Axiom

Racism 2

2012-02-01T17:30:00.003+08:00

My faith does not have any space for racism. That is what is ordained in the book of God.

***

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do."

5:8

***

This is what is instructed. This is what is ordained. This is the path of wisdom and righteousness. I can't simply dislike a people (a race) just because of some negative sentiments that are stuck on any particular race or skin colour. That is the most unjust thing in the world.

The greatest thing about being human is the ability to think and tell between what's right and what's wrong. We can choose to be better or worse. Rules, traditions, cultures... they're just guidelines, for the sake of betterment, not for shutting down our thinking capacities; not for rendering progress obsolete.

I simply have no room for hating a people, for the sake of hatred itself... no, not even Jews. Jesus was a Jew, Moses was a Jew. And they are God's messengers, spreading light and truth upon the world. Negatively stigmatizing a race without giving it a single thought whatsoever is just lazy, irresponsible, and most heavily unjust. We are better than that.

Sadly, the world in which we strut on and earn our daily bread is not a perfect world. Where there is good, there is bound to be evil. Evil is the lack of good, and our world has had been lacking in good for quite some time. War. Greed. Oppression. Injustice. Sloth.

I strongly detest evil. But being racist does not help rid the world of evil. It just makes things worse. Evil is everywhere, and evil does not recognize race. Slapping a particular race with the evil tag is really not helping.

It's actually a "pointing a finger at another person, without realising that three other fingers are pointed back at you" thing, being racist.

God does not simply make us many peoples and nations for the purpose of conflict. No.

I don't hate this guy because of his race.

Nor do I hate Joe who lives in Israel, simply because of his race.

Nor do I hate Saravanan in Mumbai, simply beacuse he's a tad bit on the dark side.

Nor do I hate Chong in Shanghai because he's too kiasu.

But I really detest what the immoral soldiers are doing in Palestine and to the Palestinian people.

Am I a racist?

No.

Not because I believe in justice, no.

Because justice is nearer to righteousness;

Racism

2012-01-29T19:22:00.000+08:00

Scene: a TAM Airlines flight-boarding.

Story:

A 50-something year old white woman arrived at her seat and saw that the passenger next to her was a black man.

Visibly furious, she called the air hostess.

"What's the problem, ma'am?" the hostess asked her

"Can't you see?" the lady said - "I was given a seat next to a black man. I can't sit here next to him. You have to change my seat"

"Please, calm down, ma'am" - said the hostess.

"Unfortunately, all the seats are occupied, but I'm still going to check if we have any."

The hostess left and returned some minutes later.

"Madam, as I told you, there isn't any empty seat in this class- economy class.

I spoke to the captain and he confirmed that we only have seats in the first class."

And before the woman said anything, the hostess continued

"Look, it is unusual for our company to allow a passenger from the economy class change to the first class.

However, given the circumstances, the commandant thinks that it would be a scandal to make a passenger travel sat next to an unpleasant person."

And turning to the black man, the hostess said:

"Which means, Sir, if you would be so nice to pack your handbag, we have reserved you a seat in the first class..."

And all the passengers nearby, who were shocked to see the scene started applauding, some standing on their feet."

***

If I were in that flight, I'd smile too.

Because racism is a cheap and tasteless form of prejudice;

... and That Pretty Much Sums Up the Sermon

2012-01-27T15:37:00.000+08:00

Unconditional love of God's wisdom and the prophet's (peace be upon him) teachings builds and seals faith.

Because faith should be clear, simple, pure, and faultless... and I haven't heard Uztaz Dawi talk for quite a while...

Here's to Inner Strength

2012-01-27T00:15:00.000+08:00

I would like to dedicate this new semester to inner strength.

Not so much this...

But more like this...

Because American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson said "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

... and That Pretty Much Sums Up the Sermon

2012-01-20T15:30:00.001+08:00

The book of God, is a book of wisdom. It is a clear path to inner peace, yet this is often overlooked. It is adored, but sadly ignored.

Because sometimes, we tend to look right though what has always been right in front of us;

The Official Launch of Rohaizat Suradi on Facebook

2012-01-18T10:50:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday, bapak. Have a good year. Let the good times roll, let the bad times sink, and grab a front-row seat in the classroom of life, because there will always be something to learn along the way.

And I got you a facebook page. Think of it as a virtual present. I can't afford the Tag Heuer watches, or those Hugo Boss man-purses (man-purse..??) that mak would predictably give... so a facebook page would be the next best thing. Yes, surfing under a pseudonym, with only two friends, can be boring. So have fun. Go ahead and like your own page (hahahh..!!) someone eventually will (makkkkkkkkk..!!) If it reaches a hundred likes, I'll treat you to a movie. Good luck.

Some say... he drives a Volvo...

Because 'Sahara Ahmad maintain Melayu, tapi tak maintain gender'...

Man

2012-01-16T00:15:00.002+08:00

The Dalai Lama was asked what surprised him the most...

He said "Man".

"Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money".

"Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health".

"And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future".

"He lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

You are getting sleeeeeeepyyyyyyyy...

Moral of the story; what do you live for..? C'mon, be honest with yourself...

*I'm tempted to edit that fella's pic up there with a big "true story", but then, I figured I'm not really a 9gag-er at heart. Not really my thing... I'm more of a "serious, with a hint of mild sarcasm and spur-of-the-moment humour" kinda guy than your average "laugh at everything, even the small things, happy-day, always-jumping-for-joy-for-no-apparent-reason" dude. Only college kids, teens and six-year-olds would get the 9gag part. Just letting it out... nothing serious... why so serious..?

Because everybody is getting older, and nobody is getting any younger, but the trick is getting wiser, without losing any of your hunger;

... and That Pretty Much Sums Up the Sermon

2012-01-13T15:30:00.001+08:00

You know something's not right, when you're too busy chasing worldly affection and acceptance, to the point of forgetting God's grace, bounty, and sustenance.

Because sometimes, we forget to pause and reflect;

My Beloved Country

2012-01-06T22:05:00.001+08:00

1. Let's all be honest here, let's all face it; we all have a little, teeny weeny, tiny bit... a dot, if you will, of racism inside the deepest depths of our hearts. Why? Why like that?

what's your problem?

2. I get the feeling that some people, well, what's the right word to use here... enjoy... shouting at the top of their voices in the middle of the street, rather than sitting quietly in their homes, thinking about their future, their direction... or sit quietly in the library, reading about all there is to read...

self-explanatory.

3. Would our youth today rather blow their throats in the middle of the street, than help an old woman cross the street...?

4. The minute 17A wonder-girl's facebook account gets discovered, everybody... everybody forgets about gay boy in Ireland. Hypocrites. They don't really care.

5 seconds of fame.

forgotten... poor kid.

5. I'd bet my trousers, that before that small surau beside the state mosque became an issue, most Alor Setar-ians didn't even know of its existence. Hypocrites. They don't really care.

***

“Don't find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain”

― Henry Ford

“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.”

― Henry Ford

"Berfikir sesaat itu lebih baik daripada beribadah selama setahun"

- Sahabats of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him

"Berfikir sesaat itu lebih baik daripada beribadah selama setahun... apatah lagi daripada meninggikan suara di khalayak ramai...?"

-me

***

If only our politics and citizen-mentality were as good as our tourism ads... well, nobody's perfect, right...?

Because Henry Ford said “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.”

Cuore

2011-10-24T23:51:00.004+08:00

Went for a routine checkup.. Blood, urine, X-rays, everything.. Heart's X-ray came out good, everything in order as expected.. Got myself new spark plugs all-round.. No need for an oil change for the next 15 000 km..

Because health is wealth;

WorkLog - 23/10/2011

2011-10-23T23:40:00.000+08:00

Engine out..!!

free end

drive end

a more colourful side of the job...

Because... long live the ICE;

Strings of Thought

2011-10-23T20:25:00.002+08:00

Think deeply critically.

Sometimes, the answer might be more obvious and 'in-your-face' than you really think.

People can and will lie, for reasons only they themselves would fully know. It's how you deal with this that matters.

Sometimes, the answer is far more perplexing as you would have thought, but still worth all the expanded effort.

Because by the age of 60, a person would've told an average of 88 000 lies.. choose your lies carefully;

Different Angles, Different Curves

2011-10-22T15:00:00.000+08:00

Utmost detail on comfort

Your car's headrest too hard? Getting neck-cramps from highway drives? Maybe it's that lovely ponytail of yours that's in the way..!!

While other car manufacturers are stressing on 'serious' matters regarding their latest offerings, like performance, handling, design, and passenger comfort and safety, U.S luxury brand Buick is taking it a step further than the rest, by highlighting the contours of their headrests...

Claims that the headrests in the new Buick Verano are "positioned to accommodate ponytails without compromising postural comfort" would be met with applauds and sighs of relief from everyone who wears a ponytail, regardless black, brown, red, blonde, or under a soft silk scarf, men who are lucky enough to score a fictional blonde with a ponytail, or even men who are man enough to sport ponytails in the first place.

And did we mention that the Buick Verano also has a windshield and a steering wheel..? and that it comes with brakes to avoid unnecessary collisions as standard?

