They call me a freak..

Mobile phone & Brain cancer

2011-10-23T12:35:00.000+08:00

Study suggests no association between brain cancer and long-term mobile phone usage.
SOURCE: https://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/technology/2011/oct/21/mobilephones-cancer

Not So Impressive Ice-cream from Swensen's

2011-10-06T04:13:00.001+08:00

Swensen's is a food franchise once (probably still is) famous for its 'fine, delectable' ice-creams. Apparently, their ice-creams are not all that. Here's a vanilla-flavoured, chocolate-coated, almond-topped ice-cream. The almond chunks and layer of chocolate were fine. The vanilla ice-cream, however, turned out to be a hard (literally) disappointment. Bad bad..

Denmark Imposes Tax on High-fat Foods

2011-10-04T22:56:00.000+08:00

Foods containing more than 2.3% saturated fats which are deemed unhealthy will now be levied in Denmark. This implementation is on the grounds that consumption would reduce as price increase. Nevertheless, people were observed amassing these foods in order to avoid paying higher prices at a later time. In spite of scientists' assertion of emphasis on the intake reduction of sugar and salt being bigger culprits of health complications, in a study, it was stated that overindulgence in saturated fats amounts to almost 4% of premature deaths in Denmark.

And because of these sweet, angelical pastries, Continental breakfast prevails! =D
But they do not come with bacon. =(
Pastry or bacon? =|

Sheldon of The Big Bang Theory

2011-09-24T14:07:00.002+08:00

I have been watching The Big Bang Theory and I must admit, it is quite addictive. I'm especially intrigued by this peculiar character that goes by the name Sheldon. Quite a personality! This is how Sheldon expressed his happiness: "In the world of emoticons, I was a colon capital D".
And that, is his 'colon capital D' face.

Mahatma Gandhi on Unjust Law

2011-09-18T16:26:00.000+08:00

Mahatma Gandhi: An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Arrest for its breach is more so.

Women and Cheating

2011-09-17T13:22:00.001+08:00

Studies have found that women are genetically inclined to cheat. They find men other than their partner more appealing when they are undergoing the high fertility phase of their menstrual cycle (day of or couple of days before ovulation). It was also suggested in the studies that men were able to sense when women were likely to cheat. The notable message conveyed was that although women's biology toys with their desires, traitorous conducts were comparatively uncommon.

SOURCE: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=1469078

Autobiography in Five Chapters

2011-09-16T01:40:00.002+08:00

by Portia Nelson

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

III

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down another street.

Speeches That Changed the World

2011-09-15T23:30:00.001+08:00

After reading Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream', I was determined to get 'Speeches that Changed the World' and so I did. This book is a compilation of more than a hundred influential speeches of different themes: ancient history, love, religion, science, patriotism, philosophy, humanity and liberty, sport, politics and war. I shall cite quotations from the speeches as I go through them. :)

2011-09-15T10:38:00.002+08:00

You surprise me with your reactions. How does that even happen?

You v you

2011-09-06T11:34:00.000+08:00

What do you do when it is you against yourself? Do you ache? Do you fall into a rage with yourself? Do you forgive yourself out of self-love and self-pity? Do you revert and play the blame game? Do you wish it was just a dream like all those nightmares you prayed so hard would turn out to be just that - dreams - and then you feel so grateful, so very thankful that it didn't happen for real. But what if you found out that it was not a nightmare? It happened for real, and you caused it, it all happened so fast, you just did not think of what would be, or what could have followed and you went ahead and did something you thought was trivial. Now all you would end up with is a big cloud of anger, despair, conflicting thoughts - a scattered mind - so hard to save.

2011-09-06T11:24:00.002+08:00

How do you pretend not to know something you know so well, in your heart, and that you believe deeply to be true?

Citing Pablo Neruda

2011-09-05T22:30:00.001+08:00

If You Forget Me by Pablo Neruda

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine

Play-doh!

2011-06-09T10:19:00.001+08:00

The Play-doh modelling compound was originally invented to clean wallpapers.

Coffee May Help in Prostate Cancer Prevention

2011-05-19T01:10:00.000+08:00

In a study of nearly 50 000 men, coffee has been said to reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer. Despite the ambiguity of the evidence in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, those who drank six or more cups of coffee a day were less likely to produce any form of this disease.

SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13430219

2011-04-24T01:22:00.000+08:00

I feel like I’m in prison. It’s the jubilee of our marriage; one that you would compute the best you have ever come across given the exclusive cognacs and the dazzlingly expensive chandelier hanging over my designer, figure-flattering gown. That would flatter me; for in actuality, this is nothing more than a surreptitious union; my empathy for this psychopath in exchange for the voluminous wealth that he possesses. What was I thinking – getting all cockeyed like that? I feel the flutter of a quark inside of me – vulnerability – a weakness I cannot free. Please save me, for my entire life has been a calamitous lie.

Etiquette and Its Origin

2011-04-21T10:27:00.000+08:00

Centuries ago, people used to hold their pinkies out when sipping on tea. This was due to the absence of handles on the cups; since the water was hot, fewer fingers resting on a cup meant fewer fingers getting burnt. However, despite the handles attached to cups these days, this tradition has been slow to die off.

