br />3. He still syok sendiri at the top of the stairs. But not so "sendiri" this time.<br /><br />3 things we can learn:<br /><br />1. Winning a fight is not everything.<br />2. Losing one is not everything either.<br />3. You need your wife's permission to win :P<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-47560349344381354002008-06-25T16:08:00.004+08:002008-06-25T16:28:51.565+08:00Training updates<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1st training run:</span><br /><br />15 minutes, chest tightening, didn't want to collapse and die. Pain in legs for the next 2 days.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two things I learned:</span><br /><br />1. I am far from who I used to be.<br />2. Triple-storey, semi-detached houses in Kampung Bendahara cost RM280k only.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2nd training run:</span><br /><br />25-minutes. Chest not tightening, no pain in legs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two things I learned:</span><br /><br />1. One lap around the Amcorp Mall park takes 6 minutes.<br />2. There's hope!<br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the inspirational training video for the day....<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Rocky Balboa gets picked as a wild card to fight.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />He fights Apollo Creed, the reigning champ.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Everyone thinks a no-namer like him will be lucky if he doesn't get killed.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />He is just a replacement punching bag to make Apollo look good.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Rocky Balboa does not think so.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Rocky Balboa is far from fit.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Rocky Balboa starts training.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AWh4mkMr_TQ&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AWh4mkMr_TQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />See if you spotted the following:<br /><br />1. He gets an apple while running through the market.<br />2. He syok sendiri at the top of the stairs.<br /><br />Two things you can learn:<br /><br />1. You don't get apples when you run through a market.<br />2. Don't do a little jig with your hands on your hips at the end of an awe-inspiring run.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-52413557119512465982008-06-20T16:33:00.009+08:002008-12-10T07:02:00.628+08:00Resurrection<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I'll be going for the <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.siemens.com.my/siemensrun2008/About/index.aspx">Siemens 10km run.</a><br /><br />The last time I exerted my body: World Championships, Geelong/Lorne, Australia. February 2006.<br /><br />That was 2 years, 4 months ago. Zero exercise since then.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Time left to the Siemens run: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">15 days.</span><br /><br />Will it be possible to revive my old form within 15 days, after retiring for 850 days?<br /><br />This will be quite an experiment...<br /><br />My friend, a "sales & marketing executive of a top chemical plant in Malaysia", has this super canggih Nike transponder. You can put this gadget in your shoe. Link</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> it to your iPod. At a click, it can tell you how far you have run, your best mile, etc. When you go home, you can download your run into your laptop. You can see what you did during your run - the distance, the timing, etc. You can even see your running trail on the Google map!<br /><br />Then you can compare your stats against everyone else in the world who downloads their runs into the internet.<br /><br />Jealous...</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />All I have is my old Casio digital watch. Strap modified, because already broken and no more stock...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Zib1pze2iyFpQ8WXkglLdC8nOzAOpz_yyAmZrtjiUDjzuVxcQGZXi9BeLmMPClTv2U-rS8HNHpSRhl8Y0kXQel8R22OSfFa2jahzqsduWEmUa4qcOpy-Uzcvjao1Vx8G5Y5URA/s1600-h/P1010019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Zib1pze2iyFpQ8WXkglLdC8nOzAOpz_yyAmZrtjiUDjzuVxcQGZXi9BeLmMPClTv2U-rS8HNHpSRhl8Y0kXQel8R22OSfFa2jahzqsduWEmUa4qcOpy-Uzcvjao1Vx8G5Y5URA/s400/P1010019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213886288373119138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And this video to inspire me...<br /><br />Russian champ challenges retired American champ.<br />American champ comes out from retirement to fight Russian champ.<br />Russian champ trains in a high-tech lab.<br />American champ trains, old school.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s7Kg_w-0y_w&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s7Kg_w-0y_w&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Guess who wins!<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-15235624704333774892008-06-17T18:38:00.010+08:002008-12-10T07:02:01.767+08:00If you're into minimizing petrol consumption...<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Here's what you can do at the petrol station:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">1. Pump petrol when the temperature outside is</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> cool, e.g. at ni</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">ght or early in the morning.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxozLda1ZVlKlJczVCpC_7pogjeHRL6YAkLYFq2dt4wZYWJ-WflpTkjeCppwKgSlGXF5zEtqqsx1mAuqGzUV_boaLW_26cXbAEvJ5wfMixQI0mkXxE1ysjUzXiV1r6NgI5U33rw/s1600-h/dark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxozLda1ZVlKlJczVCpC_7pogjeHRL6YAkLYFq2dt4wZYWJ-WflpTkjeCppwKgSlGXF5zEtqqsx1mAuqGzUV_boaLW_26cXbAEvJ5wfMixQI0mkXxE1ysjUzXiV1r6NgI5U33rw/s400/dark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212811987621779266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />When the temperature is hot, petrol will expand. When the temperatu</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">re is cool, petrol will contract. If you pump petrol when it is cool, you will</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> ge</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">t more petrol per liter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">2. Do not squeeze the trigger of the petrol nozzl</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">e all the way in.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoheEW0JO7fbHPJEJpzReK6_OTAXSbQt1tpkuB1XJtX1tSI6j5wDCbuenQ8sd_yfnFBJS8-fIoSlCanrxBuTZ7-B8lh3lKNUBYbermscDMxKi-gy206UxqtPB5sZ2CxSHLqKoyhw/s1600-h/nozzle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoheEW0JO7fbHPJEJpzReK6_OTAXSbQt1tpkuB1XJtX1tSI6j5wDCbuenQ8sd_yfnFBJS8-fIoSlCanrxBuTZ7-B8lh3lKNUBYbermscDMxKi-gy206UxqtPB5sZ2CxSHLqKoyhw/s400/nozzle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212811818478356770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />If you pump petrol in the fastest speed, some of the petrol will turn into vapour. The faster the speed, the more likely the petrol will vapourize. So, be smart. Pump slow. Don't pay for vapour.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">3. Do not wait until your petrol tank is nearly empty</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> before fi</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">llin</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">g up.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEd8nb6o4IJAfLfHGCA4A3Sp4UlyumjQBttlBbZyYLxvfit609iadoDiaqz45Qt_em-wr2kP6b6D28s8-l0TDTQOl1yIMVASeX9hJAZVYWmNkEkMId3GovRG2KygB_rVzFpMlM6Q/s1600-h/half+full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEd8nb6o4IJAfLfHGCA4A3Sp4UlyumjQBttlBbZyYLxvfit609iadoDiaqz45Qt_em-wr2kP6b6D28s8-l0TDTQOl1yIMVASeX9hJAZVYWmNkEkMId3GovRG2KygB_rVzFpMlM6Q/s400/half+full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212811589041056802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Always fill up when your tank is half-full. The more empty air space in your tank, the faster the petrol can evaporate. If your tank is nearly empty, the remaining petrol will evaporate at a much faster rate. Therefore, you are "wasting" the last few liters of petrol that you have.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(I'm not quite sure about this tip. I think the weight of the tank compensates for the rate of evaporation.<br /><br />If you always fill up your tank when it's nearly empty, you don't have to lug around half a tank of p</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:78%;">etrol all the time. Less weight = less petrol consumption.<br /><br />If you always fill up your tank when it is half full, you will have less problems with petrol evapo</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:78%;">ration. But you'll</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:78%;"> have to lug around more weight in your tank. So, I guess this could cancel each other off.)</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">4. Do not pump petrol when the fuel truck is pumping into the</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> storage tanks.