Earth Hour 09

Its again time to show our unity. Off your lights, off your electricity, hand in hand we can MAKE A CHANGE!!

This 28th March 2009, 8.30pm, where ever you are on the face of the Earth, do off your lights for an hour.

Do sign-up for this event first at www.earthhour.org

Earth Hour is done every last Saturday of March every year, SO LETS GIVE OUT OUR SUPPORT, for Mother Nature. :)

Women and Achievements

It was really heart-warming looking at our very own Malaysian Women, Dato' Ambiga Sreenevasan receiving an award from the secretary of state of the USA for the title International Women of Courage. However, I do not think that Malaysian Newspapers or the Malaysian Government thought that IT IS AWESOME ENOUGH!!

Well, we know why this GREAT issue is not made into a big-proud "Hu-Ha". Racial issues are still intense in this country. But the absurd thing is that, in Malaysian newspapers, we would rather cover stories which are not that of importance on one whole page, but not about achievement of strong women like this. Don't they see that how much more courage and support that this type of issue will provide our very own women in Malaysia to be more ambitious or successful?

GROW UP MALAYSIA! Having twin towers, and other things that you all brag about everyday is not enough, BEING LOGICAL IS MORE IMPORTANT!!

I am very proud of this achievement, a Malaysian women, without help from anyone (I'm stating this because others normally get them, and also...hilariously...GET RECOGNIZED..), with her own strength and hard work had showed everyone that women are strong.

***LETS ALL SUPPORT GENDER EQUITY AND GO AGAINST DISCRIMINATION TOWARDS WOMEN!***

Our DOOMSDAY seed vault turned 1!!! Yippieeee

Well here is somethings we all can be happy about. Our very own seed vault, had been saving all the seeds for a year now. This is truly something to celebrate about.

The below is copied and pasted from POPSCI.com,

"The Norwegian government meant business when it built the vault. They tunneled 400 feet into an Arctic mountain to protect the pips, which are guarded behind two security doors and two airlocks. The underground vault is designed to weather just about every doomsday scenario, including terrorists, nuclear war, and floods of biblical proportions. It was featured in an award-winning low-budget science fiction film last year: "Frozen Seed."

The vault has stockpiled more than 400,000 samples over the past year, and can accommodate 4.5 million samples total.

Birthday gifts included 32 varieties of potatoes, 3,800 samples of wheat and barley, and 20,000 backup copies of seeds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Brainwashed!!

I believe our country could get all the helps it needs from our "world-famous" politicians and leaders. However, we are now putting "sex-scandals" and "nude" photos as a priority among the rest of the problems we are facing. Adding on, we are currently looking at an hike in toll prices too. If the country is relying on "toll-money", I say: WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE THINKING??

First of all, lets get back to the basics. We are in a financial distress. Nor prince charming or God is going to come for our rescue. Worst come to worst, USA is going to "cetak extra money" at their "bank negara" to reduce the burden. Obviously there is no other way. So most probably our leaders are waiting for that second to arrive. Until than, they said: Lets get some cash from our citizens. And make the "sex issues" more important to make it look like Malaysia is not facing ANY PROBLEMS.

As always, we overcome all our problems in a very weirdly manner which is by stressing on minor problems. Companies are going down rapidly, people are losing their jobs, more and more fresh grads are jobless, and of course, we all are running out of cash, even for our daily needs. It won't be soon till the banks lose their cash too. Bloggers aren't rich. If we are, we won't be blogging. We would rather open up our own website and have a moderator to take care of it.

So, my question is: What is Malaysia really doing to overcome the crisis that we are facing now? The answers our leaders are giving are so vague. And the fuss that is happening in the political world is really blurring the normal civilians minds. You know what, Malaysia is a real example on how leaders can turn SELFISH!!

Sometimes we go :

- Oh my God, can that be done? Can you just take over like that? Its a whole state for Gods sake.
- Are we really a democratic country??? Are you sureee???
- Ah! Oil price still same??
- Damn, now I have to take the old road instead of the highway because Oprah asked us to save and cut as much as we can. Why the hike?
- Now what about water in Selangor? Its water, H20!!! Make a decision.
- Oh come on, stop the fight about Bahasa Malaysia already.
- If you keep on advertising about Palestine being attacked in Malaysian channels, doesn't mean you are brain washing us to forget our own problems.

Over all that, we still have to think about where to buy groceries. Because our hypermarkets are changing their pricing every now and then.

So, since our politicians have the cash to get out of this country until the economy turns good, they tend to forget that some of us are LIVING IN THIS PIECE OF LAND CALLED MALAYSIA, trying to work hard and earn a living.

Fatwa-fatwa yang akan datang --from forwaded e-mail

Makin hari umat Islam makin ditindas dan dikongkong. Bukan oleh orang Cina, atau orang India atau orang Yahudi atau orang Kristian. Tetapi dianiya dan dikongkong oleh orang Islam/Melayu sendiri. Please read on.

Selepas fatwa pengharaman yoga, fatwa-fatwa yang akan datang adalah seperti berikut :


Disember 2008
Orang Islam dilarang mandi di kolam renang awam. Di kolam renang awam, akan terdapat orang-orang yang bukan Islam yang memakai pakaian renang yang singkat dan mendedahkan aurat (terutamanya amoi-amoi china yang cun dan seksi). Ini boleh menjejaskan akidah orang Islam. Cara yang paling baik ialah kita haramkan orang Islam dari kolam renang awam.

Januari 2009
Orang Islam dilarang pergi ke Pulau Pinang. Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang adalah seorang yang bukan Islam and majoriti penduduk Pulau Pinang adalah orang yang bukan Islam. Apabila seorang Islam berada di Pulau Pinang, beliau mungkin terhidu bau char keoy tiaw yang dimasak oleh orang bukan Islam dan ini boleh merosakkan akidah kita. Cara yang paling baik ialah kita haramkan orang Islam dari pergi ke Pulau Pinang. Orang Islam yang kini tinggal di Pulau Pinang akan diberi elaun pindah sebanyak RM 3000 untuk membantu mereka berpindah ke negeri-negeri yang lain. Perpindahan ke negeri Kelantan dan Terengganu amat amat digalakkan.

Februari 2009
Orang Islam dilarang meminum root beer. Walaupun root beer tidak mengandungi alkohol, namun perkataan "beer" ini boleh menimbulkan keghairan dan kelakuan tidak senonoh di kalangan orang Islam. Dengan pengharaman root beer, orang Islam bolehlah meminum minuman ringan yang lain tanpa was-was. Ginger beer juga diharamkan.

March 2009
Orang Islam dilarang memakan di kedai Mamak. Walaupun mamak kebanyakkannya Islam, tetapi asal usul mereka adalah India dan ada kemungkinan terdapat unsur-unsur India di dalam perniagaan mereka seperti bercakap Tamil dan memakai seluar dalam buatan India. Untuk mengelakkan sebarang syak wasangka, mulai 1 Mac 2009, orang Islam dilarang dari memakan di kedai mamak (kecuali Tun Mahatir kerana dia sendiri mamak kelas I)

April 2009
Orang Islam dilarang bermain ping pong atau table tennis. Ping pong berasal dari negeri China dan oleh yang demikian, mungkin terdapat unsur-unsur agama Buddha atau Confuciusism di dalam permainan ping pong. Ornag Islam yang terlalu banyak bermain ping pong akan terjejas akidah mereka. Sebagai permainan alternatif, orang Islam digalakkan bermain sepak raga (tetapi bola raga mesti buatan Malaysia, bukan dari Thailand).

Mei 2009
Orang Islam yang berkerja dengan kerajaan dilarang mengambil gaji masing-masing. Ini kerana sebahagian besar pendapatan kerajaan adalah cukai pendapatan yang dibayar oleh syarikat-syarikat orang bukan Islam. Orang Islam digalakkan meminta sedekah dari orang Islam yang lain. Untuk memudahkan permintaan sedekah, bakal peminta sedekah digalakkan mencangkung di hadapan bangunan UMNO.


