Best horror movie of the time: Insidious

If I am to choose the best horror movie after 'The Eye' by Pang's Brothers and 'Shutter' by Pisanthanakhun and Wongpoom (I watch tons of horror movies and these are my only...only favourites), I would say it's Insidious part I & II.

It gives you the horror of going into an unknown world which doesn't belong to you and the best part of the horror is that you DON'T know that you are actually going into that world! Going to sleep should be the best part of the day because a good night's sleep would replenish all the energy lost during office hours but, what if, you get too deep into sleep and go beyond it...into...something called as astral projection?

The beauty of Insidious is not about what you would experience with a normal horror/ghost movie because it brings out the fear of the unknown in you. Human is always afraid of what they can't see and feel and have no idea of. Personally, I watch horror/supernatural movies and read about them is because I wanted to know something which I do not know of. Something which science has difficulty in explaining. You can't quite put these experiences into experiment because it's too abstract. It's something like...space exploration...the curiosity drives them into it.

Well, I buy the story from Insidious - really! I believe that if you do 'wander' out from your body, dead souls would want to hijack it from you because to be alive is something so precious. I also believe that if one person commits suicide, that person would go through the same suicidal process again and again until they are able to set themselves free.

In the case of astral projection, I think it's quite similar to having a deja vu.

Only it is even more spooky to be able to unconsciously wonder into another dimension where the deads are less than friendly and there's a risk that you can't get back to the world you rightfully belong to.

I shouldn't spoil the story and if you are reading this, just go and watch the movie. After the movie, you will just feel as glad as I am- to be a normal person without that sort of special abilities.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini or S3 Mini? Any differences?

Well well well...the hype is on and since my HTC Desire HD had decided to break up with me a week ago, I joined in the hype in hunt for a new smartphone. I don't have much of a choice because I have limited myself with several criteria - pocket-friendly and price less than RM2000.

Nowadays, new smartphones are like phablet. Look at Samsung NoteII and S4 - with that size, what is the point of having an additional tablet? But anyways, I don't like to have a phone of that size because I don't think that it is functional and moreover, I don't need any of those features (read: air swipe. cool and intelligent technology no doubt but usage? C'mon...I knew that I wouldn't use it. Using it out of boredom, yes but on routine? Nah..).

HTC One looks good with Beat integration (how could anyone beat 'Beat'? The sound is awesome) but to pay RM2199 for a phone that is supposedly to be smart? I have a tablet which is SMARTER. So, skipped it. That works the same for iPhone. No doubt, it is a great phone - both smart and sleek but then again...I don't need a phone which is above RM2000. Imagine, RM2000 is worth a month's installment for either your home or car loan and who in their right mind would use it on a phone? I mean, yes...anyone could have afforded that luxury but I guess I don't fit that category yet.

Windows phone is out of my radar and Blackberry inclusive. The reviews for BB is not all too good and Windows...I could use on a Tab but not on a smartphone. Now, that left up with the Mini range of Samsung Galaxy. 10 mil of people bought S4 and perhaps, they really love that new cool technology but anyways, like I said, I don't have much use for it and hence, even if Samsung provides a smaller version of S4...I am not that excited.

Let's take a quick run on the specs comparison:

	Galaxy S4 Mini
Dimension	61 x 125 mm
Thickness	8.9 mm
Weight	108g
Screen size	4.3 inches
Resolution	540 x 960 (qHD) px
Processor	1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 dual core processor
Memory	1.5GB
Storage	expandable to 64GB (microSD)
Camera (rear)	8MP
Camera (front)	1.9MP
Video recording	Full HD 1080p
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, microUSB
4G LTE connectivity	Supported
Software	Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2
Battery	1900mAh

	Galaxy S3 Mini
Dimension	62 x 122mm
Thickness	10.2 mm
Weight	113g
Screen size	4 inches
Resolution	480 x 800 px
Processor	1GHz dual core chip
Memory	1GB
Storage	expandable to 64GB (microSD)
Camera (rear)	5MP
Camera (front)	lower grade VGA
Video recording	720p
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, microUSB
4G LTE connectivity	Not supported
Software	Android Jelly Bean 4.1 (to be upgraded to only 4.2.2 - futher upgrades are unlikely)
Battery	1500mAh

With that, I supposed I could do with just a S3 Mini since the adjustments are pretty minor. I don't need superior processing power for basic functions of sending text messages/emails, making calls, whatsapp, social networking and light surfing/entertainment. Also, the 3MP difference wouldn't matter much because I am very unlikely to blow up a photo from your phone (else DSLR would have lose its market) and just how often would I need to take full HD videos? Almost like...not often at all. 

The most important factor is that Samsung will only announce the release date and pricing of this little addition to the S series during an event scheduled in June 20th. So, I would assume that the official global release will be in July AND the price might be 20-30% more than the S3 mini. In Malaysia, S3 mini is selling at RM999 (between RM930-RM999, depending on the store location and how good is your negotiation skills) and so, S4 mini might be priced at around RM1500 to RM1600.