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjf1McUeqEqx4E9bpp7Em6_b5rFz1sLtqmV-E9ex0zYX4RHwrwjGQcxbxNLVD6Ehy1RLIn7IcrKWpIlNMTWoA5Mcgd-NaOuj7g_K2AT1CKDGY1sVxtCi5l2HEKcFpIvkzeVdkEA/s1600-h/petrol+truck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjf1McUeqEqx4E9bpp7Em6_b5rFz1sLtqmV-E9ex0zYX4RHwrwjGQcxbxNLVD6Ehy1RLIn7IcrKWpIlNMTWoA5Mcgd-NaOuj7g_K2AT1CKDGY1sVxtCi5l2HEKcFpIvkzeVdkEA/s400/petrol+truck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212811333836905826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Petrol in the storage tanks may be stirred up. You may get some of the dirt that usually settles at the bottom of the storage tanks.<br /><br />Here's what you can do with your car tyres:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">5. Keep your tyres well inflated all the time.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodZc-Yi3Wo631c9_1SxNSD055dPS8rMSAa_ufl3nVndZP03CjoH5TNFbwEZjHx9Rabz76YLfHc8UqKY1cER5O1DEWPEQzKWuOm9z5uehlQen-TxMI9RrkcicA8kwa-2e0NCQGAw/s1600-h/air.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodZc-Yi3Wo631c9_1SxNSD055dPS8rMSAa_ufl3nVndZP03CjoH5TNFbwEZjHx9Rabz76YLfHc8UqKY1cER5O1DEWPEQzKWuOm9z5uehlQen-TxMI9RrkcicA8kwa-2e0NCQGAw/s400/air.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212811119267509682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />If your tyres are not inflated properly, your car will have more friction with the ground. More friction = more force required = higher petrol consumption.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">6. Pump nitrogen gas into your tyres.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YPAZ7IcoOMUFXdkzjqhNN61lZiGTj9LyiQu-wO8XZ6XIAciBV1ZZpmiCuHQhmHt2Dj1dNfIs2XF22GljzO3sWxyXdRh1G_3SFG3Tian5W_pYr0PPIrHAA9wlC1bgWZkZIgb65g/s1600-h/nitrogen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YPAZ7IcoOMUFXdkzjqhNN61lZiGTj9LyiQu-wO8XZ6XIAciBV1ZZpmiCuHQhmHt2Dj1dNfIs2XF22GljzO3sWxyXdRh1G_3SFG3Tian5W_pYr0PPIrHAA9wlC1bgWZkZIgb65g/s400/nitrogen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212810901192559762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Go to a car tyre shop and ask them to fill your tyres with nitrogen gas. It will cost a few bucks per tyre. It will improve your car's mileage, resist heat build-up and maintain the pressure of your tyres longer. You won't have to worry about keeping your tyres inflated for 6 months easily. This works best if your vehicle is a heavy one.<br /><br />And of course...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">7. Install NGV.</span><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUNQ-kj-9QkkDK9xMTcicNODjxKZFXjgfjwBCs9utyuqa-Jgwgt4Sd-HvO4-GkMOrM_KUQ3EzatSA06RFm7CgUlbrKSQiwYOt3eEd_MlgjwAl6cJEd_-eWpOYmeb1SyBSsuGCJw/s1600-h/ngv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUNQ-kj-9QkkDK9xMTcicNODjxKZFXjgfjwBCs9utyuqa-Jgwgt4Sd-HvO4-GkMOrM_KUQ3EzatSA06RFm7CgUlbrKSQiwYOt3eEd_MlgjwAl6cJEd_-eWpOYmeb1SyBSsuGCJw/s400/ngv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212810419106640434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Even if you don't get the RM625 rebate, that "loss" will be covered within 2 months every year through savings.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-90852468423202422672008-06-17T18:01:00.005+08:002008-06-17T18:26:05.579+08:00Special price for Malays!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I called up an NGV workshop to ask for the installation price. I spoke in malay.<br /><br />The guy who picked up is chinese. He must have sensed a chinese accent in my bahasa melayu. He started talking in cantonese.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Sam cheen sam,"</span> he said. And he rattled on about other stuff in cantonese.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Sorry ah, saya tak tau cakap cina,"</span> I said.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Kamu melayu kah"</span> he asked.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Yah..."</span> I said instinctively.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Oh... Saya ingat kamu cina. Tiga ribu lima..."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">???</span><br /><br />He charges RM3300 for chinese customers. RM3500 for malays.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.ngv.com.my/default.asp?pageid=157">Hijau MOG Sdn Bhd.</a> Along Jalan Ipoh, near Tesco Extra Selayang, heading towards Selayang. Don't go there.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />This happened to Mei Yee's colleagues:<br /><br />An indian girl and a chinese girl went around together in a car to look for a car battery. The indian girl asked for the price. RM180.<br /><br />At another shop, the indian girl asked for the price again. RM180.<br /><br />The chinese girl got down. She spoke to the mechanic in chinese. The price: RM120.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Which is worse... To risk getting sued for bringing bad publicity to a shop, or to let racist business people have their way?<br /><br />I think it's the latter.<br /><br />Hijau MOG Sdn. Bhd. has lost RM3k from me. And from Mr. Siva too. And Mr. Guna. And Mr. Raman.<br /><br />He will never be visited by En. Noorhisham. And En. Azmy. And En Jasmin. And everyone else who reads my blog.<br /><br />Let the buyer beware. And the seller, even more...<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-25846931523565124122008-06-11T14:02:00.004+08:002008-12-10T07:02:01.952+08:00Bike shop hunting<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I went bike shop hunting with Yuen Thern yesterday. It was great going with him. It will look really silly to mosey into a bike shop, with zero knowledge, and with nobody with you. It's like putting a "con me" sign on your forehead.<br /><br />I drove, he navigated with the map.<br /><br />First stop, <a href="http://www.kshbikes.com/index.asp"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">KSH bicycle shop.</span></a><br /><br />I think I found the bike that I want there. Merida 903. All in, RM3k.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cSh5NaQqSXaVpA2WlCJvMmAK-jPYMwy2UT8mEB5NOV8K6aqqnhxhBxjF7CJ6kdUO2KfwmpyyR5D1bGirzcHh7-UH7l_rcr-YOL9cz7JzEi5YrZ55E8ZxS2GPMR1LDtt6ik1lYg/s1600-h/ROAD+RIDE+903-27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cSh5NaQqSXaVpA2WlCJvMmAK-jPYMwy2UT8mEB5NOV8K6aqqnhxhBxjF7CJ6kdUO2KfwmpyyR5D1bGirzcHh7-UH7l_rcr-YOL9cz7JzEi5YrZ55E8ZxS2GPMR1LDtt6ik1lYg/s400/ROAD+RIDE+903-27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210511822667932354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />The guy there is really friendly and helpful. He understands my needs as a beginner @ recreational cyclist @ triathlete wannabe. He gives very good advice to match my budget and purpose to the bike. His openness and willingness to relate makes me feel very comfortable with him and the store's product options.<br /><br />I'd recommend KSH to first-time bike purchasers. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wong Chen Yeap. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Boss, please give him a raise. Every other shop I went to after KSH pales in comparison.<br /><br />Second stop, <a href="http://bikeprobicycle.com/2008/index.php"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Bike Pro.</span></a> Next time, I no go.<br /><br />I poked around the shop. No price tag on the bikes. Nobody came to our assistance.<br /><br />I asked the tauke if they have road bikes in the range of RM2k - 3k. He says, <span style="font-style: italic;">"Yes, yes we do... Just hold on a while, I have some things to do here... One of the boys will talk to you soon."</span><br /><br />He was just writing some stuff in a log book. No boys came. Nobody gave us any attention. We were so totally ignored.<br /><br />I heard people say before, that Bike Pro does not give much attention to low-end customers. If you are a high-end biker, then Bike Pro may be the shop for you. They concentrate on the big fish. Ikan bilis consumers like me don't matter. I guess they were right.<br /><br />We walked out of the store. And I'm sure I'm never going back.<br /><br />Third shop, <a href="http://imcyclist.com/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Joo Ngan Son.</span></a><br /><br />Heard that the shopkeeper is literally the son of Joo Ngan, some legendary Malaysian biker of old. Heard some good comments about that shop before.<br /><br />The shopkeeper himself is a friendly guy. There were a couple of RM30k bikes in the shop. When I told him what I was looking for, he told me that KHS bikes around my price range will arrive within this week. He tried to persuade me to hang on a little longer until the bikes come in. He doesn't discriminate against ikan bilis consumers like me.<br /><br />But unfortunately, he was occupied that time. He was servicing a high-end road bike. And its owner was standing nearby, in full cycling gear, looking quite cross at something. I'm sure the shopkeeper would've given me appropriate attention if he had his hands free.<br /><br />He had assistants. A couple of young Malay boys, who clearly do not know their job. They can't quote prices. They have to refer to the boss every time I ask for a price. Almost every question I ask them had to be fielded to the boss. I felt kinda bad for distracting him all the time, because he looked kinda busy.<br /><br />As I was leaving the shop, the boss actually waved and said, <span style="font-style: italic;">"Thank you, bro"</span> with a smile. I'm sure he wished he could've been of better help.<br /><br />It's true what they say. The shopkeeper is a nice guy. But he has to do something about his extra hands if he wants to keep a steady stream of customers coming.<br /><br />Final stop, <a href="http://www.thebikeboutique.com/index.php"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Bike Boutique.