Saddam Hussein was hanged to death at around 6am Iraqi time (3am GMT) at a secure facility in northern Baghdad for "crimes against humanity". Read the BBC news here.
It's no surprise that most dictators end this way but somehow, I feel that in this case, justice was not served.
The purported reason for going to war against Saddam and Iraq, the WMD's, were never found and according to this report, the US Government knew from the start. So was there any other reason?
Why wasn't he tried by a special International Tribunal like in the case of Slobodan Milošević.
If Saddam had not got out of hand and invaded Kuwait, he would have probably remained the CIA's "best friend in the middle east" but as we all know, he grew too big for his own good.
I was talking to this Iraqi friend (who's now a British citizen) and according to him, "Iraq was bad under Saddam. Now it is 100 times worse".
Tags: CIA Iraq Saddam Hussein
30 December 2006
Roti Chanai eat all you can
Finally got roti chanai and we had it today for breakfast, lunch, tea and still have some left over in the fridge. Read my previous post here in case you are wondering what I am on about.
Although it looked more like chapati to me at first, it began to look more like the roti chanai I am familiar with after heating up.
I also cooked dhal curry as the side dish and it was not that bad. I took some pictures but forgot to download them, maybe later.
Need to get some sleep now. Going over to some houses for Eid and of course for more Malaysian foooooood.
Tags: Eid Dhal roti chanai
Although it looked more like chapati to me at first, it began to look more like the roti chanai I am familiar with after heating up.
I also cooked dhal curry as the side dish and it was not that bad. I took some pictures but forgot to download them, maybe later.
Need to get some sleep now. Going over to some houses for Eid and of course for more Malaysian foooooood.
Tags: Eid Dhal roti chanai
Running around in chilly Chicago
Have you checked out the latest PayPerPost Postie Patrol clip #3 in Chicago?
Postie Robyn is given a number of tasks to do using the HP gear provided. In the video, she sets out to achieve all these tasks in below zero temperature plus chilly wind. I was actually shivering just looking at the video as she makes a snow angel (I think that's what she was trying to do) by lying on the snow and moving her arms around.
The best part comes last and I went Wow! as I saw the prizes she won. Yeah! Robyn, that was great and you deserve it.
I won't tell you what she won. See the clip for yourself.
I would love to participate in a Postie Patrol too but fat chance of that ever happening as I am in far away England.
This post is brought to you by HP, which has everything for all your Digital Photo Printing needs.
Tags: Clip HP Payperpost Photo printer
Postie Robyn is given a number of tasks to do using the HP gear provided. In the video, she sets out to achieve all these tasks in below zero temperature plus chilly wind. I was actually shivering just looking at the video as she makes a snow angel (I think that's what she was trying to do) by lying on the snow and moving her arms around.
The best part comes last and I went Wow! as I saw the prizes she won. Yeah! Robyn, that was great and you deserve it.
I won't tell you what she won. See the clip for yourself.
I would love to participate in a Postie Patrol too but fat chance of that ever happening as I am in far away England.
This post is brought to you by HP, which has everything for all your Digital Photo Printing needs.
Tags: Clip HP Payperpost Photo printer
Selamat Hari Raya Haji
29 December 2006
Performancing acquired by Payperpost
If you take a look at the side bar on the right of my blog, you will notice that on top of the lists of partners is a button saying "Advertise here". Clicking on it will take you to a page telling you how to advertise on my blog. This service is provided by Performancing.com, which I had recently joined.
I couldn't believe it when I read today that PayPerPost has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire certain assets of the company, which owns and operates Performancing.com. This includes the domain name - Performancing.com, Performancing Metrics and Performancing Exchange.
"Performancing Metrics" refer to their completely FREE professional blog statistics service, which is aimed at professional bloggers (am I professional?). It gives detailed statistics about posts and even comments for multiple blogs. I hope Payperpost keeps it free.
I feel that this is a great strategic move on the part of PayPerPost, especially as
Performancing.com has a membership of about 28,000 users, most of whom are bloggers. These are all potential users of PayPerPost.
However, this acquisition does not include the Partners ad network nor PFF, their free blog editor for Firefox. This I read, would be moved to a new brand.
In case you didn't know (where were you hiding under anyway) PayPerpost is a Florida based company that acts as a marketplace for advertisers who are willing to pay bloggers for writing about their products and other stuff in their blogs.
This is a sponsored post.
Update: The deal is off. Read here.
Tags: Payperpost Performancing Performancing Metrics
I couldn't believe it when I read today that PayPerPost has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire certain assets of the company, which owns and operates Performancing.com. This includes the domain name - Performancing.com, Performancing Metrics and Performancing Exchange.
"Performancing Metrics" refer to their completely FREE professional blog statistics service, which is aimed at professional bloggers (am I professional?). It gives detailed statistics about posts and even comments for multiple blogs. I hope Payperpost keeps it free.
I feel that this is a great strategic move on the part of PayPerPost, especially as
Performancing.com has a membership of about 28,000 users, most of whom are bloggers. These are all potential users of PayPerPost.
However, this acquisition does not include the Partners ad network nor PFF, their free blog editor for Firefox. This I read, would be moved to a new brand.
In case you didn't know (where were you hiding under anyway) PayPerpost is a Florida based company that acts as a marketplace for advertisers who are willing to pay bloggers for writing about their products and other stuff in their blogs.
This is a sponsored post.
Update: The deal is off. Read here.
Tags: Payperpost Performancing Performancing Metrics
28 December 2006
Is your landlord Pakistani
Every Malaysian family renting a house in Coventry (and Birmingham) that I know of, has a Pakistani landlord. By Pakistani, I mean British citizen of Pakistani descent or ethnicity.
I guess there is a perfectly simple reason for that. It's a symbiotic relationship - their rents are among the lowest here and the Malaysian don't like to make much of a fuss.
Our own landlord's father was born in Pakistani Kashmir (called Pakistan occupied Kashmir by the Indians and Azad (free) Kashmir by the Pakistanis. Every one tells us that we are really lucky to have a nice landlord and I guess we are, after hearing some of the horror stories.
I just wonder whether this is the same in other parts of the UK.
NOTE: In the UK, the term "Paki" is considered derogatory, offensive and racist when spoken by non-Pakistanis. However, this term is commonly used by a lot of whites to refer to anyone from the South-Asia including Indians and Bangladeshis and as one of my friends found out, even Malays are included.
Tags: Coventry Landlord Pakistani
I guess there is a perfectly simple reason for that. It's a symbiotic relationship - their rents are among the lowest here and the Malaysian don't like to make much of a fuss.
Our own landlord's father was born in Pakistani Kashmir (called Pakistan occupied Kashmir by the Indians and Azad (free) Kashmir by the Pakistanis. Every one tells us that we are really lucky to have a nice landlord and I guess we are, after hearing some of the horror stories.
I just wonder whether this is the same in other parts of the UK.
NOTE: In the UK, the term "Paki" is considered derogatory, offensive and racist when spoken by non-Pakistanis. However, this term is commonly used by a lot of whites to refer to anyone from the South-Asia including Indians and Bangladeshis and as one of my friends found out, even Malays are included.
Tags: Coventry Landlord Pakistani
27 December 2006
Boxing day at the Bullring
Haven't gone out in a while and feeling bored, we decided to drive down to Birmingham. We bundled the kids and drove to the Bullring. Located in Birmingham city centre, it has over 160 shops and more than 25 restaurants.
There are 3,100 car parking spaces at the Bullring (900 in Indoor Market car park, 1,000 in Bullring car park and 1,200 in Moor Street car park) but every single space was taken. Had to go round the place a couple of times before we finally got a parking at the Moor Street car park. The building looks like some kind of alien spaceship.
There were a lot of discounts on branded stuff and as expected, the place was packed with people. I had wanted to look for a new pair of jeans but it was so crowded, I gave up. We had coffee at Starbucks (first time since we arrived here in the UK) and watched people go by. Our friend Amrul was there too (all the way from Nottingham) with his friends.
After spending a few hours in the Bullring, we set on our journey back to Coventry. I would have loved to further explore the place but the crowds were getting to us and you had to remember we had kids.
I don't know why but after we got back home, I had a severe headache and a mild fever (probably caused by my sore throat). A paracetamol tablet and a few hours sleep and I am on my feet again ...... and blogging.
Tags: Birmingham Bullring Shopping
There are 3,100 car parking spaces at the Bullring (900 in Indoor Market car park, 1,000 in Bullring car park and 1,200 in Moor Street car park) but every single space was taken. Had to go round the place a couple of times before we finally got a parking at the Moor Street car park. The building looks like some kind of alien spaceship.
There were a lot of discounts on branded stuff and as expected, the place was packed with people. I had wanted to look for a new pair of jeans but it was so crowded, I gave up. We had coffee at Starbucks (first time since we arrived here in the UK) and watched people go by. Our friend Amrul was there too (all the way from Nottingham) with his friends.
After spending a few hours in the Bullring, we set on our journey back to Coventry. I would have loved to further explore the place but the crowds were getting to us and you had to remember we had kids.
I don't know why but after we got back home, I had a severe headache and a mild fever (probably caused by my sore throat). A paracetamol tablet and a few hours sleep and I am on my feet again ...... and blogging.
