Wow!! We have been using Internet almost everyday........ but, how many ever realise that today is The Internet's Birthday??? So, here's to say............Internet plays a vital role in making our world a smaller place indeed and has made connecting to people so easy......... No matter which part of the world we are in, we can easily get connected in an endless conversation, be it day or night!!
Today, people from all walks of life, young or old alike are having the knowledge of using the Internet........
By respecting the importance of The Internet in our lives, let's all take good care of this technology by protecting it, rather than abusing it!! Have a great day of "INTERNETTING".
Hello...... all "Bookworms" out there........... Today is 'International School Library Day'! It is really great to know of such a day. Without all the 'Bookworms', Library won't be able to survive and there won't be such a day being designated - agree????
So, here's to wish all "Bookworms" - Have a great and enjoyable time reading your favourite books!As today is special...... you can all miss your meals and cling onto your BOOKS, sure mum & dad won't impose any punishment!!
Malaysians are indeed very blessed! With a multi-racial population living in peace and harmony, we are able to enjoy "multi-celebrations" throughout the year.
Today is the Festival of Lights, which is the Hindu New Year, most commonly known as Deepavali or Diwali. Like the new years celebrated by the other races, the Hindus also welcomes relatives and friends through our Malaysian Cultures of "Open-House".
On this special day, I would like to wish all Hindu friends celebrating this special & auspicious ocassion............and......... enjoy your holidays!!
I wonder........ how many give a good thought before spending today????? Many of us have been in the so-called 'comfort zone' for a long time....... enjoying life with so much great choices of material things, foods, clothings, etc....etc......
Today, being in such a situation........."r e c e s s i o n"....... (can't deny it!), there is really need for all of us to move out of that 'comfort zone' and get on our lives with something more simple........ This is the time for us to be wise and smart in all our spendings!! Even in televisions and radios, we also get such advise through Public or Community Service Announcements - all these are meant to wake us all up before it is too late or when situations got worst!
After giving it a thought myself...... hmm...... I also realise that I used to spend unwisely during the good-times!! Whenever I was out with friends shopping (especially grocery shopping), everything seems good to me, and worst is - when my friends buy, I also ended up buying! Finally, those items ended up in the fridge, never been used and...... there they goes, into the rubbish bin!!
Friends, we all have to remember that being a customer, the Purchasing Power is in our own hands, not others. So, it is we who decide whether to buy or not and no one can influence us......
I am sending you all this 'bright-red' flowers to cheer you all up and hope it will brighten up your lives..........
"Enjoy A Wise & Smart Shopping Always!" God Bless!!
Today is a day for us all to reach out to all you wonderful people out there....... from all walks of life and wherever you all may be - near and far alike!!!
Cos..... it's Say "Hey" Day!!!
Guess..... this will be the best way to get acquainted with more people and have more friends....... I am saying "Hey or Hello" to you all, so why not just do the same by saying it to others........ it sure brings cheers to all the nice people out there - it's indeed a great blessing!!
Re-potting of Bonsai plants is a must so as to allow space for it to grow well...... During the process, unwanted roots are trim-off, and some are being replanted. Here's the picture of one of our Bonsai during re-potting.......
See those strong & beautiful roots....... Most of us tends to only admire the top part of a Bonsai, that is it's leaves and fragrant flowers, but how about the roots???? Roots of Bonsais are equally important as beautiful roots will also add to the beauty of a Bonsai Plant. Wonderful isn't it????
Here are some more pictures of this particular plant after trimming of its leaves and branches as well as re-potting.........
Top (Left) - Full View Top (Right) - Half View Bottom - Close-up View of its roots
Interested to know how it looks like after two weeks????Now....... we are waiting for it to bloom..........
