THE AFTER EFFECT OF HAVING A DEATH AT HOME

There would indeed be the never ending flows of pouring tears, heavy heartache, the feeling of guilt of not able to save a life and occasional mood swings. That was exactly how I felt when my favorite cat, Jeremy, passed away two weeks ago. I knew I had to stay strong but yet I was so deeply affected by my worst enemy – emotion. It was until a close friend told me her story about the rules of life when someone had decided to have a close relationship with another, may it be a person or a pet.

“Of Memory and Loss

Before I went to sleep, I decided that the next morning I would go and get a pet. I was not sure if it would be a dog or cat or bird or something else. All I knew was that I needed, no, wanted to share my life with another creature that would accept my friendship and affection.

As I slept, I fell into a deep dream.

There before me sat the most beautiful creature, neither male nor female. To either side of this wondrous creature, there were two identical waterfalls with deep clear pools at their base. From each waterfall, the most crystal blue water cascaded down. I was entranced. Never before had I seen such beauty, such serenity.

Wordlessly, the creature motioned me to come towards the pools at the base of the waterfalls. I noticed that at each pool, there was a small silver cup attached to a fine silver chain.

"Dip thy finger into the pool and taste," the creature said as it gestured to the pool to its left.

I did as instructed. As the clear cool liquid touched my tongue, my stomach clenched with pain and my heart pounded fiercely within my chest. Hollowness rang throughout my being that I feared I would never recover from.

"This is the Pool of Loss." the creature said and then it motioned to the other pool of water. "Dip thy finger into the pool and taste."

Warily, I drew my forefinger through the water of the other pool of water. As my finger touched my tongue, a joy so deep and pure touched my soul. A wave of happiness and wonder drowned the pangs of sorrow and loss the first pool had caused.

"This is the Pool of Memory," the creature said. "If you take one of God's creatures into your heart, you must be prepared to drink from both pools. Do you accept this as your covenant, your bond with one of God's creatures?"

Silently I nodded yes.

"Then drink from each pool." The creature instructed as it motioned towards the silver cups at the sides of the pools. "For now they will bear no taste, but in time you will discover how much you have partaken of each."

The very next day, I went and found a kitten at a local pound. It was the smallest one of the litter and it was the one who seemed to need me the most.

I watched it grow and play and I reveled in the smallest joy it brought to me. But then without warning, it was taken from me in a way most sudden and cruel.

Once again I felt the pangs I had felt in my dream when I tasted the waters of the Pool of Loss. Only this time, I thought the pain would never leave. Then, I remembered the taste of the waters from the Pool of Memory. Slowly the pain of Loss began to subside, and was replaced with the joy of Memory.

Now I realized that I had drank more from the Pool of Loss than the Pool of Memory in my dream. But now I knew that the Pool of Memory brought more than enough comfort to offset the pain the Pool of Loss could cause.

I now bear the knowledge that each time I open my heart to one of God's creatures, I drink from the Pool of Memory and the Pool of Loss. How much I partake depends on each creature and that, in the end, the power of Memory is so much more powerful than the Power of Loss.”

Therefore, the drinking from the Pool of Loss had to stop someday and somehow. It should be now as the water from the Pool of Memory would help ease the pain and sadness I had within me. For each and every of those memories, I should be glad that I had the opportunity to spend the happiest moments of our lives together, bringing smiles to each without fail daily. I still miss him but life has to go on. I’m sure he won’t want me to be sad forever.

Here’s a simple tribute video I did for him for the great memories we had for the last 3 years together. I’ll surely cherish all those sweet moments forever. I’ll miss you Jeremy… Rest in Peace~

Note: You might want to let it load fully before playing for the best effect. In case of failure to load well, try visiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N76pO4zRv3I

ARE LOCKERS NEEDED IN PUBLIC AREA?

The answer would surely be a yes. Can you imagine going for a swim and leaving all your belongings in the open? Your valuables might just attract the eyes of some thieves, usually found lingering about at such public places. There was a time when one of my friends at a public swimming pool lost all his valuables which included his branded attire. He has to call someone to pick up a set of clothes in order to get home. The first question that hit my mind was why there were no lockers around to prevent such cases from happening?

I personally had such an experience while visiting a nearby mall. Since there were no lockers around, I had to lock my helmet onto my motorcycle. By the time I had finished shopping and went back to the motorcycle park, my helmet was gone. Someone managed to cut off the strap and ran away with my costly helmet. Incidents like this should not have happened if only the mall management would allocate a space for public lockers.

Another incident happened when I was visiting a client in a semiconductor factory. It was the regulation of the factory to disallow anything electronics into the factory. Thus, I had to entrust my cell phone and laptop at the security checkpoint. Eventually after my meeting, I had a hard time claiming back my cell phone as it got mixed up with a bunch of cell phones of the same color and make. Someone must have accidentally knocked onto the small cupboard with all the visitors’ electronic gadgets in it. Since it was the regulation of the factory, why the management did not even consider having some pigeon hole like lockers? If I were to be allocated a locker with proper numbering, such silly incident may not have happened.

