Thursday, April 30, 2009

Happy Birthday Wee Khee

Its my buddy's birthday today. Cant join them for the celebration today since I am so far away. So, just a plain wish. "Happy Birthday bro"


Last year's celebration of Wee Khee's Birthday with donuts!..



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4. Birthday presents = 2 boxes of 12 pcs donuts + cheesecake from Secret Recipe
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6. No more donuts for all of us after his birthday...Donuts phobia..
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Time flies, life changes. The bond of brotherhood and friendship remains untouched. 
All the best bro!..Be it studies or work..

Sarawak CM’s wife Laila dies at 68

KUCHING: Datuk Amar Laila Taib, wife of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, died at her residence at Demak Jaya, Jalan Bako here at 3.40pm yesterday. She was 68.

Family sources said Laila, Sarawak’s First Lady who was born in Poland, had battled cancer for the past few months.

Laila and Taib celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a hotel here three months ago.

At that occasion, Taib paid a glowing tribute to Laila as his pillar of strength and source of inspiration.

He said Laila had stood by him through thick and thin throughout his career as a politician.

Laila and Taib have four children including Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib. The others are Datuk Mahmud Bekir Taib, Jamilah Hamidah Taib and Hanifah Hajar Taib.

Laila will be laid to rest at Demak Jaya burial ground at 11.30am today, said Deputy State Secretary Datuk Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani in a statement.

He said those who wished to pay their last respects should do so before 11am.

Sarawak Governor Tun Abang Muhammed Salahuddin, visiting Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and state cabinet ministers were among the first to pay their last respects last evening.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is also expected to attend Laila’s funeral.

Laila was actively involved in charitable, social, community and religious work through numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

As founder and president of Sabati (Wives of the Sarawak Ministers and Assistant Ministers), she was instrumental in setting up the Sarawak Heart Foundation.

The foundation, of which she had been president since its formation, has raised millions of ringgit and sponsored many needy heart patients for surgeries and treatment in the country and abroad over the years.

Laila also helped to set up an orphanage home named after her in Petra Jaya here.

Laila was head of Perkim (the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia) women’s wing since 1980.

She also headed Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Sourtheast Asia and the Pacific (Riseap) since 1983.

She was patron of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Kuching Chapter, Persatuan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak, Sibu Kidney Foundation, Kuching Lions Nursing Home and Sarawak Single Mothers’ Association and Trustee of the Malaysian Humanitarian Foun dation.


So long.....Although we dont really like the CM, but then we should be thankful. Sarawak is at least not plagued by political turmoils like those happening in WM.. Thanks to Taib.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Thoughts of the day...

Sitting in front of the computer, looking back on what have I did so far for today. I would call today as well spent, though not up to what I've pre-planned. But then, at least its a day not wasted. I've really been a time waster for the past 2 weeks, wasting much time without doing anything productive. 


But thank God that today is well spent. Woke up around 10 in the morning, had breakfast then went to Zest, join them and off I am for the first round of jogging in a gym, instead of running down to the City. Weather is changing and I just cant sweat while jogging down to the city. I've not been exercising for at least the past 3 weeks!. And I guess that's why I am so tired everyday. Lack of exercise really makes me feels like shit!. 

Felt extremely recharged after an hour plus of jogging and cycling. Left Zest, took away lunch and came back home to have lunch while watching Young and Dangerous 6. Quite an old time movie, but its a great one. Got an email later on in the day which really surprises me again. This really makes me felt that nothing is so certain in this world that the word 'must/sure' cannot be always used in a sentence. After that was my most productive moment spent in the day. Did my assignment, though not finished but then felt quite satisfied with it. At least something done and I am actually progressing. One more major one to go and another half of a minor one to go and officially, that's it for the semester. Let's hope that everything goes on smoothly. Hoping also that the feedback for the assignment due 2 weeks from now from the lecturer will be good so that nothing much need to be done to improve the assignment. 

After that, its a short nap then Delia texted me asking me for a favor to accompany her wash her car. Its of course my pleasure. Owe her heaps of favour instead. And so off I went with my pails, cloths and washing materials. My housemates all thought that I'm going out, helping 'someone' wash her car and even offer me more equipment. Its really what a joke. Of course its not her that they thought!

Went bentley car wash center and there we washed her car. Washing car here is really ridiculous. Racing with time!.. Pay 2 bucks for 2.30minutes of water!.. Its really WTF!. But at least got it cleaned. And then, its Japanese food for dinner and also catchin up session. It was really an eye opener for me during the sharing session that night after dinner at the Japanese cafe. Lots of unexpected things were made known to me and I guess it really changed my view on things. Well, its a blessing in disguise I would say. At least I've got myself back on track. Its only a mere 4 more weeks before finals. Enough of wasting time on the past 2 weeks already I thought. Its really time to buckle up for studies, which is my main purpose here.