2012 Buick Ponytail

People of the world, can't you see and comprehend that this is the perfect car for you, and that we should all sport ponytails because they are just so darn adorable?? And the build quality and prestige of the Verano are just a garage-sale giveaway to what this car can offer for the well-being of your ponytail... This is the only car in the world to stand up to the oppression that has so long loomed among the ponytailers of the world. Well, at 24 000 U.S dollars, I'd certainly say that this is a done-deal bargain.

ummm...

err...

hmmmmmmm... :)

The Buick Verano is, without a doubt, a steal compared to this contraption... What you see here is a hand-made bra, that will set you back a cool 2.5 million dollars, for all the stones, gems, and diamonds you could ever want stuck on your, ummm, assets... Sure, you can definitely afford this, if you don't have a ponytail... but then again, why didn't you sport a ponytail in the first place..? That, is a question for all of us to ponder upon... Besides, aren't your assets good enough, just the way they are? 2.5 million..? Naaa, you're certainly worth more than that... ;)

Do the sensible thing, would you...? Instead of feeding your ego with a heavy undergarment, get a Buick Verano, and save a few million or so in your pocket... That's one more different angle for the Verano's selling point for you... This is a message for all you Wall Street big shots out there, from your good friends at Occupy Wall Street... Just so you know, we've been grudging on you since the 1930s... :)

Because, this is me, spreading sarcasm and joy, and maybe even some inspiration, to the world...

Because maybe, this piece of writing, like Occupy Wall Street, is going nowhere at all with my free time, but at least I smiled when writing it;

Bella Macchina

2011-10-21T23:59:00.000+08:00

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, from every desirable angle. Rolling art.

I'm an engineering student, and the tendency to spend a reasonable amount of time with a scientific calculator, is inevitable. And what do I have stuck on the back of the good ol' calculator..? An Alfa Romeo, of course... stuck on there since 2009.. and will be absolutely perfect parked beside a quicksilver 911 in the climate-controlled garage... :)

You see, it's on the 'cars to own before I die' list... No matter how many times I update the list, I'll never cancel off the Alfa and the 911.. God-willing, if it's not too much to ask... :)

Because I think I have some petrol running in my veins..

WorkLog - 19/10/2011

2011-10-20T00:51:00.000+08:00

intake manifold out-can see the intake valves

drive shafts ordered 2 days ago arrived yesterday...

classic...

star-of-david screwdriver... or, professionally, torx.

Because, well, you know how it goes...

Tuesdays...

2011-10-18T21:34:00.000+08:00

ahahaha... ahaha... haaaaa...

Because... those eyes...

Typical Tuesdays

2011-10-18T21:01:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, in German, is Dienstag.. but that's not the point...

This is...

Well, not much of a point, but I love clever pieces of advertising as much as the other guy does... the world is a better place to be in because of wit and sense of humour. And for that, I am forever thankful...

For the Porsche nuts, http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/rennsport-reunion-iv-350-porsches-take-to-the-track/

Because... umm.. heute ist Dienstag...

Cars, Yachts, Mobility

2011-10-11T21:52:00.003+08:00

There's been an interest in automotive-inspired yachts lately in the design circles...

Corvette powerboat

Even more compelling than the car it's based on

This used to be a Gallardo...

The Voyage

Sheer sailing pleasure.

Where there is development, there is demand... of course, what's not to like about fast, modern, and sleek seaworthy machines. Chances are, if you can afford the Bugatti or the Aston, you probably have some extra 2 million or so to spend on the Bugatti or Aston yacht, right? Or is it the other way round? Doesn't matter, because the money is yours to spend. You've earned it. Just don't forget to save another million for charity..

Because two thirds of our planet is water;

WorkLog - 10/10/2011

2011-10-11T01:18:00.000+08:00

Whoa, Monday blues.. :) a Waja came in today with a, ummmmm, suspension issue.. :)

had to change the hydraulic shock absorbers of both front wheels.. tough job..

next was a radiator replacement for an S80... new radiator smells good.. made in Poland.. not cheap..

Because you can't open your own workshop, if you don't even know what a Kenari is;

WorkLog - 8/10/2011

2011-10-08T20:45:00.000+08:00

It's a Saturday... Serviced a car's radiator, replaced it's water pump, fixed another car's drive shaft... things are becoming routine fast, and observation is turning more into a chore... but the joy is still there.. :)

Ignition coil

You see?? almost every single car!!
dah expired pon.. :D

Lesson of the day; the importance of cooperation and collaboration... I mean, everywhere you look, every component is made in a different country... the air filter cover is made in France, the air hose is made in Germany, water pump-Japan... Oil seals-France... Gearbox-Japan... Glass-Germany... Engine, chassis, &body-of course, Sweden... and if you're patriotic enough, your fuel should be from Malaysia... :)

You see, you can't do everything yourself... not only is it time-consuming; it's also effort-intensive...

Dividing the work lightens the load... and everybody wins...

Because there is no I in TEAM;

Standalone Unit

2011-10-08T19:45:00.000+08:00

They sure don't have this @ Ah Guan's.. :) This beast makes the four and five-pots at the shop look tame and timid.. :)

The size of this thing.. and the sound.. pure mechanical adrenaline.. and the thing's glowing PURPLE..!!! :O The exhaust headers are glowing purple... dunno whether it's some sort of blackbody radiation, or whether the heat generated is having an effect on this guy's camera...

whatever it is, this V10 is one internal combustion hell.. :)

Because engineering can be theoretically boring, but practically enthralling;

Strings of Thought

2011-10-07T14:20:00.002+08:00

Indeed, arrogance, lust, and hatred, are the worst of diseases for the soul... And laziness is not far behind...

kerana berjayanya sesuatu bangsa itu adalah kerana akhlaknya...

WorkLog - 6/10/2011

2011-10-07T10:31:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was a Thursday, and nothing much ever happens on a Thursday... U ever get the feeling, sorta like, 'hey, It's already Thursday, we're nearing the end of the week already, just one more lousy day to go thru, and the weekend's all yours, baby...! yepp, ahhhhhh, just gonna put my feet on the table, and ease up for Saturday.. !! What a malaise mentality...

At least that's what it feels like, anyway... only two cars came in... and just for oil changes... and one had a leaking coolant pump... not much to learn... Sunday's the best, though... jam-packed full of activity...

Can't help but notice that 80% or something of the cars that come in here have a golf club membership sticker on their windscreen *yawn*

Airbag out.

Is playing golf really that important for your work slash social image..?

I skipped Wednesday.. woke up extra-late.. Wensday is my favourite day of the whole week.. maybe I'll skip Wensday and come in on Saturdays... yeah... that would fill up the weekend, conveniently avoiding malaise mentality...

Because I am against a malaise mentality;

Lazy Evenings...

2011-10-07T00:30:00.000+08:00

Pretty ordinary evening... What better way to take my mind off a few things, relax after a tiring day, than to get some fresh air? Took the bike out for a spin 'round the neighbourhood... nice weather; grey and cool... just the way I like it...

whizzed past my old school, and found the gate open, so whattheheck?

It was rather pleasant... It's been 10 years, you know, since I last stepped foot into this place... God, where has all the time gone?

the memories... it all suddenly came back... it was an unplanned personal moment of reflection, upon who I am, where it all began... where I am heading now... It was surreal...

Awesome sunset by the field..

1999...

dah ada pondok pak gad.. :)

dulu ada sukaneka kat sini...

cikgu Zarina used to park her scooter back here...

the old parking spot...

still standing... dulu dalam kolam tu ada tortoise... :)

God, standard 1... ~

Used to run around these blocks all recess.. :D

Dulu dok main tiang ngan Alia kat sni.. :D

Bilik guru... tak berubah...

the good 'ol V-stairs...

Makmal komputer yang tak sempat rasa,
sebab pindah skolah, sebab result terok, sebab main banyak..
haha :D

Assembly ground...

Bila nak siap nii...??

Suddenly my mind took me back to when I was in Form 4, back in Kolej, during the Centenary Celebrations... Dr. M dropped by, and while he was touring the in-class exhibitions, I was fortunate enough to be near him at that moment, and I overheard him saying to Dr. Hasmah... "This used to be my class, you know.."And I was all like.. "holy shit, this was his class, back then.. where he used to sit and read and learn..." his classroom...

I could imagine how all the old memories flood our minds, when we revisit our yesterdays... only when we accept our past, can we embrace our future...

and, God knows, someday, a long time from now, I'll be the one, walking by my old classroom, saying to that special someone beside me, "this used to be my class, you know.." ..

Because I can achieve anything I set my mind to;

Volvo 245 2JZ by Björck

2011-10-06T17:06:00.000+08:00

That must've been one hell of a shocked M5 owner..

Because even bricks can fly;

WorkLog - 4/10/2011

2011-10-04T20:48:00.000+08:00

Ordinary day, nothing special. Although, typically, there is much to be done. Followed the progress of three cars today. One S70 and another 850 wagon needed a timing-belt and oil seal changes. The 850's situation was a mess; the oil seals behind the timing-belt gears had exhausted, and oil burst out between the gears, messing up the engine covers and timing-belt. It was really a sight not worth seeing..

A Mitsubishi Triton came in in the middle of the day, needing engine oil and oil filter replacement. Fairly easy job.

Two-tier air-cond..!!

this was very, very, very dirty.

