World largest Christmas tree lights up

Fireworks light the world's biggest floating Christmas tree at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, 02 December 2006, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Some 3 million lamps draw different figures in the tree.

Christmas Tree of Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia, The Biggest Floating Christmas Tree in the World, is Inaugurated in Rio De Janeiro

Event brought together thousands of people at the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

Last update: 8:00 p.m. EST Nov. 29, 2008

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Nov 29, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The inaugural event of the 13th consecutive edition of the Christmas Tree of Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia, the biggest floating Christmas tree in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records, brought together thousands of people this Saturday (November 29, 2008). Considered the third greatest event in the city of Rio de Janeiro, after Carnaval and New Year's Eve, the Tree brings something new for 2008 in the form of "A melody of peace for the Brazilian family." The spectacle of lights and colors has taken on a musical touch. An electronic carillon, imported from Italy and similar to the one used in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, has been installed within its structure to reproduce Christmas carols with bells played manually by professional bell-ringers. There are also fireworks scheduled for every Saturday.

The programming of the inaugural event, with a live television broadcast in real time by the Tree's hot site included a concert given by popular Brazilian artists such as singers Elba Ramalho, Joao Bosco, Roberta Sa and guitarist Turibio Santos, as well as the Choir of the Bradesco Foundation, made up of 112 young students. The American soprano Carol McDavit, who has been settled in Brazil for the past 20 years, also made an appearance.

Fireworks light the world's biggest floating Christmas tree at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, 02 December 2006, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Some 3 million lamps draw different figures in the tree.

The project has become the largest event sponsored by a single private company in Brazil. This is the 13th edition of the Christmas Tree of Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia, which for the first time will have thirteen flashing sequences of different images to dazzle the public. At the top of the 85- meter Tree, the star is now accompanied by two angels representing peace. The 52 kilometers of lighted strands are to evoke the Christmas theme, and 1,600 flashing lights are to evoke twinkling stars.

Certification in the Guinness Book

The second certification in the Guinness Book of Records, as the "largest floating Christmas tree in the world," was obtained because of the height of 85 meters in 2007 and recorded in the recently published 2009 edition. With its launching in 1996, the Tree was 48 meters high and up until the 2006 edition, 82 meters. The first certification in the Guinness book was awarded in 1999, when this symbol of Christmas measured 76 meters.

Maxis mobile network failure?

Since last evening, Maxis mobile network unstable in Ipoh. My family and some of my friends who are using Maxis could not make outgoing or incoming call. My brother tried to call up Maxis customer service center last night. The caller signal is very weak and ends up the conversation between Maxis's operator and him cut off in half way. I tried to call out today by using my 012... its can't work properly though. Whats going wrong by MAXIS these days?

Terror in Mumbai

Muslim militants conducted terrorist attack on at least 10 targets in Mumbai on Wednesday night. The targeted places are two five stars hotel - the Taj Mahal Palace and tower hote and the Oberoi Trident - a popular restaurant, a crowded train station , a Jewish centre and at least five other sites. Over 100 killed and more than 300 were also wounded in attack by bands of gunmen armed with assault rifles, hand grenades and explosives.The death toll clims till 151.

There are some questions prompted out on my mind. Why all these things happened? What is the motive that they want to coordinate this terrorist attack? Their target are foreign visitors but why they choose Mumbai, India? It is shocked and feel getting helpless to heard this news. Human life seems so tiny and no value. We do a lot of effort in finding new medicine to rescue people in cancer, we try our best to rescue the victims from earthquake... but one terrorist attack can change our world. It is just so deppressing.

Clazziquai-Lover Boy

If you watch the korean show 'We got married' , you may noticed that there is a part where english sub titled 'clazziquai'. Most of the time you can see this name when Alex sing. Remeber i like the song 'Flowerpot' ? Then, my friend, kim recommend me 'Romeo & Juliet' . This is a nice song too! The AlShin's couple duet and record it in the studio. I found my niece, Joey is listening to a song called 'Lover Boy ' which the singer is 'Clazziquai'. So after asking my friend who is a fans to Korean Pop Singer and after doing some Googleeeee... Finaly know that , it is a group where actually Alex come from.