Its now 3 minutes to 9pm. I guess I would just call it a day. Looking forward for another bright day tomorrow. Its then again another Friday and then weekend. How time FLIES!...

Time and Tide waits for No Man..... I wanna at least catch up with time... 


Sunday, April 26, 2009

希望。爱 - 刘德华

Andy Lau's new album release. 希望。爱. He's been my favourite singer since my schooldays until today. Never get tired of his songs too.

One of the songs in his recent album:

歌手:刘德华 专辑:希望·爱

[ti:承诺]
[ar:刘德华]
[al:希望·爱]

刘德华-承诺(国)(独唱版)

作曲:黄家驹填词:刘德华
编曲:johnny yin 监制:李修安陈德建



多少人多少幸福被抢夺
多少生活在一瞬间被埋没
一切变沉默泪光在眼眶闪烁
尘埃沾满了失落的轮廓

不必说你们背后还有我
未来就是崎岖也会陪你过
一个你一个我
扛起不需要脆弱
前面越走一定会越宽阔(你还有我)

谁都会有恐惧面对黑暗的角落
为了你我再苦也不躲
我要你重获原来的生活
认定了这一辈子的承诺

不必说你们背后还有我
未来就是崎岖也会陪你过
一个你一个我
扛起不需要脆弱
前面越走一定会越宽阔(你还有我)

谁都会有恐惧面对黑暗的角落
为了你我再苦也不躲
我要你重获原来的生活
认定了这一辈子的承诺

纵然山摇地破也要安然渡过有你有我
谁都会有恐惧面对黑暗的角落
为了你我再苦也不躲
我要你重获原来的生活
认定了这一辈子的承诺
我要你重获原来的生活
认定了这一辈子的承诺

谁都会有恐惧面对黑暗的角落
为了你我再苦也不躲
我要你重获原来的生活
认定了这一辈子的承诺

Woodman Point, WA

25th April, Saturday. Having changed plans to go down to city for noodles, a search for woodman point, a point protruding out to the sea which is visible in Google Earth is commenced.

I thought it will be something that will capture my breath. Who knows it turns out to be a man made sea barrier, something similiar to that in Hillarys Boat Harbor. Well, let the pictures do the talking then.

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2. Its actually a boat berth.... Clear waters?
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3. A long stretch out to sea...
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4. Detour-happenings in life....Knowing how to turn back means we'll be able to continue towards a longer journey...Else, ended in the waters.

-Notice the spots on the picture? Bloody dusts stuck on my lens..Luckily its not the image sensor after checking..
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5. Carefree....
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8. I've been on this for the past few days...
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9. Part of my gear..
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10. SB-600 + Sony CyberShot 2500mAh
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Well, its another Sunday, another week has passed. I can hardly catch up with time lately. Being lazy and sick is my reason. I guess I'll need to find some stimulant to kick start my working mood!.. Coming assignment due is on the 1st May, 4 days from now!...Finished most of it and that's why you can see me crapping here..

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.
By being happy, we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.
~Robert Louis Stephenson~

Saturday, April 25, 2009

The most productive day of the week...

I guess I would brand today, Friday, 24th April 2009 as my most productive day in the whole week. One whole week I've been down with sickness. It begins with headache, fever then sorethroat. Its just because I refuse to take medicine that causes me to have a long recovery time!.. What a waste of time. 

Having losing the patience to wait anymore longer, only then I convince myself to take medicine last night and true enough, I recovered, though not fully after some 11 hours of sleep till around 1pm today. 

Not being bugged by all these sickness except for slight sorethroat which is still bearable, I was then motivated to do my work. In addition I was able to sort of finish off one piece of major assignment essay after going to Uni. Thanks to Cindy. Wont have thought of going to the lab if I'm alone..haha.. 

Assignment that I've worked on today: Materials Management, focusing on Warehouse Management and Inventory. I've chosen DHL as my discussion organization. There are plenty to write on this firm's warehouse management and inventory management system as they are established and have an extensive network of warehouses worldwide. Word limit is really limiting me though!!. I've gone beyond the limit of 1000words by 500. Haiz...Needa think of ways and means to cut down on ideas.... I really HATE WORD LIMITS!!

Its ANZAC day tomorrow....Public holiday again...and a long weekend as Monday is public holiday as well...

Anzac Day is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook IslandsNiueSamoa and Tonga.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Benefit hauliers with connections? or everyone?

Thursday April 23, 2009

Whole supply chain will benefit, say hauliers

PETALING JAYA: The liberalisation of the services sub-sectors, including the regional distribution centre (RDC) and international procurement centre (IPC), will attract more foreign investors to Malaysia, which will benefit the whole supply chain.

Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH) president Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Shaffie said the move was timely due to the drop in cargo volume which was affecting every player in the whole supply chain, including haulage.

The haulage business suffered a 40% decrease in volume in February on year-on-year basis but it has slowly picked up in March and April.

