Well then

What's the worst thing that can happen to me?

Having an online meeting at 3 a.m. when it is Eid tomorrow.

Grand mufti? Someone thinks not

Who is it to decide whether or not someone has the authority to talk about religion?

Apparently man does, and not God. So says the Mufti of Perak.

One could not help but ask: does he feel threatened by the proposal? If it goes through, then his post will be no more. And instead of different states having different Islamic rules, the whole country will have a single reference point.

It seems that Harussani is advocating 'divide and conquer'. States have their own powers in regard to Islamic affairs, but I sense that most people will agree - one mufti is enough.

Related link:
Perak mufti rejects proposal for 'grand mufti'

White is for what?

"Those white lights on the rear of a car is the signal light, right?" said a friend of mine.

"Pardon?" I could not believe my ears.

"The white lights, they are signal lights, isn't that so?"

"No, they are reverse indicator lights."

"Oh."

I took a good look at him.

"And you passed your driving test?"

Remembering the Dead

It is Boxing Day.

Two years ago, the devastating tsunami wreaked havoc upon the countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The effects resonated worldwide. More than 200,000 souls were lost in the space of a few hours. It was the talk of the world for months and months. In our country alone, 75 lives were lost.

Let us remember, lest we forget. Let us pray to God that such a catastrophic event will never happen again. Let us rebuild and live our lives which was so suddenly disrupted and turned upside down by this massive disaster.

It's that time of the year again

25th of December is just around the corner. So is January 1st. Apart from a visit planned on Monday, I don't have anything else in my mind. Welcome to my boring life.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Cafe

The drought entered its sixth week. Dry air scorched the uncovered skins of Kuchingites as they go about their daily business. Having taken care a previous appointment of mine, I was now waiting in a restaurant in Padungan. Anxiously I scanned the doorway for any sign of the person that I was supposed to meet. Several people filed by in the past minutes, but there is still no sign of her.

At last, the door opened. She was as exactly as I have last seen her three years ago. The length of her hair, the enigmatic smile, the petite size. She spotted the table I was sitting at. I nodded. She returned the nod, approached the table and sat down. Not a word was exchanged between us as the waiter took her order.

"So you will be leaving."

"Yeah."

"Perth ain't that far. Think I should drop by? Got some friends over there."

She laughed. "Sure, why not. I'd love a visitor from home. But make sure you bring something that I crave for, or else," said she, waving her fork threateningly.

Grinning, I said, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

The rest of lunch was filled with conversation, laughter and a few moments of silence. Without knowing it, it is time for her to leave.

"Say hello to Mark for me."

"I will. Goodbye, Matthew." And then she left. I sat there for a moment and leaves with a sad smile on my face.

"...a club for those who have yet to grow up..."

Thankfully for my conscience, I did not vote for you in the election.

The Day Before

I arrived at the campus at 1430, parking in a mostly empty area. I entered the building and pressed the 'Up' button of the lift. Except that I did not realise that the lift is not working due to the fire. Refraining to kick myself in the head for the error, I climbed up the stairs to the fifth floor, where our booth is supposed to be.

I did not find any club members there, although the tables and chairs in the classrooms were already arranged. Visiting their favourite haunt, the computer lab, also failed since there has been a network error due to the fire and the lab itself was closed. So I gave a call.

It turned out that they were hanging around in a classroom at the sixth floor. We waited for some time for the club president to arrive, and when he did we pounced on him for keeping us waiting for quite some time. After that, we did what we came to do: prepare our club's booth. That finished (at 2000), all of us except for one person raced to Tabuan Jaya to pick up some supplies for the club as well as give our collective stomaches a treat.

The stage is set for what could be the best or the worst performance of the club.

Impulsive buying

It is quite rare that I plan my purchases in advance. As evidenced today, in which I saw a book that is famous in the Internet culture. There are only two copies available; bad and worse. I took the former and paid for it, cursing the queue jumper. In case you're wondering, it's the first book on the list to the right.

Anime: Bartender

Some of us fans prefer anime that has more to the plot and story rather than the usual explosions and fanservice. For me, Bartender is one of those few anime that is different from the other animes of 2006. Adapted from a manga of the same name, it is set to run 11 episodes.

The story is set in a bar hidden away in a corner of Ginza, Edenhall. The protagonist of the show, the so-called 'God's Glass', bears a striking resemblance to Kazuma Azuma (Yakitake! Japan) leading some to offer a funny yet plausible conspiracy theory. In each episode, the protagonist assists and helps his customers who are usually undecided, remorseful or having various kind of trouble. Each customer has his or her own story to tell. And since they are not from outer space, most of us can relate to their story and worries. One major aspect for every episode is a cocktail, sometimes more. You'll get to hear the cocktail's history, how it was made and the appropriate situation to drink one.

Granted, the art might experience a sudden drop in quality (as 4channers say, 'Musashi Quality') in various parts of the show. But that doesn't matter for me, as the anime has a relaxing and laid-back feeling to it. Suitable to be enjoyed with a glass of... whatever is it that you fancy. Some people have reportedly started to visit bars and enjoy cocktails. Hmm.

A word of warning. This anime is not for shounen fans, it is for us seinen and jousei fans. Also for fans of 'mono no aware', and definitely in the same root as Mushi, Emma and Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou.

