Ciao 2008, Wassup 2009

Today people around the world celebrate to welcome the new year - 2009 !

However the dawn of the new year is not greeted with merriment and joyous cheers as we brace ourselves for tough times. It was reported that tho shopping malls appeared crowded, visitors were only window shopping.

The global economic slump brought about by the falling of US Dollar has everyone in recession.

People are being retrenched and Mummy's getting a 2 digit pay-cut next year :( ... She is worried about how I am going to get my neng-neng.

Ee-Ee says that it's high time we practise the "ikat perut" tactic ???

Oh well, Happy New Year anyway.

Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas Everyone !

Do you know Rudolph ?

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph
join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you'll go down in history!


- Johnny Marks, 1949

Prayer for my Khong-Khong

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, 10 thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

NIV, Psalm 91

When A Child is Born

A ray of hope flickers in the sky

A tiny star lights up way up high

All across the land dawns a brand new morn

This comes to pass, when a child is born

A silent wish sails the seven seas

The winds of change whisper in the trees

And the walls of doubt tumble tossed and torn

This comes to pass when a child is born

A rosy hue settles all around

You start to feel you’re on solid ground

For a spell or two no one seems forlorn

This comes to pass, when a child is born

It’s all a dream, an illusion now

It must come true, sometime soon somehow

All across the land, dawns a brand new morn

This comes to pass, when a child is born

A ray of hope flickers in the sky

A tiny star lights up way up high

All across the land dawns a brand new morn

This comes to pass, when a child is born

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZfjIAmfH8w

Christmas at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

Papa and Mummy took me to the Curve Shopping Complex to look at the Christmas decorations. I tell you all the shopping complexes here at the Klang Valley are competing to put up the most colorful and elaborate Christmas deco, and has become a yearly trend and affair.

This year there was an enchanting Christmas Garden setup at the Curve. There were dwarfs and animals crafted plants there. You can click here to look out for more on what's happening at the Curve http://www.thecurve.com.my/

You can also visit the competitor shopping centre http://www.1utama.com.my/welcome.aspx. They are featuring "The Magic of Christmas". Or you may walk across the Curve and visit Ikea /Ikano Power Centre to see Santa's Village.

Ha ! Ha ! You will be spoilt for choice during this holiday season, not to mention the far many options one may have if you are downtown in KL city.

Niways ... just enjoy this yuletide season as times ahead aren't rosy.

Going to the Dentist

Picture taken from http://www.usbornebooksathome.co.uk

Mummy & Papa took me to see Uncle Dentist today. There you can check out Uncle Dentist here http://jkohdental.com/ It was quite an experience. Uncle Dentist said I could sit with Papa on his special chair which could go up and down like an aeroplane.

Uncle Dentist also gave me a round mirror to let me look at my teeth. And he had a very bright light on the overhead to help me count my teeth. Mummy kept telling me to say "aargh" to Uncle Dentist.

After counting through my teeth and looking at them with his little round mirror ... Uncle Dentist had one just like the mirror he loaned to me, Uncle Dentist says that I MUST start to brush my teeth daily. No more drinking milk just before bed and no snacking once I brush my teeth. He sounded serious about this ... both Mummy and Papa want to follow the advise given by Uncle Dentist.

Do you heed Uncle Dentist's advise ?

oH deAr ! oH mY !

oH deAr ... oH mY ...

Just only we read that Financial Advisers are telling us that the Employee's Provident Fund (EPF) http://www.kwsp.gov.my/index.php?lang=en have always been faring better than the stock market with consistent returns - saying that the EPF NEVER gives negative returns ! There you can see from the comparison chart above.

Why the notion for this justification ? It's because for year 2009 - 2010, the government have "imposed" EPF contributors (like my Mummy and Papa) to reduce their compusory contribution from 11% (for employees) to only 8% to help promote in-country spending. Many financial advisors have warned against the bad effects of this on the long-term retirement savings for individuals.

Then ... yesterday, it was reported that total investment income for EPF has dropped by 60.4% from the previous quarter to RM2.06 billion in Q3 but EPF justifies that they have positive income posted despite volatile market.

However, can someone tell me shouldn't there be something for us to be fearful of ?