USING THE LOCKER ROOM WITH A PEACE OF MIND

Nowadays, you would see more and more healthy conscious people around, especially a large percentage of business executives, hitting the gym after a hard day of work. After all, where else could be more perfect for exercising than a place filled with all the necessary equipments and facilities to ensure a healthier body? Most of these gyms would provide personal lockers to its members to keep all their belongings while having the peace of mind to get their bodies to be fitter than ever.

However, there are a few gym etiquettes that a user has to adhere in order for everyone to be happy at all times. One of these rules involved the gym lockers area. Cleanliness is the main concern for many users. You don’t expect to use a locker bench with stacks of dirty and sweaty laundries right? Be responsible to get a laundry bag to put in all your dirty clothes even before if you intend to prance towards the showers. Please remember that the locker room is not your home but a place for other users. Do place the bag at a place that won’t be an eye sore to others. After all, this would not be a hard habit to acquire right?

Getting cleaned up is one thing but leaving a trail of water after your shower might be hazardous. If you want to get to your locker for your clean clothes, make sure you wipe your body and feet dry before heading there. Accident might happen and a slip could be fatal. Be responsible for the safety of others too.

Another thing that most users would hate would be the amount of time you spent at your locker area, especially during the peak period of the day and the area is rather small. Do whatever you need to do and get out from the area as soon as you can. Some users can be so ignorant that they spent their time chit-chatting away, thus obstructing others the opportunity to change swiftly. Well, if you intend to do so, quickly get done and go to the nearest coffee house to chat all you want as there are a lot of people who would want to get home for their necessary rests.

These are just the few examples that most gym users would detest. The gym is a place to get fitter while the locker room is a place for a speedy clean up. If you intend to exhibit your “properties” by lingering a bit too long in the locker room, you should think about doing so in a competition. LOL!

LIVING LIKE A PIGEON

Have life been unfair to everyone? While some of us here are comfortably in our homes with at least some moveable areas, some of those less fortunate people in Hong Kong are living in pigeon-hole like concrete jungle homes. Can you imagine having only a room to provide shelter to a whole household? That’s the problem in most developed countries where the living standards are so high that only the rich can afford a comfortable home. The cost of owning just a small piece of property would be almost impossible for any below average income group.

At least, there’s a roof above their heads but is this the type of living condition anyone would want for a lifetime? I guessed not. When a country with such a limited land developed so rapidly, the price for any vacant slot would definitely rise up within a matter of years. Thank the lucky star that you are not in that situation, at least for now. Appreciate what you have and be happy that your life is a livable one. You won’t want to live as the people below right?

MIND BOGGLING QUESTIONNAIRE

Do you think you have the analytical brain in solving a problem especially a mathematical one? We are all born with different receptive powers in learning something. Some would take just a matter of seconds to digest the steps in a mathematical solution while others might spend hours, days or even months to understand just the basics. Unless the person is a mental retard, there’s always a way to nurture the brain to execute problems easily. There are many help out there on this nurturing method, may it be a private tutor or an online tutor. Let’s just look at an easy mathematical question here that some might find it quite mind boggling.

“There was a test with 20 questions. For each correct answer, 10 points would be rewarded while 5 points would be deducted for answering wrongly. I managed to receive a score of 125 points for answering all the questions. How many questions have I answered wrongly?”

Some people would have a hard time answering to the question above as it had a mixture of words and numbers. It can be rather confusing at times too. Do you have what it takes to solve the question or you really do need a Math tutor to guide you through every step in the problem solving? It may be easy for this time but do you think the question would get any easier as you progress into your college days?

Somehow or other, it’s best to seek some Math help in your earliest age to build up a strong foundation. There’s the saying that it’s never too late to learn but won’t you think it’s a good step to start early too to gain the wisdom you would need in your later stage of life?

Anyway, here’s the solution to the Math question above.

A perfect score: 20 questions x 10 points = 200 points
My score: 125 points (meaning I lost 75 points: 200 points - 125 points)
Each wrong answer I lose out 15 points (10 points incorrect + 5 points deduction)
Thus, I got 5 questions wrong (75 points divided by 15 points)

WHY MORE ENGLISH TEACHERS ARE TAKING OPTIONAL RETIREMENT?

I wondered what had happened to the mentality and maturity of kids nowadays. Were they exposed to the world of technology and internet way too early for their age or was the influence of television programs gave them such an imaginative state of mind? I too would have opted for an early retirement if I were to constantly face with the challenge of correcting their English essays.

Why would I say so? Just look at how a student in Hong Kong would have written based on a given topic such as “At a department store”. This essay got me banging my head against the wall as it was way too hilarious! This is just one of the many sample essays one would expect from a student. Could you imagine seeing three languages such as English, Japanese and Chinese written as an English assignment? No wonder it’s getting harder to get people to be trained in the teaching profession, especially in the language category.