:) You have guessed it right: My verdict will be the S3 Mini (obviously!!!) because I needed my connectivity already! Seriously, I don't want to wait for another 2 months for the smartphone eventhough the candybar phone that I'm using now is functional BUT....my life was changed by Whatsapp and to live without it for another 2 months? THAT...is inconvenient...suddenly, I felt vain. Anyways, ehem, taking that factor out of the equation, I still wouldn't go for S4 mini because I don't think that the additional 3MP resolution and capability for further android updates as well as the slightly better processor is worth the extra few hundred bucks. Simply because I don't need it. 

I guess it's very straight-forward. Before you decide on which phone to choose, always ask yourself this: Do you need that feature? Is that feature able to replace the existing system? (Say, photo-taking with a phone or a proper camera and documents editing with a tablet or a phone - those sort of questions)

With that, you will be able to have a clearer picture of what phone you really need and avoid spending a bomb on a necessity.

In preparation for a bad economy state ahead in the coming months, you might want to consider how much you spend on a non-appreciating asset.

Happy choosing!  

*Update: http://www.itproportal.com/2013/06/01/samsung-galaxy-s4-vs-galaxy-s4-mini-spec-comparison/ revealed that S4 Mini is already released - on May 30th (eyebrows raised...not that I realized because even the local reseller told me that they did not know when the exact release date is)

How would anyone define enough as enough?

I was googling for 1Klinik as a keyword because I would like to confirm on the accuracy of what I heard with regards to a new enforcement imposed on us towards the contribution to this 'privilege'. That was how I stumbled across Dr. Pagalavan's blog   page. I read one of the pages and I am now filled with opinions of my own -ready to explode in the coming paragraphs.

My recent encounters with various local surgeons shaped my opinions as well but I must stress on this point: not every surgeon is the same and I did communicate with some extremely well-mannered and experienced doctor who appear to look pretty young (he might age older but he looks like if he is in his early 40s). This type of doctors are the ones whom I would give my respect to because they simply earn it. These doctors happen to be in both government and private hospital and I do think that the younger doctors (or some arse old surgeons) should emulate their attitude.

Medical doctor is a profession in which I thought to be expensive in terms of maintenance. Prior to obtaining a license to practice as a specialist or even reach the status of consultant, you would need to pay your way into that field. The education cost is high and the maintenance of certain fellowship is of course, equally costly. Everything is becoming a business nowadays including education. If you come from a poor family, just make sure you study good enough to secure scholarships all along the way and get your medical education from a respected institution. You need not only passion. You need strength to break through the roadblocks and of course, the red lights turn green if your financial situation is supportive enough for you to take up this course.

I am a person driven by passion and I believe that if you do not have passion in healing and helping the sick, you should not go into medicine. I am a part of the community who doesn't think that the life of a doctor is easy - especially when you are still paving your way up from a medical officer status. Even after you enter private practice, you still are held responsible to a tons of other things - doing your ward rounds, perform operation, seeing patients, be on duty for a fixed amount of hours or maybe more BUT, that is what you have committed yourself to.

In the #2 mentioned in the blog: Nature of Job – sitting in a cozy consultation rooms, joking along with their patients, and ends up with big bucks every month and #3: Are rich
 - now that contradict with his statement of doctors making about nett 16k salary a month. I might attract criticisms to my own statement but from his remark, I think doctors with this mindset is so SHALLOW and PAMPERED. RM16k worth of salary per month is not considered as rich. So, may I ask what figure that one should earn to bring your income level to the RICH category?

Doctors study hard and they work even harder. Their job routine is almost 24 hours a day for 365 days and they always have a lawsuit liability - so do nurses. Don't they work as hard? Don't they work on shifts in the operation theater? Don't they bear the same responsibility of nursing the patient and assist the doctors during an operation? 

How about laboratory research assistants? Don't they practice basic science (in Malaysia) and contribute to the science community so that they understand a little piece of the bigger picture? Don't they not go back to their labs during weekends or even stay late into the night for an experiment? On the other hand, how about teachers and lecturers? Don't they need to work over-time and struggle to think of how to assist your child/troubled student in their learning progress? They bring home their problems at work and try to solve them in a creative manner while trying to keep to their KPI. 

If RM16k paid is not justifiable to a day of hard work - what about these people who sacrifices their time just as much as doctors? Oh...do you mean to say that because they don't save lives and their contribution doesn't change the lifestyle of a person, then, it is not worth to pay them more than RM3k a month? 

Sorry to say that without teachers at the basic education level, a child might even consider of entering the field of medicine and without laboratory researchers, your life might just revolve around paracetamols or CHOP. Without nurses, who will be the person organizing instruments or caring for the patient post-operation/treatment?

A person has to understand that there is no free lunch in the world. 