“The liberalisation has made Malaysia more attractive to foreign investors coupled with our world standard infrastructure. With the move, more multinational companies are expected to set up their operations here.

“The move is also in line with Asean’s trade liberalisation which will be implemented soon,” he said.

The RDC is a collection and consolidation centre for finished goods, components and spare parts to be distributed within or outside Malaysia. Among the value-added activities involved are bulk breaking, repackaging and relabelling.

The IPC undertakes procurement and sale of raw materials, components and finished goods for the local and international market.

Malaysian Logistics Council founding member Dr Mohamed Amin Kassim said that while the liberalisation of the RDC and IPC was good to attract more foreign investors to the country, the incentive should be extended to the logistics sector as well.

In the shipping sector, E.A. Technique (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Abdul Hak Mohd Amin welcomed the Government’s decision to liberalise certain segments of the industry.

“In the future, we may see large international shipping companies setting up their regional headquarters in Malaysia,” he said.

The liberalisation included rental or leasing services of ships which exclude cabotage and offshore trade as well as bareboat charter for international shipping.


Source: The Star online, accessed 23rd April 2009

Will this move benefit the whole supply chain? When international logistics have the chance to come in and setup their own regional headquarters, we will be 'invaded'. Locals will be deprived the chance to carry on the business!! WTF! Unless you have ties and connections with government officials where they can award u 'evergreen' contract, you'll die a natural death soon when these foreign investments comes in......Behold, Malaysia BOLEH!! SEMUA BOLEH!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Down with Sickness



I'm currently down with sickness and is so reluctant to do anything. 2nd day wasted after yesterday. Whole body aching plus with headache really makes me felt so reluctant to do anything. I'd just hope that sufficient rest will get me back on track!!


I guess too much Macd during the break coupled with the lack of exercise lately really makes me sick!. I needa start jogging again when this is over......


Vietnam Today





In Vietnam, New Fears of a Chinese 'Invasion'

By MARTHA ANN OVERLAND / HANOI Thursday, Apr. 16, 2009

Thirty years ago, Vietnamese soldiers waged a final, furious battle in the hills of Lang Son near the country's northern border to push back enemy troops. Both sides suffered horrific losses, but Vietnam eventually proclaimed victory. Decades later, diplomatic relations have been restored and the two nations, at least in public, call each other friend. Vietnam's former foe is a major investor in the country, bilateral trade is at an all-time high, and tourists, not troops, are pouring in.

No, not Americans. Chinese. As part of an aggressive effort to expand its commercial and political influence in Southeast Asia, China is investing heavily in Vietnam. Chinese companies are now involved in myriad road projects, mining operations and power plants. Yet, despite the fact that cooperation between the two communist countries is being encouraged by Vietnam's leaders, this friendly invasion does not sit well among a people who have been fighting off Chinese advances for more than a thousand years, most recently in 1979. Many in Vietnam worry that China is being handed the keys not just to their country's natural resources but also to sensitive strategic areas, threatening the nation's security. "The danger is that China has won most of the bids building electricity, cement and chemical plants," warns Nguyen Van Thu, the chairman of Vietnam's Association of Mechanical Industries. "They eat up everything and leave nothing." (See pictures of the border war between China and Vietnam.)

Thu says he suspects some Chinese companies have won construction contracts by submitting lowball bids, which could mean they are cutting corners, threatening quality and safety. But Thu's biggest concern is the influx of large numbers of Chinese workers, including cooks and cleaning staff, that are taking jobs from Vietnamese and threatening the country's social stability. "Chinese contractors bring everything here, even the toilet seats!" declares Thu. "These are materials Vietnam can produce, and work that Vietnamese can do."

The latest lightning rod for anti-Chinese sentiment is Hanoi's plan to allow subsidiaries of the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) to mine bauxite ore in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Bauxite is a key ingredient in aluminum, which China needs to fuel its construction industry. Vietnam has an estimated eight billion tons of high-quality bauxite, the third-largest reserves in the world. The environmental cost of extracting the mineral, however, can be high. Strip mining is efficient, but scars the land and bauxite processing releases a toxic red sludge that can seep into water supplies if not adequately contained. Several senior Vietnamese scientists as well as Vietnam's burgeoning green movement have questioned the wisdom of giving mining rights to China, whose own mines were shut down because of the massive damage they caused to the environment.

But the real opposition appears to have less to do with the environment and more to do with Vietnam's fear of its neighbor on the country's northern border. Nationalist groups accuse Hanoi of caving in to pressure from commodities-hungry China by allowing the mining project to go forward. Bloggers are whipping up fears that the influx of Chinese workers is part of Beijing's long-term strategy to occupy their country. Banned pro-democracy groups, which are happy for any opportunity to criticize the authoritarian government, call the mining venture an "ill-begotten scheme." Earlier this month, a dissident Buddhist monk, Thich Quang Do, said that strip mining will destroy the way of life of the region's ethnic minorities. He added that the project created "an illustration of Vietnam's dependence on China." There has been no such outcry against U.S. aluminum giant Alcoa's plans to mine two sites in Dak Nong province in the Central Highlands.