Please read the below two attachments and tell me if you think that the children of today fantasize more compared to us when we were still schooling. Click on the individual attachment to view a larger version.

I just hope the English teachers here would not have to go through this type of stress level… Pray hard! Haha!

THE DANGER IN PLASTICS

It has been such a common practice in our daily life to use plastic ware to serve, to store and to put our drinks into it. Did you ever notice that there’s a triangular symbol with a number in it? Most people would just take that as an advice to recycle the used containers but what actually does the symbols meant? If you have the perception of the symbol being a recycle symbol, you better read in detail what I would be sharing below. The NUMBERS meant the CHEMICAL MAKE of the plastic products.

Study carefully each and every of the numbers. Here are the actual chemical terms for the numbers.

You should be watching out for No. 3, 6 and 7 as they are the worst. You should be aware that the chemicals used to produce these plastics can easily creep their ways into your food and drink. How many times have you heard your friends complaining about a drink in a plastic bottle that has the taste of plastic? Well, if you encounter such taste, do not take the drink, just throw it away. They are many cases that people would recycle those plastic bottles to refill their drinks for a long time. Have you ever thought that lower quality plastic bottles under different temperature would emit certain percentage of chemical compound into the drink? AVOID reusing plastic bottles by all means to protect your health.

There are also many cases where serving dishes are left in microwave ovens for reheating food or drinks. AVOID doing that! Although some of those plastics have labels stating that they are microwave safe. How safe are they then? I won’t know unless I check with the hospital on the statistics on cancer patients. If you want to heat up your food, do use ceramic or porcelain that has no metal linings. If you can, do try to use your wok to steam up your food. What about taking you meals on plastic plates or bowl? Due to wear and tear and through the test of time, throw them away. Can you imagine taking in your food with the extra “loose particles” from the badly scratched plastic plates and bowls? No wonder there is a wide concern about the increasing cases of cancer and kidney related sicknesses on the rise.

Who would not be aware about the recent cases of melamine contaminated products? It has caused consumers to be on alert on what type of food they can consume. Worst of all, innocent infants and animals get affected and thus causing them to die. What has happen to the mentality of those manufacturers? Isn’t life worth anything now? How could they bet on the lives of users by only thinking on making profit? So, be careful of what you eat, what you use and aware of what’s the best for you and your future generations. Here is what you should know about melamine poisoning:

ROAD MADNESS

One look at these photos and it scared the hell out of me after having the haunted experience of ramming my car against the divider and railings of a new highway during one of my trips up to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

When I received these photos from my friend, I was wondering why would the government of such a country approve on such a wiggling road? Firstly, not everyone would be an expert in testing out roads of this kind, unless they are grand prix racers.

Secondly, with such a slope and if the weather was rather wet, won’t it add to the increasing statistic of having more accidents?

Thirdly, either the country must be real rich in resources or they have free flow of usage with the taxpayers’ money. Won’t it be easier to build a straight road rather than wasting more money on unnecessary building of roads.

Does that sound familiar? Haha… the world is getting weirder each day!

MAMA MIA! THE MOVIE - ANOTHER PREMIERE SCREENING BY NUFFNANG

Wow! Finally I will get to watch Mamma Mia! The Movie which will be screened this coming September 2008 in Malaysia. I have been waiting patiently for its release ever since I caught a glimpse of the trailer during one of my movie outings. The good news is that I can win a pair of tickets to the movie, courtesy of Nuffnang on the 22nd September 2008. Thanks again Nuffnang! For more information, check out Nuffnang's website.

This is the movie version of the blockbuster stage musical shown in Stockholm since 2005 and was seen by more than 30 million people in 170 cities and in eight different languages. Finally the movie version was released this July 2008. The storyline was about a bride, her mum and three possible dads on the enchanting Greek island of Kalokairi. Here’s the trailer of the movie.

Although ABBA’s music was between 1972 and 1982, it never got out of style and remained as one of the all time favorites in major radio playlists. I was even hooked further with their music after being in the liaison committee to get their tribute band, Voulez Vouz in for one of the charity projects based in USM, Penang, Malaysia in the early 90’s. You know what’s so great about their music? The beat and rhythm of all their songs were catchy and their romantic songs will make any hearts melt.

Another great actress in Mamma Mia! The Movie would be Meryl Streep. She started her acting career as early as 1975 on stage and eventually moved into televisions and films. She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor (11 for Best Actress and 3 for Best Supporting Actress). Moreover, she also holds the record for actress with the most Golden Globe Awards, with six wins. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her next movie would be based on Julie Powell's memoir Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, scheduled to be released in mid 2009.

Who won’t remember the charismatic face of former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan? He’s the lead actor in Mama Mia! The Movie. His cool but serious look and comical humor always brought out the best in his performance in any of his acting careers. From a stage acting career, he rose to popularity in the TV series, Remington Steele. Pierce is currently working on a new movie, The Ghost, a contemporary political thriller scheduled to be released some time in 2009.

