SUP

2012-01-04T10:58:00.001+08:00

Nobody wants to become a teacher BY CHOICE" ....Very sad but that's the truth.....!!!

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest;
"You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Teacher Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make?
(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't
make them sit for 5 min. without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?
(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them how to write and then I make them write.
Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.
They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need
to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they
were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES,EDUCATING KIDS AND PREPARING THEM TO BECOME CEO's ,AND DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS....

What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped; he went silent.

2011-08-17T10:40:00.000+08:00

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said,
'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!

Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a
Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!

2011-07-27T11:27:00.003+08:00

The clock struck; it was also a slow walk into the arboretum.
My solace place during my student days.
The sound of the clock chyme is as audible as it was 30 years ago.
Images flashes by. Moments to ponder.
But the times, they are a changing.

From my Favourite Guru, Words of Wisdom

2011-06-07T09:10:00.000+08:00

Change Begins With Choice by Jim Rohn

Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.

We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.

And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

2011-05-19T09:52:00.000+08:00

No place in society for those who sow seeds of hatred
R. Nadeswaran

THE hallowed corridors of the renowned Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford University have been the scene of the entry of many luminaries whose speeches elucidated its audience.

Monday was no different when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak delivered his address. The packed hall had students, academicians, diplomats, businessmen both local and Malaysian, and even a disgraced politician.

Najib’s speech on moderation, peppered with quotes from the Quran, the Torah and even the Bible, went on to outline Malaysia’s success as a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

He said: “In managing our plurality, we have decided on integration as opposed to assimilation. Malaysians accept their diversity. We do not merely tolerate each other but we also embrace and celebrate. By leveraging the robustness and dynamism of our diversity, we have created a foundation for our national resilience.”

Touching on Islam and extremism, he said the solution lies in not for more Muslims to speak up but for the entire world to stand up.

“Just as Muslims need to make their voices heard, so do the Christians, the Jews, the Buddhists, the Hindus and the atheists who are sickened by intolerance, violence and terror and need to make their voices heard. We need to hear the concerted voices from moderates in all countries and from all walks of life. And when we do, the prize of peace is there for all to see.”

This was not the first time Najib had called for the voices of the moderates to drown out those of the extremists. At the United Nations in September last year, he called for a Global Movement of the Moderates that would see government, intellectuals, religious scholars and business leaders across the world take a united stand – a the spirit of moderation or balance.

Malaysians sitting in the audience must have been left wondering as to why their leader’s philosophies and ideals are not enshrined in the minds and hearts of some politicians back home.

If the PM is an advocate of moderation, tolerance and acceptance, why have the voices of extremism overpowered and threatened what we have done and achieved over the past 50 years?

Are certain elements deliberately defying the PM? Are certain individuals in disagreement with the PM by covertly and overtly supporting the voices of extremism? While the PM has the support of the majority, is the PM walking alone in his bid for religious and racial harmony?

From afar and from reading what is happening, there has been unnecessary tension based on hearsay, half-truths and lies. Hatred is being spewed without basis and the minds of Malaysians of races are being clouded by uncalled for claims, allegations and statements.

In the buses plying in certain suburbs of London there are posters stating “Hate Hurts”. It is a constant reminder that hatred based on race, religion, colour, creed or gender is totally unacceptable.

Tolerance

Najib quoted Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in a prison in Staten Island. When asked how he got through that period (most of which was in solitary confinement), the anti-apartheid campaigner declared: “I would like to be bitter, but there is no time to be bitter. There is work to be done…”

Every right-thinking Malaysian will embrace the PM’s wisdom and prophetic words on moderation, tolerance and acceptance.

He concluded his speech with these words: “Our choice is clear. Come together in action for a future of justice, freedom, hope, compassion and goodwill for our children or it will be replaced by a future of injustice, tyranny, hopelessness, cruelty and hate.

“Because the real divide is not between East and West or between the developed and developing worlds or even between Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It is between moderates and extremists of all religions. Together, let us embrace moderation as the best course of action and for the best way forward.”

Will all those seeking fame and glory by flaming the fire of hatred in the hope of occupying the seats of power listen to the clarion call for some semblance of temperance?

Can those who in the past had made idiotic, unacceptable and deplorable statements for selfish purposes keep their mouths shut? Will those who were involved in acts aimed at provoking peace-loving Malaysians end their charades?

Everyone wants a harmonious Malaysia. Those who have sowed the seeds of hatred and abhorrence have no place in society, and that in a nutshell was the PM’s message to the world, especially his fellow Malaysians.

What a Fucking Town.

2011-05-04T15:10:00.000+08:00

Are the residents called Fuckers?

And what about the Fucking neighborhood?

What are the mothers called?

What would you be learning at the Fucking High School ?

Where is the Fucking Post Office?

Does the Fucking Hospital help you with anything else?

And the Fucking drivers!

If your friend came from another town, he wouldn't be your Fucking friend.

Is fishing allowed in the Fucking Lake ?

We had a wonderful time at Fucking.

We stayed in a Fucking chalet!

Fucking needs government funding.

Does anyone care about Fucking?

Now, this one is really good! The sign says ' Bitte! Nicht so schnell', which in English translates to ' Please! Not so fast!

Pronounced 'fooking'. The little hamlet of Fucking is named after the man who founded the village in the 6th century. His name? Focko.

2011-04-21T16:08:00.000+08:00

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY by Jim Rohn.

Don't become a victim of yourself. Forget about the thief waiting in the alley; what about the thief in your mind?

It is not what happens that determines the major part of your future. What happens, happens to us all. It is what you do about what happens that counts.

You say, "The country is messed up." That's like cursing the soil and the seed and the sunshine and the rain, which is all you've got. Don't curse all you've got. When you get your own planet, you can rearrange this whole deal. This one you've got to take like it comes.

Walk away from the 97% crowd. Don't use their excuses. Take charge of your own life.

Take advice, but not orders. Only give yourself orders. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Since I will be no one's slave, I will be no one's master."

You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of. You don't have charge of the constellations, but you do have charge of whether you read, develop new skills, and take new classes.

Your paycheck is not your employer's responsibility; it's your responsibility. Your employer has no control over your value, but you do.

JUST STAY

2011-04-05T09:39:00.002+08:00

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.
"Your son is here," she said to the old man.
She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's
eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he
dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen
tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened
fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of
love and encouragement.
The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside
the bed.All through the night the young Marine sat there in the
poorly lightedward, holding the old man's hand and offering him
words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested
that the Marine move away and rest awhile.
He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine
was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital -
the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff
members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other
patients.
Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man
said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the
night.
Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the
now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the
nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.
Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy,
but the Marine interrupted her.
"Who was that man?" he asked.
The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.
"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in
my life."
"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"
"I knew right away there had been a mistake,
but I also knew he needed his son, and his
son just wasn't here.
When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I
was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."
I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey.
His son was Killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him.
What was this Gentleman's Name?
The Nurse with Tears in
Her Eyes Answered,
Mr. William Grey.............
The next time someone needs you ... just be there.
Stay.

*GOT THIS IN MY E-MAIL THIS MORNING

Shirley & Marcy

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000+08:00

A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.
He didn't want his mother to walk with him.
She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it.
She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance,
So he probably wouldn't notice her.
She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew.
She did this for the whole week.

As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs,
Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy ,
'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'
Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'
The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?'
'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy .'
' Shirley Goodnest ? Who is she and why is she following us?
'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much.
And in the Psalm, it says, ' Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness ) and Marcy (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always

2010-12-27T15:21:00.001+08:00

History has proven, on countless occasions that;
*the majority is always wrong and
*the second son always gets the father's approval.

If you find yourself on the side of the majority, its time to reform.

2010-12-22T14:41:00.002+08:00

It can be dangerous to weaken the strong in our attempts to strengthen the weak.

One of the great liberal documents of the world is the Declaration of Independence.
One of the great conservative documents of the world is the Constitution of the United States.

We need both documents to build a country. One to get it started, Liberal. The other to help maintain it's structure over the years, Conservative.

The real genius to make a marketplace flourish doesn't come from the government. It comes from the individual genius of its people.

Beware of those who seek to take care of you lest your caretakers become your jailers.

An ancient script asks, "Would you let a man rule the city who cannot even rule his own spirit?"

Sometimes we do.

By Jim Rohn

2010-11-18T09:04:00.001+08:00

Life is too short for drama & petty things, so laugh hard,
love truly and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive. Forgive now those
who made you cry You might not get a second chance.
May you reach for your dreams and always
remember to be proud of who you are.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is probably fighting
some kind of battle.

2010-11-08T16:51:00.002+08:00

Today is Fredo's 4th anniversary...since he left us. The video was put together by Nisha and Rokk for us to remember Fredo.
I miss my brother....

2010-11-02T10:41:00.003+08:00

The article below was taken from Zorro's blog. When I read it, it brought back memories of the days gone by. I stopped for a moment and reflected on my childhood days in Sentul. No more, no more, those are gone, gone into the past.

Of course Zorro was my school teacher and his antics and fiery teaching methods will be questionable today and so is Francis Sta Maria, a real sadist to the core. Do we complain? You bet not for if we did, more retribution will follow from our parents cos those days, the teachers' word is law.

Read the article below by Tan Sri Sulaiman...and folks if we can't live those days today, at least stop and give thanks that we once did live the good life we talk of and hope for ...today.

Read:

Malaysian Red Crescent’s national chairman Tan Sri Tunku Shahriman Tunku Sulaiman misses the good old days when Malaysians were more tolerant, less sensitive and had a sense of humour. The septuagenarian shares his experiences with Sunday Star readers.

One influential figure in my life was my Science teacher Mr Gan Boon Guan in Tuanku Muhammad School, Kuala Pilah. It was 1952, the year I sat for my Cambridge School Certificate Examination.

The odd thing is that although I do not really like Science all that much, Mr Gan has a special place in a line of people who have been guides through my life.

While small in stature, he was a strict disciplinarian. Even mention of his name then sent shivers through us students. As far as he was concerned, we didn’t study hard enough, we didn’t concentrate, we were too slow or we talked too much.

He would call students to the front of the class to write the answers to his questions on the blackboard. If one failed to give the right answer, Mr Gan would not hesitate to kick his buttocks or give him a good bullocking. Some of his criticisms were so harsh they would today be deemed perilously close to being racist.

Another teacher who comes to mind was my English teacher Mr Ponniah who had an eccentric way of teaching us. While he saw it as his right to spend the majority of lesson time reading newspapers in front of the class, he nevertheless expected us to give full attention to the work he gave us.

If he thought any of us boys were not concentrating hard enough, a loud bark would immediately be heard from behind the newspaper and the culprit would inevitably feel the back of Mr Ponniah’s open hand.

But somehow, none of us boys were ever offended by the actions of these teachers. We accepted the punishments in the spirit they were meant to be given – a way to get 50 boisterous boys, some from extremely impoverished backgrounds, to make something of our lives.

They were successful, too; students from our year got the highest number of Grade One in the school’s history.

Today, I feel there is a big difference between the young and old – in their values, attitudes and behaviours.

As a whole, I feel my generation was less critical or condemnatory of others compared to the young today. We were less sensitive and ironically – considering our lack of exposure to the larger world – more tolerant and open-minded.

Take the way we viewed Tuan Syed Jong who taught us Malay and was also in charge of the school’s hostel. Known for his elegant handwriting, especially in the Jawi script, Tuan Syed didn’t have Mr Gan’s acerbic tongue nor Mr Ponniah’s quick ways with his hand.

Instead, his weakness was his habit of spending his nights playingmahjong with his Chinese friends in a coffee shop across the road from our school.

None of us students or the Malays living in the surrounding kampung condemned him for his choice of entertainment. While it is against Islamic teachings to gamble, we felt it was not our place to be righteous or moralistic.

In the same way, we did not make a big issue of Mr Gan’s and Mr Ponniah’s less than sophisticated methods of teaching us, we didn’t raise a ruckus about Tuan Syed’s mahjong-playing because we felt what he did in his own time was none of our business. I am not sure Malaysian youths today would be so tolerant.

For instance, I wonder if today’s young people would be offended by shouts of “balik kampung” during Orientation Week as I was (shouted at) by senior Chinese and Indian students when I started university in 1954 at the now National University of Singapore.

Or would they, like me, be able to recognise the difference between making racist or religious remarks to deliberately hurt some innocent person and the sort of good-natured rowdy jibes common place in any educational place.

It would be a shame if they couldn’t because all of us, seniors and juniors – Malay, Chinese and Indians – remain good friends till today.

Such is the paranoia over issues like religion and race, and such is the grip of the politically correct agenda on everyday Malaysian life today, I sense many of our young cannot tell the difference between an abusive insult and an innocent joke. And quite frankly, I feel sorry for them.

It is, of course, entirely right that there are laws against religious or racial abuse but the crucial word in that phrase is “abuse”. Referring to a person’s colour or religious beliefs does not, in all circumstances, have to be abusive.

With that in mind, I would like to mention that when I first started work as deputy assistant district officer of Larut and Matang in Taiping in 1958, my three closest friends were Shanmugam, a Public Works Department technician, Dr Lai Mun Seng, a medical officer, and Lim, the son of a jewellery shop owner.

We used to spend time after office hours together and one of the places we would frequent was the one and only nightclub in Taiping, the lively and popular D’ Paradise.

In fact during my time, a licence was even approved for a striptease show headlined by the famous strip dancer Rose Chan.

I am glad to say no demonstrations were held in front of our district office nor was there a demand for me to be transferred out from the district at that time!

I last heard Shanmugam’s daughter is a graduate teacher married to a lawyer while his son is also a lawyer, married to another lawyer. Lai has retired and now resides in Teluk Intan after many years working as a doctor. Unfortunately, we have all lost track of Lim.

Apart from wishing them and their family happiness and good health, my greatest hope is that like me, Shanmugam, Lai and Lim have managed to pass the message of tolerance, humour and open-mindedness that we shared to their own children and they in turn, to theirs

2010-10-25T15:38:00.000+08:00

The local newspaper classified department telephone operator received a phone call. A woman on the other end asked, "How much do obiturary notices cost?"