Jun 2009
Orang Islam dilarang keluar negara. Terdapat terlalu banyak godaan yang boleh meruntuhkan akhlak dan akidah orang Islam. Perkara ini telahpun dikaji dengan teliti hasil lawatan sambil belajar ke Bangkok oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan baru-baru ini. Oleh yang demikian, orang orang Islam diminta menyerahkan balik paspot masing-masing ke jabatan immigresen secepat mungkin. Perjalanan keluar negara hanya dibenarkan untuk menteri-menteri dan orang kuat UMNO sahaja, itupun hanya jika diiringi oleh ahli Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan.


Julai 2009
Orang Islam dilarang berfikir di waktu siang. Kebanyakkan masalah jenayah dan maksiat wujud kerana orang-orang yang tak ada kerja berfikir yang bukan-bukan. Untuk membenteras maslah jeneyah dan maksiat, orang-orang Islam mulai 1 Julai 2009, dilarang dari menggunakan otak mereka diwaktu siang. Pemikiran mereka akan dipantau oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan dengan menggunakan sekumpulan specially trained monkeys. Orang Islam boleh menggunakan otak mereka di waktu malam tetapi pemikiran dihadkan kepada perkara-perkara berkaitan dengan makan dan minum sahaja.




Please do not laugh. Many of the above will become a reality if we do not do anything. The rational-thinking muslims in this country are simply not doing anything. We let a very small minority of narrow-minded idiots to control our lives. We, especially the Malay muslims, are fast becoming a laughing stock worldwide. We are obsessed with the little little things.

When there are so many important things remain to be done, why must the Fatwa folks spend their time on little things.. tomboys, yoga, etc, etc. Why don't we ever hear anything from the Fatwa folks for social justice, eradicating corruption and poverty, protecting single mothers, helping the poors, educating the ummah, protecting the environment or ensuring fairness in society.

If you are a rationale, forward thinking muslim, please speak up. If you choose to remain silent, it only means that you agree with whatever is happening. And do not blame the non-muslims for all our troubles. We are asking for it.

Lets close down all schools then.

If our government are so good in matters on a child's education, maybe all children should go to the parliament or the leaders office each day to learn.

What they really mean by "closing all vernacular schools"? I went to a "so called" Kebangsaan school and I have to say that, I have much to regret. There were many, so many, faults in the management and education system. However, I am not saying that vernacular schools are "top of the world" class education providers either. Its just that, in vernacular schools, we will not be also forced to be brain washed each morning. But my personal opinion is, going to a vernacular school is much better than going to a the so called "Kebangsaan school". The reason why? Because on the outside it's suppose to be a multiracial school, but in the inside it is not. As simple as that.

If the government really cares about racial unity, I believe every ethnic should be given the feeling of "one-ness" at school. But as a personal experience, that's not how I felt. I am not saying I did not hang around other kids of other races, as friendly as I am, of course you will. But the adults are the core problem, not the children.

Why are they always trying to brain wash us? Why? They are kids, for gods sake. Aren't they suppose to be in their "imaginary" world and have fun for a little while before the reality of this cruel world opens up their eyes? Children need their space too. If not, they will end up becoming...how shall I put it, well, YOU WILL SEE THEM IN NEWS ONE DAY, and not in a good way.

Since yoga is being banned (I can't stop laughing at this, gosh, what was this guy thinking when he told this statement???), who knows what else will be banned in the future? One day, they might take out all those Sanskrit words (which are REALLY used in the Hindu religious verses) from the textbook. Oh ya, that is not possible, then half of our vocabulary will be VANISHED. Then they have to spend years finding new words to replace. We have a big problem in Malaysia, we somehow lost the ability to THINK LOGICALLY.

So, one school system is not a bad idea, if and only if, every race were given freedom to express their own rights. Not only one race. That's unfair. Do not jeopardize a child's education. They are the core of the next generation, and the ones which are going to take over Malaysia in the future. I believe somehow they are trying to mold the children into becoming like "the leaders" in Malaysia are now, but I really hope that does not work out. For now, what Malaysian education is teaching our children is "how to memorize and get as much A's as possible". That's not that hard. Easy education. Most kids will not know about what is happening around them either. That's the opposite of being inteligent.

How to be ridiculous- Step by step guide

Exams were over, so I’m back to writing.

Many things have changed lately, from politics to oil price (In other countries I mean). Pardon me for being sarcastic, but seriously, things are changing around us, but we aren’t. If we really dig deep onto the reasons why we are standing stagnant, it’s all pointing back at our government and our political instability. Yea, you might say we are stable, BUT I SAY WE ARE NOT.

Being stable can be defined generally to be in a state of calm and being rational. However, the decisions which we are making lately, shows that the whole body which governs us need psychological treatment. Why you may ask? Because only power hungry and greedy “people” will maximize the power given to them and try to put everyone who disobey them into ISA! However, they forgot few things:-

1. This is not like WW1 or WW2 (Our textbooks lacks the info on this matter, which I firmly believe that every child/student have to be exposed to our past “REAL HISTORY” rather than just keep on repeating religious things).

2.The people here believe in personal freedom and rights

3. We have brains

4. YOU ARE NOT ADOLF HITLER

First pit stop, the OIL PRICE CONTROVERSY. If the government really want us to save by not cutting down or not subsidizing the oil price, we’ll we say too bad. We still need to drive, still need to go to work, and do other things which need transportation. WE ARE SPENDING LIKE CRA ZY ON FUEL!! Seriously, I think even the rich are saving right now, we do not need another reason for saving…(I know it’s just a ploy to make us look stupid…RIGHT??). You are not OUR TEACHER OR GURU, you are our government, and we demand to be treated right and given the freedom to spend our own way. We did not vote for you to teach us the lessons of life, OUR PARENTS HAD ALREDY DID THAT, we need you guys to LEAD, just do that, PLEASE.

Another topic which made me laugh was the YOGA issue. Oh come on. Give me a break. If a person who has a PhD was given the opportunity to state his/her mind on a certain issue, one should be very “open minded” and use the knowledge which was learnt all those years into use to educate everyone around us. The whole Hu-Ha about Yoga is a total waste; we could have used that time to improve other things. And I’m not pointing fingers or talking bad about anyone, but as a personal opinion, I can’t see how praying could improve one’s health. I’m not an Atheist but there are limits on making people believe in stuff like this, you get what I mean? BE OPEN, PEOPLE.

Putting kids into custody is FINE, huh? Isn’t that against some human rights issue or something? The last time I knew, we were still a compassionate country. We boast about our voluntary services to the less fortunate countries, we make TV Series about HOW WE HELPED SOME FAMILIES IN NEED, and etc. etc. With all that compassion at HEART, hmmm…wow, we still can take a small kid (who did not do anything, literarily nothing actually) for investigation. Hypocrites.

If this is MALAYSIA, I believe we have lost it. Totally lost it. Please don’t go back calling the old ones to bring us back to stability, AREN’T YOU GUYS ASHAMED OF YOURSELF? We youths are a better choice. Cut out those power hungry-good guy imitators, cut out those racists, cut out those can’t make rational decisions/too old to make any decision/too stupid to make one because their degree or masters are bought ONLINE, cut out those LAZY leaders and cut out those who are in for the MONEY. And we will have a peaceful Malaysia on the road to global success.

p/s: No offence, but, I really hope Altantuya gets her justice. Her father should go to a Mongolian witch-doctor and seek for revenge instead, to wait for Malaysian court to provide justice will take forever.

The Haze is On Baybeh!!..again...

Sometimes we tend to wonder ever will this haze problem stop. We blame everything on Indonesia for causing the haze, but have we ever thought about the contribution that we are making on making things worse? No we don't.