Paris, Je T'Aime

2011-04-11T14:38:00.000+08:00

There are times when life calls out for a change
A transition
Like, like the seasons
Our spring was wonderful
But summer is over now
And we missed out on autumn
And now all of a sudden it's cold
So cold everything, everything is freezing over
Our love fell asleep
And the snow took it by surprise
But if you fall asleep in the snow
You don't feel death coming
Take care

Real Pain Can Be Caused By Emotional Pain

2011-04-09T22:55:00.000+08:00

A study has shown that acute feelings of rejection are as afflictive as physical pain.
Ethan Kross, the lead author of the study, states that this is so because the parts of the brain that are active in response to hurtful sensory experiences are also triggered when facing vivid social rejection experiences.

Australia Plans to Ban Cigarette Logos

2011-04-09T00:02:00.000+08:00

In the Australian government's effort in fighting against tobacco, it contrives to have all the cigarettes packaged in an olive-green colour because it is shown to have putting-off properties. Besides housing repulsive images of the health effects of tobacco, the package will not contain any logo. Instead, the brand names would be visible in a standard size and font. Big tobacco companies continue to protest against the legality of such a legislation.

As Quoted by Johnny Quid of Inception

2011-03-25T13:37:00.000+08:00

I found this to be somewhat trancing - it resembles that of a cold truth you try so hard to run away from despite knowing deep inside that it's quite simply - inevitable.

He goes:
All you need to know about life is retained in those four walls. You will notice that one of your personalities is seduced by the illusions of grandeur - the gold packet of king size with a regal insignia, an attractive implication towards grandeur and wealth, the subtle suggestion that cigarettes are indeed your royal and loyal friends, and that, Pete, is a lie.
Your other personality is trying to draw your attention to the flip side of the discussion, written in boring bold black and white; it's a statement that these neat little soldiers of death and in fact trying to kill you and that, Pete, is the truth.
Oh, beauty is a beguiling call to death and I’m addicted to the sweet pitch of its siren.
That that starts sweet ends bitter, and that which starts bitter ends sweet.
That is why you and I love the drugs and that is also why I cannot give that painting back. Now please, pass me a light.

I think these terms are funny..

2011-03-12T15:03:00.000+08:00

Despite the brilliance of the English language, there are interesting words in foreign languages with complex meaning which cannot be interpreted in English.

One such word would be 'Bakku-shan'. It's a Japanese term meaning 'a lady who looks attractive from the back but ugly if viewed from the front'. I almost thought it was a hoax. Apparently not.

'Tingo' which has its origin Easter island is defined as 'a friend who borrows something from you, one at a time, to a point there would be nothing left'. This one's funny, really. Sounds paranoid.

'Kyoiku mama', a dyslogistic Japanese term for 'education mother' is a mother who drives her child academically in a never-ceasing fashion, neglecting other aspects of her child's development.
The Japanese sure have a good sense of humour - okay, this was better said before the earthquake hit Japan.

More soon! =)

Outback Steakhouse

2011-03-10T19:43:00.001+08:00

Outback Steakhouse, Bangsar Village

What's interesting about this restaurant is the collection of boomerangs of various patterns on the wall..

Beef skewers with some Mediterranean rice and grilled vegetables. Not too tender - chewy actually but light, tasty and great with the vegetables! :)

Orange margarita - it was zesty and just nice to go along with the meat..

Did they make me happy? Certainly!

Massive Burger at Cravings

2011-02-25T22:22:00.000+08:00

In reference to: http://freakypecan.blogspot.com/2010/10/im-soooo-gonna-have-that.html
I did have the 12-inch burger. In Sunway Giza. No, I didn't measure it. And no, it wasn't delicious at all.
Pretentious patties, exuding deceitful opulence. Deception was all they were. Food for thought.

But the Panna Cotta was great!

OK

2011-02-19T11:27:00.002+08:00

Its origin, usage, familiarity - all that explained on BBC News. An interesting read. :)

Tea at Lord's Cafe, Cameron Highlands

2011-02-17T18:20:00.002+08:00

Here are some snapshots of what we had at Lord's Cafe, formerly T-Cafe, a cozy cafe long-familiar for strawberry scones in Cameron Highlands.

Banana Chocolate Cake with Topping and Whipped Cream

Strawberry Fruity Scone

Cream Scone

Apple Pie

The many cups of tea

The scones were really good - but it's just a scone thing! - to be a little coarse - to lack refinement.

The apple pie was the best! ;)

Lord's Cafe

Nelson Mandela Once Said..

2011-02-17T12:29:00.000+08:00

After climbing a great hill, one finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk has not yet ended.

Lip Balms Can Be Addictive

2011-02-14T23:06:00.001+08:00

Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist and a blogger over at The Beauty Brains was quoted as saying, "You can't get addicted to lip balm the way you can get addicted to cigarettes; that's actually a chemical addiction that affects your brain."
Lip balms can form habits. New skin cells which die and dry out before they reach the top layer are produced by the lower layers of skin.
"When you put the lip balm on the dry skin, what that does is interfere with the signaling mechanism that signals to the lower cells to start producing more," he says.
"Using lip balm, while it makes your lips feel good initially, when it wears off your skin feels dry again and your skin doesn't have time to replenish that."
What happens is you apply more and more lip balm as it wears out hence the 'addiction'.
"And so in that way you can get 'addicted'; it becomes sort of a psychological habit."
Some other possible explanation: Products such as the antiseptic chemical phenol or peppermint that can cause irritation and dryness to the lips is contained in some lip products, suggest Dr. Margaret E. Parsons, a Sacramento, Calif., dermatologist.