"$5.00 per word, Ma'am," came the response.

"Good, do you have a paper and pencil handy?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"OK, write this: 'Fred died.'

"I'm sorry, Ma'am; I forgot to tell you there's a five-word minimum."

"Hmmph," came the reply, "You certainly did forget to tell me that." A moment of silence. "Got your pencil and paper?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"OK, print this: 'Fred died, Cadillac for sale.' "

2010-10-05T17:15:00.001+08:00

Determination and perseverance move the world.
These are exactly what's moving the Naza Group.

2010-10-04T08:46:00.005+08:00

Here's the Law of Expanded Association.....
SPEND MORE TIME WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE. AND WHO ARE THESE RIGHT PEOPLE? That depends on your goals and objectives. But generally look for people of substance and culture - people who spend time reflecting on the meaning of life and who accomplish great things through discipline and perseverance.

The Usual Excuse For Us 'Failures'

2010-08-18T09:22:00.002+08:00

The usual story would-be entrepreneurs share....
and the usual complaints go something like ...

- I don't know enough
- I don't have the time
- It won't work
- blah blah blah ...

THis is the good old "I don't know enough" line.

Here's my reply:

"Hogwash I say! You just haven't looked into it
enough. Do it once. Pop your cherry. Screw it up
royally and then laugh your ass off about it. Then:
Learn. Improve. Shoot again. Forget anyone who
gets you to focus on the fear of failure."

Author Unknown.

The Final Push

2010-08-17T09:56:00.002+08:00

'At the end of your life, what you will most regret will be the deeds left undone and the words left unspoken' Robin Sharma

The final push is that last burst of effort that gets you across the finish line. Where you reach deep into yourself and find the resources necessary to get the job done. And here is the big idea.....your biggest challenge will draw out your greatest gifts.

Unknown author

2010-08-11T10:48:00.002+08:00

To all my Muslim relatives, friends, colleagues, enemies (I don't think I have any but just in case some think they are) secret admirers, here's wishing you a Selamat Menyambut Ramadan Al-Mubarak.

The Great Earl Nightingale

2010-07-23T17:38:00.002+08:00

Courage Or Conformity

The late Earl Nightingale was, for many years, the most listened to man on radio. His radio show, "Our Changing World" was broadcast on over 1,000 radio stations around the world. He researched and wrote every show himself. The man virtually devoured books. He was consumed with the idea of why so few people succeed in life and so many others do not...............................

Earl Nightingale said the opposite of courage was not cowardness, it was conformity. I believe the more you think about that, the more you will be inclined to agree with him.

It takes courage to break away from the crowd, to go your own way, to do the thing which may be unpopular. It takes courage to stand up for the person who is being unjustly criticized, rather than agreeing and going along with the crowd. It takes courage for the teenager to say no, when all the rest of the kids begin going down the wrong path.

Earl Nightingale was correct - the opposite of courage is conforming. It is one reason so few people enjoy any lasting success. It is so easy to go along with the large group. We don't have to stand out, to be different.

The next time you are encouraged to fall into line, to be a sport, and everything in you says no - be courageous and go your own way. There is no compensation in conformity.

By Bob Proctor

Farewell Dear Friend

2010-07-21T09:07:00.001+08:00

My blogger friend, Dalilah Tamrin -- Raden Galoh of "One Breast Bouncing" - has passed on from this life.
I never knew her personally nor met her, but our friendship grew as we blogged on various issues and commented on each others blog posts.
There were times I could sense she felt so down but she, through her writings, put up a very brave front.
Dalilah passed away on Monday 19th July at the KL Hospital. She was 42.
I was down with the flu till today and so did not open my computer. I only got the news from Rocky Bru's blog this morning.

Her last post below:

By Dalilah Tamrin in Onebreastbouncing

Saturday, June 19, 2010
Too Many in Too Little
It has been 3 weeks that I have not updated this blog. My condition was bad and I am still not well. Today, with heavy head I try to write and see if I can complete it and publish it. Bismillaahirrahmaanirrahiim...

I was okay for 2 days after taking the herbal concoction given by the Traditional & Complementary Medicine Unit of Putrajaya Hospital. After that series and bouts of pains and fever start to increasingly reducing my ability to get up and move around.

The pain came on my left shoulder and abdomen troubled my sleep. I would get 15 mins of sleep and that's the most. The pain became intense and excruciating that I have nothing else in my mind except pledging for Allah's mercy and love to reduce the pain. I seldom talk, in fact I became some who was not bubbly at all. People don't see my pain and I have not had that sick face so they don't quite figure out why I hardly can't move around or I became so quiet and most of the time I dwell in my world. My world of zikrullaah actually.

Alhamdulillah, my family understands my condition. My children helped me walk to the bathrooms. They took turn serving me and making sure I don't move to the kitchen to send the plates. They vacuum the house because they know there are many visitors coming. My mother cooks for me. They all become a clear evidence of the many blessing bounty that Allah still provided me for....Alhamdulillah...

The fever was odd. It came at 3 pm and subsided by night and flared up again by 3am.... With the pain and the fever, to push myself about living my life to the fullest was really hard. All I have hope. Hope that becomes a prayer. A prayer that Allah cures all pains and fever. I am still thankful, even in this difficulties my hope and my prayers didn't get washed away. Yet, they heightened and I am so much in this believe that Allah is very close to me because I feel so calm and at peace even when I battled my pains and fever.

Hubby said I moaned in my little sleep but I was like uttering istighfar most of the time. I understand the power of istighfar and zikr in times like this. It is not making me thinking about death but it is making me feeling the love of Allah embracing me.

My upper stomach has started to protrude. That's the sign of the stretching liver. The cancers cause it to happen. Like the pain too. The cancers in the liver cause it to occur. Yesterday, the Oncologist gave me the steroid of Dexamethasone for a week to reduce the stretching liver and hopefully will reduce the pain. I was given some sleeping pills so that I can I can sleep well and my body can rest. Otherwise, the sleep deprivation will make me losing energy by day time and that make the body easily tired, like what I was feeling for the past 3 weeks.

I have stopped taking the herbal concoction as told the MO that it defeats the objective of the complementary unit which is to increase the quality of life of the chronic patient. In my case it has proven to aggravate its decline. I want to continue doing my way, InsyaAllah Allah will guide me.

Alhamdulillah, last night I slept well and not get disturbed by the pain. I didn't even complete my 100 zikr of Hasbiyal Allaahi wa nikmal wakeel. Today, I am feeling fresher and able to sit longer. So far typing this entry seems fine with me. The heavy head has gone by now. Syukur...

Today, I will have many visitors. I have been getting many these past weeks. Alhamdulillah, thank you all for making your time coming to visit me. There are so many fadhilats in visiting the sick. I have not forgotten to pray to each of you that Allah forgives all your sins and shower His many barakah and rahmah in your life.

Alhamdulillah, the preparation for the Umrah trip is slowly in order. Alhamdulillah I will be accompanied by my darling hubby MH in the trip. I am taking this opportunity to seek forgiveness from all of you for the wrongdoings I have done. Maybe my tone of writing is not to your liking. Maybe my way of giving nasihat and reminder is not fancied by you. Maybe my way of expressing me thoughts and experiences is not in your favour.

Let's hope this is not the final entry. Should it be, I hope it becomes an avenue that people seek for some good guidance, InsyaAllah.

God bless you all.

Funny Football Quotes

2010-06-28T14:55:00.003+08:00

Since we are in World Cup stupor, just share some football stupendous 'sayings'...

We lost because we didn't win. - Brazilian Ronaldo
Alex Ferguson is the best manager I've ever had at this level. Well, he's the only manager I've actually had at this level. But he's the best manager I've ever had. - David Beckham.
Is the Pope Catholic. No I'm serious. I really need to know. - David Beckham.
Well, I can play in the center, on the right and occasionally on the left side. - David Beckham after being asked if he is "volatile". He obviously thought he heard "versatile".
We must have had 99% of the game. It was the other 3% that cost us the match. - Ruud Gullit.
To play Holland, you have to play the Dutch. - Ruud Gullit.
Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they have eleven Dicks on the field. - A commentator on Metro Radio.
When you are 4-0 up you should never lose 7-1. - Lawrie Mcmenemy.
Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win. - Vinny Jones.
Diego Maradona – a flawed genius, who has now become a genius who is flawed. - Bob Wilson.
Chile have three options. They could win or they could lose. - Kevin Keegan.
The Germans only have one player under 22, and he's 23. - Kevin Keegan.
I would not be bothered if we lost every game, as long as we won the league. - Mark Viduka.
On another night, they'd have won 2-2.
Nil-nil is a big score.
Well, Clive, it's all about the two M's – movement and positioning.
The keeper was unsighted – he still didn't see it.
Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw.
I would not say that he is the best left winger in the Premiership, but there are none better.
The Spaniards have been reduced to aiming aimless balls into the box.
I never comment on referees, and I'm not gonna break the habit of a lifetime for that prat.

More Soccer Quotes: Funny Soccer Quotes
If you haven't had enough of these amusing citations, here are some more to appease you with.

Anything from 1-0 to 2-0 would be a nice result. - Sir Bobby Robson.
The margin is very marginal. - Sir Bobby Robson.
There were two second division matches last night, both in the second division. - Dominic Allen.
Despite the rain, it's still raining here at Old Trafford. - Jimmy Hill.
We go into the second half with United 1-0 up, so the game is perfectly balanced. - Peter Jones.
I'll never play at Wembley again, unless I play at Wembley again. - Kevin Keegan.
Well actually we got the winner up there with three minutes to go, but then they equalized. - Ian McNail.
It will be a shame if either side lose, and that applies to both sides. - Jock Brown.
Well Kerry, you're 19 and you're a lot older than a lot of people younger than yourself. - Mike Gray.
Oh, he had an eternity to play that ball, but he took too long over it. - Martin Tyler.
Who ever wins today will win the championship no matter who wins. - Denis Law.
Football is a game of skill, we kicked them a bit and they kicked us a bit. - Graham Roberts.
I am a firm believer that if you score one goal the other team have to score two to win. - Howard Wilkinson.
Wilkins sends an inch perfect pass to no one in particular. - Byron Butler.
Most of the people who can remember when we were a great club are dead. - Notts County chairman.
Football is a game in which a handful of fit men run around for one and a half hours watched by millions of people who could really use the exercise. - Anonymous.
Never go for a 50-50 ball unless you're 80-20 sure of winning it. - Ian Darke.
He (David Beckham) cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that he's all right. - George Best.
It was like being in a foreign country. - Ian Rush, on the difficulties of adjusting to playing football and living in Italy.

2010-06-22T09:43:00.002+08:00

I learned a new thing yesterday. If someone pisses you off or irritate you, just send them angry e-mails as well as to all your enemies......only just don't press 'enter' button.

Little girl WOWs Simon

2010-06-10T17:11:00.000+08:00

Des O'Connor - I Pretend

2010-06-10T16:39:00.000+08:00

Building Your House

2010-05-24T15:12:00.000+08:00

This is taken from Inspirational Short Stories.

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go & asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... my gift to you."

The carpenter was shocked!

What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently.

But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude, and the choices you make today, help build the "house" you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, Build wisely!

Leadership

2010-04-29T08:35:00.002+08:00

*Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.

*Leadership is the ability to get extraordinary achievement from ordinary people.

*Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.

*Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems.

*Respect is the key determinant of high-performance leadership. How much people respect you determines how well you perform.

*The three "C's" of leadership are Consideration, Caring, and Courtesy. Be polite to everyone.

"The Treasury of Quotes" by Brian Tracy

Know something....if you don't have these qualities, no worries, many do not as well...me too.
All in the same boat. That's why we are soooooooooo ordinary.

Hahahahahaha!!!!

2010-04-22T15:59:00.001+08:00

A lady walks into Tiffany's. She looks around, spots a beautiful diamond
bracelet and walks over to inspect it. As she bends over the display case to look more closely, she unexpectedly farts.

Very embarrassed, she looks around nervously to see if anyone noticed her
little 'whoops' and prays that a sales person wasn't anywhere near.

As she turns around, her worst nightmare materializes in the form of a
handsome young salesman standing right behind her.

Cool as a cucumber, he displays all of the aplomb one would expect of a
professional in a store like Tiffany's. He politely greets the lady with,
'Good day, Madam. How may we help you today?'

Blushing and uncomfortable, but still hoping that the salesman somehow
missed her little 'indiscretion', she asks, 'Sir, what is the price of this lovely bracelet?'

He answers, "Madam....if you farted just looking at it - you're going to shit
when I tell you the price".

2010-04-08T15:56:00.001+08:00

Which do you prefer......

A life with Love with some thorns
or
A life without Love but have no Roses.

Luck O Luck. Where Art Thou O Luck!!

2010-03-03T14:22:00.001+11:00

Carl Zuckmeyer, a playwright and a writer, once said, "One half of life is luck; the other half is discipline - and that's the important half, for without discipline you wouldn't know what to do with luck."

Now I know why I'm not successful. I'm still waiting for my LUCK.

2010-03-02T21:06:00.001+11:00

VERY SHORT, MOST EFFECTIVE AND HOW TRUE...

30 second Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you ' re keeping all of these in the Air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back..

But the other four Balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it."

WORK EFFICIENTLY DURING OFFICE HOURS AND LEAVE ON TIME. GIVE THE REQUIRED TIME TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & HAVE PROPER REST.

2010-03-02T12:22:00.002+11:00

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

-- Robert Louis Stevenson

Nine Things More Important than Capital by Jim Rohn

2010-02-25T12:30:00.001+11:00

Got this from the late Jim Rohn, world renowned business philosopher and guru.

When starting any enterprise or business, whether it is full-time or
part-time, we all know the value of having plenty of capital (money). But I
bet we both know or at least have heard of people who started with no
capital who went on to make fortunes. How? You may ask.