Tags: Birmingham Bullring Shopping
25 December 2006
Photography contest
If you love taking photographs as much I do, and fancy yourself as something of a good photographer, I think you might find this piece of news interesting.
PhotographyCorner.com is organising the 2006 Photograph of the Year Contest. With over $14,000 in prizes available to win, anyone who has a camera can join in. Check out the prizes here.
The first prize has an estimated value of $3,639.95. This includes $250 cash, a copy of ImageAlign Pro (including a CD copy) courtesy of ImageAlign (Value: $159) and loads of other stuff.
In case you didn’t know, ImageAlign PRO is the flagship product of Grasshopper (Lead sponsor of the contest). It uses breakthrough technology to correct lens and barrel distortion and covers any natural perspective distortions or special effects distortion, using an intuitive user interface.
View the other sponsors of the contest.
However, before Submitting a Photograph, make sure you read the rules. For example, before you can send in your entry for the competition, You must be a member, in good standing and with at least 5 posts, of the PhotographyCorner.com Forums.
I have never entered a photograph competition. I have to say, I am really tempted to join this one.
The contest began on the 19th of December 2006 and runs until the end of January, 2007. View the Timeline of the contest for more info.
Hurry! The last date for entries is midnight, GMT on Friday, January 12th, 2007.
*Sponsored post*
Tags: Contest Photography photographycorner
PhotographyCorner.com is organising the 2006 Photograph of the Year Contest. With over $14,000 in prizes available to win, anyone who has a camera can join in. Check out the prizes here.
The first prize has an estimated value of $3,639.95. This includes $250 cash, a copy of ImageAlign Pro (including a CD copy) courtesy of ImageAlign (Value: $159) and loads of other stuff.
In case you didn’t know, ImageAlign PRO is the flagship product of Grasshopper (Lead sponsor of the contest). It uses breakthrough technology to correct lens and barrel distortion and covers any natural perspective distortions or special effects distortion, using an intuitive user interface.
View the other sponsors of the contest.
However, before Submitting a Photograph, make sure you read the rules. For example, before you can send in your entry for the competition, You must be a member, in good standing and with at least 5 posts, of the PhotographyCorner.com Forums.
I have never entered a photograph competition. I have to say, I am really tempted to join this one.
The contest began on the 19th of December 2006 and runs until the end of January, 2007. View the Timeline of the contest for more info.
Hurry! The last date for entries is midnight, GMT on Friday, January 12th, 2007.
*Sponsored post*
Tags: Contest Photography photographycorner
Miss Roti Chanai
Sourced from LensaMalaysia.
This morning, we were about to have breakfast and I asked my wife what she wanted. 'Roti Chanai', she replied.
"I love roti chanai," my daughter added.
It used to be on my regular breakfast menu along with a nice glass of 'teh tarik'. Now I don't remember the last time I had one and just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
It seems like we are all having a craving for roti chanai on Christmas day.
Now, where can I get roti chanai in Coventry?
For those who don't know, check out the Wikipedia page.
Tags: Roti chanai
PPP Ich liebe dich
There are a number of reasons I love payperpost (hereafter lovingly referred to as ppp). So given below are some of the reasons...
It is where I see blog marketing in action.
The first time I ever earned money directly from my blog posts was only after I joined ppp. I have been blogging for a long time (more than 3 years now) and never saw a dime come out of it before this. Now everybody can "get paid to blog about the things you love".
If I am not mistaken, they are also the people handing out the big monies. See "Big green" on the dashboard.
Why don't you try it out too (If you haven't)?
This is a sponsored post.
It is where I see blog marketing in action.
The first time I ever earned money directly from my blog posts was only after I joined ppp. I have been blogging for a long time (more than 3 years now) and never saw a dime come out of it before this. Now everybody can "get paid to blog about the things you love".
If I am not mistaken, they are also the people handing out the big monies. See "Big green" on the dashboard.
Why don't you try it out too (If you haven't)?
This is a sponsored post.
24 December 2006
Internet marketing firm
Just a few days back I wrote a post on marketing my blog. However, if you own a business and want to market it online, you may have to take more serious steps. You may very well consider hiring a firm specialised in Internet marketing.
Well, I recently came across this Internet marketing firm. USWeb was originally founded in 1995 and is a leading strategic Internet services firm based in the US. It is known for being one of the most experienced, qualified and professional Internet consultants in the world and partners with a diverse and prominent portfolio of clients, from medium-size organizations to Fortune 100 corporations.
As their web site notes, USWeb is not an 'Ordinary Online Marketing Firm'. They offer a multitude of services, which includes designing, developing, and implementing custom web systems and integrated online marketing solutions that focus on brand awareness, audience development and customer retention.
According to a web release on the site, research has confirmed that 70-80% of prospective web customers use search engines or search directories to find relevant content, search engine marketing is the most widely used method of attracting visitors to a website. It’s no wonder that competition to get into the top search results is extremely fierce. USWeb says they can help clients by to target the Internet's major search engines, by using search engine optimisation techniques, ‘PPC Bid Management’, and ‘Trusted Feed services’. I would love to learn more.
Tags: Marketing Search engines USWeb
Well, I recently came across this Internet marketing firm. USWeb was originally founded in 1995 and is a leading strategic Internet services firm based in the US. It is known for being one of the most experienced, qualified and professional Internet consultants in the world and partners with a diverse and prominent portfolio of clients, from medium-size organizations to Fortune 100 corporations.
As their web site notes, USWeb is not an 'Ordinary Online Marketing Firm'. They offer a multitude of services, which includes designing, developing, and implementing custom web systems and integrated online marketing solutions that focus on brand awareness, audience development and customer retention.
According to a web release on the site, research has confirmed that 70-80% of prospective web customers use search engines or search directories to find relevant content, search engine marketing is the most widely used method of attracting visitors to a website. It’s no wonder that competition to get into the top search results is extremely fierce. USWeb says they can help clients by to target the Internet's major search engines, by using search engine optimisation techniques, ‘PPC Bid Management’, and ‘Trusted Feed services’. I would love to learn more.
Tags: Marketing Search engines USWeb
Visit the PPP blog
Sometime back, I had written a post titled 'Rise of company blogs' and now, most companies have an official blog. These blog play the same function as "Press release" in traditional websites but even better as they are interactive, with customers being able to leave their comments and feedback (aren't they the same, I wonder).
In case you didn't know, Payperpost also has a blog. This is where you can get all their latest news, updates and videos.
On Friday they announced the winners of two of their competitions. First of all, the $1,000 RockStartup Puzzle contest here. It was won by none other than Colleen, the all time biggest earner at Payperpost. They also announced the first winner of the HP Digital Camera (read my post here). She's a Anna-Maria Vu of New York. Lucky girl.
I am hoping for a least one of the photo printers but hope went down when someone pointed out that post was not that creative. Anyway, this is just another sponsored post.
Tags: Blog Digital camera HP Payperpost Photo printer
In case you didn't know, Payperpost also has a blog. This is where you can get all their latest news, updates and videos.
On Friday they announced the winners of two of their competitions. First of all, the $1,000 RockStartup Puzzle contest here. It was won by none other than Colleen, the all time biggest earner at Payperpost. They also announced the first winner of the HP Digital Camera (read my post here). She's a Anna-Maria Vu of New York. Lucky girl.
I am hoping for a least one of the photo printers but hope went down when someone pointed out that post was not that creative. Anyway, this is just another sponsored post.
Tags: Blog Digital camera HP Payperpost Photo printer
Marketing my blog
Lot of people ask me why I blog and to be frank, I don't have a clue. Loved reading other people's blogs and finally decided to start one of my own. It was more of a diary, my observations, my rants and so on. Slowly but steadily, the number of visitors to my blog grew. I guess you really get a nice buzz when people leave comments in your posts.
At that time, making money from my blog was the last thing on my mind. In fact, I didn't know that you could actually make any money from a blog. I started wondering, "Can bloggers actually make money from their blogs?" only after my wife's comment, "its not like you can get any money writing a blog" retort. Read my old post here.
I added Google adsense but the fact is that I am still waiting for my first cheque. There are not enough visitors (or people are simply not clicking the links). I had already joined up with the online Malaysian community, Project Petaling Street, a blog portal of Malaysian maintained blogs. It bought me a fair number of new visitors to my blog but that was not enough and I went out and joined up with other blog portals and directories including Rice Bowl Journals and Blogflux. Claiming my blogs on Technorati was another step.
Going through Internet Marketing sites taught me a lot of new things. I now realise what I have been doing wrong. Wish I had come across it earlier.
So, I have been blogging for more than 3 years now (my first post here on Monday, September 08, 2003). However, I truly started marketing my blog only about a year ago. Now realise that I was not only marketing my blog but also myself and my writing skills. I have recently joined Payperpost and other advertising networks. Though I have started earning a bit, it's not enough to take up blogging as a full time occupation - not yet. I have a lot to learn and a long way to go.
Updated: I deleted a link, which I had recommended earlier. 12 Jan 2007.
Tags: Adsense Marketing Money
At that time, making money from my blog was the last thing on my mind. In fact, I didn't know that you could actually make any money from a blog. I started wondering, "Can bloggers actually make money from their blogs?" only after my wife's comment, "its not like you can get any money writing a blog" retort. Read my old post here.
