A Road Down Memory Lane

Book Review: Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000+08:00

Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson

Time flies, and before you know it, another month has passed. On a random note, I've finished my first book of the month! :D

The president's children has been abducted!... and the kidnappers do not want ransom. CIA, FBI, MPD and the White House are struggling to find the children. As time passes, with no leads, they are desperate. The longer the children are kidnapped, the lower their chances of survival.

James Patterson can really write well, just after reading a few pages of the book and I got hooked. I mean, who wouldn't want to know some "behind the scenes" stuff about CIA and FBI on how they tackled the case?

As soon the children are kidnapped, another couple is introduced, a Saudi couple, arriving at the airport; Tariq and his wife, Hala. They witnessed a suicide death right in front of their eyes. The weird thing is, they clutched on to a pill in each of their pockets... and that's when I felt that this couple isn't going to be like any ordinary couple that they portray to be.

Things lead from one thing another, such as Alex Cross's grandmother wanting to add a homeless girl, Ava into their family. The introduction of the terrorist group, called "The Family", and key players of the group; "Uncle", "Grandfather", and how they were at war with America.

Rating: 8.5/10

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year to all those celebrating on this auspicious day! :)

Things Do Not Change, People Change.

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

I'm sure you know this phrase is quoted from Henry David Thoreau, an author and others. That got me thinking, basic needs of a man a century ago and today still remain more or less the same. Man still requires food, water, shelter and human interaction between one another for sustenance. The only difference between today's world and the past is the technological advances which has improved our lives. And if you look at the bigger picture, you'll realize that things have not changed much, but people do.

Over the years, I've come to a realization that man is constantly improving himself for the better. Unforeseen events that occur around me affect me in my decision making, but ultimately, it's my decision that makes the difference. For example, when I was younger, I skipped classes which I felt were boring. I would sometimes sleep or skip off to the library where the time came for the subjects I disliked. The school disciplinary board came down hard on me and gave a an ultimatum, change my ways or be expelled from school. Although one mighty say that with friends, teacher and parents around encouraging and scolding me for the change, I believe that the most important push and motivate would be myself. When one is at the crossroad, who makes the decision in taking which path? You, and no one else. Once the decision is made, there is no turning back, as Robert Frost would have put it,

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
......"

And I did. And that made all the difference to me. :)

Reminiscing Old PLKN Memories.

2011-12-31T14:30:00.000+08:00

There was I, clearing my room, throwing STPM papers and some other stuff, stumbled upon my old National Service (PLKN) CB books. Just the other day, my friend told me he was gonna leave for NS, and wanted to know the activities that are carried out there. So, I decided to blog about this book before these books hit the recycle box. And oh, this book is used in classes you'd attend in the morning @ your respective PLKN centres from 9.00 a.m. to 12 noon. :)

When I was first given this book, I was SHOCKED by the content inside. I'm sure you'd do the same if you ever have the chance to get hold of this book. The book covered character building stuff, mostly motivational lessons, like "Impossible to Possible", "Attitude", etc. activities, but with pre-school/primary level style of questions. The classes were kinda boring, and childish, though some were quite fun. Usually, after having a long day the day before, this would be the time where my friends and I would try to get some shut eye, though we were often caught by the teacher, which jolt us up.

That's all for this module, I can't seem to remember anything more. :)

P.S. In this module, there is this activity called "Aktiviti Kapalterbang". You'll be given some newspaper and stuff to make an airplane. Remember to think OUT of the box to get your airplane the furthest! Hint: Which flying object is round and can go furthest when thrown like a ball? :D

2012

2011-12-27T13:30:00.000+08:00

The year is almost up.

A new chapter begins. :)

Time to hit the books.

STPM Countdown to Pengajian Am 2

2011-11-18T10:30:00.000+08:00

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

2011-10-06T19:00:00.000+08:00

One of the scariest virus around is the RNA virus called HIV! Once thought to have originated from Africa is now found worldwide.

What are the symptoms you would have to look out for?
Well, the progress of this disease can be categorized into 4 stages:

First Phase: Most individuals will have no symptoms, but some might develop a rash, flu, and swollen lymph glands.
Second Phase: Production of anti-HIV rises in blood stream. Although the level of HIV in blood falls, HIV replication continues in lymph nodes. This phase can last anywhere from weeks till more than 13 years.
Third Phase: AIDS related complex refers to many opportunistic infections which affect the patient, like fungal and viral infections such as oral and genital herpes.
Fourth Phase: Development of secondary cancers. Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are common. By this time, there is total loss of cellular immunity.