Well, I believe there are actually some things that are more valuable than
capital that can lead to your entrepreneurial success. Let me give you the
list.

1. Time.
Time is more valuable than capital. The time you set aside not to be wasted,
not to be given away. Time you set aside to be invested in an enterprise
that brings value to the marketplace with the hope of making a profit. Now
we have capital time.

How valuable is time? Time properly invested is worth a fortune. Time wasted
can be devastation. Time invested can perform miracles, so you invest your
time.

2. Desperation.
I have a friend Lydia, whose first major investment in her new enterprise
was desperation. She said, "My kids are hungry, I gotta make this work. If
this doesn't work, what will I do?" So she invested $1 in her enterprise
selling a product she believed in. The $1 was to buy a few fliers so she
could make a sale at retail, collect the money and then buy the product
wholesale to deliver back to the customer.

My friend Bill Bailey went to Chicago as a teenager after he got out of high
school. And the first job he got was as a night janitor. Someone said,
"Bill, why would you settle for night janitor?" He said, "Malnutrition." You
work at whatever you can possibly get when you get hungry. You go to work
somewhere -- night janitor, it doesn't matter where it is. Years later, now
Bill is a recipient of the Horatio Alger award, rich and powerful and one of
the great examples of lifestyle that I know. But, his first job -- night
janitor. Desperation can be a powerful incentive. When you say - I must.

3. Determination.
Determination says I will. First Lydia said, "I must find a customer."
Desperation. Second, she said, "I will find someone before this first day is
over." Sure enough, she found someone. She said, "If it works once, it will
work again." But then the next person said, "No." Now what must you invest?

4. Courage.
Courage is more valuable than capital. If you've only got $1 and a lot of
courage, I'm telling you, you've got a good future ahead of you. Courage in
spite of the circumstances. Humans can do the most incredible things no
matter what happens. Haven't we heard the stories? There are some recent
ones from Kosovo that are some of the most classic, unbelievable stories of
being in the depths of hell and finally making it out. It's humans. You
can't sell humans short. Courage in spite of, not because of, but in spite
of. Now once Lydia has made 3 or 4 sales and gotten going, here's what now
takes over.

5. Ambition.
"Wow! If I can sell 3, I can sell 33. If I can sell 33, I can sell 103."
Wow. Lydia is now dazzled by her own dreams of the future.

6. Faith.
Now she begins to believe she's got a good product. This is probably a good
company. And she then starts to believe in herself. Lydia, single mother, 2
kids, no job. "My gosh, I'm going to pull it off!" Her self-esteem starts to
soar. These are investments that are unmatched. Money can't touch it. What
if you had a million dollars and no faith? You'd be poor. You wouldn't be
rich. Now here is the next one, the reason why she's a millionaire today.

7. Ingenuity.
Putting your brains to work. Probably up until now, you've put about 1/10 of
your brainpower to work. What if you employed the other 9/10? You can't
believe what can happen. Humans can come up with the most intriguing things
to do. Ingenuity. What's ingenuity worth? A fortune. It is more valuable
than money. All you need is a $1 and plenty of ingenuity. Figuring out a way
to make it work, make it work, make it work.

8. Heart and Soul.
What is a substitute for heart and soul? It's not money. Money can't buy
heart and soul. Heart and soul is more valuable than a million dollars. A
million dollars without heart and soul, you have no life. You are
ineffective. But, heart and soul is like the unseen magic that moves people,
moves people to buy, moves people to make decisions, moves people to act,
moves people to respond.

9. Personality.
You've just got to spruce up and sharpen up your own personality. You've got
plenty of personality. Just get it developed to where it is effective every
day, it's effective no matter who you talk to - whether it is a child or
whether it is a business person - whether it is a rich person or a poor
person. A unique personality that is at home anywhere. One of my mentors,
Bill Bailey, taught me, "You've got to learn to be just as comfortable, Mr.
Rohn, whether it is in a little shack in Kentucky having a beer and watching
the fights with Winfred, my old friend or in a Georgian mansion in
Washington, DC as the Senator's guest." Move with ease whether it is with
the rich or whether it is with the poor. And it makes no difference to you
who is rich or who is poor. A chance to have a unique relationship with
whomever. The kind of personality that's comfortable. The kind of
personality that's not bent out of shape.

And lastly, let's not forget charisma and sophistication. Charisma with a
touch of humility. This entire list is more valuable than money. With one
dollar and the list I just gave you, the world is yours. It belongs to you,
whatever piece of it you desire whatever development you wish for your life.
I've given you the secret. Capital. The kind of capital that is more
valuable than money and that can secure your future and fortune. Remember
that you lack not the resources.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

2010-01-05T17:53:00.001+11:00

Never Argue With Kids

My 4 year old son came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in the garbage.

He stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my bathroom and came out with my toothbrush.

He held it up and said with a charming little smile, "We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it fell in the toilet a few days ago.

On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother.

The note read, "The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents."

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover.

The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, "What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother."I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human, it was physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".

The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".

The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture." Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'that's Michael. He's a doctor.'"

A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher. She's dead."

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.""Yes," the class said.

"Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary positions the blood doesn't run into my feet?"A little fellow shouted, "Because your feet aren't empty."

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching."

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

A child had written a note, "Take all You want. God is watching the apples!"

A kindergarten teacher at age 30 was talking to the children seated on the floor around her, absentmindedly she removed her glasses to clean them.

"Wow, Miss Collins!" one child exclaimed. "You look really different without your glasses on !"Another child piped up, "I bet she looks different when she takes her teeth out, too!"

2009-12-02T20:54:00.001+11:00

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life..
The golf balls are the important things - family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee /Tea with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

Farewell to Nathan from all of us at The National Press Club

2009-09-30T18:09:00.002+08:00

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nathan will be laid to rest tomorrow. Service will be at Fatima Church, Brickfields at 1.30pm.
My only regret is that I didn't do enough good for or to Nathan....and now its too late.

Selective Listening

2009-09-29T17:03:00.002+08:00

Practice the skill of selective listening, Jim Rohn once said.
'Don't spend most of your time on the voices that don't count; voices that are going to add too little worth to your future. Don't waste time on the shallow and the silly. Tune those voices out and tune in the voices that are going to add something to your life'.
Wow! sounds like Jim Rohn is warning people about me.

2009-08-19T14:54:00.001+08:00

.............For almost an hour, I sat there in awe as he (Charlie Cullen) spoke passionately about the keys to success. He talked about courage, humility, perseverance, and believing in your dreams. And he ended with a story I never forgot.

He said that he was in the Oklahoma City airport when he saw a woman walking along with three little girls. They were skipping and singing, "Daddy's coming home on a big jet! Daddy's coming home on a big jet!" All excited! Eyes lit up like diamonds! Wild anticipation! They had never before met Daddy coming home on a jet. Their mother was so proud of them. You could see it in her eyes.

Then the plane arrived, the door opened and the passengers streamed in. You didn't have to ask which one was Daddy. The girls' eyes were glued on him. But his first look was for his wife. Seeing her, he yelled, "Why in the heck didn't you bring my top coat?" and walked right past his adoring daughters.

You see, here was a man who had an opportunity to be great, and he didn't recognize it.

How many times a day, a week, a month do we have the opportunity to be great, and not even know it?

I heard this story over 40 years ago, but I never forgot it. It helped to shape my life in a very positive way...to focus on what matter's most.

About 5 years ago I began to speak to corporate audiences and I began to write. Since then, I've been very blessed to be able to share some of the many lessons I've learned in both business and in life. And, I always do it with stories. Charlie Cullen taught me that people forget lectures, but they remember stories.....

Mac Anderson -Simple Truths

JUst Do It

2009-08-05T15:59:00.002+08:00

If there's anything worst than a job unfinished is a job never begun. Its just like an imperfect plan implemented is better than a perfect plan never implemented.
My business partners just opened a Nutrition Bar and its is far from ready to start business. But they went ahead as scheduled and I think it's the right decision. You improvise as you get along...only don't take too long.

2009-08-03T17:36:00.001+08:00

If we wish is to soar like the eagle, we must let go of everything that holds us down...even things like keeping people down.

From Within

2009-07-31T10:21:00.002+08:00

.....Out there is just the prize. But to achieve the prize, the dream has to come from within, so does the desire, the discipline, the drive.

Dr. Tom Barrett - Dare to Dream, Work to Win

Improve! How?

2009-07-22T15:29:00.000+08:00

"When the archer misses the mark, he turns and looks for the fault within himself. Failure to hit the bull's eye is never the fault of the target. To improve your aim - improve yourself."

Gilbert Arland
Writer

I Learned From My Wife

2009-07-21T11:24:00.003+08:00

I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the Way he/she handles four things:
* a rainy day
* the elderly
* lost luggage
* treating a waiter/waitress

I've learned that, regardless with your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they've gone from your life.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life'.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch....holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!!

cheers!

beth

The Morning Glory

2009-07-17T14:45:00.001+08:00

........Morning Glories open themselves up to the world, in the morning, in all of their glory, hence the name, Morning Glory.

And if you look closely at them, you will see how extraordinary they are, both in colour and texture, and that in their centre, is a kind of golden light that shines from within.

But here is the hard part...

At the end of the day, they turn a most beautiful shade of lavender, and then close up, wither and die. They live for only one day, and then they are gone. I cannot tell you how much this saddened me, and what a profound effect this little flower had upon my life. I kept thinking how sad to be so beautiful and live for only one day. And then, I suddenly realized what a gift they were.

You see, it doesn't matter how long your life is. It only matters that you were here, in all your glory, that you opened up completely, and let your light shine, and that you brought joy to those who came into contact with you. That's what matters to the morning glory, and that's what really matters to all of us.

The morning glories make me appreciate every new day now, in a way I didn't before. Each evening, I go and visit with them, knowing those particular ones won't be here tomorrow, new ones will take their place. If we knew when we woke up in the morning, that we only had that one day to really live, life would be very different indeed for many of us.

Now, each morning, I give thanks that I have been given the gift of another day, in all its glory. We can learn from all of life, if we remain open to the beauty that is all around us. And nature can be one of our greatest teachers.

What a profound lesson from such a simple flower.

Thank you, my sweet little morning glories!

Veronica Hay

Veronica Hay is an inspirational writer and author of In A Dream, You Can Do Anything, An Extraordinary Collection Of Words.

2009-07-03T14:05:00.002+08:00

People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel...good or bad, they'll never forget.

So forget the drama and Petty things. Leave them out.
So kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.

2009-07-03T13:52:00.002+08:00

Words of wisdom from The Man Himself, Mr Jim Rohn.......

The story about the little swallow...

The little swallow was covering one eye with its wing and crying bitterly. An owl flew by and asked, 'Little Bird, what's wrong?' The swallow pulled away its wing and showed a gash where once it had an eye. ' Now I understand' hooted the owl, blinking. ' You're crying because the crow pecked out your eye.' 'No' replied the bird sadly, ' I'm not crying because the crow pecked out my eye; I'm crying because I let him.'

Is anyone pecking out at your vision?

6 Simple Exercise To Get Your Body Into That Bikini

2009-04-04T16:06:00.004+08:00

By Raphael Calzadilla, BA, CPT, ACE, RTS1 eDiets Chief Fitness Pro

www.ediets.com

There is plenty of time to make changes and lose fat. However, it won't happen fast because the human body can only lose up to 2 pounds of fat per week without losing muscle. No worries though. In a short eight weeks, you can lose approximately 12 to 16 pounds of pure body fat.

The formula for losing fat never changes: Maintain consistency with of the nutrition programs, weight train to stimulate the metabolism and perform cardiovascular exercise to burn additional calories. Use this strategy and you will get to your goal.

The designed workout below is to burn lots of calories and to stimulate upper and lower body muscles.

Now let's get to work.

Power Walking

Instruction: Warm-up for five minutes and then power walk for 15 minutes. Generally, a good speed is between 3.5 mph to 4 mph. Immediately go to the next exercise.

Movement:

Power walking is a mix between walking and running. The technique is more like walking, but the idea is to get to speed closer to running.

Key Points:

Power walking is a safe, low-impact activity that provides a great workout. It is an activity that can be performed year-round, outside, in the gym or at the mall.

Wear comfortable clothing, and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes.

Anyone with the approval of their physician may participate in power walking for cardiovascular fitness.

Barbell Rear Squat

Instruction: Perform two sets of 20 repetitions and wait no longer than 40 seconds between sets. Then, immediately go to the next exercise.

Starting Position:

Place a barbell or broom stick across the back of your shoulders. Be sure it is not resting on your neck. It should be on the highest part of your back.

Place feet flat on the floor, shoulder-distance apart.

Movement:

Concentrating on the quadriceps, lower your body by bending from your hips and knees stopping when your thighs are parallel with the floor.

Slowly return to the starting position.

Key Points:

Inhale as you lower your body.

Exhale while returning to the starting position.

Do not let your knees ride over your toes (you should be able to see your feet at all times).

It helps to find a marker on the wall to keep your eye on as you lift and lower. Otherwise, your head may tend to fall forward and your body will follow.

Think about sitting back in a chair as you are lowering down.

Push off with your heels as you return to the starting position.

You may want to try this exercise without weights until you master the movement. It is a very effective exercise that involves most of the muscle groups of the lower body, but if done improperly can lead to injuries.

Dumbbell Incline Chest Press

Instruction: Perform 12 repetitions for two sets and wait no longer than 30 seconds between sets. Then, immediately go to the next exercise.

Starting Position:

Lie on your back on an incline bench with your spine in a neutral position.

Hold a dumbbell in each hand at chest level with your elbows at a 90-degree angle facing outward and palms facing forward. If you do not have an incline bench or flat bench, simply lie with your back against the floor and perform a chest press.

Movement:

Contracting the chest muscles, press both arms upward above the chest until the arms are fully extended with a slight bend in the elbows.

Slowly return to the starting position.

Key Points:

Exhale while lifting the weight.