As usual, had my early morning breakfast alone, at one of Kuching's favourite food spot! As I was waiting for my 'Fried Meehoon' to be served, I observe a small boy asking in his soft, polite voice from her mother (who is one of the stall operator) for a 'fried chicken wing'. As her mother is busy with her business, she didn't seem to bother about his child's request. Standing, with eyes fixed to the pieces of fried chicken wings, he repeated his request, over and over with patience....... It was only after a while that the mother hand over to him a plate with the chicken wing in it!!! He seems to be so happy - eating with a 'cute-grin' on his face!!!
This really reminds me of my childhood days...... feeling so happy if opportunity comes for nice food! In the early days, we only have the whole chicken and duck on the dining table when there is a festival. Unlike what it is now, anytime..... anywhere...... we can just walk into a restaurant if we are thinking of eating chicken or duck and in whatever ways of cooking we want. Nowadays, nice foods as such are also being prepared and served in the comfort of most homes - people today are really more blessed as compared to the old days!! Not to forget, we can also easily walked into a fastfood outlet like KFC, PIZZA HUT, Sugar Bun and many more....... to enjoy a sumptuous meal.
Having this 'flash-back' of my childhood memories is indeed a nice feeling....... Many a times, seeing things happening around us today will also brings us back to those memories which we once trod and experience throughout our life............
How many ever realise that the art of photography is interesting and captivating??? Today, you don't need to have a camera in order to capture any pictures...... most people have a handphone with built-in camera in their pockets and it really makes life much, much easier!!
Pictures/photos taken might seem to be priceless........ but if you care to take a proper view at some of it, well..... some might have special meanings and some even brings a smile to your face.
Let me share with you some interesting & captivating pictures which I received through E-Mail recently - hope it will also makes you laugh and smile away.........
Wanna know what???? There is a footnote for the picture of the cat stuck in the ice water......."When I get out, someone's gonna DIE!"
"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever..... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything" ~ Aaron Siskind ~
Bananas are considered the cheapest fruits which are sold everywhere - fruit stalls, markets, grocery shops, supermarkets, etc..... etc...... Though it is cheap but it contains endless health benefits. I've got here a great article to share for the benefits of all........
Bananas contain 3 natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide energy for a strenous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
DEPRESSION: According to a recent survey by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
ANEMIA: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
BLOOD PRESSURE: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
BRAIN POWER: 200 students at a Twickenham School were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
CONSTIPATION: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
HANGOVERS: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your sistem.
HEARTBURN: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
MORNING SICKNESS: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
MOSQUITO BITES: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
NERVES: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
ULCERS: The banana is used as a dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
STRESS: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brains and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
STROKES: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the Vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around, so maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we can say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
In regards to my earlier post yesterday "Rights of an employee" here's a Court Award (Citation) from Industrial Court on Management Prerogatives which further support the article on "Right to Hire and Fire". Hope it will be of interests and is useful to all........
Court 245/91 Selwyn in the "Law of Employment" states: 'Now that the age when management could "hire and fire" at will has gone, it is possible to assert that the employer has a legal duty to treat his employees with due respect and consideration, mindful of their needs and problems, sympathetic with their difficulties. It is no longer possible to treat an employee as an expendable chattel, or as an object without feelings and emotions'.
Reading interesting story books might be the interests of many, but when coming to reading of Law Books........ can guarantee that not many likes it!! Don't worry, I don't like it too, especially the books on 'Act'. But no matter what, we all need to know our rights as an employee. This is to prevent youself from being discriminated, victimised, intimidated, abused, exploited or sexual harassed!!!
Recently, I've read an interesting article in the Malaysian Industrial Relations & Employment Law, 3rd Edition by Maimunah Aminuddin, which I believe that many would be interested to know. I am extracting the important points for all your easy readings, but if you would like to read more, you can go to page 230 onwards.
Right to Hire and Fire
For centuries, it was considered the absolute right of an employer to choose whom to recruit and whom to dismiss.
However, in the 20th century, the right of the employer to hire and fire as he pleases has become more and more restricted.
Compared with the right to hire, the right of the Malaysian employer to dismiss employees is very restricted. Many employers seem to be totally unaware that they no longer have the absolute right to terminate the services of an employee.