DREAMZ ACHIEVED

I was there in Genting last Sunday to watch the Dreamz. Thanks to AMBP for giving me the opportunity to make my dreams come true. The best part was that Genting management made my visit even better. Instead of sitting at the PS1 seats as allocated by them, my tickets were upgraded to VIP. Can you imagine the thrill and experience I had sitting at the first few rows just in front of the stage? The show was truly wonderful with their music being played by their live band.

As the opening, it started with two great illusionists (Italian, Loris Togni Alessandro and Spaniard, Enrique Polo) competing against each other for the love of one princess in a fantasy world. Featuring for the first time in Southeast Asia is a magnificent beast - the elusive white lion. Once thought to be a myth, the white lion first existed as whispered rumours in the wilderness of South Africa before finally being discovered in 1975. This highly elusive animal performs alongside the white tiger - possibly the most prized animal in modern times for its beautiful coat and stunning ice-blue eyes.

On top of that, there was also the colorful Belarus and Ukraine dancers, motorcycles stunts in The Globe of Death and some trapeze stunts by China’s Hua Chen Acrobatic Troupe.

Overall, Dreamz would great for those who had never watch any magic show live before and would like the experience of seeing the magnificent white lion and tiger up so close. You can call up the Genting Pavilion Box Office at 603-2718 1118 or book your ticket online through www.genting.com.my

I HAVE RECEIVED MY FREE DREAMZ TICKETS

My TWO FREE TICKETS for the AMBP Dreamz Contest finally came today. I was jumping up and down with happiness as I thought that I will have to wait until the closing date on 1 August 2008 to get them. Now I have more time to plan carefully for my Genting Highlands trip.

It’s still not too late for you to submit your entry post. You can always refer to my “The Dreamz of My Life” post to get all the necessary answers and steps to join in this contest. You have up to 1 August 2008 to do so or until the TWO FREE TICKETS worth RM260 runs out.

Hurry to join now as there are still tens of double tickets to be won. This is a lifetime’s opportunity for you to watch white lions and tigers with your partner.

ARE FORUM DISCUSSIONS GETTING WAY OUT FROM REALITY?

Forums can be great only if they are properly used for discussing problems, providing solutions and getting latest news but has the local forums especially those Chinese related ones maintained their dignity by ensuring truths in the news itself? Just an example from the recent case when the whole Penang state was put under alert when one of the forum users advised those people using the Penang Bridge to be careful as a ship had collided with the bridge. The news spread like a virus and the Penang state Government has a hard time in assuring the public that the Penang Bridge was safe to be used. The rumor also came out on the front page in many of the local dailies and the user has been banned from the forum.

What else is cooking in the forum now? Twister in Penang? In Bukit Jambul area? In fact, that is what another user has posted up now, even with a photo. Should I believe that the photo is not photoshopped? In my opinion, I do not and will not fall for the same old trick again. I was asking myself, if the news was real, why was there only a photo and not a series of photos?

I have checked through all the online local news and nothing was mentioned about the twister although it supposedly happened at around 2pm on 26 June 2008. By now, the news would have appeared in our local daily today, right? The second doubt was that how could a twister which promised a gloomy dark sky can still shine through some sunlight against the background buildings? I think the person who did that “touch up”, ought to consider all these aspects before even trying to fool people with false news.

Here are the two versions of the photos obtained from the forum. Do guessed out if these are the photos that can really convince the public.

HAVING FAITH IN LIFE

It would be a wonderful thing if everyone in this world has at least some compassion in them. It was only two days ago that I had encountered an incident when a man fainted along the pathway of the heavily traffic of Penang Road, in a fit with blood rushing out from his nose and not even a single motorist stopped by to help him. I often wondered if the locals are really a heartless bunch of people or they are afraid of other consequences that might happen if they were to lay a hand to help anyone that is really in need. Although I was already late for an appointment, miles away, I was glad that at least I did my part in calling 991 for an ambulance to send him to the hospital

Speaking about compassion, my heart melted away as I was reading about how a 22-year-old Reuben Stringfellow, a private-first class in the Army, stationed in Alaska, rescued a puppy about to be put to sleep. His mother Jude, who lives in Oklahoma City, took over the task of caring for the poor puppy. Faith, the name given to the Labrador-Chow Chow mix breed female dog, was born in December 2002 with only 3 legs. Its left front leg was amputated at 7-months old when it was found to be deformed and useless. She has to be taught to walk upright by a canine trainer and training was not that easy as everyone thought. I guessed she would be the first bipedal dog that I have known that ought to receive a standing ovation.

This is a great incident where a combination of compassion by the Stringfellow family and having faith in life, can push forward the determination of a canine to live its life to the fullest. Be compassionate. Lend a hand. Encourage some faith and motivation to live on, not only towards animals but also towards those humans surrounding you. Life is not something to be discarded off so easily when there is still hope, faith and willpower to strive on.