SOURCE: http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/04/5988460-can-you-get-hooked-on-lip-balm-

Lip Balms Can Be Addictive

2011-02-14T23:05:00.000+08:00

Wild Chimpanzees Outfox Hunters

2011-02-10T09:01:00.000+08:00

Some of the chimpanzees can now inactivate the snares set out by hunters. The aforementioned skill is said to have a probability to have passed down from one generation to another. These creatures have the capability to learn without trial and error given the fact that one error could lead to calamity.

Read more here.

2011-02-08T20:19:00.003+08:00

Recent studies have shown that men and women use about the same number of words a day in verbal communication.

Dinner at San Francisco Steakhouse

2011-01-29T17:11:00.000+08:00

Bread with garlic butter as starters

Escargots with herb butter sauce
The herb butter sauce (main ingredient being the garlic) was a little too pungent in flavour but it helped conceal the smell of the escargots. Nevertheless, the escargots were great.

Beef rib steak with applesauce and beef rib steak with some peppery stuff served with applesauce and mustard sauce respectively

The ones with the applesauce were delightful! Hints of apple cider vinegar were perceptible.

The awe-inspiring chocolate fondant...

...with semi-sweet, racy, molten chocolate from within!
Served with a scoop of piquant vanilla ice cream. Desserts are the best part of food! :D

Cocoa Exports in Ivory Coast Banned

2011-01-25T09:27:00.000+08:00

Ivory coast, being the greatest source of cocoa, recently had its cocoa exports banned. Should Mr Outtara's government take over, masses of cocoa licences would have to be given up. :(
Fortunately, Laurent Gbagbo, who hinges on cocoa export taxes to pay the bills is still in power. :)
However, negotiations are still being made. :)

Not So Chocolatey Chocolate Fair

2011-01-11T01:38:00.003+08:00

I went to the Chocolate Fair in Mid Valley; gourmet chocolate and the like in mind. The exhibition hall was dull as a dishwater. Not complaining but there was not a single chocolate ornament. For an 'international' fair, there were VERY little chocolates from Europe; only three kiosks actually. I was done looking around in exactly 15 minutes. That didn't stop me from getting some Italian, Russian and Swiss cookies, cakes and chocolates, though. :D

One week at Q-dees

2011-01-04T20:53:00.009+08:00

DAY 1
(Monday)

Yesterday was my first day as an Assistant Teacher at Q-dees in Hartamas. I'll be helping out till Friday of this week.
I tell them stories, sing songs for and with them and help them out with their activities.
When the classes end at 11.50a.m., some of them stay a little longer for day care. I only leave at 1.30p.m. so this is actually when we bond with the kids.
Today was really good given my lack of tolerance for noisy, messy children.
I met some interesting characters.
Valencia Grace Denley, Kayla Joy and Jesher Levin are siblings - very adorable. Valencia only ate when I removed the potato cubes from her soup and Kayla didn't like rice. Jesher was the over-protective bother.
Then there was this lovely 3-year-old Heidi! She looked like Dora the Explorer (no kidding!) and was very intelligent and slightly pixilated. When I was just about to leave, she sat on my lap and asked me to bring her home with me.. She never fails to surprise me with the things she says ever so gently, a tiny voice.

DAY 2
(Tuesday)

Today was more fast-paced. There wasn't much time for boredom or annoyance.. I met newer characters today but none as interesting as Heidi. At daycare, Heidi refused to eat anything but soup, and that amounted to almost nothing. She asked for bread and when I got her some, she said she hated the strawberry jam. I couldn't do much but she was sure as hell mad at me when I paid more attention to Valencia who was littler than herself.

DAY 3
(Wednesday)

Heidi was acting a little hinged today, probably dotty about some imagination in her head, like always. She was running around boisterously, belching away thinking it was amusing. She shoved the French Toast that her mother had given her in the morning, cried for someone else's biscuits and crawled underneath the tables.

DAY 4
(Thursday)

Thursday wasn't too rich in significance. Played with the girls after lessons and that was about it.

DAY 5
(Friday)

It was the last day. The orientation period was over and lessons commenced. I had a wonderful time with these kids. It is sure as shooting that I will miss these kids a great deal.

Meet Heidi

Daanya

Valencia

Anglerfish and the L Word

2010-12-16T12:56:00.001+08:00

This is something I never knew earlier.
When a male anglerfish matures, its digestive system decomposes.
The male anglerfish, which is much more diminished in size than its female counterpart, faces a great deal of adversities such as not being able to feed itself up till the point it mates, when it attaches itself to the more superior female anglerfish; mouth first, its forepart dissolving whereby a fusion between the two causes the sharing of the bloodstream. The rear end of the male then juts out of the female's side.
Female anglerfish are found to several males dangling off of them.

