I were "invited" for an "interview" (temusiasat) at JPJ Putrajaya due to the fact that my previous car was blacklisted due to "some offense" which can only be disclosed with my presense in the JPJ office.
The interview was conducted in front of an officer who carried a physical file. Within 5 minutes of "temusiasat", I was informed of the offense that i had made back in Jan 2009. The offense has got to do with me cutting into emergency lane on Seremban highway north bound heading towards Senawang. JPJ caught me with photo taken as proof of me making the offense.
I was so shocked to see how effecient they were in making it a case for me. I came to realise that the date stated (27/1/09) was so happen during CNY and now i recalled why I cut into emergency lane. The traffic condition was bad with massive jam at the highway due to the festive season. My instinct told me that i have to cut to the left in order to move "faster" in the stand still traffic condition. I am not trying to legalize my offense but that was such a basic reaction confronting with a stand still traffic situation.
I was just mere unlucky for been caught red-handed as the JPJ vehical was driving behind me at that time (without me realising of course).
The outcome, I was given a summon of RM300 on the spot of the "temusiasat" session. Paid it on the same day and i have been given a 30% discount.
That was a lesson learned and I am sure that i won't be doing that again.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wen Jia's quitting pacifier
How to get a child to quit using a pacifier?
These are the suggestions posted on wikihow (http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Child-to-Quit-Using-a-Pacifier)
# Set up a rewards program. Give your child a star each day they go without, and after they have (x) number of stars consistently, they can get a treat, like a Popsicle, or even going to the movies.
# Simply take it away. This will upset the child for a few days, and they may dislike you for about a week. But after that, they won't remember. And you can have a huge sigh of relief because you don't have to deal with it anymore. This is most effective for younger children, who can't understand a reward system like a 3-5 year-old could.
# Use an older child as an example. Even a cartoon character, like Dora the Explorer would work. You just have to say, "You don't see your cousin Sam with a Binky, do you? That's because he's a big boy. And you want to be a big boy don't you?" often works. Using a model can help them begin understanding comparisons earlier then say, preschool.
# Inform the child that there are other children that need Binky's that are just being born. Send him out to hang them on a tree,or to hide them throughout the house, so that the Binky fairy can pick them up. Keep a close watch to see where he hid them, and then get them that night. Leave a small gift, something cheap and plastic but that the child will like, in each child's place.
It is too young for Wen Jia to understand rewards program so the first suggestion won't work. We used a combination of suggestion 2 and a bit of tricks to help her to quit pacifier. First, we took it away while on our vacation to Singapore. We stayed in a friend's house so we created a trick (as suggested by our friend in Singapore) that "uncle" had threw the pacifier away. In exchanged, my friend bought her a toy cake which she likes so much to make her believe that "uncle" had exhanged the pacifier with a toy that she likes.
Though she cried a few nights asking for the pacifier, but we managed to calm her down by telling her the "uncle" story again and again.
But, the story didn't end here, when she was back in KL, she requested for pacifier again. Probably she thought that the "restriction" was only for as long as she was in Singapore. Siew Wei has had some tough time at night calming her down and rocking her to sleep. We started to believe that pacifier did miraculously caused addiction to my girl that she felt unsecure and uneasy without it. Until today, she still asks for pacifier although less frequent now.
Well, for Wen Jia, it takes a lot of persistency and patience for us to stop her from using pacifier. We nearly gave up but we knew that the golden rule is "never give up or else it will take double the effort now to make her quit". I think we are 70% there as she is getting more and more comfortable without pacifier.
These are the suggestions posted on wikihow (http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Child-to-Quit-Using-a-Pacifier)
# Set up a rewards program. Give your child a star each day they go without, and after they have (x) number of stars consistently, they can get a treat, like a Popsicle, or even going to the movies.
# Simply take it away. This will upset the child for a few days, and they may dislike you for about a week. But after that, they won't remember. And you can have a huge sigh of relief because you don't have to deal with it anymore. This is most effective for younger children, who can't understand a reward system like a 3-5 year-old could.
# Use an older child as an example. Even a cartoon character, like Dora the Explorer would work. You just have to say, "You don't see your cousin Sam with a Binky, do you? That's because he's a big boy. And you want to be a big boy don't you?" often works. Using a model can help them begin understanding comparisons earlier then say, preschool.
# Inform the child that there are other children that need Binky's that are just being born. Send him out to hang them on a tree,or to hide them throughout the house, so that the Binky fairy can pick them up. Keep a close watch to see where he hid them, and then get them that night. Leave a small gift, something cheap and plastic but that the child will like, in each child's place.
It is too young for Wen Jia to understand rewards program so the first suggestion won't work. We used a combination of suggestion 2 and a bit of tricks to help her to quit pacifier. First, we took it away while on our vacation to Singapore. We stayed in a friend's house so we created a trick (as suggested by our friend in Singapore) that "uncle" had threw the pacifier away. In exchanged, my friend bought her a toy cake which she likes so much to make her believe that "uncle" had exhanged the pacifier with a toy that she likes.
Though she cried a few nights asking for the pacifier, but we managed to calm her down by telling her the "uncle" story again and again.
But, the story didn't end here, when she was back in KL, she requested for pacifier again. Probably she thought that the "restriction" was only for as long as she was in Singapore. Siew Wei has had some tough time at night calming her down and rocking her to sleep. We started to believe that pacifier did miraculously caused addiction to my girl that she felt unsecure and uneasy without it. Until today, she still asks for pacifier although less frequent now.