An interesting case was described in Award No. 279 of 1988 in which an express bus company was ordered to reinstate 17 drivers and conductors who had been dismissed for picketing. The company's chairman of the Board of Directors, on visiting the company and finding the workers picketing, gave the workers termination letters on the same day. At the Court hearing, the company chairman appeared to view picketing as an offence. The Court made it clear that workers cannot be summarily dismissed (i.e without an inquiry) and they certainly cannot be dismissed for carrying out peaceful and legal activities.
WOW! How fast time flies......... it really doesn't seem long though, but to be exact - in 16 days time, I'll be stepping into the 3rd year of my 'non-working life'!
Just to recap....... my last day of work then was on 31st October 2006. To refresh our memories (me and my ex-colleagues)......... here's some photos for us to travel down memory lane................
During my working life in the so-called "T" Giant Company, I've worked for 3 different sections/units - the last of which is rather short, only about 8 months. The photos above are taken just prior to leaving my working life, i.e. at the third and last place of work.
So dear friends, where ever you all maybe (near or far) wishing you all the best in your undertakings. Though we are ex-colleagues, I believe that we can always be friends..............
Though Celery have lots of rich health benefits, yet not many really likes eating it! To be frank, it is not my favourite vegetable only until a year ago - previously I used to dislike it's smell, but now...... my perception on it has changed........ It has become one of our family's home-cooked dish!!
Let me share with you extracted articles on the many health benefits of Celery.........
Celery contains vitamin C and several other active compounds that promote health, including phalides, which may help lower cholesterol, and coumarins, that may be useful in cancer prevention.
Rich in Vitamin C
Celery is an excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like celery may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have concluded that vitamin C is a cold-fighter. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and lead to plaques that may rupture causing heart attacks or stroke, vitamin C is beneficial to promoting cardiovascular health. Owing to the multitude of vitamin C's health benefits, it is not surprising that research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Potential Blood Pressure Benefits
Celery's potential for reducing high blood pressure has long been recognized by Chinese medicine practitioners, and Western science researchers may have recently identified one reason why.
Celery contains active compounds called pthalides, which can help relax the muscles around arteries and allow those vessels to dilate. With more space inside the arteries, the blood can flow at a lower pressure. Pthalides also reduce stress hormones, one of whose effects is to cause blood vessels to constrict.
Cholesterol-lowering Benefits
In studies of animals specially bred to have high cholesterol, celery's cholesterol-lowering activity has been demonstrated. In eight weeks, aqueous solutions of celery (like celery juice) fed to specially bred high cholesterol animals significantly lowered their total cholesterol by increasing bile acid secretion.
Diuretic Activity
The seeds of celery's wild ancestors, which originated around the Mediterranean, were widely used as a diuretic. Today, we understand how celery, which is rich in both potassium and sodium, the minerals most important for regulating fluid balance, stimulates urine production, thus helping to rid the body of excess fluid.
Promote Optimal Health
Celery contains compounds called coumarins that help prevent free radicals from damaging cells, thus decreasing the mutations that increase the potential for cells to become cancerous. Coumarins also enhance the activity of certain white blood cells, immune defenders that target and eliminate potentially harmful cells, including cancer cells. In addition, compounds in celery called acetylenics have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells.
BONSAI Lovers........... or even plant lovers for the matter, here's to update you all with some pictures of our home garden 'Wrightia Plant'. If you are interested to find out more, do leave comments in my blog. Don't forget............ our Bonsais are also for "SALE"!! Please click on the pictures to get a clearer and bigger view of the plants, thanks!
I believe most of us have seen a Metronome before and are aware that it is being used by musicians when practicing in order to maintain a constant tempo - tempo is always measured by 'beats per minute (BPM)'.
The one which you have seen might look like this...........
This is one of the most common type used by most musicians or even a music student for the matter...............
But............. have you ever seen one like this before??????