You are paid a certain amount of money to provide a certain level of services or job commitment. It is as simple as paying an air-stewardess for her time spent away from her family and friends as well as a high risk of plane crash during her tenure.

No one thinks that doctors have an easy life but then again, don't we see doctors attending regional conferences every now and then for knowledge exchange/updates? Hmmm...how about the time when I saw a surgeon driving a Passat? Ah...cynics would say, that is to reduce their stress level and a pat on the back for a good job done. If a doctor thinks that the pay that they are getting is not justifiable for the amount of work that they have to do, then this person should not venture into the path of medicine. 
Hey, doctors do screw up a patient's life at the ignorance of the patient as well. At times, doctors ALSO make decisions not to the best interest of the patient BUT to the convenience of the operation which they deemed as to the best interest of the patient. Grey areas but who knows? If you get a scar of 20cm due to the inexperience management of the doctor, you can't really sue them for that because the doctor might reason that it was due to the necessity of the treatment (when actually a 10cm incision is sufficient in the hands of the experienced). 

#4 One can become a specialist merely by attending lecturer classes and passing up assignments/coursework, like MBA
: Have the doctors taken MBA before? Can the doctors think like an MBA/business associate? What makes anyone thinks that MBA is all about passing up a paper and doing assignments? It does involve problem solving, model application and OF COURSE, MBA holder also work part-time - that translates to them having to WORK and STUDY at the same time. Doctors are excellent with anatomy and the biology/mechanics of body function but let's try this: throw them a book of marketing management and ask them to do a marketing proposal plan. 
Or...it's just as fun to throw them something similar to their science background: ask them to design an protocol for a laboratory experiment, mouse work maybe? And say, test a hypothesis on the impact of repeated specific compound treatment to the mouse's metabolism/or whichever parameter.
My conclusion is that every profession and course of study has its own level of difficulties. If I am to ask a doctor to lower down his or her ego to try a day of being a lobby receptionist at an international hotel, I am sure that he or she would walk out of that position after a day. 

Also, another interesting article in which he posted on his blog where this statement was found:

In oncology, doctors were allowed to profit from drug sales. So doctors would buy expensive cancer drugs at bulk prices from drugmakers and then sell them at much higher prices to their patients.

“I grew up in that system. I was spending $1.5 million a month on buying treatment drugs,” he said. In 2005, Medicare revised the reimbursement guidelines for cancer drugs, which effectively made reimbursements for many expensive cancer drugs fall to less than the actual cost of the drugs.

I'm just thinking out loud. Now, does this blog post of his meant to say that doctors go bankrupt because they can no longer profit SO MUCH from their service? I understand that medicine is a business and everyone enjoys huge profit but hey, if one do not manage his own assets/spending behavior wisely, that person can't blame another for making him/her bankrupt. I am so downright sure that a doctor can still make a profit from the sale of your service and the medicine which you prescribe if you are able to manage yourself better!

(~_~) what a world.

Happy hour Friday and beyond

What? Happy hours seemed like a past tense. April found me in a new role and I am still desperately trying to get a foot hold. I took up a new challenge this month and I am not sure if I can survive through the coming four and a half months but I know that I just have to try. *stressed* I didn't quite like anatomy or pure memorizing notes for as long as I remember but now...I am quite on the contradicting situation.

So stressed that at the time of writing, I am keying in my past work schedule into the monitoring system and at the same time waiting for a demo video to load. While at the same time, I was 'half-observing' a bunch of bimbos sitting next to my table in Starbucks (Happy Hour 1/2 Frappucino day! Note: Tuesday and Friday 6-7pm). Well..I don't mean to use the word bimbo and this word doesn't come to me with the image of a blonde...(so I am really not being biased or anything) but anyways, that is the word that comes to me when I 'over-heard' their conversation. I just find them so amusing.

Girl 1: "I was pulling up my pants really hard when they called...they were like shouting already - Your turn NEXTT"
Guy 1: *listening* "ouhhh, so what's next?"
Next to them..
Girl2: "Guys are like that. You need to listen to them when they asked you not to smoke"
Girl3: "But some habits can't be changed.."
Next to them..
Guy2:"What the fuck is that? YUCK"
Girls: "HAHAHA"

The girls are most probably having an A cup breast size with 23 inches waistline and I supposed they really can't live without ciggarettes or they can't live with an extra ounce of whipped cream. On the other hand, besides one guy who dressed like a pimp, the rest of the guys are toned and with six-packs (bet on it) and maybe a 30 inches waistline. So...these bunch of people fits the category of models - but I can't understand why one of them would want to come out with only a beach singlet that shows her black bra. Would be great if she just comes out without the singlet, don't you agree? And what's new, 5 out of 10 are totally focused on their iPhone. Either too many anonymous admirers or too many updates on FB (or merely whatsapp with each other - in front of each other).