Mechanism of HIV Infection:

HIV enters the body through body fluid or blood transfusion.
HIV binds with CD4 receptors on the surface of T helper cell.
Both membranes then fuse while the capsid is enzymatically removed to release viral RNA and reverse transcriptase into the cytoplasm of the helper T cell.
Viral RNA undergoes reverse transcription followed by replication to produce a double-stranded viral DNA with the help of enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Reverse transcriptase catalyses the synthesis of second DNA, which is complementary to the first.
Viral DNA enters the nucleus and is incorporated into host DNA, as a provirus.
Provirus may remain dormant but is replicated each time host cell divides.
Activated provirus causes host cell to synthesize huge amounts of viral protein and viral mRNA which are then assembled into new retroviruses.
New retroviruses bud off from host cell membrane, infecting other helper T cells.
Number of helper T cells will gradually decrease and cause risk of individual contacting other diseases and finally leading to death.

Immune Response of Humans.

2011-10-03T21:00:00.000+08:00

There are two types of immune response, or rather, what my Bio book tells me so. I was kinda tired of stuffing the facts into my head, so I thought I would type it out here on my iPod Blogger app. :)

Cell-Mediated Immunity:

Cell-Mediated Immune Response

T cells formed in the blood marrow circulate in the blood circulatory system until it reaches the thymus glands.
In thymus glands, T cells differentiate to form T helper cells and T cytotoxic cells, each with a unique type of T cell receptor on its surface.
Mature T helper cell circulates in the blood circulatory system until it reaches an antigen representing cell (APC).
If antigen-MHC complex on APC is complementary with the T cell receptor on the T helper cell, the T cell binds to the APC.
T helper cell that binds with APC secretes interleukin 1.
Interleukin 1 stimulates production of interleukin 2.
Interleukin 2 stimulates the division of T helper cells and T cytotoxic cells to produce clones of effector T helper & effector T cytotoxic cells respectively and memory cells.
Circulating T cytotoxic cells bind with complementary antigen-MHC complex on infected cells.
Effector T cytotoxic cells release perforin that perforated the infected cells to stimulate autolysis.
Effector cytotoxic T cells attacks other infected cells, as infected cell perform autolysis.
Memory T cells respond for a second invasion of the same pathogen by actively dividing to form effector T cells.

Humoral Immune Response:

B cells are formed and mature in bone marrow.
Mature B cells synthesize antibodies, which attach to the 2 tips acting as receptors.
B cells with complimentary antibody phagocytosise the free complimentary antigens encountered.
Antigen is cut into smaller pieces and presented as the antigen-MHC complex on it's plasma membrane.
T helper cell with complimentary T cell receptor binds to antigen-MHC complex.
T helper cell secretes interleukin 2.
Interleukin 2 stimulates B cell to divide and, form clones of effector B cells and memory cells.
Effector B cells produce large quantity of free antibodies with same specific configuration.
Antibodies destroys antigen by precipitation, antitoxins and agglutination.

Interesting how our immune system works, right?
The only problem is, it's only interesting when you need not memorize it for finals!

Indifferent.

2011-09-20T19:00:00.000+08:00

Look at this photo.

All the trays are same in color and in shape. It's a bit like humans if you come to think about it. You and I are the same (in general), we have 2 hands, 2 feet, 2 eyes, 2 ears, etc. But what make us so different?

Thought of the day. :)

2011-09-03T12:50:00.001+08:00

Trials will begin as soon as the Raya break is over. This "holiday" didn't seem like one at all.

Anyway, good luck to all those who will be taking their "appetizers" this Tuesday. :D

Go Tigers!

2011-07-28T19:30:00.004+08:00

Hitam Kuning! Hitam Kuning! Hitam Kuning! Go Tigers! Go Tigers!

Malaysia will be taking on Singapore tonight, on home ground in Jalan Besar Stadium.

Will the Malaysia be able to score at least 2 goals on advantage?

We shall soon know.

OMK 2011!