I added Google adsense but the fact is that I am still waiting for my first cheque. There are not enough visitors (or people are simply not clicking the links). I had already joined up with the online Malaysian community, Project Petaling Street, a blog portal of Malaysian maintained blogs. It bought me a fair number of new visitors to my blog but that was not enough and I went out and joined up with other blog portals and directories including Rice Bowl Journals and Blogflux. Claiming my blogs on Technorati was another step.
Going through Internet Marketing sites taught me a lot of new things. I now realise what I have been doing wrong. Wish I had come across it earlier.
So, I have been blogging for more than 3 years now (my first post here on Monday, September 08, 2003). However, I truly started marketing my blog only about a year ago. Now realise that I was not only marketing my blog but also myself and my writing skills. I have recently joined Payperpost and other advertising networks. Though I have started earning a bit, it's not enough to take up blogging as a full time occupation - not yet. I have a lot to learn and a long way to go.
Updated: I deleted a link, which I had recommended earlier. 12 Jan 2007.
Tags: Adsense Marketing Money
23 December 2006
Bebot - Generation One and Two
Found this while going through YouTTube.
"Bebot" Generation One and Two by the Black Eyed Peas.
It's the type of song that gets you dancing without even knowing the language (Tagalog here).
Tags: Bebot Black Eyed Peas YouTube
"Bebot" Generation One and Two by the Black Eyed Peas.
It's the type of song that gets you dancing without even knowing the language (Tagalog here).
Tags: Bebot Black Eyed Peas YouTube
22 December 2006
TiddlyWiki for Newbies
TiddlyWiki, is a wiki-modeled client-side application which looks very much like a blog. It is published under an open source license and anybody can download and use it for free.
Click the link to read my article "Creating websites the easy TiddlyWiki way"
Tags: Open source Tiddlywiki software Website design
Click the link to read my article "Creating websites the easy TiddlyWiki way"
Tags: Open source Tiddlywiki software Website design
Slimming HP
I am really into digital photography and while surfing the web, I came across the HP digital camera buying guide. I wish I had come here before.
They have such a wide range of cameras to suit different requirements and of course, wallets. I was going through their technologies and innovations page when my wife came into the room. Now, she's not that crazy about cameras or other electronic stuff but I saw a glint in here eyes when she noticed the link - HP slimming effect. After reading it, she straightway said "I want that!"
Anyway, one of the things you do when friends drop by your house is to show them your photographs. Unfortunately all the pics we have are all stored in our computer. So whenever we want to show people our photographs, we would have to start up the computer and do a slide show. And I can tell you, it's not very comfortable when there are more than 3 guys around a computer with heads bumping into each other.
We always plan to print out some of the pics but never got around to it. I shudder to think if the computer would crash somehow and I would lose all the images. A photo printer should sure be useful.
When I read that Ted, (the founder and CEO of Payperpost.com), just got a shipment of ten awesome new 6 megapixel digital cameras and photo printers from HP AND he is giving them away, I was jumping around with joy. I might be one of those lucky guys.
Ted, I reallywant need a Camera and photo printer. That would be the perfect gift this Christmas. BTW, this post was brought to you by HP.
Tags: Digital camera HP Photo printer
They have such a wide range of cameras to suit different requirements and of course, wallets. I was going through their technologies and innovations page when my wife came into the room. Now, she's not that crazy about cameras or other electronic stuff but I saw a glint in here eyes when she noticed the link - HP slimming effect. After reading it, she straightway said "I want that!"
Anyway, one of the things you do when friends drop by your house is to show them your photographs. Unfortunately all the pics we have are all stored in our computer. So whenever we want to show people our photographs, we would have to start up the computer and do a slide show. And I can tell you, it's not very comfortable when there are more than 3 guys around a computer with heads bumping into each other.
We always plan to print out some of the pics but never got around to it. I shudder to think if the computer would crash somehow and I would lose all the images. A photo printer should sure be useful.
When I read that Ted, (the founder and CEO of Payperpost.com), just got a shipment of ten awesome new 6 megapixel digital cameras and photo printers from HP AND he is giving them away, I was jumping around with joy. I might be one of those lucky guys.
Ted, I really
Tags: Digital camera HP Photo printer
Classics: Popular posts
Given below is a list of my classic blog posts, in other words, the most popular posts on my blog. These will be regularly updated. It was previously on my sidebar.
How did they get into this category?
Well! They were the top landing pages.
I also added others based on the number of comments, feedback and link backs. Those were the posts I really enjoy reading again.
Updated 8th of September 2010
Updated: 18th August 2009
- Melayu Boleh
- Letter from a Petronas employee
- Freemasons in Malaysia
- Ladies Toilet
- Top 5 Ecommerce Companies
- Celcom scam
- Asia Petroleum Hub commencement of works ceremony
- Malaysian-Indian identity
- DIY metal pent shed
Others:
- Get reviewed for free
- James Cameroon challenges Christianity
- Newbie in the UK
- Malaysian Companies and Marketing
- Datuk Nicol
- Simply Not Enough
- 2 Years Blogging
- Money From Blogs
Tags: Classics Popular Controversial
How did they get into this category?
Well! They were the top landing pages.
I also added others based on the number of comments, feedback and link backs. Those were the posts I really enjoy reading again.
Updated 8th of September 2010
- Freemasons in Malaysia
- Top 5 Malaysian Ecommerce Companies
- Consumer vs customer
- Letter from a Petronas employee
- Melayu Boleh
- Everyone is wearing a Tissot
- Ladies Toilet
- Designed for Men
- My favourite pizza
- Long Marston car boot sale
Updated: 18th August 2009
- Freemasons in Malaysia
- Melayu Boleh
- Ladies Toilet
- Asia Petroleum Hub commencement of works ceremony
- Letter from a Petronas employee
- Celcom scam
- Top 5 Ecommerce Companies
- New UK immigration rules update
- Online grocery shopping - Tesco vs Sainsbury's
- Melayu Boleh
- Letter from a Petronas employee
- Freemasons in Malaysia
- Ladies Toilet
- Top 5 Ecommerce Companies
- Celcom scam
- Asia Petroleum Hub commencement of works ceremony
- Malaysian-Indian identity
- DIY metal pent shed
Others:
- Get reviewed for free
- James Cameroon challenges Christianity
- Newbie in the UK
- Malaysian Companies and Marketing
- Datuk Nicol
- Simply Not Enough
- 2 Years Blogging
- Money From Blogs
Tags: Classics Popular Controversial
21 December 2006
Information about humidifiers
It's really cold today and there is a heavy fog. I can hardly see our neighbour's house. Just going outside the house to push the rubbish bins outside was a chore because of the biting cold. We keep our doors closed and cranked op the radiator temperature.
This has given rise to some noticeable problems. All of us are suffering from dry skin and sore throats. My daughter has been having a cough for about a week now and it gets worse at night. It doesn't seem to be very serious but we are quite worried. I found out that this may be related to the dry air in the house.
It is clear that we are not the only one having the problem as I found other friends complaining about the same. One of them recommended keeping wet towels on the radiators to alleviate the problem and we tried it out. It helped to some extent but what we really needed was a humidifier. There are several types of humidifiers in the market and frankly I was quite confused.
Found a great website and this is a sponsored review,. It provides useful information about humidifiers and I found their page on the desirable features we should look for, particularly useful.
They also have a page which compares the different types of humidifiers. Before this I didn't know that there was a difference between a warm or cool type of humidifiers.
The site also lists some popular brands including the Holmes warm mist and cool mist humidifiers.
I should point out that Humidifierinformation.com is more of an information site and you can't buy humidifiers there. Maybe that's their future plan.
Tags: Health Humidifier Sponsored Posts
This has given rise to some noticeable problems. All of us are suffering from dry skin and sore throats. My daughter has been having a cough for about a week now and it gets worse at night. It doesn't seem to be very serious but we are quite worried. I found out that this may be related to the dry air in the house.
It is clear that we are not the only one having the problem as I found other friends complaining about the same. One of them recommended keeping wet towels on the radiators to alleviate the problem and we tried it out. It helped to some extent but what we really needed was a humidifier. There are several types of humidifiers in the market and frankly I was quite confused.
Found a great website and this is a sponsored review,. It provides useful information about humidifiers and I found their page on the desirable features we should look for, particularly useful.
They also have a page which compares the different types of humidifiers. Before this I didn't know that there was a difference between a warm or cool type of humidifiers.
The site also lists some popular brands including the Holmes warm mist and cool mist humidifiers.
I should point out that Humidifierinformation.com is more of an information site and you can't buy humidifiers there. Maybe that's their future plan.
Tags: Health Humidifier Sponsored Posts
Do you have Mujo
My wife received this forwarded mail from one of her friends. It's a good one and I only edited it a bit and for the benefit of my visitors who don't speak the Terengganu dialect, an English translation is provided.
Mujo or mujur (not Mojo) in Standard Bahasa Malaysia means "fortunate" or "lucky".
In Terengganu it means more than that. Mujo is an attitude, a testament to the optimism of the Terengganu folks. I believe that Terengganunese are optimistic.