Inhale while returning to the starting position.

The Lunge

Instruction: Perform 15 repetitions for two sets on each leg and wait 60 seconds between sets. Immediately go to the next exercise.

Starting Position:

Stand straight with your feet together.

Hold a dumbbell or cans in each hand with your arms down at your sides.

Movement:

Step forward with the right leg and lower the left leg until the knee almost touches the floor.

Contracting the quadriceps muscles, push off your right foot, slowly returning to the starting position.

Alternate the motion with the left leg to complete the set.

Key Points:

Inhale while stepping forward.

Exhale while returning to the starting position.

The step should be big enough that your left leg is nearly straight. Do not let your knee touch the floor.

Make sure your head is up and your back is straight.

Your chest should be lifted and your front leg should form a 90-degree angle at the bottom of the movement.

Your right knee should not pass your right foot. You should be able to see your toes at all times.

If you have one leg that is more dominant than the other, start out with the less dominant leg first.

Discontinue this exercise if you feel any discomfort in your knees.

Dumbbell Reverse Lat Row

Instruction: Perform two sets of 12 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.

Starting Position:

Sit on a bench with your feet close together.

Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms hanging down at your sides and palms facing one another.

Bend your upper body so it is parallel with the floor.

Movement:

Contracting the mid to lower back muscles, draw both arms toward your body and turn your wrists so that your palms are facing the ceiling. Keep your elbows tight against the body and stop when your arms are at chest level.

Slowly return to the starting position.

Key Points:

Exhale while lifting the weight.

Inhale while returning to the starting position Perform 15 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.

The Triceps Extension

Instruction: Perform two sets of 12 repetitions and wait no more than 30 seconds between sets.

Starting Position:

Stand with a dumbbell in your right hand and your left hand on your hip.

Press the weight over your head until your right arm is almost straight with a slight bend in the elbow at the top position.

Do not allow the weight to touch your head or neck area.

Movement:

Slowly bend your elbow, lowering the weight until your arm forms a 90-degree angle behind your head stopping before the weight touches your back.

Contracting the triceps muscles, slowly return to the starting position.

Key Points:

Exhale while returning to the starting position.

Inhale while lowering the weight.

After completing the set on the right side, repeat on the left side.

This exercise is not to be performed with large dumbbells. The technique is more important than the weight.

You can also perform this exercise while seated on a bench.

After completing the Triceps Extension, Immediately go back to power walking for an additional 20 minutes. Make sure to cool down for five minutes after your walk and then stretch for five minutes.

Perform the above routine (weights and cardio) three alternate days per week. In addition, perform the power walking exercise component one additional day with no added weight training.

Prepare for some serious perspiration and a slimmer, tighter, healthier body.

As always, please check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Plenty Give, Plenty Get.

2009-03-25T22:46:00.001+08:00

Josh Hinds, motivational speaker,author and coach sent me this...

Dear tony,
"The people who receive the most are the ones who give the most. This is true of individuals, but also for businesses. If the focus is on how can we give the absolute best service, then the profits will follow. If a company is only focused on profits, they miss the big picture and will always be scurrying for business instead of having clients chasing them."

Susan Bagyura
Author of the just released book, The Visionary Leader: How To Inspire Success From The Top Down

Stop Second-Guessing Yourself! Stay on Top of Go-With-Your-Gut Situations By: Bean Jones

2009-03-11T11:28:00.002+08:00

Article below is taken from www.simpleology.com

It always helps to you crank up your intuition when you're tasked to make decisions. Your gut enables you to make sound judgments that aren't based on misleading appearances or other people's opinions.

As such, experts present three situations where your gut should know what's best:

1. Medical Double-Take

According to Dr. John Amory, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington, there are times when doctors may overlook symptoms that don't fit with the usual model of a disease. This can happen especially if the patient appears to be a healthy individual with no vices.
In any case, you know your body better. If you feel something is amiss and you're not satisfied with your doctor's diagnosis, go ahead and get a second opinion.

2. Moral Dilemma
Let's say you caught your co-worker making hapless interns do tasks that have nothing to do with the office such as fetch his dry cleaning and take his pet to the vet. Should you blow the whistle?

While many people may tell you to look away in order to keep the peace at the office, your conscience may nag you. Harvard University researcher Dr. Fiery Cushman states, "Moral judgments are a combination of intuitive gut reactions and reflections."

Thus, when you're dealing with a moral issue, weigh the practical facts but follow what your conscience tells you. Report your co-worker's wrongdoing because it's the right thing to do.

3. Game Time
When you're playing a game, overanalyzing your moves won't do you any good. In a study conducted at Michigan State University, researchers found that topnotch chess players' performance didn't suffer during "blitz chess" sessions (a five-minute version of the traditional chess game).

"The choice that feels right is often correct," says Dr. Paul Slovic, president of Decision Research, a nonprofit group that studies human judgment and risk analysis. He adds: "That feeling you have is your intuition checking up on your analytic thinking."

Bottom line: Trust your gut during these instances. Most of the time, you already know what you should do despite what others may tell you.

The Silver State

2009-02-05T21:45:00.003+08:00

Seems that the 'Silver' State needs polishing..and a real thorough one at that. In the year of HRH Silver Jubilee anniversary, this fiasco has to happen. Someone at the National Press Club commented last night, 'Whats happening in the Silver State is a circus'. Well if that is the case, I wish to know:
* Who are the clowns?
* Who is the Ring master?

I recall from my childhood that circuses are suppose to entertain us and make us happy. I don't think the people of the Silver State are amused...are they?

....just call out my name.....I'll be there.

2009-01-31T20:53:00.003+08:00

It really doesn't matter if you are BN or Pakatan Rakyat, if you can truly enshrine the lyrics of this song in your manifesto, I'll cast my lot with you. Forget about eradicating poverty, about right and wrong, about love and hate. If you can do half of what these words say, I'll cast my lot with you.

Sorry Suzzane/Carrie Anne/Medley/Bus Stop/He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother

2009-01-29T22:59:00.003+08:00

For whats happening in the world today; with LEEDS UTD languishing in the 3rd Division; whats happening in Gaza, at home here in Malaysia......the music of the sixties and the sixties itself, as master Dennis Armstrong puts it...the defining years......listen to one of my 3 all-time favoutite bands ever..The Hollies!

Insight Of The Day

2009-01-29T10:08:00.002+08:00

Dear tony,

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr.
1929-1968, American Civil Rights Leader

Can Obama deliver? Unbelievable poll shows.

Last week, I came across an interesting
USA TODAY/ Gallup Poll. It seems that there
are stratospheric expectations for Obama.

A majority of those surveyed say Obama will be
able to achieve every one of 10 major campaign
promises. Every. Single. One.

I don't want to dampen hopes, and I'm not
quoting this to make any predictions. But
reading this poll just made me think to myself.

How come it's easier for people to believe in
someone they haven't met to make change in
their lives, and yet. they find it so hard to
believe in themselves?

Isn't it time you believed in YOURSELF to make
the change you want to see?

Cheers,
Your Friends at Insight of the Day

PS: The poll also shows that 7 in 10 predict the
nation will be better off when Obama's term ends
in four years.

If you could get the Law of Attraction to work for
you 7 out of 10 times (or more!) where would your
life be right now?

http://www.the11forgottenlaws.com/teleseminar/?p=301

Sent to me as a courtesy of:

Josh Hinds
Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Coach
http://www.GetMotivation.com

Its The Bond, Not The Bind.

2009-01-23T13:04:00.002+08:00

I received this from a dear friend. I wish to share this with all my readers.

A Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father. The little girl replied, "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."
In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours...
This message is short..........but pregnant with meaning....

The Renewal Of The Mind.

2009-01-19T14:37:00.002+08:00

Spent the whole weekend in a Herbalife seminar.

A time well spent. It didn't explicitly tell me to sell Herbalife products but thought me how to be a better person, how to live life to its fullest.....remember John 10:10...I came that you may have LIFE and have it abundantly.

And it all starts with the mind...the renewal of the mind. EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING starts with the mind..a decision..followed by action.

Must try this and see the results come 31st Dec 2009.

"Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think."

Benjamin Disraeli
1804-1881, British Prime Minister

Dogged Determination

2009-01-11T22:14:00.001+08:00

Grab hold of that bone and never let it go!

"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right."

- Walt Disney

Have you ever witnessed a dog with a bone? No matter how hard you try to wrench it out of that pooch's mouth, she won't let go. As a matter of fact, the more you attempt to take the bone away, the deeper the dog will sink her teeth in. That is sheer, dogged determination, a quality that is absolutely required if you want to achieve any goal, no matter how large or small-that is, regardless of the size of the bone.

The late Maurice Richard was a dog with a bone when it came to pursuing his dream of playing hockey. It was very clear what he wanted to do with his life early on, even though he incurred a large number of injuries at a young age. While he was ultimately accepted to play with the Montreal Canadiens, very early in his career he was labelled a "frail" player. He was also challenged by a lack of support from those around him, except for his devoted wife. Maurice's passion for the sport took him past these obstacles, however, and led him to a record-breaking career of more than 20 years. He had a bone and would not let go!

When you know what you want, and you have no doubt that you want it, you need to become just like Maurice Richard. Clench your teeth firmly on your bone and don't let it go. Be determined not to allow anyone or anything to take it from you.

Many circumstances can make it difficult to hold on, such as health challenges or your own doubts and fears. Other people, even well-meaning loved ones, may also try to yank that bone away from you. When you face these obstacles, you just need to turn up the volume on your determination and feel the passion of your desire, the force that will propel you toward your goals.

While being determined is crucial, it's also important to open yourself up to receive new ideas and expand your thinking. You must be ready to let go of those limiting thoughts that feature the words should and ought to, such as, I should be realistic and not make such a lofty goal for myself, or I ought to do what the people I love want me to do instead of pursuing my own passion. Go for what you really want!

Challenge yourself to scratch out a new path and chase your dream, but be careful of the route you take. Be willing to explore new paths; after all, if you travel the same route that you've been taking thus far, you'll end up at the same destination. Is that where you long to go?

Peggy McColl

Excerpt taken from New York Times Best-Selling Author Peggy's McColl's new book: Be a Dog With a Bone (Always Go For Your Dreams) Get your copy here.

article courtesy of:

Josh Hinds
Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Coach
http://www.GetMotivation.com

Responding, Not Reacting, to Life - Zig Zigglar

2009-01-08T12:40:00.003+08:00

We are just into the 1st week of the new year and the good or bad news is that, we have 51 weeks left to do what we wish to do or accomplish or failed to do or accomplish in 2008.

This bring to mind the wise saying of Zig Zigglar:
'When you respond to life, that's positive; when you react to life, that's negative.'

Example: You get sick and go to the doctor. Chances are good that after an examination, the doctor would give you a prescription with instructions to return in several days.
If, when you walk back in the door, the doctor starts shaking his/her head and says, "It looks like your body is reacting to the medicine; we're going to have to change it," you probably would get a little nervous.
However, if the doctor smiles and says, "You're looking great! Your body is responding to the medication," you would feel relieved. Yes, responding to life is good...

The message is clear: If we respond to life instead of reacting to it, then we've got a much better chance of achieving something.
Respond, respond, respond....not react, not react, not react to circumstances.....this I must keep in mind...forever!

NEW YEAR GREETINGS

2009-01-01T10:36:00.003+08:00

Just like me, I'm sure everyone's hand-phone and e-mails would have been jammed packed with New Year greetings. Yet I must say that there are some really cool, some hilarious, some just standard greetings but are truly sincere ones. And I'm sure most of you have the same ones as well.
Anyway I like to share some of these greetings I received via sms and e-mail:

The first one I received:

'Dear friends, sorry I don't meet all your year end invites. But nevertheless, lets move on, straight ahead, no looking back. What was bad in the past may be worst in the future; what was good may become better. That's life and it has it that the future is ours to take on. Happy new year.'

The shortest ones I received:

'Happy 2009'

'Happy New Year 2 u 2.'

'Cheers to a better future.'

'Happy New Year, God Bless. Love....'

'God Bless all in good health always' ( no mention of luck and money this one)

Philosophical ones:

'A Good sms for a Good person from a Good friend for a Good reason at a Good time on a Good day and Good Health to say Happy New Year 2009 to you.'

'A year round wish for you and your family...12 months Happiness, 52 weeks Fun, 365 days Success, 8,760 hrs Good Health, 525,600 mins. Good Luck, 31,536,000 secs. Joy *Happy 2009*.'

'The year is almost gone, but it has made us strong. The path was long, but we walked it with a song. There were fears and tears but we also had reasons for cheers. Wishing you Happy memories for 2008 and have a great 2009 ahead. Happy New Year.'

'Receive my simple gift of LOVE wrapped with SINCERITY, tied with CARE and sealed with PRAYER to keep you and your family SAFE and HAPPY all year long. Wishing you a Happy New Year 2009.'

'May 2009 bring joy and Happiness, wealth and health 2 you and family.'

'Have a great year ahead tony.'

B-egin 2009 with
L-ove in our hearts
E-xpect blessings
S-hare goodness
S-hine like the sun
I-nspire someone
N-ever forget that
G-od is with us.
Lets make 2009 another great and wonderful year.'

'My wish for you in 2009....May peace break into your home and may thieves come in and steal your debts...May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of RM100 bills...May love stick to your face like vaseline and may laughter assault your lips...May happiness slap you across your face and may your tears be that of joy...may the problems you had forget your home address. In simple words, may 2009 be the best year of your life!'

'Filter the bad tots of this year and take along all the good deeds, action, feelings etc and let them be the foundation of your new year and rest assured you shall have a Happy New Year..Blessed be the year for you and your family.'

'Well that's another year going by. Here's to a good year ahead. Count your blessings and look forward to the new year with optimism. Happy new year and may God bless you and your family.'

'May the Lord bless you and the family with blessings of love, joy and happiness. Happy new year.'

'Happy new year. May the bitter sweet memories of yesteryear challenges you to be stronger in mind, body and spirit. Have a great year ahead.'