2011-06-18T22:30:00.003+08:00

Set two different alarms to make sure I woke up for this competition. I had to drag myself out from bed at 6 just to get to school and be on time to board the bus to UNIMAP, Perlis. It seems that Kedah and Perlis hopefuls were scheduled to sit the OMK papers together.

I'm sure you would be in the dark what is OMK all about, if you have never heard of OMK before. Well, OMK stands for Olimpiad Matematik Kebangsaan, a mathematics competition, which is held annually, to select Malaysia's Maths champion to represent Malaysia in the World Mathematics Olympiad. My form, had 5 representatives, all guys, 3 from my class. :D

Students all around Perlis and Kedah met at the centre an hour before the test started, as required. Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid also sent representatives with at least 8 from Form 6. I happened to know a few of them who came. :D

Sitting for OMK is something new for me. I've not sat for this competition before. It was rather a urmmm... not much of a new experience. Sharing a little about the test... The competition lasts for 2.5 hours. There are 9 questions in this competition. 6 questions requires just the answer, while the remaining 3 requires you to show the working for the solution. The 6 front questions, if answered correctly, will be awarded 2 marks each, while the behind 3 questions if answered correctly with the correct steps will be awarded 6 marks each. And I must say, the questions are not easy!

Can you imagine that the OMK questions had mistakes? Not minor errors, but a MAJOR error! Halfway through the competition, they asked us to change one of the question's positive sign to a negative sign. Such errors shouldn't be made in the first place! Isn't this a Kebangsaan competition?!? What happened to the checking and double-checking of the questions?

Overall, I know I stand no chance in this competition, they others are just too good. I didn't know how to do quite a number of questions. This just shows how weak I am in Mathematics. :( One of my junior, could answer all (except for one question, which he wasn't quite sure of). I guess he will be the champion for this district. :D Keat Hwa boleh!

Anyway, it was fun! I quite enjoyed myself. :D

Holidays are Over!

2011-06-09T13:00:00.004+08:00

It's JUNE already. Time flies!

In about less than 72 hours from now, I'll be dragging myself out from bed, staggering to the bathroom, taking a quick shower, crawling into the same school uniform I've been wearing since I was 13.

School is reopening!
"So what?"

*ponders more*
"Crap! Mid-term exam results are coming out!"
"Sunday got Chem, Bio and Maths!"

Oh well, I know for a fact, that only recently, I've been trying to actually WORK HARD, for once. I've never actually wanted something so badly before. I need to work harder to achieve 4.0! I've got to take this exam's result as a lesson to strive harder. :D

A whole load of events are awaiting me in school. Sport's Sukan Tara, Sport's Day, Keat Hwa's 100 year anniversary, Form Six Society Interviews, Form Six Night, etc. It's going to be a real busy time in school. I hope I will be able to manage my time properly. Distractions, SHOO! :D

STPM is coming! I wonder how the teachers are going to finish another volume of Biology and almost the entire Paper 2 for Maths. I mean, there are at least another 14 chapters for Biology alone! And the next question is, how am I going to stuff everything into my head! GAH!

Oh well. Life has it's tough and easy times. I'm having a good life. :)

What is there to complain about? :)

Appreciate what you have today. Everything you have today, might just be taken away from you. Who knows? :)

A lil' About Life...

2011-05-23T16:30:00.005+08:00

It's like saying goodbye to the future~

What happens when you do badly in your exam?

You get criticized.

You feel disheartened.
You feel like you are worthless.
The longing of suicide just feels so intense.
The world you know is crumbling all around you.
And worse off, the world treats you like you're a nobody.

I was lucky enough that I had a good set of parents. I am thankful for them, or I wouldn't be where I am now. I've realized, reflecting on my life for the things I've been through for the past 5 years, how much I've been through. It has been one real frightening roller-coaster ride. And although I've side-tracked many times, they have always pulled me back. Ahhh... if it wasn't for them, I would be probably have gone out into the working world, struggling to make ends meet.

Which brings me back to reality... My mid-term exams are currently on-going now. And I know, I will get really BAD results. I know I've been making many excuses to myself, and it's time for me to make a stand. I am not working hard enough as I should be. Trials are in 2 to 3 months time, and here I am, still spending wayyyy to much time on distractions. Do I really want to flunk my trials and my major exam? I don't think so.