How I long to hang out with friends. Brunch, lunch, dinner, going downtown.

Before I could get to the roof, it burned.

Checklist

Unshaved, stubbled face - check.
Coat - need to see if it fits.
Jogging shoes - check.
Cane - check.
Vicodin substitute - Need to find. Anyone know of a white mint that looks like pills?
T-shirt - check.
Work shirt, blue - check.
Jeans - check.
X-ray - I have one lying around, IIRC...

Imagine

☮

The Watch

It never cease to amuse me how low some people stoop to get their point across. He is the outspoken one, this man. On the positive side he puts forward the complaints and gripes of his fellow students. On the other hand, however, his methods are not to my liking. While he views himself as being against racism in the campus, his friends' comments left much to be asked for. One can not be against racism if one turns a blind eye to racism.

Another note is his views of the outgoing student council. In his own words, he blames the student council even when the area concerned is outside of the council's jurisdiction, or even when the council does not have any say at all! Even knowing this, he continues his harassment (yes, I term it that way. You'll see why) of the council "just for the fun of seeing their reaction(s)" (his own words).

Why did I call it harassment? One, even when he stood by idly when his friends (read: cliques) called the leading man of the council insulting, stereotypical name; names that even the locals do not use to call that particular nationality. I am concerned that this will leave a negative impression on that man, which will indirectly drag the country and Swinburne's name into the mud. Secondly, he posted a picture of one of the council's members with his girlfriend. Pardon me, but other pictures of him are readily available, minus the girlfriend. When you bring in other people who are not directly involved in this petty squabble of yours, you will bear the brunt of whatever consequences that might occur.

I will be keeping watch over his blog, as well as the comments posted there. I kept silent for the time being in order to allow the council to sit for their examinations in peace. If things turn ugly, I will forward an anonymous letter to the Administration. Your connections with the Management will not help you. I have collected the necessary evidence. To my fellow readers, please keep what I have written here secret. Do not discuss it with others, except with me. I can not afford to let the person know that he is being watch. Remember: the wall have ears.

What not to wear in Kota Bharu

What not to wear in Kota Bharu:

• Saree
• Kebaya
• Short qipao
• Native dresses of Sabah and Sarawak

Will someone bring the MPKB to court for being un-Constitutional?

You are The Hermit

Prudence, Caution, Deliberation.

The Hermit points to all things hidden, such as knowledge and inspiration,hidden enemies. The illumination is from within, and retirement from participation in current events.

The Hermit is a card of introspection, analysis and, well, virginity. You do not desire to socialize; the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude. You prefer to take the time to think, organize, ruminate, take stock. There may be feelings of frustration and discontent but these feelings eventually lead to enlightenment, illumination, clarity.

The Hermit represents a wise, inspirational person, friend, teacher, therapist. This a person who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious and confusing.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

“For misinformation, go to the mainstream media. For cold hard facts, look out for rumours.”

Only in Malaysia.

Not Initial D

Every Tuesday and Friday night, after finishing a particular night class, all of us will scramble to get home. For the two of us however, it's a little different. You see, both of us will 'race' to see who will get to the Satok Bridge first. She in her Honda Civic VX, me in my Proton Saga Iswara. Instead of Mount Akagi, there's the hills of Bukit Lintang. The winding path of Bampfylde Lane and Reservoir Road, the straight path of Simpang Tiga, Tabuan and Satok area provides ample opportunity.

It provided me with a sense of thrill - adrenaline starts to fill in my blood. My only concern is if one of the tyres burst, which could be catastrophic. There's also the concern for other motorists. But I can assure you, I do not cut lanes without signalling first, and I don't do it abruptly.

My primary complaints? Slow motorists driving in the fast lane, and motorcyclists who ride in the middle of the road and are totally oblivious to a car behind them. Obviously, they do not check their rear-view mirror.

I'll get a video if possible.

The car's battery went flat. Almost missed my class. Timing the clutch is not fun when you are going up a hill with traffic jam and no battery, but I made it.

Government of the people... not

A little bit of introduction is necessary. They had been squatters for 30 years, and is (or was?) waiting for the completion of an alternative housing project before they leave the kampung. But Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ), the local council in charge of the area decided to charge in (pun intended) even though the villagers' court case is still pending.

This is why I am for the return of local elections. Local councilors who actually have responsibility to the people who voted them into office can be held accountable. They are elected instead in Malaysia, thus having little or no responsibility to the people. Needless to say, one must also be well connected to get into that office.

And where are the keris-wavers? These are their supporters. Are they 'turning a blind eye'? Probably. For they don't care about any other race except their own: the UMNOputra race. Any other race, including Malay, Indian, Chinese et al are insignificant in their view.

Related:
http://tonypua.blogspot.com/2006/11/marginalising-poor.html
http://www.niknazmi.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/381
http://tian.keadilanrakyat.org/?p=118
http://www.jerit.org/pictures/peneroka/berembang/berembang.htm

PM asking the media "to turn a blind eye"

When the reporter replied in the affirmative, Abdullah then said the media should stop highlighting such stories.

He said the media should report more about the development programmes taking place.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/11/24/nation/16118578&sec=nation

For what, Pak Lah? Pretending that your underlings said nothing seditious and racist? How can the people 'focus' on development when such statements have greater impact on the nation as a whole? By saying that the media should report more on development programmes, aren't you asking the media "to turn a blind eye" to what have been said by the UMNO delegates?