Like what I've mentioned in the title of this blog "CUTE" & "Special"........ The picture on the right is showing the Metronome in motion. Like many others, it is a Mechanical Wind-Up Metronome. It is "CUTE" because you won't be able to find one like this, which is the figure of a cat....... and I consider it "Special" cos' it is not purchased locally, as it is a special gift from my Uncle in England to my daughter. The Brand is "Wittner" and it's made in Germany.
How frustrated indeed to travel in Kuching City lately with so much road-patches here and there......... Yesterday morning, I was travelling along Pisang Road...... and to my surprised I realised that the whole stretch of road is full of patches here and there!!! The patches really caused so much 'bumpyness' and by the time we reach our destination, we are feeling tired, as the journey is not smooth!!
Not only that!!! This will also caused trouble to our car - all sorts of sound coming from everywhere and when send to workshop for checking there seems to be no problem........
To come to think of it....... "Road-Patching" of Kuching Roads is like our "Teeth-Filling"!!! I've heard some friends commented it as "Plastering/put on Koyok (Plaster)"........ it's rather true though!!
Not to mention the bigger roads or main roads...... the smaller roads are worst with such problem. Some even have big 'pot holes' but no one really bothers. So, in the night if you are a stranger to some roads, please drive extra careful, or else you will bump into those 'pot holes' and it can caused serious damages to your vehicles..........
How many employees do really appreciate having a trade union in their work place and how many fully support it?????
Employees tends to feel too complacent with the long existence of a trade union in their work place. They tends to take for granted that with or without the union, the management will just give or pay whatever that is due to them!! This is where their support will be gradually drifted away. During good times, workers never realise the importance of a trade union, not only until when there is changes to their work environment whereby their job security is being at stake.
Employees who doesnt't have a trade union at their work place have been wishing to have one, but for those who have, it seems to be the other way round!
Supporting the union is not only through the lips or paying of dues (subscription fees), instead it should be whole heartily, taking part in all union's activities, support the union through good and bad times, be responsible to elect good union officials, attend every General Meetings, assists the union as and when required, and most of all truly defend the good name of the union, etc......etc..... Such members can only be considered fully supporting the union!!! But, it is sad to note that not many members really meant what they say - most will only step into the union's office or will start to find out who the union officials are when they are in trouble!!
Not supporting the union is one thing, BUT some members only know how to blame the union - this is the most heartache part!! They always expects the union to work miracles - how ridiculous indeed!! Mind you, after the hard & tedious work of the union officials in getting the new Collective Agreement negotiated and signed....... and after implementation of the new CA, how many really come forward to give their appreciation and thanks to the officials????? Not many my friends........ this is the saddest part!!! What the members do is, happily smiling off from the bank and forget about the union!!
Workers should be really thankful if their workplace is unionised - to form a trade union is never easy these day, though the Act says it only needs seven (7) person to form one. Remember, getting it organised out of nothing is not an easy task. So, for those workplace who have a trade union, do treasure it well, cos' if you loose it (in another word, if your trade union is being "deregistered") you will regret your whole working life!!!
This Wrightia Plant or commonly known as Sui Mui has been on the increased in our home garden and are of all sizes - small, medium and big!!
Since my last blog on this article on 7th July, I haven't been updating on it, so would like to share with all friends and readers one of our medium-sized Wrightia Plant with 3 different views........
(Top left) side view (Top right) front view (Bottom) close up view
So much for this blog, will update some more pictures of it soon. Do watch out for it then.........
How many ever realise how much happiness Nature brings into each and everyone's lives?? Most of us takes time off for holidays once a while to get away from their hectic work schedules.......... We love to visit places of interests & beauty - all these really brings happiness to our lives! I've got here a beautiful Poem by Pushkar Bisht to share with all........
Happiness Lies In Nature
The true happiness lies in the lap of nature, Where everyone feels very delighted because of nature. The morning dances and have a happy look at the mother nature. The air blows, but visits the mother nature, for a while when it passes by. The flowers wake up with a wonderful morning, When the mother nature has shown this morning to a wonderful happiness. The birds making a good play chirping and moving around the nature which is a big gift given by Almighty God.