My history is repeating itself.

Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement; and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. - George Santayana

I've realized how true this quote is. Lately, I've been taking life too good. I've neglected what I've planned. I've forgotten who I am, and who I wanted to be. I told myself I would not repeat what happened to my SPM to my STPM. But things changed as time got along, talk is cheap.

I've finally woken up from my slumber... I hope.

God, I need You, and I seek You. Help me this day oh Lord, and the days to come.

Democracy Today... Still Tomorrow?

2011-04-26T20:00:00.002+08:00

Democracy has been around for, centuries? The first democratic country recorded is Greece! ...and that was some hundred years ago. Democracy, has been practiced and is being practised by most countries today, majority the well developed countries. We have so many other political systems, like communism, dictatorship, etc... but most still favor democracy. Why?

The answer is obvious. People want freedom and basic civil rights, something that democracy offers and others don't. Do people want to be oppressed by the government always, watching unfair policies being made, biasedness towards different kinds of people? I personally wouldn't want a government like that. Democracy gives us this freedom, the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, equality and son on. And these are the basic rights that people want in today's society.

Democracy also allows change. In a communist country, if the leader of the day is corrupted, nobody is able to do anything, unless well, someone assassinates him. In a democratic country, if the government of the day is corrupted, the people have the right to vote it out and bring change.

Democracy also in it's unique way allows its own people to rule it's own nation. Unlike other countries, who practise dynastic monarchy rule, power is handed down according to the blood line. That means if you are not of royal blood, the power to rule a country can never be yours. This, by today's standard, is unacceptable! Can you stand a leader who keeps siphoning money from it's people? Take Brunei for an example. Their country is ruled monarchy style. And sad to say, patronage is very apparent there. The king's son is using it's country's wealth to throw parties, buy properties, basically plundering the country for personal gain. What can be used to improve the standard of living of it's people is being used for personal use. Why would anyone in the right frame of mind who knows his or her right support the government as that?

Oh well. I believe democracy is the way to run a nation today. But who knows, there might be new ideologies popping up, and one might be even better than democracy. Who knows? In a 100 years from now, democracy might be replaced. :)

Open Burning in Alor Setar!

2011-04-22T10:00:00.001+08:00

Can you imagine the pollution open burning does? I was on the way to fetch CT the other day when I passed by two spots of people openly burning their rubbish! Don't these IDIOTS know that they are making our world A HOTTER place? Don't they know that it's already very hot as it is?
But, after some pondering, is it entirely their fault? I don't think so. They wouldn't burn their rubbish if the rubbish people collect the rubbish everyday, right? Many people would think what's PAS doing? Since PAS took over, the rubbish collection was getting from bad to worse. But it's not the current state government's fault. Before PAS took over, the previous government BN, awarded a contract to Environment Idaman Sdn. Bhd. to so call privatize everything. And according to this newsletter, they say they have improved Sungai Petani's rubbish collection, link to this newsletter.

Even at my place, rubbish collection is BAD. Rubbish gets collected a week once? It used to be every 2 or 3 days once. WHAT are the people in charge doing? And please be aware that PAS has NO SAY in this at all.
I stopped my car to get a picture of this, and I could feel the heat even inside my car! It was THAT hot.

*Note: This two pictures were taken at different spots in Alor Setar but located 200m from each other. :)

How Time Flies.

2011-04-14T09:45:00.005+08:00

It's April already! And very soon, I shall be sitting for my mid-term exams.

It just seemed like yesterday I entered Form 6. Guess, time flies.

There has been a lot of things going on lately. Exams, quizzes, assignments, PEKA, the lot... to add on to my already busy schedule, I was struck down by sore throat and flu yesterday, and was incapacitated for a few hours. Ha. School life has been a stress. I kinda regret not working hard when I was in secondary school, but I guess it's too late. What has been done, can't be re-done. For now, all I can do is to make sure I do not regret the decision I made... STPM! But seriously, why can't it be much easier to understand? Agh!

