Project Petaling Street Blog

I'm but one of the many generation-X living in this vast ambiguous world of countless commercials targeting at me everyday. I need this and I need that ... YES, I definitely need a million ringgit in my bank account too. It is definitely this social order that is slowly turning this lonesome tangerine awfully cynical, wary and apathetically uninterested with living.

Our stereotype pigeonhole is constantly forcing me to move outwards, to flee from public eye and create my middle kingdom. Isn't this the romantic life? To not worry about our own identity but to derive some benefit from pleasurable moments and constant timely rendezvous? So every moment bears semblance to constant theatrical deeds. I'm surely no performing arts graduate so I'm terribly terrible at acting. So much expression of behaviors but so little inner satisfaction. Manners without substance and aesthetics of meaningless etiquette. I rather go home, to my own loft.

At the end of the day, skepticism and fuzzy hunger for a touch of genuine is but what's left on the dinner table. Doesn't matter how many the table is for, without question only one seat is occupied. I consume my detachment from the world and find tranquility in my humble home. With no one to turn to, I seek refuge in the company of my pathetic 21" square minded housemate. I am still hoping that it will grow mature someday but I'm contented as long as I'm immune from the outside world. Maybe next month it'll grow wider to 42".

As I celebrate my freethinking liberty in front of my little square pal, I'm truly happy as I'm able to detach myself from reality. But it is always during your most relaxed instances that senses come knocking lightly on your door. Is it myself? Selling my part to the world. Selling my precious immunity to the world of bombarding advertisers? Why can't we have ad-free programs on national tv? Sure, I'm lofty and I will attach to nothing. I'm committed to nothing and certainly not to anyone. I will not be seduced. But mediocre me waited just abit longer, trying hard not to doze off watching the shows on Ntv7. 3 hours gone - one past midnight, I finally get to watch my David Letterman and decided I should join the Kuala Lumpur Rat Race. I probably need more stamina to see this humanity better and clearer. It wasn't temptation, I'm but undiplomatically indifferent. Is it time to run?

Posted by charlyn at 08:33 PM | Permalink

Why hasn't anyone commented on this post? Why am I still ranked no. 189,293 in Technorati after 2 months of blogging? Avid bloggers might not be aware that they're becoming moody over the lack of response in their blogs. The Nonist has a public service pamphlet on Blog Depression, to spread awareness about this insiduous and destructive behaviour.

there is a growing epidemic in the cyberworld. a scourge which causes more suffering with each passing day. as blogging has exploded and, under the stewardship of the veterans, the form has matured more and more bloggers are finding themselves disillusioned, dissatisfied, taking long breaks, and in many cases simply closing up shop. this debilitating scourge ebbs and flows but there is hardly a blogger among us who has not felt its dark touch. we're speaking, of course, about blog depression.

Posted by Yvonne at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Woah. I've been waiting for a laser fax cum printer ever since HP came out with their cool MFPs (multi function printers). This one fits the bill since laser catridges are more economical in the long run. Check out the Canon Faxphone L120 at EverythingUSB

Canon has added a laser Faxphone to their inkjet version in their consumer line. The USB 2.0 Faxphone L120 combines high-speed fax and telephoning capabilities with high-quality laser printing in one compact design. The low-profile L120 faxes though a dedicated Super G3 33.6Kbps modem, copies and prints from a computer.

Posted by Colbert at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Read this with much, much sadness: US fans shun Michael Jackson CD. As a young boy and adult, i literally grew up with Michael Jackson's songs -- the thrill of Thriller, the infectious grooves of Beat It, the uber-cool dance moves in the Smooth Criminal video.

Michael Jackson's latest greatest hits album has sold just 8,000 copies in the US in its first week of release, reaching number 128 in the chart.

The Essential Michael Jackson is the star's first release since he was cleared of child abuse a month ago.

The public of America is unforgiving, MJ has been tried and found guilty in the court of public opinion. That's a shame.

Posted by Aizuddin Danian at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I would like point out a PPS pinger's weblog named, "The Laments Of A Broken Hearted Silhouette". The author behind this blog is Kyels, a 19 year old student living in Perak. I found her writing to be extraordinary and something worth reading.

Her most recent posts are

1. Why are we, Malaysians, rude in society
2. Betrayals, Trust, Faith?
3. What are the criticisms of the NEP?

I'm amazed at how a young girl like her can be so opinionistic, firm, and true to her words. Certainly a writer quality.

Posted by Yvonne at 09:13 PM | Permalink

Our solar system has a 10th planet! WOW!

Astronomers in the United States have announced the discovery of the 10th planet to orbit our Sun.

The largest object found in our Solar System since Neptune was discovered in 1846, it was first seen in 2003 but has only now been confirmed as a planet.

Designated 2003 UB313, it is about 3,000km across, a world of rock and ice and somewhat larger than Pluto.

Posted by Aizuddin Danian at 05:03 PM | Permalink

Artificial Life Inc. is the pioneer in artificial intelligence and intelligent agent/smart bot technology since its inception in Boston, USA, in 1993. Its latest innovation, V-Girl^TM won the Ericsson Mobile Applications Award on December 1, 2004 in Zurich Switxerland.

On 15th December 2004, Artificial Life Inc. announced that it has signed contract with Maxis Telecommunications Berhad, Malaysia's leading mobile telecoms operator, to launch its innovative and award winning 3G product "V-Girl(TM)" in Malaysia. Maxis has the exclusive rights for the V-Girl(TM) for six months after the launch in the Malaysian market.

So what exactly is V-Girl^TM? For the hopeless romantics out there who are desperately in need of a companion, you might want to consider adopting a Virtual Girlfriend. All you need is a 3G mobile phone and some extra cash to spend on this product. With a small monthly subscription fee, you'll have a pretty girl tagging onto you all day long.

Your virtual girlfriend acts and behaves like a real one, complete with emotions and preferences, so be prepared to spend some extra cash on virtual gifts and maybe a virtual wedding ceremony that comes with virtual mother-in-law who would call in you in the middle of the night on your cellphone.

