It looks like the dry spell is finally over – or at least here in Kedah. Yesterday it was a bit of a let down. Only a light drizzle, after a lot of thunder and lighting. And just now it finally poured. I am stuck in the office and I might as well complete my work. Just hoping that the power doesn’t go away.
Oh Shit! Just remembered that I washed my clothes today morning and had left them hanging to dry.
BTW, I was looking at my Blogger dashboard, trying to find out how many post I had made so far. Mine seems to be stuck at 146 for quite sometime now, even though I have been blogging like almost every day.
Are any of you facing this problem?
15 March 2005
14 March 2005
IT Expert
I have suddenly become the IT expert in the office now. It seems like I am the first person they call when they face some problems with their PC or even for software problems.
Hey guys, in case you didn't realise there is a separate department, set up just to deal with such problems, staffed with guys having IT degrees. They are not getting their pay for free, you know.
Some people are surprised because I have a background in biological sciences (or in Forestry to be more precise). However, I was always interested in computers and stuff. I started building my first website on Geocities in 1998 (while I was struggling with my MBA in University Malaya) starting with 1 page. It's still there but I haven't updated it in ages. I started creating websites for family and friends and that's how I got hooked.
During my jobless era (one of the toughest phases of my life), I decided to get an E-Commerce Professional certificate from Informatics, PJ and I really learnt a lot. Then I started writing for the Jaring Internet Magine (published by Mimos). That happened after I wrote to the editor, commenting about an article and he invited me to write for them. It was quite funny but I later got a job as the Information officer/Editor in Consumers International, based on my IT skills and not my MBA. That's fate I guess.
FYI, Consumers International is a non-profit federation of 274 consumer organisations worldwide, including Malaysia's FOMCA and CAP. I am not sure why, but their website was down when I checked today.
Anyway, I received this e-mail from a office colleague:
Hi Adam,
How do we get rid of spyware?
Even though I am not an expert, here’s my answer to him:
Hi,
Well I would suggest you use these following Spyware detectors:
1. Spybot - search & destroy
2. Ad-aware
I would also recommend that you use the new popular browser called Firefox from the Mozilla foundation, which you can download from http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
All of the above software are FREE.
Regards,
Adam
Do you have any more suggestions?
Hey guys, in case you didn't realise there is a separate department, set up just to deal with such problems, staffed with guys having IT degrees. They are not getting their pay for free, you know.
Some people are surprised because I have a background in biological sciences (or in Forestry to be more precise). However, I was always interested in computers and stuff. I started building my first website on Geocities in 1998 (while I was struggling with my MBA in University Malaya) starting with 1 page. It's still there but I haven't updated it in ages. I started creating websites for family and friends and that's how I got hooked.
During my jobless era (one of the toughest phases of my life), I decided to get an E-Commerce Professional certificate from Informatics, PJ and I really learnt a lot. Then I started writing for the Jaring Internet Magine (published by Mimos). That happened after I wrote to the editor, commenting about an article and he invited me to write for them. It was quite funny but I later got a job as the Information officer/Editor in Consumers International, based on my IT skills and not my MBA. That's fate I guess.
FYI, Consumers International is a non-profit federation of 274 consumer organisations worldwide, including Malaysia's FOMCA and CAP. I am not sure why, but their website was down when I checked today.
Anyway, I received this e-mail from a office colleague:
Hi Adam,
How do we get rid of spyware?
Even though I am not an expert, here’s my answer to him:
Hi,
Well I would suggest you use these following Spyware detectors:
1. Spybot - search & destroy
2. Ad-aware
I would also recommend that you use the new popular browser called Firefox from the Mozilla foundation, which you can download from http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
All of the above software are FREE.
Regards,
Adam
Do you have any more suggestions?
13 March 2005
Thermal Cups
I love my thermal coffee (or tea) cups. they are made of stainless steel with a spill-proof lid design with rubber seal. I used to have a normal boring ceramic cup but it broke when it fell off my table. These on the other hand, are unbreakable and keep my drinks warm (or cold). I have 2 of them and got both of them for free.
I received the smaller one when I signed up for a life insurance package with Great Eastern. On the other hand, the tall one (my favourite) is from Citibank. I got it from my wife who got it from a Professor in University Malaya who in turn got it from a representative from Citibank. I love these free corporate gifts.
I received the smaller one when I signed up for a life insurance package with Great Eastern. On the other hand, the tall one (my favourite) is from Citibank. I got it from my wife who got it from a Professor in University Malaya who in turn got it from a representative from Citibank. I love these free corporate gifts.
11 March 2005
Firefox Fan
I am a Firefox fan and I can proudly claim that as a result of my efforts, at least 100 people are now using the browser including most of my office collegues. However, my efforts are mostly limited to telling other people about the features through e-mails and lectures.
Quite recently, another Firefox fan contacted me. He is more than a fan and is actively contributing to the development of the browser. Lim Chee Aun from Penang, is the creator of the Phoenity Firefox Theme (current version 1.4.1), which was released on November 22, 2004. It is very colourful and goes well with the Windows XP theme. It is also one of the top rated Firefox themes.