Isn't it a police state when a leader dictates what the media should and should not publish?

If you noticed what Pak Lah had said in the article, you will find that he did not say anything about the statements of the delegates themselves - instead, he is effectively silencing the media by saying that they should stop playing up racial issues (which, I must add, important in exposing what imbeciles those who said it were).

Wrong target, Pak Lah.

Fuck you

It's time for class. One of my favourite subjects. The only thing that's messing the atmosphere is the loud noise made by a group of Ah Bengs in the class, yakking away at 70 decibels and all the while their phones ringing. No, I don't need to hear neither your gossips or stupid jokes, and I certainly did not appreciate you screaming in my ears. For one thing I'm glad the lecturer did not lose his temper. But if he did and he kicked you guys out of the class, I'll be even more happier.

No fuck, kiddo.

You promoted yourself as a candidate for the council. But from what I've seen in the class, you obviously did not have the necessary stuff, i.e., respect for lecturer, respect for the class, exiting and entering the class for more than five times. I'm glad I didn't vote for your team in the election. You need to learn your place, kiddo, and stay there. You are, in the lecturer's view, nothing more than dust. You taking your leave will greatly benefit us.

Crisis at 20

Great news. The results for previous semester's examination came out last Friday, and I must gladly say that I passed all subjects with a Distinction except for Engineering Mathematics A, which I got a Pass. It is quite a relief; I'm out of danger for the time being. While this means that I will be studying only two subjects in the next semester and a delayed entry into the Degree programme, I must say that I am really, really thankful to God for making it this far.


In other news, I turned 20 on the sixth. As usual there was no cake nor present, but I have a new phone now - a Nokia 6125. A first first hand phone for me, if I might add. I am suddenly hit by a sudden realisation - I'm turning old. I feel old. I will probably associate more with people in their 30s and 40s rather than with my peers who are mostly in their late teenage years.

Someone must've been proud.

Wrayyya

There were many reunions at the mosque today. The favourite Imam took the stage again, and his sing-song 70's Sarawak Malay accent is a joy to the ear. Some brats kept talking the whole takbir, and when one of them accidentally spoke out too loudly the whole congretion jumped on him. Many handshakes after the prayers.

For it is Raya.

Tis' a boring Raya. No-one's home except for me and dad, diarrhea attacked and the food... not enough. Not to mention there's a report to be handed in and the finals closing in fast.

Ah well. Guess I have to make do.

Nyoro~n

Remember, remember, 16th of September

It is the sixteenth. If you are a Sarawakian or a Sabahan and you forget the significance of this date, then shame on you.

You know how I feel about this date. Again and again, year after year, there is little fanfare for this date but a lot of noise on 31 August. Seriously, what the fuck? Are we two states [means] nothing to you?

Without my camera

I am depressed. You better come home quick old buddy!

Hmm.

It's 0137. I have something to write, but the time limit is too short. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps never.

I was born under this flag. It is only natural that I have feelings for it.

A Short Story : An Hour Ago

Submitted as the final assignment for a subject I'm taking.

I ordered a cup of Nescafe. I needed it, after the twenty minutes ride in the lift. Nothing much happened save for a few small events like helping someone pushing the cafeteria cart into the lift, or waiting for the lift’s doors to open and point and shout to surprise some waiting friends outside. There were also some familiar faces, who I had seen twice or more during the ride. The sound of metal meeting glass is only soothing when the sound is made by stirring a cup of coffee, or Nescafe in my case. I took a sip. It has a bitter taste. I could not afford the cup with the sweetener, so I had to settle with something that is exactly one ringgit. The money was from a reserved section of my wallet. I will replace it later.

I took the time to observe the behaviour of my fellow students in the cafeteria. The time was 4.30 in the afternoon and the cafeteria was deserted except for a small number of souls. No lecturers were spotted, and I assumed that either they are teaching their respective classes or they had gone home early. After all, tomorrow is the National Day and I guess that everyone is looking forward to it. The rumour that the first of September will be a public holiday certainly has an effect on everyone, myself included. If it turns out to be true, then it will be a long weekend and certainly a time for relaxation and to finish off the pile of work that is accumulating in my backpack.

My attention was diverted to a girl sitting at a table near the door. She was with her friend, and she was not wearing her usual attire this day. A white jacket with black stripes running down the arms. She is a little shorter than me, though I won’t use the word short to describe her. Petite, maybe. From what I could gather, she is from outstation and is staying in one of the Swinburne hostels. We were in the same class last semester, and that is how I got to know her. I could not see her face as she was sitting with her back to me. I have taken a liking to her, though I must say that this liking is not a crush of any sorts. No conversation had happened between us, except for once when I asked her to fill in a questionnaire for my research class.