Well, for Wen Jia, it takes a lot of persistency and patience for us to stop her from using pacifier. We nearly gave up but we knew that the golden rule is "never give up or else it will take double the effort now to make her quit". I think we are 70% there as she is getting more and more comfortable without pacifier.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
老同事聚餐
上个星期六和一班旧东家的同事们搞了个聚餐。有七八个那么多，都是偕老伴小孩一起来。
最久远的该有八年没见了，有的发福了，有的沧桑了许多。现今都各自在不同公司，有的当了主管级人物，有的还有暇兼营保险事业。可谓各有成就。
话题虽然不多，但胜在彼此默契犹在。大伙儿志在闲话家常，问问近况。
闲谈中也不难发现到，大伙在心智上真的成熟了很多。对生活的要求及领略也踏实了许多。 那也许是时光及人生历练所造就出来的吧。
这是个蛮难得的一次聚会，虽只是短短三局钟，但却也真难能可贵。
还是希望有空再来聚聚。
最久远的该有八年没见了，有的发福了，有的沧桑了许多。现今都各自在不同公司，有的当了主管级人物，有的还有暇兼营保险事业。可谓各有成就。
话题虽然不多，但胜在彼此默契犹在。大伙儿志在闲话家常，问问近况。
闲谈中也不难发现到，大伙在心智上真的成熟了很多。对生活的要求及领略也踏实了许多。 那也许是时光及人生历练所造就出来的吧。
这是个蛮难得的一次聚会，虽只是短短三局钟，但却也真难能可贵。
还是希望有空再来聚聚。
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Puzzles
2 years old being a new milestone for Wen Jia. She has started showing interest in things that she didn't ever bother to take a second look on. One such example is her interest in puzzles.
I bought a simple set of puzzles with a maximum of 8 building blocks each. Each with farm and pet animals such as dog, cat, duck, cow that Jia Jia is exposed to from various sources such as educational VCD, story books, and flash cards.
She showed interest after a few rounds of playing. Most importantly, either Siew Wei or myself has to accompany her in solving the puzzles. We were by her side to show encouragement as well as praise her when necessary for her "achievement". With that, she built her interest in these puzzles and has since volunteering to play them every now and then.
It is crucial to start with simple puzzles so not to discourage the kids. Even adults find it hard sometimes to solve moderate to difficult puzzles so why burdening our children to do the same!
I am happy with what Jia has achieved and will continue to add into her collection some new puzzles in future.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Credit Card
I have been thinking of cutting down the number of credit cards that i am holding ever since last year. I am holding 5 cards and only 2 of them are frequently used. Though i have been thinking of cancelling some non active cards, but i have procrastinated that for a while as there is no harm of keeping the additional cards "in case they will be needed one day".
with the budget 2010 announcement of having to pay RM50 each card as government charges, I really have to put my thought into action soonest I can.
Though I am enjoying discounts or rebates from some of the cards, but the amount of rebate will never be accumulated to RM50 per year. There is no point paying the extra to government without getting the real benefit of it.
I don't care about the rational behind the RM50 charges. I only care about the amount that i need to fork up in owning the cards. It is just not worth it.
I am glad that our leaders have found out a new way of increasing country's income. RM50 per card X 1 mil cards in circulation, it would be RM 50 mil sum of money.
with the budget 2010 announcement of having to pay RM50 each card as government charges, I really have to put my thought into action soonest I can.
Though I am enjoying discounts or rebates from some of the cards, but the amount of rebate will never be accumulated to RM50 per year. There is no point paying the extra to government without getting the real benefit of it.
I don't care about the rational behind the RM50 charges. I only care about the amount that i need to fork up in owning the cards. It is just not worth it.
I am glad that our leaders have found out a new way of increasing country's income. RM50 per card X 1 mil cards in circulation, it would be RM 50 mil sum of money.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
赶时间
古时候的人们，一辈子都没看过时钟，却从不会妨碍他们日出而做，日落而息。 也不曾听说他们误了春天播种，秋天收割的时辰。
时代是进步了，人们有了时钟，还有林林总总的时间管理学说。人们开始和时间赛跑了，仿佛节奏越快就越能体现强者风范。
于是：
我们快快的吃饭，所以有了速食。