Perhaps the most unexpected criticism has come from General Vo Nguyen Giap, a revered Vietnamese military leader who helped defeat the French and later the Americans. In a letter to Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the 97-year-old war hero voiced concern over the presence of large numbers of Chinese in the Central Highlands, which is a strategic gateway to Vietnam, one where battles have been won and lost.

Other countries in the region are made uneasy by China's thirst for resources. Last month, the Australian government rejected a $1.8 billion bid by Chinese mining company Minmetals to acquire debt-ridden OZ Minerals, the world's second-biggest zinc miner, due to national security concerns. OZ Minerals has operations near Australia's Woomera weapons testing site.

The Hanoi government says it is listening to concerns but it appears to be unmoved. Dung recently declared bauxite mining a "major policy of the party and the state." Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai reaffirmed the government's support, and several local provincial officials were on hand at a recent mining conference to defend the project, arguing that despite the presence of the Chinese workers, development will benefit the impoverished ethnic minorities who live in the region.

The pressure on Vietnam to proceed as planned is enormous, says Carl A. Thayer, a Vietnam expert who teaches at the University of New South Wales' Australian Defense Force Academy. Vietnam needs to trade with China, the world's third-largest economy, to survive. Thayer acknowledges that no Chinese company operates independently of the government. "If you go up far enough you will find a military or a security connection," he says. "But Chinese occupation? I don't believe that."

Some of the problems are of Vietnam's own making, observes Thayer. The country has become increasingly dependent on foreign direct investment to buoy its economy. Last year, overseas investors sunk a record $11.5 billion into Vietnam. China last year had 73 investment projects worth $334 million in the country. But in the wake of the global recession, foreign direct investment plummeted 70% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same time period last year.

Hanoi has been calling for increased investment, and is even more desperate for external cash infusions now that its economy has flatlined. Vietnam has also racked up a massive trade deficit with China. As more Chinese companies venture across the border and sink millions into new investment projects, Hanoi can't dictate all the terms. Nor can they just close the spigot. "The Vietnamese have to be careful of what they wish for," says Thayer.




Monday, April 20, 2009

Short Morning

What a short morning class. Woke up exceptionally early this morning to start the second half of the semester with a morning tutorial scheduled at 0830hrs. Reached Uni around 0800 to avoid the parking hassle and guess what, tutorial started at 0830hrs and ended by 0900hrs. How short it was.

Only a short weekly presentation was given and thereafter, our mid semester exam paper results was given out. Results was quite good though I thought I would have get a full mark if I've not left earlier during the exams.

Well, I should be happy with that!..

Went straight home after that and here I am in front of my lagging laptop blogging. I just dont know what I cant multitask anymore on this machine. It seems to be so lagging if I were to run multiple pages on Internet Explorer coupled with Microsoft Office. Gotta change this machine soon I guess. Too old to support my needs. Stay tuned for what machine I am getting!.. I'll be ordering it later after I finished my preparation work for tomorrow's lecture!..

Have a nice day!


Soar we now where Christ has led; Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head; Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise; Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!
Charles Wesley

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Real Treasures

Your only treasures are those which you carry in your heart.
Demophilus

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Wake Up...

Day dreaming,
deviating from my intended path,
for the past 2 weeks,
It's finally the time to wake up,
Wake up from my dream,
A dream that is far impossible,
Too close to the word ridiculous.

I've taken the courage,
to make things clear.
I know this sounds ridiculous,
But thank you for being straight with me,
and having the generousity to accept my straightness.
Doubts are cleared,
you've awaken me from my dream.
Thank you.

If it wasn't for the time that doesnt comes right,
will things work out?
I really wonder.....

Whatever it is,
Thank you for still being a friend.
Perhaps I'm the one who is thinking too much,
Its lessons I've learnt from the past that makes me think this way.
Perhaps its true that I should really wake UP from this day dream,
and get on with life which I'm supposed to be doing with
and not hurting anyone more!

Stupid thoughts in the middle of the night yeah?

Friday, April 17, 2009

Pizza at Mundaring again...

Mid semester break activity 2 - Pizza at Mundaring. Four of us went to the infamous Little Caesar's at Mundaring to get another taste of the pizza. Me, Cindy, Sing Joo and Paul. All of them never went there except for me. This is my 4th visit here....

Weather was fine that night but then it was frezzingly COLD!....Somemore we are sitted beside the road, indulging the road dust flew whenever huge road trailers pass by!...I really like those trailers+trailers hauled by a single prime mover here.. It'll be nice if we could have that back in Malaysia!