A girl, wearing a blue jacket and glasses was reading a newspaper. What interested me is not the girl, but the newspaper. As soon as she left her seat, I slithered between the chairs to her table and grabbed the newspaper. The front page is full with pictures. Pictures of a garbage bin and letters. The letters told of a sad tale: a mother, who gave birth to her fifth child, was diagnosed HIV positive. It was written in a journal form, day by day as she learned of her disease and her baby’s fate. I could not make out anything else since the text is blurry and the header of the paper, which appears to have markings of a hotel’s name, has been censored. What appeared to be a normal, plain looking garbage bin to some people is a container of secrets instead. The photograph showed bags, papers and pieces of cloth strewn about the bin. It is likely that the letters came from one of the bags or are the papers themselves. The third page of the newspaper tells more about the mysterious writer. But I could only look at the pictures and guess the meanings haphazardly since I could not read Chinese characters, except for a few basic ones.

I took this time to message someone in Samarahan. I know her, but she doesn’t. Or so I thought, as when I called her on the 22nd, she indicated that she knew me. Four years of my life have been spent trying to pursue her, and not once had I opened my mouth to tell her about this, until the 22nd. Can it be done? I must admit, my social skills are lacking and I’m not up to date with the latest slang in the Short Messaging System. I whispered to God for help, and I pressed the ‘send’ button.

Since the girl who sat near the door had left, the coffee’s nearly finished, and having turned to the last page of the Chinese daily, I decided that it was time to leave. After all, when I sat there reading the newspaper and exercising the science of observation, I was struck with ideas to fill in a journal. A short ride in the lift later, I found myself at the sixth floor annex. At this time of the day, it is so empty that one could type essays on the computer while tapping the keyboard loudly and that will be the only sound heard, aside from the librarian’s constant mouse clicking. The occasional sound of a police helicopter broke the silence, as it is, after all, the night before National Day celebrations. I sighed with anger as I remind myself of another Malaysia Day, forgotten.

I believe it is time for me to go. The cold air has turned my fingernails purple, not with envy but with lack of oxygen. The librarian is arranging the chairs back into place, switching the lights in the discussion room off and tidying their desks. What amuses me is that two people have left their laptops on the table, apparently unconcerned about their possession. A moment. I heard something loud and noisy outside the door. Apparently, they had returned. I cursed as their return means the silence will be broken for the duration of their stay. Well, I guess it is quite hopeless to continue this journal without the pristine sound of silence. I would rather have Simon and Garfunkel singing their trademark song in this room. As I saved this file, I murmured something as I checked my phone’s inbox.

Traffic jam

I entered my car at 0750 this morning. What was supposed to be a 20 minute drive to the campus became a one hour thirty minutes nightmare as I reroute to Keretapi Road, Batu Tiga and Timberlands.

Aw Hell

Internet connection fucking broke back down.

Talk

I dialled the number.

"Hello?"
"Hello. Is this Miss G.?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
"This is NSDS3."
"Who?"
"Same school as you."
"Oh... how did you get this number?"

We talked for some time. I told her the truth: that I was the one that gave her the present last year for her birthday. We talked for some time. Quite surreal. Our conversation seems as if we are friends, yet we have not talked to each other in any form, on any occassion before. I found out that she's now studying at [university]. Whether or not she really knows me is debatable, but indications point out that she does.

"Happy birthday."
"Thanks."

I hung up at 2:30 p.m., today.

T

The passage of time, in quite a number of ways, has made our life difficult and easier. One could not challenge time, indeed if someone tried it they will be swept away like a dead leave in a raging torrent of water. Those who waste time and did not fulfill it with meaningful activities will regret it later. The definition of 'meaningful' itself can be interpreted in many ways by different people, but at least they are doing something meaningful in their own definition.

Take a good look at your friends. The ones sitting next to you, the ones whom you are laughing together with, that girl in the white jacket and black shirt. With the uncertainties of life, you might not see them again. For eternity. I have had the experience and it made me a bitter man. Perhaps the day will come when I can forgive myself, perhaps the day will come when I will visit his grave.

Make happiness with your friends. Leave addresses, contact numbers. Get to know their parents. And make use of the time provided by God now. We cannot predict anything, not even the weather. How does one predict life? I'm not too sure, and I don't want to. I've set a path, it'll be up to me to follow it or to walk on the grass and dirty my shoes. Will I succeed again after so many failures? Will I be weeded out, and be branded unsuitable for university?

Suddenly, that job in the photography studio looks enticing.

Bumiputera discount?

The cafetaria was full, so we decided to go out to a nearby nasi campur shop. Quite the understanding people they are, going to a Malay shop for my sake.

The owner asked us if we are students from the nearby university. We said yes, and he started asking questions.

< insert thing here >

Seriously, be fair. If you charge my friends RM4.60, charge me RM4.60 too.

But then again, I probably took too little.

And now, for something completely different...

Bohemian Rhapsody. One of the best songs ever written. By Queen, famous for their We Are The Champions and We Will Rock You.

I couldn't exactly remember how I started liking this song. Hell, I was converted to a Queen fan overnight.

The haze.

The haze is back. It turns the sky yellow. I hate the haze. But it makes for some darned good pictures.

Still, damn haze.

Happy birthday FA!

All hail the Blog Queen!

You shall go to her blog and pay her birthday tributes! That's right, tributes. None of that 'happy birthday' stuff. Acceptable tributes are vodka, vodka, vodka. Failure to comply may risk your country. Kthxbai.

Dreaming

Last night I dreamed of her.

I was chasing her. There were many of her friends in front and behind, as if escorting her. I said something to her, which I think amounts to a confession.

Boo-yaka!