I'm so sorry but my impression of models (professional)  are one who have a really unique personality or outlook that matches herself/himself. Like when you look at her, you would know that, gosh...THIS girl is one-of-a-kind! THIS guy is seriously presents some kind of attitude! That...is a model. A personality or feature which represents SOMETHING.

My treasured pieces

It's that time of the year again when we do SPRING CLEANING! It's Chinese New Year soon and honestly...*blush*...this is the time when I spring clean my room - from the closet to the cabinets. EVERYTHING...nothing escapes my radar.

This year round, I dig out some old flames. My first and also one of my favourite musical box. It feels good to listen to it once again - it's like remembering some long forgotten memories. And look at that christmas globe! That has survived the years and until this year, it finally gave way. The little tree kind of 'up-rooted' but because it fits snugly in that glass sphere, it managed to stay upright. This tree really came a long way because out of curiosity, I almost break it when I was younger - just to know if the water can flow out from the bottom. I didn't quite like it back then, I don't know why. Also, I thought those dotted deco looks a lot like colored sunny-side up.

Now, it is a precious remembrance of my childhood.

Besides that, I also rearranged a lot of presents which my friends gave me for birthday. I love every single one of them especially this one! It was handmade and I think it made a really lovely gift:) When you grow older, other people don't spend time to make something for you. It is much easier and probably suiting to BUY something that you need. So, these things are also part of the treasures stored in my pirate chest. These are the things which would make you smile when you look at them 40 years later. 

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My First Time

My first time spending a night in the lab. You read me right. I am freaking in the lab at this moment when I am writing this but to my delight - I wasn't the one who is doing the lab work right now. I know I do sound evil with that statement...HAHA..but really. I am accompanying a friend for a night in the lab.

So you see...being a science based researcher especially during the days when you are still a student is not fun. You will be pushed to the limits, work on weekends and get a small amount of stipend when you see your working friends get rewarded in monetary terms when they work hard. But that's choice and interest. At times, working adults would ask themselves..is this what they want? They are rewarded for their hard work but often, they are so stressed up that by the end of the day, the shopping therapy which was needed to de-stress them would cost more than what they earn.

We don't really make much at this moment and perhaps for some people, their salary remains stagnant until the end of their career path but what can we comment? They enjoy what they are doing and they don't reflect life with regrets (although, to some extent, this is regarded as stupid by some people..haha..but that's just a matter of different perspectives).

It's difficult especially in this country. I understand that and I really do. So...the least that I can offer is my presence now..at least, it's comforting to know that we have got a companion somewhere out there with the same passion:)

November

November finds me in an awful rush. My backpacking trip begins on 21st, a Wednesday, evening and I am trying to rush my lab works now. Goddamned that my project didn't quite proceed as smoothly for this one last part. I am now running a western blot and qPCR for the last part. My protein didn't show up and I hope it is because of the sample buffer which I had used. I hope today they show up. On the other hand, I am still waiting for my mastermix to reach me. I made a silly mistake during the ordering and as a result? The amplification wasn't as efficient.

Seriously, I always make silly mistakes. Hmmm...always, as far as I am concerned. (>_<;) and yet I was so confident during the last 2 months that I will be able to complete the entire validation process before my trip. *PLEASE...God...don't pour your challenges onto me like this*

I am not anticipating my trip...strange because I was really looking forward to it during the last 2 month (at the peak of my confidence..ehem). Anyways, I've bought my Hoya CPL filter...hehe...52mm at RM110 from DigitalsMania. Google it on Lelong. Due to their low operating cost, this shop offers the best price for most of their stocks. The photo taken by my friend here really inspires me to try my new filter. The effect is good, right? I love it. Okay, now that I'm talking about photography, I am quite excited to take some street photo. *small joy in the heart*

Unlike friends who can afford expensive trips, my entire trips (minus shopping) costs me only RM 1000 (1 domestic flight and 1 international flight). I am PROUD. Haha....I think I am doing pretty well in this department.

I have grown up a little bit more this year but I think I didn't quite answer my interviewer all too well yesterday. I think I sound a little silly. Maybe..quite silly..I don't know...now that I am thinking over it, I think I could have done much better. Fingers crossed that I'll nail the job smoothly. I know I'm going a little too fast in my stride..especially when I'm trying to arrange for my work to begin next year in January...

Double fingers crossed..I really hope that everything will fall into place nicely and smoothly. I can't miss another chance of not applying to a position which I supposed I've been wanting.


Okay..actually...I'm just excited (how irony..writing has brought out my excitement)..just EXCITED! Ohh Bangkok..I'm coming soon...and Loy Kratong! I'm coming to youuuuuu ~~ let me feel the richness of your culture :)))

Another random moment...

Another day googling random stuff. I was towards the end of summarizing my results while waiting for my reagents to reach the bench and I swear that I'm going to wrap that part up...in a while more after this. I just need a distraction to get over the fact that my university doesn't offer travel grant for conferences and I can't find a suitable travel grant for Malaysian non-phD postgraduate. JSPS just responded with a negative reply. They are not calling for participants and it seems that they have discontinued the sponsorship program. EHEEM...