Now, if you're not very expressive in real life, don't expect to perform well in virtual either, because your Virtual Girlfriend needs to be pampered and showered with love, or both of you won't be going far in this virtual relationship. Even when she is off to shopping with her virtual friends, you've got to stick by with care or she might just give you tantrums that can be damaging to the relationship.

But is this a worthwhile investment? That is up to everyone else to make their own decisions. I certainly won't know how it feels to be a dateless guy. But personally, I would rather spend the money on a good haircut and some pretty dresses. After all, the Virtual Girlfriend costs money to maintain. If you're stingy in nature, then chances are, you might have to part with your virtual girlfriend sooner than expected.

Otherwise, the VGirl(TM) may just be the kind of investment that you need to keep you busy. When you subscribe to this monthly mobile service, your phone operator will prosper and contributes to country's economical growth. For more insights, visit the V-Girl(TM)'s official website.

Posted by Yvonne at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Christian Bale is the best Batman since Michael Keaton. Damaged, brooding and vengeful, his portrayal is nothing short of definitive.

The question is, what convinced the honchos at Warner Brothers to entrust the revival of their valuable franchise to a little-known actor?

You will find the answer in an overlooked sci-fi gem called Equilibrium. Since its release in 2002, it has become popular on the Internet and gained something of a cult following.

"Libria, I congratulate you. At last, peace reigns in the heart of man. At last, war is but a word whose meaning fades from our understanding. At last, we are whole."

Combining the best facets of dystopian classics such 1984, Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451, Equilibrium takes place in a future where a Third World War has decimated mankind. The city-state of Libria is established by a totalitarian government known as the Tetragrammaton, led by a dictator called Father. His voice and holographic presence is everywhere, urging citizens to obey without question.

"Librians, there is a disease in the heart of man. Its symptom is hate. Its symptom is anger. Its symptom is rage. Its symptom is war. The disease is human emotion."

It has been decreed that human emotion leads to bloody conflict. Mankind cannot risk another global war. Therefore, human emotion must be controlled.

"But Libria, I congratulate you, for there is a cure for this disease. At the cost of the dizzying highs of human emotion, we have suppressed its abysmal lows. And you, as a society, have embraced this cure. Prozium. Now we are at peace with ourselves and human kind is one. War is gone. Hate, a memory. We are our own conscience now, and it is this conscience that guides us to rate EC-10, for emotional content, all those things that might tempt us to feel again, and destroy them."

Literature, film, music, art and pets are outlawed. To keep the status quo in place, an emotion-dampening drug called Prozium must be taken at regular intervals. In return for this, citizens enjoy a clean and comfortable standard of living. There is no murder, nor is there any theft.

"Prozium - The great nepenthe. Opiate of our masses. Glue of our great society. Salve and salvation, it has delivered us from pathos, from sorrow, the deepest chasms of melancholy and hate. With it, we anesthetize grief, annihilate jealousy, obliterate rage. Those sister impulses towards joy, love, and elation are anesthetized in stride, we accept as fair sacrifice. For we embrace Prozium in its unifying fullness and all that it has done to make us great."

Even so, there are those who have shirked off the bitter aftertaste of Prozium. They are known as Sense Offenders. Unafraid of lavishing love on a dog, or admiring the pastel beauty of a painting, they have formed an Underground against Father and his government.

"I saw Robbie Taylor crying today. He didn't know, but I saw. Do you think I should report him?"

The Tetragrammaton's task force against the Underground are Clerics, samurai-like enforcers trained in a martial art called Gun Kata. It is mathematics, ballet and killer instinct all rolled into one.

"The Gun Katas. Through analysis of thousands of recorded gunfights, the Cleric has determined that the geometric distribution of antagonists in any gun battle is a statistically predictable element. The Gun Kata treats the gun as a total weapon, each fluid position representing a maximum kill zone, inflicting maximum damage on the maximum number of opponents while keeping the defender clear of the statistically traditional trajectories of return fire. By the rote mastery of this art, your firing efficiency will rise by no less than 120%. The difference of a 63% increase to lethal proficiency makes the master of the Gun Katas an adversary not to be taken lightly."

The film opens with John Preston, the most elite Cleric, devastating a room filled with Sense Offenders in a matter of seconds. He unflinchingly orders the burning of the original Mona Lisa, and even goes as far as to execute his own friend for reading a book of poetry.

"Cleric, I can only hope one day to be as uncompromising as you."

Here is a stone cold lawman, knowing nothing but loyalty to his government, spearheading a witch hunt against the Underground with relentless resolve. That is, until the day he misses his dose of Prozium and starts to feel.

"To feel. Because you've never done it, you can never know it. But it's as vital as breath. And without it, without love, without anger, without sorrow, breath is just a clock ticking."

Christian Bale is a revelation as John Preston. Armed with physical prowess and first-rate acting chops, he gives a moving performance as a man shocked back into emotion. Whether it is about staring at the beauty of a sunrise for the first time, or whooping a dozen men in razor-sharp close combat, it doesn't take much imagination to understand why Bale was picked to take on the mantle of Batman.

The movie itself is an extraordinary specimen of independent filmmaking. Created with a budget of only $20 million, it boasts interesting cinematography and set design. Grey and white are the predominant colors of Libria, while warmer hues are only glimpsed when illegal caches of art and music are uncovered.

The highlight is the Gun Kata sequences, done with such masterful flair and decisive confidence, they actually put the shaky camerawork in many blockbusters to shame. You will find none of the usual wirework or camera trickery. What you get instead is solid slam-bang choreography, and nowhere is this more evident than in a complex pistol-whipping scene that was filmed in only 30 minutes. Yes, Gun Kata is downright amazing. A weapon-oriented martial art conceptualized just for this film. It has to be seen to be believed.

Equilibrium is a stirring accomplishment, filled with emotion, philosophy and action. It is a tribute to the humanity in all of us. Certainly something that every self-respecting cinema junkie should seek out.

Posted by at 01:14 AM | Permalink

Never really gave it much thought, but LiewCF's posting about Google page rank a few weeks ago made me wonder about some of the websites/blogs that i frequent. Looks like Project Petaling Street's Google Page Rank is 6, my Volume of Interaction is PR 5, Jeff Ooi's Screenshots is PR 6, and the Project Petaling Street Blog is currently PR 0!