'2009 is at your doorstep...Remember, life is short, break the rules, forgive and forget quickly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile...wishing you a wonderful and prosperous new year.'

'Every day God thinks of you. Every hour God looks after you. Every min. God cares for you. B'cos every sec He loves you. God is always there for you. Have a blessed new year 2009.'

'To all my friends, I give you all my best wishes on the last day of 2008 and may God bless you at all times in this coming 2009.'

'.....May the grace and peace of God be with you and your family, God bless.'

' Leave behind the madness, mayhem and memorable memories of 2008. Heck! lets do it all over again in 2009. Happy new year.'

'2009 dream bigger than ever before. Together we can make all dreams come true. Happy prosperous new year.'

'A happy 2009 to u and family. I agree..that's life but its never easy and everyone makes mistakes. This is normal and it takes 2 to tango. Have a jolly good evening - I know I am. God bless.'

'As Time always move forward and never backwards, so shall you always progress in all you do in life. Happy new year.'

'Please accept my sincere GREETINGS & BEST WISHES for a HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

May the dawn of 2009 bring PEACE to EVERYONE and let all financial calamities faced during the last few turbulent months be over and let prosperity reign again.'

Quotations and Sayings:

'Live well, love much, Laugh often - an old Italian wish for you this new year 2009.'

'Wishing you a Happy New Year- For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice - T.S. Elliot.'

'Tq. And I wish u and yr loved ones peace, good health, prosperity and happiness my dear bro. for 2009. I'm reminding myself of a saying by Ghandi - Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it. I find it less stressful. Hepinuyea!

'The happiest person don't necessarily have the best of everything, 'THEY MUST MAKE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING' wishing you and your family a bright and successful 2009. God bless.'

And lastly, a really challenging one:

'Starting Thursday, 1st Jan 2009, may you be as handsome as your mother thinks; may you be as rich as your child believes; and may you have as many women as your wife suspects! I wish that you may have the courage of David, the meekness of Joseph, the tenacity of Moses, the obedience of Abraham, the wisdom of Solomon and the Penis of Goliath and a Happy New Year!'

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009
Malay - Selamat Tahun Baru
Philippines - Manigong Bagong Taon!
Portuguese - Feliz Ano Novo
Punjabi - Nave sal di mubarak
Tamil - Eniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal
Chinese - Xin Nian Kuai Le
French - Bonne Annee
German - Prosit Neujahr
Malayalam - Puthuvatsara Aashamsakal
Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai

Greek	Kenourios Chronos
Gujarati	Nutan Varshbhinandan
Hawaiian	Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew	L'Shannah Tovah
Hindi	Naye Varsha Ki Shubhkamanyen
Hong kong	(Cantonese) Sun Leen Fai Lok
Hungarian	Boldog Ooy Ayvet
Indonesian	Selamat Tahun Baru
Iranian	Sal -e- no mobarak
Iraqi	Sanah Jadidah
Irish	Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit

Wishing Everyone A Good 2009

2008-12-30T18:09:00.005+08:00

And I pray we will always live with our heads closely attached to our hearts and not one without the other.

If we think we are unhappy,
look at them

If we think our salary
is low, how about her?

If we think we don't
have many friends...

When we feel like
giving up, think of
this man

If we think we
suffer in life,
do we suffer
as much as he does?

If we complain about
our transport system,
how about them?

If our society is unfair
to us, how about her?

Enjoy life how it is and as it comes

Things are worse for others and is a lot better for us

There are many things in our life that will catch our eye
but only a few will catch our heart....lets pursue those...

A HEALTHY BREAKFAST MAY BE YOUR ANSWER!

2008-12-20T11:21:00.003+08:00

It has been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But I was never told why. Well below is a simple explanation why, not only breakfast BUT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST, is so very important...everyday.... for better health.

What do you have for breakfast?

Chances are, like most people, you have either a simple carbohydrate ‘meal’ of toast or cereal or nasi-lemak, roti canai, laksa, mee soup or goreng etc, or you skip breakfast entirely (usually leading to mid-morning snacking).

Both of these approaches lead to rapid increases in blood sugar and insulin, carbohydrate cravings (snacking) and a drop in energy.

Carbohydrate-based breakfast…

In the morning, simple carbohydrates (sugary refined cereals, white bread, toast etc) cause an immediate surge in blood sugar, which results in a substantial release of insulin from our pancreas.

The insulin removes most of the sugar from our blood, turning any excess into fat. The result is a decreased level of blood sugar, and thirst for more carbohydrates. This cycle repeats itself 2-3 more times during the day.

This vicious cycle constitutes one of the major reasons for diabetes, high blood pressure and extra weight.

Skipping breakfast…

When we skip breakfast, blood sugar drops below the normal level , leading to cravings and a drop in energy.

You again revert to simple carbohydrates to achieve a quick surge of blood sugar and to overcome hunger and a drop of energy. Simple carbohydrates will cause a immediate surge of blood sugar level and a substantial insulin emission. The insulin removes sugar from blood turning it excess into fat. Then this cycle repeats itself 2-3 more times during the day.

This vicious cycle constitutes one of the major reasons for diabetes, high blood pressure and extra weight.

Balanced healthy breakfast

Such a breakfast supplies our body with all vital nutrients and energy without increasing blood sugar and insulin levels. It helps to avoid dependence on carbohydrates during the day. In this way, appetite stays under control, craving for carbohydrates (snacks, chocolate, pastry, junk, soft drinks, etc) diminish and the body uses its own stored fats to get more energy.

A healthy breakfast …

A balanced healthy breakfast should do three things:

Rehydrate the body, to replace the fluids lost during sleep.
Provide the body with energy.
Provide the body with all vital nutrients while helping to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

If you need more info about A HEALTHY BREAKFAST PROGRAM, just send me an email and I will forward it to the a Wellness Coach to assist you.
As someone once said, 'Eat, shrink and be merry'.

Diabetes Holiday Survival Guide

2008-12-18T01:00:00.001+08:00

Show:	Diabetes Holiday Survival Guide
Host:	Gloria Tsang, RD
Guest:	Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE

>> Listen to this Podcast

Or read the transcript below........

Gloria Tsang, RD: Welcome to the Nutrition Tidbits Podcast. This is Gloria Tsang, Editor-in-Chief for HealthCastle.com. The holiday festivity can be a challenge for people with diabetes but there is no reason to get stressed about it. Joining me today is diabetes nutritionist Amy Campbell, nutrition education manager at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. She is also the author of 16 Myths of a Diabetic Diet. She is here today to talk about easy steps to face the holiday head-on. Thank you for being with us again Amy.

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: Thank you for having me Gloria.

Gloria Tsang, RD: We often talk about planning ahead being a good strategy for people living with diabetes. What exactly should we plan if we know we are going to head to a party tonight?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: That is a really good question Gloria. I think planning ahead for people with diabetes is essential, particularly around the holidays. We ask people to plan ahead in terms of thinking about what kind of foods to choose and whether they are going to have an alcoholic beverage. It's also important for people to think about if they are taking medication. For instance, when are they going to take their insulin. Do they bring it to the party with them or not? These are all things that they need to consider before they head of to the party.

Gloria Tsang, RD: So if they know they are going to a party at six o'clock and know that they are going to over eat a little bit as its the holidays, what should they do 6-8 hours prior to the party?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: What we don't want them to do is skip meals. All too often, people will starve themselves during the day so that they can eat a lot during the night time. That's really the wrong approach. We want people to eat their regular meals, maybe a little bit on the lighter side that's fine. And actually, even before they head off to the party, have a small snack. For example, an apple with a little bit of peanut butter or some cheese and crackers. That can prevent them from over eating once they are at the party.

Gloria Tsang, RD: That is a good strategy. So should they start nibbling some snacks 2-4 hours prior to that?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: That's a great idea. And we don't want people to over do the snack either but if they have a little bit of a snack a couple of hours before hand, that can take the edge off their appetite and it won't send their blood glucose levels too high either.

Gloria Tsang, RD: Now what items on the traditional holiday menu are high in carbohydrates and therefore, people with diabetes should pay more attention to?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: There are so many items. Traditional foods like stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and of course, all of the delectable desserts are very high in carbohydrates. It doesn't mean that people cannot enjoy some of them, but it really means watching portions. A way to get around that is actually try to fill up most of your plate with the non-carbohydrate foods such as turkey meat without the skin, steamed vegetables like green beans and even a nice, big garden salad. And then save a little room on the plate for the homemade stuffing, the mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can even save a little bit of room for a sliver of pie if you want some.

Gloria Tsang, RD: Let's talk about alcohol. As you know, wine and cocktails are part of the holiday celebrations. So, what should people with diabetes know about alcohol?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: First of all, most people with diabetes can safely drink alcohol but it's always a good idea for them to check with their physician. People do need to realize that if they are on insulin, or take certain kinds of diabetes pills, that alcohol can actually end up lowering blood glucose levels later on, if they don't eat anything when they are drinking alcohol. So, if you are going to have a glass of wine or beer or a cocktail, make sure that you have some kind of a carbohydrate food while you are drinking that beverage. Maybe it's a handful of crackers or maybe you drink it as part of your meal. The other thing to keep in mind is that alcohol is a source of calories so too many cocktails not only can lower your blood sugar but it can contribute to a tighter waist band and you can actually gain weight from alcohol.

Gloria Tsang, RD: So, never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Is that what you are trying to say?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: Exactly. Be on the safe side and eat some kind of a carbohydrate food when you drink.

Gloria Tsang, RD: Perfect. Now where can our listeners go to find out more information specifically about holiday diabetic diet tips?

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: If they go to the American Diabetes Association website which is www.diabetes.org, there are some great tips on that website.

Gloria Tsang, RD:Great website. Thank you again for joining me Amy!

Amy Campbell, MS, RD, CDE: Thank you.

Gloria Tsang, RD: We have been talking to nutritionist Amy Campbell, author of 16 Myths of a Diabetic Diet. For more healthy eating tidbits and information about this show, go to HealthCastle.com.

BEING #1 ON YOUR PRIORITY LIST. IS IT BEING SELFISH?

2008-12-17T18:52:00.002+08:00

From Burn The Fat tips by Tom Venuto

Hi Tony,

Oprah said something in her O magazine article about why
she gained the weight back:

she said she took herself off her own priority list.

That's a common mistake, not just experienced by in-demand
celebrities and busy executives. I've done it. You've probably
done it. We've all done it.

You have to put yourself first.

Yes, I mean really first. When you set your life's priorities
and put your life values in order, your health MUST be #1.
Everything else in your life depends on you being in good
health and physical condition.

Some people go into a hissy fit when I say that their
training should be prioritized above their business or
their own health and well-being has to come above their
family's. They think it's absurd. They think it's selfish.

You bet it's "selfish" and that's exactly how it should be.

Your intentions may be noble. But how do you take care
of your family without your own health? Taking care of
yourself IS taking care of your family!

You want to know what's truly selfish? Having a preventable
and reversible health problem and doing nothing about it
because you are too busy "nobly" taking care of everyone
but yourself.

Let me remind you of something called the "rock bottom"
phenomenon. I've seen it discussed in the psychology and
behavior research as THE thing that finally triggers a
change, and I've seen it happen in the real world over
and over again.

People will do almost anything to end pain or cure a
disease after they have it, but they usually won't lift
a finger to prevent it. Only when debilitating pain or
illness strikes them down or threatens them does changing
their unhealthy ways even appear on their radar.

Of all diseases or "pains", the most alarming thing about
obesity is that it creeps. There's plenty of advanced
warning, but it's not heeded. Each additional pound is
"no big deal" so it never seems urgent... until it's too
late... until you have a physical or emotional rock bottom
experience.

If you think putting yourself first is selfish because
your family needs to come first, then what happens
when you're so out of shape and out of breath just
from walking, that you cant play basketball with
your son?

What happens when you're so obese that you can't fit in
the amusement park ride with your daughter? The safety
bar wont close. Humiliated, you slowly get out in front
of everyone and send her off on her own next to a stranger
while you wait.
What happens when you're fired from your job because you're
sick or physically incapable of doing the job?

What happens when you drop dead of a heart attack in your
40's and leave a widow and children with one parent? Who's
selfish then?

The most selfish thing you can do is not to take care of
your own health. The most selfish thing in the world is
not putting yourself first. You have to take care of
yourself first. That means YOU are the priority above
all else.

How does this translate into daily action?

Simple.

You are stressed. I know. I am too. I feel like there are
never enough hours in the day. I have more projects on my
plate and new opportunities flying at me than I will ever
be able to start, let alone finish in my lifetime.

There are fires burning all around you. I know. Kids are
screaming, other kids need a ride to school. Spouses need
attention. Bills must be paid. You're late on your tax return.
Clients need service. Your boss needs you there now. There
are phone calls to return. Information overload is driving
you insane - there are books to read, TV shows to watch,
news to keep up on. And e-mail! You're drowning in it!
Life is moving faster than ever before. How will we ever
get it all done? Where will you find the time?

I know, I know. Almost everyone is feeling the same way too!

Here's what to do

STOP!

Just STOP! Stop moving. Stop thinking. Take a deep breath.
Take two more deep breaths. Center yourself. Now shift focus
to what's most important in life.

Then tell yourself:

"None of this stuff that's stressing me out matters if I'm
sick, immobilized or dead. I want to look good. I want to
feel good. I come first. I can only take care of my family
and my business, and I can only feel good and look good if
I've taken care of myself first.

Then calmly and quietly go take care of yourself. Go take
a workout. Go take a stress relief break. Go calmly into
the kitchen to eat a healthy meal or prepare your meals
for the entire day, neatly pre-packaged if necessary,
in anticipation of the hectic, fast paced day ahead.
Go shopping and stock your kitchen with healthy foods.

If you can't take immediate action, then do some
immediate planning or goal setting.

While you are still centered and in a quiet mode, pull
out your calendar or a blank sheet of paper and begin
planning and scheduling. It's remarkable how much stress
is relieved when you are organized and you have a written
plan because it redirects your scattered focus.