And oh, heard the news? STPM is going to be much easier! Instead of just sitting one major exam, they are going to change it to the semester-style system! Translation, it's going to be like Matriculation. In class, we were complaining that it wasn't fair! Why couldn't we born a year later? Hah. But if you look at it from a different point of view, STPM standards are going down! STPM wasn't as hard as it was 15 years ago, and it's not getting any harder now, but much easier. Is Malaysia trying to bring down the only exam left that is of standard? Hmmm...
On another unrelated matter... Been reading the news lately? Sarawak Elections is in 2 days time! Malaysiakini and Sarawak Today was hacked by viruses, sourcing from India and the States. Wanna read about the attack? Click here. Another tactic of the government to bring down the Opposition? I hope not. Why can't the government just play fair? If you have been governing badly, it's time for a change! Be humble and step down! Nobody is going to laugh or mock you. Take this as a lesson and change for the better. :)

Oh well, I guess I better head back to my Chemistry. :)

CHIMlish! :P

2011-03-28T23:00:00.003+08:00

Try reading this aloud, and ask yourself or someone who is good in English whether you are reading it correctly. :P

The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
The dump was so full it had to refuse more refuse.
We must polish the Polish furniture.
He could lead if would get the lead out.
The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
Since there was no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
I did not object the object.
The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

Lol. There are another 10 more, but I'm lazy to type the rest out. Maybe another time. lol. :D

Straits Quay, Penang. :)

2011-03-17T10:00:00.000+08:00

This is Straits Quay, Penang!
When I first arrived, the first thought that popped into my mind was, "Oh, how quaint! The stores are designed in such a way that you feel as if you are back in the past, where everyone took life easy (compared to the busy life we each led today), basically a place for one to clear one's mind."
There's a housing estate nearby. Guess how much do one of those houses cost?A bombshell! The cheapest house in not even the range of hundred thousands, but over a million dollars! Crazy? I think so. It's reclaimed land fyi!
Oh well, I guess people these days are willing to pay for comfort.

What happened to the olden days, where life wasn't full so activities from day to night? People weren't so money-minded then. These days, people take life far too seriously. The things we invent are making us slaves to it.

Take Two... MRT in M'sia & Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.

2011-03-15T14:00:00.001+08:00

Been reading the papers lately? Our Malaysian MRT project is estimated to cost about RM 50 billion!

"CIMB Research in its report yesterday said that the higher cost for the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line was not a surprise as the earlier number was based on 2009 prices. (Higher construction cost and inflation may contribute to the current cost which is estimated to reach RM 20 bil for the Sg Buloh-Kajang line.)"

True, inflation and the increase of construction cost may be one of the key factors in the hike of price, but does it have to be cost THAT much?
Let's take China's Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, which is 1318 km long, was completed on the November 15, 2010, cost the China government about USD32 billion, meaning about USD24 mil per km. And mind you, it will be the fastest train on earth once it starts operation on June 20th, 2011.

Malaysia's MRT project on the other hand, will cost the Malaysian government a whooping RM353 mil/km, which is about USD116.14 mil/km! It's a difference of USD92 million! Where and what is the money being spent on?

Is it because there are more stations that are needed to be built? The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway has only 23 stops, compared to Malaysia's MRT project which has 41 stops. I don't think so. And we know that China's equipment used to build the track is far more superior and expensive.

If you do a comparison like this, it's obvious we should bring in the Chinese to build it, right? We'll save tons of money, and prevent the country from going into further bankruptcy!

Wake up people, it's our money that's being spent!

Take Two... Malaysia Nuke Plants' Plans.

2011-03-14T11:30:00.008+08:00

Just not to long ago, Malaysia announced that the government has plans to build 2 nuke power plants.
There were protests against it, but nothing was done against it. Where is the people first spirit? Oh well.

Let's take recents incidents into the picture. Japan, just experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in recorded history. They suffered huge loses and many lives were lost.

But, I'm not writing here today to talk about the damaged they sustained, but focus on their nuke plant.
Japan fears a meltdown at their nuke plants. The chains of reactions in the aftermath of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami severed the power supply to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex 170 miles northeast of Tokyo, crippling the reactor's cooling system. To add on to their misery, one of the backup power did not kick in properly in one of the units.

A hydrogen explosion occurred. Without electricity supply, plant pipes and pumps destroyed, they have resorted to drawing seawater with boron in attempt to cool off the overheated uranium fuel rods. You can see that the situation is very grim and they are out of alternatives cool down the rods. Translation: "They are getting DESPERATE!".