</span></a><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Mei Yee moseyed in there before, and told me about the shop. She said the guy there, Daniel, was very helpful and he explained a lot of stuff to her. She said I would find the shop very interesting, and that I would like talking to Daniel too.<br /><br />Plus, she said he is cute! But a little young... :P<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />It's too super high-end, man! The bikes there are untouchable! The most high-end bike shop of all! The bike-fitting service is cheaper though, at RM150.<br /><br />I met the Daniel guy. He was a little un-chatty at first. But at the mention of Mei Yee, suddenly he became a few obvious notches nicer! He even offered me a second-hand bike, which is actually his very own, at a better price.<br /><br />I wonder what Mei Yee did to him. Hmmm....<br /><br />Maybe I should send her to every "male type" shop before I step in myself. I have a feeling it will work wonders.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now that I think about it...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There's this NGV workshop in Batu Caves...<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-87552247290936366622008-06-10T00:41:00.009+08:002008-12-10T07:02:02.784+08:00Of chickens, eggs and mammoth<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)</span><br /><br />The idea of church is no longer popular. Many believers do not see the point of coming any longer. What more for unbelievers.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Sometimes, I think the blame cuts both ways. People should be chastened if they are giving up the habit of meeting together. The church also should bear the blame if the idea of church is no longer relevant to people.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />It's like this. I see a rascal on the street. Why did he turn out like that? I'll say because he never went to school when he was young. An</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">d he never listened to his teachers.<br /><br />I go to school, and I say the students don't want </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">to learn. They are not worth tea</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ching. They just come and create problems. So, I say they'd be better off if they don't come to school at all.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Then when I meet a rascal, I say it's because he never went to school.<br /><br />Who's to blame. The chicken or the egg?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />We want people to fill the pews in church, But we don't want to admit that the speakers we put up there <span style="font-style: italic;">may</span> be, at best, boring... Or, at wo</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">rst, incompetently untrained. And we expect people to come away inspired and encouraged.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />We want people to come to prayer meetings. But our prayer items are regulated in a way that misses the relevance of things happening around us, or to our own lives. And we expect normal Christians (normal, meaning Christians who don't usually pray only for the church and its ministries all the time) to come.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />We want people to attend cell group meetings in </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">homes. But we do it in a way where there is little or no difference as a church meeting. And we expect unbelievers to come in an feel </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">at home.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We want people to be serious about coming for Bible study. But we do it in the same way over and over again. And we expect people from different age groups, different levels of maturity and different learning habits to find it useful and en</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">joyable.<br /><br />There have been many instances when people come out from mainstream denominations to form their own churches. Many times, it is out of</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">frustration. "Positive frustration", if you know what I mean. They want to come out, and start something new. Something better. Something that is only possible if it is done outside the umbrella of the mainstream denomination.<br /><br />When that happens... Denominationalists automati</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">cally cast a prejudiced eye on such churches. Even if those "splinter-group churches, a.k.a. independent churches" could be doing better, when m</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">atched point for point and ministry for ministry... It's all considered "inferior" and assumed to be "wrong" in some way or another because of denominational prejudice.<br /><br />I won't go into whether or not those "prejudices" ar</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">e good or bad. I'm just pointin</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">g out that there is such a thing.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So, what's the moral of the story?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />The moral of the story is...<br /><br />Sometimes we cannot shake our heads at only one party.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We have to <span style="font-style: italic;">tepuk dada, tanya selera.</span><br /><br />Which is it?<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EJASLlR8SsMewxcvyK7cGuKfYthekKBkNbR_VeP6YbNMhIS40FlB8zhKbv6KqjU_AG8pEjhL4Qduy810e4UjasmfzHSgYHYHrmvOLAPFUJDv1pRKMmbjJ141buD-MUpIqocYyA/s1600-h/chicken.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EJASLlR8SsMewxcvyK7cGuKfYthekKBkNbR_VeP6YbNMhIS40FlB8zhKbv6KqjU_AG8pEjhL4Qduy810e4UjasmfzHSgYHYHrmvOLAPFUJDv1pRKMmbjJ141buD-MUpIqocYyA/s400/chicken.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209936153490055714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The chicken? Or...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_Yn857vvyTVz1w87IJcSAoUlFEzQVGywLGGgxNKlK9Y2GO6xDRcWU-lq4dLDSMRLiDDt-4ey9txEJpRIxOxvJrpkFtZ7pDAkAcjeGgwaaKzS_T8vfctxinViZHI1c-9BGPNpIg/s1600-h/egg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_Yn857vvyTVz1w87IJcSAoUlFEzQVGywLGGgxNKlK9Y2GO6xDRcWU-lq4dLDSMRLiDDt-4ey9txEJpRIxOxvJrpkFtZ7pDAkAcjeGgwaaKzS_T8vfctxinViZHI1c-9BGPNpIg/s400/egg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209936607291356194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />The egg?<br /><br />I'm using a picture of a funny chicken and a cartoon egg, hoping that it will break some tension in considering serious thoughts. </span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />One Sunday, I heard a speaker say this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"We must not love mammoth."</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*hee hee... snicker*</span><br /><br />I know I'm bad... I shouldn't not make fun of one, small misspoken word. But I can't help but muffle a giggle...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OIqBz47THW0T1VBa3FvNGmyHY-qzVk41HjrAVWoonXsLGL8ySHj7hG6JKSQr2pu8iDcsqTsa2ehYg0BnOU1Bzn4IuL1eItsug5Q0ddTVGJBZrjTPjV1_Hfh_WsUN0cx_yE-KXw/s1600-h/mammoth.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OIqBz47THW0T1VBa3FvNGmyHY-qzVk41HjrAVWoonXsLGL8ySHj7hG6JKSQr2pu8iDcsqTsa2ehYg0BnOU1Bzn4IuL1eItsug5Q0ddTVGJBZrjTPjV1_Hfh_WsUN0cx_yE-KXw/s400/mammoth.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209938844678415586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Awww... I'm sorry, giant wooly elephant. I cannot love you...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*mmmph... giggle...* </span><span>=)</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-14920810483141871862008-06-09T13:17:00.011+08:002008-12-10T07:02:04.923+08:00Room for rent<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Coming to work in KL? Looking for a safe, tidy house mate?<br /><br />I'm putting a room out for rent.<br /><br />This is the living room...<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDUh2vzCCBGq5ZHy5cUMqx-ZRXNk8GDxSlH925h7ogLnzECmQ0LFQXNmZhIn2B8V7JWP2hLa2P8aNyrAKahWlo0lyfRLGVhZ7YHa4PXCC3ib6OsAITUZGBhwXtL5nOcRHMy5Imw/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDUh2vzCCBGq5ZHy5cUMqx-ZRXNk8GDxSlH925h7ogLnzECmQ0LFQXNmZhIn2B8V7JWP2hLa2P8aNyrAKahWlo0lyfRLGVhZ7YHa4PXCC3ib6OsAITUZGBhwXtL5nOcRHMy5Imw/s400/P1010001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209750745252120338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Dining table from Lorenzo. I mean, Tesco. Sofa chair, scavenged from downstairs.<br /><br />Here's another view of the living room...<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALkCA5t2hF1tUiSDLHiulnCLGQfMPuEHtFAcqK8xgHQlLeNM17rAWXHv-VMn_Bp34-duKKUKVRmmDyPcLV4RltnFb_hlykd4TLRIIwllKQXcPUr6L12EW4hjdk4zUolhnDi6PJg/s1600-h/P1010002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALkCA5t2hF1tUiSDLHiulnCLGQfMPuEHtFAcqK8xgHQlLeNM17rAWXHv-VMn_Bp34-duKKUKVRmmDyPcLV4RltnFb_hlykd4TLRIIwllKQXcPUr6L12EW4hjdk4zUolhnDi6PJg/s400/P1010002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209750449444389426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Curtains from... Giant. Not translucent. Privacy guaranteed.<br /><br />If you wanna combat the petrol hike, my bicycle is up for sale. RM400, along with the helmet, front light, back light, bicycle lock and fluorescent jacket. Used only for a few months, during the wait for my Proton Iswara to arrive.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can hang your clothes here...