KL, is a valley, what accumulates here rarely goes out (same as its people). The haze that we are observing here is far more worse that the ones in Seremban or any other places which are also in the way of the wind. The reason is that we too contribute to haze by the car fumes that we let out each day. The only thing that we as the citizen of KLC can do now is to drive less and burn less (if can don't burn at all...I've been telling this since I was a primary school kid..nobody changes..or listens).

However, as we come again to the main reason of the cause, which is open burning in Sumatera, I do many times think that how can people get anymore ignorant. Its very simple, for any dungus out there I'll make it into an equation, you see, burning=smokes=choking yourself to death! See. Easy as that.

Why don't those people get it? I could not say that the people of the NGOs are not taking any responsibilities over this matter, because they do. So we can't blame them at all. They are working at their best. The forest is just too huge to detect a single match stick lit by a small Indonesian.

So, every year it is like a tradition for us to be "hazed'. Lets celebrate then.

EVE Hybrid (Its a Proton!!)...shall I get one next year??

From http://www.autohybridtech.info/proton/proton_gen2_eve_hybrid.shtml
PROTON GEN2 EVE HYBRID

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Lotus Engineering will have this on display at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, a Proton GEN2 equipped with Lotus Engineering’s EVE Hybrid technology. EVE, which stands for Efficient, Viable, Environmental, basically pairs Proton’s 1.6 liter Campro engine with a 30 kilowatt (40 horsepower) electric motor. The hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain drives the front wheels using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox.
The hybrid system also has a start-stop system for the gasoline engine to be shut off when unneeded. The engine restarts automatically when the brake pedal is released. The electric motor is positioned between the engine and the gearbox, and supports regenerative braking to recharge its 144V battery located in the GEN2’s boot.
The Proton GEN2 EVE Hybrid Concept has significantly lower emissions than it’s pure petrol sibling, with CO2 output only 134g/km from 172g/km. Average fuel economy rose from 6 liters per 100km to 4.6 liters per 100km. The combined output of the electric motor and the Campro 1.6 liter engine is 141hp, equivalent to a 1.8 to 2.0 liter engine in modern times, giving it a 0-100km/h time of 9 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h. Torque rises from the stock 148Nm at 4,000rpm to 233Nm at 1,500rpm.
Perhaps we can see this Lotus EVE Hybrid technology being implemented in our local Proton cars soon, or perhaps we will be able to use that CVT transmission to replace the current 4-speed auto of which ratio’s do not match the Campro’s torque curve at all. A CVT would be wonderful for keeping the Campro’s revs within it’s powerband, allowing for a more comfortable and stressless drive.

Technologies in the EVE Hybrid technology demonstrator

A number of the technologies featured in the EVE Hybrid are production-ready, employing systems deliberately sourced from established tier one suppliers in order to demonstrate the availability of components, the minimisation of development costs and to maximise business case viability.

The EVE Hybrid features three key technologies:

(1) ‘Micro-hybrid’ stop-start system:
A starter-alternator system was integrated that switches the engine off when the vehicle stops, during town driving for example. The engine restarts automatically when the brake pedal is released.
As a result, noise, emissions and fuel consumption are reduced. The unit runs on the standard vehicle 12volt electrical system and combines both starter motor and alternator functionality. Fuel savings of 5% have been demonstrated with a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions.

(2) Full parallel hybrid technology:
A bespoke 30kW, 144V motor is packaged between the engine and transmission. It delivers electric drive or regenerative braking via an additional clutch linking the motor to the drivetrain. The motor provides the same start-stop functionality as the micro-hybrid with the additional benefit of electrical drive or drive assist, either boosting the drivetrain performance or providing economy and emissions benefits by operating as an electric vehicle. The motor is powered by a 144 volt battery located in the boot.
Testing has confirmed simulation predictions of 28% fuel efficiency improvement and 22% CO2 emissions reduction.

(3) Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
The CVT is a transmission in which the ratio between the input and output shaft can be varied continuously within a given range, providing an infinite number of possible ratios. The integration of a CVT gives benefits in fuel consumption and emissions control. In addition, its compact package assisted in the application of a hybrid electric drive and it provides smooth acceleration and low transmission noise.
Performance benefits of EVE Hybrid technologies Extensive performance and drive cycle modelling of a production hybrid variant using the technologies on the EVE Hybrid indicate the following comparative vehicle performance figures:

(1) EVE Hybrid in micro-hybrid mode with start-stop system:
MPG: 41 (5% increase from baseline)
Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm
Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm
0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2: 164g/km (5% reduction from baseline)

(2) EVE Hybrid with full parallel hybrid configuration:
MPG: 50.2 (28% increase from baseline)
Max power: 105kW / 141hp @ 5500rpm
0-62 mph: 9 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2: 134g/km (22% reduction from baseline)

(3) Continuously Variable Transmission configuration
MPG (EU combined cycle): 41 (5% increase from baseline)
Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm
Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm
0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2 (combined cycle): 164g/km (5% reduction from baseline)

Proton Gen.2 1.6 litre 4-cyl gasoline (manual transmission) baseline for comparison:
MPG (EU combined cycle): 39.2
Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm
Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm
0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2 (combined cycle): 172g/km
Max torque: 233Nm (limited to180Nm continuous) @ 1500rpm

Technical details of EVE Hybrid technology demonstrator

Engine
Various changes have been made to the Proton gasoline 1597cc CamPro engine. The main modification is the redesign of the front end accessory drive (FEAD). This was done to accommodate a Valeo ‘StARS’ starter/alternator, which drives the micro hybrid start-stop system.
The redesigned FEAD also accommodates a Sanden hybrid Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) compressor that operates by conventional belt drive and has an additional electrically driven capability which enables continued air conditioning operation when the engine is stopped.
During the FEAD redesign the opportunity was also taken to replace the belt driven Power Assisted Steering (PAS) and water pumps with electric units to enable the investigation into the economy benefits of such units. To accommodate the additional hybrid functionalities the Engine Management System (EMS) was updated to a Siemens VDO torque-based unit and re-calibrated by Lotus Engineering.

Motor/Generator
Due to tight packaging constraints and to minimise any loss in overall vehicle performance, bespoke electric motor and power electronics were developed in conjunction with specialist suppliers ElektroMagnetix and Turbopower Systems. The motor/generator and power electronics are water-cooled and include an auxiliary power unit to support the vehicle’s 12volt systems.
An additional clutch supplied by AP Racing is packaged inside the motor and connects the IC engine to the traction motor. This enables the engine to be switched off for electric drive only use.

Gearbox
A Punch Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has replaced the conventional transmission and a modified bell housing accommodates the electric traction motor.

Battery Pack
The EVE Hybrid uses a Cobasys Series 1000, NiMH, 30kW 144V module that incorporates an integrated cooling system. This traction battery pack is securely mounted on the boot floor, displacing approx 47 litres of luggage space.

Control System
A sophisticated bespoke Lotus Engineering control system was developed to implement the energy management function by monitoring and controlling all sub-control systems including the engine management, motor/generator, transmission, HVAC, additional clutch, starter/alternator and battery pack.

Brake System
To maintain the integrity of the braking circuit when the petrol engine is off, a Mes-Dea electric vacuum pump maintains the vacuum assist for the brakes.

Steering System
An off-the-shelf TRW electro-hydraulic power assisted steering pump has been fitted, which allowed the retention of the existing steering column and hydraulic steering gear. This pump also provides hydraulic pressure for the additional clutch that engages the hybrid motor.

Interior
The instrument panel incorporates an additional LCD display developed by Lotus Engineering to show battery charge, power split between engine and motor, fuel economy and charge/discharge rate, and incorporates associated warning indicators where appropriate. Also fitted to the dash are new switches to select the car’s operating mode - micro hybrid, full hybrid or electric vehicle.

Women, stand up.