Make priority lists, not "to do lists." To do lists are
usually filled up with busywork that's not that important.
Priorities are the things that are most important to you that
will provide the greatest happiness and tangible results
for you.

Personal life values are important. They are precious.
They include things like your family, humanitarian endeavors
and even your spiritual beliefs. So I'm not going to tell
you what your values should be. That's your personal business.

But I will tell you what ORDER your values should be in...
your health goes first. Above all else.

Is that selfish?

Yes, of course.

But it's appropriately selfish. Being appropriately selfish
is not about bucking your responsibilities. It's not about
ONLY taking care of yourself. It's about putting your
priorities in the right order. And it's one of the keys to
great health, happiness and personal success.

Train hard and expect success,

Tom Venuto
http://www.BurnTheFat.com

How Much Would Massive Success Really Cost?

2008-12-16T05:55:00.000+08:00

Column By Mike Brescia
-----------------------

In our back yard is a large, gorgeous maple tree. In the
summer, it's home to a number of birds.

Last year, at the end of a long branch, which extends to
within 7 feet of our upstairs bathroom window, a family of
robins built a nest where they lived all summer until the
weather got too cold.

Both our cats just lay in the windowsill for hours all
summer watching the birds come and go less than 7 feet from
their window perch.

Now keep in mind that the winter was absolutely brutal. 14
feet of snow. The wind that blew like no winter that I can
ever recall. Never as often and as hard as that year, it
seemed. It was just miserable from mid October until April.

Yet this bird's nest, sitting on a long branch wide open to
the chilling, hammering winds and cold that snaps electrical
wires like tooth picks, stayed right there.

Every day, I'd look out at this nest and there it was,
gripping that branch...

And I've got to believe that the robins that built the nest
were no smarter or more skilled in nest building than any of
the robins in my neighbors' trees.

They simply didn't want their home to fall apart no matter
what. So they build it to withstand the worst possible
conditions.

No short cuts. No excuses.

Tell me, what if you were to take every little task you do
today, and do your absolute best? What if you were to mow
the lawn as well as you could today?

What if you gave your all to every customer or prospective
customer? How much more effort would it take to be the best
husband, wife or significant other than you normally put in?

What would it really take to avoid eating beyond being
comfortably full? To finish your homework and then read for
another 30 minutes for good measure?

You know, the difference between failure, moderate success,
an OK marriage, an undistinguished career and a raging
success in any one of those areas is usually miniscule.

It's not that much more effort. Often it's hardly any real
work at all.

Every single day I get emails from people who have given up
hope of ever being really happy and satisfied in life. "I'm
beyond help." "I'm happy that you're doing this work for
other people... Too bad it can't help me."

They read the articles. They may even buy our tapes, and
either don't listen to them as prescribed, or when changes
do begin either with positive progress or with negative
tension created by the rapid changes happening, they quit
because the change is uncomfortable at first.

"Whoa! That's not me! Who am I kidding? Better slow down."

The bottom line is, change is always wanted on some level
but hardly ever completely enjoyable at first.

If there is one thing that you MUST beat into your head
every day like a mantra is that success at anything is
simple. It's so simple!

It's just a matter of repetition of little thoughts and
little actions.

For example, to allow yourself to do shoddy work once and
then again is to create momentum. A third time is like an
avalanche...

Hard to stop it. The fourth time is virtually guaranteed.

When the brownies or chips and soda make it into the
shopping cart every week, that's it. Run past that aisle.
Achieve a little success. Get a little momentum going the
other way.

When the sitcom wins out consistently over the homework or
baseball practice in the back yard, then you are creating a
rotten habit, which develops a character. Done long enough,
and that becomes who you are...

But thank God that with just a little effort we can change
those things by making only slight direction changes.

The nest in my back yard is now housing a new family of
robins who didn't have to do a thing. They just moved in.
All the work was done already. They just hung a few
pictures, threw out a "Welcome" mat and called it home.

And once you change the momentum of any downward slide you
may be in, it's deceptively simple to stop the slide, make a
few right decisions and your entire destiny can change.

If I was to get in my truck right now and drive due west for
just four days, I'd be in North Bend, Oregon. But if I was
facing only about 5 degrees to the south, in the same four
days I'd end up in Los Angeles, California... about 960
miles away.

Now hold your thumb and fore finger about an eighth of an
inch apart. Go ahead. Do it. You see, most of the time the
difference between horrible, devastating failure and
massive, glorious success is only that far apart.

In the next seven days, will you have chosen to stay on
course?

Keep reminding yourself of how important each hour and each
decision is. Do that every hour today, and I guarantee that
no matter what doesn't go right, you won't be too terribly
bothered by it.

And isn't that the direction you wanted to go in today?
___________
What if you had the same minute-by-minute thoughts as the
super successful? Mike Brescia has developed the ultimate
mental conditioning programs that can help anyone wipe out
intense fears and enjoy huge successes in all areas of life.
Details at http://www.getmotivation.com/qk.cgi/think-right-now

Character Counts

2008-11-23T23:10:00.003+08:00

Here's my Sunday prayer from Josh Hinds

Josh Hinds
Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Coach
http://www.GetMotivation.com

"That's just the way I am."

When we hear this, someone is usually telling us, "Get off my back" or "Accept me as I am." Often it's a response to criticism.

Actually, this is a ploy to get us to lower our expectations based on the dubious idea that certain bad habits are an intrinsic part of character and therefore beyond our control. We're expected to believe it's foolish and futile to expect a person to change.

Character can be influenced by heredity and environment, but it's determined by choice. It's constantly shaped and sculpted by the choices we make to nurture or ignore our more noble instincts and to surrender to or overcome negative impulses and corrupting temptations.

When it comes to what we demand of ourselves or others, we should never lower our standards. Character is a function of choice. Weaknesses and bad habits are not excuses not to get better.

From Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Michael Josephson
www.charactercounts.org

QUOTE

2008-11-12T17:00:00.003+08:00

......I would like to say more about law, democracy and about our beloved country. But time does not permit. In any event, I have to be careful. The more we say, the more vulnerable we become. But my parting message is this: The people of goodwill must continue to strive to bring about change, so that we can rebuild the trust of all Malaysians. From that trust, we can rebuild the country where we do not live in fear, but in freedom; that the rights of all Malaysians are acknowledged, respected and protected by the system of law that is just and fair. There is no quest more honourable and a struggle more worthy of sacrifice.
-Zaid Ibrahim

It is said that every dark cloud has a silver lining. As long as there are people like Zaid Ibrahim around, we can rest assure that at the end of the day, truth and common sense will ultimately prevail.

I wish not to harp on the events that took place on that dark Sunday night of 9th November 2008 at the Amcorp Mall PJ and the PJ Civic Centre. Yes I was there too. I heard the conversation between the CPO and Angela. I heard the harsh, rude and condescending orders yelled at the gathering to disperse. I was chased too by a loud, vulgar screaming, plain-cloth guy ( I don't know if he's a cop, maybe he is ) for what, I'm still trying to comprehend. Till today I'm still trying to balance the logic of what transpired that Sunday night. How can a crowd that compromises about 50% women, 20% senior citizens and one catholic priest be considered violent. I'm afraid for our children and their children if nothing is done to address the political and racial bigotry that stalks our nation today.

Happy Deepavali

2008-10-27T12:45:00.002+08:00

A very Happy Deepavali to all my Hindu relatives, friends, ex-colleagues, former classmates, neighbours, my fellow Hindu Herbalife distributors, those who strive to make this beautiful land of Malaysia a peaceful and envious place to live in and all those of the Hindu faith who are detained with or without trial and their families, our thoughts are with you on this very auspicious day.

Herbalife Seminar In Macau

2008-10-22T18:28:00.037+08:00

The Venue...The Venetian Resort, Macau.....Simply Majestic, by day or by night!

The Venetian by night.........

Below - Painting on the ceiling at the entrance to the casino

Entrance to the casino....

One of the many condolas in the indoor canals....

With some local Malaysian friends....

With some Herbalife distributors from Taiwan and Australia...

At the Herbalife Party.....

A favourite companion to have at any party.....

And some cute Macau lass to serve you too....

With my business partners from Australia, Roger and Ally Shehata together with our Chairman and MD for Herbalife Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, Dato' Dr Ronnie Tan.
With President Team member from Hawaii, USA, Caroline Tsutukawa. An amazing trainer herself...Don't know who the one to her right though..He just masuk campur take pix.

The Seminar
We, me, Liz and Amanda, just came back from the most incredible Herbalife training in Macau. If you haven't yet taken the Herbalife products, you better find the nearest Herbalife distributor and ask him/her, or you can contact ME, and ask all about the Herbalife products. It may well change your nutritional habits and your family. If you don't think so, no problem. It doesn't change the fact that Herbalife products can help you with your health...extremely!!
Some pix taken during the training sessions - 3 days in all. Incredible.
Above pix is Guillermo Luna from South America. A qualified medical doctor but now a Professional Herbalife Distributor. He was our key speaker during this seminar.
I summarise the key principles Guillermo Luna taught in this seminar.
1. The Principles of being a Leader
2. The Principles of having a Biz Plan
3. The Principles of Money Management
4. The Principles of Having Personal Development

Really, these principles can be applied to every aspect of our lives. Amazing training. Most unbelievable.

Part of the 9 thousand participants from all over Asia Pacific and China.

Next will be the food, to Hong Kong and the toilets.....

A RAYA WISH FOR ALL

2008-10-01T19:13:00.005+08:00

Its Hari Raya again. One more year gone. If we look back 5 Hari Rayas, and compare it to today, personally, what has changed. Any improvements....across all facets of our lives? Only we can answer that. If things have changed for the better, good if it hasn't,well! We can do something or can can just give excuses after excuses and blame everything under the sun except ourselves. ALL EXCUSES ARE THE SAME IF IT PREVENTS US FROM GETTING THE JOB DONE.

None-the -less, I take this blessed opportunity to extend my sincere greetings to all my Muslim relatives, Muslim neighbours, Muslim friends, ex-classmates, ex-colleagues, Muslims customers and clients, my fellow Muslim Herbalife Distributors a very blessed HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI.
Not forgetting also my Muslim friends at the National Press Club of Malaysia, my fellow Muslim bloggers, Muslims in the Police, Army, Navy and Air Force, my Muslim Member of Parliament for my constituency of Lambah Pantai, all Muslim members of Parliament, all Muslim lay people and professionals who strive for a clean, fair and transparent government. My Hari Raya greetings also for Muslims who are less fortunate, the down trodden, the forgotten, and those DETAINED with or without trial AND THEIR FAMILIES.
I wish all of you a very SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI.
And if we need to do something, let us always do the right thing , not the popular thing.

Finish Strong

2008-09-16T19:28:00.001+08:00

At some point in our life, we will face adversity. It's not a matter of if but...when.

The difference in success or failure is not chance, but choice. When adversity strikes, it's not what happens to us, but how we react to what happens that will determine our destiny.

And that's what this inspirational 3 minute movie is all about. The title is Finish Strong. So turn up your speakers and click on the link below. It will make your day!

Click Here To Watch

The Worst Thing To Do.....

2008-09-15T16:22:00.002+08:00

In every circumstance, some pray, some keep vigil, some protest, some light candles, some resign, some petition and so on and so on...

Theodore Roosevelt had this to say, 'In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.'

In Her Hour Of Need

2008-09-15T14:29:00.006+08:00

My 18 hours under the Internal Security Act

............Calls, messages, well wishes, and visits from readers and friends. To all of them, I have to express my deepest gratitude. During that 18 hours which was filled with a lot of uncertainties, I felt that there is some unknown strength that has supported me throughout, I knew it must be from you all, those whom I knew or have not met!

I realise that our journey is still full with challenges and obstacles, so we have to continue the same righteous spirit and courage that we have all shown this time! Our society needs this spirit, to build a better tomorrow.

'That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong'.
-- William J. H. Boetcker.

The full text of Tan Hoon Cheng's ordeal can be read here

Speaking Without Fear Or Favour

2008-09-15T14:01:00.003+08:00

Interesting, this episode that surrounds the seditious charges brought against Malaysia's most illustrious blogger, to date, Raja Petra Kamarudin, on 6Th. May 2008. And now ISAed since 12th Sept.2008.

Pic courtesy of Zorro's blog

I have met this gentleman, a man of royal lineage, on several occasions at the National Press Club, in Kuala Lumpur. There seem to be a certain air of attraction that draws people towards him. Maybe because he is privy to classified information that only he seem privileged to possess. Whatever the reasons may be, this man possess gumption. He doesn't mince his words, when being interviewed or in his postings over his blog Malaysia Today. He says it like it is...black is black and white is white. No grey areas.

And sad to say, its qualities like these that often get folks like this in deep trouble. Not that they sought trouble, but by virtue of their zealous and verbose expression of themselves and how they feel especially targeted at those that sit in places of authority. Punitive action seems to be the only way to silence them.

But folks like RPK, as he is fondly referred to, are men of element and character. You can't stop them. Its like trying to stop a wave from hitting the shores. RPK are among many bloggers in Malaysia that are championing the cause of free speech, independence of the judiciary, corruption, detention without trial, freedom of religion, good governance, clean and fair elections and the list goes on. For such people, in times of national deceit, to keep quite is like telling a lie, to tell the truth is a revolutionary act (AM Rosenthal & George Orwell). And because of his outburst against greed and corruption and against evil, he now sits behind bars. His only crime....his crusade against criminal acts of people in high offices.

Arthur Calwell once said, 'Its better to be defeated on principles than to win on lies'. And I got this from Joan of Arc......some children say people are hung for speaking the truth.

*The above post is a rehash from an earlier posting I did some months back.

