Are 'TRAFFIC LIGHTS' going Obsolete??????

How scary it is to see many Kuching City drivers driving without even bothering to observe traffic rules & regulations these days!!!

One of the traffic control device which helps control the flow of traffic is the 'TRAFFIC LIGHT'. Every road users, even the young children knows that the red light indicate for vehicles facing the light to stop; the amber or yellow indicates caution, either because the lights are about to turn green or because lights are about to turn red; and the green light to proceed if it is safe to do so.

I still salute the people of the older generations, why??? They are the 'obedient' ones who respects not only each other but also whatever rules & regulations (but with some exception, of course).

Today, the traffic lights seems to be going 'obsolete' because at any one time when we are at the traffic light, we sure tend to see many who JUST REFUSE to follow it's indications, just to name them:-

• when the light turns amber or yellow, drivers on the moving lane are still moving at speed instead of slowing down & stop;
  
• when the light turns red, vehicles are still moving on which hinders the vehicles on the lane of the green light to move, thus the vehicles will have to wait patiently for the traffic to clear;
• if we are moving on green and the light turn amber, be careful not to just slow down and stop, instead we have to see the vehicle behind us because many a times you will come across that the vehicle behind happen to be a 'non-compliance traffic light driver'! Such driver will refuse to slow down at this point but will continue to accelerate, gave an emergency 'squeaking' brake, then he will start to scold loudly from inside the vehicle or putting his fist out, or sounding the horn of his car!!
• at a traffic light junction, even if we obediently observe the 'arrow-signs' painted on the road, we have to be extra careful when we make the turning, as the vehicle on our left who is suppose to go straight (according to the arrow sign) but he will just pretend to be dumb & make the right turn. I've seen this happen and it's a scary sight cos the vehicle which over-cut the lane is a big lorry.

This everyday happenings is a true fact and if you are always travelling along 3rd Mile to Jalan Laksamana, then Jalan Song and Jalan Tun Abang Hj. Openg's traffic light (just to name a few), then you will agree with me.

No matter how careful, observant or obedient we are, just because of those 'care less, unroadworthy & reckless' drivers the safety of other road users will be at stake!! I sincerely & faithfully hope that the authorities concern will come forward to put an end to such acts & behaviours of today's drivers so that we can all have a safe travel along Kuching City.

Tips to share - Raisins

Here's some tips on 'Raisins' which I've obtained from an old magazine to be shared with all, especially those raisins lovers.........

Eaten raw, raisins are a satisfying substitute for sweets, without the harmful effect on teeth of the more concentrated refined sugars that are difficult for saliva to clean away.

Raisins are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, calcium, iron, fibre and other food elements essential for good health. This makes them an ideal snack at all times.

Raisins are naturally resistant to spoilage and with care, will keep for years. Air and heat cause them to dry and become hard, so keep unopened packages in cool, dry places. They can be stored in the freezer for long periods, and will thaw quickly at room temperature.

It is best to keep raisins in an airtight container. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. (Some dried fruit like dates, form a layer of sugar on the outside after being stored for a time. This is due to the crystallisation of the natural sugar and it is perfectly harmless.)

Chopping raisins are recommended for many cake, cookie and bread recipes because this distributes the fruit evenly in the batter or dough. Chopping also imparts a full flavour to the baked goods.

The quickest and easiest way to chop dried fruit is with a pair of kitchen scissors. This can be further simplified by lightly oiling the scissors before use. To grind, coat the blender or meat grinder with a film of vegetable oil.

The flavour of baked goods, sauces, toppings and desserts can be enhanced by soaking raisins in coffee, tea, fruit juice or liquor. For best results, cover the raisins with the liquid and soak overnight.

It is often useful to keep a quantity of dried fruit marinated in fruit juice or spirits so that you have some on hand when you need to add them to various dishes.

Article about Cats [Part 8]

Another article about Cats to share is 'The Cat's Eyes'.

All cats are born blind, a kitten's eyes remaining closed for seven to ten days after birth. The retina is at first incompletely developed and vision very poor. The kitten has to learn to interpret the images falling on its retinas and its brain to process the signals it receives, and it is not able to see as well as an adult cat for about three months. From there on vision becomes an extremely important, perhaps the most important of the cat's senses.

A cat's sight is said to be its most extraordinary sense. Each eye can encompass a range of vision of 287 degree, which enhanced by the mobility of the head can explore a vast horizon and always be ready to defend itself. It probably cannot focus on close objects very well, but beyond two meters nothing escapes its view.

In daylight its vision is perfect. Also at night, when assisted by distant street light or a ray of moonlight, it can see quite clearly. The cats hunt more by sight than by extremely efficient eyesight that adjusts instantaneously to changing lighting conditions. In bright light the pupil will contract to a mere longitudual slit: in poor light it will dilate to take advantage of the faintest gleam.

In very bad light the cat's eyes appear to shine, giving rise to the claim that cats can see in the dark. This is not so, but in poor lighting the eyes, like the road studs named after them are able to reflect back any available light so that they appear to glow.

Time Is Like A River........