Clazziquai (Hangul: 클래지콰이; Classic+Jazz+Groove) is a Korean fusion band that combines several genres including electronic music, acid jazz and house. The group's first short unofficial albums were released online in 2001, spreading its music through words of “netizens,” who positively received the group's unique music. Members in Clazziquai are DJ Clazzi, Horan Choi and Alex Chu.



Clazziquai - Lover Boy performance:



It sounds like 'Come to me' is nicer.

Bangkok airport shut down

I am quite worried after reading this news because i heard that MingMing is going to Thai next month. She is going on a trip with her church friends. I wonder is the situation in Bangkok is really critical now? Tonight news is saying that the Bangkok Airport already shut down. All passengers from overseas airport also stop flying to Bangkok.

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport was paralyzed on Wednesday, with most flights canceled for the day, after protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) expanded their besiege on state agencies to the airport on Tuesday evening in a showdown to topplethe government led by premier Somchai Wongsawat. The escalated political confrontation is expected to cause more loss to the country's image and tourism industry.

Anti-government protesters block Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport November 25, 2008. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport was paralyzed on Wednesday, with most flights canceled for the day, after protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) expanded their besiege on state agencies to the airport on Tuesday evening in a showdown to topplethe government led by premier Somchai Wongsawat.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Thousands of passengers, many of them foreigners, were stranded at the airport after the PAD stormed into the passenger terminal, blocked the toll way towards the airport on Tuesday evening, prompting the Airports of Thailand (AOT) to shut down the airport's operation after 9:00 p.m. (1400 GMT) for now.

To add to the tensity, four explosions happened early Wednesday morning near the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueangdomestic airport, injuring at least 12 people.

The PAD announced Wednesday that the protesters would occupy and shut down the Suvanarbhumi airport until Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resigns.

Some foreign embassies, including those of China and United States, have warned its citizens against travelling to Thailand for now or staying away from demonstration sites in the country to avoid possible harm.

Google Policy Fellowship

While searching the information about Google Summer of Code 2008, noticed that there have another summer project called Google Policy Fellowship.



TITLE: Apply for the Summer Google Policy Fellowship and Work with EFF

Announcement by Richard Esguerra

Students interested in technology law and policy may be interested in applying to work with EFF next summer through the Google Policy Fellowship, a program that gives students the chance to spend the summer working alongside host organizations on topics of Internet and technology policy.

Much like how the Summer of Code project aims to develop and promote open source projects, Google is hoping that policy fellowships will advance debate on key policy issues affecting the public. Google is kindly offering fellows a $7000 stipend (for a minimum of 10 weeks in June to August 2009) for working with host organizations like EFF on various topics.

Google's application deadline is December 12, 2008. Take a look at a list of EFF's focus areas and find application details here. Students who are accepted will be notified by Friday, February 13th.

Islamic Leaders in Malaysia Ban Yoga for Muslims

Friday, November 21, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying the Indian physical exercise contains elements of Hinduism and could corrupt Muslims.

The National Fatwa Council, which has the authority to rule on how Muslims must conduct their faith, issued a fatwa, or edict, saying yoga involves not just physical exercise but also includes Hindu spiritual elements, chanting and worship.

Council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin told reporters that many Muslims who practice the globally popular yoga failed to understand that its ultimate aim was to be one with a god of a different religion.

"We are of the view that yoga, which originates from Hinduism, combines physical exercise, religious elements, chanting and worshipping for the purpose of achieving inner peace and ultimately to be one with god," he said.

"It is inappropriate. It can destroy the faith of a Muslim," he said.

The Fatwa Council's decisions are not legally binding on Muslims, who comprise nearly two-thirds of Malaysia's 27 million people, unless they are enshrined in national or Shariah laws. ---(Read More)---

Malaysia clerics issue yoga fatwa

Page last updated at 09:37 GMT, Saturday, 22 November 2008

By Robin Brant
BBC News, Kuala Lumpur

Millions of people in Malaysia have been banned from doing yoga because of fears it could corrupt Muslims.

The Islamic authorities have issued a ruling, known as a fatwa, instructing the country's Muslims to avoid yoga because of its Hindu roots.

To most people yoga is simply a sport - a stress-busting start to the day.