The PPS Blog's current Google page rank

Hahahah... just a little bit of trivia fun. Check out any website's Google Page Rank with this smart little app. Also check out a quick list of websites with a very high Page Rank 10 or 9.

Posted by Aizuddin Danian at 02:55 PM | Permalink

I've been reading a lot of newspapers from the UK in the past year. Apparently, cricket is their number one sport. Coming in a distant second is rugby. Third is footie. Yeah, the EPL, that is worshipped halfly across the globe here. Okay, maybe second and third place is a close race, but number one is undisputable.

Why, for God's sake, cricket? What is the lure of men in white uniforms hurling this ball across the soiled path? Bodylining? Overs? What's a wicket? (Is it a wicked racket?) I just can't imagine those stodgy, average English blokes in the pub going, "Hey Nigel, what say after this pint we go out to the park and toss the old cricket ball around. I bet those tarts in the perm shop will be watching at us!"

I once understood the rules. My ex-colleague "Muralitharan" Saravanan (he used to play a bit in school) spent about an hour (during a VERY slow day at work) explaining the rules and intricacies of the game to me. Then about three days, I totally forgot everything. This was about the time during the cricket world cup (or the Fischmann Cup or the Kahlua Trophy or or something like that).

Although I remember a few things. One thing is that you can spend two days playing and end up with a draw. Like 200-200 England versus Zimbabwe. Yeah, I'd love to see that happen when Liverpool meet Everton.

And if you bat it out of the padang ('home run'), you score 6 wickets. Or something like that.

And only a few countries a good at it. Like England, South Africa, Australia and Zimbabwe. And the Ashes test series (?) are on again.

Anyway. The thing about it is I don't understand the lure of the game. Most of the supporters are the older generation, but I know a few guys my age that PLAY cricket competitively. Whoa, cool jocks, man.

Maybe if I actually tried it, I might be darn good at it. Who knows, I could be a deadly leg spinner like Shane Warne...(albeit with my killer left hand).

Posted by simon at 12:05 PM | Permalink

I've always wondered what constitutes a good blog design:

- easy to read layout?
- fonts selection and size not too small or too large?
- not too many distracting images, blinking buttons, etc.?
- easy navigation? links to archives, previous posts? links to recent comments?
- "value-added" links i.e. blogrolls, reading lists?
- easy-on-the-eyes colours

This is just me, but personally, i prefer blogs that aren't too "busy", with light, pastel colours.

What are your favourite blogs, design-wise? Leave a comment here, share with us the URL, and tell us why you like it.

Posted by Aizuddin Danian at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

The sun is a mixture of red and orange, dipping below the horizon, where the sky and the sea seem to meet. Jason swallows his anxiety, and makes a decision: now is the time. He sinks awkwardly down to one knee, and looks up at his beloved Miranda, her hair billowing delicately in the breeze. He fumbles for something in his pocket, his face scrunching into a half-smile. He pulls it out, steadying his grip so that Miranda can see it. She gasps, her hand moving to her mouth. It is a proposal ring, its tiny solitaire diamond shimmering in the dying sunlight.

Is there anything more exotic, more dazzling and more intriguing than a diamond? Created underground by intense pressure and heat, and launched to the surface by volcanic activity, there has always been a romantic aura attached to diamonds.

From engagements to wedding anniversaries, the diamond industry is a RM33 billion a year leviathan that thrives on the most successful marketing slogan in history: 'Diamonds Are Forever'.

Unfortunately, the same can be said about death and amputation.

Udi is fourteen-years-old. Like other teenagers in his village, he should be spending time with his friends and playing football. Instead, he is lying on a filthy mattress in a makeshift tent, his eyes darting wearily across the ceiling. His face is a mishmash of blood-soaked bandages. Underneath them, he has no lips and no ears. They were sliced off by a swinging machete when he refused to rape his own mother. Now, raising his arms with a soft grunt, he sees stumps where his hands should be. A traumatized sob starts from his chest and spreads to the rest of his tiny frame. Shaking badly, a plan forms in his mind. When he gathers the strength, he will make his way to the village well and drown himself. Living like this is not living at all.

It is estimated that 20% of diamonds, one in every five, come from African countries such as Sierra Leone, Angola and Liberia, which are torn apart by armed conflict and unrelenting violence. The diamonds harvested and exported from these war zones are known as blood diamonds, which help finance the acquisition of weaponry used by militants to pursue their campaigns of aggression. Forced labour, sexual slavery and child soldiers are the results.

In addition, it is now believed that the terrorist strikes on September 11th 2001, or even the recent bombings in London, were financed by blood diamonds. This is not hard to understand. Diamonds are the most compact form of wealth, and it is possible to fit several million dollars worth of them in a cigarette pack.

Tears of joy slide down Miranda's cheeks. Half-a-world away, a young boy sheds tears of despair. She will never know him, nor will he ever know her, but they share a powerful connection. Miranda now wears the diamond that Udi originally mined for his captors.

Malaysians can play their part to deter wars of aggression and terrorism by refusing to purchase blood diamonds. Buy only from reputable and certified jewellers. Avoid wholesalers, discount outlets and peddlers.

Remember, each time you buy a legitimate diamond, you help steer funding and support away from militants who have no interest in economic development or lasting peace in Africa.

Posted by at 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Themed "And the Journey Begins", this event is set to take place at the Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang on August 14, 2005, 1900 hours to raise RM30,000 for the Dr J. Earl Gardner Fund.

The public will be treated to an evening of classical music, monologues, choir and also dance from the students of Digital Music Systems Company and invited guests. The company covers two Yamaha Music Schools, Hits Recording Studio, Cresta Dance as well as the Speech and Learning Centre.

This Fund is established to reach out to many more patients with serious illnesses like cancer, kidney failure, amputation of limbs amongst others. This event shall commemorate the founder of the hospital, Dr J Earl Gardner, whose purpose was to provide medical treatment to all who needed assistance.