God's Plan

God has a plan for me. It is hidden within me, just as the oak is hidden within the acorn, or the rose within the bud. As I yield myself more fully to God, His Plan expresses itself more perfectly through me. I can tell when I am in tune with it, for then my mind and heart are filled with a deep inner peace. This peace fills me with a sense of security, with joy, and a desire to take steps that are a part of the Plan.

God's Plan for me is a perfect part of a larger Plan. It is designed for the good of all and not for me alone. It is a many-sided Plan and reaches out through all the people I meet. All the events and people who come into my life are instruments for the unfolding of this Plan.

God has chosen those people He wants me to know to love and to serve. We are continually being drawn to one another in ways that are not coincidental. I pray that I may become a better instrument to love and to serve and that I may become more worthy to receive the love and service of others.

I ask the Father within me for only those things which He wants me to have. I know that these benefits will come to me at the right time and in the right way. The inner knowing frees my mind and heart from all fear, greed, jealousy, anger and resentment. It gives me courage and faith to do those things which I feel are mine to do. I no longer look with envy at what others are receiving, nor do I compare myself with them. Therefore, I do not cut myself off from God, the giver of all good things.

God's gifts to me can be many times greater than I am now receiving. I pray that I may increase my capacity to give only as I receive, and receive only as I give.

I believe that when I cannot do those things I desire to do, it is because God has closed one door only to leave ajar a better and larger door. If I do not see that door just ahead, it is because I have not seen, heard, or obeyed God's guidance. It is then that God uses the trouble or seeming failure which may result to help me face myself, and see the new opportunity before me.

The real purpose of my life is to find God within my own mind and heart, and to help my fellowmen. I thank my Father for each experience which helps me to surrender myself to His Will. For only as I lose myself in the consciousness of His Great Presence can His Plan for my life be fulfilled.

- Glenn Clark

2008 Sexiest Man Alive - Hugh Jackman

Ha ha ha ... This entry is a far too matured for my age ... but it caught my eye as it was Hugh Jackman. There it's here in the People Magazine.

http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20237714_20241213,00.html

People Magazine on 19 November 2008 gave the title to Jackman who for the past few weeks have been highly publicized for his forthcoming epic flim drama "Australia".

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455824/

Let's look out for the movie :)

Mickey Mouse is 80 Years Old

That's Memouse and Wow ! I didnt know that he is 80 years old this year (18 November 2008 to be exact). Mummy corrected me by saying that his name is Mickey Mouse ... din't I just say that "Memouse" ?

Niways, Memouse is one of my favourite characters over Astro's Playhouse Disney. He appears in his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse program http://www.astro.com.my/channels/playhousedisney/ Papa had the cartoon package subcribed from Astro so that I get to enjoy the Playhouse Disney Channel (Channel 613).

Here is the story about Memouse and his existence for the past 80 years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7735000/7735372.stm

Memouse has come a long way and is a real big icon to Disneyland ! I hope Mummy takes me to Disneyland one day ...

I remembered entrying a blog entry about Memouse last year ... and today in the papers, he is being mentioned again ... heh heh ..

I hope you like M-i-c-k-i Mouse too ...

At Face Value Only

Today's cartoon would have reflected the sentiments of Malaysians with regards to what has been happening to us since the fuel hike ...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/12/nation/2519211&sec=nation

Honestly to me, everything is but skin deep only as the global economic crisis would have a greater impact upon our lives albeit that MYR is alleged to be strong ...

Niways, the cartoon will be all for today ... enjoy !

Obama: 44th President of America

Two days after my birthday, the world marked another milestone in the US politics - Barack Obama, the 1st African-American won the 44th Presidency of the United States of America !

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html

A very profound speech from Obama: It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/obama.transcript/index.html

Global Media Reaction:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/05/international.press.reaction/

Madagascar

I saw this ad board along the highway on Saturday when Mummy brought me back from Mah-Mah's House :) ... I pointed it out to Mummy and told her "CAR"

Madagascar has been my favorite movie for some weeks running ... I like Alex best as he roars very well ... ROAR !

I do like Marty too as he is sort of cool and always getting Alex into troube. Melman is ok being the clumsy tall giraffe and Gloria is such a sexy hippo. They all make Madagascar very interesting to watch for me ... as I can now relate to animals :) ...

Papa says he wants to bring me to the cinemas to watch Madagascar 2 ... Mummy just blinked her eyes ...