A Vios also came in.. Got to see the underside of the Toyota. It's interesting to observe that the front-wheel-drive Toyota's underbody layout is, safe to say, 99% similar to the Volvo S70's underbody layout, of which I saw yesterday. I can easily recognise the transverse layout of the engine, the auto gearbox mounted to the left of the engine, the drive shafts connecting the gearbox to the front wheels.. These cars, apart from being two different marques, are nearly a decade apart, and yet there is little difference between the layout of the important mechanical bits.. Automotive technology seems not to have changed much over the years, and practicality, feasibility, and efficiency will always determine the design and advancement of any technology..

Because I get to play with other people's cars;

WorkLog - 3/10/2011

2011-10-03T21:20:00.000+08:00

Should've started the WorkLog yesterday.. but then again, yesterday was kinda tiring.. Yes, I am now working in a top-secret automotive facility, which is located somewhere in Mergong, Kedah.. :)

I guess it's safe to say that transmission seems to be the trend of the week.. Yesterday I helped put together an old, longitudinally-mounted, 4-speed ZF automatic gearbox.. pretty decent unit.. ZF is an automotive drivetrain supplier based in Germany.. Learnt a new word along the way.. Getriebe is German for transmission.. and ZF Getriebe GmbH has their facilities in a place called Saarbrücken in Germany, where the particular gearbox unit handled yesterday was made..

After putting the unit together, we mounted and installed the gearbox to an old Volvo 940.. It's kinda, surreal, you know, having a look and feel of what makes a typical car run, after reading and wondering a lot for all these years.. you can't learn everything from a book.. Seeing and understanding is everything.. Even a simple gear-change requires hours upon hours of scrutinizing and assembling behind-the-scenes, and people often take the everyday, mundane, routine tasks for granted.. but when the crisp receipt with the just amount of zeros is handed over, they start to have a better sense of 'appreciation'.. :)

Came into shop in the morning today finding the 940 running good.. work and sweat duly paid-off.. :)

Today another car came in with a gearbox situation.. The coolant tank cracked, and, real-life-problem as it stands, coolant water got into the gearbox.. Took out the gearbox, which required roughly two hours of wrench-turning and sweat. It's a four-speed transversely mounted unit this time, and it's used to power the front wheels, as opposed to yesterday's longitudinally mounted ZF used to spin the rear wheels. And it's also a smaller unit, made by AISIN AW of Japan.. Not a very famous company, but I found out that AISIN makes the Toyota Prius' tranmission, which is pretty hype.. This relatively unknown establishment is on the Fortune Global 500 list (take that PETRONAS.. ) .. quite impressive..

Relatively unknown powerhouse

To take the front-wheel drive gearbox out of this unfortunate S70, we had to take the front wheels out and also disassemble the drive shafts connecting the gearbox to the front wheels. Long story short, a longitudinally-mounted 'box is easier to handle than a transverse 'box..

Torque-converter and everything

Drive shafts. Yeah.

I guess that's enough rambling for now. Sorry for wasting your time, but my hands are dirty, and I'm loving my mundanely-interesting job. I could live like this for three months. :)

Because you can't put a paycheck on experience;

The Future of Motorsports

2011-09-25T22:48:00.000+08:00

I will forever be captivated and awed by motor-racing... Formula 1 particularly. It's the level of sophistication involved that captivates; the technology, the strategy, the commitment... Just finished watching the Singapore race in the living room.. good race.. it's been quite a while since the last time, kicking back, having the TV all to yourself, and enjoying a Grand Prix from the comfort of the living room.. :) One less reason for me to miss Torontoronoh.. :D Hmmmm... I wonder how my second sem. finals results would be like.. :D Eagerly waiting.. :)

Anyways, I can't help but imagine what Formula 1 would be like, 10, 15 years from now.. As consumer industry moves towards a greener and cleaner future, so must motorsports, and the technological aspect of motorsports holds an exciting and promising future for me.. :)

Porsche is an excellent example. Their hybrid technology is already seeing action in racing, and they are highly committed to perfecting their hybrid tech.. The good thing is what they learn from the development of their latest racing technology is directly applied to the road cars; the Cayenne Hybrid and Panamera Hybrid are now available at a Porsche showroom near you, and a 911 Hybrid or even electric (watch out, Tesla) isn't too far away..

Because technology is expanding rapidly everywhere, and catching-up equally rapidly is advantageous;

We Are Living in Exciting Times..

2011-09-24T13:23:00.000+08:00

Speedy Particles Put Einstein to the Test

By GAUTAM NAIK

An experiment purporting to show that subatomic particles can travel faster than light has scientists' heads spinning. If confirmed, it would undermine key pillars of modern physics.

At a presentation in Switzerland, scientists said Friday they had recorded ghostlike particles, known as neutrinos, traveling a tiny bit faster than light—an apparent breach of the cosmic speed limit set down by Albert Einstein more than a century ago.

The result could turn out to be an embarrassing miscalculation by scientists—or portend a leap into a science fiction territory where particles theoretically travel backward in time. While a confirmation of the finding wouldn't mean anything has changed about the universe, scientists' understanding of how it works would be thrown into disarray.

"It would be the biggest physics discovery in a century because we'd have to completely revise everything from subatomic physics to what we know about how the universe evolved," said Neil Turok, director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Ontario, Canada.

Like many physicists mulling the development, Dr. Turok was skeptical. He said neutrinos reaching the Earth from a supernova explosion have been observed to be traveling at the speed of light, which doesn't agree with the latest finding. Other scientists questioned the setup of the experiment and whether statistical errors might have affected the conclusion.

There also were questions about whether the researchers properly accounted for small glitches that could have had an unwanted effect—such as the rotation of the Earth, or the location of the moon and its role in altering the shape of the Earth's crust when the experiment was being conducted.

Even the scientists who conducted the neutrino experiment were wary about questioning one of Einstein's most powerful legacies. They spent six months verifying and reverifying the data, and called on physicists the world over to confirm—or refute—their finding through independent experiments.

"It's an anomaly, a discrepancy," said Dario Autiero, who was involved in the experiment, at a meeting held Friday at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN. But, if true, "it could have a potentially great impact" on science.

Neutrinos are particles with almost no mass and no charge, and they can pass through ordinary matter unaffected. At any given moment, billions harmlessly stream through a person's body.

In the experiment known as the Oscillation Project with Emulsion-Tracking Apparatus, neutrinos were measured as traveling slightly faster than light on a 450-mile trip from CERN near Geneva to the Gran Sasso underground lab in central Italy. The particles moved at a velocity just above the speed of light. That result was based on more than 15,000 neutrino events measured at the Italian lab, CERN said.

"This result comes as a complete surprise," said Antonio Ereditato of the University of Bern, a spokesman for the experiment. "After many months of studies and cross checks we have not found any instrumental effect that could explain the result of the measurement."

However, he added, "the potential impact on science is too large to draw immediate conclusions or attempt physics interpretations."

Einstein's theory of relativity incorporates his crucial idea that the speed of light—about 186,000 miles a second—is a barrier that can't realistically be breached. In the famous equation E=mc² that equates mass with the energy contained within it, for example, the "c" represents the speed of light. If particles go faster than light, things become troublesome.

Under such a scenario, an observer in a rocket ship traveling near the speed of light who was watching the Gran Sasso experiment taking place, "would detect the neutrino before it was emitted—they'd see it going backwards in time," said Dr. Turok.

The light-speed notion is also partly the basis for Einstein's theory of gravity. That, in turn, is the starting point for existing theories about how the universe evolved.

More practically, the speed of light calculation has been incorporated into billions of measurements done at particle accelerators in the quest to understand how the basic constituents of matter behave. If some particles can indeed outrun light, most of those calculations would need to be redone.

A few years ago, a similar neutrino experiment done at Fermilab in Illinois also showed that the particles could travel faster than light. Unlike the latest finding, that data were "below the threshold of precision needed for making a scientific claim," said Robert Plunkett, a particle physicist at Fermilab.

Dr. Plunkett and his colleagues now plan to go back to their data, refine it, and see if they come to any different conclusions about the speed of neutrino travel. They also plan to do a more ambitious experiment—essentially to check the Swiss-Italian result—though those findings won't be available for two or three years.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903703604576588422968704078.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Because observation trumps theory, and knowledge is boundless;

Love Bug

2011-09-23T15:21:00.001+08:00

Always had a soft spot for Beetles.. Kinda hard to spot a good example on the road nowadays.. Maybe the new Beetle will be easier to spot once it starts selling..

Because it's the original people's car;

It's All About You. Always Has Been.

2011-09-22T21:33:00.002+08:00

This one's for the Volvo loyalists. I'm not saying that I'm against you, but then I'm not with you either. No offence, but I'd prefer cars with a German accent.

So if you are a Volvo loyalist, then congratulations!! This post is dedicated to you. Enjoy the future of very odd-looking vehicular objects. Hope you like the new company square face. Not bad. Well, not as handsome as the S60 face, but it's not bad. A nod to the bricks of yesterday. You know what, actually I prefer this new square face to the flowing lines of the current design language.

The iPad dash is a nice touch. This is one modern brick. Every car should have iPad dashboards in the near future.. :) That would be ultra-sweet.. :)

Oh, and the colour is nice, too. A lighter shade of shadow blue..