Tickets are available at RM20 and RM50. Kindly contact:-
Penang Adventist Hospital Development Department
Tel: (604) 2227603 / (604) 2227606
Email: foundation@pah.com.my

Posted by Yvonne at 10:17 AM | Permalink

I don't think that people are meant to be alone. Do we really choose to be lonesome or is it destiny that one should stare at the ceiling wishing how lucky other couples are - to be together. It is never easy when confronted with dire providence of solitary existence. Each moment of company is so desired, every communication with anyone so appreciated and all invitation accordingly refreshing. Surely anything is better than a wordless meal.

I'm forever pondering ... do we really need a darling or can we just make do with company? If we are to choose between love and friendship, what will it be? Of course, having both will be ideal. To have a sweetheart by your side and plenty of companionship at all times, far and wide. But life isn't fair. It's just NOT FAIR. We just have to live with it. But generally people don't. I'm but a tangerine living amongst a nation who loves to complain. We whine from scholarships, housing arrangements, highways, automotive permits all the way to SPG's boobs. Either we complain about our establishment policies or we make a big deal out of our own social cum love life deficiency. I’m beginning to feel that lonely singles are those that complaints the most. Without doubt, I complain a lot. Hack! I'm complaining now.

Too many times I've stumble upon isolated singles that have tendency in noticing happy couples and grumble over their unfair reality. Ever wonder why? Simply because these individuals failed to perceive the unhappy nation and amiss to comprehend the freedom of singlehood. If life is fair, the proportion of cheery folks over miserable losers would be 50/50. And I truly believe that unhappiness far outweighs blissful cheerfulness around my neighborhood. I repeat, life isn't fair. I'm not saying that being single equate to pathetic lonely dreadful misery. Our individual unsociable discharge might be the culprit to our own solitary-lah.

The irony is when finally we have buddies, we choose love and forsake friendship. We spend more time with our other half and find less occasion accessible for our crony mates. And while lovebirds finally established a cozy nest, they often yearn for more companionship from any Tom, Dick or Harry as long as it's not from his or her prickly sweet bunny. An excuse to the football game or the nearest beer joints is indefinitely imminent, and so are mahjong parties or shopping get-together jamborees. But what really pisses me off is when couples making a case - wrangling for the sake of quarrelling and disagreeing for the sake of winning? Whatever reasons I do not know. Maybe couples love to complain too, not just lonely singles. I might need to deduce my personal opinion to 'malaysian' finds complaining simply irresistible!

But earnestly, if we really love someone, it's definitely worth forgoing the little petty things in life. Spend all available times cherishing each moment rather than arguing, ignoring or even escaping. Even coffee with acquaintances can mean so much when gossips and criticisms are not the topic. Regardless being with friends or with your sweetheart, bonding still outshines complaining. Then I realized, it may be perhaps our endless complains and complaints that yields our loneliness. We complain simply because no one is standing by our side. The need to voice out since not a soul's listening? Think' bout it, doesn't it really sucks to be alone even if there's plenty of company around?

Posted by charlyn at 10:00 PM | Permalink

If you have a wordpress weblog and you're wondering how well your theme is doing, then you might want to consider having it reviewed by someone else.

Some of the volunteers in the wordpress reviewer team are experts in both web design and programming, while some are not as experienced, but nevertheless, they enjoy helping people improve their blogs.

When you submit your site url for review, you should expect very critical comments. If you aren't specific about the kind of feedback that you want, reviewers will be as kind or harsh as they see fit. But remember that none of the comments are personal. They are constructive, informative and helpful.

Reviewers will inspect the following:

1. Overall Presentation
2. Use of Colors and Graphics
3. Site Navigation
4. Use of Wordpress features, Tools and Plugins
5. Code Validation

However, they do not comment on content or editorial materials. They will also not rate your site in comparison with other blogs. If it's neccessary, they would opt to post a note directly on your site or e-mail you directly.

So are you up for some honest opinions? I would recommend giving it a go for the sake of your blogging experience. What seems perfect to you may not be the same to others. The reviewers are here to give you an unbiased opinion for the goodness sake of your blog, or celebrate along with you if your blog is found to be in its best potential.

So, are you ready for some honest opinions? If so, then hop over to the Wordpress Codex to read further and finally join the Wordpress forum to submit your wordpress weblog for review. All the best!

Posted by Yvonne at 08:00 PM | Permalink

With over 20 million copies sold worldwide, The Da Vinci Code was a miracle money-spinner for an industry happy to see a mega-hit that wasn't Harry Potter. For the rest of us, the book was a sensational controversy. Critics of Christianity used it to validate their skepticism, while Christians suddenly found themselves assailed by self-doubt.

The crux of the controversy stems from this preface: "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate."

Notice, though, that the author never claims accuracy for his theories. Read the preface again. He never mentions anything about the legitimacy of the historical conspiracy that he goes on to debunk for the next several hundred pages.

That's because he made it up.

What most people do not realize is that The Da Vinci Code is a novel. A genre novel, to be exact. It is a stylized reality, where the author manipulates and exaggerates in order to manufacture suspense and intrigue.

Take, for instance, Mr. Brown's assertion that Christianity has suppressed sacred femininity throughout the ages. This is so villainous, it is almost theatrical. Anyone with even a smidgen of familiarity with Christianity will know that Mary, the mother of Jesus, has always been a holy icon for Catholics and Protestants, who adore and revere her without exception.

Another interesting point is the 5 million women who were cruelly burned at the stake by the Church because they used alternative medicine. This is a gross distortion. No more than 200,000 women ever suffered this fate, which was administered by the secular European courts, not the Church.

Yet another interesting point is the presence of an albino monk in the novel who acts as an assassin and enforcer for Opus Dei. Opus Dei, amusingly enough, is not a monastic order, nor does it have monks.

Mr. Brown even goes so far as to declare that the original Olympics were held to honor the feminine magic of Venus. Not so. The Olympics were held to honor Zeus.

Read the novel closely and you will see dozens of similar misrepresentations. But don't be surprised. This is, after all, a work of fiction.

Posted by at 05:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Some said love is when your sentiment towards another person is irrepressible. The uncontainable feeling of endless affection. The willingness to sacrifice altogether in fostering appreciation. A gesture of compassionate giving without asking for returns. Ho...Ho..Ho.. *LoL*

Why is it that singles love to 'give' when a promising other-half is at sight? (Well, generally...) They are not afraid to pour out their feelings for that person and certainly not stingy in discharging their wealth for moments of romantic engagements. Nothing is worth more than spending quality time in what I call "partner shopping". We often put so much effort in shopping for the significant partner, to get our hands on what we desired. Buying ourselves out of isolation, maybe?