His Was An Opinion Piece

2008-09-12T11:58:00.004+08:00

Unfair Things have been said and attributed to NST GE, Syed Nadzri (pix left).
The author of an article Sycophantic Editors Ruin Trust remarked, 'A measure of how far detached from reality those who sit in the editorial suites of our mainstream papers can be gauged by the pre-election editorial of The New Straits Times where its Editor-in-Chief Syed Nadzri boldly predicted that Anwar would be defeated. Obviously Syed Nadzri was beginning to believe his own spin......Syed Nadzri is either a lousy observer of the public mood or he is more concerned with sucking up to his political superiors. In either case, he does not deserve to be the custodian of such a valuable and essential institution of modern society.

So, now the question is...who then deserves this position?
Lazarus Rokk, a veteran sports editor with NST, remarked in Rocky's Bru sometime back had this to comment...'While it may be fashionable to affect a disdain for the BN, I believe we should all stand by what is fair and against anything that's unfair, and not by the individual. The individual, as hardcore newsmen have oft been reminded, is incidental. If Syed's detractors know him as well as you and i do rocky, they will know too that if Syed is uncomfortable with writing something which is against his conscience, he will not write it, even if he is told to. But having said that there is nothing wrong with being loyal to the employers who pay our wages, if we cant subscribe to their beliefs and policies, then we leave'.

Another commenter in Rocky's Bru also had this to say of Syed Nadzri....
'Syed Nazri is among the last of the 'true-blood' journalists left in the New Straits Times today.
Whatever said and done, Syed is helping to keep the morale of the entire newsroom operations high, despite the many 'hound dogs' that roam the editorial floor.
Syed is no spin-doctor and although many seem to think that he is a pushover, the veteran journalist is not someone who follows the trend of the day.
If he does something then it must be the right things, otherwise he simply doesn't do it ... unlike the ''running dogs'' '.

I accept the opinion of the author Sycophantic Editors Ruin Trust. Right or wrong is a matter for those who 'consume' his thought. But when he wrote that 'The slow but sure decline of The New Straits Times was interrupted only briefly when Abdullah Ahmad, a former Ambassador to the UN and a Mahathir appointee, took the helm. He survived but only briefly under Abdullah Badawi. At least Abdullah Ahmad left in a blaze of glory, having had the courage to speak his mind publicly'.
Ha! what a laugh. One had to be in NST at that time to really understand the fallacy of what was just posted. And I'm not going into details to correct what was erred in that article on Syed N as well as A Ahmad.

Syed Nadzri is a man dedicated to his job. A person who is fair and an excellent journalist. He will never do anything to jeopardise the livelihood of the 3,000 odd employees under NSTP.

You see, sometimes we have to do what needs to be done. And we need not sell our souls to get the job done. There are several ways to skin the cat, so the saying goes.

Vanitha, a member of the National Press Club, commented in Rocky's Bru...'But WHY do bloggers look at journalists as THE enemy, condemning us for the decisions made by the media owners. Many do not realise that the minute a journalist shows any form of dissent, he / she is shown the door or cold-storaged. Which is why many of us fight the battle silently - through our work.

In our articles / commentaries, we say as much as we can and as objectively under the circumstances that we are in.
Yet, bloggers are constantly ridiculing and belittling us as though collectively we haven't done enough.

Where were the teachers, civil servants, lawyers, accountants, factory workers, etc, when journalists were demoted, cold-storaged or politely asked to leave for standing up for a story, or refusing to reveal a source, or when were we presented the memorandum after memorandum over the crippling media laws'.

Its not wrong to have an opinion but to impress upon others that only your opinion matters, than there is cause to be concerned.

And a point to ponder, Syed Nadzri didn't say Anwar WOULD lose...Syed wrote....Anwar COULD lose. and there is world of difference between those two words.

Note: Dr Bakri Musa's article on Sycophantic Editors Ruin Trust can read in Malaysiakini and here

See also shanghaifish's take on Syed Nadzri here

It All Begins With Our Thoughts

2008-09-08T11:36:00.001+08:00

This was sent to me via e-mail.
I thought it was most appropriate at a time like this....

Watch your thoughts; they lead to attitudes.
Watch your attitudes; they lead to words.
Watch your words; they lead to actions.
Watch your actions; they lead to habits.
Watch your habits; they form your character.
Watch your character; it determines your destiny.

These words of unknown origin tell us that our silent and often subconscious choices shape our future. Every aspect of our lives, at home and at work, can be improved if we use our power to think, reflect, and make conscious choices about our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions, and habits.

Michael Josephson
www.charactercounts.org

A Parting Reminder

2008-09-07T17:35:00.007+08:00

Tan Sri A. Samad Ismail - 1925-2008

I do not know Samad Ismail personally but I did work with him from 1973 till he was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 1976 providing him with files and pictures in the execution of his editorial duties.
I was there when they took him but sad to say I was not when God took him away. Though I do not know him personally but I know how it feels when someone dear to us is taken away for good. No matter what the age may be and under what circumstances, its always painful when we are separated from our loved ones forever. I know what Nuraina, Maria and family are going through. Some of us have been there. So take time with your family to reminisce the past with your father. Its a time to reflect, recollect and reassure one another and then move on.
For those of us who still have our parents with us, maybe its a good time to spend more time with them and assure them of your love and care. Even in the midst of so much political confusion in our country today, we can still take time to be with them or call them.....before its too late.
To Samad Ismail, thank you for the book you left behind with me.

Lets Not Deny Him His Moment Of Exhilaration.

2008-08-25T15:37:00.005+08:00

Jealousy, envy, green-eyed, you name it. There are many who detest the way Usain Bolt celebrated after his historical world record breaking feat in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m men's relay in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Jacques Rogge President of IOC, commented to the gesture of the Jamaican sprinter before he crossed the finish line during the 100m that he should show more respect to the other athletes. The nerve of this president. Does he know what it means to be in ecstasy, to be elated ,to be on top of the world when all your sweat and toil, hard work, pain, sacrifices and challenges have finally blossomed into a world record breaking feat?
Around the world, people have glorified what he achieved, yet some chose to accuse him instead of complimenting him. Read some of the comments from this blog 'Haters take aim at Usain'

I love Theodore Roosevelt. Just like Gandhi, he always has the right things to say. TR said, 'It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in worthy cause who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither VICTORY nor defeat.'

Usain Bolt worked hard for the promise that was given to him - 3 world records. How dare we deny him this exuberance in celebration and the feeling of sheer exhilaration of Victory.

Do Something

2008-08-25T08:47:00.005+08:00

Tomorrow, 26Th August 2008 will see the beginning of a change in political thinking of our country. Whoever is victorious in the by-election in PP tomorrow, everyone will be at their mercy. Will promises be fulfilled? Will things be better? God only knows. But one thing is for sure and that is we must all do something so as to make this place a better home...for everyone. Tomorrow PP will decide for all of us as to who will lead us to a better tomorrow. A decision will be made and we will have to bear the consequence of that decision.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, 'In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.'

A Cry For Change?

2008-08-20T02:49:00.004+08:00

The cry for change in government administration has resonated even before the March 8 general elections. The need to restore democracy and trust in the judiciary and to the political process are some of the reforms sought. Disgruntled citizens are willing to hand over reins of power to the advocates of change other the the current ruling coalition. The current political, economic, social, educational, and religious situation has deteriorated to a low ebb and heading for disaster. Lao Tzu, the great Chinese philosopher once said, 'If we do not change direction, we may end up where we are heading.'

Yet there are some who are afraid of change for the fear of the consequence of that change. Only when a government fears the people will there be true freedom. A good government must first have the welfare and happiness of its people at heart irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation. We must support a government only if it deserves our support, otherwise we must advocate change so as to preserve the rule of law, peace and equality.

He set his eyes as flint to be the BOSS.

2008-08-07T16:40:00.004+08:00

'Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goals. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experiences, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs'.......well said by Mario Andretti, a famous auto racer.

On 26th August 2008, a local Malaysian politician, down but not out, makes his political comeback in a by-election in his once stronghold constituency. Viewed by many as the most charismatic Malaysian politician to-date, Anwar Ibrahim's penchant of becoming Malaysia's Prime Minister may be fulfilled by 16th September 2008, a date he himself predicted where a change of government will take place.

I believe this guy never lost sight of his passion and burning desire to be the Boss of his country. Although many circumstances have caused interruptions and delays in the fulfillment of his dream, he never lost sight of his goal. Many tried, many failed and some are still trying to deny him his Dream, his Goal. For whatever he stands for, he has proven that if one sets ones eye as flint and be as focused, anything is possible. Mark Hughes, the founder of Herbalife Intl once said, 'We are only limited by our own imagination and hard work.'

Corrupt-ion

2008-08-04T15:00:00.002+08:00

You know how it is when your laptop gets corrupted. Work almost comes to a stand still if you use your PC/l-top a lot. If you have a good anti virus installed, and if you deal with the corruption asap, chances are you'll get your PC/l-top up and running again. I had this problem. My problem was, I let it be for more than a while. Now it is almost un-repairable, if there is such a word. It needs re-formatting I was told.

Its strange though, how in computer terminology, the word CORRUPT is used to define something in our computer that impedes free and untroubled usage of our computers. If our PCs/l-tops are corrupted, everything goes haywire and work crawls to almost a snail's pace.

Using this analogy, what if a system of operation or management or authority gets corrupted? just like our PCs and l-tops, everything is interrupted, slows down or derailed. If the problem is arrested at a very early stage, things can be rectified. But what if it was like me and we deliberate or procrastinate? Its chaotic. Do we see a resemblance in the things around us today? Things are not moving smoothly. Seems like there are viruses galore and its causing a corruption.

Karl Kraus, an Austrian poet and playwright once said, 'Corruption is worst than prostitution. Prostitution only endangers the morals of the individual. Corruption invariably endangers the morals of the entire nation.'

If There Is Light In Our Soul.

2008-07-19T11:40:00.002+08:00

Is life FAIR? It should be but its not. Its more difficult to see what's fair then what's unfair. The current circus-like situation in the country (politically, socially, religiously and in the economy) is appalling.

There is an ancient Chinese saying that goes like this:
If there is light in the soul,
There will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person,
There will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
There will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
There will be peace in the world.
--Chinese Proverb

Let me take it from..'There will be order in the nation'.. There is order in the nation only if there is harmony in the house, and there will only be harmony in the house if there is beauty in the person, and there can only be beauty in the person if there is light in the soul.

There is no order in the nation because we do not see fairness; fairness in distribution of wealth and power, in justice, in love, in freedom of religious practices, speech and thought. And there are people in our country who stand up against these unfairness. Who do it without fear or favour. With gumption and valour. To these champions of fairness and justice lie our only hope to put our nation in order.

Robert Kennedy once said, 'Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.'

That's what we need. Our country is in desperate need of revival, of moral, spiritual, political and economic. There can be no justice if there is no fairness and all virtue, Aristotle says, is summed up in dealing justly.

We are in this mire of uncertainty because the lawmakers that run our country lack the very character to be fair and just. There is no light in their souls therefore no beauty in their persons and that's why there is no harmony in the house and there fort no order in the nation.

Whom Shall I Choose.

2008-07-16T02:13:00.003+08:00

Last night I watched live on national television, a debate between two political leaders. Both must be the best from each camp, I suppose. Otherwise why send your second best to be slaughtered on live television. It was civil, the debate I mean. One from the incumbent ruling coalition and the other, a leader from the opposite side of the divide. One was articulate, the other mere oratorical.
Based on what I saw from the debate, if I had to put a picture on leadership, whom would I choose. It would be a difficult decision especially today. Why? Because today, a true leader is difficult to find. We live in times when our judiciary is weak and their judgments are questionable, when authority is abused, gratification is rampant, morals and ethics are low and compromised and truth is what we decide it to be. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Yet if I still have to choose, whom shall I choose. Its simple. It will have to be the lesser of the two evils.

A Matter Of Priority

2008-06-20T18:39:00.009+08:00

These are the members of the National Press Club of Malaysia who scaled Mt. Kinabalu during NPC's recent tour trip to Sabah on 12-15th June 2008.

Someone once said, 'I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it'.

The most difficult thing in the beginning of the climb is to get out of bed. My friend Dino Herrera, one of the climbers on this trip, was struggling with the decision to either go or not to go and climb Mt Kinabalu. On the eve of the climb, I was with Dino and of course we were indulging in our most commonest indulgence of wine, music and some godless chatter. It is easier to say ah! I'll do another day. But I reminded Dino that revelry and merry making will always be around and can be done anywhere. Mt. Kinabalu is only in Sabah. If you missed it now, you'll never know when you'll be back in Sabah again. Do it. Dispel all temptations of putting it off. You'll never regret it. At least you will be able to say to yourself, 'I did it. I climbed Mt. Kinabalu'. Not many people can say this. Be proud when you say this. Its a matter of priority.

True......when the climbers returned after their excruciating yet fruitful experience, those who didn't climb were more envious then those who did. There was something different about them and us. They climbed Mt. Kinabalu. We didn't. Life is about playing the game. You can't win if you don't play.

Respect, Honesty , Trust

2008-06-16T22:48:00.003+08:00

An unknown person once said this. A child does not have to be taught how to be happy or the ways of love. It is fear, hatred, and prejudice that have to be taught. And from the condition of the world we can see that unfortunately there are some very good teachers.

There is no way we can propagate fellowship and brotherhood among people of different races if we continue to instigate and incite hatred. Hate, mistrust, violence, they all originate from the very fact that one race or religion is more superior than the other.

Some people tend to believe that all will be well if people are subservient to a form of authority masqueraded under the guise of a certain race and religion. In that believe, thus we behave. There is no authority other than the authority of GOD shall all man be subservient to.
Owe no one anything except to respect with all honesty and trust.

I Need Help And Advice- URGENT

2008-06-08T06:59:00.002+08:00

I do not have a cold but a stubborn cough. This is due to presence of phlegm in my throat. It has been 5 days now.
Any advice on how to get rid of this nagging PHLEGM? Any traditional method is also welcomed.

Thank you.