快快的做家务，所以有了微波炉，洗衣机，洗碗机及吸尘机。
快快的赶时间，所以有了火车，汽车及飞机。
快快的掌握，所以有了速成班。
有没有这样的经历，赶时间时时间似乎过得特别快，仿佛是在和你作对？红绿灯总在你赶时间时转红？是真如此还是你急懆的心让你觉得万事不从人愿呢？
我们常说要快快把东西做好，所以一定要赶时间。结果把赶来的时间又快快去赶下一件事情。
生活在快节奏的都市里，患的是”时间病“与速度崇拜症。常斤斤计较于时间的宝贵，而忘了感受时光，做一个时间的主人。
或许是要等到学会用三分钟省个三小时，而不是拼老命在三十分钟内省出三分钟时，我们才会更享受及掌握生活节奏吧。
时代是进步了，人们有了时钟，还有林林总总的时间管理学说。人们开始和时间赛跑了，仿佛节奏越快就越能体现强者风范。
于是：
我们快快的吃饭，所以有了速食。
快快的做家务，所以有了微波炉，洗衣机，洗碗机及吸尘机。
快快的赶时间，所以有了火车，汽车及飞机。
快快的掌握，所以有了速成班。
有没有这样的经历，赶时间时时间似乎过得特别快，仿佛是在和你作对？红绿灯总在你赶时间时转红？是真如此还是你急懆的心让你觉得万事不从人愿呢？
我们常说要快快把东西做好，所以一定要赶时间。结果把赶来的时间又快快去赶下一件事情。
生活在快节奏的都市里，患的是”时间病“与速度崇拜症。常斤斤计较于时间的宝贵，而忘了感受时光，做一个时间的主人。
或许是要等到学会用三分钟省个三小时，而不是拼老命在三十分钟内省出三分钟时，我们才会更享受及掌握生活节奏吧。
Saturday, October 03, 2009
2009 年的中秋节
今年算是女儿第二年庆中秋。2007 年中秋，小妮子还没满月，不算有庆祝过。
今年和她表兄姐妹们一起，大伙的父母们搞了个“potluck"， 聚餐兼让小孩们提灯笼过中秋。小妮子因年纪小，好像还很怕灯笼。可能是第一次触摸时不小心灼伤了小指，有了恐惧感的她全程都不敢提灯笼。我只有握着她的手帮她提灯笼绕着公园走了一圈。
她毕竟还小，对公园的设施如滑板及千鞦兴趣远过于灯笼。其实，这一个活动是为了让她往后的记忆里有这么一个节日。
现在庆中秋的感觉少了很多。小学甚至于中学时的自制灯笼和月光会那种场面及激情只成了回忆。但期望下一代还是有他们对中秋的一份憧憬。自然而然这任务就在我们这班父母身上了。所以，庆祝形式还是其次，是那一热诚与精神才是关键。
中秋快乐。
今年和她表兄姐妹们一起，大伙的父母们搞了个“potluck"， 聚餐兼让小孩们提灯笼过中秋。小妮子因年纪小，好像还很怕灯笼。可能是第一次触摸时不小心灼伤了小指，有了恐惧感的她全程都不敢提灯笼。我只有握着她的手帮她提灯笼绕着公园走了一圈。
她毕竟还小，对公园的设施如滑板及千鞦兴趣远过于灯笼。其实，这一个活动是为了让她往后的记忆里有这么一个节日。
现在庆中秋的感觉少了很多。小学甚至于中学时的自制灯笼和月光会那种场面及激情只成了回忆。但期望下一代还是有他们对中秋的一份憧憬。自然而然这任务就在我们这班父母身上了。所以，庆祝形式还是其次，是那一热诚与精神才是关键。
中秋快乐。
Saturday, September 19, 2009
乡音俚语
看了翁总抛书包一连讲了「马前卒」、「鹰犬」、「狗腿子」 等的词，让我想起有一些字，一些词，少用了难免会曲高和寡。 小时常听妈妈及长辈们说的乡音俚语，似乎连他们本身也少用了。
想藉此挑几句福建乡音来分享一下：
瞎眼鸡啄到虫：指侥幸，上天恩赐的意思。
死某鬼：冤家的意思。
牛仔不识虎： 与初生之犊不畏虎同义。
吃头路： 就业的意思。
着青惊：被吓了一跳。
黑白讲：乱乱讲。
一分钱比牛车轮还大：指极度吝啬。
被捉去拔毛：被削剥。
卖咸鸭蛋：指已过世了。
做戏疯，看戏傻：指一个愿打，一个愿挨。
很有趣是吗？我想其他籍贯或许也有类似的俚语。重点是，这些都是我们文化的精髓。虽未能登大雅之堂，但有必要让它延续下去，让我们的下一代还能保留一些诸如此类的乡音。
想藉此挑几句福建乡音来分享一下：
瞎眼鸡啄到虫：指侥幸，上天恩赐的意思。
死某鬼：冤家的意思。
牛仔不识虎： 与初生之犊不畏虎同义。
吃头路： 就业的意思。
着青惊：被吓了一跳。
黑白讲：乱乱讲。
一分钱比牛车轮还大：指极度吝啬。
被捉去拔毛：被削剥。
卖咸鸭蛋：指已过世了。
做戏疯，看戏傻：指一个愿打，一个愿挨。
很有趣是吗？我想其他籍贯或许也有类似的俚语。重点是，这些都是我们文化的精髓。虽未能登大雅之堂，但有必要让它延续下去，让我们的下一代还能保留一些诸如此类的乡音。
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Why Cow Head?
A group of angry residents of Shah Alam section 23 marched to the State Government office last week in protest of the relocation of Hindu Temple from Section 19 to Section 23.
I don't see any issues with peaceful protest for any matters that concern public interest but I was sadden by the way it was conducted. Residents carrying severed cow head, shouting Islamic slogans with something sounds like "protecting our religion" or the sort.
But why cow head? I was puzzled by the motives of carrying a severed cow head in the demonstration. Din't they know that cow is considered a sacred animal in Hindu?
If they are protesting, why should they hurt others' feeling by acting in such an extreme manner?
Watch it yourself in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytAkNMyGd1M and you will know what I mean.
Malaysiakini who did the posting refused to remove the video despite "advice" from MCMC, has maintained its stance to report the truth.
I felt uneasy with the scene but was glad that it was made available so that we can judge it ourselves whether it was indeed not intentially done to provoke Hindu as what Minister Hishammuddin claimed in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXc0AO4MrWA
I don't see any issues with peaceful protest for any matters that concern public interest but I was sadden by the way it was conducted. Residents carrying severed cow head, shouting Islamic slogans with something sounds like "protecting our religion" or the sort.
But why cow head? I was puzzled by the motives of carrying a severed cow head in the demonstration. Din't they know that cow is considered a sacred animal in Hindu?
If they are protesting, why should they hurt others' feeling by acting in such an extreme manner?
Watch it yourself in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytAkNMyGd1M and you will know what I mean.
Malaysiakini who did the posting refused to remove the video despite "advice" from MCMC, has maintained its stance to report the truth.
