Zamri's Big Fat Life

Almost Similar, but Definitely Different

2012-02-23T10:00:00.000+08:00

It's a matter of choosing the letter 'i' or 'a'.... whereby the meaning is outstandingly different!

Urinate - everyone knows what it is! You pee, you urinate...!

Uranate - is an oxide ion of uranium, with the oxydation states of either +4, +5 or +6.

*I still remember what the late Dr. White of Imperial College told me about this "it's uranate, not urinate!".

Despicable

2012-02-19T19:00:00.000+08:00

When you feel that someone despise you,

that's the time when you know you should retract.

*so disappointing*

Orchid

2012-02-17T13:00:00.000+08:00

I did this orchid arrangement myself. It's not a new thing, and it's not hard at all. Just buy the vase and the flower, twist the orchid accordingly, stick it into the soil, and voila! It's all ready.

The best thing is, I don't have to water it.... coz the orchid is fake. Easy peasy.

Education is the Solution to Improving Our Industry's Image

2012-02-13T13:00:00.000+08:00

In the wake of the depleting numbers of school students who are interested to enrol into the science stream, as well as the decreasing number of candidate who wanna take engineering as their first degree, I think this suggestion by the SPE President might give a point or two on how we can lure back the youngsters into the business.

[article from JPT February 2012 issue]

Is Alcohol-Free Beer or Wine Halal to Consume?

2012-02-12T19:00:00.000+08:00

I was browsing through the menu at The Loaf - the bakery which happen to be the high-end side and located in some malls in Malaysia - and came across this beverage list that falls under 'Fre Wine'. I googled to see what is a 'fre wine' coz I know what 'wine' is all about, as it is one of the alcoholic drink which any Muslims should not consume.

Fre Wine is the alcohol-free version of the wine. But, though the name says 'free from alcohol', does this drink is halal for any Muslim to consume? This explanation from the Muslim Consumer Group should answer the question.

My say is only one: Wine is wine, no matter how alcohol-free it is... it's still a wine. For anyone who knows the basis of Chemical Engineering or Applied Chemistry, you should've known the process of making a wine or beer, disregard its 'non-alcoholic' version they fall under.

Avoid things that is an absolute syubhah.

IS ALCOHOL FREE BEER OR WINE HALAL TO CONSUME, THE ANSWER IS NO.

All alcohol free beer, wine, champion are not made from scratch but they are all made from real beer, wine and champion. In Islamic fiqah such as tabdeele Mahiya does not applied to alcohol free beer and wine because Tabdeele Mahiya has specific requirements to apply to Haram product to become Halal such as converting alcohol a Haram ingredient to vinegar a Halal ingredient.

In the case of alcohol free beer or wine no such thing happened, there is no chemical reaction, there is no name change which are few requirements of Tabdeele Mahiya. Production of alcohol free beer or wine is 100% based on physical action i.e. removing only alcohol from beer or wine without touching any other components of beer or wine. In USA, FDA requirements of alcohol free beer or wine must contains not more than 0.5% alcohol by volume or Dealcoholised: over 0.05% but less than 0.5% ABV(Alcohol By Volume). So all alcohol free beer from USA in Muslim countries contains a maximum of 0.5% Alcohol by ABV. This 0.5% is the result of alcoholic fermentation of sugars by yeast the principle used in making alcoholic beverages. This alcohol is the part of alcohol present in real beer and wine. Intoxicants were defined by our Prophet Sayyidina Mohammed Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallum when he said in the authentic hadith that was reported by Abu Da’wwod and Al Tirmithi: whatever a lot of it intoxicates a person, little of it is forbidden. In the above hadith there is no mention of amount or number of serving of getting intoxicated by consuming little amount of intoxicant in a product which contains little amount of intoxicant. So consuming number of cans of alcohol free beer is irreverent. The basic point is the large or little amount of intoxicant is Haram and alcohol is a intoxicant.