Malaysia's National Fatwa Council said it goes further than that and that elements of the Indian religion are inherent in yoga.

Announcing the decision, the council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin said practices like chanting and what he called worshipping were inappropriate and they could "destroy the faith of a Muslim".

The ruling is not legally binding but many of Malaysia's Muslims abide by fatwas. ---(Read More)---

Malaysia, secular democracy country where Islam is the official religion. I heard from my friends that Christian also ban Yoga. They are not allowed to learn Qi gong , Kung Fu or Yoga. Now, the turns to Islam. And this announcement brings us to the international news in overseas too. Why Malaysia is always famous in those issues related to religion or racists? -.-" Today news in The Star mentioned that many Muslim cancer survivors who practice yoga to promote general wellbeing are disappointed and confused over the National Fatwa Council edict on the ancient form of exercise. However, if Muslim are banned on practicing Yoga. It is a sure that many fitness central or Yoga learning central conducted by Malay will facing closing or bankrupt.

Hahaha... This is a funny video clip that the words coming out from a professional political analyst. What i can say is , please forgive the people who are already spent his last two years in prison. He must be having a lot of feeling to released and feel thankful to return his freedom.

I like some of the quotes being said by Abdul Razak Baginda in his first press conference since his acquittal from the Altantunya Shaaribbuu murder case.

First one that quoted from Shakespeare Henry IV 'A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. '

Then, 'the truth is the truth , and nothing can ever change the truth.'

And the last quotes which is asked by the reporter which is showed on tv news and not involved in this video is, 'how do you know?' The answer is , ' It's like asking me... Well, i know. i know'

Thus, whenever people asked 'how do you know' , please asnwer like what this political analyst saying 'well, i know. i know.'

--------------------------------------------

Oh no! it's just took me 10 minutes after i publish this post and the video clip has gone!　The video clip that i pointed to is uploaded by Malaysiakini, and the title is 'Abdul Razak: Najib not involved'! Whats wrong with the video which is already published in news. Why can't it be uploaded to the web?　
--- modified @ 9:49pm

Last week went to post office and make payment for the cards created by Mouth & Food Painting Artists Malaysia. I bought money order for paying the 1 set of Xmas & CNY cards that they sent earlier plus order 1 box of notelets as a mini support to them. Their delivery service is quite fast, i received my notelets today. Just realised that this company is located in Ampang Park, KL. That is the shopping center that my mom always bring me there when i was a little girl. There have a Mc'D which has playground for kids. Umm~ generation changed. I think youngster seldom go to Ampang Park anymore.

MFPA (Mouth Foot Painting Artists) is a company selling paintings, greeting cards, calendars painted using mouth and foot because of accident, birth defects or illness. It’s not a NGO or charitable organization.

By Grace Chen

Being physically challenged is no handicap to creating works of art, as Mat Jamil Ramli proves.

AT an art demonstration at the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) gallery in Ampang Park, Kuala Lumpur, Mat Jamil Ramli, 22, can only shake his head as I try my hand at painting a banana leaf.

“You have to blend the colour, not slap it on,” says the 22-year-old foot artist.

I hand the brush over to Jamil who receives it with his right foot. Then holding the brush with his toes, he proceeds to correct my faux pas.

Susan Woon and foot artist Mat Jamil Ramli.

“I learned to use my feet from a very young age. It came naturally,” he says.

Jamil, who started painting at age seven, joined MFPA a year ago after a neighbour, who had received a set of greeting cards from the association, showed him a brochure.

At the gallery, original artworks by MFPA artists line the walls. One watercolour depicts birds in flight. Another oil painting exudes the warmth of burning candles among sprigs of mistletoe.

The MFPA reproduces these artworks into greeting cards, wrapping paper, calendars, bookmarks etc.

Self-help, not charity, is the MFPA’s motto.

“I have always liked art. It was my favourite subject in school. I thought why not try to make a living out of it. After all, I did not want to be dependent on others,” says Jamil, who was born without hands.

While many disabled people are dependent on their families, Jamil can pride himself on being independent. He shares a rented bachelor’s pad with five friends in Serdang and is able to indulge in his love for fashion, music and aftershave.