Because "Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety", Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, founders, Volvo, 1927;

The New Face of Ford

2011-09-22T00:01:00.001+08:00

Evos, Baby

It's a fresh new look. It spurred early in January this year, appearing first on the Focus Electric. Then early this month, the eye-opening Evos concept flanked the same look. It didn't take long for the Fiesta to follow, with the releasing of the Fiesta ST concept. Both the Evos and the Fiesta ST were showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show as Ford's latest in development and vision. The Focus Electric also made an appearance. What these three cars have in common, is that they all speak the same language; design language, that is.

Orange is blazing, but white is the best.

All the three cars are sporting the same-shaped grille, which looks very, very good. Ford is redesigning their company face.

Sweet.

The new grille is wide, dynamic, and refreshing. It's bold and striking, yet of utmost simplicity. It fact, it also seems recognisable. It wouldn't be a taunt to say that the grille design provokes Aston Martin silhouettes. It's not a bad thing at all. Desirable, even. Dare I say it. Aston Martin grilles look damn good on Fords. And I applaud Ford for recognizing this fact. It's a very promising design direction, where Ford is heading. Let's see what else they will have to offer in the near future.

The Focus e

Fiesta ST

Like big brother, no?

Because Ford once owned Aston Martin;

Design Analysis

2011-09-21T12:30:00.000+08:00

Actually, not much to analyse. The design's been the same for the past 40 years. And there's no problem with that. Hoping to see the new edition live on the turn-stand sometime November... :)

Because it's an automotive, engineering, icon;

Yet Another Bunch of Stings of Thoughts (and maybe the last bunch)

2011-09-20T19:37:00.000+08:00

"Appreciate the simple things in life, but never lose sight of your towering aspirations"

"Optimism; you have nothing to lose"

"Treat everybody as you would like to be treated"

"Arrogance is a liability"

"Be the first to forgive. Forgiveness is an act of faith, and if you have forgiven, that is the best for you and for the forgiven"

Because being free means acquiring self-assurance, clarity of mind, and a first-class mindset;

Taking it to the Front

2011-09-20T13:10:00.001+08:00

Don't be a seasonal hypocrite. Keep yourself constantly informed.

Palestinian quest goes to UN

GLOBAL TRENDS By MARTIN KHOR

High drama is expected at the United Nations this week as the Palestinians take their quest for statehood to the UN Security Council and the General Assembly. It also signifies their loss of hope in the route of negotiations with Israel.

THIS week the Palestinians will take a big step in their struggle to having the world recognise that they have their own state.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will speak at the United Nations in New York and request recognition from UN members that Palestine is a state. He has at least two options on how to make this request.

The first option is to ask the Security Council to grant Palestine full membership of the United Nations. The drawback is that the United States is almost certain to veto this request, in defence of Israel’s interests.

The second option is for the General Assembly to adopt a decision to upgrade the position of Palestine to the status of a non-member observer state. Indirectly, this would mean Palestine is acknowledged as a state. It would be entitled to participate in many of the UN’s agencies and Conventions.

Last Friday, Abbas announced that he had decided on the first option, thereby openly challenging the US to take a stand. If the US exercises its veto, it would be exposed as an opponent, and its popularity in the Arab region will deteriorate further.

Abbas could then still take the second option and request for a vote in the General Assembly to obtain the enhanced observer status, one which would also recognise Palestine as a state. A large majority is expected to vote for the Palestinians.

The Palestinian move at the UN is going ahead despite pleas from the US and threats from Israel. The two countries warned that doing so would set back Israel-Palestinian negotiations for many years.

But it is precisely because the many past years of negotiations have gone nowhere and left Palestinians with nothing but frustration after frustration, that they have decided to move the process to the UN.

It is a sign of the Palestinians’ total loss of confidence in Israel as a negotiating partner and in the US leadership, that it can stand up to Israel and be an honest broker for a just solution.

The Palestinian Authority leaders have bent over backwards in seeking a deal with Israel, but in return saw no progress in ending the occupation but instead a continued increase in Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.

US President Barrack Obama had first said he would be tougher on Israel, giving hope to the Palestinians. He demanded the end of new settlement construction, and a deal based on the borders prior to the 1967 Arab-Israel war.

However, facing hostile reaction from both Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu and the pro-Israeli lobbies in the US including in Congress, Obama has stopped his active involvement in the peace efforts.

Instead, Netanyahu appears to have gained the upper hand over Obama, getting ovations during his speech at the US Congress some months ago.

With negotiations coming to an end, and the disappearance of all hope for any future progress following that route, the Palestinian Authority decided to seek broad support of the world through the UN route.

The moment seems ripe, as the international mood has swung significantly and perhaps decisively in favour of the Palestinians.

Israel has lost the great support of its two traditional allies in the region. The Arab Spring swept Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak from power, and the interim government is more in tune with popular sentiments.

Those sentiments were evident last week when an Egyptian crowd stormed the Israeli embassy in Cairo, forcing the Ambassador and staff to flee from the country.

Turkey, the other ally, has dramatically turned around following the 2008 Israeli blitz on Gaza and the 2010 Israeli attack on a Turkish ship, which was trying to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, killing nine Turkish citizens.

Turkey downgraded relations with Israel and expelled the Israeli Ambassador.

Turkish premier Recap Tayyip Erdogan gave a rousing speech to Arab Foreign Ministers in Cairo last week, declaring that supporting the Palestinian request for statehood was an obligation and that the Palestinian flag must fly high at the UN.

Many prominent citizens within Europe and even the US have also spoken up. Former Finnish President and Nobel laurette Martti Ahtisaari and the European Commission’s former foreign policy chief Javier Solana published an article on ten reasons why European countries should vote in favour of the Palestinians in the UN.

And former US President Jimmy Carter has also written on how Obama’s call for settlement freeze and a peace deal based on pre-1967 borders were rejected by Israel, and why the subsequent withdrawal of the US from the peace process and US policy were interpreted by Palestinians and other Arabs as “acquiescing on the occupation and biased against them”.

According to Carter, the UN vote in favour of Palestinian statehood should be followed by a new attempt by Europe, the US and the UN to mediate in renewed talks between Israel and Palestinians.

The alternative to this new effort will be “an expansion of hopelessness, animosity and probable violence”.

An IPS article by the veteran observer of the UN scene, Thalif Dean, gives a broad analysis of the Palestinian move.

It quotes Mouin Rabbani of the Institute for Palestine Studies as saying that two decades of negotiations had achieved nothing except further consolidation of Israeli control over the occupied territories, in large part because of consistent US support for Israeli impunity.

“The era in which the US and other Western powers profess support for the principle of Palestinian statehood while thoroughly undermining it in practice must come to an end,” Rabbani said.

“Supporting a Palestinian state, provided none is established, simply won’t do anymore.

“It is therefore high time for an alternative and more effective approach to resolve this conflict. Given the failure of bilateral diplomacy, returning the question of Palestine to the multilateral forum of the UN is an essential first step in an alternative and more effective.”

Next week, as the Palestinian issue moves to centrestage at the UN, Palestinians plan to hold peaceful marches and rallies in the occupied territories to show support.

It remains to be seen how the drama unfolds at the UN, and what happens after.

***

*Published in The Star, 19th September 2011*

Written by a Chinese. Justice unites humanity. Ulterior motives shatter righteous intentions and spurs deceit. Racism is pointless and immature.

Because justice will prevail;

Another Bunch of Strings of Thoughts

2011-09-20T11:00:00.000+08:00

"It's crowded at the bottom, and lonely at the top"

"Truly, you are powerless against people lying to you, and people talking wrongly about you behind your back. Your only defense is transparency, morality, and Allah's promise of undisputed justice"

"Trust yourself and nobody else. Only when you can trust yourself will you be able to have a certain level of trust for others"

"Everybody deserves a chance. Everybody deserves a second chance"

"Less stress really does mean longer living"

Because one thought leads to another, and you can't lie to yourself;

How to Spend Your Long Break Properly

2011-09-19T23:28:00.000+08:00

So many things to do. So much time at hand.

Because I grew up with Disney Channel;

A bunch of Strings of Thoughts (a necklace of thoughts if you will)

2011-09-19T15:37:00.002+08:00

"Life; instruction manual not included"

"Does life imitate art, or does art imitate life?"

"An experienced monkey will do better than an inexperienced one"

"You are what you think"

"Success is what you make of it"

"All is fair in love and war"

"Ignorance is bliss"

"Wisdom does not come with age. It comes with experience and clarity of mind"

"Your environment shapes you. Everything you see, hear, and feel has an effect on your well-being"

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Hard work does."

"Overlooking the fine print is a sign of inefficiency, lack of experience, and poor leadership"

"What are we, if not a reflection of our upbringing and virtues?"

"Your achievements go together very well with your honesty, integrity, and humility"

Because self-reflection is being honest to your own self, and different people connect the dots in different ways;

Strings of Thought

2011-09-08T15:52:00.003+08:00

The older you get, and the more you've been through, the more you realise how imperfect the world is. And yet you learn to live with it, and even fall in love...

Because the past cannot be changed, the future is what you make of it, and the present is how you live your life...

It Hurts...

2011-09-01T23:14:00.002+08:00

After that roller-blade incident this afternoon, I can proudly say that I literally know what butthurt means... and feels like...

