Parking receipts? I am sure many of you had this experience finding your windscreen stuck with a piece of pink receipts or even green parking meter bill whenever it rains.

Sure - do you bother to keep those? Keep it cos you will be shocked if you get a parking fine for not paying although you have done so...

Caught this great article last week and wanted to share - keeping parking receipts for more than 4 months to avoid being fined is one of the most craziest thing I have ever heard. Trust me - it's really a shame that Penangnites have to endure this ... I am really sad...that after so many years, Penang Municipal Council continues to close an ear away from the wishes of the people. Give us something simple. If Ipoh or Seberang Jaya can start with a coupon method, why can't Penang? Really why can't we?

It has been many at times that the power of the mind continues to drive an economy. It's not building the tallest buildings or having the biggest shopping centres that will determine the success of the economy. I caught this wonderful blog article by chance and I believe it should read and emulated.

We are now moving into our 50 years of independence but we may have to soul search more to help drive our economy. Again, good to share this article when Wesak Day is being celebrated tomorrow.

A day to remember the enlightenment of Buddha and also to celebrate Labor's Day.

30 April - no extension, no appeals. Better submit or Income tax folks will come after you...if you need to do it and send it out by today, do it before 10 pm.

Wesak Day is tomorrow and of course another long weekend for many in Malaysia. How nice eh? The weather is rather crappy the entire weekend.

The sky was dark and gloomy but I guess I feel on top of the world. Knowing the challenges ahead, I am very optimistic that more good things are in store. Anyway, Malaysia just witnessed a mini "general election". The ruling coalition won the by-election with about 1805 votes. Believe the biggest winners are the residents in IJOK. The voting pattern interestingly pointed towards a swing of somewhat chinese voters. I am sure there are reasons behind it - depleting purchasing power with the rise of prices across all goods and services.

Guess we live in challenging times. We have to continue to forge forward with a better understanding of how the world economy can and will change our political landscape. As it's, many troublespots around the world continue to burn its amber and waiting to be reignited.

Sense the next 6months will be interesting. Not just for the world but for myself as a whole. Do take care and happy weekend.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of my usage of the Internet. Still remembered the day when I logged in via my new PC (Packard Bell) in my dormitory room in 1992. This was the day which I sent out my first email to a friend in Malaysia who was studying at NUS; used the IRC to talk to folks at USM and NUS and saw the first website that made me proud to call myself Malaysian (www.jaring.my)

I think it's a little nostalgic to see how far Internet has come of age today. I am sure Malaysians are stil complaining as to how slow broadband is like but trust me, the first usage of internet in Malaysia was running on 9.6 K bps modem and eventually 56K modem...

Today, WIFI remains an exciting development for the Internet with the Broadband providing good connectivity as compared to 1994. I am proud to be one of the pioneers on the internet when it was launched in Malaysia. MAL of Jaring is still around; Dinesh Nair who was famous for hacking into AsiaConnect; the birth of many other businesses on the internet remains the best milestones that have shaped Malaysia's internet arena.

1.Try this link....

2.type in this number 990518610029. 99 is the year of birth; 05 is the month and 18 is date; 61 - is the state where he was born.

3. This person could be 9 years old or 108 years old. But then again, 9 years old - this person is the youngest person to vote in Malaysia.

Just interesting stuff to share. You can check your own voting information by doing the same. It's great and fun. If you have not registered to vote, start doing that today. It's open in all shopping malls and targeted locations. You can find out more information by clicking here.

April 24, 2007 10:26 AM

Skeletons Tumble Out Of House In West Bengal

KOLKATA, April 24 (Bernama) -- A skeleton smuggling racket was busted Monday in the state, with the recovery of at least 50 human skulls and broken bones during a raid by the police at a house in the Purbasthali area of Burdwan district (in West Bengal).
Inspector general of police (law and order) Raj Kanojia told Press Trust of India (PTI) that seven persons were arrested and more raids would follow on the basis of confessional statements made by them to the police.
He said that the raid was conducted in connection with a case of four bodies which went missing from a graveyard in Burdwan recently.
Prima facie, it appeared that these bodies had either been dug out from graveyards or had been retrieved while floating on rivers, Kanojia said.
The racket was believed to have been thriving for a long time and these persons were allegedly involved in selling skulls and other parts of skeletons to medical institutions or smuggling these out to Bangladesh, police sources said.
Forensic tests would be conducted of the skulls and the bones to determine for how long the skulls were there and other details necessary for investigations, the sources said.
-- BERNAMA

SCARY THOUGHTS! JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU HAVE A FEW SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET...AND NOW THIS - THE WHOLE HOUSE IS FILLED WITH SKELETONS!

Yes I went to collect my birth certificate. Just  couldn't find it and I desparately in need of the copy so that I can renew my passport. Passport was expiring in August 2007 and I may be travelling abroad within the next 48 hours.