Frankly speaking, as a blogger, I do come across women bloggers however very little of them blog about issues which are of importance. Why? Speak up please. I think we need a lot of women ideas these days including in the environment, politics, education and so on. But the ones that do, are really good at it. So why don't we multiply? What say u sistaz??

The "Why" behind Malaysians pathetic attitude.

It was Friday evening, say around 6pm. I normally do not take the train at this hour but for a change I did. Well, hoping that everyone as a human being knows how to behave themselves when getting into a public transport. I was wrong unfortunately, these people, Malaysians, always dream of making a scene no matter where they are. From the parliament till the people on the streets, we all who call ourselves Malaysians are just can't be kept in order.

As I was saying, I was at the train station, waiting to board the train at 6 pm. An hell hour I say. There were hundreds of passengers waiting to get into the train and hundreds more were already inside the train. Wow, I said to myself. I ain't getting into this train perhaps..actually there were no chance. I am not the "pushing the people into their death" type. If you know what I mean. However, most other Malaysians were. Sadly.


If I were not carrying so many stuff at that point, I would haven taken the photograph of how pathetic a Malaysian could get when taking a public transport. Hear me, I very well know you are rushing to go somewhere, I know you miss your family after a long days work and I know you are starving and could not wait to get back home and eat. And above all that, I know you know there are hundreds of others who are just like you. Well, one thing you forgot to know...we are humans and we are suppose to be in order. Even those tiny ants have order. Where are yours?


So, I took the next train because I ain't pushing any kids or any old people down the track like others would.

The moral of the story is that, we should always look at the point of view of others. Think of the people who are also waiting beside you. Never to forget that there are plenty of chances of getting back home and that ain't the last train you going to see in 10 years. Be grateful at least you have a train in your bloody country.

Now coming to the "Why" Malaysians are like this and will always be like this. Well, you see, when I was in school we were taught to behave, were scolded and were punished if we did not. There were no other approach of teaching "behaving". Yet, we turned out the way we are now. I blame everyone. Blame yourself, for being such an inconsiderable citizen, blame our parents for using the wrong methods of teaching us " the ways to be in order", the education system for just being there to teach us all the wonders and not the ones needed the most in life, and of course our great government for just keeping quiet looking at all these things occurring.


And for your information, IT WON'T HURT TO BUY SOME EXTRA TRAINS AND UPDATE THE TIMING SYSTEM NOW AND THEN. PLEASE, DO NOT BUY USELESS SPACE SHUTTLE STUFFS, WE ARE NOT GOING TO USE THEM, AT LEAST NOT FOR NOW! WE ARE NOT PAYING TAXES TO GET FREE RIDES TO SPACE, WE JUST WANT TO GO BACK HOME AFTER WORK!!


Above shout out is for the ones that are taking care of our so called country, Malaysia. Be reasonable please. Just because you know we have to use the public transport, does not mean you can just keep quiet and have fun looking at us in chaos. And don't go crying to the newspapers " There have been decrease in tourist this year". Oh come on, they can't even go into the cramped up train, what do you aspect? To board your space shuttle service and take a tour round the country??

Lastly, no offense please. As I said before, I stand strongly on my believe in freedom of speech. Thank you.

You're right, it is about the fuel price.

Quoted from CNN;

"We cannot naturally keep subsidizing at the current rate," Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters Wednesday. "We must reduce wastage. If we can change our lifestyles, we will not suffer a terrible situation."

First of all, if the government had allowed us to change our lifestyle, WE WOULD HAVE! We would have done it long ago. Trust us.

Secondly, we know we are in crisis, we are not dumb.

Third, how about the government initiate the CHANGE? That sounds better, since it could be applied nationwide.

Dear Prime Minister, I think you should set an example, I say drive a hybrid, or at least hydrogen powered car. Ethanol perhaps? How about electric? I think we got plenty.

Changing a life style needs hard work and plenty of time, from small you have raised us this way, and all of a sudden you ask us to change? Oh come on, this is ridiculous. Obviously we will not at this pace. And for the love of God, we produce our own petrol fueled cars. This anwers it. And face it, our public transport system is not even close to what Singapore or Japan has.

I say, government, have a meeting and talk about relevance, we got plenty of land, plenty of soil, plenty of agricultural material and technology, plenty of money being wasted on stuff we do not need, and plenty of inteligent minds. Use them for a good course perhaps? Now, GO MAKE SOME ETHANOL I SAY! It is pretty simple, ask a biotechnologist. (*obviously I am laughing with sarcasm).

Obama's America, soaring oil prices and for the first time in 10 years, there are less cars on the streets of US!!When Malaysia??

2008 is not really helping to boom our economy, for real, it is somehow making the world go slower-money wise. Stock markets are plunging down, economists are pulling their hairs and even we consumers are playing a crucial role on maintaining the worlds ever worsening money-market. One great reason will be the soaring oil prices which worries many. Just yesterday people were realizing the fact that the oil prices are not increasing gradually any longer, but drastically. It was estimated the crude oil price to hit $150 per barrel in 2010, however, this October 2008 will be the new 2010. If you get what I mean.

With America putting their much attention on the Election 2008, and the ever-going war on Iraq, the economical downturn seems less attended. The future however is looking good for Obama, Clinton is not looking so good and with a blink of an eye, the final candidates-Barrack Obama and John McCain, will be debating for the position of President of the United States. Much changes are head to come.

Coming back to the serious threat that oil is giving us, it seems that in 10 years, for the 1st time--there are less cars on the roads of the United States! Wow-wie!! That is something jaw-dropping won't you agree?? It makes my complicated little mind wonder, Malaysians are being subsidized for their oil, yet at the soaring rate of oil prices, it is not a impossible matter that the government is going to increase the oil prices soon, lets say maybe by next week?


What you are thinking? Last week rice, now OIL???!! Next week maybe tea? Who knows? (No more daily visits to the mamak stall and having the daily teh-O I guess). Well, stop being ignorant Malaysians. And well yeah, we are still wasting our money on "hell knows what Space Mission programs" and some other projects which does not help our economy at all. Face it--Malaysians, are daydreamers..we are only suited to become astronauts in our pathetic dream world while sitting in the office cubicle waiting for the clock to hit 5pm so we all can rush back home, hoping not to stuck in the ever crowding jams of our city roads. Accept it.

One fact: To grow, one need to focus on SCIENCE, not RELIGION. If Malaysia had a brain, we would have figured this out long ago. If we had a vision, we would have looked and followed the path of the successful ones, not the opposite. If we had soaring high ambitions, WE WOULD HAVE CHANGED OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM! Until all this happens, trust me, nothing will change for the good. It is the bitter truth.

Well, putting back the smiles on our faces is the subsidized fuel price that we are paying now. Malaysia has the one of the most affordable fuel price--lets say in the world? Yes! And yet we are complaining.

Next fact: Malaysia, if you find yourself on the verge of exploding because you are wasting your money on buying fuel--then DON'T! I beg you to IMPROVE YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM. It would really help. (I do not mean space shuttles!!). Soon, you will see less cars, less head-cracking jams and of course less stress in the Parliament when they ask you WHERE IS ALL YOUR MONEY?!!

Hope I got my facts right. It might be harsh to swallow this, but changes are needed fast--we are somehow doomed unless. I am still a MALAYSIAN, it is because I love my country, it sucks to see it going down the road with less effort taken to climb up. It is time to open our eyes and change.

The hu-ha's of GMF and how biotechnology could really save the world

Out this week-Myanmar being hit by a cyclone which was so huge, that no one really predicted its occurance at this time of the year. We could not really answer the "why" and "how" questions, however, many are as always blaming global warming as its major cause. Many are focused on the artic parts of the Earth for the research of global warming as it is the most affected because heat travels from warmer parts to the cooler parts and it does melt the icebergs at an alarming pace, but it seems that the tropics are also being hit by it. Below is the photo taken by NASA showing the hurricane crossing over Myanmar.