What could happen if a nuclear meltdown occurs? More people will die, radiation flying throughout the country. And Japan we know today, will change indefinitely. A nuclear meltdown can make Northern Japan almost inhabitable, due to the radioactive emissions. And many health problems will arise. Net loss would account into billions!

Scary isn't it?

Let's bring it back to Malaysia. They are planning to build not one, but two nuclear plants! Look at Japan, it's a first world country, their technology used and man-skill are much more canggih than us by a few times more. They do not let corruption take over their work ethics, they do not compromise on the safety precautions that ought to be taken, neither do they use cheap materials to build infrastructure, etc. We don't see buildings built over there collapsing over their after just being built for less than 5 years, right? Or bridges cracking, right?

Or let's picture another possibility, if the tectonic plates shifts closer to Malaysia, and an earthquake happens in Malaysia, not only the nuclear plant is at stake, but EVERYTHING will fall as if they are made from cardboard. Malaysian buildings are not made even to withstand minor earthquakes.

Anyway, if Malaysia succeeds in building the 2 nuke plants, and a massive natural disaster hits Malaysia. I wonder what would happen. We aren't even capable of building solid bridges or building, and yet we're moving up another level.
We don't want to see a mushroom cloud over Malaysia, right? And if a meltdown DOES occur in Peninsular Malaysia, I believe almost the whole of Peninsular will be inhabitable.

So, why play with fire when there are OTHER alternatives? Let's develop solar power, for example. After all, Malaysia is such a sunny country. Or maybe, hydropower? There are so many other alternatives, why use the one with the greatest danger?

Snail Mail Dangers!

2011-03-14T08:00:00.002+08:00

Danger is lurking at ever corner, even in snail mail!

It has been said that there are cases where lawyers have done the following:
a) Mailing empty/sealed AR registered letters to people on behalf of their clients for some court case matter.
b) AR registered mail, either consisting of brochures promoting sale of new real estate or some car model or just an empty A4 size paper inside.

Normally, we'll regard it as junk, and don't give it another thought about it, right? But, there is a DANGER!

WHAT IF, the letter that you signed for is used against you? The AR registered card that you signed for when you received the letter will be returned to the law firm stating that the letter was delivered and signed, which in other words, it is the proof of delivery that can be used against you.

It applies to the so very convenient "Certificate of Posting" which is used in court. When the grace period for you to respond is over, they quietly go to court and show proof that an AR registered letter was sent to you as a reminder and you did not bother to defend it and thus convince the court officials to get a judgement against you. So, don't be surprised when a police car suddenly appears in front of your house with a warrant to arrest you.

What happens then? You seek for legal advice from the respective ways and people, you hire a lawyer, waste a few thousand here and there, and appeal to the High Court to set aside the matter.

To prevent this, what should you do?
1. You have the RIGHT to REJECT any mail/parcel from unknown sources.
2. You have the RIGHT to ask the postman to OPEN the mail and see what is inside the contents.
3. You have the RIGHT to REJECT the letter and deliver to a law firm you know.
4. If you have SIGNED & COLLECTED and EMPTY AR registered mail, LODGE A POLICE REPORT, and also report to the bar council to protect you if the matter goes to court.

Frightening what humans these day can do to you right? Danger lurks everywhere, even at the places you never did think of. What has become of the world? Where is the justice? Imagine, even snail mail has become the devil's playground. Where or what next? :S

The Mediterranean Journey @ Agua, Penang... :)

2011-03-13T10:30:00.001+08:00

Prepare yourself for something REALLY different when you step into this restaurant, located at Straits Quays, E&O Marina, Penang. :)
One thing which stands out from Mediterranean food and local food is the taste, it needs some getting use to. Mediterranean food are cooked in such a way that it's healthy. And of course, the price.This restaurant as I mentioned earlier, can be found at Straits Quays, E&O Marina.And, the service is great! It's probably the first time I've eaten at a restaurant where they change the plates between courses.This is their honey lemonade.

Look at the dish below, it's served with bread. I seriously didn't know how to eat it when I first looked at it. Each piece of meat you see is sliced SUPER thin, and notice that there are lots of veggies on the plate too?
This is how we think it should be eaten. :DMoving on, my dad wanted to try their ribs too. To me, there's nothing better than ribs BBQ'ed' covered with the good old BBQ sauce. :D TGIF's ribs is better any day!