This outgoing chap was also an athlete in the Paralympics and won a gold medal in the 100m sprint for Terengganu in 2005. He has been given a scholarship to do graphic design at The Mines ICT Able Training Institute.

But Jamil stresses that family support is very important.

An oil painting by Jamil called Manggis; a painting by a Japanese mouth painter.

“My parents didn’t give me special treatment despite being handicapped. I had to do my share of housework, like cooking and sweeping the floor,” says Jamil.

“My parents always encouraged me in all my endeavours. They don’t believe I can’t do something because I don’t have hands. It is all about adjusting (oneself to the situation). I think they would have even taught me how to farm if I had the interest,” says Jamil, of his Felda settler parents.

MFPA’s objective is to assimilate handicapped artists into society by giving them a purpose in life. MFPA manager Susan Woon observes that the main problem faced by most handicapped people is their lack of exposure to the world.

“A lot of families don’t like to reveal that they have a disabled family member because of the stigma,” she says.

“So it is not surprising that most handicapped people are very sad about their condition. What we do is try to prepare them mentally and get them back into the mainstream,” says Woon.

No doubt that behind every artwork lies a story of determination.

“Some of our artists suffer from violent muscle spasms so they have to sit by a wall to control their movements in order to paint. Then there are the bedridden ones.

“In the beginning, they may not even be able to draw a straight line. So for a handicapped artist to produce a painting of such high standard, he would have had to overcome much. You can liken this achievement to an able-bodied person conquering Mt Everest!” she says.

Still there are cynics who see the MFPA venture as a marketing ploy to gain sympathy from the public.

A painting by a Japanese mouth painter. — Pictures by GRACE CHEN

Woon had similar misgivings when offered the job to start MFPA in Malaysia in 1974. She had just left school.

“My thoughts were: ‘Were they serious? Was this a genuine organisation?’” she remembers.

A meeting with the late Yip Hei Kuan, a polio victim who lost the use of her hands, prompted Woon to look into the association’s background.

She found out that MFPA in Singapore is linked to the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Worldwide (AMFPA) in Lichtenstein (a small principality between Austria and Switzerland).

Founded in 1956 by the late German mouth painter A.E. Stegmann, the association is an extended international family of artists who have lost the use of their hands.

Now convinced, Woon set up office in Malaysia and helped Yip submit six original paintings to the AMFPA for evaluation. Upon acceptance, Yip became MFPA Malaysia’s first member.

Today, the association has eight artists. Worldwide, there are over 600 members from 60 countries.

On the requirements of an MFPA artist, Woon says, “Our artists must be able to project their own creativity and style.’’

On average, each member produces four original paintings a month. MFPA, which is run as a private limited company, bears the printing costs of reproductions but the artists get 100% from the sale of original paintings. Products are sold via mass mailing during the festive seasons.

As the goods are mailed out before collecting payment, I wonder if MFPA isn’t taking a risk. What if the recipients skip payment?

“Mailing the greeting cards is an awareness campaign to reach out to rural areas. It’s also a way to keep costs down as hiring marketing people will be expensive. In the end, it’s about trust. We hope that the public will be fair. So far, we are lucky that we have very strong support from Malaysians,” says Woon.

“In the end, it is the foot and mouth artists who own the company. The income from this commercial venture will go to artist royalties and scholarships for new members,” she explains.

Woon also points out that there are no membership fees.

“When Yip was taken into the association, she was given an allowance of a few hundred ringgit. From this, she was able to get herself an art teacher and painting materials.

“I could see the change in her because she had found a purpose in life. Being financially independent really boosted her confidence,” says Woon. W

Who can join MFPA?
Any body who has lost the use of his hands and paints with the mouth or foot can become a potential member of the association. They must submit six paintings, a medical certificate stating that they are unable to hold a paintbrush with their hands, two photographs and a short biography.

All materials will be sent to the association’s headquarters in Lichtenstein for evaluation before one can be accepted as a member. MFPA can be contacted at (03) 2161 8860/8502.