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3.Two of them look cute yea?
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4. Paul!...Why look at the pizza that way? Hungry just eat lar!
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Well, I would say that this week isnt that well spent as compared to last. However, I'm glad that I've already got most of the materials for one of my major assignment. Only thing left for it is to put it into words....

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

You're Still You - Josh Groban

"You're Still You"
Josh Groban

Through the darkness 
I can see your light 
And you will always shine 
And I can feel your heart in mine 
Your face I've memorized 
I idolize just you 

I look up to 
Everything you are 
In my eyes you do no wrong 
I've loved you for so long 
And after all is said and done 
You're still you 
After all 
You're still you 

You walk past me 
I can feel your pain 
Time changes everything 
One truth always stays the same 
You're still you 
After all 
You're still you 

I look up to 
Everything you are 
In my eyes you do no wrong 
And I believe in you 
Although you never asked me to 
I will remember you 
And what life put you through 

And in this cruel and lonely world 
I found one love 
You're still you 
After all 
You're still you

You're still you, after all, you're still you. You'll shine in the darkest hours of life and triumph in the end provided you always be yourself, be true to yourself!. Prioritise your objectives in life based on your current situation and do what is necessary to make things better. Better in the sense of your own judgement, not others. It may involve a harsh decision and some way along the line of our struggle, people might get hurt. Well, there won't be any joy and improvements in life for not a single drop of blood shed. Its necessary! Whatever it is, whatever decision you've made, you are going to make, I am very confident that you are in your own shoes and is able to make it in a matured way. So be it! Things that are done cannot be undone. Knife wounds are going to leave scars. Supportive and understanding friends will always be there as a holding pillar whenever you need it. 

Stay Strong whoever you are. You're Still You. 

Monday, April 13, 2009

Unexpected Changes.....

Things or knowledge that is purposely kept away from you will sometime find ways to get within your horizon of knowledge, to be realised.

I've got to know a knowledge that is purposely kept away from me just today. I know that you wouldnt want me to worry but then as it is, things wont be kept in secrecy for a long period of time. I know that I cant help or do much since I am here but then at least let me know of any critical changes. Like what happened just today. I guess you wouldn't have thought that this news would come to me from my buddy working there. Well, secrecy wont last as long as there is more than 1 person knowing the knowledge.

I am not trying to blame you or anything here. But then I dont want to be kept in the dark anymore like what happened for Jenny's case last year. Well, I just hope that everything can be carried out smoothly as usual without the prescence of Liew. Please...keep me informed. I've made it clear to myself already. I'm clear that my mission during my prescence here in Perth is to complete my Logistics study asap and to get back to get things started. So, I'd still need to know what is happening back there and not get another surprise when I get back half a year later. SOmetimes I guess in life we just cant consider what other people may think of our act. Being considerate to others doesnt means that they'll be considerate to us in return. So, as long as we have our objective clear, decisions cannot be wrong or deviate far from what we wanted it to be. Firing someone isnt that cruel as long as we can prove that the person cannot meet the required requirements! WE ARENT A CHARITY ORGANIZATION! Enough of this charity stuffs...

Well, I guess that's all I'd wanted to shout out here.....Just felt so uneasy when I get to know the news from another person shortly just now.

As for all of you who are reading this, I've got a job advertisement here:

Position: Assistant Administration Clerk
Working Place: Independent Oil Terminal (IOT) Senari, Sejingkat Kuching
Requirements:
SPM/STPM/Diploma Holder with basic computing knowledge and basic command of English.

Main Post Attraction:
Chance to deal and have a hands on experience with Shell LPG Filling Operations.

Please kindly email me or leave me a message if any of you or your friends are seeking for a job.

The Man Who Cycled the World!...

Japanese man on world tour pedals 143,000km over 123 countries

PETALING JAYA: Mind over body — that best describes Daisuke Nakanishi’s ability to cycle over 143,000km since starting out his “world tour” over a decade ago.

He arrived here by air from Sri Lanka on Thursday, and duly cycled from the KL International Airport to Kuala Lumpur where he spent the night.


He has been using the same trusty bicycle since starting out on his mission in Anchorage, Alaska, way back in 1998.

He has endured 300 tyre punctures and replaced the tyres 76 times, as he pedalled through 123 countries in all.

The Economics graduate from Osaka worked for six years in a construction company after graduating and saved US$50,000 (RM175,000) before embarking on a mission to realise his childhood dream.

“It is simply fascinating to feel the wind on my face when I cycle.

“I feel so free when I am on my two wheels. No one can control me, I can go anywhere I want,’’ Nakanishi said during a brief interview at Menara Star here where he had cycled to.

The 39-year-old single, who speaks English, Spanish and a smattering of Portuguese, left Japan on July 23, 1998, to take on the challenge of pedalling across the world.

Since then, his two-wheeler has been his mobile home. He carries cooking equipment, a sleeping bag, tent and spare parts for his bicycle in seven bags.