Farewell Dearest Friend

2008-06-07T14:00:00.005+08:00

Today we bade farewell to a dear and beautiful friend Puspavathi, fondly known to all who knew her as Puspa.
Puspa was brutally taken away from her two lovely daughters, loved ones, and friends on that fatal night of 5th June 2008. The circumstances that surrounds the reason of her sudden demise will always be a mystery to us. However mysterious it may be, only Puspa, and the person or persons responsible will be the only ones who will know the truth. For Puspa, that knowledge will be taken to the grave with her. For the person/s responsible, no matter what they say, it will always be questionable.
What happened? Why this manner of death. We frequently, especially of late, read in newspapers, over TV and radio of the brutal slayings of children, couples, adults. We seldom believe that such gruesome acts of barbarism will ever happen to our family, relatives or dear friends. So when the inevitable happens, we cringe, we clench our fists in anger and we bury our face in the palms of our hands and ask...WHY?
What ever Puspa was enduring, she did not deserve to go in such a despicable manner. No MAN has the Divine right to settle score by taking away something he did not give, and that is the beauty of life where only the origin is from GOD and for HIM only to take away.

Farewell our dearest friend Puspa......and may you rest in peace in the arms of The Almighty.
With that I leave this quote and pray it will someday come true...

"........ a farewell is necessary before we meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends" - Richard Bach

Puspa lived courageously for her daughters, for her mother and for her family. Shakespeare was right when he said, 'Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once'.
I have bade goodbye to Puspa on many many occasions, but today's goodbye was the most painful because there will never be a hello again after this.

So Puspa, our dear flower, we will meet again.

What If?

2008-06-05T21:37:00.003+08:00

The greatest threat that is facing not only our country but the world today is racism and religion. We have no choice. We are constantly bombarded and exposed to racism, religious bigotry and all other isms...we and our children. We cannot be apathetic about it. We have to make a choice. To be or not to be racists, religious bigots or for or against other forms of isms. Whatever choice we make will determine the future of our nation or the world at large. And we will all have to bear the consequence of that decision.
What if, when we all have died and gone to heaven and we finally meet God and He is actually a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Baha'i, a Mormon etc? What or how will we react to this? What are we going to say to Him? I'm practicing my speech now.

Winds Of Change

2008-06-04T21:41:00.004+08:00

So Barack Obama has secured his Democratic Party's nomination to contest in the American Presidential election.....good, good.

And here is the first thing he's going to do if he wins.
My serani friend sent me this one la. Have a good laugh. They also fighting there la..seems like!

Wann Know What's Wrong?

2008-05-28T18:01:00.003+08:00

Ever heard of this author GK Chesterton? Ever read one of his many, many books title 'What's Wrong With The World'?
According to Dale Ahlquist, President and Co-Founder of American Chesterton Society, GK Chesterton is one of The, if not The, most potent writers of the 20Th Century. Totally agree with him.
D Ahlquist had this to say about Chesterton's 'What's Wrong With The World'.
Our society is experiencing exactly the crisis that Chesterton warned us about almost a century ago. There is a greater disparity than ever between the rich and poor. Our families are falling apart, our schools are in utter chaos, our basic freedoms are under assault. It affects every one of us. As Chesterton says, "Not only are we all in the same boat, but we are all seasick."
Ahlquist goes on to say, 'But while we agree about the evil, we no longer agree about the good. The main thing that is wrong with the world is that we do not ask what is right'.

What's wrong with the world.....with our country.........as Dale Ahlquist says.....just look around!

The Poker Game

2008-05-26T00:08:00.004+08:00

Its a poker game really, if you ask me. 5 main players;
1. The Incumbent
2. The Hopeful
3. The De facto4. The Royalty
5. The Ex-

Three cards opened, one more card to play. The Incumbent has an open pair and its his call. He calls. The Ex challenges, so he's in but ups the Incumbent. Next The Royalty follows, so too the De facto and The Hopeful.

The Incumbent is playing to stay. Seems like the Ex is going for broke. The Ex is buying for a Straight Flush. The Royalty is hoping for a Royal Flush, the De facto, a Full House, and The Hopeful is just hopping that everyone is calling a bluff. His biggest open card is the King.
So who has the joker? We have to wait and see. The greatest poker game yet!

Therefore
- you can't win if you don't play the game
- don't play if you are not of the same league
- if you play, play to win
- play within the stipulated rules.

New Corn Flakes

2008-05-25T23:55:00.003+08:00

My serani friend sent me this one too......what a laugh!

The above was the one my serani friend sent me.....

Now fill in the blanks...............

Oh! Not That Test Again.

2008-05-23T16:34:00.004+08:00

Someone anonymous from the Selangor Eurasian Club in Kuala Lumpur sent me this via e-mail today. I thought it was quite an appropriate time to share it with all of you. Most tickling this...

Ethel was a bit of a demon in her wheelchair, and loved to charge around the nursing home, taking corners on one wheel and getting up to maximum speed on the long corridors. Because the poor woman was one sandwich short of a picnic the other residents tolerated her and some of them actually joined in.

One day Ethel was speeding up one corridor when a door opened and Kooky Clarence stepped out with his arm outstretched. 'STOP!' he shouted in a firm voice. 'Have you got a license for that thing?'

Ethel fished around in her handbag and pulled out a Kit Kat wrapper and held it up to him. 'OK' he said, and away Ethel sped down the hall.

As she took the corner near the TV lounge on one wheel, weird Harold popped out in front of her and shouted 'STOP! Have you got proof of insurance?'

Ethel dug into her handbag, pulled out a drink coaster and held it up to him. Harold nodded and said 'On your way, Ma'am.'

As Ethel neared the final corridor, Crazy Craig stepped out in front of her, Butt- Naked, and holding his 'You-Know-What' in his hand.

'Oh, good grief,' yelled Ethel, 'Not that Damn Breathalyzer Test again!'

Keep them coming my serani friends. nothing like a good humor to warm the heart. As always for me, laughter the best medication for all seasons.

That's Why We Are Sluggish

2008-05-21T01:48:00.005+08:00

Malaysian health statistics quoted in the National English daily, New Straits Times, April 2007 issue;
- 26% of Malaysians are obese
- 10,000 deaths per year due to heart attacks, strokes, heart failures
- 6,000 deaths due to heart diseases
- 3,000,000 with high cholesterol
- 40,000 new cases of cancer every year
- 2.1 million diagnosed with diabetes

Staaaaaaaaagering figures. Malaysia is the most overweight and obese nation in all of Asia.

Why this staggering figures? Simple. The food is so good and we HARDLY ever exercise. This is a fact that has just been proven right. Just recently...after March 8 2008.

Because ,
the only exercise we ever get,( from our leaders down to the man on the street ) is....
Jumping to conclusions, running down our friends and neighbours, side-stepping responsibilities, pushing our luck and throwing tantrums. (author unknown).

I Hope Its Not Just The Changing Of Hats.

2008-05-18T16:13:00.004+08:00

Taken from Malaysia Today an article entitled 'Yong Airs Sabahans' Grievances' read here and the comments that ensued.....

comment by pkler, May 18, 2008 | 13:53:34
"Lynn,

It is a bit hard to argue that indianputera is my friend and ally when he constantly belittles Sabahans and clearly shows no knowledge or interest in our circumstances. We will not blindly support PR as he seems to be doing. The world is not governed by black or white, good or evil. It is far more complex than that.

We know what our problems are, and an influx of $$$ from PR will not fix that. Our politicians and institutions are inherently corrupt. We need a massive influx of funds to fix our education and infrastructure for starters. How much of this $$$ do you think will go into the pockets of PR's new Sabah politicians, and how much will go to the people remain to be seen. There is no way they will agree to join up without Anwar agreeing to turn a blind eye to that. And of course he will, for he wants to gain power. He should know; he helped bring UMNO to Sabah, and he oversaw the dirtiest election in Malaysian history (1994 Sabah state election).

We do not believe that a change of govt will make us any better off-we certainly hope so, but a govt led by Anwar worries us-he rode roughshod on our democratic rights in 1994, and for all his talk of reformasi has never once apologised or even acknowledged what he did. Much better that we all get a fresh mandate, but Anwar certainly knows how to play the katak game. He played a major part in getting PBS assemblymen to jump to BN 3 weeks after the 1994 state election.

He cared nothing for democracy and human rights then. Maybe he has changed, but I reserve the right to give him only conditional support. Those like you who ask us to support PR are preaching to the converted-we hate the BN!! You don't have to convince me, that is for sure. But those like indianputera who choose to see the world in simplistic terms worry us-for if a mass of PR people think like him, then we'll just be exchanging one colonial power for another ".

I truly think this represents the vast sentiments of the general population towards PKR/BN and the new political scope the is shaping our political scene. Who to trust la? We already know what the BN is capable of. As for PKR, some of them came from BN. Can leopard change their spots? That's the question many are asking. Its like being between the devil and the deep blue sea or the lesser of two evils. I like how Robin Williams describe politics....“Politics: 'Poli' a Latin word meaning 'many'; and 'tics' meaning 'blood-sucking creatures'. Our stand-up comics, Indi and Allen of Comedy Court jokes seem to be more serious and our politics more a joke.

Just Let The Work Begin.

2008-05-16T11:49:00.002+08:00

They are still arguing out there. Name and cat calls over the media, in a place where we make our laws, in public places. The fingers are pointing. When is the work going to be done? The work of rebuilding our nation's battered image on the international front - in every facet from politics, justice to sports.
The people have decided after March 8. New faces appear. Some old ones are still around. Please don't tell us what you are doing or going to do is for the poor, for the people , for the race, for the religion. JUST DO LA. JUST DO THE WORK. If it is not satisfactory, we will change the carpet the next time around. After March 8, we now know how to throw out a dirty carpet.
Its difficult times and uncomfortable times and embarrassing times for some. But the work must begin. If we want to see a beautiful rainbow, we must first learn to enjoy the rain. Some called it the tsunami. Whatever!
For the new leaders, the new upstarts, don't try to be better than your predecessors. Just try hard to be better than yourself and everything will be OK. No point trying to be great or greater than the guy last time. Just rise to the challenges. The challenges of making this land an envy of the world. Not a milking cow for some. I try to pay less attention to what people or our leaders say. I watch what they do and record them so that the next time I need to choose a leader, I take out my record books and do my revision. Who's in and who's out.
I'm looking for people who talk about ideas. I want to follow them. Not people who talk about other people and other people and other people. No need to convince us. We know who's good and who's not good. Who's right and who's wrong. Who's lying and who's not. We know. Only not in detail.

Less There Be No One Left To Speak.

2008-05-15T19:31:00.005+08:00

"First they came for the Jews. I was silent. Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists. I was silent. Because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists. I was silent. Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me. There was no one left to speak for me" - Martin Niemoller -

Syana, JT, Plebisitz, to reply to your comments does not justify your worthy comments. I rather post a new topic in reply to your comments.

Really beautiful this land of ours. I don't only have friends of different races but relatives of different races. You see over the years we married into each others races and cultures. No problem. In celebrations of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, promotions, house-warming and yes, 7-day prayers, 100-day prayers, prayers for practically everything, we celebrate. We really find every excuse to celebrate and when the gathering is formed, we see ALL races there, even the foreigners there. They too love to party with us.
But its sick....sick to know that some will go to the extreme to have control, to be in control, to stay in power, to be in power. And they are destroying our harmony. Whats even more sickening is these folks tells us that they do it for us, for our race, for our country.
WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH.
There are lots of things that are definitely not right going on. A lot of 'shit' has been unearth. A lot of questions being asked. We must put things right again. We must create again the care-free environment we experienced when we were kids...when a kid is just a kid and not a kid of some race. When my neighbour was a friend and not of a particular religion. And Syana..half an Utopia? we had that just under half a century ago. But today if we speak out against our conscience, we are thrown the book. Its not safe anymore to speak...the truth. Some are languishing in jail and some are going to jail. Yet the ones that really belong in jail are the ones the are directly or indirectly condemning these 'voice of conscience' to jail.
We must applaud these braves who speak out the truth..not just speak out. It must be truth they speak. Abe Lincoln once said, 'To sin by silence when we should protest makes us cowards'.
We must speak out the truth or there will come a day when there will be no one to speak out for us.

Greedy WE All

2008-05-13T19:30:00.003+08:00

Huh, I read all the farce and fiasco, scandals, threats, insults, arrests, financial and asset juggle lings and so on and so on, and I stand in awe and wonder how all these could have happened in such a nice and wonderful place like my homeland.
There is a saying that goes like this, 'A greedy father will have thieves for children'.
Mignon Mclaughlin once said, 'We are all born brave, trusting and greedy and most of us remain greedy.' So the fighting goes on. But at least some people are trying to put things right. And we must give them a chance...at least for want of trying lest they succeed..and hurray if they do!
I know many are like me. We just want to live in peace and harmony forever and ever. But I don't think its possible. Its an Utopia we are asking for and Utopias don't exist. Do they? Can they?

Light A Candle Anyone?

2008-05-09T10:55:00.007+08:00

Pix courtesy of pdphoto.org

Someone once said, 'If you are not lighting any candles, don't complain about the darkness'.

My friend Haris went to Freedom Square to light a candle for another friend. He was supposed to meet other friends there but Haris was early.
Well Haris was not allowed to light his candle. He was whisked away. He wanted to make a statement. Lighting a candle was one of the ways. For him, and many others, there seem to be some form of darkness looping over. The candle was a symbolic hope that this candle will bring light to overcome this darkness. I'm sorry, and with deep regret, I was not there to light this candle with you.

Interesting Times Ahead In Malaysia.

2008-05-06T01:26:00.006+08:00

Interesting, this episode that surrounds the seditious charges brought against Malaysia's most illustrious blogger, to date, Raja Petra Kamarudin, on 6Th. May 2008.

Pic courtesy of Zorro's blog

Arthur Calwell once said, 'Its better to be defeated on principles than to win on lies'. And I got this from Joan of Arc......some children say people are hung for speaking the truth.

Its interesting times ahead here in Malaysia!