Well, apparently Madagascar 2 takes you to the vast plains of Africa - the great continent ! Go and watch it on November 13, 2008 and tell me if you enjoyed it ... cheers !

http://www.gsc.com.my/

http://www.madagascar-themovie.com/

Selamat Hari Jadi

The God of love and peace shall be with me. (2 Cor. 13:11)

God bless me on my birthday and keep me all year through

God give me all the faith it takes to make my dreams come true,

May His love and wisdom always help to guide me on my way.

And His light shine down upon me now to bless this special day.

God Bless You, Great Grandpa

I am told that my Great Grandpa (Papa's Grandfather) passed away today (he left this world in the morning). He had not been feeling well for about a year or so but I have no details regarding his ailment. Neither do I know how old he was ... :'(

Lord Jesus, please bless my Great Grandpa's soul, Amen.

You Arx Important !

Whxn you arx txmptxd to takx a Sunday off, and you think that thx absxncx of onx pxrson won't makx too much diffxrxncx at church, you placx thx congrxgation in thx samx position as a fxllow trying to typx with onx kxy missing.

Hx can makx substitutions just as wx havx donx, but thx rxsult is nxvxr thx samx as whxn all thx mxmbxrs of thx congrxgation arx togxthxr ...

Got this from a vxry old church bullxtin ... hxx hxx hxx ...

A Frown Gets the Job Done :P

I am quite good at frowning …

Dictionary.net defines a frown as “to contract the brow in displeasure, severity, or sternness; to scowl; to put on a stern, grim, or surly look”.

A frown gets your message across without being verbal. A frown allows you to assert negative pressure creatively.

I frown when Mummy or Papa won’t let me do certain things … or I have to give back what I took from them or when I am admonished for behaving badly …

Neng-ngu says that I should be given the “rotan” … what’s a “rotan” ?

Hungry Now ? They are Hungry all the Time !

Mummy went to Kentucky Fried Chicken today to buy lunch for the company. She saw a community project by KFC - Hunger Relief Program (running from 14 Oct - 16 Nov 2008). All funds raised will be donated by KFC to United Nations World Food Program. What we can do is to purchase a wristband at the cost of only RM2.

It is said that every 5 seconds, a child dies from hunger somewhere around the world and more than 800 million people in the world go to bed on an empty stomach, most of whom are children and women.

This is indeed very sad and shocking ... considering that we have advanced so much as mankind.

Sometimes when I read about how millions have been swindled or wasted or stashed away by the greed of man ... there can be so many ways which we can do to help the hungry.

Read more up on wher World Food Program from http://www.fromhungertohope.com/

Even Mariah Carey is helping out. She is an ambassador propogating funds.

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency providing food and resources to build self-sustaining communities in the most impoverished corners of the world.

I Had an AXR

AXR mean Abdominal X-Ray

I had a terrible bout of vomiting since Friday (after coming back from daycare) … in fact, I have been vomiting almost daily (for the week) … but things became really bad on Friday and I couldn’t keep food down.

Mummy took me to the doctor’s on Saturday, I was given an anti-vomiting suppository, some nausea medicines and Doctor recommends that I go for an ultra-sound for my tummy. He suspects a twisted gut which is not uncommon among toddlers below 24 months. Scary diagnosis I tell you !!

Papa and Mummy decided to wait and see ... but they had to finally take me back to see my own doctor as my vomiting didn’t stop. Doctor recommended that I take an abdominal x-ray (http://health.yahoo.com/digestive-diagnosis/abdominal-x-ray/healthwise--hw198296.html) as she suspects bowel obstruction (constipation) or gastroenteritis (layman term “stomach flu”). Funny thing is I had no fever or diarrhea. Doctor prescribed a 7-day probiotics - Lactobacillus GG (http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T080401.asp) to be given to me.

It was a horrid feeling altogether, I was so scared of vomiting after so many repeats. I was feeling nausea, having tummy cramps and bloated-ness, tired and dehydrated. I slept so much and I didn’t want food at all. I lost quite a bit of weight over the 5 days ordeal.

I felt better after a week and I highly suspect the cause of my ailment was something I ate from daycare !