Leaving behind the recent issues, we may now look at the solutions brought about to minimize this 'global warming' from occurring. One of the interesting solutions that we are having now is to use biotechnology to curb many problems. Biotechnology is not a new field sprouted out from nowhere, but it was a field of science used from the ancient times. Simply defined, it is the usage of scientific technology with the help of biological molecules and organisms to create something which can be used to help mankind in many ways.

GMF or genetically modified food is one of the most heatedly debated topics of all time, or from when I could remember. Skeptics are afraid that these foods may contain hazardous compounds which could cause illness such as cancer as a long term effect. What I believe is that GMF's locks the key to future food source and could extremely bring the poverty and starvation count to the minimum. How? This is how; biotechnology helps to create crops with higher yield, higher tolerance and lower maintainance. It is a dream come true for any farmers if you ask me. Imagine yourself as a potato farmer, how will you react if I proposed to you that biotechnology could increase your yield 3 times fold, decrease the fruiting period by few months, and there will never be a disease infecting your crop. If I, I would jump for joy!

It is true however that GMF's are still under tremendous research and some have even been approved to be in the shelves of your nearest supermarket. Yet, why is there such Hu-Ha's over this matter? Its just simply of the people's believe that these food are not natural and grown in a "crazy science lab". It is true that these crops need more research, but I believe most of them are truly harmless. The main reason it could curb poverty and starvation is because these crops will be cheaper to get as it requires such low maintainability and work. Agree?

Now, coming back to the question how all this could help to minimize the climate change? Here is the answer- These genetically modified plants are also used in the production of biofuels. In the norm, plants such as soybean and sugarcane could only account for a minimal amount of fuel production. With the help of biotechnology, the crops are now have increased their yield and the production of biofuels many times fold. The question on how are we going to manage the need for food source and also the need to obtain fuel from these food source can be answered by the simple use of biotechnology. If we could use GMF's to obtain the food and also biofuels, there will never be a case of starvation due to the usage of food for fuel--yes, it does sound hilarious.

So, the final point is that, biotechnology could really help curb many problems that we are facing now, from global warming to starvation, it locks all the answers. All we have to do is to give it a try. Imagine yourself, in 20 years time, when the crude oil have hit $500 per barrel, the oil stations near to your place are selling ethanol, the car that you are driving runs green, and you--you are sitting on your couch having a cup of tea while eating cup-corn where it is written on the side of the cup that--"this corn is a GMF. It is a product of genetic modification and contains no harmful compound". It is totally possible!

The world blacks-out this 29th March!

As a campaign towards minimal usage of electricity, the whole world is going to take part in a event which is so exciting that many of us will think that it ain't gonna work--The Earth Hour. Well, many of us are put off into an exciting mood by this event, and may of course will take part. Monash is, by the way. Huhuu!! The plan: To switch off all non essential electrical usage around the premise one is around for an hour.

The date is 29th March 2008, the time 8pm to 9pm. Around the globe, many with the knowledge of this worldwide event, will switch off their household appliances and measurement of electrical usage will be done during this hour. It is kinda fun if you ask my opinion. And of course, I am taking part.

For Monash campuses, the date is 31st March and the time will be 12pm to 1 pm. So, people..off those computers! (Fingers-crossed--hopefully classes will be cancelled for this one hour..LOL). Yet again, in Monash electricity measurement for this hour will be taken and compared with normal electrical usage for everyday.

This event is mainly to observe the response of people, students and everyone else around the globe of their contribution towards minimizing Global Warming. If we can shut down non-essential electricity for an hour, it means we can always do it, anywhere anytime. Right?

So, I say chip-in your contribution for this event. Log on to http://www.earthhour.org/sign-up and pledge to off your non-essential electricity for an hour!

Blaming India and China for climate change

The hot topic of climate change has many to blame. Using reasons such as increased deforestation to blaming the booming population on Earth itself. Logically, as long as there is more land to be opened and cleared, it means we are safe to multiply. This of course if you are not taking the devastation Mother Earth is facing into consideration. Ah!

So, looking at the current world population, India and China are leading as they always did. With massive land area and enough resources, the homo sapiens are not going to stop reproducing even if we beg them to. Thus, what is the big deal with increasing human population you may ask. Many think that the death rate cuts of the birth rate which occurs each day. Statistically speaking, the birth rate had always been higher than the death toll. Why? Because now we have good medical attention. Face it, we are not letting anyone die that easily nowadays--we even put them in life support. However, birth controls is still a vague topic among the human race.

What increased population had to do with Global Warming?-- Increase in carbon dioxide emission, increase in consumerism especially undegradable products, increase in fossil fuel usage, increase in the need of opening up new spaces and clearing forests for buildings, increase in disposals and the list can go on. Looking at this, it is of course a major concern among the countries in support of eliminating Global Warming that world population had to be controlled. An example, as in Malaysia, we have far greater resources to the ratio of human population. So, we told the people to get busy and make babies. But why? Don't we have enough?? Even our work force is now being dominated by foreign workers. What richness do we obtain from being quantitically large?? There is no logic. We are basically losing quality.

One way or the other, we have to find a way to control the booming population if we desire to control Global Warming. Public education on birth control will be one of them.

Biofuel causes more carbon emissions? Hmmm...

As shocking as it is, recent research do show that biofuel may have the ability of accelerating the phenomenon which is still shaking the world Global Warming. So, the question now is, Is petroleum the best fuel we ever going to have? Maybe the answer is simply a yes.

One study found that clearing forests and grasslands to grow the crops releases vast amounts of carbon into the air -- far more than the carbon spared from the atmosphere by burning biofuels instead of gasoline. As large forest areas will be cleared to grow these crops which will provide us with biofuels, for example soybeans and corn, the carbon dept will increase rapidly. These crops are also harvested in certain amount of period which makes the carbon dept to increase.

Imagine if we rely on biofuels as a main source of fuel, more and more green areas will be cleared and planted with crops which will help us produce biofuels like ethanol. This is because the demand for this crops as a source of food and feed is already high and the extra demand from fuel production will of course encourage us to clear up more lands. Surprisingly, this makes sense now; petrol could be the best source of fuel, by far. Adding on to this problem, the fertelizers used for these crops will also emit an additional amount of carbon and other green house gasses.

So, the question now is, what is the best type of fuel we ought to use in the near future after our petroleum sources disappears? Or, should we just change to something which uses no fuel at all? It might sound crazy right now, however it is hard to predict what the future holds for us...

A wrap up of 2007, beginning of a Green 2008

One way or the other, 2007 had shown that it is the year of revolutions- the initiation of the “change” process. Before this, many of us had taken many things less seriously than they are starting to do now. This means, we are heading towards a better future for us and also the environment. In my country, I shall say that changes are seen everywhere, not much in keeping the environment clean or conserving it but in the sense of politics. Such an interesting topic this is, coming to sense that this is such a sensitive issues to be talked over in this country, bloggers everywhere are stating their own points on views mattering the elections we are going to have in 2008. Rallies are occurring on streets, even though it is peacefully done, yet knowing our government, everything is made into a big deal wanting it or not. When a serious matter comes to hand, many do not bother, yet petty things are made important. It might sound like I am talking bad about my own country, good or bad; I am still Malaysian and also a human with personal rights (those who understand should know what I am talking about). Simply said, gimme my rights baybeh! Equity or nothing!

Coming back to changes that are going to take place into the very precious environment that we are living in, I shall say few months at the end of 2007 had been most fruitful. Events which opened the eyes of many was the deliverance of the Noble prize to the respectful Mr. Al Gore and also the environmental conference which occurred in Bali to make plan what to do after the Kyoto protocol expires- a good effort, best we had in few years, not only it involves major countries but also the societies whom are fighting for the cause of environmental conservation everyday. The Time magazine chose Vladamir Putin as the person of the year (I agree), behind his however was the adorable Mr. Al Gore. Yes, adorable, he is. He has done what he should do, made a movie, given us a worldwide 24-hours concert and made the cry of Mother Nature be heard. If we ask more from him, what that makes us? Thus, I say, it is our turn now to save it.