I felt uneasy with the scene but was glad that it was made available so that we can judge it ourselves whether it was indeed not intentially done to provoke Hindu as what Minister Hishammuddin claimed in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXc0AO4MrWA
Friday, August 28, 2009
Behind the hype of a cheaper RON 95 petrol
Effective Sept 01, vehicle owners will be offered a new blend of petrol RON 95 and the cheaper RON 92 will be phased out.
“By Sept 1, RON97 will be the alternative petrol and a premium product.
Instead, the RON95 petrol will be the choice petrol for consumers and be rest assured, the product is of high quality and is good enough to be filled into even luxury and high-powered cars,” said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Why he has to label RON 97 as "premium product". The reason is simple. This petrol is going to cost 20 sen more than what we are paying for the same product right now!
Why claiming RON 95 as "high quality enough"? Simply because it is obviously a lower quality petrol than what we are currently having (RON 97).
No doubt that we are paying 5 sen less for RON 95 (RM 1.75 per liter), but we are forced to settle with something with lower grade obviously. Why so, you can refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating for information about RON rating. The higher the number, the greater the power it is going to offer. For ease of reference, Shell v-Power is of RON 100.
In conclusion, we have been forced to suffer a quality loss with lower quality petrol effectively Sept'09, by paying 5 sen /liter lesser. And that there is a sharp 11% increase of our usual petrol RON 97 from RM 1.80 to RM 2.00.
Thanks again to the ever effective Malaysian government.
“By Sept 1, RON97 will be the alternative petrol and a premium product.
Instead, the RON95 petrol will be the choice petrol for consumers and be rest assured, the product is of high quality and is good enough to be filled into even luxury and high-powered cars,” said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Why he has to label RON 97 as "premium product". The reason is simple. This petrol is going to cost 20 sen more than what we are paying for the same product right now!
Why claiming RON 95 as "high quality enough"? Simply because it is obviously a lower quality petrol than what we are currently having (RON 97).
No doubt that we are paying 5 sen less for RON 95 (RM 1.75 per liter), but we are forced to settle with something with lower grade obviously. Why so, you can refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating for information about RON rating. The higher the number, the greater the power it is going to offer. For ease of reference, Shell v-Power is of RON 100.
In conclusion, we have been forced to suffer a quality loss with lower quality petrol effectively Sept'09, by paying 5 sen /liter lesser. And that there is a sharp 11% increase of our usual petrol RON 97 from RM 1.80 to RM 2.00.
Thanks again to the ever effective Malaysian government.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
灰灰的七月
六月和七月的天空，昏昏暗淡的。有几分伤感，有些许离愁。
六月尾有颗巨星陨落了，那是大家再熟悉不过的麦克杰逊。 也没有大反应，因他本来就不是自己的偶像。媒体不停轰炸这则新闻倒也令我开始去深思这位一代巨星所带给我们，我们的父辈，甚至于我们子女们的影响。
七月中，从妈口中得知姑丈病逝的消息。这对我来说倒不是很意外。自从去年诊断出罹患胃癌后，他的病情每下愈况，从没让他家人在觉得有任何转机。
最后一次见他是在过年时，那也有六个月了。庆幸的是爸爸还有常去他家探望过，至少不至于有遗憾吧。是的，爸妈和姑姑一家感情一向不错。
对于我来说，姑丈算是我的国语启蒙老师。虽没曾在正规系统上教过我，但他的国文造诣却是我中学时一直所钦佩的。有上过一阵子他的补习课，还蛮另类的。不会有填鸭式的教学，常着重活学活用。就是他这样的教育精神启发了我对国语的兴趣，也因此而多学多用，不视学国语为畏途。
差不多同一时候，国内传来了一宗令人难以置信的新闻。行动党的一位政治人物助理“不知何故“在反贪委会办公楼坠楼身亡。 我不认识这位赵明福，但对他的遭遇深表同情。对于事情接下来的演变也蛮纳闷的。摆在我们眼前的，是一个悲剧，但政治人物们是否是认真的为赵家请命呢，还是为了自个儿的隐议程呢？我看到的是后者居多。就算是再多的保证，信誓旦旦要把真相摊给国人看，结果呢？ 结果让大家拭目以待。希望国人不要那么健忘，记得常提醒自己还有那么一个真相待解。
烟霾有恶化迹象，但还是希望天会快快转晴。
六月尾有颗巨星陨落了，那是大家再熟悉不过的麦克杰逊。 也没有大反应，因他本来就不是自己的偶像。媒体不停轰炸这则新闻倒也令我开始去深思这位一代巨星所带给我们，我们的父辈，甚至于我们子女们的影响。
七月中，从妈口中得知姑丈病逝的消息。这对我来说倒不是很意外。自从去年诊断出罹患胃癌后，他的病情每下愈况，从没让他家人在觉得有任何转机。
最后一次见他是在过年时，那也有六个月了。庆幸的是爸爸还有常去他家探望过，至少不至于有遗憾吧。是的，爸妈和姑姑一家感情一向不错。
对于我来说，姑丈算是我的国语启蒙老师。虽没曾在正规系统上教过我，但他的国文造诣却是我中学时一直所钦佩的。有上过一阵子他的补习课，还蛮另类的。不会有填鸭式的教学，常着重活学活用。就是他这样的教育精神启发了我对国语的兴趣，也因此而多学多用，不视学国语为畏途。
差不多同一时候，国内传来了一宗令人难以置信的新闻。行动党的一位政治人物助理“不知何故“在反贪委会办公楼坠楼身亡。 我不认识这位赵明福，但对他的遭遇深表同情。对于事情接下来的演变也蛮纳闷的。摆在我们眼前的，是一个悲剧，但政治人物们是否是认真的为赵家请命呢，还是为了自个儿的隐议程呢？我看到的是后者居多。就算是再多的保证，信誓旦旦要把真相摊给国人看，结果呢？ 结果让大家拭目以待。希望国人不要那么健忘，记得常提醒自己还有那么一个真相待解。
烟霾有恶化迹象，但还是希望天会快快转晴。
Saturday, July 18, 2009
第一首歌
最近雯嘉开始哼哼学唱歌了。第一首学会哼的歌竟是我在她还在妈妈肚里常为她哼的“自己跌倒自己爬“。
他也爱其他如“妈妈好“ 的歌，但学起来竟没有“自己跌倒自己爬“ 般得心应手。
我不得不认为那是所谓的“胎教”的功效。
记得雯嘉刚出世的头几天，爱哭闹得很。我也常用这首歌来哄她。总觉得这首歌特别能安抚她，听了一会儿哭闹也缓和下来。我想这该是因为在胎里常听这首歌的缘故吧。
小孩的吸收能力是惊人的，我不得不相这一点。唱歌也好，学说话也好，小瓜总会为我带来惊喜。她似乎不需要刻意去灌输，其实分分钟都在学习。所以父母们，千万要留意你们的举止及言行。你的一举一动，都有可能影响着子女将来的人格朔造。