Visual references:

Female angler fish with two parasitic males on its back:

http://www.art.com/products/p14294501-sa-i2914132/clive-bromhall-angler-fish-female-with-2-parasitic-males-on-back-uk.htm

Female and male soft Leafvent Anglers:

http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Female-and-male-Soft-Leafvent-Anglers

Sugar Rush at Gelare :)

2010-11-29T14:22:00.002+08:00

So I was hanging out at Gelare in e@Curve yesterday. And these were sweeties I had! :)

Ice creams: Cookies & Cream, Macadamia Nuts, Chocolate. The chocolate-flavoured ice-cream wasrobust in cocoa. It wasn't too sweet but it sure as hell was chocolatey!

Cappucino & Almond Biscotti.

On the left is the Chicken and Mushroom Pie..

This was the best-loved! Lemon raspberry. It's lemony taste wasn't accentuated. It was succinct and mild in taste.

At the bottom of the cream was a humble portion of cake with traces of raspberry.

*'Gelare' is Italian for 'to freeze'. Pronounced gel-uh-ray.

*The ice-creams definitely tasted better than that of Haagen Dazs, Lecka-Lecka and Gelatissimo!

Barbie by Stefano Canturi

2010-11-06T14:28:00.003+08:00

Created by Stefano Canturi, an Australian jewellery designer, a Barbie doll in a strapless black evening dress and a one-carat square-cut pink diamond went for $302,500 to an anonymous bidder in an auction house, Christie's. The yield of the sale will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

*I was once Barbie-obsessed. Although times have changed and my pursuit in amassing these dolls has passed on, this one in particular is interestingly fascinating. This Barbie looks refined, simplistic yet sophisticated in its own way. At the price it fetches, no doubt there would be critics. But I reckon, as speculated, it would be a good investment since these days, investors are falling back to gems and jewelleries instead of stocks and bonds.

Exmoor Emperor Dies

2010-10-27T18:38:00.001+08:00

Largest wild animal in Britain, Emperor of Exmoor, dies. The Exmoor Emperor was shot by lincensed guns, hence the legality of its death.

*I conceive this as a lamentable issue since this stag was put down so quickly. Stags do get futile at some point, its existence stimulating a number of conundrums but this one in particular, wasn't even close to that phase.

I'm Soooo Gonna Have That!

2010-10-25T19:36:00.000+08:00

I've never been this excited for a burger before! Finishing it up would be one helluva battle but hey, the fun's actually in trying to eat it all up - and not being able to do just that. =D
I haven't had it yet, but I'm thirstily anticipating to munch away! Random thought - Isn't food synonymous with felicity? :)

Cravings Kitchen & Bistro, Sunway Giza

Of Shoes and.. More Shoes

2010-10-17T20:49:00.000+08:00

These are some pictures of a couple of outlandish shoes I came across on www.womansday.com .
No offense intended on the designers, you guys do a great job. But let me add. Here are some:

This one, I opine, is hideous, no other word can replace its 'overrated beauty'.

This one, by the illustrious LV, looks like it has a poor pooch stuck on it.

I don't have much to say about these ones. I just don't know how these could be worn.

2010-10-16T20:46:00.001+08:00

Colour me happy =)

2010-10-10T11:03:00.002+08:00

Life is a stage play. And we're all actors in it.

Civility and Disgusting Acts

2010-10-09T13:29:00.004+08:00

Civility is defined as formal or perfunctory politeness or the act of showing regard for others. One of our daily practices of civility is walking on the left side of a flight of stairs. This is not known by many, and totally understandable if not practiced by Malaysians. Sad but it is irrefutable that Malaysian youngsters are not taught to comport according to situations.

Let's put that example aside. What I find really intolerable is that loud burping and farting. I have people around me burping loudly while others are eating and farting in public. It is nauseating, really. I know this one person who sweats profusely when he eats something spicy. That's not a civility crime. He should either get done with eating and clean himself up later or pat dry his face. But what he does is contrary to the norm of any society! He wipes his sweat to one side of his forehead, and flings his hand, then his sweat droplets either drop on the table where we're eating or the wall beside which he's sitting. Either way, it is disgusting. I can understand if lowly educated people from the outskirts of Malaysia practice this. They are not put in social situations where these practices of courtesy become obligatory. Unfortunately, this comes from someone who is 'supposedly' educated and calls himself somewhat 'sociable'. Oh yeah, now I see how he mingles. He spritzes his perfume and goes out in search of a hottie. Seriously, what kind of a hottie are you expecting to land with that awesome set of qualities of yours?

Of Doughtnuts & Babes

2010-10-07T19:53:00.002+08:00

Meet Melissa

And Kashini

And Huan Hee

And the Donashi donuts from Big Apple Donuts & Coffee

2010-10-07T18:01:00.000+08:00

Nothing is better for the heart than a little chocolate. Literally.

2010-09-22T00:51:00.000+08:00

If you want to smile at him, do it already. Just don't say a word. Honesty is the best policy but ignorance is bliss.

2010-09-22T00:49:00.000+08:00

If you think something's funny, laugh it out.

Epic Failure

2010-09-16T21:57:00.000+08:00

My attempt at fusing purple cabbage with cherry tomatoes in spaghetti. Epic failure. :(

Fast Food Finally!

2010-09-16T18:11:00.000+08:00

Following my vow to avoid fast food at all cost, this was grabbing a bite at A&W after what I'd call aeons.