Women may not shop that 'much' but surely one might try out a million pieces and fancy none if the dress they're looking for is just not found. While man will keep on changing cars until the perfect drive is there to supply them with constant high and envy eyes. So before contentment pops in, changing dates are as common as no-frills airlines, because now everyone can fly.

But if the perfect Mango apparel is stumbled upon, one will acquire and get hold of desire at whatever cost it takes. Because after all, the Citibank plastic is very well elastic. No worries yar, Bill doesn't arrive till next month. Don't wait till MegaSale because everyone will be eyeing on your favorite. Afterall, how many of you girls really like old stock cum sale items? Surely a perfect fit is still much preferred, as long as lady lovely doesn't put on weight.

Weighing the fact that petrol prices are still going high and likely not going down anytime soon, having turbo and the ability to do only 6km/L is somehow making more sense than saving up for the endless dinners, cosmic flowers and Estee Lauders.(Geee...it does make sense) Blame the movie Initial D if you like but speed is all guys wanted in the process of dating. If finding a right partner is alike winning the race, then having a car that does zero commitment to hundred satisfactions in just under 4 sessions will be bliss. Afterall, when the car reaches the finish line, the driver gets to celebrate with champagne wine and liberal race queens in tiny bikini twine.

Didn't I say love is when your sentiment towards another person is irrepressible?

Posted by charlyn at 05:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Because blogging is cool, and everyone is doing it.

And in my humble opinion, PPS has become a Malaysian institution, as a blog-tal aggregating Malaysian views and news.

So, naturally it should have it's own blog.

Blogs, by and large, are usually the voice-piece of a single person. It' s a place where they rant, bitch, moan, gush, brag, gripe and emote about anything and everything they want. Like a personal diary. Like this guy. And this girl. And this. And this. (Tell me when it gets repetitive).

But what right has PPS, a blog-tal have to blog? Well, who says it can't? Well you can say it's like a forum or online newsletter by a group of people who are perceive to represent Malaysian bloggers as a whole.

Okay, I know that sounds pretentious but in all respects, we are really trying to achieve that end. But you might ask, there aren't any rural Indians! Or Croatian-Malaysian expats! Or Kg. Baru makciks! Or Avon sales people!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Detractors will always be detractors. Keep your eyes on this space. More goodies to come.

Posted by simon at 08:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Ever thought of owning Yahoo or Google? Well, look no further! Even Project Petaling Street can have its own unofficial search engine that works exactly like a real one.

Search the web with PetalingStreet.org

Hurray! to the folks of Logogle. Hurry, go grab yourself one.

Posted by Yvonne at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

There are certain things that we have come to expect from a Michael Bay film: MTV-style camerawork and cinematography, headlined by somersaulting vehicles, screaming bullets and rolling explosions, backed by an over-the-top soundtrack.

Here is a filmmaker who blatantly admits that he makes rollercoaster rides for teenaged boys. He has never been particularly subtle, profound, or character-driven.

That is, until now.

His latest action picture is 'The Island', starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson as Lincoln Six-Echo and Jordon Two-Delta, two wide-eyed innocents living inside a self-contained colony that is both sleek and sterile. Like hundreds of others, their diet, exercise, education and social routines are carefully structured and controlled by the powers-that-be.

The reason for this is deceptively simple. A worldwide catastrophe has wiped out civilization, and this colony is the last bastion of humanity. Ever so often, a lottery is spun, giving winners the opportunity to depart for the last uncontaminated place on Earth, known as the Island. It is a joyous paradise, a utopia, where they will live happily ever after.

Unfortunately, Lincoln and Jordan learn that this simplicity is indeed deceptive. The world outside is not contaminated as they have been led to believe, and the eponymous Island is nothing more but a facade. Everyone in the colony is a clone, to be murdered and harvested when their wealthy clients in the real-world require organs. Armed with this horrifying knowledge, Lincoln and Jordan engineer a jailbreak and flee the colony, racing against time to expose the truth and save the lives of those still inside.

It's heady stuff, and for the first half of the film, Bay shows remarkable restraint. There is good acting, good drama and good vision. In fact, by virtue of the meticulous set-up, it almost doesn't look like a Michael Bay film. Of course, there are obvious influences from The Matrix, Minority Report, Logan's Run and a dozen other films with dystopian settings.

But make no mistake about it; the moment our heroes break free of their cloistered world, you are rocketed with a violent jolt back into the trademark Bay style. On the menu are copious vehicular and foot chases, with death and destruction lovingly executed in slow-motion and colored lighting. Mindless summer entertainment at its best? You bet.

Only, this time, it's not so mindless.

It is well-known that Michael Bay spends little time on dramatic scenes, preferring to lavish most of his takes on outrageous action. But with 'The Island', there is a slight paradigm shift. Gone is the macho chest-beating heroism of his previous works, and in its place is a more timely and sensitive message about human dignity and human cloning. While the action sequences are still too plentiful, diluting the drama to some extent, it is obvious that Bay is taking baby-steps in the right direction.

So, what's next?

It has been confirmed that Bay will helm the upcoming Transformers live-action film, with Steven Spielberg aboard as producer. Will we witness a more dramatic turn from Bay? Let's wait and see.

Posted by at 01:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

My good friend in London and Cardiff on a business assignment for the more than two weeks. He went on 14th, one week after the tunnel bomb blasts.

The first thing his boss asked him before handing him the assignment was, "You're not afraid of bombs, are you?" Bear in mind he just joined this place less than a month.

When he told me about it, I told him, "You should have replied that lightning doesn't strike the same spot twice."

In retrospective, bad advice. Well, not about going to UK, but the metaphor about the lightning bit.

Thankfully, wasn't anywhere near the second bomb blasts, but they shut the tube when he wanted to got to Highbury (a sight of a Liverpool hardcore there must be a statement of positive football of some kind!).

Now I get the feeling those two incidents won't be the last ones.