Also.......... some beautiful photos of nature - seeing is believing and realising!!
Barley has been my family's regular drink. Whenever I prepare barley drinks, I'll make sure it is not only a glass for each member of the family, but a whole pot of it! After it cools down, I'll store it in bottles and put them in the fridge. It really helps to quench our thirst especially on a hot day. This is one of the things which I won't miss especially when comes to my children's homecoming.
To many Chinese, Barley apart from quenching our thirst, is also good for cleansing - it is said to be best for girls & women as it helps cleanse our urinary tract to prevent urinary infection. The Barley which I used to purchase are those locally cultivated, that is from our local kampungs in Kuching.
Recently, I've received an E-Mail from a friend on Barley and would like to share this interesting article with you all. Here are the extracts of it - only the important points.........
Barley for good health Barley, whose Latin name is Hordeum Vulgare, has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Since ancient times, barley has been used for healing purposes and has been known to the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Athletes in Greece and Rome in those days were known to eat barley bread to give them strength.
barley is known to be a kidney cleanser
it is good for intestinal health
high in fibre which feeds the friendly bacteria in the colon and helps speed up the transit of fecal matter in it. In this way it helps prevent haemorrhoids and colon cancer.
The propionic acid and beta glucan from barley's insoluble fibre also help lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of gallstones.
Eating barley regularly is a preventive step against heart disease as, besides the fibre content, it is also high in niacin, a B vitamin good for lowering cholesterol.
diabetics should eat more barley as the fibre will prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high. It also provides relief from constipation or diarrhoea for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Barley is rich in selemium which prevents cancer and relieves symptoms of asthma and arthritis. It is a good source of manganese, copper and phosphorous.
Wow!! After a week long holiday for all schools & also the Hari Raya celebration........ it's time to get back to our normal schedule again!! So, here's to wish you all a very good & happy morning through this "irresistible-lovely-energetic card" from 123 Greetings.com.
Have your breakfast already??? Wanna have some toasted bread???? I am sending you some......... Enjoy your breakfast & have the best of this day - take care!!
Haven't write and share about the article on Cats for quite a while. Another interesting facts which you might all want to know is on Cat Funeral & Cemetry. Here, you are able to see the great differences of situations in large cities as compared to our own country. So, here goes........
Cat Funeral & Cemetry
Cat funeral has a long history. In ancient Egypt, temple cats were considered sacred and were given prestigous and most elaborate funeral services and were laid to rest in a sarcoophagus. They were also mummified.
People may scoff at the idea of having cat funerals and cemetries. But how else do doting cat owners living in modern congested cities bury their loved pets. The death of a friend or loved one does not erase the memories of the living any more than graduation ends our memories of pleasant times we enjoyed with friends in school. The same goes for cat owners who have enjoyed a living relationship should not be expected to pretend the death of a long-treasured cat means little. For them, it is a great loss of a much loved companion and would give enough respect for the surviving memories to go unscarred.
The problem of burying one's pet cat does not arise in small towns and kampungs. But city dwellers do have the alternative of disposing their beloved dead cats in garbage bags - this solution of course is just unthinkable to them. Not surprisingly, numerous cat cemetries have been created. Cities like New York, London, Paris & Tokyo have fairly large cat cemetries. Cat funerals are never religious affairs but are kept simple within the family.
This is so for religious ceremonies are offensive to many theological beliefs since they cross the line that distinguishes between cat and human. Grave stones are also erected for cats and to save the funeral costs some cats are cremated.
Internet plays a vital role in making our world a smaller place indeed and has made connecting to people so easy......... No matter which part of the world we are in, we can easily get connected in an endless conversation, be it day or night!!
Internet plays a vital role in making our world a smaller place indeed and has made connecting to people so easy......... No matter which part of the world we are in, we can easily get connected in an endless conversation, be it day or night!!