他也爱其他如“妈妈好“ 的歌，但学起来竟没有“自己跌倒自己爬“ 般得心应手。
我不得不认为那是所谓的“胎教”的功效。
记得雯嘉刚出世的头几天，爱哭闹得很。我也常用这首歌来哄她。总觉得这首歌特别能安抚她，听了一会儿哭闹也缓和下来。我想这该是因为在胎里常听这首歌的缘故吧。
小孩的吸收能力是惊人的，我不得不相这一点。唱歌也好，学说话也好，小瓜总会为我带来惊喜。她似乎不需要刻意去灌输，其实分分钟都在学习。所以父母们，千万要留意你们的举止及言行。你的一举一动，都有可能影响着子女将来的人格朔造。
Sunday, July 12, 2009
PM's 11 people friendly measures
Yesterday marks the 100th day of our new leadership under YAB Dato Seri Najib.
I am particularly interested on the measure about 20% discount given on Touch & Go card if frequency of usage is 80 times and above.
I am just wondering how many of us the road users will be benefited from this new measure? Practically we have to pay 4 tolls a day to entitle for the discount taking an average working day of 20 days a month.
I personally pay 3 tolls a day amounting to RM 6. Some of my friends pay less number of toll but with bigger amount, totalling up to RM 8 - RM10 per day.
I am happy that it may eventually benefit some road users and subsequently reducing the burden of this group of people. But hang on, in fact not all of them will be benefiting from this new measure. Bear in mind that you have to top up your tounch and go at selected plus & Touch & go offices. How about those used to top up at Maybank and T&G kiosk just like myself? Well, they just have to wait for another half year or so for this to be fully implemented.
From sincerity point of view, I think very little can be felt as government should have reduced the toll rate right away by resigning all the "unfair" toll concessionaires agreements.
To put it precisely, it is still way to go from been satisfactory. What is the point of giving discount without removing the fear of public that toll rates are going to be increased from time to time in accoordance to the agreement, or else.... or else you know what is going to happen. All are coming from tax payer's pocket anyway.
I am particularly interested on the measure about 20% discount given on Touch & Go card if frequency of usage is 80 times and above.
I am just wondering how many of us the road users will be benefited from this new measure? Practically we have to pay 4 tolls a day to entitle for the discount taking an average working day of 20 days a month.
I personally pay 3 tolls a day amounting to RM 6. Some of my friends pay less number of toll but with bigger amount, totalling up to RM 8 - RM10 per day.
I am happy that it may eventually benefit some road users and subsequently reducing the burden of this group of people. But hang on, in fact not all of them will be benefiting from this new measure. Bear in mind that you have to top up your tounch and go at selected plus & Touch & go offices. How about those used to top up at Maybank and T&G kiosk just like myself? Well, they just have to wait for another half year or so for this to be fully implemented.
From sincerity point of view, I think very little can be felt as government should have reduced the toll rate right away by resigning all the "unfair" toll concessionaires agreements.
To put it precisely, it is still way to go from been satisfactory. What is the point of giving discount without removing the fear of public that toll rates are going to be increased from time to time in accoordance to the agreement, or else.... or else you know what is going to happen. All are coming from tax payer's pocket anyway.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wen Jia went to school again
This Wednesday, Wen Jia went back to the kindergarten that she used to study for 1 month in Feb.
The reason she quit the previous attemp was because she was too attached to mum that she couldn't even see her mum went out of sight.
We realised that that wasn't an ideal time for schooling yet for Wen Jia as she was not ready.
Over the last few weeks, we noticed that she has made great improvement in wanting to mix around with other kids. She has been doing OK when left alone with my neighbour's kids. That implied she was then more ready than before in making herself detached from mum, at least for a few hours.
On her first day of schooling, we left the "kakak" with her. She was a bit shy when facing other kids on her first day, but she did not cry. She has been asking for Mummy but was managed to be pacified by toys and activities.
She has gained more and more confidence on her second and third days. On her third day, the teachers put "kakak" out of her visible range and amazingly she was fine without even asking to be in company of "kakak"
We will be trying to let her alone in the kindergarten without "kakak" next week.
I know now my girl has grown up, so fast that we didn't even realize that.