I haven't heard of any suicides there yet. No news whatsoever of people jumping down from coconut trees or drinking expired budu (preserved anchovy thick sauce) neat in order to expire themselves. You must remember that Terengganu people lived with ferries, morning papers that came in the night and without other things people in the West Coast take for granted. In spite of doing without 4D shops, discos, malls or Hot Spot-enabled coffee houses, they are surviving well without any mental hospital in sight. All because they have mujo.
Like I mentioned previously, mujo encapsulate a philosophy in itself. It means one should thank God that it is not worse.
Time for an illustration.
(Cut to a scene of 3 kampung (village) ladies in their kemban, washing clothes by the village well)
Mok Long Selamoh: Guane doh adik mung Mek? (How is your brother Mek?)
Mok Teh Som : Bakpe pulok adik dia? (What happened to her brother?)
Mok Long Selamoh: Laaa! Mung dok tau ke Som? (You don't know Som?)
Mok Teh Som : Dok tau setarang kita. (I don't know anything)
Mok Long Selamoh: Adik Mek ni kena langgor lori kemareng. (Mek's brother was knocked down by a lorry yesterday)
Mek Beso : Bukang lori Mok Long, beng ikang! (It wasn't a lorry Mok Long, it was a fish van)
Mok Long Selamoh: Mujo bukang lori! (Lucky it wasn't a lorry)
Mok Teh Som : Pah tu? Terok ke? (Then? Was he seriously injured?)
Mek Beso : Kaki patah sebelah...... (One leg was broken)
Mok Teh Som : Mujo dok patoh dua dua (Lucky both legs weren't broken)
Mok Long Selamoh : Tu pong mujo dreba beng dang brek. (It was lucky that the van driver braked in time)
Mek Beso : Mujo beng tu dok laju.. (Lucky the van wasn't going fast..)
(Fade to black.)
If both legs were broken, the response would be "Mujo dok pecoh pala"(Lucky the head wasn't broken). If the head WAS broken, the response would be "Mujo dok mati" (Lucky he didn't die). If the worst happened and the brother died, the mujo would still surface. "Mujo lah bukang adik kita" (Lucky it wasn't my brother).
You get the drift.....
Mujo. A nice word. Adopt it. Embrace it. It will preserve your sanity.
Tags: Humor Mujo Terengganu
Mujo or mujur (not Mojo) in Standard Bahasa Malaysia means "fortunate" or "lucky".
In Terengganu it means more than that. Mujo is an attitude, a testament to the optimism of the Terengganu folks. I believe that Terengganunese are optimistic.
I haven't heard of any suicides there yet. No news whatsoever of people jumping down from coconut trees or drinking expired budu (preserved anchovy thick sauce) neat in order to expire themselves. You must remember that Terengganu people lived with ferries, morning papers that came in the night and without other things people in the West Coast take for granted. In spite of doing without 4D shops, discos, malls or Hot Spot-enabled coffee houses, they are surviving well without any mental hospital in sight. All because they have mujo.
Like I mentioned previously, mujo encapsulate a philosophy in itself. It means one should thank God that it is not worse.
Time for an illustration.
(Cut to a scene of 3 kampung (village) ladies in their kemban, washing clothes by the village well)
Mok Long Selamoh: Guane doh adik mung Mek? (How is your brother Mek?)
Mok Teh Som : Bakpe pulok adik dia? (What happened to her brother?)
Mok Long Selamoh: Laaa! Mung dok tau ke Som? (You don't know Som?)
Mok Teh Som : Dok tau setarang kita. (I don't know anything)
Mok Long Selamoh: Adik Mek ni kena langgor lori kemareng. (Mek's brother was knocked down by a lorry yesterday)
Mek Beso : Bukang lori Mok Long, beng ikang! (It wasn't a lorry Mok Long, it was a fish van)
Mok Long Selamoh: Mujo bukang lori! (Lucky it wasn't a lorry)
Mok Teh Som : Pah tu? Terok ke? (Then? Was he seriously injured?)
Mek Beso : Kaki patah sebelah...... (One leg was broken)
Mok Teh Som : Mujo dok patoh dua dua (Lucky both legs weren't broken)
Mok Long Selamoh : Tu pong mujo dreba beng dang brek. (It was lucky that the van driver braked in time)
Mek Beso : Mujo beng tu dok laju.. (Lucky the van wasn't going fast..)
(Fade to black.)
If both legs were broken, the response would be "Mujo dok pecoh pala"(Lucky the head wasn't broken). If the head WAS broken, the response would be "Mujo dok mati" (Lucky he didn't die). If the worst happened and the brother died, the mujo would still surface. "Mujo lah bukang adik kita" (Lucky it wasn't my brother).
You get the drift.....
Mujo. A nice word. Adopt it. Embrace it. It will preserve your sanity.
Tags: Humor Mujo Terengganu
Norton Antivirus download site
I have a certain policy when writing about a new product or service. That I won't write about it unless I have actually tried it out / experienced it myself.
Norton is a well known name in the anti virus market, even before it was bought over by Symantec. It has been one of the most popular anti virus brands for a long time.
I have downloaded and tried out the free Norton Antivirus 2007 Beta version from the Symantec website when detect any virus on my old computer (in Malaysia).
One great thing about Norton Antivirus 2007 is that besides viruses and worms, it also provides effective protection from spyware and malware. Thus you won't need to install another software for protection from these nasty stuff. In my computer, I have the free versions of Spybot and Ad-Aware installed and have to run them from time to time.
Other packages in the family include Norton Internet Security 2007 and Norton SystemWorks 2006. The later is actually a combination of 6 utility programs, namely, Norton AntiVirus, Norton GoBack, Norton Utilities, CheckIt Diagnostics, System Optimizer and Norton Ghost.
This finally brings me to one apparent disadvantage of this software. It was reported that the 2007 version is faster and lighter than their 2006 version, but a friend who bought the anti virus, informed me that there was a noticeable reduction in the performance of his computer after it was installed, meaning that this program hogs up a bit (or maybe more) of the RAM. His computer has the minimum specs (256MB of RAM). I am afraid to load it up on my ebay computer, which is already bogged down by all the software I have already loaded up. So you better have a lot more RAM than that in your PC, if you want it to run smoothly.
The review at the ZdNet site was quite favourable and the editors gave it a very good 7 out of 10.
To be honest, I am personally using the AVG antivirus (free version) from Grisoft and it does a pretty good job.
Tags: Anti virus Norton Symantec
Norton is a well known name in the anti virus market, even before it was bought over by Symantec. It has been one of the most popular anti virus brands for a long time.
I have downloaded and tried out the free Norton Antivirus 2007 Beta version from the Symantec website when detect any virus on my old computer (in Malaysia).
One great thing about Norton Antivirus 2007 is that besides viruses and worms, it also provides effective protection from spyware and malware. Thus you won't need to install another software for protection from these nasty stuff. In my computer, I have the free versions of Spybot and Ad-Aware installed and have to run them from time to time.
Other packages in the family include Norton Internet Security 2007 and Norton SystemWorks 2006. The later is actually a combination of 6 utility programs, namely, Norton AntiVirus, Norton GoBack, Norton Utilities, CheckIt Diagnostics, System Optimizer and Norton Ghost.
This finally brings me to one apparent disadvantage of this software. It was reported that the 2007 version is faster and lighter than their 2006 version, but a friend who bought the anti virus, informed me that there was a noticeable reduction in the performance of his computer after it was installed, meaning that this program hogs up a bit (or maybe more) of the RAM. His computer has the minimum specs (256MB of RAM). I am afraid to load it up on my ebay computer, which is already bogged down by all the software I have already loaded up. So you better have a lot more RAM than that in your PC, if you want it to run smoothly.
The review at the ZdNet site was quite favourable and the editors gave it a very good 7 out of 10.
To be honest, I am personally using the AVG antivirus (free version) from Grisoft and it does a pretty good job.
Tags: Anti virus Norton Symantec
20 December 2006
Problem With Link Button
There is some problem with my payperpost affiliate link button (on my sidebar). Clicking the button just reloads my blog. I noticed the same problem on other blogs, including some of the top earners of payperpost.
Does anybody have the same problem?
Payperpost uses a tinyurl script. I am not sure whether any of the widgets and scripts that I have installed on my site, are interferring with their script.
Would be highly obliged if anyone could help me with this problem.
Note: The problem has been fixed. Thanks guys.
Tags: Link button Payperpost Tinyurl
Does anybody have the same problem?
Payperpost uses a tinyurl script. I am not sure whether any of the widgets and scripts that I have installed on my site, are interferring with their script.
Would be highly obliged if anyone could help me with this problem.
Note: The problem has been fixed. Thanks guys.
Tags: Link button Payperpost Tinyurl
19 December 2006
Publish and Monitize your Work
While I am waiting for companies to call me for an interview, I am thinking of ways to make money from home. So I was thinking, "What am I good at?" and something I am good at is writing (at least I like to think I am). Next question was "How can I earn some money out of it?". Well here is what I found out.
There are several ways to publish your article on the net and get paid for it. One way is to publish it with Triond, one of the newest entrants on the market offering a "user generated content monetization service". In lay man terms, it means that they help publishers get their work published and monetize it on the net.
It's really quite simple. You sign up and then submit some content. The currently accepted formats are: txt, doc, wps, rtf, wav, wma, mp3, mp4, mpeg, mpg, avi, wmv, mov, jpg, jpeg, gif. So even if you are not good at writing but think that your music is great, you can join in too.