MFPA (MY)
Lot 327, 2nd Floor,
Ampang Park Shopping Centre,
Jln Ampang,
50450 KL.
P.O. Box 12431, 50778 KL.
+603 2161 8860/ 8502

Shortage of oncologists

Our Health Minister Datuk Liaw Tiong Lay said, for Malaysia's population of 26 million, we should have at least 200 oncologists but we have only 39. 39??　In these years, the number of people who get cancer is getting greater. It is an urgent issues that Malaysia needs more medical support to help people who fight with all kind of sickness.

We need at least 200 oncologists but have only 39, says Liow

By LISA GOH

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is currently facing an acute shortage of oncologists, said Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai.

He said the ideal ratio should be eight oncologists per one million people.

“So for Malaysia’s population of 26 million, we should have at least 200 oncologists, but we have only 39 at the moment.

“We are very, very short on oncologists,” he told reporters after opening the First Asia Pacific Conference on Healthy Policy and Planning yesterday.

He added that foreign oncologists had been brought in, but the numbers were still low.

It does not help that there are about 30,000 to 40,000 new cancer cases each year.

“According to the first National Cancer Registry report in 2002, Malaysia men and women have among the world’s highest rate of nasopharyngeal, laryngeal and cervical cancers,” he said.

---- (read more) ---

Queensland Storms Cut Power to 230,000 Homes

Nov. 17 (Bloomberg) -- More than 230,000 homes and businesses in the southeast of Australia's Queensland state lost power after high winds, lightning strikes and driving rain cut supplies, the region's electricity distributor said.

The storms were the most damaging in about a quarter of a century, state-owned Energex said today in a statement on its Web site. By 10:30 a.m., power had been restored to about 175,000 customers and crews are working to reconnect the rest, it said.

The northwestern suburbs of the state capital of Brisbane were worst affected by yesterday's storms, which killed one person. Uprooted trees and falling branches ripped more than 33 kilometers (21 miles) of power lines from poles and roofing iron torn from homes was thrown into the 33,000 volt network.

``Given the extent of trees brought down, roads closed and damage to the electricity network, some power may not be restored until Tuesday,'' Energex said. The company had earlier said it expected to reconnect all customers this afternoon.

Power cuts occurred from the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, to Gympie, about 160 kilometers (104 miles) to the north, and to Ipswich in the west, Energex said. --- (read more) ---


Hailstorm in Queensland again! Savage hailstorm sweeps over Gold Coast. This remind me the first time we saw hailstorm in Toowoomba. University and the houses nearby suddenly blackout. There are a lot of damaged for houses and cars in Gold Coast. However, luckily not that serious in Toowoomba. The size of hailstrom is smaller. It is shocked to heard news this evening, saying that queensland storms cut power to many homes. The worst thing is, there is a 20 years old man was swept away in a storm water drain.

Photo shows Hailstorm in Ipswich, Queensland on October.: http://mychiaroscuro.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1045

Aho member - Seng

Seng is coming back for good. I read the latest news from Linda's blog that they all fetch him to Brisbane airport last night. I can't waiting to see him when he is back because kim suggest to celebrate Hera and Seng birthday together.

Umm~ i got a strange feeling when heard that Seng is back to Malaysia. A little excited to have another friend hang around with us in Ipoh. On the other hand, i also feel a bit upsad, sounds like i am getting older and wasted one year time after i back to hometown.

Seng is one of the Aho group member. I met him in summer 2007 when he first arrived at Toowoomba. We intoduce ourselves in the International student orientation week. That time, i first joint the mentor programme and Seng is one of the international new student from Malaysia. Besides, He also from Informatics, Ipoh which is same branch with me. However, we never meet each other before in our country. Before the orientation programme began, i already heard about Seng. This name is being called by my housemate - Phooi Phooi , before he arrived. From the first day of the orientation we started to help Seng look for an accomodation. Then, Phooi and i introduce Seng to Soba (Henry) and finaly Seng became Soba's housemate. Once he moved in to Soba's house, it gives birth to a new Aho group member.

Long story ... just make it short and ends now.

I wish to said Congratulations to Seng. Finaly he is graduated! I wishes him have a bright future no matter where he is. I think he must be feeling sad to leave Toowoomba and the friends there. It is the same feeling that i thought last time when i was leaving. Still missing Toowoomba or i shall said that i miss the OZ life we shared.