A book has been published about Faith entitled “With a Little Faith”. If you check through YouTube, you can see Faith and her owner, Jude Stringfellow, featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show as well as Ripley’s Believe it or Not. You can learn more about Faith at faiththedog.net

MAXIS WIRELESS BROADBAND – THE UNRELIABLE

I have been extremely patient and when a person’s patience is extended until the maximum, anyone would have burst out in anger? What more being patient for up to 15 months? This is what will happen when things had gone wrong without any proper explanations. In fact, I do not think Maxis has any explanations at all. I do not think there are any good communication practices from the top level management down to the staff as well as their contractors (sub-contractors in fact). Nobody seems to know what the other is doing.

The bloggers is a big community and can you think what will happen if everyone who is using the service complain? I am going to share with you the trauma and bad dreams I had when I had put in my 100% confident and belief in a company that WAS ONCE BELIEVED to be the top communication service provider in Malaysia. Even their 012 and 017 mobile phone services are beginning to drop in sales. Who would want to receive explanations like “who asked you to live in a valley” and “Penang tall building a lot, so sometimes frequencies do get blocked”. When a person complained, they want explanations and solutions, not just some craps that come out illogically and as an insult.

Here are some of my scenarios that occurred during the last 15 months of usage. Maybe this will help many new subscribers to reconsider applying to a service that is so inconsistent and unstable that you can only use to check mails (but not all the time).

“Sir, can you log into 192.168.0.1 and check the connection status. Is it connected or disconnect? Now can you check your network type? Is it HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE or unlimited service? Can I know the cell ID reading? Now can I know the RSSI, RSCP and Ec/lo readings?” Is this not what you would be asked if you call the 1-800-822-000 hotline number? It sounded like they are reading off a piece of paper and being not so personal after all. But then this will happen if only you can get hold of anyone from the customer service department, which WAS SUPPOSED to be a 24-hours service centre?

Most of the time, you would just be forced to listen to all the rest of their crap services and wasting your mobile phone credits away. Well, more than RM600 worth of mobile phone credits used up to call the hotline during this 15 months is not a big deal to them right? It is not their money but the hard earned money of the consumers. “Apa lah, why use handphone to call? Use lah house phone.” Have they ever thought of the reason why a consumer uses wireless broadband instead of fixed line broadband? If got fixed line, who would be so stupid to use mobile phone ESPECIALLY PREPAID to make calls to the extremely high cost hotline?

Initially when I activated my 384kbps package account in March 2007, the service was good. Even within the 1-month cooling period, there were only minor disruptions. Not bad, paying RM68 a month and getting such speed was reasonable compared to going to cyber cafes. Everything changed after the one month cooling period and only then was I informed that there would be a penalty of RM800 plus if I was to breach the contract of 18 months. Nobody told me that, I was only asked to sign in the form as the rest were filled by the agent. Is this another desperate bid by the agents for sales without concerning about the welfare of consumers if ever they face any problems in the future?

The first 2 months down the road got bad to worst. Frequent disruption of services, network problems and each call would give the same reason of Maxis doing upgrading to higher speed and assured us that we will benefit the higher and faster browsing experience WITH NO EXTRA COST. Anybody would fall for that. I waited patiently again until the customer service confirmed that everything was up and moving. By that time, I was still experiencing the slow or practically no connection. NO CONNECTION or only maximum of 3 hours slow browsing per day for 3 MONTHS? It took them 3 MONTHS to send a technical person over to find my modem faulty and replaced one. What a great service? The wonderful thing was that I was stopped from going to the nearest Maxis branch to check my modem. “You don’t have to go over, our technical people will check for you.” What a joke… 3 MONTHS!

I did ask for a rebate for not able to use the service through one of the customer service personnel. I was stupid not to follow up and trust the sweet talking lady to do so. I waited but no rebates. Surprisingly, no reports on my problems and rebates were recorded in their system. I was only given a two-month rebate only last month when I got to meet up with the branch manager of the Penang Northam Road Branch. RM136 rebate for spending hundreds on handphone calls, petrol and parking fees, not forgetting the thousands I had lost for not being unable to follow up with my online business deals. REBATE? What a nice term to justify complaints…and keep the customer happy with peanuts. LOL!

After many visits to the branch, the branch manager finally decided to grant me a 3-month trial period with the upgraded package of RM98/month with 3.6Mbps connection. 3.6Mbps? I would be really happy if I ever got even 1Mbps of connection. In the end, after checking the provided Maxis speed test for a few days, the maximum it went up was 400kbps. That is only a bit better (150 kpbs more but average it is much lower than that) than the previous package but paying RM30 more. Did I get the information wrong? 3.6Mbps or 300kbps? Something is not right too. They had removed the speed check widget with reasons that it had expired. Reason or avoiding more complaints? You think it out.