Triond then publishes your article (or music or movie clip) on various ad-supported and e-commerce content websites. Finally you share 50% of the royalty your work generates, with them.
A review of Microsoft Office Live Basics, which I submitted last night, has already been published.
In case you haven't heard, Microsoft is helping people create professional websites, along with domain name registration, all for FREE. If you don't believe me check out my article here.
This is a sponsored post
Tags: Microsoft Quazen Sponsored Posts Triond
There are several ways to publish your article on the net and get paid for it. One way is to publish it with Triond, one of the newest entrants on the market offering a "user generated content monetization service". In lay man terms, it means that they help publishers get their work published and monetize it on the net.
It's really quite simple. You sign up and then submit some content. The currently accepted formats are: txt, doc, wps, rtf, wav, wma, mp3, mp4, mpeg, mpg, avi, wmv, mov, jpg, jpeg, gif. So even if you are not good at writing but think that your music is great, you can join in too.
Triond then publishes your article (or music or movie clip) on various ad-supported and e-commerce content websites. Finally you share 50% of the royalty your work generates, with them.
A review of Microsoft Office Live Basics, which I submitted last night, has already been published.
In case you haven't heard, Microsoft is helping people create professional websites, along with domain name registration, all for FREE. If you don't believe me check out my article here.This is a sponsored post
Tags: Microsoft Quazen Sponsored Posts Triond
18 December 2006
New Year Wish List
Online wish lists are nothing new and most online stores including Amazon.com
, allow you to create one. The most popular auction site in the World, eBay has something similar though they call it the "Want It Now" list.
I used to think of them as a list of all the stuff you dream about, which you then paste on your blog sidebar, just to make it look funky. I only came to realise their usefulness when my sister got married in Australia. She put up a online wish list (with one store in Melbourne) where guests could select stuff to buy as wedding gifts for the couple.
I certainly think it is a good idea and we wouldn't have been stuck with several punch bowls, rice cookers etc. Not sure whether it will take of in Malaysia because of our culture. I for a fact know that most Malaysian Chinese prefer gifts of cash rather then items. So that they can cover the cost of the dinner (please correct me if I am wrong). In the west, it has been well accepted for most weddings to have a wish list.
Wish lists are not limited to weddings and you can have one for any special occasion including birthdays, baby showers, etc. It's not too late to create one for Christmas too. One thing about most wish lists is that they are restricted to a single online store. However, that was before I came across Wishbin where you can create and organize not just one but multiple wish lists. And best of all, it is not restricted to one site but you can creat a list from wish lists from popular online retailers such as Amazon.com, Toys "R" us,, Target, Banana Republic, etc. In fact, WishBin supports all retail websites.
BTW, take a look at the my New Year wish list.
I was looking at my list and I suddenly realised that out of the 10, 8 are electronic items. I guess it's true what they say about boys and toys. Some might think that it's so materialistic. I also wish World Peace too.
p.s. This post was not sponsored by Wishbin.com. I wrote this much earlier but didn't post it up, thus wasting an excellent opportunity to make some money in the process.
Tags: Sponsored Posts Wish List Wishbin Presents
, allow you to create one. The most popular auction site in the World, eBay has something similar though they call it the "Want It Now" list. I used to think of them as a list of all the stuff you dream about, which you then paste on your blog sidebar, just to make it look funky. I only came to realise their usefulness when my sister got married in Australia. She put up a online wish list (with one store in Melbourne) where guests could select stuff to buy as wedding gifts for the couple.
I certainly think it is a good idea and we wouldn't have been stuck with several punch bowls, rice cookers etc. Not sure whether it will take of in Malaysia because of our culture. I for a fact know that most Malaysian Chinese prefer gifts of cash rather then items. So that they can cover the cost of the dinner (please correct me if I am wrong). In the west, it has been well accepted for most weddings to have a wish list.
Wish lists are not limited to weddings and you can have one for any special occasion including birthdays, baby showers, etc. It's not too late to create one for Christmas too. One thing about most wish lists is that they are restricted to a single online store. However, that was before I came across Wishbin where you can create and organize not just one but multiple wish lists. And best of all, it is not restricted to one site but you can creat a list from wish lists from popular online retailers such as Amazon.com, Toys "R" us,, Target, Banana Republic, etc. In fact, WishBin supports all retail websites.
BTW, take a look at the my New Year wish list.
I was looking at my list and I suddenly realised that out of the 10, 8 are electronic items. I guess it's true what they say about boys and toys. Some might think that it's so materialistic. I also wish World Peace too.
p.s. This post was not sponsored by Wishbin.com. I wrote this much earlier but didn't post it up, thus wasting an excellent opportunity to make some money in the process.
Tags: Sponsored Posts Wish List Wishbin Presents
Leona has the X Factor
Leona Lewis is the winner of the 3rd series of X Factor, the most popular reality talent show in the UK. The 21 year old from London is the first female winner of the talent show.
To be honest, yesterday was the first time I actually watched the whole show. Before that I had only been able to catch bits and pieces now and then.
For the final show, she sang "I Will Always Love You" (Dolly Parton), "A Million Love Songs" sung with Take That (Take That), "All by Myself" (Eric Carmen) and "A Moment like This" (Kelly Clarkson).
I think that it was the last song that actually won her the prize - a million pound recording contract. She really has an amazing voice and I couldn't help but compare her with Mariah Carey. She actually sounded better. I can't remember the last time, the UK has ever produced an internationally famous singer. You can't count the Spice Girls because they were a group. I predict she's going to be the one.
Anyway, it was really amazing that right after she won, viewers were taken to a factory where her debut single "A Moment Like This" started production straightaway. It will be available in music stores on Wednesday. However, you can download the song from the ITV website. It has broken a World record, by being downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes of being available online. Her debut single pre-sold 1,000,000 copies making her the top contender for this year's UK Christmas number-one single.
Oh! Raymond Quinn better known as Ray was the runner's up and it seems he got a good deal too. Simon Cowell (who is a judge and also a co-producer of the show) said:
I’m going to have a quiet chat with Ray on my own in a minute. We won’t let Ray down.
Seems like everyone is a winner in the show.
Related Link: Leona Lewis Official website
Tags: Leona Lewis Talent show World record X factor
17 December 2006
See how an Internet business is set up
As an MBA student, we read about Internet start ups and how net entrepreneurs became overnight millionaires. That was during the hight of the Dot Com boom. Of course, we then read how most went bust when the bubble burst and we analysed what they did wrong. We would get fired up reading the case studies of the few successful internet companies and dream of one day setting up or working for such a company.
Students today are lucky as they can now watch as an Internet company is built up from nothing into a multi-billion dollar international powerhouse. This is reality tv unlike something you might have seen before. It follows the crazy antics of the people who make up the Payperpost.com team led by Edward “Ted” Murphy (the founder and CEO), as they move the company into a mutimillion dollar international business.
If you don't believe me just check out well known Malaysian blogs and you will be hard pressed to find one without the link button you see on my side bar on the right.
When I last checked, their website had 4 episodes. The last one is actually just a preview (titled VEGAS BABY!) of a forthcoming episode. Looks like some more crazy stuff. As far as I know, no TV channel in the UK are showing them as yet and the website mentions that..
Anyone interested?
Tags: Internet startup Payperpost Reality tv
Students today are lucky as they can now watch as an Internet company is built up from nothing into a multi-billion dollar international powerhouse. This is reality tv unlike something you might have seen before. It follows the crazy antics of the people who make up the Payperpost.com team led by Edward “Ted” Murphy (the founder and CEO), as they move the company into a mutimillion dollar international business.
If you don't believe me just check out well known Malaysian blogs and you will be hard pressed to find one without the link button you see on my side bar on the right.
When I last checked, their website had 4 episodes. The last one is actually just a preview (titled VEGAS BABY!) of a forthcoming episode. Looks like some more crazy stuff. As far as I know, no TV channel in the UK are showing them as yet and the website mentions that..
We are currently shopping our show to television networks. All footage has been shot in HD. If you are interested drop us an email at ted (at) payperpost (dotcom).
Anyone interested?
Tags: Internet startup Payperpost Reality tv
I love my nuts
When I tell people that I am a vegetarian, people give me a pitiful look and given below are a sample of what people said when I told them that I am a vegetarian:
You poor boy.
Are you crazy?
You are missing out on all the great stuff.
Oh dear.
We have some salad for you.
How do you get the nutrients?
I found this web page which might answer the last question.
Actually I am not a "pure" vegetarian and take milk and eggs. I believe the proper terminology for people like me is Ovo-lacto-vegetarian.
BTW, here is a pic of one of my favorite foods. Kenny Sia loves his coconuts. I too love my nuts.
Did you know that Nuts are chocked full of healthy nutrients? I found the title quite funny:
It's Full of Fat and Helps You Lose Weight
Tags: nuts Vegetarian
You poor boy.
Are you crazy?
You are missing out on all the great stuff.
Oh dear.
We have some salad for you.
How do you get the nutrients?
I found this web page which might answer the last question.
Actually I am not a "pure" vegetarian and take milk and eggs. I believe the proper terminology for people like me is Ovo-lacto-vegetarian.