The first carbon free campus had been announced few weeks back, it is in the US as expected but a great change isn’t that right? Carbon emissions are undergoing big experiments, many are even trying to convert them into baking soda (true, it is possible- to whomever who are wondering will that be able). Electric is being produced from the movements of eels in water in Japan and even Malaysia is taking initiative in creating bio-fuels from the acres and acres of oil palms that we are planting here. If it is not for the rich source that we have here, I truly think that we won’t be even thinking about bio-fuels. My hope is small though even if they are bragging about it in the news- we do always use a lot of money to do nothing. In case of the usage of biotechnology in creating bio-fuels, …..*I shall laugh from this point onwards for this statement.

A good 2008 will be coming to us, a bright one with loads of changes in hand. Every one of us is looking forward for it. Hopefully, Malaysia will follow suite and change in many ways too. To all out there who are hoping for changes ahead, good luck I say. Malaysians, have a good 2008, hope that we prosper and lose our ignorance towards many important matters. Most of all, I hope our political board changes too, as that’s the only way we are going to see a better, clearer, cleaner and greener Malaysia.

As an ending statement, as many Chinese say 8 is a ong number, so will be 2008- we hope.

A chance to send your Green Message to all this December

This coming December, United Nations will be having a 12 day conference from the 3rd to 14th on climate crisis in Bali, Indonesia. The main purpose of this conference is to demand REAL action from the government around the world about climate change and Global Warming. Well, if you are out there and able to attend this conference please do so.

For others, like me, who could not attend the conference, you can play your part too. How you ask? Greenpeace, as all of us know is an environmental NGO and SolarGeneration, a youth group initiated by Greenpeace will be there to demand real action for the crisis we are facing now. SolarGeneration is encouraging all youth from all over the world to send a climate message to the UN delegates at the Bali meeting. During the conference, the messages that you sent will be attached to traditional Indonesian kites and will be flown high in the sky!

So, be a part of this global movement and send in your messages now. You can do so by clicking HERE or by visiting the site at http://www.greenpeace.org/international/solargen/bali-messages-page.

Write in any message you want to shout-out and the world to listen. Be green, be bold and be HEARD!

Helllloo...Stop the day dreaming already Malaysia! Seriously, heroes??Come on-lah

This is the news I took from the so called "Program Angkasawan Malaysia" from NST Malaysia; You are our heroes, Abdullah tells two angkasawan.

So here we are again, facing the worst usage of English medium as a way to communicate, well a mistake made by our own Prime Minister. First pit stop, defining the word "HERO". A hero is some one who is noted for his/her noble courage for a purpose; especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life. Coming back to our Prime Minister, hmm, where shall I start now; he called a man, sorry, a doctor, paid by the government to learn the tricks and trade of becoming an astronaut in NASA, boarding to go into space in a shuttle, spent few weeks doing God knows what experiments and coming back home just to be called a "hero" by our own Prime Minister. Sounds utterly hilarious doesn't it? The best part is, I do not tend to see the nobleness our Prime Minister sees in Dr Muszaphar and Dr Faiz, our so called heroes.

Excuse me for bragging, but I do experiments all day long in the stinky old lab figuring out what enzyme induces which reaction in our body and which inhibits. I know the lab I do my experiments in is not as cool as the space, but come on--heroes?? I did not see Dr Muszaphars hands or legs being burnt in space nor he had any difficulty eating his "pickled mango" that he was so fond of. Once my friend burnt her hair trying to handle a Bunsen burner--sounds more noble than what the doctor did ten-times-fold. Then, where the heck he got the credibility to be called a HERO??I can simply just go on about this.

However, it is my personal feeling that finding flaws about Malaysia and writing about it takes just greater than life itself. Rather, I would love to talk about the real heroes which we mostly miss out to acknowledge. Yes, the soldiers, the nurses, the doctors who are not dreaming of becoming astronauts and using their skills to save lives here down on Earth, the teachers whom are giving all they got to produce a great society of people, the thinkers who are bringing new ideas each day to this world saving millions of lives, and the normal pedestrians who does not hesitate to go for the rescue when they see a person in need at that very moment. Putting it on a plain ground, a hero can be someone simple, but not someone fake.

Looking on the environmental issues we are facing now in Malaysia, I would love to call the person who is cleaning up the Klang river a hero, give him an award and who knows, might just send him to space just for the fun of it. Yes, for me, all this put together is far more better than what we so-called "achieved" in space. Rather than throwing all that money into space, I see a cleaner Malaysia by putting the money into better campaigns for environmental awareness. How much we spent on "Cintailah Sungai Kita" campaign? 50 cents? It went into drain and into the river just as how all the other rubbish did.

Is it just so hard to fund a wee bit more into overcoming the environmental issues that we are having here? I am sick of looking at our beaches becoming a dump site and the rain forests becoming burning pits for some idiot who do not know what recycling is. Here in Malaysia, unless we have the interest in volunteering and concerned about the environment, there will not be others who take even a small initiative to get to know where they can help out. Nonetheless, this can be done by putting more efforts on bringing the people more good campaigns, talks and showing them that our waters are filled with E. coli and no one else will clean it up except for us.

No more space stuff please. We have to come down to Earth and solve our water problems, climate change, haze and destruction of forests before we all literally end up in space due to the death of our planet.

Changing Young Minds--is it possible?

Ah,kids. Such young creatures they are. Filled with their own path of personal discovery, never fear of risks and always coming up with new wacky ideas--which might just be the answer to all of our problems. But wait, this does not sound like any of our kids here. A raise of hands please, how many have ever dared to stick to what you believe and go against what is asked to do,when lets say you were 9??

This is how children in Malaysia spend their day--7am school, and many schools have assembly every morning which makes the students regret ever coming to school. 1pm back home/lunch. 2pm the good ol tuition classes--some even take all the subjects in their syllabus. 6pm back home/rest. 8pm dinner followed by "Malaysian Idol/Mentor/any lame noneducational shows the parents are watching", some watch cartoon--this is acceptable :-) . And the rest of their time they will be busy with their school and tuition home works. It is undeniable, this kind of system produces GENIUSES!! However, what's a genius if they are ignorant??

Our educational system moulds the young minds to think that there is nothing else in this universe than studying and achieving good grades. It is true I dare say; the system makes us carry heavy weight materials (our books--thick,back breaking books) to school and makes us spend at least half and hour under the sun and the rest sitting in the classroom while listening to the teachers preach from the text books.

In respect to the environment and nature, children here do not really hear them elsewhere except in Moral studies, which is by the way given to only the non-Malays. The environment is nothing important and the children do only need to remember or memorize the good values all of us "should" have just to answer the exam papers. If this goes on, how are we going to create a society of people of critical thinkers, revolutionists, and world leaders? I say, change the system!

To educate the children on the environment and nature, seeing the state of our country for themselves is important. Why there are not many field trips at school? Students should be given the first input about the world around them for them to understand it by themselves.A simple raise of tone asking a student to pick up the rubbish from the floor will not mean anything to him/her but making the whole class do it in an interactive way, outside the school compound most probably will. School funding are more than enough to create this kind of environment for the students. In return, it generates students who are able to think and judge for themselves. The government should come up with more interactive way of teaching and studying--the only interactiveness the students are doing now is reading out from the text book and giving opinions on what they have read.

Reading materials in schools should be less abundant, most students do give first impression towards books looking at their thickness. Adding on, the government should also provide books on environment and nature. There are millions of stuff out there the students should know about their home country and the world, the nature is a natural illustration which means it is attractive no matter what.