For someone who has just completed his Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) (equivalent to A levels), this guy is really talented. You can read his blog here.
Quite recently, another Firefox fan contacted me. He is more than a fan and is actively contributing to the development of the browser. Lim Chee Aun from Penang, is the creator of the Phoenity Firefox Theme (current version 1.4.1), which was released on November 22, 2004. It is very colourful and goes well with the Windows XP theme. It is also one of the top rated Firefox themes.
For someone who has just completed his Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) (equivalent to A levels), this guy is really talented. You can read his blog here.
09 March 2005
Card Junkie
Last week I was going through the contents of my wallet with my wife, while transferring them to my new one (thanks darling) and realized that I am a card junkie. I mean I was carrying more than 10 cards in my wallet. Let me list them:
1.2 ATM cards (I left another one at home because I don’t use it anymore)
2.BonusLink
3.Conversion card (for converts to Islam in Malaysia).
4.1 credit card (Citibank)
5.Lesen Memandu Malaysia (Driving licence) + renewal.
6.Golf club membership
7.Jaya Jusco J card
8.Kad Perakun Nikah (marriage card) from Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor.
9.Metrojaya Privilage www.metrojayaonline.com
10.Malaysian Airlines Enrich
11.My organization’s smart IC
12.Real Rewards
13.Telekom iTalk (RM12 left)
14.Touch ‘n Go
15.University Malaya student card
That’s a total of 17 cards in my wallet. No wonder my wallet was so thick. So I decided that it's time to do some spring cleaning and put away those card, which I don’t really need. You will notice that I didn’t say “throw away”. I collect cards. However, I have around 100 cards now – old credit cards, used up phone cards, old smart cards, old ATM cards, old loyalty cards, etc. etc. and all of them are different. Yes I know it’s a strange hobby.
Anyway, coming back to my story. So there goes the iTalk card (I only need the number at the back), the conversion card (for safe keeping with my wife), Metrojaya card (I don’t shop here anyway), Enrich card (need only the number while booking) and my golf club membership card (they know me anyway). So that 5 cards less. My wallet actually looks much thinner now
I also realized one thing – several of my cards are in fact loyalty cards. And what do you know. I am really loyal - just the kind that marketers love. Take the Jusco card for example. A few years back, I was just roaming around town with Nick, a crazy friend of mine and we suddenly decided to go and have a look at the new Mega Mall. Only a few stores were open and construction was still going on the top floors. There were not many people around and it was pretty dusty. We noticed that some people were giving out cards for free and we decided to sign up. I am still a member.
Talking to some of my friends, I realized that I am not the only one. One lady actually had more cards than me - extra credit cards, gym membership cards and a card for regular ERL users (from YTL). Wow!
Are you one of us?
1.2 ATM cards (I left another one at home because I don’t use it anymore)
2.BonusLink
3.Conversion card (for converts to Islam in Malaysia).
4.1 credit card (Citibank)
5.Lesen Memandu Malaysia (Driving licence) + renewal.
6.Golf club membership
7.Jaya Jusco J card
8.Kad Perakun Nikah (marriage card) from Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor.
9.Metrojaya Privilage www.metrojayaonline.com
10.Malaysian Airlines Enrich
11.My organization’s smart IC
12.Real Rewards
13.Telekom iTalk (RM12 left)
14.Touch ‘n Go
15.University Malaya student card
That’s a total of 17 cards in my wallet. No wonder my wallet was so thick. So I decided that it's time to do some spring cleaning and put away those card, which I don’t really need. You will notice that I didn’t say “throw away”. I collect cards. However, I have around 100 cards now – old credit cards, used up phone cards, old smart cards, old ATM cards, old loyalty cards, etc. etc. and all of them are different. Yes I know it’s a strange hobby.
Anyway, coming back to my story. So there goes the iTalk card (I only need the number at the back), the conversion card (for safe keeping with my wife), Metrojaya card (I don’t shop here anyway), Enrich card (need only the number while booking) and my golf club membership card (they know me anyway). So that 5 cards less. My wallet actually looks much thinner now
I also realized one thing – several of my cards are in fact loyalty cards. And what do you know. I am really loyal - just the kind that marketers love. Take the Jusco card for example. A few years back, I was just roaming around town with Nick, a crazy friend of mine and we suddenly decided to go and have a look at the new Mega Mall. Only a few stores were open and construction was still going on the top floors. There were not many people around and it was pretty dusty. We noticed that some people were giving out cards for free and we decided to sign up. I am still a member.
Talking to some of my friends, I realized that I am not the only one. One lady actually had more cards than me - extra credit cards, gym membership cards and a card for regular ERL users (from YTL). Wow!
Are you one of us?
08 March 2005
WMDs in Malaysia
According to a report from the AOLB news agency, there are a number of WMDs in Malaysia with the full knowledge of the authorities. I have posted a picture as proof.
07 March 2005
Weekend Roundup
Friday:
My wife pulled me along with her to the Hush Puppy sale at the Armada Hotel in PJ. In the end I ended up spending more than her. Actually she bought 2 shoes and I bought only one - a pair from Obermain, which cost me only RM100. Yeah! even at a bargain, guys shoes cost more. Maybe its because we don't buy that often and only have a few pairs as compared to women.