</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglViaW4-5AnKFzamLTE_aByEl_NcGnQTqzW6ogdOd9KfaDFIWBcJYPP1lYBPDItgqfqz_ohJ2amqqaNY1bWENEdCNMZZ9RM6KDoKlTY7aAWQpTYtbI4mY35V1ShB8YMB-WgEs9Kw/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglViaW4-5AnKFzamLTE_aByEl_NcGnQTqzW6ogdOd9KfaDFIWBcJYPP1lYBPDItgqfqz_ohJ2amqqaNY1bWENEdCNMZZ9RM6KDoKlTY7aAWQpTYtbI4mY35V1ShB8YMB-WgEs9Kw/s400/P1010004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209749810954105394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">No washing machine though. It's caveman style.<br /><br />But don't worry, we have this device...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR8IQtU4acrx1a8lOBfV9s_7PrOptzWdOMGLjenMi303x5Hce2Vk4RaXXJc-WaYsODoiDxL_6_n2GzuFV2VD-f3YTK5kPbXg5Y6sqcrrVG_Le9ijTju72KnuyAAreYxLDKJ5fDQ/s1600-h/P1010003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR8IQtU4acrx1a8lOBfV9s_7PrOptzWdOMGLjenMi303x5Hce2Vk4RaXXJc-WaYsODoiDxL_6_n2GzuFV2VD-f3YTK5kPbXg5Y6sqcrrVG_Le9ijTju72KnuyAAreYxLDKJ5fDQ/s400/P1010003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209750089010342594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br />Got internet. Not so caveman, rite...</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here's the kitchen...</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89hDqrSwrWSc06fy_xiBh43WfUzEOH4XVM7EHCtQU10JKucNo6aqRZdl3KgAhSMf0IfR-e7PMW02LsFAuGf33ADdx7CxthalD-VPFvizqDkMTf_9jLjEcyO4F8zD7Tyt-lgGlcA/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89hDqrSwrWSc06fy_xiBh43WfUzEOH4XVM7EHCtQU10JKucNo6aqRZdl3KgAhSMf0IfR-e7PMW02LsFAuGf33ADdx7CxthalD-VPFvizqDkMTf_9jLjEcyO4F8zD7Tyt-lgGlcA/s400/P1010007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209749516587694818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Equipped with fridge, rice cooker, thermo pot, gas stove and kitchen cabinet.<br /><br />I cook at least a meal a day. Arrangements can be made if you want me to cook for two. My cooking, ala best.<br /><br />Here's the store room...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsHlljeq5tpScowCSFuw1wzROWfMgJNyVZzDGekMXYxAp5Z8-FQyWDaGiykTPv5WDbe9lBYveyt0zlxgjGYM6g5UBpbC1ch8YcvYMoEAinZ_mb2Zl-g-5tRy-vocs28e0D35dbw/s1600-h/P1010013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsHlljeq5tpScowCSFuw1wzROWfMgJNyVZzDGekMXYxAp5Z8-FQyWDaGiykTPv5WDbe9lBYveyt0zlxgjGYM6g5UBpbC1ch8YcvYMoEAinZ_mb2Zl-g-5tRy-vocs28e0D35dbw/s400/P1010013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209749109676624418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br />You can store your bags and gadget boxes here. Got extra mattress and pillows for guests.<br /><br />And of course, here's your room...<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozySA9ErbduC7bky6RNCyWvhnXL88BCgUzZb6NXb_kO3rHgt2NEoJH3SAqTEv9ytD-SnB1lN2um5t4ksgfn_WiZh3XRIogulWtHDUeS0DZ8apRGZUvJIjbI_BDWwYtiNB8fFoAw/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozySA9ErbduC7bky6RNCyWvhnXL88BCgUzZb6NXb_kO3rHgt2NEoJH3SAqTEv9ytD-SnB1lN2um5t4ksgfn_WiZh3XRIogulWtHDUeS0DZ8apRGZUvJIjbI_BDWwYtiNB8fFoAw/s400/P1010008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209748732558714642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Can't quite show you the dimensions. A room with a view. It's easily 6 steps by 4 steps. I'm tall.<br /><br />Here's the view from your window...<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sMuku76-M-xYhedUXyPUQzRHwIJZXeV5nFHiaCRH3rD8jrIrKjlsIisfijmfbWubo3Pdsj29KZg7NROHQYLBDhsxwA4c-OFF9MZEOzAykItJtwV-lJtCSbv4IjARDpvVhvIx7w/s1600-h/P1010010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sMuku76-M-xYhedUXyPUQzRHwIJZXeV5nFHiaCRH3rD8jrIrKjlsIisfijmfbWubo3Pdsj29KZg7NROHQYLBDhsxwA4c-OFF9MZEOzAykItJtwV-lJtCSbv4IjARDpvVhvIx7w/s400/P1010010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209748119245928546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Can see the Petronas kiosk from here. We'll have long hours debating about NGV.<br /><br />You can see the second hand car shop...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotmRkuM5cPmNvW0p0gpVnEzevPKJEumQtI5ng7DTtnsrP-qGnEm_5cThMqzpYktSIc1Dl3BLqSEsU-cfhyphenhyphenquCb8fqjhOsw4f-psl7jOqpn1ECoimS-qfZN__kZiyqBYfngVrMxg/s1600-h/P1010009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotmRkuM5cPmNvW0p0gpVnEzevPKJEumQtI5ng7DTtnsrP-qGnEm_5cThMqzpYktSIc1Dl3BLqSEsU-cfhyphenhyphenquCb8fqjhOsw4f-psl7jOqpn1ECoimS-qfZN__kZiyqBYfngVrMxg/s400/P1010009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209748408475604450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />They auction cars every fortnight. If you are interested to buy your own vehicle to travel around.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can also see a lot of trees... And my old car!</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQbGCv_BB6q4DACwnAm172wc4Lw8-vj5MqZU8iy0YA0LcxCSQMzBZ2WQ-7I3T3RAUCTXe4G24TXWaRbPadWv19A2Lyql7VQcFCAFRZXPAbCpO4MA9z3-X_bkC8d9XeODXTDp-Vg/s1600-h/P1010011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQbGCv_BB6q4DACwnAm172wc4Lw8-vj5MqZU8iy0YA0LcxCSQMzBZ2WQ-7I3T3RAUCTXe4G24TXWaRbPadWv19A2Lyql7VQcFCAFRZXPAbCpO4MA9z3-X_bkC8d9XeODXTDp-Vg/s400/P1010011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209747775237862274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Nah, zoom in for you...</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjR5u-viEQ9F7g_pOEdjIaca_Gu_Uob_gM3iysOK4M1rSEIWdleDnZpH1W9YwQtim6E1iDvLkJ62U5Xt7inqVm6J7gBrAOcUyl8mHiuaZF1uK9tsD6XDB2O1e7vKIHoghikKK1g/s1600-h/P1010012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjR5u-viEQ9F7g_pOEdjIaca_Gu_Uob_gM3iysOK4M1rSEIWdleDnZpH1W9YwQtim6E1iDvLkJ62U5Xt7inqVm6J7gBrAOcUyl8mHiuaZF1uK9tsD6XDB2O1e7vKIHoghikKK1g/s400/P1010012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209747469967399074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />If you really need a vehicle to get around, but you don't want to buy a car... You can use mine. All it needs is a new battery, an alternator, its radiator fixed and a car wash. I'll help you fix it up good. Petrol's on you.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My place is in Selayang. Away from city life, quiet place to stay, cooling during the night. Accessible by Rapid KL bus. KL city and PJ is within reasonable driving distance.<br /><br />Rental is at RM220. Not just for a room. It's for half a flat. Utilities and internet included.<br /><br />Leave me a line if you're interested.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-36095126574709454492008-06-07T23:48:00.004+08:002008-06-08T00:19:37.856+08:00Gangster...<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today, I was lining up to change coins for a ferry ride. Mei Yee and Christine Siew was standing in line behind me. It was a very long line. I was getting near the front already. And suddenly...<br /><br />One guy cut in, right in front of me!<br /><br />I moved nearer to him, and stared him down from the side. Very closely. He dared not turn his head.<br /><br />He changed RM20 worth of coins. He was not alone. He was making a ferry trip with a group of friends.<br /><br />I looked at his friends. They don't look like they're from here. Possibly Chinese Indonesians. Young, rich-looking, wearing funky clothes. The guy who cut in was wearing a hood, and a t-shirt with a skull on it.<br /><br />While waiting for the ferry, I stared at him from afar. The kind of stare that I give to truants, that says, <span style="font-style: italic;">"If you're gonna jump the fence, do it before you meet my gaze because you know I'm looking at you."</span><br /><br />His eyes were darting everywhere. He don't dare to look.<br /><br />Quite brazen, rite? You're not from this country, and you come and cut queue like you own the place.<br /><br />Anyway, I was having a fun day. So, I let him off easy.<br /><br />When I was sitting in the ferry, I said to George Lim, <span style="font-style: italic;">"I'm disappointed... That guy dared to cut in front of me! That means, I don't look gangster enough. Of all people he could cut, he cut in front of me wor! Surely, if I look really gangster, he won't cut my line, rite?"</span><br /><br />Catharsis moment...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">One of my secret dreams to to have a gang, where I can be gang leader. It's really fun! You'll feel like you're very big, just because of how you look and because you have a lot of people with you. As long as you are with your gang, you will not feel out of place. That will also mean you will not be uncool. I'm putting this in very small fonts so that you cannot read this secret easily, and so that if you are a teenager and you are reading this, you will feel assured that what you're going through is normal...<br /></span><br />Anyway...<br /><br />Being in last place is how the Lord Jesus teaches us to behave. Here's a music video that shows the top two things that irritate people: Crazy driving and cutting lines. And how Christians should deal with it.<br /><br />Every "loser" in this video are members of a Christian rock band called Audio Adrenaline. Check out how the rambut panjang fella let people cut his line. Light-hearted and fun to watch!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-46JYdkb3eM&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-46JYdkb3eM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-59799137171038519362008-06-06T09:13:00.003+08:002008-06-06T10:07:18.083+08:00Let's discuss!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Arguments I've heard against NGV:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Taxi drivers do it because it's their livelihood. They need to make a profit. So, to lessen costs, it is necessary for them to use NGV. You are a normal user. You don't need NGV.