On Monday, the soles of my steel toe capped boots made contact with saykhia's butt, as promised.

Since I failed two subjects, I withdrew from the subjects' second semester equivalent and retook them -- kicking me back for one semester. Hoping to get a minimum pass for them, as repeats are not cheap.

Someone at the campus caught my eye. No, it's the other one that you never heard of.

Sarikei & Sibu Travels II

Ship anchored in the Rajang River.



"Uh...Captain?"



The kids a-singin'



The VIPs a-smilin'



A longhouse with a transmission tower. Who would have thought?

Sarikei & Sibu Travels I

Steep hill, great plains.



The Nyelong Ferry



Holding on for his life?



Meradong Bridge.



Sibu City from Lanang Bridge.



Old Sibu Hospital, under demolition.

Might want to go to my flickr account to see more details.

Nyelong Ferry

Nyelong Ferry, originally uploaded by nerdrazor.

Testing flickr. I wonder how do I post a whole bunch of them...

You Are A: Turtle!

These reptiles, famous for their hard outer shells, spent their days roaming for food and relaxing in the water. As a turtle you are not very speedy, nor are you soft and cuddly. You tend to hide in your shell and you aren't much of a sprinter, however you are as cute as you are fascinating.

You were almost a: Bear Cub or a Kitten
You are least like a: Bunny or a SquirrelCute Animal Quiz!

I'm a turtle, choo choo!

Safe

I've received word that my relatives in Cilacap are safe, though they have to flee the area earlier. It will be hard for my auntie who has just given birth a month ago.

Wasted

Yesterday: five hours in the car, no stopping at any point, 400 kilometers in the afternoon sun. Did I mention that this was repeated today too?

Nemu blogger agik

Smalam aku bjalan kat Satok ya. Skali ku nangga, ada urang make kupiah. Tapi nya tok urang putih, ko. Ku nangga agik. Janggutnya mirah. Da juak miak kecik, rambut bgolong. Nang sah lah, sikda urang lain agik.

Ku purak-purak dok luar, curi-curi nangga nya tek. Bini nya atang, lalu sidaknya gi tangga begerak yo, nak turun dibah. Ku nunggu nya nangga kat aku. Bila nya nangga, angkat ku tangan ku. Kira nak madah hai la tek. Nya nangga kali keduak, aku senyum. Nya pun senyum balit.

Nya balit rumah mesti heran sapa urang ngangkat tangan ngan nya di Satok pukul limak limak belas tek. Tok maok madah, aku la urang nya... ku tok jenis sik becakap rilak, maok madah hai pun susah. Sikpalah, harap-harap nya tauk ku kenalnya make blog nya.

It was Friday.

There's a test at 2 p.m. Since the Friday prayers usually end at 1.30 p.m., it will be quite stupid of me to go to the mosque across the river while there's one just 200 meters from the campus. Long story made short, I arrived at the campus at 8 a.m. and proceeded to study my ass off at the library. After assimilating quite a number of information, I decided that my ass had enough and took a break, walking to the library's window to get some warm sunshine.

I suddenly got the urge to pull out my cell and test a number. Specifically, Miss. G's. I was naturally worried when Gawai came and I was unable to call or message, the line giving out an ominous number not available message. Acting on yet another of my impulsive tendencies, I dialled the number and placed my cell to my ear.

I heard the waiting to connect tone, and proceeded to hang up.

Looks like she's around.

Happy 46th mum.

Desktop

Basically a screenie of my desktop. Note lack of themes due to my beliefs of functionality over appearence.

SVG

This is a shameless, self-promoting post.

I traced the Sarawak flag to a vector format - SVG. It can be found here. And for the inevitable question: why SVG? It can be resized to any size, without loss in detail; it's an Open Standard and XML; and most importantly, it's quite compatible with most browsers and vector-editing software.

Other modifications that are on Wikipedia are a map of Malaysian states and yet the same map with Kuching marked.

Yes Mr. You-know-who-you-are, you may talk about this with me but not reveal it to anyone else.

Pinafore

I was lounging around in a computer shop when a customer came in with his daughter. The latter was wearing a school pinafore, light blue with short sleeved shirt. Having not seen one for several months, and the fact that it was an important part of my school life (No, I am not a crossdresser) sent me back six years into the past, when saykhia was still eleven. Yes my friend, my first sweet - and bad memories.

Instead of my usual clear glasses, I was wearing a sunglasses as it is a very sunny day. I took the opportunity to study the details of the fabric, the colours and texture of the uniform. How it curves at the right spots, and how it seems too tight at some other places. The more detail that I noticed, the further I went back into memory lane. If you are the patient kind, you can go through my archives to find what I meant. Be warned, three years worth of material waiting.

Being in a university means no chance of encountering the pinafore, until the school tour came in. They are quite sporadic and the higher-ups didn't say when they'll be coming, so it all boils down to luck. To brush off the rumours, I'm not a ephebophilic, ok? Just plain nostalgic. Uh... right. Yeah.

Pinafore -- more modest than a baju kurung. Don't ask us guys why because we couldn't tell you -- honestly. Wait a minute...

Partner

What the... saykhia tagged me for a meme! w00t! First time someone did. Wait, do I have friends...? It sounds so...pathetic.