By the way, we are not ready yet to let her be in school for full day. She is now with the school for 3 hours only and this is going to be the case for some time.
The reason she quit the previous attemp was because she was too attached to mum that she couldn't even see her mum went out of sight.
We realised that that wasn't an ideal time for schooling yet for Wen Jia as she was not ready.
Over the last few weeks, we noticed that she has made great improvement in wanting to mix around with other kids. She has been doing OK when left alone with my neighbour's kids. That implied she was then more ready than before in making herself detached from mum, at least for a few hours.
On her first day of schooling, we left the "kakak" with her. She was a bit shy when facing other kids on her first day, but she did not cry. She has been asking for Mummy but was managed to be pacified by toys and activities.
She has gained more and more confidence on her second and third days. On her third day, the teachers put "kakak" out of her visible range and amazingly she was fine without even asking to be in company of "kakak"
We will be trying to let her alone in the kindergarten without "kakak" next week.
I know now my girl has grown up, so fast that we didn't even realize that.
By the way, we are not ready yet to let her be in school for full day. She is now with the school for 3 hours only and this is going to be the case for some time.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
爸爸的生日
六月二日是父亲七十岁生日。
当天为他老人家办了个小聚餐。刚好爸妈都来了吉隆坡，我便在家附近的酒楼订了座。 其实也只是家常便菜， 主要还是咱几口子能一起好好吃一顿。
还有，蛋糕当然少不了。特地定了巧克力香蕉蛋糕，因为爸和女儿都喜欢吃香蕉。
人生七十古来稀，那是爸爸的福。也祝愿爸爸安康快乐，逍遥无忧。
当天为他老人家办了个小聚餐。刚好爸妈都来了吉隆坡，我便在家附近的酒楼订了座。 其实也只是家常便菜， 主要还是咱几口子能一起好好吃一顿。
还有，蛋糕当然少不了。特地定了巧克力香蕉蛋糕，因为爸和女儿都喜欢吃香蕉。
人生七十古来稀，那是爸爸的福。也祝愿爸爸安康快乐，逍遥无忧。
Friday, June 12, 2009
烟霾来袭
昨天早上驾车途经IOI, 拍下一幕烟霾来袭的“惨况“。 这两天可说是烟雾弥漫， 太阳公公羞答答的躲了起来。
第二幅相是到了公司从窗口拍的景象， 时代广场近乎被淹没了。
下午时分，听闻巴生及蕉赖空气指数极度不佳。看了当今大马，下载了空气指数图表，下了一跳。能见度已到了少于两公里。
拜邻国焚烧耕作之“福”，我们也毫不客气的照单全收。
回顾历史，此情此景也非首遭。好像有十余年了吧，我们都重复着同一件事，就是很无奈又无助地吸入“恶烟“。
不想来得都来了，大家唯有自求多福，留意身子。
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Wen Jia Learning Alphabet Now
I started showing Wen Jia flash card of Alphabet A-Z three weeks ago and she has managed to picked up a few alphabets since the first week.
She was able to tail with the name of objects when I uttered the Alphabet, for example A for (she will say Apple), B for (Ball ball), etc.
This set of flash cards was among her favourite flash cards now and she is now able to master at least 10 out of the 26 alphabets now. She is making quite a good progress now.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Life without maid
I have just sent my maid home this morning. She has been with us for 15 months now and should rightfully be with us for another 9 months.
She didn't pass her health check therefore it is compulsory to send her back now.
Life has changed a lot since the helper is now gone. We have to take care of the house chaos for a while until the new maid arrive.
We will be getting help from Siew Wei's sister for next week while waiting for my mum to be in KL the week after next week.
It is definately not something easy for us as Wen Jia has grown up now and she can walk, climb and mess up the house. We just need to pay more attention to her in view of the fact that we are now without the helping hands.
She didn't pass her health check therefore it is compulsory to send her back now.
Life has changed a lot since the helper is now gone. We have to take care of the house chaos for a while until the new maid arrive.
We will be getting help from Siew Wei's sister for next week while waiting for my mum to be in KL the week after next week.
It is definately not something easy for us as Wen Jia has grown up now and she can walk, climb and mess up the house. We just need to pay more attention to her in view of the fact that we are now without the helping hands.
Interesting Article about Dr M
I came across a series of blog posting by a person called Aspan Alias on our beloved ex-PM.
I am quite impressed with how informative this guy was about the story of Dr M and Umno during the 70s - 80s.
For those who interested, please visit http://aspanaliasnet.blogspot.com/2009/04/mahathir-happiest-man-part-1.html and starts the many threads about this man.
I am quite impressed with how informative this guy was about the story of Dr M and Umno during the 70s - 80s.
For those who interested, please visit http://aspanaliasnet.blogspot.com/2009/04/mahathir-happiest-man-part-1.html and starts the many threads about this man.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Trip to Zhang Jia Jie (张家界）
We have finally materialized the holiday to Zhang Jia Jie that we planned 8 months ago.
It was a 7 days 6 nights trip from 4/4 till 11/4, with stops at Macau, and Guang Zhou.
Our ticket was with budget airlines to Macau. We crossed the border to Zu Hai, took a 2.5 hours bus to GuangZhou. We spent the afternoon in GuangZhou, taking night train to Zhang Jia Jie. It was a long travel with 14 hours on train. As we did not get soft bedded seats, it was a truly unforgetable uncomfortable journey especially for two poor guys who took the beds at the top (and i was one of them :))
Despite the bumpy and sleepless journey, we enjoyed the remaining three days in ZJJ jungle park. What was needed then was good strength on both legs and also a good camera.