I called the hotline again and got the normal repeated conversation but this time better. “Sir, can you please switch off your modem, pull out the network cable and unplug the power cable and off your computer. Wait for 20 minutes and I shall help you to reset the network over here.” Sounded great. 30 minutes later, I called back after having no changes at all in the reading and asked for the lady who assisted me. (PLEASE get their names each time you call for your record to complaint but I do not think you would even want to apply one now :P) “Sir, she had gone back. Maybe I can assist you. Have you off the modem… blah blah blah…” Again? “Oh, I shall pass this case to the technical department and they will call you. Anything else I can do for you? If not, thank you for calling Maxis.” I gave up! How to contact me when she did not even ask for my contact number as I had found out that they will not key in the contact unless you stressed to them to do so? What a helpful service. LOL

Oh… I forgot about one incident when I was at the branch getting some solutions on how to make my connection better. “Sir, I have checked with my colleagues and they agreed to terminate your account without penalty. Did you bring your modem and telephone for the termination?” Huh? What? I came here for solutions and she asked me to terminate my account. Are we having communication breakdown here or they are trying to shoo me away after dozens of recorded complaints? Is this what you call customer service? It sounded more like pushing problems aside in the fastest way. I am not falling for that as I still have 50% confidence that they would rectify the problems.

After having 4 technical visits and 4 replaced ZTE modems, an engineer who was reliable and believed to be from the Maxis own technical group finally came. (Reliable? LOL. He made an appointment on a Friday but did not show up and came on a Sunday when I was half way out of town. Luckily, an occupant who had called in sick for work was at my rented office.) It seemed that the signal received at my office was not strong enough to get higher speed. ONE YEAR to tell me that? After using his MAGICAL LAPTOP to hunt for the best signal, it ended up in one of the occupant’s bedroom. (I should have cancelled my trip to stay back to watch this, maybe he will hunt down a ghost too. LOL) Can you imagine having an office downstairs and a modem in another person’s room? Not bad with the convenience right?

After following his advice to buy a crossed cable (RM40 to get a 15m one at my own expense), I got the permission of the occupant to put my modem in his room. Talk about privacy. I guessed he has just lost it! LOL. Hooray! The line was great! I managed to get the HSDPA fast connection but for just a day after some raining spell. The service switched from HSDPA to UMTS as it likes making browsing practically impossible at such a low 49kbps. I called the hotline again and they said there were no reports on Penang having network problems. “Sir, can you log in speedtest.net and check the connection speed?” What an idiotic person she was. I could not even get Yahoo to show up and she asked me to check my connection speed.

Until now as I am still typing this post, I am still facing problems with the connection. No rain and humid day and yet the network type is still jumping and switching crazily. Browsing takes ages and sometimes I need to refresh few times before I could get into a site? Using Windows Live Messenger (WLM) is like playing “hide and seek”. It connects and disconnects nonstop and incoming emails would not even get updated.

No wonder they are gaining the name of MAXSUCKS. Well, I have no comment on that but I had experienced losing 5 occupants and created 2 enemies out of them just because of the line problems. Another one would be in the process if this problem did not get rectified soon. Handling online business, investing in commodities, share market or forex would NOT WORK at all with the speed and instability Maxis is providing so frequently. Every seconds and minutes count. Now who is at a losing end? Another thing is that if you are a blogger (especially those relying on making money through blogging) or a web developer, you can say goodbye to your dreams. You would lose out in your bidding and hundreds or thousand worth of businesses.

Do you want to know why? Well, just look at the screen shots below. It happened so frequent that you feel like smashing your computer to pieces no matter you are using Firefox or Internet Explorer as your browsers. Those present users should know this. Their so called maintenance is frequently done from 11pm until 4am on WEEKENDS (Friday to Sunday) where most people would have the extra free time to surf more. Wonderful! They forced you to spend more time in bed right? Not bad, at least you are safe from paying more for replacing your broken computer. LOL.

You can check out the MAXIS FAQ on waiving the penalty and no commitment needed but with all the problems I had faced, I do not think I would like to have another person facing the same trauma. If I were to write more on other situations, this post will never end. I am contemplating to switch to other ISP but there are still many problems and hidden costs that I will need to consider. What I want is to have stability and minor or none disrupted service to be able to save the already affected online business. If you happen to come across this post, please do give advice on the following packages available from other ISP and which do you think is the best for a person without wired line.

WIRELESS:
1. DIGI EDGE – stable but only using EDGE technology and it gets disrupted when there’s rain or thunderstorm. Modem provided.
2. CELCOM 3G– 3.6Mbps given. Stable and fast, especially in the Sabah area. Modem not included (Modem at RM899 or offer RM699 at roadshows) with high cost of monthly access fees. The only disadvantage is the risk of buying a non-returnable modem even if the service could not be used.