</span><br /><br />True. But with the recent petrol price hike, the difference in price between 1 litre of petrol and 1 litre of NGV has become too big to be insignificant. We're not talking about a difference of 50 cents or even RM1. We're talking about a difference of RM2.07 per liter.<br /><br />Even a normal user will benefit significantly cost-wise by using NGV.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Change your driving habits, not change to NGV. Drive less.</span><br /><br />If I am a user that has been making a lot of joyrides, then maybe changing my driving habits may be the way to go.<br /><br />However, my car is used only for necessary journeys. I can't "drive less" if I have to drive to get to those places, e.g. to work, to church, to Section 10.<br /><br />Ok, maybe I can cycle to school. But my current RM0.3k bike is killing my posture. It won't do good for my minor scoliosis. To cycle without pulling my back out, I'll need a well-fitted RM3k bike. That will cost almost as much as an NGV installation already.<br /><br />To church. Nobody else from church stays in my area. If I want to take public transport, I have to go to Terminal Putra, take an LRT to KL Central, then take the KTM to Kepong. The cost of travelling this way will be even higher than driving. And the time wastage will not be worth it.<br /><br />Besides, you need to drive to get to Terminal Putra.<br /><br />Section 10. Same as above. I'll still need to drive to Terminal Putra, the cost + the waiting is not worth it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">How will it affect the car mechanically?</span><br /><br />It will lose some power. But I'm not going racing. It's purely for economical reasons.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">How will it affect the car physically?</span><br /><br />I will have to sacrifice boot space. That means, it may be less useful as a vehicle to shift things from place to place. I may have to hire a lorry next time if I'm going to shift out, or if I'm helping someone else to shift out.<br /><br />It may be less comfortable if I'm taking 4 passengers for a road trip. Some luggage may have to sit with them on their laps.<br /><br />I guess it's an unavoidable sacrifice that must be made. But I don't play golf. So, it may not be that bad.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">There are too few NGV kiosks. If you run out of gas and you can't find an NGV kiosk, your car will be stuck and you're done for.</span><br /><br />You don't have to throw away your petrol tank when you install the NGV tank. You can have both tanks running. You can switch to petrol anytime, and switch back to NGV anytime.<br /><br />The Petronas kiosk just downstairs from my place has NGV. All I have to do is fill up on NGV when there's no queue, and keep RM20 worth of petrol in the tank for emergency use.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">What if you shift out from Selayang? What if you come back to Penang for long-term? You can't rely on Selayang's Petronas kiosk forever. There are no NGV kiosks in Penang.</span><br /><br />I'm sure I can find out from the taxi drivers where else NGV can be found in Selangor/KL.<br /><br />With the recent petrol price hike, many private users will be installing NGV apparatus. It wasn't a need then. But it is becoming a need now. With an increase in demand, there will be an increase in supply. So, many NGV kiosks may spring up in the near future. It can't be too hard to imagine that Penangites will be running on NGV one day too.<br /><br />But of course, this is an assumption. It still baffles a lot of people why NGV is so scarce if it's so much cheaper and it is environment-friendly. Maybe it's some conspiracy up there to make us continue to buy petrol. If everyone starts using NGV, what will that do to the oil industry?<br /><br />Anyway, if my calculations are correct, I would've recovered my "losses" from installing NGV apparatus in around a year's time. I'm betting I won't get rich fast enough to buy a house elsewhere in a year's time. And I won't get posted elsewhere that fast either.<br /><br />Worst case scenario, I may just uninstall the NGV apparatus. But that will not happen before the cost has been recovered.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">If you can think of this, I'm sure everyone else would have thought of this before.</span><br /><br />Yah. So... Just because nobody or very few people have thought of it, it is not possible for me to have thought of it? It's not conceivable for me to make a wise, pragmatic step because nobody or very few people have done it before?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">If the demand for NGV increases, so will the cost of NGV installation and the price of NGV gas in the very near future. So, it won't be much of a difference compared with petrol.</span><br /><br />Yes. But I'm betting it won't rise fast enough before I can recover my costs. RM2.70 per liter for petrol and RM0.635 per liter for NGV gas. It will take a very long time for the price of NGV gas to quadruple.<br /><br />But of course, it is still conjecture. In Malaysia, you'll never know. Once they find out certain people have been beating the system, they may make a drastic policy change overnight. Or sometimes, in the same evening.<br /><br />Ask the Singaporeans. Ask the Thais.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-50296273941566715862008-06-06T01:01:00.005+08:002008-06-06T01:36:35.842+08:00Let's count!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Pumped a full tank at the petrol station today. It came up to RM98!<br /><br />Before the petrol price hike, a full tank costed around RM75.<br /><br />That is easily <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RM25</span> more per full tank!<br /><br />If I use one full tank per week...<br />I will be spending RM25 more per week.<br />That will be RM100 more per month.<br />That will be RM1200 more per year.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*wipe sweat*</span><br /><br />Let's make a comparative analysis between petrol and NGV.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> If we use my Proton Iswara 1.3 as a case study...</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Let's say a full tank costs RM100.<br />A full tank gives me around 450 km.<br />That means, if I run on petrol, I will be spending <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RM0.22 per km.</span><br /><br />Now, if the newspaper source is correct (see previous post)...<br /><br />A full tank of NGV costs RM12.<br />Let's say a full tank covers an average of 200 km.<br />If I run on NGV, I will be spending <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RM0.06 per km.</span><br /><br />That is almost <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">4 times</span> more cost effective than running on petrol!<br /><br />Now, if I run on petrol...<br />Let's say I use up an average of one full tank of petrol per week.<br />That will be RM100 per month.<br />I will be spending <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RM400 per month.</span><br /><br />If I run on NGV...<br />I will be spending only <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RM110 per month.</span><br />(If you count km for km, it will still come to the same thing).<br /><br />This means, I will save <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RM290 per month!</span><br /><br />Ok. Assuming that installing the NGV apparatus costs RM4000 (by generous standards)...<br />If I save RM290 per month on travel expenses,<br />The cost of installing the NGV apparatus can be covered in a span of...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">14 MONTHS!</span><br /><br />That means...<br /><br />If my car runs on NGV tomorrow, whatever "loss" incurred in installation costs will be recovered in a little over a year's time. After that, it's all gain!<br /><br />If I drive more, the "losses" will be recovered even faster!<br /><br />The Petronas kiosk downstairs has NGV. After school hours, nobody lines up for NGV.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To NGV or not to NGV? Cast your vote...<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-65345597259993533302008-06-05T13:19:00.008+08:002008-12-10T07:02:05.395+08:00Chia yew! Chia yew!<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >All newspaper quotes taken from The Star, 5th June.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Besides an increase in petrol and diesel prices by 78 sen and RM1 per litre respectively, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also said new electricity tariffs were also going to be revamped for Peninsular Malaysia users beginning July 1."</span> - Front page.<br /><br />Three things come to mind.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The first:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB9hJz-l2_e000e2w0sq_qiFD6ke777paESW9fFS8E9EKw5YX-dAHH3P_apT2qdESAzRnA_Yz4wp1rv0v769r3xtaWopvR6GtLnIOr5MToa5MkEBVRrGr4vs-7fv_7pufnNM-Qg/s1600-h/angkasawan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB9hJz-l2_e000e2w0sq_qiFD6ke777paESW9fFS8E9EKw5YX-dAHH3P_apT2qdESAzRnA_Yz4wp1rv0v769r3xtaWopvR6GtLnIOr5MToa5MkEBVRrGr4vs-7fv_7pufnNM-Qg/s400/angkasawan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208289408373392610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Ok, I feel bad for him. Maybe it's not his fault. If someone wanted to send you to space, would you say no?