Checked out error in Mambo Server

User who use mambo server to host a websites may faced a problem called 'checked out error'. This could happen if your network suddenly terminated in the half way when you try to edit a post. Some days ago, I get into this problem.

Previously, mambo server from china / the websites i'm maintaining does not support Mozilla Firefox well. Some functions are being blocked by the browser. Due to this reason, i use Internet Explorer to do the update the server. Not sure what is going wrong with IE, sometimes it will turn off automatically. Thus, i do not have enough time to save my current update properly. Once i return to the dashboard using same browser again, the post that i'm editing is locked up. It prompt out the error message which the author have to check in for unlocking.

However, this action return failed because the post have not given a title yet. The title area is blank and even though i am the author also cannot check in. Some method that i found out from mambo to solve this problem. In order to unlock the post, you have to logon to the database using 'administrator'. Then perform the 'Global Check-in' select "System > Global Check In" from the Administrator menu bar.

Chapter 19: Global Check-in, Clean Cache

When a User edits a file, Mambo changes its status to "Checked Out". In effect, the file is locked and only the User who has checked it out has permission to work with it. This is a security feature that prevents two Users from editing a document at the same time, thus preventing loss of data upon saving.

When the User clicks the 'Save' or 'Cancel' icon, the file should be checked back in. If there is a connection error, or the user presses the Back button in his or her browser, a file can stay checked out, meaning no one can edit it.

A file remains 'Checked Out' until the User clicks 'Save' or 'Cancel', at which time the file is "Checked In". However, if there's a connection error, the user presses the 'Back' icon in his/her browser, or the User chooses another menu item without saving or canceling the work in progress, the file remains 'Checked Out'.
This means no one can edit this content item but the person who "Checked Out" the item or the Super Administrator. This is usually reported or experienced as Users being unable to edit or access items, and can be verified by looking at the column labeled "Checked Out" in the Section, Category, or Item file list .

If you wish to edit a "Checked Out" item, you will have to ask the last author who "Checked Out" the item to "Check In" the item or to ask the Super Administrator to "Check In" the item.

Mambo has a protocol, called "Global Check-in" that allows an administrator to unlock all files that are currently Checked Out.

To perform the 'Global Check-in' select "System > Global Check In" from the Administrator menu bar.

After performing the 'Global Check-in', Mambo returns a list showing how many items, and from which tables, were Checked back in.

Warning: Be very careful in doing this as anyone who is editing a document at that very moment can have his or her work lost.

Renew driving license

My driving license is going to expired on next Monday. I'm quite worried about it and started to blame myself why always make things done in last minute. You know i am not an experience driver then the license renewal department is located far away from my place. Who is going to fetch me there for doing such boring things? Luckily some of the post office linked their service with JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan). There provides cash rebate service and the driving license renewal service too.

I went to post office Ipoh main center to renew my driving license. It was around 2pm when i arrived and i leave the post office in less than 20minutes. Here, have to praise the services provided by Pos Malaysia. Only need to bring along old (original) license and money. It is no need to bring photo. On the spot there will give you a new slip and you have to carry this new slip and the original card whenever you drive. The renewal fees for driving license is RM30 per year plus RM2 surcharge if you make it in post office. For example, 5 years renewal fees is RM152. (RM2... if drive to the JPJ may cause more fuel fees than this amount).

Everything is done in consistency and i'm satisfying on the service they provide.

It is suggested to you that better go to the main branch office in your town because it is not all branches linked with JPJ. Visit POS MALAYSIA websites to check on counter service provided by your nearest post office.

GOOD NEWS! Pos Laju (Post express) fuel surcharge reduced from Saturday:

PETALING JAYA: The fuel surcharge for PosLaju items will be reduced from 25% to 23% with effect from Saturday following the cut in fuel prices.

Pos Malaysia Bhd said a typical PosLaju item would cost 10sen lower compared to the old rate.