Anyway, on with the show. The rules are:

• *Eight different points for my perfect partner
• *Gender (I'm no Homer)
• *Tag others (hate this part)
• *Have fun (Yeah, right)

Personality:
Intellectual: What can I say, I'm a zombie, need brains. But it is very disheartening to have a partner that does not understand how the world works.

Beautiful: It sure take quite a while for your heart to open up to non-beautiful people. And it doesn't necessarily mean physical beauty, you know.

Knows my train of thought: I'm thinking of something else. By going from A to B, I might choose the path 3, not A and a half.

Go well with my parents: You want a war with the parents? Being forced to choose between your wife/lover or your parents will screw you up.

Not naïve: Someone who is attuned to the real world. There are many crooks and cheats around, and being naïve is damning.

Love babies, hate little kids: Nothing is more annoying than 5 to ten year old little kids running around while their parents pretend not to notice. By "running around", I mean running around, opening MY HOUSE's cabinets, looking at MY STUFF, climbing the chairs, the table. Seriously, parents, only my self-restraint prevents me from kicking your child's ass. Literally. Back on the topic.

Good in bed: *coughamustcough*

There, I'm clear of debt.

Kuching is now in hi-res

Now on Google Maps and Google Earth, you can view Kuching in all it's high-resolution glory. Quality is good, I can view my house and my friend's house and my friend's friend's house...


This is Kuching International Airport, along with the TUDM base. You can see 737s, a Fokker-50, an Airbus/B777, Nuris and Caribous.


This is the heart of Kuching. As you can see, I've begun to add placemarks, of which I hope to cover most of Kuching. Look out for it in the future!

My Flickr album is up. You can see it here. Note the Creative Commons sign?

Dum Spiro Spero

Editing Malaysian articles on Wikipedia is a tough job.

There are quite a number of contributors who push POVs (point of views), disregard copyright law, ignore the policies of Wikipedia and self-promote themselves through Wiki. Check out the article on Kuching. Does it look like a neutral point of view to you?

If you feel that you are biased, then don't edit the article that requires you to drop the bias. Simple.

BN Wins in Sarawak

As of this time, BN has won 60 seats, DAP 5, Keadilan 1, Bebas 1 out of the 71 seats contested.

I am unhappy, but what can I say, I'm a realist.

Rw II

On rainy days like these, I think about her (them). I miss her (them) alot.

Like how Forrest Gump thinks about Jenny.

A Day at the Barrage

The Sarawak River barrage: keeping your homes dry during the rainy season!


The Barrage as seen from Bako Causeway.

G.B.
1925-2006

Bloopers

"This is my oral partner." (This is my partner for the Oral Communication test.)

"I don't have any private." (I don't have any privacy.)

"I have siphilis." (I have siblings.)

After Action Report - W32.Rontokbro.Z@mm

After Action Report - W32.Rontokbro.Z@mm

20060408ST
1200-1400
1700-2030

Symptoms: Subject complained of the computer shutting itself down.

In most situations, auto restart on Windows XP is caused by the 'Restart after failure' option checked in the error settings of My Computer. This was found to be true, and was left for simplicity as subject does not know the Three Finger Salute.

The possibility of the root of the problem being a virus infection is very high as the Rontokbro virus is spreading across Malaysian universities and campuses. This virus prevents any attemps to clean it (except in Safe Mode) and lowers the overall security settings. It infects itself onto thumbdrives as well.

My first attempt to clean up the virus was to use the pre-installed Trend PC-cillin, only to find the virus definition fikle for it unupdated as the copy of anti-virus was illegal. I then proceeded to uninstall it and put AVG Anti-Virus in its place instead. The virus must have detected the process because as I attempted to update the definition file (for AVG), the computer restarted.

Instead of starting up normally, I went to Safe Mode only to find that the update process was not completed. Hoping for the best, I restarted the computer in normal mode. The update process went well, then I restarted the computer yet again for the clean up process in Safe Mode, as the virus masquaredes itself as importantn Windows Processes.

On its first run, AVG detected 28 viruses of which none was healed and 21 deleted. Since it is possible that several files escaped detection during the first run of the test, I restarted Windows and entered Safe Mode again. This round, 16 viruses were found and 12 healed. Attempts to access msconfig and regedit failed because the virus has locked both application.

I started the Microsoft System Recovery console and deleted several of the virus known file. This opens up the door to further clean the system. I downloaded regtmcmdrestore.vbs and showhiddenfiles.vbs from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm. This unlocks msconfig and regedit, and I was able to neutralise the virus more. The worse part is registry editing, since I basically have to navigate through a lot of stuff to get to the correct registry key.

I have run the sixth scan and I am pleased to say that the number of infected files has dwindled down to two. Both were deleted. Afterwards, I logged into the normal mode and ran a scan. No more anamolies detected. The system is cleaned.

I re-enabled System Restor and made a restore poin. I leave AVG Anti-Virus and Spybot Search & Destroy in place to ward off any further attempts, hopefully.