Carol and I went together to the Birth Certificate Department to retrieve it but to my surprise, I didn't photocopy my identity card. Walked across the street from the Federal Building but realised that it was still early - the photocopying shop is still not open.

The waiting period period to get my birth certificate was long - 3 hours long and I decided to scan every inch of the newspaper. Left with my birth cert by 1145 am and headed towards theImmigration Department

Rushed over to the Immigration Department and reached there by noon. Filled up a form and presto! I was told if I were to wait , I can get my passport on the same day!

All I can say is this - it has certainly improved. Many years ago, one has to wait for more than 3 weeks to get a decent passport and endless waiting for a replacement for a new birth certificate.

A VERY BIG IMPROVEMENT!

I can't help reading this in Bernama today. Somehow, it led me thinking about how important this effort will bring benefit to Malaysia. One of the critical importance of ensuring more foreign students come to Malaysia is the cost of education as well as the quality of education provided.

Malaysia must start looking into this effort very seriously. Without proper screening process of potential students, we could be facing a serious "problem" where students come to Malaysia as a halfway point and embark into some activities that are considered unhealthy.

I am all for this effort, but lets approach this catiously. Singapore does it well. Offering of scholarships within Spore allows good quality students to stay in their country and eventually contribute to the development there. Should we be doing the same?

Sometimes, it's best to do that. I am in a period of observing what comes next. One day at a time and expect nothing in return. I heard this from a great buddy and also my father in law. It's really a great advise if you would think about it.

Have a great weekend.

This was written By Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It Is the most-requested column I've ever written.  My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their
  Journey  is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God
Never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get
busy
Dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one
is up To you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for An answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't
Save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years,
will This matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of
  Anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
  We'd  grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
                               Plato

Many moons ago, I remember myself lining up by the side of the drain near the boy's toilet waiting for the dental nurse to show up. We were told a day before to bring our toothbrush and toothpaste as well as a cup. I was 8 then. Yes - those where the days.

Dad used to scare me for not keeping my teeth clean. He said "the day will come when the nurse shows up and find your teeth bad and off you go to the dentist's chair".

Those were the words from my late father. Today, growing up with 2 boys, I share the same experience. However, I don't mind saying this. The fun is no longer there. Guess they expect more from just dentist. Maybe free stuff after brushing their teeth. I am glad the Malaysian Govt is still pushing this till today. Dental hygiene is important.

Stay happy ya!

Had a great time last nite. Carol  - the birthday girl, myself, Jefferson, Cornelius, Papa and Mummy went to have a great dinner at this place. Carol had a big plate of Garlic Lamb Chops (big portion!) with a mashed potato and brocoli. That was quenced down with a gigantic glass of Magaritas.

Anyway, we had a good time and the crew actually sang a nice birthday song to the birthday girl. It was a nite to remember. We actually got some good dining vouchers from our winnings from Red fm.

Looking forward to May 11 for Jefferson's.

A special day for my beloved Carol - she has turned a year older and from the boys...and myself, we love you very much. I am sure the challenges and turbulences in life are really things that keep all of us together. We love youvery much. Thanks for being a great mum, friend and wife. I know I look forward to many years ahead for all of us.

It has been awhile I put up a picture of my dear family. This was taken when we were invited to my in-law's place for a nice plate of many  loh bak (pork roll). It was great seeing all of them enjoying their food. Simple and nice.

Elly - we brought her home after finding her wandering at our apartment. Won't tell you where we live. Anyway, brought smiles and joy to everyone

at home.  

Been busy lately and didn't have time to update. Family - all okay and fine.

Carol brought back a little kitten and the kids are all worked up. I am sure this is a good sign as we have always wanted one. Well, we picked it up from our ground floor at the apartment. SHhhhhh...don't tell anyone as we are not suppose to rear pets. Who cares! It's too cute to resist...more pictures to follow suit soon.

By the way, Red fm's Red Riders are in town. Won some goodies from them. Always great to have them back in town. A good working relationship with people there and I continue to win prizes. Just won Rm400 last week for just guessing the 3 songs snipet.

Anyway, have a great day. Keeping my heads up and my fears down.

Jeffrey

 

"I think it's very important to look into the mirror and actually see the images that everyone else see. Quite often we delude ourselves into the illusion we are a different person"  - Sylvester Stallone

Weeks ago, I managed to get this free book and never got around reading it. Now it's being read daily and it helps me to start my day. Faced with immense challenges daily, I am falling back to the divine as well as motivational quotes from the book written by Gerald Chuah, "IN THE EYE OF THE TIGER"

It is a must read. Easy to read. Simply heart warming and keep an open mind. It's truly helpful to get by the day when one is down and out. This book helps and I will be the testament to it.