“A 500gm item posted from any location in Peninsular Malaysia to any location in the peninsula would be reduced from RM5.90 to RM5.80, after a 5% government service tax,” it said in a press statement. ---( read more )---

High School Musical 3

High School Musical, one of the movie that my niece like. This movie released version 3 in Malaysia last month. I saw the magazines and some of the movie's products in bookshops like Popular or MPH. The price they sell is extremely high. I am thinking that their target segment is teenagers. Why they set their product cost so much? Are those teenagers able to afford it? Maybe they do but i don't. =(

Corbin Bleu "High School Musical 3" Jimmy Kimmel Live


Look at his appearance, i can't imagine that he is just 19 years old. --0

Great Barrier Reef jellyfish

The deadly Irukandji jellyfish can be found around the Great Barrier Reef, particularly between the warm months of November to May and June. (AP)


3 of my friends from Toowoomba just went to cairns last month. When i view their photos in friendster and facebook, i think they really enjoy their trip for scuba diving.Queensland is a paradise for people who likes sea. Anyway, for those who likes swimming and diving under the sea, really have to be aware of jelly fish.

Great Barrier Reef jellyfish: steer clear

K.C. Summers

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Q: We are traveling to Australia in November and want to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Some guidebooks say it's impossible to snorkel at that time of year because of the abundance of deadly stinging jellyfish, while others say you can snorkel anytime without a problem. Are there any jellyfish-free areas in the reef for snorkeling at that time of year?

A: Researching this question has given us a healthy respect for the box (chironex) and the Irukandji, two types of dangerous jellyfish (a.k.a. marine stingers) that ply the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, particularly between the warm months of November to May and June. Dangerous, as in potentially lethal. The box jelly is generally considered the world's most dangerous animal. According to Marine Stingers, a Web site run by the Queensland, Australia, government, death from a box jellyfish sting typically occurs within two to five minutes. Exact mortality rates aren't known, but it's thought that the box jelly is responsible for at least one death a year in Australian waters.

But that doesn't mean you can't snorkel. There are a few precautions you can take to minimize the risks:

-- Wear a "stinger suit" (a full-body Lycra wetsuit) whenever you're in the water. They're available for rent from marine tour operators and outfitters. Remember, though, that while the suits offer some protection, they are not stinger-proof.

-- Carry vinegar with you (see below).

-- Swim at a patrolled beach. Look for and obey safety signs.

-- If possible, swim in areas enclosed by a stinger net.

-- Enter the water slowly. This gives stingers time to move away.

-- Don't touch jellyfish washed up on the beach. They can still sting you.

If you're stung, douse the site of the sting with vinegar (urine or seawater as a last resort, but never fresh water). Note that it may take as long as 40 minutes for a reaction to occur, so it's important to monitor the victim in a safe location out of the water. For more information on jellyfish, go to the Marine Stingers Web site, www.marinestingers.com. For more information on diving and snorkeling safety, go to www.queenslandholidays.com.au/dive-queensland.

The 44th US President -Barack Obama

Sen. Barack Obama addresses a crowd of 125,000 people in Chicago, Illinois.

(CNN) -- Barack Obama told supporters that "change has come to America" as he claimed victory in a historic presidential election.

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there," Obama said in Chicago, Illinois, before an estimated crowd of up to 240,000 people.

With Obama's projected win, he will become the first African-American to win the White House.

Obama had an overwhelming victory over Sen. John McCain, who pledged Tuesday night to help Obama lead.


The first African-American win the White House, is that meaning of freedom for human right, vote who ever you prefer. I'm not that agree with some said it is the victory of racist but i'm more in the victory for system of democratic.

See how people celebrate obama victory in internet .
Obama in Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/barackobama
Obama in MySpace : http://www.myspace.com/barackobama

화분Plant (Alex - Flower Pot)

Hwaboon (Korean Lyrics)