For more info on gastroenteritis:

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/stomach+flu

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/stomach-flu-not-influenza

Mid Autumn Festival

14 September 2008 was the Mid Autum Festival or also called the Mooncake Festival.

Papa brought back a box of Tai Thong mooncakes ... whilst my Mummy, ai ... busy putting things in place to have 80+ boxes of mooncakes delivered to her company customers never brought any mooncakes home ...

http://www.ttrb.com.my/

The moon is supposed to be in its fullest tonite according to popular Chinese legends. Alongside with this are also the many varied stories of the Mooncake Festival:

1) The Lady Chang-Er, wife of the tyrannical archer, Hou Yi

2) The shiftless man, Wu Kang

3) The sarcrifical rabbit

4) The making of special cakes for rebellion without it being discovered a.k.a mooncakes

http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/midfallstory.htm

So, have u eaten your mooncake this year ? Here, read about the mooncake mania here

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/8/23/central/1834434&sec=central

Happy Birthday Malaysia !

Malaysia turns 51 yesterday ... meaning Malaysians have celebrated 51 years of independance ...

Looking at Malaysia from my point of view, boy, Malaysia is quite an old woman already - what i mean is that she has already hit middle age ...

Apparently celebrations for this year's Merdeka is not so lavish ...

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2337919/Article/index_html

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2337911/Article/index_html

Being near to the Curve, Mummy predicted that there would be a crowd coming over ... and indeed there were folks and people (both young and old) all flocking to the Curve at about 10pm ... however, Mummy packed me up to bed at around 11pm ... so i didn't get to see the fireworks (which was being displayed for about 15 minutes at the Curve) ...

Some other reading: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/31/merdeka/22155220&sec=Merdeka

Predictable, Shouldn't It ?

There ... the unavoidable has happened. Cannot escape liao ...

Today's paper front page - Headlines
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/24/nation/21905668&sec=nation

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June 2008 spiked to a 27-year high of 7.7%. The 7.7% is also the highest since April 1981 ...

Related link http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/24/business/21906123&sec=business

Local economists says that inflation may peak at 8% in October ...

:( ... :'(

Please Help Me, God

Thank you, thank you God, for the food

Thank you, thank you God, for the food

Help me, help me Lord, to be good

Help me, help me Lord, to be good

Amen !

Teacher taught me this prayer of saying grace and thanksgiving ... won't you join me in praying it daily :D

Aren't Some Days Like This ?

Dear Lord, as I arise

And bend my knee to pray

I ask please place your guiding hand

Upon this busy day

All my yesterdays are said and done

Tomorrow may never be

But I give you full reign over this day

To make the best of me

May each little word I speak

Be filtered through your love

May all my thoughts be connected

To the heavenly courts above

And use my feet to take me

To where you want me to be

Guard my eyes that they would only

See what you want me to see

Give me a heart that longs to show

Others the way back home

And with these two hands help me

Fashion glory for your throne

From the great expanse of eternity

One day is all I can borrow

So help me Lord to take care of today

And we'll talk again tomorrow

Prayer for a Good Day - By Anita Humbertson

Get The Drift ?

The cartoon speaks "many, many, many" words ...

The cartoonist is Mr. Reggie Lee, he also a Creative Director who regularly contributes his work of art to the local papers. His work of art is often satirical and there are very few cartoonists of that nature. Here is his website http://www.reggielee.com/interviews.htm

Mr. Lee is also contributes back to society via his many community service works and one of them was highlighted in the local papers. You can read more about it here. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/7/16/central/21830628&sec=central

Niways, back to the cartoon ... get its drift ?

My Favourite Song

Old MacDonald had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a duck
E-I-E-I-O
With a quack quack here and a quack quack there
Here a quack, there a quack, ev'rywhere a quack quack
Old MacDonald had a farm
E-I-E-I-O

Do you have a favourite song ?

Upgraded

Some three months ago, when i did a check on the readability level of my blog - it was only junior high level.

Today, i found that i have been upgraded to a college level :) ...

Yay ! i think i should be proud of myself :D

Combating Nasty Pollutants

According to Stack C.G. & Dobb P. (2003) - a child breathes an average of 40,000 times a day while an adult breathes 20,000 times a day. That is why children are the 1st to suffer from air pollution, especially from sinus allergies.