Thankfully my friend is coming back tomorrow.

Posted by simon at 10:46 PM | Permalink

Since John's blogpost about the Malaysian education system sparked much discussions, maybe it is indeed one important issue that everyone is concerned about. Whether you agree or disagree, it only shows that YOU CARE about it.

Tony P, a local CEO who studied philosophy, economics and poilitics writes about the Malaysian education system in his blog.

This blog is the personal thoughts and opinions of the writer on the various issues surrounding the state of the Malaysian education system, both private and public, the resulting products of the system as well as the job market in relation to fresh graduates.

Visit Tony's blog: http://educationmalaysia.blogspot.com

Posted by Yvonne at 09:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Yeehaa!!! Take out those cowboy hats, pull on those bootleg jeans and dust your boots because Dogathon 2005 is coming to town!

Come August 7, 2005, from 7.30am to 2pm, a bunch of enthusiastic veterinary students from Fakulti Perubatan Veterinar, Universiti Putra Malaysia will be organising this annually held event for the 9th year, which promises to be bigger, better and more exciting than the previous years'.

What's with all the fuss surrounding Dogathon you might ask. For starters, Dogathon 2005 (with Purina Petcare (M) Sdn Bhd as its main sponsor) is a day of fun-filled events where owners and their dogs are able to kick back, relax and enjoy a day out with fellow dog lovers. The theme for this year is "Who Let The Dogs Out?!" and the event will employ a country western feel. So do remember to dress yourself (and your dog!) up in your best cowboy/ cowgirl gear!

Among the many events lined up for the day are the Dogathon Race, Fastest Eating Duo, Dress Me Up, MasterHunt, Best Trick, Dog and Owner Look-A-Like and Dogathon 2005 Pageant. For a minimal fee to join the contests, participants will stand a chance to win terrific prizes full of Purina products, besides taking the opportunity to develop a closer bond with their pooches.

Our various co-sponsors this year have many interesting activities lined up. Frontline and Heartgard are adopting the MasterHunt competition and Dogathon 2005 Pageant. Stand to win Frontline® and Heartgard® products when you join these contests! Petalog will also be sponsoring some cowboy outfits for Dogathon 2005 Pageant, if you forget to dress your dog up that day!

In line with this year’s cowboy theme, visitors will be thrilled by cowboy performances by dancers from A’Famosa Resort. A’Famosa Resort will also be adopting the Dog and Owner Look-A-Like contest and you may stand to win holiday vouchers for you and your pooch!

Hampers full of pet products sponsored by Pets Wonderland are up for grabs as they will be adopting the Guessing Station. Just correctly guess the price or weight of the hampers displayed and you may walk away with these fabulous hampers!

On top of all these great prizes, free doggy gift bags filled with goodies from Purina and our other co-sponsors will be handed out to every participant on that day. A great variety of stalls are available which offer various pet products to titillate your senses with the latest offerings in the canine world. If you are one of the early birds, you might be able to get your dog free treatment with Frontline® anti-tick spray which prevents ticks for up to a month.

Loads of freebies for you when you come and join Dogathon 2005 with your dog. Be prepared to walk away with bottles of X-It deodourisers, sun block and even Sunway Petting Zoo entrance vouchers! Get discount vouchers for these products and many more from our Dogathon 2005 booklet given out on that day. Get also special discounted rates on Pets Magazine, PetWorld Magazine and other petcare products sold on that day. So what are you waiting for?

If you just want relax and meet up with other dog owners, do come along as entrance is free. Just head on down to our Doggy Playzone by PetsUnite and they will show you the different ways to have a good playtime with your beloved dog. It’s a must for children as they can learn how to properly interact and have loads of fun with the family dog!

Come and see also the various dog demonstrations by MKA and other dog organisations. You can never imagine how intelligent and adorable a properly trained dog can be!

It does not matter whether you own a pedigree or non-pedigree dog, what’s important is to bring your doggie pal along with you on that day and just have a blast! We welcome all dogs! Don't have a dog? Don't fret because everyone is welcomed on this day and the organisers have even set up special stalls just for kids. The young ones will be kept entertained by these stalls which offer face painting, T-shirt stamping and key chain making. There will also be clowns and balloon sculpting activities. Purina is giving away free balloons to all children. What better way to remember this doggy day than by personalising your very own Dogathon merchandise! Also remember that you can adopt a dog from SPCA and PAWS who will be setting up stalls.

In actuality, Dogathon is a fund raising event in aid of "Stray Dog Awareness Programs" as well as other animal welfare projects which will be run by the students themselves. One of their major objectives this year is to organise and put together a welfare project which hopes to raise consciousness on the importance of spaying and castration among pets as well as to start a 'Spaying and Neutering Clinic’ to help curb the rising number of stray dogs and cats. Dogathon, which is supported by MKA, SPCA and PAWS, hopes to serve as a platform for animal lovers to campaign against cruelty towards animals and to educate the public on the importance of Responsible Dog Ownership. Therefore, Dogathon attendees will not only have a day of fun but their participation will also contribute towards a very charitable purpose.

Having fun with a cause. Now that's something exceptional!

So to all you dog lovers out there, keep August 7, 2005 free and head on down to UPM's Bukit Ekspo with your friends, family and of course, your dog!

Dogathon 2005 Official Website

Posted by Yvonne at 01:52 PM | Permalink

The thought of spending the next 6 years in Australia for a young Malaysian girl who had never been away from home was a daunting prospect.

The first taste of what was to come arrived even before touchdown on Australian soil. I was travelling with a friend who like me, was embarking on a course of study down under. Memories are hazy now, it was so long ago. But green horns that we were, flying for the first time, we looked out the window and saw a light. It could have been the tail lights of the plane, or some lights on the tarmac. We looked at each other and asked "Why is the moon following us?"

We made friends with a group of seasoned Malaysian students sitting behind us on the Qantas flight, and it was a case of deja vu when they overheard our repeated "Pardon?" in our conversations with the cabin crew. They told us, "You will be using that word a lot."

They were right.

I prided myself on my competent grasp of English whilst in school in Malaysia but nothing would have prepared me for the language problem that would soon beset me. I wonder how many overseas students had a similar experience?