My Very Own Cherry Tomato Pasta

2010-09-16T14:19:00.000+08:00

Something I prepared, considering it healthy, to promote love for cherry tomatoes. Also part of the ingredients were pepper, cheese and garlic. :)

Selamat Berbuka Puasa :)

2010-09-15T16:44:00.000+08:00

I know I'm late, but what the hell.. Selamat berbuka puasa! :)
@ Old Town White Coffee

McD Pancakes on a Bustling Morning

2010-09-15T14:29:00.000+08:00

I love pancakes! I avoid fast food but I've made an exception to this one right here! Because it's goooood, especially when you're hungry and you need something real fast! :D

Family Reunion

2010-09-15T13:47:00.000+08:00

Chinese cuisine for dinner before cousin Mullai leaves for India. =)

Breakfast Stop at Dunkin Donuts, Tapah

2010-09-14T02:21:00.000+08:00

Tortilla and smoothie :)

Decent Breakfast for An Early Morning

2010-09-14T01:49:00.000+08:00

By me

Of Law and ISA

2010-09-03T13:17:00.000+08:00

The Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) (Malay: Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri) is a preventive detention law in force in Malaysia. The legislation was enacted after Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. The ISA allows for detention without trial or criminal charges under limited, legally defined circumstances.
*Wikipedia

In 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 40,000 people protested against ISA but were unfortunately met not only with police intimidation but tear gas and water cannons. 120 people were also arrested. Why? Seeking for justice.

Freedom - Democracy - these words don't live up to their utmost standards, at least not in Malaysia. Bloggers, cartoonists, politicians - state a provocative fact against the government and bam! comes your ISA charges - then you get detained, probably beaten up, if you're lucky, you don't die.

Our government has clearly shown us that amendments to ISA (which is the promise currently) will not work anymore, it MUST be repealed. And for this, we have The International Solicitors Human Rights Group. The UN has been urging our government to withdraw the enactment of ISA. Our nation are exercising their rights in the most peaceful ways possible for the abolishment. What is so complex to be understood here?

Two years ago, I was having an online conversation with a friend, much older, now a lawyer for the Asian Football Confederation.

He: So you want to read law.. Do you know what law is?
I: Law is a system employed to retain justice.
He: Okay.. Now tell me, what is ISA?
I: Internal Security Act. The allowance of arrests without trial.
He: Do you think that's fair? Arrest without trial?
I: No.. The suspect or guilty one should have the rights to speak for himself first if not allowed to hire an attorney.
He: Exactly, law isn't always fair. It's not always about justice.

That little conversation placed a prodigious impact on the way I think and comprehend things these days. I thought wrong all the way.

Wikipedia states:
Law^[4] is a system of rules, usually enforced through a set of institutions.^[5] Laws can shape or reflect politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a primary social mediator of relations between people.

Justice is one thing. Law is another. To think that these two are one would be wrong. Justice can sometimes be brought to attention through the law. That's the most elevated extent whereby they exist together. Beyond that, justice is just a word.

2010-09-01T00:16:00.003+08:00

dont believe what he says. believe what he does.

Fancy Tendulkar's blood for $75,000?

2010-07-30T13:45:00.000+08:00

Weighing 37 kg, having 852 pages and housing more than 1500 pictures edged in gold leaf is Sachin Tendulkar, leading Indian cricketer's biography which fetches a big buck of $75,000. If that doesnt surprise you enough, here's one thing to note; there is a special edition which contains a tinge of the man himself, his blood amalgamated with the pulp that makes for the signature page. Ten books have already been ordered with proceeds going towards Tendulkar's charitable foundation which is building a school in Mumbai.

That's somewhat amusing. But knowing that the underprivileged are going to benefit doesn't make it sound all that bad after all. So, Tendulkar for $75,000, anyone? :)

2010-07-05T12:38:00.000+08:00

Every story has two sides. I should have known better. I cannot conceive the fallacious hatred I had for you all my life. I'm sorry.

2010-07-04T20:03:00.000+08:00

I want to scream!
Don't people ever think of others?
I was better off when I was colder.

2010-07-03T14:18:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I just wanna close my eyes, cause I'm afraid of what I may see

2010-06-28T23:15:00.002+08:00

If you can play, I can do it better.

2010-06-20T19:08:00.000+08:00

For father's day today, my dad told me something. He said 'Do it once, do it right.'
Certain things are only going to be done once, and they better be done completely and excellently.

Happy Father's Day 2010, Naina

2010-06-20T18:57:00.001+08:00

It is Father's Day today..
A toast to all fathers..
For all that you've done for your little ones..

And now a personal dedication to mine..
The one who reads my thoughts,
the one who understands why I think what I think,
the one who cleanses my mind of all negative thoughts,
the one who plants seeds of positivity in my head,
the one who teaches me how to be strong and independent;
and to stand tall during times of oppression,
the one who tells me what to do when in crossroads,
the one who reminds me of what I love and care about,
the one who knows best what I need,
the one who knows best what I want,
the one who wants the best for me,
the provider, the motivator,
he plays the role of the Supreme Being in my life.

He's my father.
The best father in the world,
for a twisted daughter like myself.
Happy Father's Day, Naina..
I love you and apologise for times I've caused you disappointments..
I promise to keep to my words because I know I've failed you many times.
I know I have failed you many times before but this time, I won't.
Thank you for all the chances you've given to me.
I will make you proud.

Did you know?