I was just googling around to check if I can buy Mars bar in bulk at a cheaper rate...maybe, at RM2.50 or RM3? 7-Eleven charged me RM3.20 for that tiny piece which I'm done with in 4 bites.

Next, I googled on my next destination! Yes...I'm quite done with all the reservations for my Thailand backpacking trip (will reveal my journey after November...and I'm damn proud that I've managed to keep my budget to a minimum). So, yeap...one done, another one will be coming up.

Initially, I thought that I will plan for Australia. There are friends and relatives there who could host me and show me around but on a second thought, I hesitated. No offence but I've got a friend who told me that Australia has got no soul. The city itself is just like another city and there's nothing too amazing for exploring. He may be wrong but come to think of it, I think I've got influenced by a little. Haha....perhaps, there are too many friends who have been there and I wanted to go to somewhere...a place less explored.

Gecko suggested New Zealand.

The first few thoughts that came to me was - Lord of the Rings...Easter island (which I later found that it is located in Chile...dang...I thought I could see and touch the statues of Moai!)...Christchurch (always advertised in AirAsia..I'm so depressed now that they have discontinued the flights)...bungy jumping (SA told me she wanted to do it there...I'm still considering if I should....)

So..yeap...and we shall see how budget this trip will go.
and I don't know why I stumble across this rubber story and it was so funny! I thought that guy would go 'Ya, condom ni juga...ada apa masalah?'
LOL....

The myth of curing cancer with alkaline water/source

This conversation actually started when T told me what kept her from completing her pre-planned work schedule on Saturday. Well, her mum came over to KL and the family spent the day out to visit a friend of her mum. It turned out to be a business introduction meeting. The friend was selling a water ionizing system which purportedly makes your water better/easier to be absorbed at cellular level. Sounds like a good deal to promote better health - at the price of 5 figures...for a water ionizing system...just for drinking.

So N then share with us about this method to 'purify' water (idea promoted by Masaru Emoto) because she said that if such a simple method could help you in this sense, why spend 5 figures to do the same thing. Then again, how credible is this Masaru Emoto? His so-called team did not even publish his works in a scientific way.

I totally disagree with both T and N. I feel this strong urge to break this water-myth and I so much wanted to tell the whole world that, look...these are all scams. The exploited your thoughts and mislead you into believing what you subconsciously wanted to believe in and all these: are a psychological game. Everyone wants to find a tangible cure to their ailment and they, wanted to believe in a greater good.  This is the weakness where people with charisma and a greedy intention tend to prey on.

If a simple remedy of drinking more alkaline water could cure cancer, why do pharmaceutical companies spend billions in finding new compounds/chemical entities in drug discovery? What? Simply because they wanted to make more money and dominate the market? If it is only that simple. I couldn't deny the truth in market dominance/market share in which these pharma companies are trying to get hold of but then again, cancer is a very complicated subject matter that cannot be simply explained in a mere few words - let alone being cured by a single method.

You can prevent cancer, yes - by practicing a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet composed of mostly fresh vegetables and fruits. These food material contains phytochemicals which can interact with different molecules (enzymes/receptors) in body and they are termed to be more alkaline in nature. This have some sense of truth, yes. Whereas, meat; when it is processed by the body, will turn out to be more acidic in nature due to digestion. Also, yes, this is a fact and moreover, the microenvironment surrounding cancer cells tend to be more acidic due to its anaerobic glycolysis mechanism which works to enable the cells to acquire the necessary components for its survival and massive proliferation rate-- BUT this doesn't mean that if you ingest more alkaline substances and that will cure you from developing cancer. 

One needs to understand the nature of how cancer develop. It takes a single mutated cell to develop over time before it becomes neoplastic. Carcinogenesis at this period of time is reversible with the correct diet but once it became aggressive, then you'll need to rely on alternative therapeutic means. The correct diet is one which is balanced. It wouldn't make much sense if you only rely on drinking more alkaline water or eating more alkaline food. How would you define a foodstuff as alkaline (soap is very alkaline, would anyone eat it??)? Citrus has slightly lower pH...does that mean it will damage your health?

The take home message is to eat healthy, practice moderation and read from the right source: (example) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2517712/

Always think twice when a person approached you and offers you with a cure especially at the time when you are in despair.

Recent (online) uproar

Several girlfriends of mine shared the CCTV footage uploaded by Amanda Fong and after watching it, I googled to confirm its credibility. It is a real incidence and this blogger did a great job to sum up the entire story.

The photo posted in Joshua's website resembles those of a happily married young couple but this one just turned sour. Seriously, I cannot imagine myself getting married at 19 years old. I had so much life at the age of 19 to be tied down by marriage, hence I can't really see eye-to-eye for those who are married at such a tender age. That may happen during my grandparents' years but nowadays, I supposed anyone who want to be financially secured before they even think about marriage. What I'm trying to say is that you never need/want a husband who can't offer you a roof and warm meals. An immature husband is the worst case scenario.