Thanks, Faris. The pain was worth all the trouble. You the man.

Because once you fall down, you start to appreciate standing-up better...

Drop Top Mechanism

2011-08-24T17:51:00.000+08:00

One-piece roof mechanism. Quick and simple. Nice to look at, too.

Because engineering puts a roof on top of your head;

Drop Top, Drop Dead Gorgeous

2011-08-24T17:14:00.005+08:00

It's the open-top version of Ferrari's 458 Italia, and it's proudly called the 458 Spider. The signature 4.5-litre V8 is hidden from view under the solid cover of the Spider, instead of proudly being displayed behind glass in the coupe version, but what you gain is even more rewarding; a quick and simple, yet sophisticated roof mechanism, and more importantly, wind in your hair...

Could convertibles be this perfect? This is without a doubt the best convertible in existence today that money will be able to buy. Wait for it, next month in Frankfurt.

Because few things in this world are as eye-pleasing as a shiny red convertible;

Still Standing

2011-08-24T13:59:00.002+08:00

Found this somewhere. For all those future engineers who appreciate sarcasm.

Because sarcasm is my middle name;

Of Cars and Handbags

2011-08-23T20:47:00.001+08:00

Recognize the interior, Mak? :P

Because those seats look very, very familliar...

ra

2011-08-20T00:25:00.006+08:00

"blogging requires passion and authority"

(Redha Azmei, 2011)

He's my colleague in mechanical engineering, and he's got a cool blog, with his own domain name.. pretty neat.. go check it out.. http://www.redha-azmei.com/

Because blogging does kinda require passion, and some form of authority... well said, Red;

Hectic

2011-08-19T20:14:00.004+08:00

Suddenly, the world seems such a big, scary place to live in, with strangers everywhere you look, and nobody understanding or giving a damn about you.

Because the only thing that's guaranteed in life is change, and too much change can leave a man confused, and even begging for relief...

Hail the New 911

2011-08-19T00:03:00.005+08:00

Since I was 15, the grand plan was, and still is, to own a 911, at some point in life. Now, four years into the dream, the plan has never been more clearer...

Even before I was certain that engineering was the way to go (the original, naive aim was to settle for an Industrial/automotive design degree (= ), I knew full well that this car's steering wheel was destined for my hands, at all costs, someday...

Sure, I'd work my butt off for a 911... call me materialistic, but this is all I ask for. Nothing else... Yeah, the girl can wait ;-)

Hail the new-generation 911; the definition of sports car; an icon, forever chasing perfection, because there's always something to improve...

Because there's always something to improve...

Evil Grin

2011-08-18T23:47:00.002+08:00

*Sponsored by http://kecikbuntal.blogspot.com/*

Because I tried to smile, but it didn't work;

Just Thinking...

2011-08-14T21:41:00.004+08:00

If you could change one thing about me, what would it be?

Because nobody's perfect... no, not even you;

Just Saying

2011-08-14T17:33:00.001+08:00

You can't hack me...!!!
Because I use broadband;

Peace Rocks

2011-08-11T14:44:00.001+08:00

U2-Sunday Bloody Sunday-

Because music is meant to be felt, not just heard, and if you listen for the sake of the beat, and not even spare a thought about the lyrics and the meaning behind it, then no wonder you listen to trash;

Vorsprung durch Technik

2011-08-10T13:49:00.002+08:00

The future is small... and light... and compact... not to mention sleek...

Introducing Audi's advanced concept for the 2011 Frankfurt Motorshow next month. It's called the Audi Urban Concept, and, as the name suggest, this is Audi's vision of what metropolitan streets will be filled with in the near future...

It's incredibly, sufficiently small. It has a 1+1 seating arrangement, somewhat reminiscent of the Renault Twizy's (google it), except that the passenger is not fully placed behind the driver, rather a little bit offset to the driver . It's properly good-looking, with all the glory of the four rings surrounded by that signature trapezoidal grill, and even a strip of red paint on the sides suggesting a trademark relation to the R8's side fins.

It doesn't disappoint tech-wise as well... Properly futuristic, with a body made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic... and of course, it's electrically-powered. Can you expect anything less?

Other than that, details remain scarce... no choice but to wait for next month...

As I always say, I am quite a sucker for small 4-wheelers, and the future, as it seems, is infested with them... It would definitely look cute parked beside my R8 :)

Because size matters;

Clearing Your Doubts

2011-07-30T01:42:00.000+08:00

Yes.

Because it only takes one word;

Make This Face... :\

2011-07-29T23:35:00.002+08:00

Because, HAHA :D

The Chronic Disease of Forgetting Past Mistakes

2011-07-29T14:37:00.002+08:00

"By time... indeed, mankind is lost. Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience."

-Al-Asr-

Because constant reminders are an act of charity;

Shared Interests

2011-07-24T19:35:00.004+08:00

A good way to build confidence, develop a positive mindset, and have a positive outlook of the future, is to surround yourself with like-minded people...

Because anything's possible, Paqa... :)

It's Been A While...

2011-07-23T17:04:00.003+08:00

It really has... since I last filled up this space..

Now, suddenly, there is a dire need to kill time, and let loose personal thoughts... well there's no better friend than one to hang out with anytime, and one who listens without judgement... The Axiom is my good friend...

Been busy realigning my ambition with my efforts... Been thinking positive... But still, there's massive room for improvements, I believe...

Wasting time is a complete waste of time, so I strive to master something new every single day... It's somewhat an exciting, invigorating sensation you get inside your head... the thrill of discovering something new... or rediscovering your goals... even the most obvious facts you can come across books are mind-opening... I have learnt to appreciate and enjoy the thrill of discovery... It's what gives meaning to learning.

Speaking of rediscovering goals, I rediscovered mine yesterday... I like drawing cars, since forever... I take it seriously, as a hobby... :) Yesterday, out of a need to clear my mind, I took out a clean sheet, pencil... borrowed Isfahan's eraser (thanks) and just sketched... Having to notice the details and curves of the automobile does the trick; you forget about the problems and burdens around you, focusing only on giving life to your art... Quite a good way to escape reality, for a while at least... Gives you a fresh outlook of your life situation, in turn, evoking clarity of mind...

I rediscovered how much I love cars... not so much as a machine... but more of an art form... both in engineering, and design...

Because life is what you make of it...

July 11th

2011-07-11T17:00:00.000+08:00

A very Happy Birthday to a certain best friend of mine, Amalia Binti Mohd Amiruddin, who, even though she may not realize it, has taught me that there's so much more to life than meets the eye...

Have a good one, and all the best in life and the plenty of exciting years to come...

And do get well soon... :) jgn skip makan ubat.......

Bye :)

Because.......... (help me out on this one, maya, I'm blank) :)

mentally

2011-06-21T00:28:00.001+08:00

❒ Taken
❒ Single
✔ Mentally in love with Agent Walker

hehe

Because :)

Blue With Flu (Signs)

2011-06-18T23:34:00.002+08:00

Here's to quick recovery, both for your pathetic runny nose, and my lethargic pre-flu signs... Aces...

Because apparently, even the flu you have to share with me, meh...??

Sampaikan

2011-06-17T23:13:00.002+08:00

Make the best out of your time and youth for this life and the hereafter... verily, God's bountiful grace blessings entails trust and responsibility towards self-betterment...

Because so many things, so little time...

Strings of Thought

2011-06-16T20:22:00.002+08:00

The more I try to understand, the more I get confused...

Because I can't even tell when a smile is fake... :(

Smitten

2011-06-13T20:13:00.003+08:00

Engineering is an art form... even way back in 1956... :')

Because art is timeless...

Strings of Thought

2011-06-10T20:10:00.002+08:00

Underestimation is costly.

Because responsibility is personal;

2011-06-07T03:23:00.003+08:00

Because laughing releases endorphins, which stimulates the prefrontal cortex, thereby inducing a feeling of pleasure;

Black is the New Black

2011-06-07T02:40:00.003+08:00

Some stunning shots of the anticipated near future that is the Tesla Model S (Alpha).

Important? yes.

Game-changing? definitely.

Gorgeous? macho, thank you.

Tesla Motors is the 21st century embodiment of American ingenuity.

We are living in exciting times.

Because a technological advancement should be a work of art;

Verzeihen Sie mir

2011-06-05T17:06:00.002+08:00

I should think about the words forming in my head for a second or two before letting them out...

If it sounded hurtful or blatant, it honestly wasn't meant to...

Because shooting stars are quite hard to spot, and they only zoom through the clear night sky for a fraction of a second...

Energy Received, Energy Returned

2011-06-04T21:50:00.005+08:00

"The business side of PETRONAS was not its only important role. We also instructed the company to always be a good corporate citizen. In Sudan, for example, they built a hospital for their own staff and made it accessible to the locals, and they ran schools for local children. We generally treat local people as our friends, and are careful to employ them whenever we open an office. Many foreign students have been given scholarships to study at the prestigious PETRONAS Technological University."

-Mahathir Mohamad-

As mentioned in his memoirs.