WIRED:
Telekom charges to get a line: RM215
RM75 deposit + RM50 installation + RM10 stamp duty + RM80 sub-contractor wiring
RM25 of monthly fixed line rental is waived if apply together with StreamyX packages

STREAMYX (RM50 modem installation is optional)
384kbps - Monthly RM60
- RM205 (RM75 activation + RM60x2 deposit + RM10 stamp duty).
512kbps - Monthly RM90
- RM265 (RM75 activation + RM90x2 deposit + RM10 stamp duty).
1Mbps - Monthly RM110
- RM305 (RM75 activation + RM110x2 deposit + RM10 stamp duty).
2Mbps - Monthly RM140
- RM365 (RM75 activation + RM140x2 deposit + RM10 stamp duty).
4Mbps - Monthly RM160
- RM405 (RM75 activation + RM160x2 deposit + RM10 stamp duty).

There are even side packages as below:
Package 1:
RM99/month for 2Mbps with free IPTV (up to 30 June 2008) for 24 months. Thereafter RM188/month

Package 2:
RM148/month for 4Mbps with free IPTV (up to 30 June 2008) for 24 months. Thereafter RM268/month

DEFENCELESS VICTIMS OF ZONING IN BRAZIL, INDIANA, USA

Sometimes I wondered if so called ordinances in some countries ought to be reconsidered for further amendments. Just look at the outcry of people across the world on the recent case of Rothrocks vs the US Indiana Government. The couples were asked relocated their family business of 20 years just because the government had decided to zone the district of Brazil, Indiana, USA as “a residential and historical zone”. On top of that, the couples had also received a kennel license from the government until August this year for helping to rescue, spay, neuter and vaccinate stray and feral cats at their expenses.

The question remained as a question without any proper explanations. Why would it take the government such a long time to close down a business which had become the livelihood of the couples for 20 years? How are they going to survive after this as relocation means giving up the family home as well as start anew their business which will take months or years to pick up again?

The second question would be as follows. If the property has been labeled as “a residential and historical zone”, why in the first place approved the license and then decided to revoke it, leaving the couples in dilemma as how to relocate all their 31 rescued pets to families who are willing to care for them? If not, they will be fined, adding to their worries of how to survive for the next couple of months.

Now who is at fault? The Rothrocks or the Indiana Government? I was even shocked to read on the reply by Michele Altman, Planning & Zoning Dept, Brazil, Indiana, USA to a concerned citizen on the welfare of the Rothrocks.

“The Rothrock's have not been fined, even though I was within my legal rights to fine them $2,500.00 for the first day and $7,500.00 for every day thereafter until the violation no longer occurred.”

“I cannot speak for previous administrations as to why they failed to do their jobs. I can only speak for myself. I have recently shut down several other businesses that were operating illegally, so I have not singled out the Rothrocks. I will do my job.”

Isn’t it amazing for a person to deny the facts that the ordinance has a flaw and blamed it to the previous administration for not doing their job? Even the Alley Cat Allies, who assisted cities all over the country with stray cat problems, has quoted this:

“Across the country, citizens are being punished for caring for stray and feral cats. These caregivers did not create the colonies of cats -- and they are serving their communities by humanely caring for them. But according to antiquated animal control laws and uninformed community leaders, each of these Good Samaritans deserves to be punished. We must change outdated animal control laws, policies and practices. We must stop caregivers from being punished for doing the right thing. ”

The news had even gone to the media with The Brazil Times and WTHI reporting on it. Surprisingly, all links for the Tammy Rothrock case went missing in the WTHI website. I wondered if someone asked them to keep their mouth shut on this case. It’s a mystery.

CRUELTY BEYOND WORDS

Many of you would have known that China would be holding the Beijing Summer Olympic Games between August 8 and August 24, 2008 but do you know why many countries are planning to boycott the Olympic Games? There are just too many reasons the world leaders have voiced out ranging from human rights, animal rights up to pollution.

Just look at how China’s brutal treatments to the Tibetans as reported by the National Post. It has becomes more overt as the regime's rhetoric becomes more shrill and paranoid. Most cities are under martial law. Roadblocks have been set up to prevent internal travel as well as to keep Western journalists from reporting the truth on the protests and hundreds of deaths and arrests made. Even the Epoch Times reported countless of news on the repression faced by the Tibetans.

On top of the human rights problems faced by China, there were also outcries on animal cruelty from animal lovers throughout the world. As reported by the Daily Mail, “Thousands of pet cats in Beijing are being abandoned by their owners and sent to die in secretive government pounds as China mounts an aggressive drive to clean up the capital in preparation for the Olympic Games.”

The cull comes in the wake of a government campaign warning of the diseases cats carry and ordering residents to help clear the streets of them. Can you imagine how pitiful those furry animals are being crammed into a small cage and sent to some secret death camps? Paranoia is so intense that six stray cats including two pregnant females were beaten to death with sticks by teachers at a Beijing kindergarten, who feared they might pass illnesses to the children. Even doctors are advising their pregnant patients to get rid of their cats as these cats will bring illness to the babies.

About more than a year ago, dogs have fallen victims to the country’s “clean-up” massacre. Now cats become the victims. There were even reports stating that hundreds of cats were sent to infamous restaurants in Guangzhou, southern China to be served in their exotic animals menus.