BTW, here is a pic of one of my favorite foods. Kenny Sia loves his coconuts. I too love my nuts.
Did you know that Nuts are chocked full of healthy nutrients? I found the title quite funny:
It's Full of Fat and Helps You Lose Weight
Tags: nuts Vegetarian
16 December 2006
From blogging to webdesigning
Without even realising it, I have become a full time blogger and my wife yesterday pointed out that I am blogging a post daily, sometimes more. The good news is that I have been receiving a lot of some opportunities to earn money. This include invitations to contribute articles, to manage websites and even a few webdesign projects.
The funny thing is that I don't even a background in ICT. Yeah! I did obtain a piece of paper saying that I am a "Certified E-commerce Professional" after attending a course in Informatics, Petaling Jaya. However, I learnt most of the stuff myself - through trial and error and online tutorials.
While I was working in Kedah, I did receive several web designing projects but I would pass it on to other freelance web designers as I didn't have enough time. Now, I am not letting any project go as every penny counts.
In the past I used to host most of my websites with one very cheap host (only RM90 annually for 100MB space) in Malaysia. I stopped using him as most of the sites I designed later were for Government organisations, which had their own servers.
Anyway, some of the new projects I am working on are not the simple static websites I used to design. These people want Content Management Sysytems (CMS) and e-commerce facilties.
Searching for an affordable web hosting service that could fulfill the requirements have been causing me a bit of a headache. Searching on Google gave several links which were quite confusing. That was, until I came across the cheap ecommerce hosting directory. They have listed six companies (when I last checked) that can help create and manage an online store. Right now I haven't decided as yet but am comparing their services and of course the most important detail, the cost.
The website has given a list of the top 10 webhosting companies. I am not really sure how they came out with the list but they mention that they...
Going though the list seems to confirm their claims. For example, the No 1 in the list, Ipower.com has been Top 5 Host 2005 Winner, Editor's Pick 2006, cnet Top 3 Most Popular and 2006 Gold Award Top Ten Reviews.
For those looking for cheap hosts, they also have the 'Budget Showcases' that lists
affordable hosting companies.
Besides those mentioned above, they also have listings under Unix Web Hosting, Windows/.NET/ASP hosting, VPS /Dedicated, Resell Hosting, Exchange Web Hosting.
If you consider yourself an expert on the in the hosting and domain name industry, you are in luck (Unfortunately I am not one). You may get paid to write what you know. Just click here for the details.
SO if you are looking for a web host, look no further. Just go to
cheaphostingdirectory.com.
Tags: Cheap hosting directory Webdesigning Web hosting
The funny thing is that I don't even a background in ICT. Yeah! I did obtain a piece of paper saying that I am a "Certified E-commerce Professional" after attending a course in Informatics, Petaling Jaya. However, I learnt most of the stuff myself - through trial and error and online tutorials.
While I was working in Kedah, I did receive several web designing projects but I would pass it on to other freelance web designers as I didn't have enough time. Now, I am not letting any project go as every penny counts.
In the past I used to host most of my websites with one very cheap host (only RM90 annually for 100MB space) in Malaysia. I stopped using him as most of the sites I designed later were for Government organisations, which had their own servers.
Anyway, some of the new projects I am working on are not the simple static websites I used to design. These people want Content Management Sysytems (CMS) and e-commerce facilties.
Searching for an affordable web hosting service that could fulfill the requirements have been causing me a bit of a headache. Searching on Google gave several links which were quite confusing. That was, until I came across the cheap ecommerce hosting directory. They have listed six companies (when I last checked) that can help create and manage an online store. Right now I haven't decided as yet but am comparing their services and of course the most important detail, the cost.
The website has given a list of the top 10 webhosting companies. I am not really sure how they came out with the list but they mention that they...
factor in numerous variables to arrive at the top 10 list. This is an honor reserved for those web hosting companies that go above and beyond in products, service, and quality.
Going though the list seems to confirm their claims. For example, the No 1 in the list, Ipower.com has been Top 5 Host 2005 Winner, Editor's Pick 2006, cnet Top 3 Most Popular and 2006 Gold Award Top Ten Reviews.
For those looking for cheap hosts, they also have the 'Budget Showcases' that lists
affordable hosting companies.
Besides those mentioned above, they also have listings under Unix Web Hosting, Windows/.NET/ASP hosting, VPS /Dedicated, Resell Hosting, Exchange Web Hosting.
If you consider yourself an expert on the in the hosting and domain name industry, you are in luck (Unfortunately I am not one). You may get paid to write what you know. Just click here for the details.
SO if you are looking for a web host, look no further. Just go to
cheaphostingdirectory.com.
Tags: Cheap hosting directory Webdesigning Web hosting
14 December 2006
Firefox t-shirt plus a bonus
Today afternoon there was a loud knock on the door while I was feeding Imaan. It was the postman with a parcel.
I kind of guessed what was inside but was not sure. Maybe my wife had bid and won something on ebay. However, when I saw that it was addressed to me....
Opened it up and yes! As soon as I saw the Firefox logo, I knew it was the T-shirt. But what is that on the top. It was the surprise bonus that Marcia had mentioned in her e-mail - a Firefox cap.
In case you are wondering what this is all about, then it's clear that you are not a regular visitor to my blog.
A few days back I had written a post about the Firefox T-shirt that never arrived. Well it finally did today.
I couldn't believe it when I received an e-mail from Marcia a few days after I wrote the post, saying that they were sending a t-shirt to me. Asa had actually read my post.
I know. A lot of you probably think it's unfair. That I don't deserve it blah, blah, blah. But you are probably just jealous.
Just hope Asa doesn't get flooded with a wave of "Where is my T-shirt?" e-mails and posts from other Spread Firefox members.
I only have one problem - my wife wants the t-shirt for herself. In fact, she's already trying it out. The only consolation is that at least I have the cap.
Thanks a million Asa, Marcia. I will treasure them.
BTW, check out 10 reasons why you should use the Firefox browser in the 'Why Firefox' page.
Tags: Asa Dotzler Firefox t-shirt
I kind of guessed what was inside but was not sure. Maybe my wife had bid and won something on ebay. However, when I saw that it was addressed to me....
Opened it up and yes! As soon as I saw the Firefox logo, I knew it was the T-shirt. But what is that on the top. It was the surprise bonus that Marcia had mentioned in her e-mail - a Firefox cap.
In case you are wondering what this is all about, then it's clear that you are not a regular visitor to my blog.
A few days back I had written a post about the Firefox T-shirt that never arrived. Well it finally did today.
I couldn't believe it when I received an e-mail from Marcia a few days after I wrote the post, saying that they were sending a t-shirt to me. Asa had actually read my post.
I know. A lot of you probably think it's unfair. That I don't deserve it blah, blah, blah. But you are probably just jealous.
Just hope Asa doesn't get flooded with a wave of "Where is my T-shirt?" e-mails and posts from other Spread Firefox members.
I only have one problem - my wife wants the t-shirt for herself. In fact, she's already trying it out. The only consolation is that at least I have the cap.
Thanks a million Asa, Marcia. I will treasure them.
BTW, check out 10 reasons why you should use the Firefox browser in the 'Why Firefox' page.
Tags: Asa Dotzler Firefox t-shirt
13 December 2006
I can finally work in the UK
This morning my wife picked up a letter lying in front of the door. "It's your NI number".
Yeah! I can now finally work in the UK.
Non European Economic Area (EEA) students like us, are allowed to work part-time during term time, but cannot work for more than 20 hours per week (unless the work is a necessary part of the studies) except during vacation. On the other hand, the spouse and children of a student are allowed to work full time (if the study period is more than 12 months).
However in order to work legally here, you need an NI number. NI is short for National Insurance and the NI number is allocated to a person for life. Of course you can find jobs where you don't have to give your NI number but I won't recommend it. Some employers will apply for you (if they really really want you) but most of the time, they won't employ you unless you have the number.
Like most people I knew I had to have an NI number but didn't know what to do to get one. So how did I get the number?
Step 1:
I turned to the www and did a check on Google. It led me to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs website here. It tells you almost everything you need to know about the NI number.
I then followed a link from there to the Department for Work and Pensions site here, which finally led me to the Jobcentre Plus site. I found the nearest local office in Coventry and took down the number.
Step 2:
I called up the number and fixed an appointment for an interview. Yes! Before they give you the NI number, you have attend an interview.
Next day, I received a letter from the office confirming my interview date, the location and a list of documents I have to bring along.
One thing I noted is that unlike in Malaysia, the Civil servants here are extremely efficient. I wish I could say the same thing about the service quality of some of the private sector companies here.
Step 3:
I went on the appointed date and was there quite early at the Jobcentreplus office:
Coventry Cofa Court Jobcentre Plus
Cofa Court, Cheylesmore
Coventry
CV1 2HJ
Tel: 024 7623 2200.
A Punjabi lady interviewed me. She asked me a few questions. I showed her the documents which I had brought along:
i) Passport
ii) International driving permit
iii) Proof of residence in the UK. I took along some letters addressed to my name as I didn't have any bills.
iv) Proof that I have been actively seeking a job. This is kind of funny - like a chicken and egg thing. We need an NI number to get a job but in order to get an NI number, you must have proof that you have applied for jobs. So I brought along a couple of rejection letters (past 2 months). That was good enough.