2010-06-20T11:33:00.001+08:00

Women pick men who have similarities in facial structures like the eyes and nose with their (women's) fathers.
Likewise, men pick women for partners based on similar facial structures like the jaw and lips. :)

2010-06-11T11:52:00.002+08:00

Felicity is a matter of choice.

2010-06-11T00:51:00.000+08:00

There's a humane side to everyone. You just gotta get there.

2010-06-03T23:37:00.002+08:00

Wow..

Seriously,

WOW!

Lunch @ The Apartment

2010-05-14T20:32:00.003+08:00

The Apartment, The Curve

That would be the mango and duck salad that I loved!

The baked dory and peach soda

And the awesome pavlova! Of course, much better than the ones I baked at home.

Effect: Blessed! :)

Lunch @ Sushi Zen

2010-05-13T19:58:00.000+08:00

Location: Sushi Zen, The Gardens

Top right: Green tea

Top left: Salmon
Bottom: Sushi with avocado and eel
Top right: Some japanese fried rice

Sushi with crab

Egg chawanmushi

Octopus

Fried crab

End result: JOY! =D

It's Earth Day '10!

2010-04-22T23:16:00.004+08:00

It's Earth Day today!

So join hands together..

And help save the Humphead Parrotfish, Eastern Chimpanzee,

Speke's Gazelle, Mauritius Parakeet, Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake, Egyptian Vulture, Sumatran Orangutan, Yangtze River Dolphin, Gharial, Western Lowland Gorilla, and don't forget the TIGERS!

To learn more about Mother Earth better, go to http://events.yahoo.com/earthday/2010/index.php

Save our tigers. Report wildlife crime. Call 019 356 4194
For more information, you can visit these websites;

http://planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com/2010/03/tiger-blogfest-info.html, http://www.tx2.my/home.php,

http://www.malayantiger.net/v2/,

http://www.panda.org/
Spread the message.

Hunted Tigers in India

2010-04-22T06:27:00.006+08:00

21st April 2010
"There doesn't seem to be much space in modern India for tigers," says longtime conservationist Belinda Wright. Widely hunted for their skin, which is made into decorative clothing, and other body parts that are used in folk medicine and magical rituals, tigers are becoming critically endangered.

Here's a video on Hunted Tigers in India.

SOURCE: http://www.explore.org/videos/player/india-hunted-tigers

If you're just nodding your head after all, convincing yourself that tigers are not important because they eat humans anyway. That’s simply because you stripped them off their habitats and prey and their natural environment. Wont you be a horrible horrible person if someone was to take away your place of shelter and all that’s essential for you to sustain life?

That’s what happens when you clear forests for plantation and development purposes. You eliminate their shelter from them. Then their source of food. And this is exactly why they feed on humans; having no choice left, they feed on alternatives.

Save our tigers. Report wildlife crime. Call 019 356 4194
For more information, you can visit these websites;

http://planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com/2010/03/tiger-blogfest-info.html, http://www.tx2.my/home.php,

http://www.malayantiger.net/v2/,

http://www.panda.org/
Spread the message.

Tiger Cub

2010-04-21T23:40:00.002+08:00

I'm sorry this came in last. As pledged for, this one's for 20/4/2010.
Here's a video from Youtube, courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington.
Watch and admire the innocence and adorability of the cub. Then ponder over and think. Do you want more videos like this one? Do you want to ever see creatures like this again? Do you want this creature to continue its existence? Do you want to witness the increase in the population of this species in time to come? Just think. You have the answers.

And if you answered 'Yes' to any of the questions above, you know what to do.

Save our tigers. Report wildlife crime. Call 019 356 4194
For more information, you can visit these websites;http://planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com/2010/03/tiger-blogfest-info.html, http://www.tx2.my/home.php,http://www.malayantiger.net/v2/, http://www.panda.org/
Spread the message.

Tigers - It really is your choice

2010-04-19T19:57:00.006+08:00

Take a minute and look at the images below..

Do these imperial creatures soothe your sight? If yes, act like they do.
Or, would you like to see more of these? (below)

It's really up to you. Do something.

Save our tigers. Report wildlife crime. Call 019 356 4194
For more information, you can visit these websites;
http://planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com/2010/03/tiger-blogfest-info.html, http://www.tx2.my/home.php,
http://www.malayantiger.net/v2/,
http://www.panda.org/

Introduction to Tigers

2010-04-18T23:55:00.004+08:00

Statistics

There are currently 6 subspecies of tigers. They are Siberian or Amur tiger, Bengal or Indian tiger, Indochinese tiger, Malayan tiger, South China tiger and the Sumatran tiger.

Subspecies which have already faced extinction include the Bali, Javan and Caspian tigers.

We once had so many tigers that the population of Sumatran tigers was estimated at 1000. But today, the statistics for the tigers have plummeted so much (lesser than 400).

Habitat

They live from swamps to mountains.

There is a problem. Tigers are being poached. Why?

A tiger's canine teeth are used to make ornamental jewellery.

Claws are most often inlayed in gold to make pendants for necklaces.

Whiskers are believed to have magical powers to protect those who possess them from malicious curses.

The tails are believed to protect the owner from curses.

The skin is believed to contain magical powers. Paw soles are used to rituals. The forehead is believed to bring good luck to the owner.