I am in total confidence of realizing my true potential here. With clear aim, strong focus, and steadfast execution, ambitions materialize. It's simply a matter of planning your work, and working your plan, and of course, holding on to your dreams, no matter what. :)

Because I don't want UTP to stand for anything else;

Strings of Thought

2011-06-03T11:15:00.003+08:00

Would an inconsiderate change of name render this institution of higher learning incompetent and impede the substantial rate of progress that we have accomplished over the past fourteen years?

Because rumours give a hint, and frankly, Universiti Teknologi Petroleum doesn't have a nice ring to it at all... sends out an incompetent perception...

Volvo Flywheel KERS system – significant performance gains, with up to 20% less fuel consumption

2011-06-02T20:28:00.003+08:00

*From Paul Tan*

Volvo is set to test a new system called Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which it claims will make a four-cylinder engine feel like a six-cylinder and at the same time reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%. The company has received a 6.57 million Swedish kronor grant from the Swedish Energy Agency for development, in a joint project together with Volvo Powertrain and SKF.

The Flywheel KERS is fitted to the rear axle – during retardation, the braking energy causes the flywheel to spin at up to 60,000 revs per minute, and when the car starts moving off again, the flywheel’s rotation is transferred to the rear wheels via a specially designed transmission.

The combustion engine that drives the front wheels is switched off as soon as the braking begins – the energy in the flywheel can be used to accelerate the vehicle or to power the vehicle once it reaches cruising speed.

The flywheel’s stored energy is sufficient to power the car for short periods. How it will have a major impact on fuel consumption is this: based on calculations, the combustion engine will be able to be turned off about half the time when driving in a New European Driving Cycle mode.

Since the flywheel is activated by braking, and the duration of the energy storage (the length of time the flywheel spins) is limited, the technology is at its most effective during driving featuring repeated stops and starts, which means busy urban traffic.

Combining the flywheel’s energy with the combustion engine’s full capacity promises a significant boost in horsepower, and with swift torque build-up in attendance, this translates into rapid acceleration.

The flywheel – which spins in a vacuum to minimise frictional losses – that Volvo will use in its test car is made of carbon fibre, and weighs about 6 kg with a diameter of 20 cm. It’s not the first time flywheel propulsion assistance has been tested by the company – a Volvo 240 also did so back in the 1980s, but the heavy steel-based flywheel wasn’t very efficient.

Volvo also isn’t the first manufacturer to test flywheel technology, but it is in applying it to the rear axle of a car fitted with a combustion engine driving the front wheels. If the tests and technical development go as planned, expect cars with flywheel technology to reach the showrooms within a few years, the company says.

http://paultan.org/2011/06/01/volvo-flywheel-kers-system-significant-performance-gains-with-up-to-20-less-fuel-consumption/

Topless, by AMG.

2011-05-31T18:03:00.005+08:00

Mercedes Benz officially unveiled their roadster take on the retro-futuristic SLS AMG yesterday. The gullwing doors will duly be missed, but what it loses in so-called show-off door mechanism, it more than enough gains with that charming 200-mph-wind-in-your-hair sensation...

Actually, the top speed is electronically-limited to 197 mph... but can you really tell the difference?

Century sprint time is 3.7 seconds, up 0.1 second from it's gullwing counterpart.

Sure, it's a fast roadster, but what really sets the SLS Roadster apart from other drop-top supercars out there? It's got a sense of history to it, in which it traces its roots back to the original 300SL roadster, the fastest production car during it's day, which is during the fifties... not many marques can relate itself to such a rich sense of history...

That, and this piece of metal is simply gorgeous... Look at those hi-res shots, and tell youself you're not awe-inspired by it's simplistic dynamism...

Because you can't blame me for aiming high and having dreams and rejecting established mediocrity;

Convenient. Cool.

2011-05-29T09:50:00.003+08:00

It's a motorcycle helmet that can be folded for storage. Product design is limitless. Industrial designers not only shape our visual-centric world. They make it more convenient.

Check it out...

Because innovation adds value;

Gift of Life

2011-05-28T22:32:00.000+08:00

We found her at Tembungo... She followed us back to Duyung... She drank your milk... climbed up my book :) We agreed to name her 'Kooshay', which was kind of naughty, but unique nonetheless.. :)

It was the 19th of October 2010...

Come mid-3rd semester, she grew so close, we both agreed to take her back home... so Alor Setar it is...

Fast forward 7 months or so, she gave birth to two adorable kittens..

They grow up so fast.. :')

Give them nice names, will you? :)

Because fate decides;

Random Shots

2011-05-26T01:11:00.002+08:00

Okay, it might not be a DSLR, but the arc gets the job done, well at least for me...

Sorry, no dazzlingly mesmerizing sunsets... so keep that on my tab. :)

Nevertheless, hope you like them...

Arranged in chronological order... too lazy to add in captions... just take them as random shots... :)

Because a picture is worth a thousand words;

Thru the Lens of a Car Guy...

2011-05-25T15:03:00.003+08:00

A car is more than just a machine... it is an art form...

It stirs emotions... excites the senses...

It is part of human culture...

Because a car is more than just a machine...

Twizy

2011-05-24T19:17:00.004+08:00

This is a Renault. Renault, besides possessing the secret recipe for making world-championship-winning F1 engines, has also been known to be a little bit quirky in their design department... take the previous generation Megane, with it's uniquely likeable rear end...

This is the Twizy, the latest solution to urban motoring, by Renault. It's not exactly what you would call a typical car... That said, it's small enough to be compared to a scooter. But then, the Twizy is clearly more than a scooter...

This smallish quadricycle-car of a thing is so instantly likeable... Or maybe it's just because I am such a sucker for small cars...

And the best thing yet is that the Twizy is all-electric... 3.5 hours of battery-charging action and you're ready to go... Simple, joyful, and clean motoring... :)

It reaches (nearly) 50 mph, has a range 60 miles, and seats two... It's even got scissor-doors...!! The battery pack is located under the driver's seat, which lowers the Twizy's center of gravity, indicating that this machine will handle better than it should, despite it beng quite tall and narrow... Navigating the twisty city streets with this thing should be that much exciting (if only other people weren't staring all the time) ...

The perfect urban-mobility device...? Maybe... if it weren't priced to compete with a Kancil... Other than the Twizy being a tad bit on the expensive side, I'm smitten... :)

There remains one thing, though... Should I charge my phone first, or the Twizy?

Expected to be available in Europe come end 2011. Actual Twizy may vary from pictures shown.

Because fun doesn't necessarily mean V12;

Sorry

2011-05-20T12:51:00.003+08:00

Nobody noticed where the 'because' of the previous post has gone, which once and for all proves my personal theory that even though the Axiom only has 22 followers (thanks, number 22) :), *cue sarcasm* this blog is packed full of invisible stalkers... I'm watching you people >_<

Honestly, I forgot the previous because. Well here it is;

-Because imy;-

Because I really do;

Viva Italia..!! ; Fiat's TwinAir & Ferrari's 458 V8

2011-05-19T14:59:00.001+08:00

LESS IS MORE: FIAT'S TWO-CYLINDER MARVEL DOMINATES INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2011!

Fiat's diminutive 875cc, two-cylinder is judged to be world's finest engine by a jury of 76 international motoring journalists

Downsized, economical internal combustion engines more popular and 'greener' than hybrid and electrical powertrains

Ferrari contributes to the Italian domination: Fiat and Ferrari take home 6 of the 12 Awards!

The results of the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards have today been announced at Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany. The global jury, consisting of some of the world's most respected and popular motoring journalists, voted Fiat's innovative and diminutive 875cc two-cylinder TwinAir the greatest automotive engine available today! The tiny turbocharged engine impressed judges with its extremely low emissions, high fuel economy and impressive power of 85bhp. The unit can be found powering Fiat's hugely fashionable '500' model.

Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards, says: "Fiat has now produced one of the all-time great engines. Who would have thought that a two-cylinder unit could have won the International Engine of the Year title when we launched the Awards in 1999? Its triumph is a clear signal that less is more: people want low-emission, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and just two cylinders certainly seems to provide a comprehensive solution!"

Indeed, the TwinAir engine not only managed to scoop the overall International Engine of the Year title, but it was also victorious in the Best New Engine, Best Sub 1-litre, and Best Green Engine categories, even beating zero-emission pure electric vehicle engines from Nissan and Mitsubishi in the latter category.

Joining Fiat in its success was compatriot and stablemate Ferrari, the judges finding it hard not to be impressed by the Italian car maker's mighty new 570bhp, 4.5-litre V8 engine as featured in the 458 Italia. This wonderful and potent powerplant scooped both 'Best Performance Engine' and 'Above 4-litre' category trophies.

But it was not just the Italian manufacturers who tasted success: BMW is always dominant in the Awards and 2011 has been no exception. The German marque bagged four category wins, including the '3-litre to 4-litre' category for its 4-litre V8 found in the M3; the '2.5-litre to 3-litre' category for its 3-litre DI Twin Turbo fitted across much of its range; the '1.8-litre to 2-litre' category for its 2-litre Twin Turbo diesel engine found in the 123d and X1; and the '1.4-litre to 1.8-litre' category for its 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine co-developed with PSA Peugeot Citroën, which also scooped the same Award.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen's 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine, which won the overall International Engine of the Year title in both 2009 and 2010, once again defended its crown in the '1-litre to 1.4-litre' category.