I filled up the forms and that was it.
The money I get from a part time job should be enough for us to live comfortably but not luxuriously. If I save every penny, I might be able to pay for my PhD but iI very much doubt it. For example, the University of Warwick tuition fees for this academic year is £9150 and is expected to increase. That is almost double what the students from UK and other EU countries pay (£4975). No wonder they want to attract more non-EU students to come and study here in the UK.
Tags: Employment Jobcentreplus National Insurance University of Warwick
Yeah! I can now finally work in the UK.
Non European Economic Area (EEA) students like us, are allowed to work part-time during term time, but cannot work for more than 20 hours per week (unless the work is a necessary part of the studies) except during vacation. On the other hand, the spouse and children of a student are allowed to work full time (if the study period is more than 12 months).
However in order to work legally here, you need an NI number. NI is short for National Insurance and the NI number is allocated to a person for life. Of course you can find jobs where you don't have to give your NI number but I won't recommend it. Some employers will apply for you (if they really really want you) but most of the time, they won't employ you unless you have the number.
Like most people I knew I had to have an NI number but didn't know what to do to get one. So how did I get the number?
Step 1:
I turned to the www and did a check on Google. It led me to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs website here. It tells you almost everything you need to know about the NI number.
I then followed a link from there to the Department for Work and Pensions site here, which finally led me to the Jobcentre Plus site. I found the nearest local office in Coventry and took down the number.
Step 2:
I called up the number and fixed an appointment for an interview. Yes! Before they give you the NI number, you have attend an interview.
Next day, I received a letter from the office confirming my interview date, the location and a list of documents I have to bring along.
One thing I noted is that unlike in Malaysia, the Civil servants here are extremely efficient. I wish I could say the same thing about the service quality of some of the private sector companies here.
Step 3:
I went on the appointed date and was there quite early at the Jobcentreplus office:
Coventry Cofa Court Jobcentre Plus
Cofa Court, Cheylesmore
Coventry
CV1 2HJ
Tel: 024 7623 2200.
A Punjabi lady interviewed me. She asked me a few questions. I showed her the documents which I had brought along:
i) Passport
ii) International driving permit
iii) Proof of residence in the UK. I took along some letters addressed to my name as I didn't have any bills.
iv) Proof that I have been actively seeking a job. This is kind of funny - like a chicken and egg thing. We need an NI number to get a job but in order to get an NI number, you must have proof that you have applied for jobs. So I brought along a couple of rejection letters (past 2 months). That was good enough.
I filled up the forms and that was it.
The money I get from a part time job should be enough for us to live comfortably but not luxuriously. If I save every penny, I might be able to pay for my PhD but iI very much doubt it. For example, the University of Warwick tuition fees for this academic year is £9150 and is expected to increase. That is almost double what the students from UK and other EU countries pay (£4975). No wonder they want to attract more non-EU students to come and study here in the UK.
Tags: Employment Jobcentreplus National Insurance University of Warwick
12 December 2006
Mongoloid Jews of India
Found this really interesting article on Wikipedia about the Bnei Menashe.
Initially the Israeli Govt. refused to entertain such claims.
In 2005, Shlomo Amar, Chief Rabbi of the Sephardic Jews informed of his decision to recognise them as the lost descendants of ancient Israelites. However, before they could migrate, they had to convert to the Judaism and learn Hebrew. This gave rise to a crisis in Indian-Israeli relations. The Indian Govt. officials were not happy with the conversions and Israel put a stop to the conversions - at least for a while.
Since then, hundreds have migrated to the country and thousands are in the waiting list. Most of these people have been settled in the West Bank and other hot spots areas in Israel, which the Palestinians call the "Occupied Territories", finding themselves in the middle of one of the longest middleast conflicts. Some of them were also involved in the recent skirmish in Lebanon.
Is this what they had hoped for when they left India for the promised land? I wonder.
Related Posts: Lebanon - Scary scenario and some facts
Related Links:
- 49 Members of the Bnei Menashe Community Arrive in Israel
- Bneimenashe.com
Tags: Bnei Menashe Israel Lebanon West Bank
a group of more than 8,000 people from India's remote North-Eastern border states of Manipur and Mizoram who claim descent from one of the Lost Tribes of Israel.Even though it sounds too fantastic to be true, Israel has recognized them as Jews and the Indians are automatically eligible to become Israeli citizens under their Law of Return.
Initially the Israeli Govt. refused to entertain such claims.
Israel does not consider this community [in Mizoram] as Jewish..."- Ms Michal Buch, an Israeli embassy spokesperson in Delhi, told BBC News Online.
In 2005, Shlomo Amar, Chief Rabbi of the Sephardic Jews informed of his decision to recognise them as the lost descendants of ancient Israelites. However, before they could migrate, they had to convert to the Judaism and learn Hebrew. This gave rise to a crisis in Indian-Israeli relations. The Indian Govt. officials were not happy with the conversions and Israel put a stop to the conversions - at least for a while.
Since then, hundreds have migrated to the country and thousands are in the waiting list. Most of these people have been settled in the West Bank and other hot spots areas in Israel, which the Palestinians call the "Occupied Territories", finding themselves in the middle of one of the longest middleast conflicts. Some of them were also involved in the recent skirmish in Lebanon.
Is this what they had hoped for when they left India for the promised land? I wonder.
Related Posts: Lebanon - Scary scenario and some facts
Related Links:
- 49 Members of the Bnei Menashe Community Arrive in Israel
- Bneimenashe.com
Tags: Bnei Menashe Israel Lebanon West Bank
I am really awesome
I was intrigued after reading Lilian's (better known as 5Xmom) post "5xmom is really awesome!" and followed the link given. It lead me to Awesomemillion.com.
This is a fun website and allows you to have your own page certifying that you are "Really Awesome" and one in a million. Fun aside, it is actually a good online marketing tool. By paying Only $5 you can upload a picture - it may be your photograph, logo or whatever. The image will immediately appear on the home page of awesomemillion.com and linked to your site (of course you have to provide a link).
I have no idea how far it's true but according to the site, it pushed the blog traffic of a member to the grand total of over 25000 impressions. That's pretty amazing. Don't you think so?
Here's my own certificate, which proves that I am TRULY AWESOME and one in a million.
My God! I really sound like an egoistic £$%^&*d.
As 5Xmom mentions in her post, you don't have to pay $5 to get listed. Go over to the site now to find out more. I got there through Creamaid (via 5Xmom). You can actually blog about the website and earn a royalty. Just click the blue button below.
Related Link: Adam is really awesome
Tags: Awesomemillion.com Creamaid Certificate
This is a fun website and allows you to have your own page certifying that you are "Really Awesome" and one in a million. Fun aside, it is actually a good online marketing tool. By paying Only $5 you can upload a picture - it may be your photograph, logo or whatever. The image will immediately appear on the home page of awesomemillion.com and linked to your site (of course you have to provide a link).
I have no idea how far it's true but according to the site, it pushed the blog traffic of a member to the grand total of over 25000 impressions. That's pretty amazing. Don't you think so?
Here's my own certificate, which proves that I am TRULY AWESOME and one in a million.
My God! I really sound like an egoistic £$%^&*d.
As 5Xmom mentions in her post, you don't have to pay $5 to get listed. Go over to the site now to find out more. I got there through Creamaid (via 5Xmom). You can actually blog about the website and earn a royalty. Just click the blue button below.
Related Link: Adam is really awesome
Tags: Awesomemillion.com Creamaid Certificate
11 December 2006
Hotmail accounts upgraded
I have been a loyal Hotmail user for a long long time that I can't even remember when I signed up. It was my first email account and at that time, it wasn't even part of Uncle Bill's empire as yet. Microsoft only announced that it was acquiring Hotmail in early 1998. I was doing my MBA in University of Malaya then. At that time, it was pretty amazing because it was the first web based free e-mail (if I am not mistaken).
We have since moved on and hardly anyone I know, uses Hotmail anymore. I still take great pains to keep the account alive because you never know when a long lost friend might contact you. I had to re-sign up a couple of times because my account had become inactive.
Under Hotmail help, (Your account policies):
* However, for loyal Hotmail users (like yours truly) who have been with them for 2 years or more, in order to maintain our account the log-in grace period is extended to 60 days. (added this later)
Today, I just signed in to see if there were any messages from my old friends. No such luck. Mostly spam and newsletters. However there was one from 'Hotmail Member Services' with the subject heading: Good news! You now have more storage.
I found out that my Hotmail inbox capacity has been upgraded from 250 MB to 1 GB. Not just mine but all Hotmail accounts, "regardless of the market and account age".
It's a welcome move but I can't just help but wonder whether they have missed out on the boat. Most of my friends have since, moved onto Yahoo! and Gmail.
p.s. Seems like they haven't updated everything as yet. If you look at the same help page mentioned above, the Storage limits are still given as:
Related Posts:
- Now Yahoo
- Gigantic E-Mail
Related Link: It is Here: Hotmail to go 1GB (1,000 MB) of Storage
Tags: e-mail Hotmail Microsoft
We have since moved on and hardly anyone I know, uses Hotmail anymore. I still take great pains to keep the account alive because you never know when a long lost friend might contact you. I had to re-sign up a couple of times because my account had become inactive.