Eyebrows are believed to protect owner and provide them with more strength.

Penis is aphrodisiacal.

Tigers’ galls are used to cure bone diseases.

Flesh is cooked and eaten.

Tiger fats are kept in a bottle by farmers to prevent their farms from damages caused by wild pigs.

Milk is used as medicinal remedies.

Tiger dung is used by shaman to remove spells and farmers plantation workers to keep wild pigs away.

Bones are grounded into powder and taken with a glass of warm water to cure rheumatism and headaches. The bone in the right front paw is drunk with warm water to treat headaches and is believed to possess the power to drive bad spirits away.

How are they poached?

Using snares, guns, poison, pit traps and box traps.

Save our tigers. Report wildlife crime. Call 019 356 4194
For more information, you can visit these websites; http://planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com/2010/03/tiger-blogfest-info.html, http://www.tx2.my/home.php, http://www.malayantiger.net/v2/, http://www.panda.org/

The Tiger Blogfest 2010

2010-04-18T22:43:00.004+08:00

Being a blogger aspiring to get my voice heard on pressing issues, I am one of the bloggers embracing The Tiger Blogfest 2010. This blogfest is introduced as a means of raising awareness amongst the public on the importance of protecting our tigers. This project runs from 19th to 23rd April 2010.
I also attended a talk hosted by planetofthemonkeys in WWF Malaysia, PJ to gain an insight on the plummeting population of tigers.

Before I begin letting you in on the things I am going to say to make you understand the vitality of our tigers, I would like to reaffirm my pledge to write at least one post a day on my blog pertaining this issue.
I shall begin in my next post. :)

Gandhi Once Said..

2010-04-14T22:28:00.002+08:00

First they ignore you,
Then they laugh at you,
Then they fight you,
Then you win!

Fact

2010-04-14T22:27:00.002+08:00

In 16th century Naples, kissing was punishable by death.

Life

2010-04-13T19:06:00.001+08:00

Life doesn't wait..
It doesn't wait for wounds to heal..
Or scars to fade..
It doesn't stop for a minute..
Or for anyone..
It goes on..
And so must you..
Move on..

Broken Hearts

2010-04-02T23:20:00.001+08:00

Shattered dreams
Broken hearts
Tattered love
Give them hope
Give them strength
For hurdles are theirs to pass

Lady Gaga Arrested

2010-03-29T21:01:00.001+08:00

Lady Gaga has been arrested for revealing a little too much flesh.
When reprimanded, she comments, "It's not that I don't like pants. I just choose not to wear them some days. I think no pants is sexy. I love the naked human body. I was working in strip clubs when I was 18."

GaGa, real name Stefani Germanotta, has vowed to continue wearing her eye-popping outfits in public.

She also claims that it's fun to yell at the cops that she's an artist and this is fashion!

What 'estimable' guts! :)

The Clink

2010-03-28T18:58:00.001+08:00

The first prison restaurant opens in the UK.
Named The Clink, this restaurant enhances skills of its employees, criminals, now inmates, to provide them with job opportunities for when they are released from serving their sentences. The Clink is located in Her Majesties High Down Prison in Surrey.
Go Dine quotes: Once diners have handed in the usual array of keys, mobile phones and loose change, the serving security guard will guide you to the restaurant, past 30 feet high walls covered in razor sharp wire, through a series of security gates until you arrive at a rather inconspicuous looking brown door. As the brainchild of Alberto Crisci, The Clink successfully uses cooking as way of rehabilitating those who are serving thyme.
Based on personal research, dining in The Clink is invitation-based. Not only that - you need to book well in advance and require Home Office approval and security clearance.
P.S.. Clink is another word for prison.
Attached herein are pictures of The Clink.

2010-03-23T19:19:00.004+08:00

When I think with my heart, I lose my head.

Where?

2010-03-13T16:04:00.000+08:00

Where are you?
Where would I find you?
The subway maybe..
On a rainy evening..

Or a cafe..
Sipping a drink on a hot afternoon
with a book in hand..

Dispirited..
by thoughts of desolation..
thoughts of solitariness..
You'll take them away..
With a smile..
And your cheery youthful gesture..

You're so full of juvenility..
I don't want to smile,
but boy.. you make me..
How did I lose my youthfulness so quickly?
You seem likely to bring them back to me..

Where and when?
Your smile and impression..
The everlasting impression

2010-03-06T11:35:00.001+08:00

When I read that, I sensed attitude. And I didn't like that.

Exploring Zen 1

2010-03-05T12:15:00.005+08:00

I've been learning about the Zen philosophy.
In a nutshell, Zen is a core Buddhist philosophy about "nothing"
and by implication therefore also about "everything". And through its practices, you can attain enlightenment, nirvana.

Here's a very interesting excerpt of how Zen could be brought to your understanding.

A shoe is also bits of cow, the grass it ate, the work-energy and experience of its maker,
the latex in its sole and the tree that provided it, the polish that was put on it,
the shopkeeper who sold it, his entire family throughout history, the money that changed hands,
the metals in the money, the bacteria on it's surface, ..etc.. ad infinitum.
The existence of the shoe demonstrates the existence of these "not-shoe" elements.