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The second:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBt8TnATsgLbhJALVoQEAesLdFZHX0UtVmvXf-tnPFFc9yM2-WGM0UvzYA9B8n5sLjvt8NCazteN_z1ZEZUvfZ88jURYI51LsvjfJoGk8j8L4s8q_eCXn_nHdc9IV3wtYZWXtDA/s1600-h/khalid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBt8TnATsgLbhJALVoQEAesLdFZHX0UtVmvXf-tnPFFc9yM2-WGM0UvzYA9B8n5sLjvt8NCazteN_z1ZEZUvfZ88jURYI51LsvjfJoGk8j8L4s8q_eCXn_nHdc9IV3wtYZWXtDA/s400/khalid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208289069894146514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Please don't go up there. If they insist on sending you, please find some</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> meteoric rock that can be liquidated into useful hydrocarbon compounds.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The third:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Electricity tariffs will be revamped by July 1? Why not by tonight? Efficiency is good. Acting earlier than expected, even better!<br /><br />They did it during the dissolution of the parliament. They did it again for the petrol hike. Why not make this the third.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >"He (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) said the h</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >ik</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >e in fuel prices would cause a projected increase in inflation of around 4% to 5%." </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">- N3.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >"In Kota Kinabalu, Consumers Association of Sabah president Datuk Patrick Sindu said the price of goods was expected to increase between 10% and 20%" </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">- N6.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Somebody will be right, somebody will be wrong. Or, Somebody may be lying, somebody may be making an honest mistake.<br /><br />Or, maybe both can be right, because one is talking about Peninsula Malaysia, another is talking about Sabah and Sarawak.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But this statement below is the best:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >"On claims that the fuel price increase would lead to inflation rising by 1%, (Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri) Khalid (Ibrahim) said the question was not the percentage but whether consumers have money in their pockets." </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">- N8.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Totally <span style="font-style: italic;">"sao korna"</span> the question, man! (<span style="font-style: italic;">Sao korna</span> is a Hokkien phrase that literally means making a corner turn. In other words, it means to avoid a difficult </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">question or uncomfortable situation)<br /><br />Ok la, maybe I'm just choosing to see the bad side of things. Maybe he's trying to say the real problem is whether or not the rakyat will have money in their pockets, not so much about the projected percentage...<br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"If not adjusted, the current income is definitely not enough for the average consumer. If people cannot cope, there might also be a rise in the crime rate." </span>- Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan, Fomca adviser.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This will hasten my turn to get robbed in Selayang. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Cina man pumping petrol! Let's get him! Get him!"</span></span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >There is no shortage of oil in the world and its present price level (US$135) was driven up by unreal speculation, said Malaysia Airlines managing director and chief executive Datuk Seri Idris Jala.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Asked what he thought was the f</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >air value of crude oil at present, Idris replied: 'US$40.' "</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" > - N10.</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Funny, we're not hearing anything from Ah Nua yet.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Poultry farmers have welcomed the Government's move to abolish the RM6 per kilo ceiling price for chicken." </span>- N14.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">What will happen to KFC? Nando's? Both my favourite chicken places!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is indeed a sad, sad time...</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Ong (Ka Chuan) said the Government had no choice but to increase the price due to the rise in global crude oil prices." </span>- N8.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Actually, I'm sure Pak Lah is going to lose the next election. If a supposedly informed citizen can overlook the worldwide situation on oil... Habislah. I'm of the opinion, he had no choice. Poor guy."</span> - A.L., Sales and Marketing Executive, top chemical plant in Malaysia.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Kesian, kesian... Everyone also kesian...</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >* * * * * * * * * *</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Natural Gas for Vehicle (NGV). No change. Prices remain at RM0.635 per litre</span> - Front page.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Aslan (Hafizi Ahmad, managing director of Aslan Auto Services Sdn Bhd) said motorists who used natural gas could save up to 70% in pe</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >trol.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >He said a full NGV tank which averaged at 17 litres was sold at RM12.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >The amount, he said, could cover a mileage of about 230 km on highways and between 180km and 200km in town areas.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"The cost of installing the NGV apparatus ranges between RM3,000 and RM9,000, depending on the gas tank size."</span> - M4.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Therefore, the pressing question now is...</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />To do this:</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1NYaiEP8TxDSOBxPyflJRQABUKEOCMNb6ysHOx7qPFkZCzc66b0hTO_PjV-Gp9X-igGhyphenhyphen6b2puMRHfKj1g4p0K1DyP1qsLreIdiGq7LUJFlqxCAm5NNCoElHRTBOSTBigC8tQ/s1600-h/merida.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1NYaiEP8TxDSOBxPyflJRQABUKEOCMNb6ysHOx7qPFkZCzc66b0hTO_PjV-Gp9X-igGhyphenhyphen6b2puMRHfKj1g4p0K1DyP1qsLreIdiGq7LUJFlqxCAm5NNCoElHRTBOSTBigC8tQ/s400/merida.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208286825636824402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Or this:<br /><br /></span> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAR8S2k2jJbKv0uMbGMMf7fc54Q-26BQhgdBtG_KkDyPPcOGUlDr85hjatnz8ej2ZDGiNTiCva532QAHCjM-nBA84CTSXeJzCfmw6SrKACcLnxyaKCqLDCMZMVPO13PXQFVhUug/s1600-h/NGV.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAR8S2k2jJbKv0uMbGMMf7fc54Q-26BQhgdBtG_KkDyPPcOGUlDr85hjatnz8ej2ZDGiNTiCva532QAHCjM-nBA84CTSXeJzCfmw6SrKACcLnxyaKCqLDCMZMVPO13PXQFVhUug/s400/NGV.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208285814522906034" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Both about the same price.</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">* * * * * * * * * *</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" id="en-NIV-30783" class="sup" >"</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"</span> - John son of Zebedee, Revelation 6:5-6.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Time to take heed of biblical prophecies.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-87959021741507619552008-06-04T09:59:00.003+08:002008-06-04T10:15:02.167+08:00You tipu me!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Petrol price is going up by August.<br /><br />Anwar said if PKR wins, petrol price will go down.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">BN came up with a less attractive, but more "reasonable" deal. They said if they win, petrol price will <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">not</span> go up.<br /><br />Tipu wan!<br /><br />There may have a separate tier for petrol payments by credit card. Credit card users may have to pay more for petrol, compared to cash payments.<br /><br />There goes my anti-theft, cashless existence plan.<br /><br />I told the auntie at the kedai runcit today:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"2013, wa khee eh see liao. Or lai eh. Wa kah lu kong. Mien lau lu eh. Petrol tan tiok khee! Lu siong sin wah..."</span><br /><br />Translation:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"In 2013, I will run for elections. Sungai Ara seat. I tell you. I no need to bluff you wan. Petrol price will go up! You trust me la..."</span><br /><br />Auntie said:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Han lo! han lo!"</span><br /><br />Translation:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Ya loh! Ya loh!"</span><br /><br />See. Instant rapport. What did I tell you. Honesty is the best policy. I no bluff you wan...<br /><br />Faster take Tesco plastic bags to the nearest petrol station. Fill up! If bring Sunshine Square plastic bag, they give cheaper. Really wan, auntie...<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-7657171734361736362008-06-03T19:59:00.008+08:002008-12-10T07:02:05.870+08:00Anti-burn out solution<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">A) Become a bike rider.