Author and Researcher, Joachim Heinrich, Ph.D., of the German Research Center for Environment and Health at the Institute of Epidemiology in Munich - says that children living very close to a major road are likely to be exposed not only to a higher amount of traffic-derived particles and gases but also to a more freshly emitted aerosols which may be more toxic and are in the risk of asthma, hay fever, eczema and allergic sensitizations.

I live in a very condensed high-density apartment surrounded by lots of construction work nearby building more housing flats and apartments. Added to that, is that my place is also just beside a major highway (the only source of entry and exit) ... so you can imagine how polluted the air is ...

To measure air quality, use the API (Air Pollution Index) or go to
http://www.doe.gov.my/index.php to find out.

The API uses a range of readings that can be easily understood - the values for the API range in Malaysia are:
0 – 50 (indicating good air quality)
51 – 100 (moderate)
101 – 200 (unhealthy)
201 – 300 (very unhealthy)
> 300 (hazardous)
API readings above 100 indicate that the air quality is polluted enough to cause potential harm to human health, and people should avoid being out in the open for any prolonged periods.

So when i read about air sterilizers, i am very interested. One of this is MedKlinn
http://www.medklinn.com/cms/category/technology/

I think my Papa should look and research more into this product as he is very particular on the quality of air !

Tag: Is the air we breath also the air that is killing us ??

A Gift of Love by WyethAID

Last month, WyethAID (WyethAid Charity Fund is the non-profit initiative by Wyeth harmaceuticals Malaysia) launched a nationwide public education campaign on the pneumococcal diseases (PnD).

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/National/2270674/Article/index_html

Apparently only 31% of Malaysian parents are aware of this disease which is the no. 1 cause of death in children.

What is PnD ? The pneumococcal diseases are infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) which lives in the lining of the nose and throat of many healthy people (carriers). The spread of the PnD bacteria is airborne (coughing, sneezing or respiratory droplets of the infected person) and direct contact.

There are 3 major conditions caused by the invasive PnD:

1) pneumonia - infection of the lungs

2) bacteramia - infection of the blood

3) meningitis - infection of the lining of the brain/spinal cord

PnD can be very serious and impact the quality of life. However, it can be prevented by a series of vaccination. Vaccine PPV (pneumococcal polysaccharide which contains 23 purified capsular antigens) and the newer PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine which contains 7 purified capsular polysaccharides) can be administered to children.

PCV can be given at 2, 4, 6 months and the 4th dose between 12 to 15 months. Children aged 2 - 5 can be given either PCV or PPV. I had PCV after my KD (Kawasaki Disease) observation period was over and doctor highly recommends to Mummy that i be given the PCV. It was also because i fall in the "high risk" group. And as i was older, i only had to take 3 jabs.

The PVC is very costly and cost well above RM1,000+ for the completion of all the doses (averagely costed at RM300 per jab) , which is why parents become wary of giving the vaccine and a great need to promote PnD awareness.

Papas + Mamas (with young babies), please read up more on the PnD.

http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2007/12/9/health/19675717&sec=health

Have a good day ...

A Very Affordable PC for Kids

Learning is as easy as 123 ! That's the tagline message from Digi to all kids and parents who are into web surfing.

Do you know that Digi http://www.digi.com.my/ has tied up with Taiwanese PC maker AsusTek http://my.asus.com/ to offer a very affordable PC package for kids ? (and it comes with internet access via Digi Highspeed Mobile Access)

Digi has 2 packages available -

1) Simple Plan RM123 x 24 months

2) Smart Plan RM193 x 24 months (with a free Asus PDA mobile phone thrown in)

Wow ! Impressive isn't it ? Nah, you can view more here http://www.digi.com.my/whatshot/promotions/asus/pack.do

Apparently Asus is the pioneering manufacturer for kids' PC to bring IT to 3rd world schools. They partnered with Intel + Microsoft for this offering. I can't seem to find the website on this now ... please wait while i try to get the story.

More on Asus Eee PC model specs http://event.asus.com/eeepc/microsites/en/index.htm

Latest on Eee PC http://gizmodo.com/365670/eee-pc-getting-major-revisions-intel-processors-windows-xp-bigger-ssds-and-more

*pic taken from Asus website

Are you looking forward to a good salary increment ?

Ok, today's paper hinted on the increment on salaries ...