Nakanishi puts up the tent whenever he wants to call it a day, and in some countries like Chile, the locals invited him to spend the night in their homes.

“In Europe, the hotel rates are very expensive so I travelled out of the city and slept inside my tent” said the tanned Nakanishi, who confessed to eating all kinds of food in his travels.

From here, Nakanishi will be cycling to Johor Baru en route to Singapore, from where he will head to Indonesia.

His cycling gear is only made up of a T-shirt, Bermuda shorts and a hat.

On his first visit to Kuala Lumpur, he said the city was well-developed compared to many others he had pedalled to.

“I also enjoy the local food. It is very delicious,’’ said Nakanishi, who stayed in Petaling Street in his stop here.

During his travels, Nakanishi has had the good fortune to meet with world leaders and interesting personalities, such as Nepali president Dr Ram Baran Yadav, football icon Pele, former US president Jimmy Carter, former Polish president Lech Walesa and the late Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to conquer Mount Everest.

Made an honorary citizen of Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela and Moldova, the Japanese also endured bad experiences , such as contracting malaria in Kenya and children throwing stones at him in Ethiopia.

“Not once did I think of giving up. In fact, I am looking forward to moving on and seeing other countries,’’ he added.

There are, however, countries that he wishes to visit such as Saudi Arabia and Libya but failed to apply for the visa.

Nakanishi also had to abandon his visits to Congo, Angola, Iraq and Afghanistan due to civil wars and internal conflicts.

He said he would visit about seven more countries by the year-end before wrapping up his tour.

“My parents and elder brother are waiting for me in Japan,

“I miss my family very much. Sometimes I’ll send them postcard and keep in touch with them via Internet and email,” he said.

To know more about his travels, visit http://www.daisukebike.be which is translated in 14 languages.


Source: The Star Online, 13th April 2009. 

Cool dream to be realised yeah!..

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter Long Weekend Break

What did we had during the long Easter weekend? Our original plan was to go down to Esperance. But due to last minute booking, all accomodations are fully booked. So, weekend was pretty boring except going for Good Friday mass and also Sunday mass.

So on Saturday, we had a '36A Wyndham' Outing to Hillarys. We had our lunch at Good Fortune at 3pm, then head to Paul's place at Hillary's for a Barbeque session that lasted until that night around 11...


Let the pictures do the talking then.

1. Lunch at GooD Fortune. Thanks Peter for paying everything!!
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2. Nick and his cute hat..
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3. Nick, don bully the cat la..
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4. Peter and his wife
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5. Jess
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6. Nick cooking 
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7. Paul...
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8. 
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9.Dinner time!!
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10. Paul....obviously he's on TV
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11. A walk to Hillarys Boat Harbor after dinner
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12. 
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17. Break-The-Water...
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19. Cold ROck Ice Cream - taste good but then the fruit spoiled it...
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20. Group Photo....Oops...Sing Joo blocked Paul..
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21. Reflection..
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It was really a day well spent with incredible housemates and friends. 

Some Reflections:.......
Sometimes, it makes me felt bad when life gets too good and complacent here in Perth. I'm the one making the decision to come here, leaving everything behind and now that we are faced with challenges, mum and sis would have to face it without choice. Practically, sis is taking over jobs that I've been doing all these while and mum has to do things beyond her limitations. I really did once upon a time wonder is it the correct decision to come over to Peth. Is this called irresponsible? 
Frankly, what happened in the KPP dinner in early 2008 makes me come to this decision of coming here. THings still flashes in my head on what happened that night. THose who are directly involved seems doesnt care at all and so what for I would wanna sacrifice my chances of coming to studies overseas just because of something that is uncertain for me?
Those were the days. I admit that my life and ways of looking things began to change ever since I came here. I started to accept others wrongdoing. I started to know that people do commit mistakes. I started to know that people have their own reasons. and the most important of all, I started to learn how to do things that are present in front of me well rather than worrying about things that are far beyond into the time. Its maybe because I've spent more time with God when I'm in Perth. I really felt that I'm closer to HIM. Going to mass every weekend makes me felt good and every Sunday, I just cant wait to attend mass. Well, thank you Lord for making me realise all these, making me treasure all those who are beside me and pull me out from this ditch that is troubling me all the time.

My resolution after realising all these is to study hard, get good grades, graduate as soon as possible and to get back into real action after graduation. Vision is set and my mission is to maintain above 75% so that they wont pull me off from doing overloading next semester in lieu of completing my semester after summer next year.

Its been a while since I wrote long feelings here. Its 1.36a.m. I am supposed to have this written on earlier. But then I just cant concentrate writing as a result of serving 2 masters at a time-chatting and writing. 

My holidays of 2 weeks is fruitfully spent I would say. Revision is at least done as I've spent most of my noon time during weekdays in library and I've plenty of time to spend with friends at night and most important of all, a review of what I've did all these while. 