I took this off my friend's facebook upload . That's the harsh reality now that our government had robbed us all and we are forced to brave ourselves through the uncertain future. There is nothing more like 'leaving tomorrow to the future'. I mean, if my would-be-husband candidate tells me that, I'll gradually walk out of the relationship.

So, ladies...think twice before jumping into a marriage. If your partner shows signs of abuse and he is unable to take care of you, do not...really...do not dive in.

Seriously, marrying at 19 years old to a man like Calven? I don't quite bother who was to be blamed but in my personal conviction, no man should physically abuse a woman. What? Had she killed his parents? If that's the case, then perhaps he has the rights to hit her like that but otherwise, that man should just keep his anger to himself.

No women should suffer this same fate and especially from her other half. If things do not work out, they should settle the issue in the court - file for a divorce. It wouldn't do anyone justice to spread words on the social network. Readers may sympathize but at the end of the day, the victim is just another news of entertainment. For myself, I will truly feel bad and disgusted at news related to rape and murder cases but this type of news ala Amanda vs. Calven ones....I don't know. It's just nothing to be excited about and I feel that it's quite immature to find justice for themselves through the social media. I'd rather them to take it to the newspaper if they really would want to reach out and share their unfortunate incidence with the public (to educate the public somehow and support the abused parties to stand for themselves).

AXE Anarchy Getaway..only for bros...bleh

Recently Nuffnang had organized this contest which a lucky GUY can win a getaway trip - to a sinful island full of bikine-clad girls, hawt DJs and booze...lots of it I supposed. But this contest only opens to Male..if you are a Male and you are reading this just in time, head over to Nuffnang AXE Anarchy Getaway . Good luck in getting away with some tricks on showing them how to charm girls :p

Anyways, I still submit an entry, who knows, Nuffnang decided to be GENEROUS to girls who really wanted to give a try to win this getaway BUT are disqualified WAY EARLY at the beginning?
HAHA...well my hand just got itchy actually and decided to sketch a bunny comic.

Really..Nuffnang team..are you considering on being GENEROUS?
I could do away with a consolation? HAHA...

To charm a girl is not really that hard. Be honest, look at her in the eye (don't stray elsewhere, any level below her face) and engage in a genuine conversation with her:)

My recent Obsession...

It had been a long time since I shopped at KLCC. I used to go there for movies and dinners during my high school years and university days. Not so much after those days, well, I've got other malls that don't charge me RM3 for subsequent hours of parking. I consider that as a rip off seriously. Malaysia is no London or Singapore - the malls used to not rip you off at parking.Anyways, that was why I got flabbergasted yesterday - my first visit after the facelift of the mall. It was much better than the last layout. Moreover, they have got new shops too! I was excited that they also have Candilicious there but minus the ice cream bar. Well, I guess lately I was way overboard with my food obsession because I was about to try the Chocolate Twizzlers until I read the Ingredients on the label. It has got glycerin, potassium sorbate and sulfur dioxide. I understand that these are common food preservatives which are used in controlled amount but I really can't help to think about the glycerin in soap and sulfur dioxide as a laboratory chemical. It was quite a turn-off really.

Contradicting my usual behaviour, I put the package down and walk away. I make a mental note of not reading any labels on chocolate. I am afraid that I might read something which I don't want to know on chocolate labels. Ignorance is bliss, yes but for now I'm avoiding preservatives laden food though. They are silent killers...and very patient at that too.

the grey moment

The complexity of the moment,

The insanity of your actions,

Who understands them better than the preyed and the innocent?

This life came from you and so rightfully taken away without my permission...

Indebted, I am but this is my life and I'm the owner,

I'm on loan but I don't repay at my expenses for your entertainment,

Shame on you that you stained my childhood and made me a goner,

Oh, you are so proud of your artwork; my past was well shaped in a messy entanglement...

The damage is done,

The stone was carved and nothing can mend the flaws,

The damage was fun,

You enjoyed every bit of destroying my path; you left me nowhere to run...

That was a story I heard recently. It was awfully familiar. I hope my friend could overcome this period. Parents can be great guardian angels but it's very unfortunate that not all parents are reliable. Parents are like babies, they are god-sent and no one gets to chose whose family to be born into, so, instead of growing up with hatred and despair, try acceptance and ignorance. If they don't do good to yourself, you do good on yourself. No one gives a damn shyte if you ended up a loser, seriously.

Sometimes I do hope that he gets this part of life. His life is somewhat straight forward and whole but nothing is just black and white. This...is Grey. Hers is grey.