One do not really need to "love" nature, it is simply our responsibility to take care of it because the end point relates to us and our way of life being affected. A child, if given enough knowledge on the environment and its importance will hopefully be molded into a responsible one. We do have difficulty changing the minds of our adults here to be more responsible--this may have been due to same mistakes we are doing now educating our young minds the wrong way. What the students learn in school is fundamental, it gives scope to their future way of life. However, teaching the subjects in a more practical way sounds better. Parents have to chip in too of course, if the parents are ignorant about environmental issues, where do the children stand? But teaching them to think and judge for themselves will raise a well-rounded kid!!

This entry had much to do with education than nature. It is my opinion that to create a better world, it starts from educating a child in a proper manner. :-)

Playing Now: Industrialization success Coming Soon: No more clean water to drink!

Yes, we did get a bit overboard with the success of industrialization of Malaysia, we started forgetting things which are rather necessary in fact. On the other hand, it somewhat feels like it does not really matter as every one's dreams are becoming reality after doing a click or two on the nearest "ATM" machine (gosh Veena, people are paying with their hand phones now..ATM's are so yesterday!) and stopping by the malls which are growing faster than the trees in our forest. And all these for what you may ask, who am I kidding, no one will ask this question. Well, as true as you have guessed, I believe we have reached a peak point of ignorance in this country, thanks to our own overwhelming success.

Recently, I have googled keywords such as "environmental activist of Malaysia", "environmental organization of Malaysia", and "Malaysian environmentalists". Unfortunately for me, the results came out mostly relating to Malaysian Nature Society and WWF Malaysia. It is not that I was not joyed by the works of these organization, somewhat, somewhere I had this hope that we had more to do and deeper involvement in environmental conservation. There were few other organizations which looks like as if they are involved in environmental issues, but I am not buying it as their websites are lamer than my high school's homepage (and I was from a really, unforgivingly lame school..no offence).

The cause of these un-involvement of the society towards the environment can be many. From what I can think of, there are 2 major reasons; lack of education and low government funding towards this issue. Before I go on further, I may like to state one fact, our government are not secretive or currently (never ever done) doing any underground research on any sort of things which we can all go "uhhh-ahhh" about. We really do waste our money on things which makes us all regret at one point of our lives and to add on, we think we are successful just because some American TV show personality had the word "Malaysia" written on their script. For some of you out there, what I wrote might be wrong, but it is right for me..and that's what counts.

Moving on, coming to our education system, my opinion--it's a total crap! We spend around 12 years trying to learn things which said to help us in the future, but in fact we are learning how to not help ourselves in the future. Agree? The reasons are simple, look at our graduates who are going around jobless. Easy as that. However, the part which must be taken into consideration here is the involvement of students in conserving the environment. Most schools have "environmental club" but they are inactive. This really reflects the concern of this country to educate the young minds on environment conservations. This is a big issue, so I will have a whole post covering this in the coming weeks.

Our government will of course fund for the good of our society. I have seen many. But, face it Malaysians, our environment is in a crisis right now. Our lakes and rivers are literally toxic and harmful, we are running out of clean drinking water and haze is the newest attraction in this country. Don't blame the weather, blame ourselves. There is just not enough people out there doing good to the environment. I would really love to see and be involved in a youth organization going against global warming. Sadly, we have not enough directions. Yes, that's the problem here. Government, we want to help, so LET US!

Wrapping up: We say we want to take control of our country's economy, education, and ah, even language (referring to the battle of Bahasa Malaysia vs. English) so, why can't we take control of our environment? We are literally letting foreign organizations to be involved 90% of the time. Well, I guess it is right, we will never learn until it hits us...let others do our work eh? Anyhow that is what we learnt in school. :-) My sarcasm can be painful.

10 simple ways to Live the Green Life!!

From the statistics I have (even though once an old friend of mine said, statistics are a load of crap, oh well) there are many of us deep, deep inside wants to be environmentally friendly but just do not know where to start from. No fear, the Internet had always been here! :-)

Going green is quite simple though, anyone can start contributing at a mere second. Well, we all can start by recycling our used materials, or even reuse them. For beginners, yes, yes u can recycle paper, glass, plastic and aluminium cans. Yays! However, before dumping everything from your garbage, please do separate them into categories. This part takes a bit of time, well, eating takes time too, but we still doing it ain't we?? So I believe we have nothing to argue here.

I had googled "ways to go green" and ended up with loads of web pages teaching us how to. As I said, it is not hard at all. Below are some simple ways we can contribute to saving Mother Earth.

1) Change to energy saving light bulbs. These bulbs can be bought from any shop nowadays. They are easy to find, fix and even costs you less and brightens up your evenings/nights for a longer period of time. All you have to do is to buy them. From studies conducted, if every household uses these energy saving light bulbs, we can prevent greenhouse gasses equivalent to the emission of 800,000 cars. Cool eh?

2) Clean and replace air conditioning filters. I agree, it is hot here in Malaysia. It is like a freeze box inside Monash, and the sun is happily shining outside. I dare not say that I do not like the usage of air conditioning, but at times we just use a little too much. It is impossible to get someone to stop using air conditioning, but we can always figure out how to save more energy by using them wisely. The filters inside the air-conds does get all clogged up in a matter of days or weeks depending on the place we are residing. Uncleaned filters will take up more energy than the cleaned ones as filter had to work harder. So, by cleaning them at a weekly basis will save us a lot of the green stuff and also energy!

3) Unplug idle appliances and electronic devices. Sometimes, we are too lazy to pull out the plugs or off the switch assuming that we are not running the device, thus we are not using any energy at all. This is not true, unused appliances must also be switched off because energy is still being released. We can all save hundreds of bucks just by doing this!Ah-ha! And not forgetting we are also saving more energy. So, do us all a favour will you, bend down and off those switches! :-)

4) Be a smart driver (this is kind of tricky, as we have the worst drivers here in Malaysia). To save more fuel, check your tires regularly and keep them properly inflated. Adding on, a recent study had shown us all an amazing new fact, "you can save tons by not being an aggressive driver!". There you go, it says by accelerating gently, not putting sudden breaks and driving only as fast as you must can help us all save more cash as well. However, I personally prefer walking to near distances; get some exercise people!

5) Bicycles--weee!!!. They are fun, fast and helps to burn calories! I have nothing more to say.

6) Buying local. Imported products, foodstuff and other materials costs extra cash and also takes a hell load of travelling to reach here. By travelling what I meant was, the usage of ships and planes, they use fuel too if you guys do not already know. As the demand for these products increases, more energy is being used everyday to get them here. My advice is that support the local industry once in a while eh? It is not that hard to do and we do have quality stuff. Especially local farms, we certainly do have fresh from the garden greens here, and they taste as good too. This helps to decrease our dependence on oil and to cut back on gas emissions.

7) Say "NO!" to plastic bags. This is what I do; I only take plastic bags after my grocery shopping if only it is necessary. If I am getting small stuffs which I can carry it on my own or I can dump them into my bag pack, I will ask the cashier not to give me a plastic bag. Better still if you can bring your own grocery bag which can be reused over and over again. By doing so, we are saving a lot of energy even for recycling. Plastics are highly undegradable and waste full too. Thus, try your best not to bring them back home.

8) Double up on printing. Configure your printer so that it prints on both sides of the page (Monash-ians, we have tons of reports and assignments to do, do not be afraid to print on both sides, nobody will come after you if you do so!). You know those extra pages you get when printing out one simple e-mail? Turn them over and put them back in the printer for reuse.

9) Buy recycled products. As important as you need to recycle your used products, it is also important to buy recycled products such as paper and plastics. This prevents the manufacturing of new products from raw materials. It helps to save a lot of trees and not forgetting those poor animals and their habitats.