Time for this semester seems to fly! It doesnt feels like crawling as compared to last semester. I'm grateful that although I've slacked a bit, I'm still able to keep up with the pace of studies. Hoping and praying that I'll be able to keep this pace and get things done well before dateline to ensure good grades. After meeting one of my lecturer for some doubt clarification during the week, she passed me back my mid semester exams paper. And guess what, she said I did excellent!.. I was thrilled. Looking at the marks, I've got 17.75/20.! Cant believe my eyes yea. Well, lets hope that results for the other paper was as well too!

I just don't know why suddenly I felt like throwing everything that comes into mind here. So bear with me. A glance at what I've did when I went back for summer holidays last year.

1. District Camp 2008 - was viewing photos the other day....makes me felt sad on how we lost!
2. HSSE-MS Briefing @ Millenium Towers, KL - the day when I get to know Alvin from Singapore and Micheal from Sabah 
3. GRTCA Cross Audit @ Kota Kinabalu Sabah - really an eye opener for me on how people get screwed right in the face...
4. Dad's medical checkup @ Singapore - this one has the highest self satisfaction, at least I did my job as a son to get dad's health troubles and worries solved....

Looking back, I've did quite a number of things for the last holidays....and also somethings that are undone. One very obvious one - Annual On the road Emergency Drill and the updating of the ERP. 

Well....guess what, time for career is pretty near. I wonder how life is gonna be after graduating. Flashes went through my mind while showering today and I've got a rough idea on how I would like to start off everything once I'm done with studies next year. I guess I would wanna find sometime to write those out and make it my vision. 

As for the time being, I'd just like to enjoy the life here in Perth to the max while studying. Working? OUT OF THE TOPIC....I've realised that mum's words of 'enjoy your life, if you want to work, you'll have plenty to do once you come back...' is really something of truce. I guess I deserve this enjoyable moment for the time I'm in Perth. Gimme a break! Finally I felt myself being a true student again as compared to previous years. I'm looking forward towards Mr. Christopher Sim's coming to Perth in November. Will plan a good trip for him and hope that mum can join as well.Thank you for putting your trust in me!.You know, I really felt honored to be contacted by him and called upon to organise this trip..FYI, he is no ordinary person.He's the Plant Manager for Malaysia's largest LPG Filling Facility in Port Dickson...As for mum, sis and dad; Hang on and I'll be back... I'll be back to revolutionalise everything...! I believe Impossible Is NOTHING! 

We'll all triumph in success in life for all the efforts we put in..! Sow good seeds and gain good fruits.....

God Bless everyone especially those who are facing trouble in life. 

Its really a long 'back-log' review. 

Friday, April 10, 2009

Malaysia's New Cabinet Lineup

The new Malaysian Cabinet, under the lead of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is finally sworn in. Its a smaller one as compared to the previous cabinet. Let's hope there would be a change of tide under this new administration to take Malaysia to higher heights. Not forgetting Vision 2020, let's hope it can be realized. 


Malaysia's New Cabinet:

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Congratulations to our new Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Let us judge you by your actions from now on, your contribution and initiative towards the society and not your past....! Let's be fair to him, Our New PM deserves a fair judgement too. 

It's Good Friday.....



Its Good Friday tomorrow. 


WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY?

Good Friday, the second day of the Triduum, is the solemn remembrance of Jesus' death on the cross. The English designation of "Good Friday" is apparently a corruption of "God's Friday," although the term is a very fitting one since the Lord's death was for our eternal good.

Good Friday worship is marked by austerity and silence. The music of keyboards and other instruments is minimized or eliminated altogether. The altar, completely stripped of appointments, is normally not used. Instead, one or more lecterns or reading desks serve as the focal points of the service. The passion narrative from the gospel of John (John 18:1-19:42) is traditionally the appointed text for this day. The two liturgical services for Good Friday are the Tre Ore and the Tenebrae.

The principal Good Friday worship service is one that starts at noon and is called the Tre Ore (Italian for "Three Hours"). This service is a somber commemoration of the last three hours of our Lord's suffering on the cross. It features homilies, hymns, and other meditations centered on Christ's seven words from the cross. In addition, the Tre Ore contains several unique sequences that are among the most beautiful and moving in the entire historic liturgy. The first of these is the Bidding Prayer. In this special prayer, the pastor leads the congregation in a series of intercessions (called "bids") for the needs of the church and the entire world. The Tre Ore service also calls for the carrying of a rough wooden cross (often fashioned out of the trunk of the church's Christmas tree) in slow procession through the nave to the chancel, where it is then leaned against the altar. Worshipers can offer a sign of adoration such as bowing, kneeling, or touching the cross as it passes by. During the procession, the congregation or choir sings a hymn in praise of Christ's saving work on the cross. Finally, a rite that is often incorporated into the Tre Ore after the cross processional is the chanting or reading of an ancient liturgical text known in Latin as the Improperia. These heart-breaking verses, based on Old Testament passages such as Micah 6:3, Psalm 69:21, and Isaiah 5:2-4, are a series of stinging accusations brought by Christ against the church for His suffering and death on the cross. These powerful reproaches reveal the many ways that each one of us is responsible for the Lord's crucifixion. Depending on local circumstances churches will frequently conduct a Tre Ore that does not last three full hours but does contain some of the traditional features of this ancient service. However, the Tre Ore is designed to conclude at 3 PM (the "ninth hour" of the New Testament crucifixion accounts), the time that Christ gave up His life (Matthew 27:45-50).