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Productivity

As my usual quote went, I was (trying to be) productive until procrastination took over. Well, I was actually looking for a gift idea and using the multiple tabs...I somehow got distracted into - Home Making. First, I went to Scrap of Life and I wondered to myself, it had been so long since I last baked anything! I miss messing in the kitchen and also, I miss my paint and brushes. I drew a Tazmania lately on a cup sleeve as a part of a gift to Gecko and bhoy, how I miss holding my pen and drawing onto something.

Then next, I fell in love with this room design found on Parlour's page . Classy and not too gothic. I start to imagine the kind of art I want my house to be infused in. Yes, art is the keyword. I am dead tired and bored with the normal cozy plain interior. I need some art back in my life. I know, I actually belong to the other side of the world where art is much more appreciated and I Should do something with art. I USED to imagine myself as a designer...until I gave up before trying. I guess I don't want to be strangled by something I love. That's why I entered Science...which is not too bad, actually. 

Well, by far, it is not too bad yet - though I am not making as much money as I should as compared to friends of my age.

Hm...negative aura aside, let's have some laugh.

...I really try my very best not to think negative thoughts. I need all those strength to complete my project and hunt for a decent job.

AZA

In order to satisfy my craving for some cakes, I went to King's confectionery; though there are other confectionery around but the cakes aren't really that good. I mean, yea, Venice bakery sells superb Hokkaido cake - better than that of RT Pastry's, but other than that, the cakes/breads are just...OK. Then again, I don't have a choice unless I walk across the road to Secret Recipe and that itself it quite far under this sunny weather; let alone driving down to Jusco's Subway for a proper sandwich.

I don't know about the King's at other location but trust me, I have half of the marble cake and it was left untouched beside me right now. I am still thinking if I should chuck it into the bin (it's rightful place) but it will be such a waste! The cake is really oily and probably it's just me - I realized that I was picking on the chocolate part of the cake until there was none of that left...and now it's just sitting there...10cm from my laptop....

The morning had been so uneventful. I hope this process will be my last after this final (fingers crossed) set of time-point harvesting and I definitely pray (*double fingers crossed*) that my array scan will turn out to be good. Damn...I don't want to waste any grant money more than I should and I want to get my results asap. Y'know, I was quite motivated by my friend who told me that after gaining some laboratory experience, she would want to go back to the hospital for a job - because she loves the place. That's really motivating to hear about people's passion and what they did to keep their dream alive. My dream is still alive now and if I could, I would love to prolong its life expectancy. Watching it grow old is not too bad an idea but it is not likely to be feasible.

Well, that can be changed though. I attended an awesome and grand wedding recently and after meeting up my old school friends -  I realized that my dream has to be transformed in order to for it to survive till old age. Transformation may be difficult but it definitely worth the fight.

Speaking of which, yes, that wedding which I had just mentioned was totally very grand (imagine; specially hired singers flown all the way from another country and a famous emcee as well as a different-from-the-rest venue) but I supposed it has to be as it is also a part of a corporate event. I guess this is what you to when you are a successful businessman. Every movements/actions and thoughts are to be thoroughly planned and executed. I was just thinking that if I do get the chance to be married, I would want to throw a cozy wedding party for my close friends and family. A party to be set in a garden with no mosquitoes and the bride, groom, best men and bridemaids will all waltz in...and the dinner will be served together with free flow of red wines...and of course live band too..something like this:

Lots of candles..lights and FLOWERS!  

Whitney Houston and Feng Fei Fei

It is true that nobody actually care when one person dies in some third world country but millions cry and reminisce when one well known person pass away. Anyways, just to share this song:

I heard it somewhere, some time back and I didn't realize that it was by this singer (Perhaps from here). Old but good.

On another note; oh my, I just went to a seminar where our faculty invited a Malaysian post-doc who is now attached with Cambridge to give us a talk on one of his past project. It was an inspiring talk and idea exchange - and all the more I strongly think that our country itself should really change its conservative mindsets to believe that professionals only involve doctors, accountants and lawyers. Science research may be wide (molecular, proteomics, bioinformatics) but this is a branch of science which goes deep and form the core of all other knowledge. *respect* (though the cold hard reality is that this profession is one which was over-exaggerated, exploited by irresponsible parties and of course, one with the lowest wages)! 

Bangkok-ChiangMai

Yes, I so wanted to visit JiuZhaiGou and scoop the cooling clear lake water in my hand. I wanted to stay a night in or near the park and get drunk on the beautiful natural surrounding but...there's always a but - I've got 4 weddings at hand this year and also, I have bought myself something really expensive...not to mention my Kinabalu trip as well as a potentially possible Lang Tengah excursion. So...That was how it came about that Gecko suggested Bangkok and you are right! Airasia was having this BIG sale and I've got my ticket at RM79 to Bangkok and ~RM300 from ChiangMai.

There you go. My backpack destination set for year 2012~~~
This time, you will see this bunny braves the train trip!