So, do tell how much sud tar-kung-chai(s) like my Mummy and Papa be looking at for their next increment ?

Neng-ngu, are you reading this ?

Another useful guide: http://www.kellyservices.com.my/web/my/services/en/pages/business_services_main.html

Cow's Milk Intolerance

Oh ya, i mentioned somewhere in one of the earlier blog entries that i m actually cow's milk intolerant.

Today I want to explain what it is ? Cow's milk (or lactose) intolerance is an intolerance to either the protein component of milk or to lactose (sugar in cow's milk).

Mummy discovered that I was intolerant to cow's milk when i started to diarrhoea with funny semi soft green stools and eczema suddenly developed when i was about 3-4 months old. It is said that some babies can tolerate a certain amount of high-lactose foods before they show any symptoms.

As of today, Mummy has kept me away from dairy products except cheese. I love cheese but after consuming a piece - i will breakout in rashes on my cheeks the next day.

Niways, I know that Mummy herself can't take dairy foods (or dairy based) - 2 very obvious ones are actually cream and cow's milk ... And apparently lactose intolerance is hereditary and may be passed from generation to generation without affecting anyone but ourselves. Aha ! That explains my situation, doesn't it :>

For further reading http://www.foodreactions.co.uk/intolerance/lactose/

Do You Have Nomophobia ?

I learnt a new word today - Nomophobia. Apparently nomophobia refers to "no mobile phobia".

People have evolved so much that there is now nomophobia - we have become so dependent on our mobile phones that we experience feelings of anxiety when we run out of battery or credit or if we lose our phones or when there is no network coverage.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/phonereliant-britons-in-the-grip-of-nomophobia-802722.html

Ee Ee, are u reading this ?

"Being phoneless and panicky is a symptom of our 24/7 culture." - Quote from the Independent

Happy Birthday Papa

Today is Papa's birthday ... 18th June ! And I want to pray a prayer for Papa ...

I clasped my palms

Both firmly together today

It's with these sweetest words

That I did pray

Bless my dear Papa, God

All this day through

Grant angels sing out

Happy Birthday to Papa

A sweet little prayer

One to make your day

God bless Papa sweetly

Have a Happy Birthday

Amen !

Up, Up and Away

Kee's World is a comic strip which reflects the local life - the Durian Life. Today he has very aptly portrayed Mummy + Papa's moaning and groaning since petrol price hike.

Also it has been reported in the local paper - The Star that pricey infant formula have parents substituting their babies with cheaper options like diluted condensed milk, rock sugar water, black coffee and plain tea, to feed their infants and toddlers. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/17/nation/21570029&sec=nation

And then, when you flip to the following page, Tetra Pak is advertising that if you click at their website, every click will help them feed a needy child - a pack of UHT milk will be donated (and they have 100,000 packs to give away ... wow, so generous). How ironic that advertisers are resorting to "noble" ways to bring traffic to their website ? Why can't they just give the milk away without hiding behind the facade of click for a donation thingy ? Such a sham from where I see it !!

Ok, save your money for the next price increase ! huumph ...

To view more of Kee's World, click here
http://imalaysian.com/2007/05/08/kees-world-comics/
http://imalaysian.com/2007/05/24/kees-world-comics-ii/

A Very Good Gauge

I love this gauge. Isn't it so glaring clear ?

Enjoy our Ringgit while it lasts ...

Have a good day ...

Rippling Effect of the Hike in Oil Price

Reference: Chart taken from the Star Business yesterday (10 June 2008)

KLCI is such an embarassement in comparison to its performance. Of course no one wants to compare with China ... so there is no reason to gloat that we are not at the lowest bottom ...

I wonder what's in store for us in the near future economically ... sigh ...

See la ... all the domino effects of the price hike in oil.

oh dear, oh my ...

Harga Semua Barang Naik !!

Price hike news everywhere ... petrol, toll, fares, cooking oil, sugar, bread, noodles, rice, pork, cost of living and petrol again ... and petrol again ... and petrol again ... and petrol again ...

Tell you ah - do you feel like you're fried and screwed and still the people tell you that YOU have to be prudent in your spending ... Ya, right !

My Mommy + Papa only earn "that" much with x amount of monthly liabilities which they can't run away from, so how do you expect them to be prudent ? Unless the people tell us babies and toddlers, that we should stop drinking neng-neng and drink rice water instead !!