Infected/virus' files (may vary according to computer and infected users):
C:\Brengkolang.com
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\csrss.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\inetinfo.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\lsass.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\services.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\smss.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\winlogon.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Empty.pif
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Templates\Brengkolang.com
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\csrss.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\inetinfo.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\lsass.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\services.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\smss.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\winlogon.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Empty.pif
C:\WINDOWS\eksplorasi.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ShellNew\sempalong.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SHELLNEW\sempalong.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ShellNew\sempalong.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Administrator's Setting.scr
C:\WINDOWS\system32\System's Setting.scr
C:\WINDOWS\system32\user's Setting.scr
F:\Data ADMINISTRATOR.exe
F:\Data USER.exe
F:\選�.exe

Resources:
http://www.symantec.com/region/jp/avcenter/venc/data/jp-w32.rontokbro.z@mm.html
http://www.compactbyte.com/brontok/ (Older version of Rontok)
http://daniwhy.blogs.friendster.com/daniwhy/2005/11/win32rontoxbro_.html (Older version of Rontok)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
http://vaksin.com/remove_rontokbro_n.htm
http://www.kaer-media.org/penawar-brontok/

Virus spreading in your university?

Malaysian universities' computer labs are in a havoc due to a recent virus. Can't say the name since it shuts the application down, so I heard. If you haven't been infected yet, don't open any e-mails from strangers (obviously) and try not to use thumbdrives... I know, I know, it's hard. But better safe than sorry. Mr. Diskette or Mr. CD-RW or Mr. Gmail is your saviour now.

How to remove the latest version of the virus:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/pf/w32.rontokbro.z@mm.html

Removing older versions of the virus:
http://www.vaksin.com/rontokbro.htm
http://daniwhy.blogs.friendster.com/daniwhy/2005/11/win32rontoxbro_.html

Snort

Being in a fully-air conditioned room for two hours = bad. Now my sinuses are kicking my nose crazy. To give you an idea how cold it was, I can't feel my right pinkie finger an hour later and the interior of a car that had been sitting in the tropical sunlight for a day feels like heaven.

Sniff.

Orientation

Several days ago...

Orientation day for March intake! First up are several briefing by the administration. Quite well delivered, except for one. I could not understand what was being explained and neither could my colleagues for that matter. Next are some ice breaking games, which I won't go into much...

Evening brought club recruitment into focus. I joined one club, just one. Unfortunately for me, there's no automobile club. And here I thought that every institute of technology got to have one. After that, it's a little bit of guess-what-is-being-acted and treasure hunt. I ran up and down six floors, which resulted in painful legs on Sunday.

We wrap up the events with a group photo. Hilarity ensues, things fly and general wackiness abound.

My legs still hurt from running around.

Registeration

(Several days ago...)

Must wake up early, got registeration today! No registeration means I can work my ass off for the rest of my life. Since I scored below average for STPM, I heading where STPM guys don't usually head to - foundation. Hence I will mixing around will people two years my junior (fun) and I am hoping that certain someone will be there as well.

Good stuff about it is that my MUET results exempted me from taking English classes. Not that proud though, since a lot of other people are also exempted as well. Another exemption is Bahasa Kebangsaan for Local Students. Suprising since I remember getting either 4 or 6 for it (SPM).

We'll see how this will turn out.

Sierra Tango Papa Mike Results

Papa Alpha: 3.67
Mike Alpha Tango Hotel Tango: 0.00
Papa Hotel Yankee: 1.00
Charlie Hotel Mike: 1.33

:(

Three days to STPM results

Yippe kay yey! Three more days to go. This wait of four months is murdering me. Anyway, for you SPM guys and gals: good luck.

STPM students can check their results through SMS after 11 a.m., 16 March. I believe the text should be "STPM " and send it to 39003. Remember, after 11 a.m!

My friends, my friends, my friends! How I miss all of you! Kawaii hime! My heart longs out for you! Good luck!

What to do after:
1) Unimas, or
2) Curtin, or
3) Swinburne, or
4) Polytechnic (Diploma), or
5) STPM (Arts Stream), or
6) TESL, or
7) Unexpected stuff

Wish me good luck ^_^

Another death

Barely one month had passed when I received the news of another passing. My teacher's husband died in an accident. She is the best English teacher that I've ever known.

My new BB gun

I spotted this BB gun a few days ago at an unnamed shop in Matang. Acting on impulse, I bought it today at RM 3.50. The gun's design is based on the Walther PPK. The main point of this gun, however, is its sheer size. I mean, sheer small size. 12 centimeters long, it is almost the same size as a CD.

The magazine can be filled with 7 6mm BB plastic pellets. I expended all of them within 30 minutes. Fortunately, I have a backup supply of bullets from Serikin.

This BB gun is not perfect. The sights does not align properly, one side is higher than the other! And a shorter gun means a shorter barrel which translates into horrible accuracy. I estimated that it is good for up to 3 meters, anymore than that and your shots miss your intended target by several feet.

This is my fourth BB gun. BB guns from China are notorious for their compressor's unreliability. They tend to break after a lot of shooting. I would say not enough shots for you to really enjoy it. If I can find a machien shop in Kuching, perhaps I can fashion a compressor myself.

Overall, cheap gun with questionable reliability. And remember, airsoft, BB guns or any kind in the family are illegal in Malaysia!

Kenny got plagiarized, culprit got RM 50

Got today's The Star? Turn to Thumbnails section. See the 'Slow Men At Work' picture? Ok, now go to Kenny Sia's site. Coincidence? Fat chance. The road construction finished months ago.