In two days time, we are entering into the second half of the year 2009! Time really pass without us even realising it, and how much we've achieved for this year or for some....... have we get to where & what we intend to accomplish for our 2009 resolutions????? If we really give it a good thought we will realise that time is passing too fast, and we've not been able to think about it!!

Students pursuing their studies in private colleges and universities will be having their one month semester break and by the time they have their next long semester holiday, 2009 is coming to an end........ how scary to think of that!!

Talking about 'Time', let me share with you all a simple & meaningful phrase on "Time Is Like A River".

Cute, cute pictures worth sharing.........

Many people receiving articles through E-Mail from friends, would just click it open, look at it, resend it to some of their friends, then 'pop' goes into the recycle bin!! It is a correct thing to do cos' no one would want to cramp & jam-up their mail box.

For me, I love keeping those cute pictures, so I normally save it into my computer, then burn it into a disc. In my free time I would glance through it and mind you....... looking at those cute, great pictures sometimes brings cheers & smile and it does help to brighten up our lives!!!

Here's some cute, cute pictures to share with you all.........

"Sometimes"........... "But"...........

"Sometimes" & "But" are the most commonly used words in our everyday lives! A true & real scenario or situation can sometimes becomes the other way round because of the word "BUT".

Last Saturday afternoon I was sending my son and his two other friends back to their home at BDC from tHE Spring. As my son is intending to follow them to attend Sunset Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church which is nearby, so I dropped them and left.

As usual, I have always been extra careful driving along that area as I used to observe vehicles being driven at great speed and not to mention most residents there are the rich, so the vehicles they own are also the 'big & powerful' ones!

As the road is clear, I then made my first turning to the left, then shockingly I saw a PRADO 4X4 turning in from the main road accelerating at great speed coming right towards me! I gave myself a quick thought "why that driver driving so fast & yet taking on my lane?" Knowing very well that there is no way to avoid, I just hold my steering wheel tightly, and BANG!! Not only that my car was being hit by the 'giant' 4X4, but was being pushed backwards. Luckily my mind is still sound, so I apply my car brakes to it's fullest, hoping that my car would stop so that I won't have to land into the side, as there are some trees there. Lucky enough my car comes to a halt! I took a deep breath, open the car door, walk towards the 4X4 and question him (an old man in his 70's) "Why are you driving so fast & driving on my lane?" He then screen down his windscreen and said "raining, road wet, vehicle out of control". Even though he said this to me, but when the daughter arrive at the scene, he becomes 'dumb' and is trying to put the blame on me instead!!

To cut short the story........

When accidents happen, even when we are right, according to the traffic law, we can be wrong, thus, the wrong drivers will smile away happily & repeat his dangerous driving act over & over!! Like my case, the police really feels sorry for me because the law is not on my side, even though he knew that the old man is wrong, driving recklessly "But".......

• "Sometimes" we follow the traffic rules closely of looking left & right before coming out of a junction "But" as long as accidents happen within 30meter of the junction, then we are still on the wrong
• "Sometimes" the reckless driver is driving on the right lane, instead of the left lane, "But" according to the law, if there is no dotted line being drawn on the road, it is difficult to determine this argument
• "Sometimes" we know that when accident happen, no one should move their vehicle "But" due to having cold feet at that time I didn't realise that the old man move his vehicle further off, then again I'm on the loosing end.

So, that's what happens on Saturday afternoon, feeling so scared with body trembling (but I am still under control) and even not able to have a good sleep that night cos' the moment I close my eyes the scary scene comes into my mind again & again! Just imagine....... 'A big vehicle coming right infront of my car, with high speed and knowing that there is no way for escape'! Luckily, I am an experienced driver of over 25 years, I just can't imagine what will happen if this happens to an inexperienced driver who just got their licence???????

Better late than never.........

How could I have forgotten to send my greetings on such an important day for all "FATHERS"???

Well.... well...... I really have very good reasons for that - firstly, do read my next coming up blog to get the exact picture of what happens on Saturday afternoon, then you'll understand; secondly, was with my son at Airport on Sunday morning to send off his 'best friend' who is going to KL to pursue his study; thirdly, stop by at my son's God Father's place (as it's Father's Day); fourthly, get ready to attend Church Mass at 5.30pm, as we've miss the one on Saturday evening; then finally, have a Father's Day dinner....... which by the time we reach home is already night!! So....... that's it!!

Here's a short poem by Adean Ladia for all great Fathers out there........

father

a father is Fast to approval
a father is Awesome
a father is also a Teacher
a father always Helps
a father is Enthusiastic
a father is Responsible

and lastly to wish you all 'A Very Happy..............Guess....... It's better late than never............

Beautiful, Colourful, Graceful BUTTERFLY!

Butterfly

Beautiful, Colourful, Graceful
Flies, Flutters, Dances, Sings, Lands
Purple, Blue, Green
Butterfly

~ Natalie Sapphire ~

June 19th is Butterfly Day, and like many other living things on this earth there is no denial that butterflies are one of the many beautiful insects that human really admires - it can be due to it's beautiful colours, shapes, sizes and most of all it's 'innocence'. For those who ever watch "butterflies in action" will get to understand what I mean by 'innocence'.