-Taken from http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/fiat-and-ferrari-dominate-2011-international-engine-of-the-year/

Happy Teacher's Day..!!

2011-05-16T13:08:00.003+08:00

Suddenly I miss the teacher's day assemblies at school...

Just a simple wish for all the teachers out there... especially from SK Hj. Md. Shariff (double 'r' or double 'f' , I forgot) :D, SK Tmn. Uda, Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid, and also to dear lecturers in UTP... and let's throw in tadika KEMAS as well... easily the best kindergarten in the whole wide world... :)

& how can I forget Cu, Abg. Wan, n Kak Liza.. ?? :) Mak as well... :D

Special mention would be Cikgu Rozaini, probably my only teacher who drops by this pathetic blog, and probably one of the coolest teachers alive today... :) You can drop by his Biology site anytime you like... :)

Happy teacher's day, from an admittedly lazy student, forever learning... :)

Because teachers set the course of history;

Going Places

2011-05-16T00:50:00.003+08:00

Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands to the South. The closests islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos to the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the South.

It is referred to as one island, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.

It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).

Many reasons made this island famous worldwide and more or less we all have seen a picture of it (it was that picture the travel agency used for Greece). There is a talk about the connection between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is realy the mysterious island, the volcano rules, the caldera view is the most breathtaking one on the planet!

If you are after the caldera view have a look at Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori and Akrotiri.

For the best beaches check Perissa, Kamari, Perivolos, Vlihada and Red beach.

The unique caldera, the energy and the beauty of the island are the most important reasons for being ranked as the top island in Europe and one of the once in a life time must see destinations of the world.

Someday... maybe :) God-willing...

Because to travel is to appreciate God's bountiful grace...

The Longest Because

2011-05-08T19:00:00.005+08:00

Happy Mother's Day..!

& happy exploring new things abroad...

Because this blog pretty much keeps my emotional quotient in check, and even though I may walk around with an expressionless face (this is me being my usual quiet self), I'm always thankful for every moment that you're around to pinch me (cut it out), ask me 'boleh buat dak exam?', tell me about blue ocean strategy, talk about Kenichi Ohmae, tease me about buying a Cayenne and a Panamera, take the ERL to KL, walk around KLCC and buy books at Kinokuniya, and even brisk-walk around the neighbourhood... :)

Strings of Thought

2011-05-03T08:08:00.000+08:00

What if, just what if, there is a will, but still no way?

Because everybody deserves an opportunity;

A Matter of Trust

2011-05-02T19:55:00.001+08:00

Stumbled upon this a few days ago...

Has anybody read this anywhere lately?.. mak..?

Did some Googling, and then found this article from Kosmo!:-

KUALA LUMPUR - Umat Islam tidak perlu keliru dengan penyebaran mel elektronik akhir-akhir ini berhubung status halal beberapa produk keluaran rangkaian kafe ternama, Starbucks.

Pengarah Bahagian Hub Halal Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim), Zainal Abidin Jaffar dalam e-mel kepada Kosmo! menjelaskan, siasatan mereka mendapati, dakwaan pihak tertentu itu tidak berasas.

"Ia disahkan sebagai halal dan apa yang berlaku merupakan kekeliruan di kalangan pengguna sahaja," katanya sebagai mengulas kiriman e-mel kononnya ia kenyataan Jakim mengesahkan status haram produk terbabit.

Kosmo! yang juga menerima e-mel itu dimaklumkan bahawa pelbagai produk syarikat berkenaan seperti coklat, vanila dan kopi didakwa mengandungi lemak babi selain sejenis arak, rum.

Mengulas lanjut, Zainal Abidin menambah, penggunaan bahan kimia dengan kod E471 atau mono di-glycefides dalam produk itu turut disahkan halal sebagai bahan tambahan makanan dibenarkan.

"Jakim sendiri membuat pemeriksaan terperinci dan ujian makmal untuk memastikan bahan itu mendapat pengesahan halal berasaskan kepada tumbuhan sahaja serta digunakan oleh kilang berdaftar dengan Jakim," tegasnya.

Beliau juga memaklumkan Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn. Bhd. dan The Coffe Bean & Tea Leaf (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. masih memegang sijil halal dikeluarkan oleh Jakim yang tamat tempoh akhir tahun depan.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2008&dt=0407&pub=kosmo&sec=negara&pg=ne_08.htm

What's intriguing is that the Kosmo! article is dated April 7th, 2008, while that Facebook note with no credentials whatsoever up there is relatively more recent; October 31st, 2010...

Strong claim... yet however dubious or unlikely claims tend to get, they must still be looked upon...

I won't simply take any sides here, because the facebook claim has nothing to back it up, and the people concerned at JAKIM has not issued an updated statement regarding the matter... so, frustratingly, I have no side to trust...

I can think on my own two feet... tell between right and wrong and all that... take care of the faith that I cherish within me... Besides, I can't even remember the last time I stepped into Starbucks... But then, this is a matter of confusion, and trust... It ain't good to be confused here and there, most of the time... so why not commercialise our very own take on the American coffee big-shot? Our people are resourceful and creative enough... Welcome to the local SETARBAK KOPI...

Open for business since 2007. This could really work... proud to be Malaysian...

Because coffee should not contain animal fat;

Fill Her Up

2011-05-01T15:04:00.000+08:00

Because performance demands efficiency;

Cherita Kereta Orang Lama

2011-04-30T17:43:00.006+08:00

Last weekend, on a very fine Sunday my dear old grandpa shared with me his personal history of car ownership. I should write it down here, lest I forget it... Time has never been friendly with my memory...

He was a teacher by profession, since 13 of age, and later went on to become a headmaster at a local primary school, and the first ever car which he bought was a second-hand Morris Minor, which often had problems and was not very usable, to him at least... so he traded it for a brand-spanking new (at that time, of course) Volkswagen Beetle, fresh off the showroom. He was happier with the Beetle, one of the very few people back then to be driving around on dirty, muddy, makeshift roads, if you could even call them roads... Next came an Italian, a Fiat, I'm not sure what model... didn't ask him for some reason... could probably be a 600, since those were quite common at the time...

*Fiat 124 according to Rusmini Ku Ahmad... Thanks :)

Then came the Japanese era... He bought a Datsun, again I'm not sure what model... And when the Malaysian automotive industry was born, he supported it my getting one of the early Saga models... He eventually gave the Saga to my uncle, when he had just started work as a doctor... while my uncle was using the Saga to commute to and from work at the Alor Star General Hospital, Wan bought a Toyota Corolla, the one that's three generations behind the current-selling Corolla Altis, for his personal use. Later on my uncle would trade the old Saga for another Corolla, a generation ahead from Wan's own Corolla... Two Toyotas in the family...

*Datsun 120Y according to Rusmini Ku Ahmad... Thanks :)

After some time of driving around in the Corolla, he got bored with it, and sold it to his close relative... Then he bought a Proton Iswara Aeroback, a turquoise one, maybe because he misses his old Saga...

After a few years with the Iswara, he finally gave it to my aunt, a teacher who was newly-married at that time and with her first child... :)

Currently he is driving a Peugeot 206 (strictly not a Naza Bestari) which was my mum's previous car. He is a very happy man with a very happy Peugeot now... :)

My dear old Grandpa is a very interesting man with an interesting (maybe boring to you, but hey... my grandpa, not yours.. :P) car history, and for that I solute him...

Can't wait to start my own car story... what shall I start with? When will a Fiesta come in? God knows. Hmmmm... however the story starts, I shall be determined to put a Porsche, and maybe an Aston too, somewhere in the plot...

Because you can learn one or two things from your elders;

The Simple Pleasures of Motoring

2011-04-30T00:08:00.003+08:00

Who needs a turbo or a supercharger? When it comes to natural aspiration, Porsche shows you how it's done, introducing their most powerful NA 911 yet; the 911 GT3 RS 4.0...

Straight to the specs & facts:
-4.0L, 6-cylinder boxer engine
-forged pistons
-titanium connecting rods and crankshaft
-500hp at 8250 rpm
-339 lb-ft of torque at 5750 rpm
-0-60mph in 3.8 secs
-193mph tops
-reaches 124 mph in less than 12 secs (neck-bending)
-6-speed manual gearbox
-7 mins 27 secs Nurburgring lap time
-$185,000
-600 limited production run

What a whopper. To the core. Impressive, naturally...

That's all worth writing at the moment, because the exams are coming around, and I have to study to be able to afford one of these someday...

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/officially-official-2011-porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0/

Because the Porsche ambition is very well alive;

F(whichever way you want it) Friday

2011-04-29T20:20:00.006+08:00

Fridays have never been this mundane... a new level of boredom has been achieved... kudos...

Last day of lectures for this semester, well spent (HAHA).

Wrapping up our research paper after Friday prayers... Thanks Haizeer, Paqa, Daus... and my deepest apologies for any sort of 'kekurangan' throughout our working days... and I apologize too for any unmet expectations here and there... I'm not the most formal guy in the world...

Went for a jog... a proper one, mind you (no offence, ;-) ) found out that in the same amount of time that you can spend lying in bed, listening to 5 songs, you can jog a full lap around the UTP ring road... figures...