Added this later:I have been here at the Armada hotels for various sales. In fact, I bought most of my Hantaran (Malay wedding gifts) at some of them. This time, it was a bit more organised with the organisers restricting the number of customers entering the hall. Last time, it was a riot with ladies pushing each other tugging and pulling. This time, the pushing and pulling was still on but on a lesser scale.
In the evening we finally watched Sepet. Correction: I finally watched Sepet. My wife had already seen it earlier on Wednesday. Anyway, tried to book 2 tickets at One Utama's TGV over the phone but found that it was fully booked. So decided to try our luck by queuing up for the 9:10 pm show. Found that the only seats available were those on the front row. We were really disappointed until the lady at the counter pointed out that we could wait till 8:40pm. They would then release those unsold seats booked over the telephone. We waited and got great seats, 3 rows from the back and in the center.
Regarding the movie, I guess I have nothing new to blog about. Yes its a great movie and I really liked it, I guess because it is like a breath of fresh air after all the Erra Fazira and fantasy based/Hindi movie clones. However, the scene transitions were sometimes a bit jarring. We laughed along with the others at some of the funny scenes. The sad scenes were a bit touching initially but the girls weeping at the back and in the front rows somehow made it funny. I recommend everyone to see this movie if you have not done so.
Saturday:
Went to Melacca for work again. Didn't have chance to explore the city again.
Sunday:
Went to Ikea in Damansara with Rahil tagging along. Our friend, Hardy gave us free vouchers worth RM100 and so we decided to do a bit of shopping. A tip: You can save on parking if you park at the Curve's parking, which is still free and then walk to the Ikano power center. Anyway, we didn't buy anything big and picked up some small stuff which cost altogether about RM60. So we have about RM40, which we must finish off before 16th March. We may have to come back for a bed set, which will set me back by more than a grand. Uh Oh.
My younger sister called me up from Australia to wish me Happy Birthday, a bit early. She will be here in Malaysia in April and she can't wait to see Rahil.
Monday:
Back to work in Kedah. It's my birthday but I will be celebrating it alone. My wife gave me a nice pen and a wallet (to replace my old one). Everyone loves presents and I am no exception. My sister called me to say that she has something for me when I come back next week. Keep those present coming.
I remember those days during my teenage years when I couldn't wait to be older. Its kind of funny but you keep reminiscing about those teenage years....
My wife pulled me along with her to the Hush Puppy sale at the Armada Hotel in PJ. In the end I ended up spending more than her. Actually she bought 2 shoes and I bought only one - a pair from Obermain, which cost me only RM100. Yeah! even at a bargain, guys shoes cost more. Maybe its because we don't buy that often and only have a few pairs as compared to women.
Added this later:I have been here at the Armada hotels for various sales. In fact, I bought most of my Hantaran (Malay wedding gifts) at some of them. This time, it was a bit more organised with the organisers restricting the number of customers entering the hall. Last time, it was a riot with ladies pushing each other tugging and pulling. This time, the pushing and pulling was still on but on a lesser scale.
In the evening we finally watched Sepet. Correction: I finally watched Sepet. My wife had already seen it earlier on Wednesday. Anyway, tried to book 2 tickets at One Utama's TGV over the phone but found that it was fully booked. So decided to try our luck by queuing up for the 9:10 pm show. Found that the only seats available were those on the front row. We were really disappointed until the lady at the counter pointed out that we could wait till 8:40pm. They would then release those unsold seats booked over the telephone. We waited and got great seats, 3 rows from the back and in the center.
Regarding the movie, I guess I have nothing new to blog about. Yes its a great movie and I really liked it, I guess because it is like a breath of fresh air after all the Erra Fazira and fantasy based/Hindi movie clones. However, the scene transitions were sometimes a bit jarring. We laughed along with the others at some of the funny scenes. The sad scenes were a bit touching initially but the girls weeping at the back and in the front rows somehow made it funny. I recommend everyone to see this movie if you have not done so.
Saturday:
Went to Melacca for work again. Didn't have chance to explore the city again.
Sunday:
Went to Ikea in Damansara with Rahil tagging along. Our friend, Hardy gave us free vouchers worth RM100 and so we decided to do a bit of shopping. A tip: You can save on parking if you park at the Curve's parking, which is still free and then walk to the Ikano power center. Anyway, we didn't buy anything big and picked up some small stuff which cost altogether about RM60. So we have about RM40, which we must finish off before 16th March. We may have to come back for a bed set, which will set me back by more than a grand. Uh Oh.
My younger sister called me up from Australia to wish me Happy Birthday, a bit early. She will be here in Malaysia in April and she can't wait to see Rahil.
Monday:
Back to work in Kedah. It's my birthday but I will be celebrating it alone. My wife gave me a nice pen and a wallet (to replace my old one). Everyone loves presents and I am no exception. My sister called me to say that she has something for me when I come back next week. Keep those present coming.
I remember those days during my teenage years when I couldn't wait to be older. Its kind of funny but you keep reminiscing about those teenage years....
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