Under Hotmail help, (Your account policies):
Account activity
* Your account becomes inactive if you do not sign in for 30 days, or within the first 10 days after signing up for an account. After an account becomes inactive, all messages, folders, and contacts are deleted, but the account name is still reserved.
* However, for loyal Hotmail users (like yours truly) who have been with them for 2 years or more, in order to maintain our account the log-in grace period is extended to 60 days. (added this later)
Today, I just signed in to see if there were any messages from my old friends. No such luck. Mostly spam and newsletters. However there was one from 'Hotmail Member Services' with the subject heading: Good news! You now have more storage.
I found out that my Hotmail inbox capacity has been upgraded from 250 MB to 1 GB. Not just mine but all Hotmail accounts, "regardless of the market and account age".
It's a welcome move but I can't just help but wonder whether they have missed out on the boat. Most of my friends have since, moved onto Yahoo! and Gmail.
p.s. Seems like they haven't updated everything as yet. If you look at the same help page mentioned above, the Storage limits are still given as:
..... 2 to 250 megabytes (MB) of storage space.
Related Posts:
- Now Yahoo
- Gigantic E-Mail
Related Link: It is Here: Hotmail to go 1GB (1,000 MB) of Storage
Tags: e-mail Hotmail Microsoft
10 December 2006
What happened to my T-shirt?
Was going through my old G-mail messages when I came across one particular e-mail.
A long time ago (11, March 2005 to be precise), I was really excited when I received an e-mail from Asa Dotzler. In case you did not know, Dotzler is the co-founder and community coordinator for the Spread Firefox project.
Well here's what he wrote:
Was really looking forward to the t-shirt but it never arrived. I had totally forgotten about it until I read the mail today. Maybe they sent me the t-shirt but somehow didn't reach me.
On an unrelated note, check out the Firefox crop circle in Oregon.
This 5,000 sq. foot crop circle is now available on Google maps.
Related post: Firefox fan
Tags: Asa Dotzler Crop circle Firefox Google maps
A long time ago (11, March 2005 to be precise), I was really excited when I received an e-mail from Asa Dotzler. In case you did not know, Dotzler is the co-founder and community coordinator for the Spread Firefox project.
Well here's what he wrote:
Asa Dotzler to me, Marcia
show details 3/11/05
Hello, Adam.
It sounds like you're doing some great work spreading the word about
Firefox through emails and lectures. I'd like to send you a Firefox
t-shirt as thanks for your efforts. If you would reply to this email
with your mailing address and your t-shirt size, we will sent it along.
Thanks again for doing such a great job spreading Firefox.
--Asa
Was really looking forward to the t-shirt but it never arrived. I had totally forgotten about it until I read the mail today. Maybe they sent me the t-shirt but somehow didn't reach me.
On an unrelated note, check out the Firefox crop circle in Oregon.
This 5,000 sq. foot crop circle is now available on Google maps.
Related post: Firefox fan
Tags: Asa Dotzler Crop circle Firefox Google maps
09 December 2006
The queer hobbit
In Chapter 1 of the Hobbit:
Tolkien's description of Bilbo Baggins:
And Gandalf has this to say:
Today, people would give me a strange look if I were to say "I am feeling queer".
I blame it on a certain TV series where five guys with a particular lifestyle, gives normal people (or are they) a total make over.
Trying to write politically correct, is tough and that's queer.
Related posts: Cheapest books ever
Tags: Hobbit Queer Queer Eye Tolkien
Tolkien's description of Bilbo Baggins:
...got something a bit queer in his make-up from the Took side,...
And Gandalf has this to say:
'Gets funny queer fits, but he is one of the best...
Today, people would give me a strange look if I were to say "I am feeling queer".
I blame it on a certain TV series where five guys with a particular lifestyle, gives normal people (or are they) a total make over.
Trying to write politically correct, is tough and that's queer.
Related posts: Cheapest books ever
Tags: Hobbit Queer Queer Eye Tolkien
07 December 2006
Cheapest books ever
I am slowly but steadily building up a small collection of books again. Yesterday I just put down Tolkien's The Hobbit
.
For those who are not aware, this exciting story is the prequel to the Lord of the Rings and also tells us how Bilbo Baggins (the main character) found the One Ring. There are some rumours that Oscar winning director Peter Jackson is going to shoot the movie adaptation of this book soon.
I bought this book along with Frank Herbert's Chapter House Dune, the final book in his series of six Dune novels for a mere 50p (approx. RM3.48). I also bought a limited edition Official Annual 1981 issue of Superman (hard cover) and Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows
(hard cover) for 50p each. Where did I get this amazing deal?
Well! I bought all of them last Sunday at the car boot sale in Stoneleigh. The best part is that all of the books, apart from The Hobbit, are in pristine condition. Looking forward to next Sunday and some more great deals.
p.s. I just realised that my daughter has a bigger collection than mine.
Related posts:
- Car Booty in Coventry
- Led Zeppelin and the evil one
Related links:
- theonering.net
- theonering.com
Tags: Car boot sale CJ's Car Boot Dune Hobbit Tolkien
.
For those who are not aware, this exciting story is the prequel to the Lord of the Rings and also tells us how Bilbo Baggins (the main character) found the One Ring. There are some rumours that Oscar winning director Peter Jackson is going to shoot the movie adaptation of this book soon.
I bought this book along with Frank Herbert's Chapter House Dune, the final book in his series of six Dune novels for a mere 50p (approx. RM3.48). I also bought a limited edition Official Annual 1981 issue of Superman (hard cover) and Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows
(hard cover) for 50p each. Where did I get this amazing deal?Well! I bought all of them last Sunday at the car boot sale in Stoneleigh. The best part is that all of the books, apart from The Hobbit, are in pristine condition. Looking forward to next Sunday and some more great deals.
p.s. I just realised that my daughter has a bigger collection than mine.
Related posts:
- Car Booty in Coventry
- Led Zeppelin and the evil one
Related links:
- theonering.net
- theonering.com
Tags: Car boot sale CJ's Car Boot Dune Hobbit Tolkien
05 December 2006
West Orchards Coventry
The most happening place in Coventry has to the West Orchards Shopping Centre. It is just 8 minutes drive from my place. Very popular with the residents here. The centre has a number of stores including Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.
If you don't like branded stuff, just walk out of the place and get to Wilkinsons or to the 99p shop, just a stone throw away. A lot of CHEAP yet good quality stuff there.
If you feel like having a bite, they have a food court with 8 food outlets including junk food specialists, McDonalds and KFC. If you want a proper restaurant, then you have go somewhere else.
By 6pm the place is dead. Most of the shops close by then, except for Debenhams, which close about 1- 2 hours later.
A notice on the lifts say that it is only for people on wheel chairs and parents with push chairs but noticed a number of able bodied people getting in.
My conclusion: Nothing to shout about. Good place to hang about and watch people if you have nowhere to go. And if you like branded stuff.
If you have been to the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, you have seen it all. The architecture is really interesting though.
My daughter admiring the x-mas decorations.
Yeah! Those are shopping bags on the right. Just came out of Wilkinsons.
If you don't like branded stuff, just walk out of the place and get to Wilkinsons or to the 99p shop, just a stone throw away. A lot of CHEAP yet good quality stuff there.
If you feel like having a bite, they have a food court with 8 food outlets including junk food specialists, McDonalds and KFC. If you want a proper restaurant, then you have go somewhere else.
By 6pm the place is dead. Most of the shops close by then, except for Debenhams, which close about 1- 2 hours later.
A notice on the lifts say that it is only for people on wheel chairs and parents with push chairs but noticed a number of able bodied people getting in.
My conclusion: Nothing to shout about. Good place to hang about and watch people if you have nowhere to go. And if you like branded stuff.
If you have been to the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, you have seen it all. The architecture is really interesting though.
The dome.
1345 - 2007
My daughter admiring the x-mas decorations.
Beneath Lady Godiva on her horse.
Yeah! Those are shopping bags on the right. Just came out of Wilkinsons.
03 December 2006
Calpol or Panadol?
What do you take when you have a headache?
In Malaysia, the drug of choice would be a Panadol tablet (or two). In the US, it would be Tylenol and Crocin in India. In the UK, if your kid is running a fever or just had a jab, the nurse would most probably recommend Calpol. (Andrew: probably the reason why you haven't heard of it)
It's quite funny but they are all common brand names for Paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the US), the most common analgesic and antipyretic drug in the World.
One interesting info for cat owners is that Paracetamol is extremely toxic to the cats and should not be given to them under any circumstances.
Read more about this drug on the Wikipedia site.
Tags: Calpol Panadol Paracetamol Tylenol
In Malaysia, the drug of choice would be a Panadol tablet (or two). In the US, it would be Tylenol and Crocin in India. In the UK, if your kid is running a fever or just had a jab, the nurse would most probably recommend Calpol. (Andrew: probably the reason why you haven't heard of it)
It's quite funny but they are all common brand names for Paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the US), the most common analgesic and antipyretic drug in the World.
One interesting info for cat owners is that Paracetamol is extremely toxic to the cats and should not be given to them under any circumstances.
Read more about this drug on the Wikipedia site.
Tags: Calpol Panadol Paracetamol Tylenol
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