Demise

2010-02-21T16:09:00.000+08:00

It's dumbfounding..
Death..
How it strikes someone..
Most often, I don't personally know the deceased..
But would have seen him a couple of times..
in places I can't recall..
And I learn about him..
From what is said about him..,
when and only when he leaves..
For a place where we can only reach by prayers..

I've been hearing too much of it lately,
it makes me sad..
To find out about the ones,
the little ones especially..
the ones left behind..
children, lovers and family members..
memories..
quotations..
advises..
motivation..
inspiration..
now,
words...

Sometimes I think
'no way he's leaving so soon'
because..
simply because
he's so young you know..
and he looks so damn healthy..
death doesn't happen easily..
Or so I think..
These, are thoughts..
not reality..
In reality, things happen..
I cannot comprehend them
but they happen.
I think it's obtuse
but they happen
I think they're unfair and irrational
But nothing I think is going to change anything
Things happen!

The only thing I can do
is to remind the ones I love of the love I have for them
And cherish every moment with them as if they were the last ones..
Because we never know
If tomorrow may be?

Movie: Hachiko

2010-02-21T09:17:00.001+08:00

Hachiko is a great movie for the ones with sensitive souls. A drama based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned dog he takes into his home. This dog waits for master at his usual waiting place, the train station, for almost a decade after the master dies. This is a true story from Japan.

The Real Hachiko:

The statue of Hachikō in Shibuya.

Hachikō exhibited at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno.

Picture of Hachikō

Quote

2010-02-20T08:28:00.004+08:00

Most cynics are really crushed romantics: they've been hurt, they're sensitive, and their cynicism is a shell that's protecting this tiny, dear part in them that's still alive.

Jeff Bridges

Thoughts

2010-02-19T09:08:00.000+08:00

I don't believe in hell and heaven. I'm too fly for those. But sometimes I wish it's better that they do exist, for only then can the deceased be reached with thoughts in the hearts of the loved ones.

Just not fair..

2010-02-18T19:44:00.002+08:00

As he states as his Religious View on Facebook, 'life is short so break a few rules', he probably knew his life was going to be short. It's funny really. Not in the 'haha' way but the 'damn that couldn't have happened' manner. I came across a group many of my acquaintances are associated with. It was a group on Facebook formed to pay a tribute to a late 21 year-old, or so he would be is he still alive. Being as curious and inquisitive as always, I checked the creator's profile, which happens to be his very beautiful girlfriend. According to sources, it's been almost a year since his departure but it's graceful, the conception that his girlfriend's status hasn't changed from being married to the deceased. It's excruciatingly perturbing to come across his Facebook profile and his blog, looking through his pictures and blog posts. Because he seemed like any happy, fun-loving, merry twenty-one year old. He seems alive in every way. Hadn't I come across that group, I wouldn't have known that the owner of these social networking sites is no longer here but is solely lingering, probably lost somewhere, in places he loved, as a soul.., merely a soul.. just a soul without a physique. It's divine, really, the love she must have for him. I wonder how she took his death. I wonder how she felt, words murmured, her gasps.. She must be a strong woman. How did she feel not being able to talk to him again? Or get an 'I love you too' in return, not because he doesn't love her but because and only because he no longer is and would have profusely expressed his love in every possible fashion if he could? It would have hurt her prolifically.. To learn that those strong arms won't twine around her body anymore.. Those lips won't brush against hers anymore.. The voice.. She won't hear anymore.. The moments, now only memories. It hurts even more when the reason he isn't with her is because he didn't have a choice.. It would have certainly caused a little less hurt if he would have left her out of his own will..
Very unfair.. His youth and their love. Rest in peace, Stranger.. Hats off, Ms. Stranger's Gf.
P.S.. Shobaanthiran Pillai was his name

Facts You Probably Hadn't Known

2010-02-18T00:08:00.004+08:00

Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that's important for healthy eyes. However, unless you have vitamin A deficiency, eating carrots is unlikely to do anything for your vision. And eating too many carrots can turn your skin orange. Fortunately, the effect is temporary.

Tea @ Fitou

2010-02-12T19:36:00.007+08:00

Chilled at Fitou, DPC for tea on a Sunday evening..
Tapas, burritos and hot chocolate!
Luscious!

Dinner @ Milkauwee

2010-02-12T19:19:00.001+08:00

Lonely night..
Mushroom cream soup..
Milwaukee, Kepong,
and a little beef for felicity!
Just what the heart needs! :)

Dinner @ Bubba Gump Shrimp

2010-02-06T12:42:00.001+08:00

Beef ribs, salad, garlic bread, bread pudding!

Me love! :)

I LOVE YOU, COFFEE!

2010-01-18T17:58:00.002+08:00

2010-01-17T13:24:00.003+08:00

http://theoatmeal.com

2010-01-17T12:33:00.003+08:00

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.

Languish

2010-01-16T09:55:00.000+08:00

I despise beholding people in pain..
Makes me wish I could take it all away..
I'm not a person who wishes..
But at times like these..
I wish hard..
I wish I was one of those super naturalists from the only science fiction book I read and detested..
Cause maybe then I'll be able to take it all away..
It's there yet you can't see it..
It's abundant and you can't see it..
Tormenting..
It's always easier to conceive by thoughts,
a sunshiny and gay person instead of one filled with..
pure anguish..
I hate it..

2010-01-07T00:11:00.003+08:00

Yay! I'm 17!

Finally...