</span><br /><br />This one can't work out.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is an expensive sport. From shoes to helmet, from aerobar to pedals, everything costs a lot of money. Bodily fuel prices may match car fu</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">el prices. Can't wear sunglasses. Long cycling hours. And possible prostrate problems.<br /><br />So...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6jtzFYymS1vqGGEPZMVRw79JBslVACZViKKaxt3hawcJNf1vliXgggd8lUvtBV0ivflm5EzEnJBzZqMrJzU8VwZA-7pzS1JebQ9y3aeldV2q0aMShoXmhZDeUME_-AWPaprcUw/s1600-h/merida.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6jtzFYymS1vqGGEPZMVRw79JBslVACZViKKaxt3hawcJNf1vliXgggd8lUvtBV0ivflm5EzEnJBzZqMrJzU8VwZA-7pzS1JebQ9y3aeldV2q0aMShoXmhZDeUME_-AWPaprcUw/s400/merida.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207647766381177122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.<br />Bye bye, bike... <span style="font-style: italic;">*sob*</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">B) Build a tuition empire.</span><br /><br />Boring. Money may be good. But in the long t</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">erm, I'll end up looking forward to the pay cheque only.<br /><br />I mean, c'mon, honestly... How interesting can Math get? Even Add Math, for that matter. It's easy to teach. But it's a static subject. The only change you'll find is a change in the syllabus... When it gets watered down to become easier.<br /><br />But if I manage a tuition empire... Different story lah.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">C) Build a translation company.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Same as above. Money is not as good as tuition anyway. Human interaction, zero. I don't have the qualifications to back me up. And it's boring. So it's a quadruple whammy.<br /><br />I may like managing it, though. But doing it... Different story.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">D) Going to seminary / bible college.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />This one can't work out either.<br /><br />Too controversial. I go there, I lose trust from the local assembly.<br /><br />GLO training school is good, no doubt. But it lacks accredition. I won't know whether or not I got it right anyway. I'll still feel as untested as before. And I personally feel any form of real education cannot be done inside a fishbowl.<br /><br />Sor</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ry la. I think GLO is a good training ground. But it does not fulfill what I'm looking for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">E) Concentrate on accumulating wealth and buy a house.</span><br /><br />The methodology of this goal is the same as B and C. So, it will arrive at the same conclusion.<br /><br />And it doesn't sound right anyway...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">F) Get married.</span><br /><br />I got to figure out the puzzle first. See previous post. Hehe...<br /><br />That leaves me with one option...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsmwGOB2s5l_cOf0AnaHLLl88temDX2df2xedTR1_Hda9jraLbHgbVxHVcAENf2ZoGpv-jneRqaJ8P0a-7o4lvGLgks8XFMl6QgQMLAz8GRHmf4S7YMt19eysX-iwO7Sn_gKfPA/s1600-h/UM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsmwGOB2s5l_cOf0AnaHLLl88temDX2df2xedTR1_Hda9jraLbHgbVxHVcAENf2ZoGpv-jneRqaJ8P0a-7o4lvGLgks8XFMl6QgQMLAz8GRHmf4S7YMt19eysX-iwO7Sn_gKfPA/s400/UM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207647417149075890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Seriously thinking of doing a <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.um.edu.my/professionals/ips/list_programmes/faculties/fac_prog_details.php?intPrefLangID=1&intRecordID=114">Master of Educational </a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.um.edu.my/professionals/ips/list_programmes/faculties/fac_prog_details.php?intPrefLangID=1&intRecordID=114">Mana</a></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.um.edu.my/professionals/ips/list_programmes/faculties/fac_prog_details.php?intPrefLangID=1&intRecordID=114">gement (MEdM).</a><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Many things I'm not sure of. But a few things I'm sure:<br /><br />1. If I'm gonna do it, I will do it in UM. For proximity reasons, and credibility reasons.<br /><br />2. The course content must involve a dissertation / research. Getting a Masters without a dissertation means very little to academics.<br /><br />3. The course content is very "my type". You l</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ook at the hyperlink above and see...<br /><br />4. It will cost RM7221 over 3 semesters, for a full-time student. </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That will come up to RM401.17 per month.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> If I do it part-time, it will certainly cost more.<br /><br />5. Scholarships are available only for full-time students. Either I make it on my own steam, or I wait for a government grant and do it full-time while on study leave.<br /><br />6. The intake starts either in July or December.<br /><br />What am I going to do with a MEdM?<br /><br />Well, the main reason for now is to keep my mind off the dreariness of school. A short-term, anti-burnout solution.<br /><br />After that, it may come in useful if I want to jump ship.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-29737491018054097352008-06-03T01:15:00.004+08:002008-12-10T07:02:07.628+08:00Here's an original one<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >What's the difference between this...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzI9nKBADXaTjMuzBY-fGVD1CzYxa5SzwL8JHYXglxVBC0czda51xqbCttv0GqarOB6Il6GOgc-OqiB4OOTSIO9wSrTEjnaSI34b6XAaoWtYlmzs1VA728RCxUkmjzbuJCFwpow/s1600-h/wedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzI9nKBADXaTjMuzBY-fGVD1CzYxa5SzwL8JHYXglxVBC0czda51xqbCttv0GqarOB6Il6GOgc-OqiB4OOTSIO9wSrTEjnaSI34b6XAaoWtYlmzs1VA728RCxUkmjzbuJCFwpow/s400/wedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207334413497377842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And this...</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z415XCAVQAzF8i0PXWpO6RyJE5W1w-Net5b5QY1ufoWPmgKQFgRR2ykPvJvs1Y6-5Alemwp2yRJpjY72fawffTXUfj5V76m_SD0PGEXvl7u1SPSa7k0KQLT07KNZXRcjv8d_nA/s1600-h/funeral.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z415XCAVQAzF8i0PXWpO6RyJE5W1w-Net5b5QY1ufoWPmgKQFgRR2ykPvJvs1Y6-5Alemwp2yRJpjY72fawffTXUfj5V76m_SD0PGEXvl7u1SPSa7k0KQLT07KNZXRcjv8d_nA/s400/funeral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207334236522735858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In one of them, you can be certain that the celebrated one will be happy forever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In one of them, something just ended. In the other one, something just started.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In one of them, nobody will ask you when is your turn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Hahaha. Go figure...<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-7967903267653037662008-06-02T12:47:00.006+08:002008-06-02T13:42:14.857+08:00Of lies and deceit<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Mr. S described how he got an A for his Masters thesis. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"I went up to the lecturer. I knew he wanted to use my work as his own. He wanted to give me a B. I said I wanted an A. I insisted. And I got an A."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">*scratch head*</span><br /><br />If you don't want the hassle of preparing an exam paper, go to Pn. N. She has a side job of preparing exam questions for people. You tell her what kind of questions you want. She will type it out for you. She will prepare the marking scheme for you. All you have to do is pay her by per page basis.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">*scratch head*</span><br /><br />Somebody wanted to pass his PTK exam to get a salary increment. He asked me to type his 20-page assignment because he was not computer savvy.<br /><br />He asked me to type straight out from a couple of books. No quotations included. No credits given to sources. Everything copied lock, stock and barrel.<br /><br />It is his third try now. And he wonders why he cannot pass his PTK exam.<br /><br />After typing out 11 pages worth of plagiarism, I asked him one simple question. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"So, which part is your work?"</span><br /><br />I declined to continue.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">*scratch head*</span><br /><br />Once, my house phone bill came up to more than a hundred bucks. My housemate (now ex-housemate) made those calls. He was using the phone because he was writing theses for <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">a few</span> of his friends.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">*scratch head*</span><br /><br />Many times I have caught students cheating red handed during exams. Other times, I sniffed them out from marking their exam papers. Every time upon discovery, I grill them over slow fire.<br /><br />You may think that cheating in an exam is no big deal. They grow up in families where lying is an accepted form of wisdom. They come to school, and they do the same. They leave school, and they continue doing the same. And we wonder why we have fraudulent syndicates, corrupt cops, lying lawyers and rampaging robbers in our neighbourhood.