 

Yesterday was Valentine @>+-----

Valentine's Day - the day of love, the day of gifts-giving or perhaps, it is simply a day of grief? My news feed was updated with all sorts of lovey-dovey photo of with the couple themselves or the gifts/surprises that they receive. So I heard that there was no romance whatsoever related to this late marytr called Valentine. Somehow, it just cropped up from nobody knows where that this guy somewhat symbolized love and dedicated Feb 14th as a day of love to...maybe remember him for...marrying off couples in the olden days when marriage is forbidden.

Ehem...

Anyways, modern times' business makers are taking full advantage of this day by selling gifts and flowers at a higher price - often double or triple the normal rate. I'd say it is a very good time to make money!

So, Yes...it may be a loving moment but to some, probably this day would be used as a 'break-up' day for that dramatic effects. I couldn't help but to have this wicked feeling about all these loving couples. I supposed any day is a Valentine's day with the right person, so I seriously can't help to think otherwise - these self-proclaimed so-in-love couples, are they the right person for the other half? You promised that person the moon/sun/universe/and so on and yet when things no longer work for you guys, then you shatter everything.

What is the use of giving gifts when the gifts are nothing but just a present you chose and buy so that you could make a day special for someone? A gift should be one that comes from sincerity and only to be given when you do mean it. A word can only be spoken when you really mean it.There are so much lies around - even I lied. Therefore, it is much better to stay mum and only speak when it is meant to be spoken...

Just for Fun - A letter to my 17 years old self

I was reading Kath's blog and I think her letter format is really cute. It'd be interesting if I do find such a letter to myself 18 years back. I googled and found several of blogs writing about the same thing. So, this suddenness gushed into me and here goes:

p/s: preferably I will find this letter after SPM - before I decide on where and what I should do (that's to my 17 years old self)

Dear Bunny,

This is written by your old age self who finally has a regret at this age. Trust me that you'll be extremely and totally glad that you've found this letter sent back in time by the time capsule because This is The Letter that will guide you to the Right Path.

First, Never follow anyone's footsteps and forget about STPM. You will find a brighter future in life with that path ignored. Seriously, do you think some old guy with only a few strands of hair left on his skull will be able to explain Biology to you - especially when all he does was to ask you copy his writings on the board? Smart, he was only trying to get you to buy his text books...so let alone trying to get you interested, he forced you into buying a book he authored. Besides, a Panda in the class would not make you understand Chemistry. I know how confused you were trying to understand his notes. So what if you do get into local university? You can't survive there with so many cons lurking and waiting to pounce on you, a white Bunny. So, honestly, LISTEN to me...start Pre-University program RIGHT away. At least, you'll enjoy classes and dissect your first rat. Moreover, you get to listen to lectures from a lecturer who truly cares if you understand her or not and yes, there is nothing called Pengajian Am, an energy waster.

So, that will lead you right to the University and yes, go into science. I know you will love it and ehem, no matter how much fun you had or the many types of liquor you tried, try to keep it to a minimum. Also, do not agree to help your friend with modeling because that will be the last thing ever that you'd want to do, seriously. That was also another waster even though you eventually had fun but there was a price to pay. Yes, this is a grave warning and you shall abide by it. With that, you will then be rewarded with a good Msc - just bear this in mind - never go for viral-related projects. That person is your bad news. No matter what you do (even if you have to kill your competitors), grab that project from the cancer lady. You will survive better under her wings.

I am sorry though that at this age, I can't provide you with the miraculous 6 digits but let's just say, you can start early with some funds investment since you don't have much luck with gambling. Try to save as much as you can because your later hobby turns out to be rather expensive. Well, it seems that you have a great liking in traveling and you will be climbing a mountain in May 2012 too. Worry not, really, I knew you guys can make it through and to the top for the sunrise! (and still in one piece for the rafting)   

This letter will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

Adios,
Me

Chengdu/Jiuzhaigou/Beijing?

My recent trip to Taipei and Yilan have been not too bad. This time round, I had the opportunity to travel luxuriously with my aunts and what more can I review on? Those are the luxury which comes with a price and for sure the reviews are to be superb! (Will upload the photo in the soonest possible)

So, after my relaxed trip..I am now back to the world; filled with solvents, chemicals and uncertainties. Although I am just started on my journey in getting my first masters...I already felt like quitting and getting back to the workforce. Working is so much more fun...and rewarding...yes it is. Anyways, I shall set my heart on the stone and be determined to complete the course in one year. Ehem.

That aside, I am already looking forward to my next adventurous travel (in modesty). Initially I was thinking of a trip from Beijing to Chengdu and then JiuZhaiGou and finally back to Malaysia from there. Now, on a second thought, that would be pretty hectic if not suicidal and a waste of energy to pack these routes into a mere 10 days. I was thinking of a more reasonable route from Malaysia to Chengdu and JiuZhaiGou and back.

This blog is pretty clear in its review. I'm hoping to read more of such detailed blogs...do recommend if there are any good ones!