Best jogging track ever, the UTP ring road... you get the smell of the forest as you jog along... simple pleasures of campus life :)

But still, something's missing... not sure how to put it... that oh so elusive human touch... I feel like a robot, pounding the tarmac, earphone-in-right-ear, for 30+ minutes... no jogging buddy... :)

Most people are going back home for the study week... but I'm stuck here, stumped with boredom with my naturally compatible roommate, Ace... It's not a bad thing, mind you... I'll spend my study week studying, thanks very much... ;-) Although I must admit, that though my hands and feet are in campus... my heart lies... with someone else... well not literally, of course... poetically speaking... -_-
Glad you're home, homesick-cured :)

I shall retreat to the comfort of studying, for knowledge is power, and a form of love towards God and humanity (Ahmad, 2011).

Because campus life is as grand as it gets... (cue sarcasm)

I'll Stand By You (an apology)

2011-04-25T19:11:00.000+08:00

[Originally performed by The Pretenders]

~
Oh why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

So if you're mad get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide
I get angry too
Well I’m a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into your darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby
You feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into your darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you
~

Because assumptions lead to misunderstandings;

44 and College-Bound

2011-04-23T13:41:00.002+08:00

I wished you last night and I'll wish you again,

Happy birthday, mak.. !!!

Must be great being 44... I wouldn't know... :)

Because age is just a number (credits Ace)... :)

Beetle of the Bunch

2011-04-23T12:56:00.004+08:00

The third generation People's Car recently made its debut last week, carrying with it the tag-line 'The 21st Century Beetle'. On first impressions, the 2012 Beetle seems only like slight exterior cosmetic updates, most notably for the bumpers, lights and roofline.

But that's before you delve deeper into the offering;

The car that started out originally as Heir Hitler's brainchild of an affordable car for the masses has been completely redesigned inside and out. It's grown more macho now, if macho is the right word to describe a beetle in the first place... It's got less curves and more straight lines, a more straightened-up roof compared to the last Beetle's totally curved-out dome-of-a-roof, a very wide, gaping, aggressive bumper, and even a cool set of wheels with red brake calipers thrown in for added effect. And the interior is no feminine affair, either. I'd go for a car based on the looks and feel of it's steering wheel alone, and the 2012 Beetle has one of the nicest-looking steering wheels around... What a shift from the previous, strictly female-only Beetle... :)

Don't try to lie to yourself; the new Volkswagen Beetle is a looker; completely likable, and refreshingly unique. Emotion sells, and the Beetle has got that elusive emotional factor in play that only it can pull off. No other car can compare to it's uniqueness. If you know that a car looks good and try your best to convince yourself why it looks good, but can't point out exactly why, then you know that car is special. The Beetle will forever remain the industry icon, and yet we can't really explain why...

You know you want one... so don't lie to yourself; God, I am such a sucker for small cars...

I think a black Beetle would look nice, parked in the garage beside a white Fiesta... :)

Because you can't put a price on history;

Links;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-every-new-vw-beetle-will-be-a-second-generation-d/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Beetle

Strings of Thought

2011-04-17T20:04:00.006+08:00

"Why do people often feel that they are not good enough for some apparent reason, when in fact they are sincerely perfect in their very own special way?"

Because success is meaningless without happiness;

Strings of Thought

2011-04-13T02:35:00.003+08:00

"Sometimes it's good to lie to yourself; thinking that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, when in reality, all the odds are against you..."

Because sometimes, all you have is hope...

White Fiesta

2011-04-05T00:00:00.007+08:00

No wonder you like it so much... It won the 2010 New Straits Times/Maybank Compact Car of the Year Award!! :)

Plus it has a very cool center console with all the buttons you could ever need, its design and layout inspired by hand-phone ergonomics...

It looks neat, drives great, compact yet roomy... sporty yet practical...the perfect package...everything you need and more... just don't ever park it at a weird angle ... and never forget to turn off the lights :)

One question; would you prefer the four-door, or the two-door? :)

And if you want, I can always help you pay for the nice number plate... all you have to do is ask :)

Because you should ~~fall~~ drive slowly and enjoy the journey... :)

Masculinity

2011-04-04T19:26:00.005+08:00

Yeah, that's right. Nobody will ever dare to label you as a soft-bellied wuss if you own the keys to the beast that is the M5. The old one hardly acquired any wrinkles on its flamed-surfaced body panels, even though it has already been in service for 5 years. And yet all great things must come to an end, making way for a brighter, promising, and more exciting future.

Enter the 2011 BMW M5 Concept. Recently previewed in Germany and headed for the Shanghai Motor Show later this month, don't let the fact that this masterpiece is a concept fool you; this is 99.99 percent the real deal when it goes into production late this year.

As a car, there is no argument that it is flawless from every conceivable angle, whether literally or metaphorically. It's got heritage. It's got looks. It's got power, performance, practicality, personality, and every other 'p' you could think of. It's the most well-rounded car money has to offer, and you could never go wrong on spending a small fortune on a piece of greatness. Money is no object for perfection, and the M5 sets you back a tonne of the green stuff, so in essence, it is without a doubt perfect.

Returning to the subject of masculinity, why did I made such a bold claim on self-image in relation to the M5? Well, it's because it's the obvious truth. The M5 is proof that there are men out there man enough not to sacrifice power and performance for family values. Whoever said that you can't have genuine fun in a sedan must be the kind of person who is boring, pessimistic and never, ever smiles to children and the elderly. Besides, it's downright unfair if only you alone reap the simple pleasures of driving. The wife and kids should unquestionably be taken along for the 'sheer driving pleasure' experience. Power should be equally distributed among the family, and the M5 is the perfect power-tool for the job.

Predecessor-successor relations rarely are on good terms, but with the coming of the new M5, a legend has to step down, giving way to the start of a new era of unparalleled equal in performance and practicality. Only the M5 has achieved this level of greatness, comparable to none.

I'd have one in that exact shade of silver, thanks.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/bmw-m5-concept-revealed-official/

Because family should be valued;

One in a Million

2011-04-03T12:32:00.004+08:00

More than one million MyKad reported missing

By ROZAID A. RAHMAN and IWAN SHU-ASWAD SHUAIB
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: More than a million MyKad have been reported missing since 2008, reportedly due to carelessness, natural disasters and criminal incidents like thefts and robberies.

Those who applied to get replacements for their lost MyKad were penalised with fines - totalling RM29.06mil up to the end of last month - depending on the excuses given to the National Registration Department (NRD) for the loss.

“Losing your MyKad is a serious matter as it is an important document implicating security and personal details of our citizens,” NRD director-general Datuk Alwi Ibrahim said.

“Each loss involves costs and the fines imposed are subject to how often it occurs, the reason for the loss and the appeals and consideration of the NRD,” he told Mingguan mStar, the weekly Bahasa Malaysia pullout of The Star.

“There are cases of applicants being exempted from fines or given reductions,” he said, adding there were fewer cases in recent years because people had become more careful about their MyKad.

Alwi said there were 198,102 reports of MyKad losses last year, compared to 356,605 in 2009 and 359,477 in 2008.

He said those who lose their MyKad for the first time will be fined RM100 and RM200 for the second time.

The fine increases by RM100 for every subsequent loss.

Effective last month, a police report is no longer required to apply for a replacement passport or MyKad.

This is part of the NRD's move to cut down on red tape and costs.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam said last week Malaysians who lost their passport or MyKad could directly apply to the NRD for a replacement.

However, a police report is necessary if the loss was caused by an extraordinary circumstance, such as theft or robbery, where the person was victimised.

Over 28.99 million MyKad were issued over the past decade (2000 to 2010).

(From The Star, 03.04.2011)

Because the past is the past;

!

2011-03-29T03:34:00.001+08:00

-Never, never, ever judge a book by it's goddamn cover-

Hypocrisy pisses me off

Strings of Thought

2011-03-28T23:16:00.002+08:00

-I have the utmost disrespect for hypocrisy. Hypocrisy brings forth distrust-

Because experience brings forth realisation;

Formula One Rivalry

2011-03-27T12:44:00.002+08:00

Here's to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Here's to a healthy sense of rivalry and competition.

Because... PETRONAS;

IC - Identity Crisis, and a Whole Bunch of Projects

2011-03-22T22:50:00.004+08:00

My identity crisis ended at 4.12 p.m today, after I regained what was rightfully my citizenship...

I owe my identity to one Mr. Hj. Muhammad Mustaqim bin Mustafa... thanks a million for helping me get back my magic numbers...

I thoroughly enjoyed our projects today... all three of them :) Totally epic... we should do this more often :) Really... project CI was unexpectedly a blast... :)

Not to forget, thanks a lot for being more than a friend... Thanks for being my first ever customer :D If ever you feel a thirst coming, you know where to find me :)

*Last week was such a week gone by... damn packed... even my weekend was blatantly stolen... but I don't mind... kinda fun... lame, but fun, in a weird, heart-warming kinda way... it feels good to work in a team;

** also, to one certain bestfriend... no need to bold and italic... haihs... I can read. laaa.. even between the lines...

Because there is no I in TEAM;

Random

2011-03-13T19:26:00.001+08:00

I see a smile in the clouds.. Not sure whose smile it is.. Reminds me of a good friend of mine.. :) Can you see it? :) this is me, writing this post on my phone, on the highway.. It's raining.. Light drizzle..

Because I smile, therefore I am;