Update:
Here's a comparison of pictures. First is from The Star:



And from Kenny's site:


Note the motorcyclist, blue signboard and blue wall.

Adenan Satem: Future CM of Sarawak?

As you all have probably heard, the Cabinet has been reshuffled, albeit a minor one. And since the Sarawak State Elections are coming, rumours are quite rife.

On 11 February, Saturday, the Prime Minister paid a visit to the Chief Minister of Sarawak, who was recovering from a minor operation, at his personal residence in Demak. Speculations (emphasise speculations) state that the Prime Minister asked the Chief Minister to not participate in the upcoming elections, which in effect means that he (Taib) will probably step down from the post of CM.

Adenan is quite high on the list. He is often seen as the successor to Taib. But until the elections and subsequent executive appointments, speculations are speculations.

Disclaimer: NSDS3 cannot vote since he is under-aged.

Farewell to the Sarawak Tribune

Sixty-one years of history gone down the drain because of one man's doing. Poor ol' Tribune! I expect no better coverage of Borneo news than you. Having a state newspaper is unique, and I believe it is sort of rare in the West [M].

Goodbye Tribune.

A Wedding and A Funeral on Chinese New Year's Day

On Sunday, which was the First Day of Chinese New Year, I attended a wedding at my village. What happened in the evening was unforseen by anyone.

We set off from our house and arrived at our village around 9.40, thanks to the upgraded Kuching-Serian road (although slow drivers drove in the middle lane and the u-turns just pop out of nowhere). We arrived way to early, so early that the bride herself has not arrived. A quick hello, meeting with relatives and filling our stomachs with beef curry from a slaughtered cow (as opposed to beef bought in shops) we set off back to Kuching again.

At 10:40:55 on 29 January 2006, Sunday, near the Siburan I received an SMS from my friend, L. You might remember L from my older posts. He and her broke up last year, if you want an update. Anyway, the message informed me of her father's death. It is a kind of a shock to me, since I do not know her father was suffering from anything except a stroke last year. And that was a minor stroke.

I informed this to another passanger in the same car, who I will not name or explain her relationship to me. She was L's girl classmate. Arriving back home, I've decided to pay a visit to L's former girl's home.

Off we go at 3 pm. She went in, I stayed outside. After all, the house is packed full of women. I saw a certain Member of Parliament. After paying our respects, we left before the burial.

So that is how I attended One Wedding and One Funeral on Chinese New Year's Day.

FireAngel returns and overthrows Aragorn

There are two kinds of people on the Net: those who have heard of FireAngel, and those who have not. It's the return of the Queen! Tolkien shall be revived from the dead and write a trilogy on this. No, tri-tri-bilogy!

What have people said?
- Kenny Sia needs to re-register his IC at NRD (change of religion)
- When Michael Ooi says 'Nice', you better believe it or else
- Mossie suddenly became a Royalist
- Swifty lost inspiration (such is her power that it leaves people speechless and thoughtless)
- Viewtru is celebrating the return of the phoenix
- Lainie is screaming in ecstasy

She's back into blogging! Gogogo

Streamyx is going bonkers currently

As I am typing this, several international sites are unaccessible.

Read post at Low Yat for a quick remedy.

Some major confusion here

A neutral observer might be scratching his head in confusion over what is going on currently. All this talk of Article 121 (1A). This is not easy as in most debates, the article in question is rarely cited. Here it is:

121.
1. Subject to Clause (2) the judicial power of the Federation shall be vested into High Courts of co- ordinate jurisdiction and status, namely-
(a) one of the States of Malaya, which shall be known as the High Court in Malaya and shall have its principle registry in Kuala Lumpur; and

Strange. Very strange. I am wondering whether I am looking at the correct article!

And there's a new case, almost similar to Moorthy. Except the deceased is a Malay and a Buddhist (I believe Utusan might have got confused over 'Buddhist' and 'traditional Chinese religion'. What will the Sharia court ruling? That she is not a Muslim, or she is still a Muslim? Perhaps this might be the next controversy.

For those wanting the non-Muslim point of view, Reverend Wong Kim Kong's interview in Mingguan Malaysia today might shed some light. I urge all to follow logic and not emotions, or there will be more cracks in the nation.

Breaking news: biggest butterfly discovered

Bigger than the truck, mind you! The butterfly in question is the Rajah Brooke butterfly (Trogonoptera brookiana). Picture shot in Sarawak Museum grounds.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License.

Article 153 of the Constitution Featured on Wikipedia

Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution is on Wikipedia's (English) Main page. Now, whether this is a good thing or a bad thing...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Ambal (Bamboo Clam)

I remember having my first taste of ambal a few years back. We bought quite a number near a canal lock in Asajaya, Samarahan. Ambal (bamboo clam) looks suspicously like something, bu that doesn't deter people from being a fan to this lovely edible molluscs.



Catching these guys is an art. You can't simply walk down the beach and have a go at catching these critters, you must have a life of catching ambals to learn it.



If you can't cook, you have someone else cook for you. I believe that most sea food restaurants in Kuching serve ambals, but I haven't tatsted the restaurant version, just my mother's cooking.



IMHO, best steamed. Otherwise, there's a curry method.

Related links:
http://www.borneotravel.com/articles/ambal.html

Screw blogging. I'm outta here.