Do you know that petrol price hike is the killer of all our daily needs and our cost of living (albeit consumer or supplier) cos there is the chain reaction linking us all ?

I got this data from a blogger - since the last 16 years (1990), the price hike for petrol has gone up by -

Before 1990s - RM0.892

1990 - RM1.10 (up by 21 sen)

01 October 2000 - RM1.20 (up by 10 sen)

20 October 2001 - RM1.30 (up by 10 sen)

31 May 2002 - RM1.32 (up by 2 sen)

31 October 2002 - RM1.33 (up by 1 sen)

01 March 2003 - RM1.35 (up by 2 sen)

01 May 2004 - RM1.37 (up by 2 sen)

01 October 2004 - RM1.42 (up by 5 sen)

05 May 2005 - RM1.52 (up by 10 sen)

31 July 2005 - RM 1.62 (up by 10 sen)

28 February 2006 - RM1.92 (up by 30 sen)

05 June 2008 - RM2.70 (up by 78 sen)

What is the people doing for us !! RM has diminished so much in its value, how far more do they want us to stretch it ?

Fabulous Friday Five Meme

Ok Auntie CaveMommy (http://planetkambing.blogspot.com/) had Mommy tagged on this Meme thingy ... and since it was long overdue (my Mommy lazy - had not been reading friends' blogs for some time now) owes this Meme thingy and she wants me to help her answer the Meme NOW ... tsk ! tsk ! tsk ! adults and their urgent vs. important issues ... today's not even Friday ok !!

1) To watch or to participate?

Mommy prefers to watch - ahh, you know la - born and bred here in this land in the 70s - the people of that era only want to look see, look see onie (dem kepoh generation but never want to dirty their hands)

2. Malls, catalogue shopping or the internet?

All halted for the time being - because she says she wants to focus on me :)) heh ! heh ! heh !

3. A bath (of) OR a shower?

Mommy thinks that it sud be "or" - only can do with showers now (no time for the luxury of a bath)

4. To talk to people by telephone, in person or by e-mail?

Mommy's top preference is by telephone - becos she can "screw" the other person kau-kau and get the satisfaction of putting that person in place. She says she deals with many "morons" woh in her line of job ?? Email not much fun cos majority of Malaysians can't write AT ALL ?? fat hopes that they can understand emails ...

5. Typing or writing?

Errr ... Mommy has not been writing for many, many years - that sud explain her choice :P

Nah Mommy, i have done your Meme for you ... Auntie CaveMommy will pat-pat me and call me a clever geh-geh :D

Spending Time with My Papa

Papa had to take a week's leave to take care of me as my daycare was closed for the mid-term school holidays ... While at home, Papa had a new air-condition unit installed in the house to keep us cool in this hot humid weather that's hitting us at this time of the year ...

Check out what Papa installed http://www.panasonic.com.my/web/pid/2069

As i was cooped up indoors, I wanted to show Papa that i am able to feed by myself and insist that he let me do it ... which he relented but to Mummy's horror ... heh! heh! heh! cos i made a big fuss and mess. Papa couldn't do anything but let me be but Mummy's the tough nut who wouldn't let me off the hook !! I had a big fight with her to let me have my way ... niways i am already 1.5 years old.

So to cut the whole story short, Mummy says that the acid test for me is how am i going to show off my newly acquired skills when i go back to school on Monday ? Will the teachers be as lenient as my Papa ? We'll just have to wait and see ...

Marketing Warfare

It was a public holiday last Monday and Papa decided to take me back to his favorite restaurant for lunch ... prior to that, Papa walked into a shopping complex and Mommy allowed me to run around at the toys section :) ... yay

See ... toys now come in such nice packaging that you can't seem to resist. Barbie dolls are of course the elaborate choice but i didn't know that "babies" come in a nice mobile compact luggage ... heh! heh! ... i am trying out the trolleys ...

Tell you ah - it's so competitive out there ! And those "marketing people" really know how to impress !

Have you read this book - Marketing Warefare (by Al Ries + Jack Trout) ? Check it out at the local bookstore http://www.mph.com.my

Gummy Bear from Vidalyn

Or sometimes spelt as Gummi Bear is a small, rubbery-textured gum shaped in the form of a bear and is about 2cm long. Apparently, the bear comes in multi-colors to attact small children like me.