The Tenebrae or Service of Darkness takes place in the evening. It derives its name from the gradual extinguishing of candles and lights at various points in the service. The ensuing darkness is a symbolic recreation of the darkness that covered the land when our Lord died (Mark 15:33). It also brings to mind the fading life of our Lord as He hung on the cross. Scripture readings and hymns direct the hearts of the people to repent of the sins that made our Lord's crucifixion necessary. The last remaining candle (representing Jesus) is not extinguished like the others, but is carried out of the chancel. The Service of Darkness ends with the strepitus, a sudden loud noise caused by the slamming shut of a book or door. The strepitus symbolizes the tumultuous earthquake that accompanied the Lord's death (Matthew 27:46-53) and the shutting of the tomb when He was interred. It also foreshadows the breaking of the tomb at the Resurrection described in Matthew 28:2. The Christ candle is then returned to the altar as a reminder to the worshippers that even in the midst of death and darkness our Lord was not defeated by the devil, but rose in triumph on Easter morning. The people then disperse in silence.

In spite of the solemnity of Good Friday worship, it is not a funeral service for Jesus. It is rather a time of quiet and serious contemplation on His great saving work.


Monday, April 06, 2009

Breakaway ice shelf will reshape map of Antarctic

Breakaway ice shelf will reshape map of AntarcticFont Size:

Lewis Smith April 06, 2009

Article from: The Times

A VAST Antarctic ice shelf is in danger of collapsing after the ice bridge that pinned it to land shattered.

The Wilkins ice shelf would be the largest slab of ice to be lost by Antarctica in recent times, in what researchers say is a sign of how global warming is reshaping the map of Antartica.

The shelf, almost half the size of Wales, is the tenth to break away or shrink to a fraction of its original size in the past 50 years.

David Vaughan, of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said that warmer conditions in the Antarctic Peninsula caused the ice bridge to melt and that it is likely to be linked to global warming. Temperatures in the peninsula have risen 3C (5.4F) in 50 years. “The ice shelves that have retreated over the last few decades are the ones we would have expected to retreat because of atmospheric climate change in Antarctica,” he said. “We are beginning to connect that to global changes.”

He said that he was amazed by the speed of the breakup of the ice bridge and the retreat of the ice shelf. “This one was a very extensive ice shelf until the 1990s when it started retreating.”

In the 1990s it measured 16,000sq km, since when it is thought to have retreated by at least half. If the remaining ice breaks up it will be the biggest collapse on record, dwarfing the break up of the 770 square miles of Larsen B in 2002.

The ice bridge holding the ice shelf to the Antarctic coastline and Charcot Island was 25 miles (40km) long but only 500 metres wide at its narrowest point – in 1950 it was 62 miles wide. It shattered over an area measuring 12.5 miles by 1.5 miles. “The ice bridge has collapsed,” said Professor Vaughan. “It has turned into hundreds, if not more, icebergs. It’s the rapidity with which this ice shelf broke up that’s surprising. It’s a significant change in terms of the map of Antarctica. Charcot Island will be a real island for the first time in history.”

BAS scientists suspected the breakup of the ice bridge was imminent and were able to monitor it using European Space Agency satelite images. A GPS beacon placed on the ice bridge in January revealed that there were movements of several yards every few days, and in the two weeks preceding the breakup these movements had speeded up.

With the Antarctic summer coming to an end and sea ice forming, the Wilkins ice shelf is likely to be locked in position intact for the next few months. Once winter in the southern hemisphere ends and temperatures start rising again it could float away from the continent and break up.

There is still a possibility that it will move into a position where it is protected, perhaps by grounding on an island. Professor Vaughan said: “The question is whether the rest of the ice shelf will break away. The chances are quite difficult to predict. My feeling is that we will lose more of the ice.”


Remember the collapse of Larsen B iceshelf in the year 2002? If Wilkins iceshelf is to collapse, is will drawf Larsen B's great collapse. Larsen B is estimated to be 770sq miles. Any idea how big is that?

Global warming is imminent and there is NOTHING we can do about it except for playing our own small part. You and me reading this might not suffer the consequences at its extreme of our act in causing global warming but our future generation WILL! Choose your act TODAY!