Verse

Meol li seo meol li seo meol li seo

geu dae ga o ne yo

I ddeol li neun ma eumeul eo ddeoh ke

malae ya ha na yo

Keu daen

Cheo eum bu teo na ui ma eumeul bbae eod go

Na eul su eobd neun byeong eul nae ge ju eodd jyo

Hwa buni doel lae yo

Na neun neul ki do ha jyo

Chorus

Nan geu dae jageun chang ga e

Hwa buni doel gge yo

A mu mal modhae do pa lal su eobseo do

Ka ggeum keu dae ui mi so wa son gileul padeu myeo

Jam deun keu dae eol gul han eobshi bul su idd gedd jyo

Verse

Meol li do meol li do meol li do

Keu dae ga ga ne yo

Ddeoleo ji neun nun muleul eo ddeoh ke

Dal lae ya ha na yo

Keu daen

Cheo eum bu teo na ui ma eumeul ka jyeodd go

Na eul su eobd neun byeong eulalh ge han geo jyo

Hwa buni doe go peun na neun neul ki do ha jyo

Chorus

Nan geu dae jageun chang ga e

Hwa buni doel gge yo

A mu mal modhae do ba lal su eobseo do

Ka ggeum geu dae ui mi so wa son gileul padeu myeo

Jam deun geu dae ui eol gul han eobshi bul su idd gedd jyo

Nan geu dae jageun chang ga e

Hwa buni doel gge yo

A mu mal modhae do pa lal su eobseo do

Ka ggeum keu dae ui mi so wa son gileul badeu myeo

Jam deun geu dae eol gul han eobshi ba la bol te jyo

Nan geu dae jageun chang ga e

Hwa buni doel gge yo

A mu mal modhae do pa lal su eobseo do

Ka ggeum keu dae ui mi so wa son gileul badeu myeo

Jam deun geu dae eol gul han eobshi ba la bol te jyo

With Shin Ae in the control room, Alex proceeds to sing Flowerpot by Loveholic as a farewell song. Didn’t fancy this song very much initially but now I do and will remember Alex and Shin Ae when I listen to this. The lyrics just describes them perfectly.

In We Got Married episod 8, Alex send a love shape plant to Shin Ae and sing this 'flowerpot' as a farewell gift. He have to leave the show 2 months for preparing his first solo album. Shin Ae do not know he is leaving at all. After watching this episode, feel touching whenever listen to this song.

Screen captured in early stage when Alex bring Shin Ae to his record room. It was the first time they sing together in the record room and the last scene before they leave.

UK- Poppy Appeal Day

Every time when it comes to November, if you tune to Bloomberg channel, those hosts from UK wear a small red paper flower. This is to honour the men and woman who risk their lives in service for the country in return for a donation to the Royal British Legion.

Poppy Appeal 2008

Poppy Man has launched the 2008 Poppy Appeal among friends in Basra. This year's theme "Serving those who Serve" emphasises the need to help men and women who are serving today, as well as ex-Services and dependants.

The British public holds great affection and respect for its Armed Forces. The Poppy Appeal is your opportunity to show your support, so please give generously and wear your poppy with pride.

The Poppy Appeal : http://www.poppy.org.uk/

Players To Wear Poppy During Play

Players from every team in the Scottish Premier League are to wear poppies during match play to mark this year's appeal. ... read more ...

Retail Jeweller

Kleshna auctions commemorative poppy brooch 29 Oct 2008

Jewellery brand Kleshna is the latest name to launch its commemorative poppy, in collaboration with the Royal British Legion.

Three jewellers have been commissioned by the Legion to make one off brooches to mark this year’s Red Poppy Day on November 11. ... read more ...

After The China Milk

I received a forward mail from friend today. Not sure whether is this a true or fake news.

Now Is China Slippers

Chinese Thongs sandals sold at Walmart!!!.DO NOT BUY


REMEMBER THE PAINT ON KIDS TOYS?


Hi,
This is very true as I heard it in news from one of our local radios here that our govt has to be extra careful on these cheap imports from china. These includes clothes, food, toys, slippers and even glasses because the Chinese are using some strong but cheap chemical in their manufactures. Cheap is becoming expensive and at the same time fatal. I nearly bought one pair of the slippers below for myself last week at the Japanese $2 shop at IMM last week.









(There are few photos in the mail, but it looks disgusting, so i just post up one for reference. )

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO PASS THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE IN YOUR CONTACT LIST.

I got a friend

I got a friend. She went to Canada once we finished our Form 5. We only have a reunion somewhere in year 2004 then we never met each other till now. Because of the time difference among two countries, we seldom meet online though. We are living apart, but she always in my mind. I am so appreciate to have such a friend like her. She never forget me no matter how far we are. Thanks for the gift , yee pei. I received the POLO T-shirt from that you bought from Emily today. She told me that is the coming birthday gift you bought to me. I like it very much. Thanks a lot.