Although the Beijing government is eager to show the world the city in a good light during the Olympic, but the way the government dealt with animals especially cats in such an inhumane way will seriously tarnish the image of Beijing and the Games.

The concern on the public’s health due to endless pollutants in China is another factor the world’s environmentalists are not happy with. Even ABC News reported a “lost” Beijing National Stadium in haze. China has been ordering polluting factories in and around the city to shut down or relocate during the Games to ease Beijing's choking smog. Drivers are allowed out on to the roads only three times a week. This is just a temporary measurement. What will happen after the Games? Will these factories stop polluting the air? No, they will not. The air would still continue to be bad to the health of the residents surrounding those polluting factories.

China may be the most populated country in the world. It does not mean that killing a few thousands by poisoning them will help in the over population problems. The people deserved the right to live in a cleaner and safer environment. Now you have a clearer picture of the reasons behind the boycotting of attending the Games, reading, viewing and even purchasing products from the Games.

WHO SAYS MONKEYS ARE NOT SMART?

If you were given to choose between a gibbon and a tiger, which of these two do you think will survive better in the wild? The meat eating tiger which is known for its viciousness or a gibbon which is known for its playfulness? I will tell you that it is a monkey’s world out there and monkeys sure rule! If you do not believe me, check out the video which I have stumbled on to find out the truth.

HOW PEOPLE REACT DURING ELECTION SPEECHES

There were two prominent politicians battling it out in public to win the support of the people. Both of them had a huge turnout during their public speeches. Mr. X has been known to have helped many people from the poor-stricken community in seeking aids in food supplies, education as well as basic needs. On the other hand, Mr. Y has countless times promised that he would build many low cost houses to replace the badly worn out houses of the people. He even promised the people that there would be new job opportunities for them to sustain their lives and new roads to replace the filled with potholes ones.

As Mr. X finished his speech, there were lots of applauses. Mr. X was contented with the responses he got. When Mr. Y ended his speech, all the people stood up with some putting up their hands aggressively and shouting “Wala! Wala!” Mr. Y was pleased with the reactions he got from the people as it showed that he was getting more supports from the community than Mr. X. In his mind, it will be a sure win for him. The people love him a lot. Mr. X was stunned but was seen to be smiling quietly.

As Mr. Y was walking through the red sanded path towards his car, more people were shouting “Wala! Wala!” Suddenly, someone grabbed him aside. He was shocked and asked the guy why he did that? The guy pointed to a big pile of bullshit on the ground and said, “Wala Wala!” Mr. Y almost fainted.

Now you know who you should vote for during the election? Vote not for the party banner but for those who really understand your needs and able to assist you well. If a politician does not understand your language well, it is nothing but “Bullshit” to what they have promised. Think smart when you vote this coming 8th March 2008! Good Luck!

NEW KIT ON THE BLOCK

I do not how I ended up here but I am here now. I am the new KIT on the block! What is my name? Just call me Jeremy. In Hebrew, it means God’s Exalts, having the high rank, power, dignity and highly praised by many.

From now on, I shall be dominating this blog as well as in a few others. You want to know why? Because I am cute… cuter than the rest! I am the new Garfield…King Jeremy Garfield, the conqueror of cats and kittens! … hehehehe… (evil meow~~)

WE ARE ONE MONTH OLD

THIS BLOG HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER
BY US TRIPLETS
HAHA!

Daddy has been busy helping his family for the coming Chinese New Year preparations and we were left alone with a sick Mama and a Romeo Papa who is never around to take care of us. In fact, we are angry that Daddy did not even celebrate our “Full Moon” with us. He was to buy lots of “Full Moon Gift Packs” to give away and collect lots of “Ang Pow” (red packets with $$) for us.

But we only got a small tiny packet of Kitten Friskies. We are not complaining much as our first taste of solid food was good. Janice, “Hey, Mama’s Friskies tasted even better. I can’t wait to grow up!”

“Mama! Mama! How are you feeling today?” purred Jayson. I hope you can stop vomiting again and get well real soon. We love you Mama. No matter how sick you are, we still get our regular shots of yummy juicy milk. You are the best!

Now where is that Romeo Papa? Where is he when Mama needed him most? He must have escaped out of the house again. See! Useless Papa! We have to scold him then only he will come back with that guilty look on his face. Grrrrrr…

Click… click… click! (Justin clicking on the Digicam directory) “Gosh! Is that what Daddy has been doing while we were asleep? He camwhored us!” Haha… but we do look real cute in our triplets’ natural reactions! :P

No matter what, we love Daddy a lot! You can see how plump Papa and Mama have grown up to be. You can see how happy and comfortable we are too. In fact, Daddy has taught us well. Who said only monkeys are wise? We are wise too! Daddy has taught us not to see evil, hear evil and speak evil! :P

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!
HAPPY “FULL MOON” TO US!
LOTS OF LOVE,
JUSTIN, JANICE & JAYSON