The first thing on arrival was to open a bank account at ANZ Bank. The teller explained to me how how my account worked. He left me in major confusion. What on earth was "niten die bank"?

Lesson no. 1 to the unwary: whatever is pronounced as "ay", just pronounce it "i". So today becomes "to die". Mate becomes "mite". Night and day bank = niten die bank.

Worse was yet to come.

At my first lecture, amidst a sea of white hands furiously scribbling down notes, I sat there seized with panic as I strained my ears and heard nothing. In my course, the lectures were all orally delivered, the blackboard never used.

Some lecturers were better, some worse, and some totally incorrigible. And here's the rub. Even for those who were not too bad, they lost me as soon as they launched into a joke or when they related something personal.

Strangely they have little difficulty understanding me. It was only the other way round.

Talking one on one was not too bad, even on the phone it was ok. Until the time came for giving them my name. Keeping in mind that they always get the "ay" and the "i" knotted up, and my first name being "Lai", almost invariably when I spell it out, it always ends up "Lia". Were they thinking of Star Wars?

These were some of my first experiences as a Malaysian abroad. My, what days of innocence and naivette! I could go on and on, but the rest can wait.

Posted by Tinkerbell at 01:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The YMCA International Youth Deaf Camp is a yearly event where deaf members from all over the world come together to interact with one another. YMCA Kuala Lumpur is the host for this year's camp.

As one of the camp activities, YMCA invites the general public to join in their HH Camp Sports Carnival on 31^st July, from 9am to 1pm. There will be lots of games such as Basketball, Street Soccer, VolleyBall and Tug-O-War to just name a few. This will be a good opportunity to interact and meet with 200 International Deaf members from countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and many more.

Particpation is RM5.00 per person and you don't have to be deaf to join in the fun! For more information, please visit the website of YMCA Kuala Lumpur.

Posted by Yvonne at 09:39 AM | Permalink

So the ringgit has been de-pegged after all these years. Immediately the Bursa Malaysia's KLCI hitting a five-year high.

Most Malaysians are buoyant with news, especially with the rising value of our currency.

Others are moaning, especially those in the exporting and plantation business.

But other than that, how much is it going to impact the man on the street (who doesn't do business nor go on overseas holiday everyday)?

Quite a few things actually.

Price speculating -- The exchange rate will be another fluctuating commodity to be speculated and gambled for profit and loss. There's this thing about some Malaysians and gambling, but let's not go there.

What you Yuan? -- Now everybody knows what the national currency of China is. But wait, what's a renminbi, then? Or the currency of Taiwan or Hong Kong?

A new phrase to our vocabulary -- I can foresee the phrase 'basket of currencies' to be a permanent fixture to our business broadsheets from now on. Doesn't matter if you don't know WHICH currencies are in the aforementioned basket, just use it to sound knowledgeable. Also, the phrase can also be modified for other uses, like "I play futsol with my basket of friends..."

After one month... - In a short while, the buzz is going to die down and everyone will get on with their lives. Then, most people won't be bothered (or need) to know what the USD-RM exchange rate is. They'll probably say something like "Oh, it USED to be RM3.80..."

Posted by simon at 11:20 PM | Permalink

As this is to be my first post as a PPS blogger, I would like to recall with fond remembrance, how I became shortlisted as a PPS blogger.

Being very much a novice in the Malaysian blogosphere, I am nevertheless a big fan of Lilian's. In my mundane and ordinary life, hardly a day goes by that is not in some way touched by an uplifting piece of humour, wisdom or inspiring humility in her very candid and honest writings. And that was how I first heard of the PPS Blog. And that was how I joined the bandwagon.

Wait a minute, that was how I heard of the bandwagon because when you're an upstart, you do not just jump on the bandwagon. This is one bandwagon of the famous, the high profile and the proven masters, so what are your chances? Instinct tells me a big fat NIL !! Instincts then tell me not to waste your time right? Hehehe, NO !! It is precisely because you stand no chance of being shortlisted that gives you the confidence to try! Call it masochism or reverse logic, but it works.

But would you put your money on a dark horse? When there are hundreds, maybe thousands of fine proven thoroughbreds, including superstar bluebloods in the lineup?

Putting on the Aiz cap, the dark horse could not help asking herself that question. So the dark horse took the bold liberty, without prior consultation, of fitting on Aiz shoes, slipping into the Aiz mindset and yes, thinking Aiz thoughts, minus some.

Unlike others with established eloquent blogs, I was without a sparkling resume to recommend myself. All I have is a 2 month old blog, and I can count with one hand the number of visitors I get. So I improvised and relied instead on an application letter that presented me at my best behavior, squeaky clean and well scrubbed behind the ears.

Garnished of course with a dash of cheek, a sprinkling of impertinence and liberal dusting of humour.

Nevertheless it was with disbelief that the following reply arrived soon thereafter.

"Slap me silly! That's a blardy good application!"

So was it the well scrubbed ears, or was it the irreverent impudence? The answer, of course, lies in knowing your audience. There will be lots of falls and stumbles as I get to know my audience in the days ahead, but I am sure the little bruises will be worth what's going to be one heck of a fun adventure.

May I thank Aiz for this great honour, and to my fellow PPS bloggers, please allow me to say how privileged I feel to be working with you.

Posted by Tinkerbell at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

I've always wondered whether those slimming centers in Malaysia actually work; they must be quite useful if so many of them have suddenly popped up all over the place.

You've read the ads -- full page, gorgeous women in sexy, gravity-defying dresses. Mrs L, mother of three. BEFORE: 78kg. AFTER: 45kg. We have the photos to prove it! She has lost 45 cm!

Every one of these ads guarantee results, satisfaction, a new and "improved" you. No pills, no dieting, no exercise -- none of those dreadful things women hate. Today's women want to have their cake and eat it too (again and again), while remaining as svelte as Kate Moss on a grapefruit diet.

But will they really work on you, you ask? Or are these success stories only things that happen to other people?

Posted by Aizuddin Danian at 06:05 PM | Permalink

Anyone living in Penang island would have heard of Eden Handicap Service Center. On any regular day, members of Eden HDC can be seen about town, on their ways to living a normal life. Over the years, Penang has become the central location in malaysia for the handicaps.