<br /><br />Lies may serve a temporal boon. But it will be a bane in the bigger scheme of things.<br /><br />Tolerance for dishonesty today is approval of dishonesty tomorrow.<br /><br />Besides the moral reason, there is also a personal reason.<br /><br />You see...<br /><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">When someone tells you a lie, he expects you to believe it. No one tells a lie expecting you not to believe it.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Before he tells you a lie, he must have thought that you are stupid enough to buy it.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">After he tells you a lie, and if you know it is a lie, and you do nothing about it, he will think his judgement about you is correct.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">If you don't know it's a lie, then he proves himself to be correct about you.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />So, when someone tells you a lie, he is actually insulting your intelligence.<br /><br />So, yes. I take honesty very seriously. And I take lies personally. So, if you ever want to serve me an untruth, pray that you are smarter than I. I love to grill over slow fire.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-85199889217018870212008-06-01T20:51:00.006+08:002008-06-01T21:54:29.566+08:00You know what two old rockers said?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I'm thinking of jumping ship.<br /><br />Cannot la, like that. If every day I live a repetitive life. One year and four months on the job. And I'm already getting cranky and grumpy. I don't think I can last another 32 years.<br /><br />Maybe it's because I've already started teaching before I officially graduated as one. Maybe I already got all the "kicks" when I was still an unofficial rookie, temping as a substitute. Maybe that's why I don't feel "new" on the job. I feel like I'm already institutionalized into the job before I even "started".<br /><br />Or, maybe it's because of the environment. If doing whatever you're good at makes no difference whether or not you're doing it (I know it sounds like an oxymoron), you will feel very unmotivated. Maybe it could've been different if I was put in a different place.<br /><br />Or, maybe it's the lack of tangible goals. Which is worse... Having a goal and failing to make it, or not being able to have a goal at all? I'm experiencing the latter.<br /><br />If there's no "kick" in my main job, maybe it could be better if I had some kind of "side kick".<br /><br />I was talking to the girlfriend of a friend during a wedding dinner. An interesting prospect came up. I'm keeping that little hope alive. Maybe, it just might work.<br /><br />Tip for you guys. When you go to weddings, go talk to your friends' girlfriends. You may not know what you'll find.<br /><br />And no, I'm not talking about an affair. Tsk tsk...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JVdZ0Rdm8zI&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JVdZ0Rdm8zI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.metrolyrics.com/scroller/scroller2.swf?lyricid=18461&border=2&bordert=80&bgfont=0xC0C0C0&bg=http://www.metrolyrics.com/scroller/bgpic/bluedisco.jpg&filter=0x000000&filtert=25&txt=0xFFFFFF&fontname=arial&fontsize=11&speed=2" quality="high" width="180" height="210" name="scroll" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/u2-lyrics.html">U2 Lyrics</a><br /><a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/">I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Lyrics</a><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-28620945461693396192008-05-29T23:46:00.002+08:002008-05-29T23:55:26.281+08:00Research this!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Do research on a topic? Present it in a creative and effective way? Then wait for impact?<br /><br />This is what I mean, man...<br /><br />Check this out!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P1S9t8XFcOA&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P1S9t8XFcOA&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Got wind tunnel test some more! Haha. Hahaha. Hahahahaha!<br /><br />Plus... Real life application in office!<br /><br />Professionals discuss about it on national TV! Talk about impact, man...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZH0sinX1C5g&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZH0sinX1C5g&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Don't take your job too seriously, man... It will make you do crazy things. Seriously!<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-46690784008315455422008-05-29T01:37:00.007+08:002008-12-10T07:02:08.173+08:00Don't you agree?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I believe every teacher should have a personal assistant.<br /><br />You know, like... Pay some dude to mark all your exam papers, fill in the scores, do the daily attendance, send out warning letters, collect school fees, manage student data, process outgoing students, etc.<br /><br />If some cool dudette can do those things for you, even better!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Because hor... you see ah... behind every successful man... there is...<br /><br />A <span style="font-style: italic;">chun</span> secretary!<br /><br />Why do you think Tony Stark can build a robot suit like this?<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54TVpH2CubPzGwkL_CSvs-kMu1c5t-zqF7-AkWOx7U_MfS3Hjp8AojdsQchZu9TIuETs2krzsUFyFl2JqYfsw_Ac7QYSEtqRPITUYBA9Q7f1Zk_lqLSBOM-_x41LG4ovOFiWzlQ/s1600-h/ironman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54TVpH2CubPzGwkL_CSvs-kMu1c5t-zqF7-AkWOx7U_MfS3Hjp8AojdsQchZu9TIuETs2krzsUFyFl2JqYfsw_Ac7QYSEtqRPITUYBA9Q7f1Zk_lqLSBOM-_x41LG4ovOFiWzlQ/s400/ironman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205490323859295634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It's because he got this mah...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLgy2CXUZENVv8hzj-YOKyBjk8FG8S0mlALfWYIocdN3_tPOaxP8-EJflriTjDcHGsReqPLwNu2vKmsltubaKDglaYf2u0KuMBPY5hTS3plnx2cnQ8LIDxsQF8sd_bByb6EwLiQ/s1600-h/gwyn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLgy2CXUZENVv8hzj-YOKyBjk8FG8S0mlALfWYIocdN3_tPOaxP8-EJflriTjDcHGsReqPLwNu2vKmsltubaKDglaYf2u0KuMBPY5hTS3plnx2cnQ8LIDxsQF8sd_bByb6EwLiQ/s400/gwyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205491470615563682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">See?<br /><br />Anyway...<br /><br />If someone else can take care of all those other stuff for you, then you can have more time and energy and um... motivation... to do the stuff that got kick wan la!<br /><br />Like, you can concentrate on preparing your lessons...<br />Or fine-tuning them...<br />Or come up with creative and effective ideas to get the content across...<br />Or figure out how to improve on pedagogy...<br />Or work together with other colleagues to come up with better ways...<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And you won't end up cooking your lessons straight out from the book.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />When you can get original with your lessons...<br />Execute the idea...<br />Evaluate its effectiveness...<br />And wait for impact...<br /><br />That wan, <span style="font-style: italic;">barulah</span> got kick!<br /><br />Having to go through piles of papers to mark...<br /><br />No kick.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-68238430231363397932008-05-28T23:41:00.003+08:002008-05-28T23:46:17.897+08:00Tulibu dibu douchoo<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Almost finished marking the Math papers for one class.<br /><br />Just when I thought that Math teachers got it bad...<br /><br />I remind myself of the English teachers...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_RgL2MKfWTo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_RgL2MKfWTo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I am comforted.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13361405.post-83476129603784785682008-05-27T14:25:00.004+08:002008-05-27T14:39:13.835+08:00Occupational hazard<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Just finished marking the Add Maths papers.<br /><br />I've repeated myself to my students over and over again. But they still don't get it.<br /><br />Just when I thought all my efforts to teach the same thing over and over again was to no avail... Here's something I learned.<br /><br />If you fail, try again.<br />If you fail again, then try again.<br />If you think nobody heard you, nevermind. Say it again.<br />If nobody understands, it's ok. Just say it again.<br />If nobody is listening, don't be shy. Keep on saying it.<br />After that, explain it again.<br />Then, say it again.<br />Then, do it again.<br />And again.<br />And again.<br />And again.<br /><br />One day, the world will listen.<br /><br />The first try:<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/md4Lnij1G-o&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/md4Lnij1G-o&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />The interview:<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4Tf-oxdOF0o&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4Tf-oxdOF0o&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />And he made it:<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JHIdRJjufUk&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JHIdRJjufUk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Reynaldo Lapuz. You are my inspiration.<br /><br /></span></span>Hastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490869986039877578noreply@blogger.com1