We spent 4 days in ZJJ, 2 days in Fong Huang old Town (a Miao settlement). View at Fong Huang Old town was just amazing with lots of ancient time buildings and also witnessing the living styles of the residents at riverside.
Our remaining 1.5 days was in GuangZhou - with nothing but shop and shop and eat.
I probably have forgotten to mention that our tour there was with 4 other friends and we were on our own without joining any tour group.
Some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
It was a 7 days 6 nights trip from 4/4 till 11/4, with stops at Macau, and Guang Zhou.
Our ticket was with budget airlines to Macau. We crossed the border to Zu Hai, took a 2.5 hours bus to GuangZhou. We spent the afternoon in GuangZhou, taking night train to Zhang Jia Jie. It was a long travel with 14 hours on train. As we did not get soft bedded seats, it was a truly unforgetable uncomfortable journey especially for two poor guys who took the beds at the top (and i was one of them :))
Despite the bumpy and sleepless journey, we enjoyed the remaining three days in ZJJ jungle park. What was needed then was good strength on both legs and also a good camera.
We spent 4 days in ZJJ, 2 days in Fong Huang old Town (a Miao settlement). View at Fong Huang Old town was just amazing with lots of ancient time buildings and also witnessing the living styles of the residents at riverside.
Our remaining 1.5 days was in GuangZhou - with nothing but shop and shop and eat.
I probably have forgotten to mention that our tour there was with 4 other friends and we were on our own without joining any tour group.
Some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thumb Drive
Who is the inventor of Thumb Drive? I've got the answer from today's newpaper - it is a Malaysian by the name of KS Pua (潘建成）。
I must admit that i did not know it until this morning, that thumb drive was actually invented by a Malaysian. To be more exact, Pua was the founder of a Taiwanese Company called Phison and it was this company that invented this gadget.
More details here:
http://video.ee.ntu.edu.tw/~entrepreneur/2007-fall/Handout/%E6%BD%98%E5%BB%BA%E6%88%90%E7%B8%BD%E7%B6%93%E7%90%86-%E5%89%B5%E6%A5%AD%E7%B6%93%E9%A9%97%E8%AB%87.pdf
I did not come across the information about 潘建成 from the technical or IT column of the paper but it was from the SPM result annoucement that I got to know that 潘建成 was from 育群 in Sekinchan that produced two 16A1 top students this year.
Apparently Sekinchan is a place that is 卧虎藏龙。 The headmaster of New Era (新纪元）潘永忠 is also from Sekinchan.
I must admit that i did not know it until this morning, that thumb drive was actually invented by a Malaysian. To be more exact, Pua was the founder of a Taiwanese Company called Phison and it was this company that invented this gadget.
More details here:
http://video.ee.ntu.edu.tw/~entrepreneur/2007-fall/Handout/%E6%BD%98%E5%BB%BA%E6%88%90%E7%B8%BD%E7%B6%93%E7%90%86-%E5%89%B5%E6%A5%AD%E7%B6%93%E9%A9%97%E8%AB%87.pdf
I did not come across the information about 潘建成 from the technical or IT column of the paper but it was from the SPM result annoucement that I got to know that 潘建成 was from 育群 in Sekinchan that produced two 16A1 top students this year.
Apparently Sekinchan is a place that is 卧虎藏龙。 The headmaster of New Era (新纪元）潘永忠 is also from Sekinchan.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
彩虹
今早在公司厕所的地上见到了彩虹。好意外的发现呀！
记不得最近一次见到彩虹是何年何月，但怎么也没想到下一次的偶遇会是在厕所的地板上。
在此特别附上彩虹近照一张，以娱大家。
忘了彩虹是什么颜色？如图所示：红橙黄绿蓝靛紫 是也。
记不得最近一次见到彩虹是何年何月，但怎么也没想到下一次的偶遇会是在厕所的地板上。
在此特别附上彩虹近照一张，以娱大家。
忘了彩虹是什么颜色？如图所示：红橙黄绿蓝靛紫 是也。
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Approaching 20th Month
I can't believe that I have been in the blogging for almost 20 months now.
It all started when i was in Dublin. Back than life was so plain and bored. That was probably the only "honey moon" period for my entire career life. I hadn't got any assignment at that time, with only 1 objective i.e. to be "trained" on company's processes and procedures. Having said that, i would not perceive that as a waste of time as I indeed learned so much that i couldn't have achieved without been in Dublin.
i built trust with the team over there which made the subsequent communication less difficult. Also, it is always good to know a person by face apart from by his/her name.
Anyway, that was history. Just flashed to my mind when recalling about what led to the birth of this blog.
It all started when i was in Dublin. Back than life was so plain and bored. That was probably the only "honey moon" period for my entire career life. I hadn't got any assignment at that time, with only 1 objective i.e. to be "trained" on company's processes and procedures. Having said that, i would not perceive that as a waste of time as I indeed learned so much that i couldn't have achieved without been in Dublin.
i built trust with the team over there which made the subsequent communication less difficult. Also, it is always good to know a person by face apart from by his/her name.
Anyway, that was history. Just flashed to my mind when recalling about what led to the birth of this blog.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Morib day trip 30/1
I have done my first posting into youtube for a video clip that was taken using my new JVC camcorder.
Well, that was taken during our family trip to Morib on the 30th Jan - 5th day of CNY.
Talking about the trip, that was our fist time to the coastal of Selangor covering Klang-Banting-Morib-Tg Sepat-Bagan Lalang.
Well, the beach wasn't that great but that was kind of a family outing experience which was great after all.
Well, that was taken during our family trip to Morib on the 30th Jan - 5th day of CNY.