Mummy has introduced me to Vidaylin Minibear Gummies with Garden Vegetables (spinach, tomato, carrot, beetroot and artichoke). It is said to be a good source of important antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, calcium, iron & zinc.

Nah, you can read about it here http://www.abbottlifeplus.com/abbottLP/Products/index.html

It daily recommendation is 2 a day but i sometime snack up to 6 gummies :P ... errr, are there any side effects ? I don't know ...

L-I-F-E

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

- Albert Einstein

Jeans

Jeans are trousers made from denim cloth. It is said that blue jeans were simply sturdy trousers worn by factory workers. Jeans were originally intended for work but became a popular fashion among teenagers in the 1950s. Gosh, those teenagers would be in their 70s now ... :O

Fits of jeans are determined by current styles, sex, and by the manufacturer. Historic jeans brandnames are like Levi's or Wrangler ... huh ! I have not heard of such ancient names :P

Mommy bought me my 1st pair for jeans couple of months back (look something like the pic above) and i wore them to church yesterday ... Por-por Alice saw me in them and said she is also looking for a pair for her little Belle (she is 3 months my junior) and i have yet to meet her.

So, jeans are quite an "in" thing among toddlers today and i think it is something which is here to stay considering that it has been around for nearly 60 years !!

Muruku - Once you pop, you can't stop

Muruku (also spelled Murukku or Murkoo), is a savoury snack popular in India, or among ethnic Indian populations. It is typically made from a mixture of urad and rice flour, salt, and flavourings such as chilly and cumin. The mixture is made into a batter, stuffed into a hand-grip press and manually pressed, once the batter flows out from the hand-grip press, it is formed into a spiral or coil, and then fried to a crispy biscuit. Muruku is traditionally enjoyed as a treat on the Deepavali holidays.

I love snacking on it. Mommy has given up introducing me to more healhty snacks like cereals or dried fruits or organic biscuits. Nothing is comparable or even beat Muruku. Heh! Heh!

Oh well, Mommy buys my muruku from this Indian man of Indian origin, so i hope the muruku he prepares is also of authentic taste and not influenced by the local palate here or worst still some mass production business who employs Indian migrants to push their business :O

Ahh ... just enjoy the muruku la - don't even know how long that muruku seller is staying :P

My Current Favourite Viewing

I currently love watching Barney and Friends.

According to record, Barney was created in 1988 by a Ms Sheryl Leach while considering TV shows should be educational and appeal to her son. Barney only became a major success after debuting as "Barney & Friends" in 1992.

Other than the songs which i like in Barney & Friends, were the dance gestures ... and what i like best about watching Barney is that i get to pause the DVDs which Mommy borrowed from Ethan Khor2 for my viewing pleasure. :) I get to have my bath and pause the DVD and continue watching it later - that's kinda cool isn't it ?

The official website http://www.barney.com/usa/

Happy Mother's Day

May 11, 2008 is Mother's Day.

Aiyoh with so many things happening ... there was no celebration for my Mommy ...

But nevertheless, i wouldn't want to waste this opportunity to wish all the Mama(s) in the world - Happy Mother's Day and may God bless all you wonderful Mommies out there !

Happy Mother's Day means more than have a happy day

Within those words lie lots of things we never get to say

It means I love you first of all, then thanks for all you do

It means you mean a lot to me and that I honor you

But most of all, I guess it means that I am thinking of

Your happiness on this, your day, with pleasure and with love

Yay !

Love Life

Authur Rubinstein - I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.

Pinkeye

Yikes ... Pinkeye (or also medically known as Conjunctivitis)

I had the pinkeye last week and had been to the doctor's twice ... and staying cooped up indoors for the last five days !

What is conjunctivitis ? It is the inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of our eyes. Here you can read more about it http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/eye/conjunctivitis.html

There are many causes of conjunctivitis -

1) bacteria

2) virus

3) irritating substance

4) allergies

Dang ... i feel really weird when mummy drops the eye medication into my eyes ... boing ?? Niways, i hope this pinkeye thingy clears up soon as i would like to go to my Mah-Mah's house to play with Khor-khor and Cheh-chehs.