10) Take part in clean-ups/ Volunteer. I remember, few years ago, there will be very few of us cleaning up the beaches, mangroves and so on. But, since the news of global warming is getting intense, it seems like many of us are getting involved. This is good news. Yet, there are many of us who think it is not their responsibility to clean up our surrounding, and a little advice for you guys out there, one day it might be too late and we all will be obligated to do so. Thus, better start now. What say you? Visit WWF Malaysia or MNS for information on volunteering services. Activities are normally done all year long.

If any of you have any better ideas to live a greener life, please share it with us. It is important for everyone to get involved in their own way and contribute.

Gore wins Noble, Bush still on Iraq, 2008 election: Obama vs. Clinton

It's official, Al Gore wins the Noble Peace prize for his Emmy and Oscar winning documentary; An inconvenient truth. He deserves it! The former vice president of United States is still going around the globe delivering the truth about the condition of our planet while Mr. Bush is still finding out more strategies how to conquer the "world of oil" and with the 2008 elections coming, Mr. Bush is busier than ever! I vote for both Obama and Clinton, it will be kind of fun having the first American woman president or the first American black president. Wonder which one of these two the Americans will pick. Hopefully they won't make the same mistake again.

Coming back to one of my idol, Al Gore, the news of him winning the Noble Peace prize is something many of us had been looking forward to. Since before the 2000 presidential elections he had been so into saving the environment and campaigned mostly on environmental and economic issues during his presidential run where he lost to Bush. It has been 7 years now, and despite the urges from his fans to run for the 2008 election, he stands still on his decision on not to. My opinion is neutral, this man is doing a good job already, going into politics might be a good idea but not involving will give more space and time for him to spread the news of global warming around.

Sometimes it makes me wonder, where is the "Al Gore" of Malaysia?? We do have a minister for the environmental issues don't we? Ouh yeah, they are busy doing something more important or shall i say less?? The country is freaking dirty and non of us are considerate enough to think of a solution. Each and everyday we talk about bringing tourists into our country while our country looks like a big dump site! I have no issues with the beauty of Malaysia, it's a spectacular country, scenic views and of course look at our beaches, glorious I say. However, with a deeper glance, actually you really do not need to look deeper, we can see the tissue papers, wrappers, glasswares and even drinking cups right away and most of the time we go like "Ewwww, who did that!!". Stop right there, do not blame others. This is our country, our responsibility. Foreigners might be dirty, but guess who they took the example from : WE MALAYSIANS!!

You see, we environmentalists are not someone who are over exaggerating with what we say. Look around you, we are literally telling the truth. And Al Gore even won a Noble for believing in global warming during the times where even the most educated person was being sceptical about it. From here everyone should already know about what we are going to face in the future and worst still what our children going to face. Our little beautiful islands are sinking and we are the reason for it not mother Earth. So, step up people! Especially we Malaysians...

To end this entry, I would like put in some insides about Al Gore, another admirable person.

Al Gore
(born March 31, 1948, Washington, D.C., U.S.) U.S. politician. He was the son of Albert Gore, who served in the U.S. Senate from Tennessee. After graduating from Harvard University, he briefly attended divinity school before serving in the Vietnam War as a military reporter (1969 – 71). He worked as a reporter for The Tennessean in Nashville (1971 – 76) while attending first divinity school and then law school at Vanderbilt University. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1977 – 85) and later the Senate (1985 – 93). A moderate Democrat, he was Bill Clinton's vice presidential running mate in 1992 and served two terms (1993 – 2001) as vice president under Clinton. As the Democratic presidential nominee in 2000, he won 500,000 more popular votes than Republican George W. Bush but narrowly lost the electoral vote (271 – 266).

Planet in Peril- AC 360 CNN Special

Are you people out there are fans of CNN?? *Veena laughs out loud. I guess most of you will shout out "NO!" followed by the sentence "What? Are you kidding?!". Before I go on furture, I would like to let everyone know that I could not go on a single day without reading CNN online. Yes it is true, I am wierd. Yays!


Well, that is not the point here. If you guys are familiar with CNN then, the name Anderson Cooper should ring a bell or two. He is the anchor for the show Anderson Cooper 360. This is a show which reviews on- going controversial issues such as the war on Iraq, 2008 presidential elections and of course the newest edition-- global warming. On the 24th and 25th of October, there will be a 4 hour special on CNN International where Anderson Cooper together with Jeff Corwin and Dr. Sanjay Gupta are going on a worlwide exploration to investigate the condition of our Planet Earth.


In this 4 hour special, these 3 brave men will show the world in what state the Earth really is. The issues covered will be climate change, vanishing habitats, disappearing species and human population growth. They will travel to one of the most remote and remarkable places on Earth to search for the truth and to open the eyes of all of us. After Al-Gore's documentary on the Inconvinient Truth, my opinion is that "Planet in Peril" will be the next big eye opener.


To view a more about the show "Planet in Peril" please visit http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/planet.in.peril/ and to view the preview of "Planet in Peril" do click on the "Preview" button on the top right of the page. Here you will get to see the biography of the hosts and also a sneek peek at the documentary (which by the way is AWESOME!).

Hopefully, all these efforts will get people started on contributing more to the cure of global warming. As for me, Anderson Cooper, Jeff Corwin and Dr. Sanjay Gupta are what I dare call "Admirable".

p/s: Tomorrow is the Go Green day in Monash, so lets us all be in GREEN !!! :-)

Who am I and why the environment??

Before I head on to revealing the issues faced by the environment, the world and Malaysia (since its my home land), I would like to talk a wee bit about myself and my passion towards the environment and nature.

I am who you can call a "environmental freak" or in a better selection of words "an environmental enthusiast". I am a small town gurl, brought up by a loving family and I have one small sister and a baby brother. The town I grew up, which is in Johor, is mostly filled by normal "ignorant" Malaysians. Sorry to state this fact, but that's how it is here. I had a great childhood, my father is a nature enthusiast and he is the one who mostly taught about the nature and environment to me.

When I was growing up, I knew something is totaly wrong in this country; everybody seemed to care for themselves mostly and the environment suffered a lot of damage. It was not untill recently (and this also is because of the "global warming" huuhaas) people here started realizing on how much this can impact our daily life. I feel glad at one side and sad on the other, the happy part is caused by the sudden realization of Malaysians towards the environmental issues (wow, at last!) and the sad part is caused by my daily silent screams of "you bastards!its kinda too late now isn't it?!!". Sorry for the harsh words, but unfortunately even though the country opposes freedom of speech and act, I AM A FIRM BELIEVER!

Before I discourage anyone out there on the sentence I wrote above about the "too late" part, actually it is not. However, I just always thought that people in my country can always do better than this. We watch tv don't we? We read newspaper right? and we live beside Singapore (a marvelous country by the way). But I have no clue where we learnt our trait to be ignorant about issues that can be very critical at one point of out lives. What? You always thought that every tree, all the water and the oxygen we breath going to be here untill lets say FOREVER??Bullshit!

There is more to life than what surrounds you. It is important to know this fact of life because a journey of self realization starts here. Do not blame your parents or the government for this, that is not the issue here. Blame ourselves, for being and for doing this to ourselves. Not only issues which involves environment, but there are so many many other things in this world where Malaysians are mostly left out.

Coming back to the environment, Going Green is the new trend. Evrywhere I turn now in my campus, there will always be a club coming up with ideas to spread the hurtfull fact that Mother Earth ain't going to tolarent us any longer and she decided to take a break by giving us global warming. CHEERS TO MOTHER EARTH!! I admire the works of these people, spreading the knowledge of our dying Earth to others. Its all for a good cause.

Since this is my first post, on the coming weeks, I would be covering stories which involves admirable people around the world doing admirable works to save our beautiful 3rd Rock from the Sun. I will also be blogging about Malaysians and the environmetal state of this country, reasons for causing and of course ways to solve them.

So, GO GREEN people!!