In my young days, I used to play with my brothers, sister & neighbour friends in small jungle & vast fields and many a times we observe beautiful butterflies flying around us. I love to watch those small white ones which really looks so pure & fragile. Remembering those great days really brings fond memories of my childhood days as being said in the lyric of this song "Those were the days my friends, I thought it never ends, Those were the days, Yes those were the days"..........

The Beautiful Roses.......

Roses comes in different species and colours. Though not many people plant roses in their home garden but it is still much admired & loved by many.

As June is 'Rose Month' I would like to share with all the colours and meanings of roses.

Red Roses symbolizes love and romance as well as beauty and perfection

Yellow Roses is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship. The bright, sunny colour of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth & happiness.

Pink Roses is a symbol of grace & elegance, and is often given as an expression of admiration. It also convey appreciation as well as joyfulness.

White Roses represents innocence & purity and are traditionally associated with marriages & new beginnings. It is also a symbol of honor & reverence, and white rose arrangements are often used as an expression of remembrance.








Orange Roses are the embodiment of desire & enthusiasm. It often symbolize passion & excitement and are an expression of fervent romance.

Lavender Roses are a perfect symbol of enchantment & is traditionally used to express feelings of love at first sight.

Let us all spread the joy & love that awaits in the petals of each blooming rose in this special 'Rose Month'!

The Power of SMILE!

"SMILE is a powerful weapon which doesn't weigh any weight and to use it, it's at our own discretion"!!

Smile can work wondrous as it can help to cool down a person's anger; it can change a situation; it brings cheers to many people's lives; it helps people to connect & reconnect; helps strengthens many relationships; brings happiness, love, joys & peace to all and many more........ Wanna experience the magic of S M I L E???

Dear friends, don't let the day goes by without experiencing this little, precious magic as today is

On this day I would like to wish you all a day as bright and wonderful as you all are, and don't forget to keep on smiling so as to let this magic works in us. May God Bless you all!!

Phrase to share - What's the use of worrying?

Whatever we do, whatever situation we are in, whatever status we are & wherever we may be, well....... I believe that everyone do worry about certain things in their life. Guess there isn't anyone in this world who are free from worries.

It is just a matter of 'how we handle the situation' and whether we are looking at things in a bigger perspective as well as taking things positively or just looking at situations & thinking 'within the box'! By looking at things positively it does really helps us in realising that we are not alone, and we are not the only one facing such problems, instead, everyone is facing some problems in one way or another, so to speak!

I've got here a meaningful phrase for sharing with all my online friends..........

Do stay happy always & keep on smiling..........

"Good-Real-Best Friends"

Generally, many people have lots of friends. Wherever we go we tend to meet people we know or whom we have met at a particular place (at dinners, functions, while attending meetings or courses) and even someone being introduced by people whom we know. People whom we've met and get acquainted are considered our friends.

BUT...... how many really have the so-called "Good-Real-Best Friends"???? This type of friends does not necessarily be those whom we meet, talk & get together everyday. It is understandable that each and every individuals have to lead their own life and be committed with their own daily schedules. "Good-Real-Best Friends" can be someone who are staying in another town or city, one whom we don't have the opportunity to meet often, but one that are "friends from the heart"!

With modern technology, we all know that we can easily get in touch with people near and far by just a simple touch of the button, either through phones or even the internet. So, no matter how far away or busy we are, getting in touch with people whom we know regularly is what I personally considered "Good-Real-Best Friends".

Today, 8th June being "Best Friend's Day", thus I would like to say........

and....... always bear in mind that.............

I Love You All - My "Good-Real-Best Friends"!

A day to enjoy Ice-Cream!!

The weather has been rather hot lately, and comes today 8th June, a day to really treat yourself to all types & flavours of Ice-Cream available in town, cos' it's "Ice-Cream Day"!!

Here's one to boost up your taste buds.........Remember........ don't let the day goes by without spoiling yourself with ice-creams. Don't worry, it won't make you gain extra weight cos' it's only for today.........

Happiness.........

To seek happiness is everyone's wish in life, but in today's modern world how many are really living in misery, stress, depression, sorrow, strife, hatred, poverty and.......and.......?????

If we care to be sensitive in looking at situations around us each day, and giving it a little thought..... we are able to see that there are many unhappy people out there due to unwanted & unavoidable situations and circumstances. However, I always believe that there is always a solution to all problems. As long as we are willing to bring forth that problem and face it, then we can come up with a good solution to solve it, rather than to sit on it or sweep it under a carpet, and...... feeling upset and misery throughout our life.

With so much unhappiness in our world today, here's a few beautiful quotes which was shared by an E-mail friend to be shared with all and hoping to bring cheers to everyone out there.

"Stay Happy Always & God Bless"!

Selamat Hari Gawai!

It's another year to wish all friends who are celebrating this festive occasion during this time of the year "Selamat Hari Gawai" and may you all enjoy the holiday season and happy drinking the popular 'Tuak'. Cheers to all.........