Earlier of this year, mom and I paid visit to Eden HDC. Bertie, a founder of Eden, brought us to visit every of Eden's branches that's scathered all over the island. There is the handicraft unit, the recycling unit, the computing unit, the training workshop and finally the children's hostel.

The sight of handicaps working in these smaller divisions of Eden deeply touches my soul, because they have proven that there is no limit to one's capability. For example, those suffering from mental retardation are being taught to type words and design graphics at the computing unit while those on wheelchairs either spend their time making handicrafts or work in the management of Eden. At the recycling center, a unique bond of co-operation is formed between the two types of disabilities in running their given tasks. I was indeed stunned to see the great amount of collected recycable items at the center. There are only about 5-7 intellectually handicaps working at the recycling unit. According to Bertie, the monthly profit of their recycling activity is about RM20,000. That means, they still have to raise an additional RM30,000 to keep Eden going every month.

The main focus of Eden is the children's hostel because this is where the future lies. There are currently about 10-15 children suffering from various disabilities. Eden makes sure that these children receive the education that they deserve. Every morning, the children are being sent to their respective schools around the island, whether its a normal school or schools for those with special needs. In the afternoon, the children are provided with educational support and frequent physiotherapy for the physically handicapped so their conditions may improve. There is a part-time licensed physiotherapist who comes to visit the center during weekdays. The children are also taken to the nearby hospital for medical check-ups when they are unwell. All these facilities and support are provided free of charge to the handicaps, with the hope that they may lead full and independant lives in the future.

There is so much more that I wish to write about, such as Eden HDC's achievements in rehabilitating their members as well as individual uniqueness under the roofs of this blessed community. But I have to maintain this article at blogging standard or my readers will fall asleep on a lengthy blogpost. So my final words are, please lend your support to the works of Eden HDC. Your kindness will go a long way in the lives of the under-privileged.

Posted by Yvonne at 05:41 PM | Permalink

In the wake of the recent London bombings, much speculation has been lavished on the existence of terrorist sleeper cells. What are they and how do they operate?

Sleeper cells are made up of individuals who entrench themselves in a community and maintain a civilian life. They can lie dormant and remain undetected for years, doing the mundane things that ordinary citizens often do: study a tertiary course, earn a living, take up hobbies, and maintain a conventional social life.

Much care is placed into creating a cover identity that will avoid suspicion or scrutiny. The sleeper has to be independent; able to function and carry on daily without outside assistance or communication from foreign handlers. This requires discipline and clarity, since a sleeper may be left to fend for himself for an extended length of time. A sleeper must also maintain a predictable and systematic routine, so that his handler will have no trouble contacting him. For example, a sleeper may commit himself to do some gardening at 4am-to-5am each day.

'Activation' only occurs when a sleeper receives an innocent word or phrase that can be delivered in many ways. Here is an example of an apparently unremarkable phone call:

"Hello?"

"Hi McNeil! How is it going, mate?"

"Oh, you must have the wrong number. There is no McNeil here."

"My mind must have slipped. I'm terribly sorry."

"That's okay. Maybe your finger slipped while you were dialing."

"I dialed 012-3342557."

"Well, you dialed 012-3342556."

The code for activation is: "My mind must have slipped..."

The confirmation that the sleeper understands is: "Maybe your finger slipped..."

The number 012-3342557 is but a clue. The sleeper already knows that he has to subtract 1111111 and add in 2222222, so that the number becomes 012-4453668. This is the number that the sleeper has to call from public phone, where he will receive instructions on how to prepare for a terrorist strike.

From here on out, sleeper cells that have been previously unfamiliar with each other will cooperate loosely. One cell will gather the ingredients for a weapon, and will anonymously pass it to another cell which will construct the weapon. Finally, another cell will deliver the weapon to its intended target.

Posted by at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Posted by Aizuddin Danian at 01:50 PM | Permalink

As a young author, a common question that crops up during my Question-and-Answer appearances is this: "Does the Malaysian education system encourage or impede aspiring writers?"

This is an interesting question, especially when you consider that we are now experiencing what can only be called the 'Malaysian New Wave'. Authors like Tash Aw, Rani Manicka and others are forging a path in the international scene, hailing from a post-1969 generation that is more liberal and more exposed than their predecessors. They are creative, dynamic and explosive. Unfortunately, they also happen to hail from a generation that has succeeded in spite of the education system, not because of it.

A casual glance at the Malaysian education system will reveal just how clunky and lethargic it is. Students spend approximately eleven of their formative years learning only one isolated skill: how to memorize and regurgitate. Everything else is a natural outgrowth of this, which is further reinforced by a value-based regime that encourages passivity and docility.

The education system, at its core, is modernistic. It operates and propagates patriarchy, which grants important decisions to wise father-figures who sit at the top of a massive bureaucratic machine. These father-figures have complete jurisdiction over ethical truth, wielding perfect knowledge of what is moral and dignified in our society.

This system, therefore, manufactures young citizens who believe that politics and nation-building are the sole responsibilities of their father-figures. Their role is simply to study hard, graduate with flying colors, get a good job and raise a family.

Writers, on the hand, are fiercely post-modernistic. They are voices of conscience, not afraid of questioning everything. They do not believe that the bureaucracy has jurisdiction over ethical truth, nor do they believe that citizens are drones unable to make any difference in politics or nation-building.

Writers are interested in human frailty and human potential. How human beings shape their reality and their environment, not vice versa. It is the weak and the humble human being who is the hero of any story, not the bureaucratic father-figure.

The contrast between what is being taught in schools and what is being practiced by writers is stark. Schools tell you to obey and absorb without question. Writers warn you to not to obey and absorb until you question.

Here is a system that erects every possible barrier to prevent young Malaysians from seeing past their detritus. You cannot be a writer unless you are allowed space to think, question, challenge, and argue.

Is it any wonder that the celebrated 'Malaysian New Wave' is one that is educated and exposed abroad, only to be reverse-imported into Malaysia? There must be something tragically wrong with the Malaysian education system if we have to depend on hybrid Malaysians from abroad to show us what free and unimpeded literature should be like.

Posted by at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (83)

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