Pork ribs!

But of course, the ribs served here is much MUCH more healty than TGIFs'. But who cares? I'm young! Haha.

The main dish, Paella, which takes 25 minutes to cook.

The rice is sticky, and the rice granules are much much BIGGER than the local rices'. It's their signature dish. This dish orginates from Valencia, served with seafood, chicken and pork.

The remains. LOL.

I guess it's one of their more popular dishes. People who came after us were also seen ordering this. So, give it a try if you have a chance. I don't really fancy it though.
And oh, did I mention the view from the restaurant is great? Shall upload some photos about the view there soon.

Stay tuned! :D

In The Name of Science... [Part 2]

2011-03-10T22:30:00.006+08:00

Well, based on my previous post, I received more opinions that animal testing should be done in the name of science.

Here's another point of view of mine.

Animal testing often been debated whether it is the right or wrong thing to do. Scientist will insist that it's necessary! Giving the reason that this steps are taken to ensure the future of mankind against various diseases and cure or respite from the ravages of diseases. But animal-lovers, will give you point-blank "NO!", stating that these testings are just pure acts of evil.

To me, well, I believe that animals should have equal rights to a human. Who are we as humans to tie an animal up and subject it to pins and needles, different strains of bacteria or viruses just for the sake of science? You might argue that if these steps are not taken, you and me wouldn't be here, and the average lifespan of a human would be greatly affected.

But, there's always an alternative. There is almost always two ways in science. Why not use remedies instead of chemically-engineered ones? Plant-based remedies for an instant, are often harmless, and without side-effects, even if it's tested on humans or animals. It has been PROVEN that it produces similar or BETTER results compared to the chemically-engineered remedies! Let's take the example of a commonly found illness, fever. Why use panadol, when we can use natural remedies like chewing on tusci leaves and peppercorn, and taking loads of fluids to cure the disease? Just because we want to have the convenience of just swallowing a pill, more animals have to suffer the fate of being tortured and killed? It's just pure inhumanity! Panadol kills us slowly anyway, it contains mercury that accumulates in our body which can cause death in the long run. So, why use chemically-engineered products? Switch to natural remedies!

If we say human lives should be given higher priority compared to animals because of our family and relatives, how about THEM? Don't they have families TOO? Monkeys, the most used animal in animal testing due to their vast similarities to humans, live in herd. How can we know for sure that the herd it was in, mourns for the lost of their brother or sister? Place yourself in their shoes and imagine the agony you would feel when such a thing happens to you.

So, which is the right thing to do? I'm still unsure.

My View on Egypt's Mass Protests...

2011-02-11T11:45:00.003+08:00

Picture taken from National Geographic. :)

The recent mass protests in Egypt lately has been the front cover of the World section of The Star paper. The question is, why are people suddenly protesting by the millions for the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak? In recorded history, tt is the largest pro-democracy mobilization Egypt has ever seen! Because they are tired over the current president who has been in power for the past 30 years.

The Muslim Brotherhood, who has been keeping a low profile after the Tunisian uprising, which happened also quite recently, has announced that they will join in future efforts in bringing the current president down from throne. The Muslim Brother fyi, is the strongest opposition party over there. But, let me just give you a thing or two for you to think about, from my perspective.

The Muslim Brotherhood goal, if you do not know, the goal is to instill the Quran and Sunnah as the sole reference point for ordering the life of the Muslim family, individual, community and state (according to The Muslim Brotherhood - Wikipedia). It doesn't sound very democratic to me. I mean to rule the state with the Quran and Sunnah as the sole reference point? How about the non-Muslims who are staying over there? Will they be under this rule? The Muslim Brotherhood is like a first cousin from the unpopular group of Al-Qaeda. They have almost similar goals like it's cousin and if it does fall into the rule of The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt may enter into a darker phase. This is what I personally feel... or maybe, I just do not fully understand the underline meanings of this goal that they stated.

So, where shall this peaceful demonstrations lead to? Will there be a change in the government for a greater good? Or shall the current president be adamant as he is now to not step down in power and do what it takes to keep him seated up there? Time will tell.

Next post, should leaders be given a term limit on how long they can be in power?