Talking about the trip, that was our fist time to the coastal of Selangor covering Klang-Banting-Morib-Tg Sepat-Bagan Lalang.
Well, the beach wasn't that great but that was kind of a family outing experience which was great after all.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
AirAsia Zero Fare - again
I did not book any tickets during the recent Airasia 0 fare sales. I think we will be limiting this year's vacations more towards day trips or trips within Malaysia.
Despite that, we are still having 2 overseas trips scheduled - Zhang-Jia-Jie, China in Apr, and Bandung Indonesia in July.
The one to China is strictly a back pack trip without Wen Jia while the one to Bandung is a shopping trip which Wen Jia will go along.
I am looking forward for a trip to either Bangkok or Phuket for it is of lower cost and of course for the shopping and nice food.
Despite that, we are still having 2 overseas trips scheduled - Zhang-Jia-Jie, China in Apr, and Bandung Indonesia in July.
The one to China is strictly a back pack trip without Wen Jia while the one to Bandung is a shopping trip which Wen Jia will go along.
I am looking forward for a trip to either Bangkok or Phuket for it is of lower cost and of course for the shopping and nice food.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Amdocs
Effectively mid Dec, the organization that i worked with had been merged into another bigger organisation called Amdocs. We have been acquired or "swallowed" by that bigger organisation.
I have not heard of Amdocs by any chance before the merger. Apparently it is a large organization with 17,000 of employees. And now i am one of the employee of this bigger entity.
2 months has passed since the merger and I am still struggling with the changes. Obviously when you are merged into a bigger entity, changes are tremendous!
While coping with the change, I am still waiting for the most awaited news of the year - salary review. If it wouldn't because of the merger, i should have known it by end Jan. And now, in the name of merger, there would be realignment of everything to be in line with the bigger organisation - obviously. Apart from that, i have not heard of any "bad" news yet in terms of job cut or the like. So, lets pray that this is not happening very soon.
I have not heard of Amdocs by any chance before the merger. Apparently it is a large organization with 17,000 of employees. And now i am one of the employee of this bigger entity.
2 months has passed since the merger and I am still struggling with the changes. Obviously when you are merged into a bigger entity, changes are tremendous!
While coping with the change, I am still waiting for the most awaited news of the year - salary review. If it wouldn't because of the merger, i should have known it by end Jan. And now, in the name of merger, there would be realignment of everything to be in line with the bigger organisation - obviously. Apart from that, i have not heard of any "bad" news yet in terms of job cut or the like. So, lets pray that this is not happening very soon.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Malaysian Open Semi Final (10/1)
I went to Bukit Jalil stadium with my 2 other friends Goh and Wong to watch the Malaysia Open Semi Final matches.
Yes, this is an entirely new experience for me. The ambiance is so different with the spectators cheered their respective players in a big and collective way.
And, watching the players playing from such a near distance is indeed an exciting experience for me.
With a ticket price of RM 35, I was entitled to watch all the matches for the day. There were about 8 matches on the day but the match between Lee Chung Wei and Peter Gade was among the most exciting one as both have been playing a very good game on the day.
Though I supported Chung Wei, I like Peter Gade's playing style and spirit particularly. He played an impressive game in his first game and he fought until the last drop in the second game.
I think age was his disadvantage or else he could give Chung Wei a good fight in the deciding game.
Overall, it was an enjoyable day.
Yes, this is an entirely new experience for me. The ambiance is so different with the spectators cheered their respective players in a big and collective way.
And, watching the players playing from such a near distance is indeed an exciting experience for me.
With a ticket price of RM 35, I was entitled to watch all the matches for the day. There were about 8 matches on the day but the match between Lee Chung Wei and Peter Gade was among the most exciting one as both have been playing a very good game on the day.
Though I supported Chung Wei, I like Peter Gade's playing style and spirit particularly. He played an impressive game in his first game and he fought until the last drop in the second game.
I think age was his disadvantage or else he could give Chung Wei a good fight in the deciding game.
Overall, it was an enjoyable day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Camcorder
I bought a new camcorder aready. It's a JVC GZ-MS100 that costs me RM 1100.
I will post video into my blog soon once I have done with my test shoot.
I will post video into my blog soon once I have done with my test shoot.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
感恩随想
这阵子将车子泊在另一个停车场， 迎来的是截然不同的体验。
把车一驾进泊车场， 迎来的是看车僮友善的笑容。那显然是欢迎你的笑容。感觉像是久违了的笑容。 曾几何时有看车僮对自己那样笑过呢？
还泊车费时， 看车僮声声道谢，还夹着一句：祝你有个美好的一天。顿时对上班的百般不愿的心情消失了不少 ：）
好棒啊！这冰冷的城市竟有如此真的一面，深感人间就是需要多一点如此的人。
在功利社会里，人们只秀出一幅假面具， 无力可图的动作就变得多此一举。 因此”花钱买气受“ 的事便层出不穷。
这真是股清流。 是的，是让人感动的一股清流！
把车一驾进泊车场， 迎来的是看车僮友善的笑容。那显然是欢迎你的笑容。感觉像是久违了的笑容。 曾几何时有看车僮对自己那样笑过呢？
还泊车费时， 看车僮声声道谢，还夹着一句：祝你有个美好的一天。顿时对上班的百般不愿的心情消失了不少 ：）
好棒啊！这冰冷的城市竟有如此真的一面，深感人间就是需要多一点如此的人。
在功利社会里，人们只秀出一幅假面具， 无力可图的动作就变得多此一举。 因此”花钱买气受“ 的事便层出不穷。
这真是股清流。 是的，是让人感动的一股清流！
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