Alcohol content in Alcohol free beer or wine disqualify to consume based on the above hadith. There is no way any company in USA or anywhere can eliminate completely 100% alcohol from a beer or wine used by vacuum processing or using micro filter system to remove alcohol from beer or wine as they currently used in alcohol free beer or wine industry. What about rest of component of beer or wine. It remains as is, nothing happened to them. Alcohol free beer has the same volatile compounds as in original beer or wine. The purpose of alcohol free beer or wine is to maintain similar characteristic including taste, smell as in real beer or wine. All components of intoxicant are Haram because they are not present in original grape for grape wine or original cereals for beer made from cereals. All the components of beer or wine are the by-product of alcoholic fermentation of sugar content of grape or cereal by yeast.

So it is in the opinion of MCG that alcohol free beer or wine is not Halal to consume by Muslim.

[source: Muslim Consumer Group]

3 Things to Remember for Taking Great Pictures

2012-02-12T18:30:00.001+08:00

A great note for me who still wander and wonder how to snap great pixs with the DSLR.

ISO

The ISO number refers to a camera’sresponsiveness to light. Here are thethree most important things to remember about ISO:
The higher the ISO, the more responsiveyour camera is to light. Shooting at ahigh ISO number will allow you to shoot in a dimly lit room like at a showroomor at a runway show, for example.
The lower the ISO, the less responsive yourcamera is to light. Shooting at a lowISO number will allow you to shoot outside on a sunny day, like if you’reshooting street style, for example.
The higher the ISO number, the more “noise”that will result; noise will make your images appear grainy and notparticularly pretty so I suggest keeping your ISO as low as possible for thedemands of the situation.

Aperture

The aperture is the opening in the lensthat allows light into the camera. Hereare two important things to remember about aperture:
Shooting at a lower aperture number (likef/1.4 or f/2) will allow you to shoot in a dimly lit room and will also giveyou a nice, blurry, out of focus background. Low apertures are great for shooting jewelry and accessories or forreally making your subject stand out from the background. Shooting at a low aperture will allow a lotof light into the camera and so your shutter speeds can be faster.
Shooting at a higher aperture (like f/16 orf/22), will keep your entire scene in sharp focus but can only be used forshooting where you have a great deal of light, like when you’re outsideshooting street style or an outfit for a post. Shooting at a high aperture will allow less light into the camera and soyour shutter speeds will be longer.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the length of time theshutter stays open once you’ve pressed the shutter release button. Here are some things to remember aboutshutter speed:
Fast shutter speeds (say 1/125th of asecond to 1/4000th of a second) are great for freezing action, like to keeprunway models from getting all blurry.
Longer shutter speeds (1/25th of a secondor longer) are great when you’re shooting in a dimly lit room, like at a SoHoboutique, and you need a lot of light, but they will also cause moving objectsto appear blurry.
Be careful when you’re hand-holding thecamera as longer shutter speeds will result in camera shake and a slightlyblurry image from the movement of your hand.

*words from IFB.

Putting Out Anger with...

2012-02-08T20:00:00.000+08:00

When I've been hit by anger, my body shaken like I never should. My hands trembled, I became jittery, not because that I am scared... but because the anger is shrouding my entire body like a dark cloud surrounding the field. The api amarah has been alighted which I know very well is a product of the devil.

The things I would do when I'm in a heated or furious situation:

Left the venue. Not because I'm coward, but I'm avoiding the aftermath that could happen much uglier.
Ambil wudhuk. Coz api amarah is a part of bahang neraka. One way to put it out is to fight fire with water. Plus, wudhuk has so much barakah behind it that you never knew existed.
In case I have to stay put in that place where my anger is ignited, I will recite selawat and Kursi, as much as I could coz they are some of the doa that will always work in any oppressing situations. In fact, bukankah dengan mengingati Allah hati akan menjadi tenang?

And nope; I'm not playing Angry Bird when I'm angry! Period.

The Fire Dragon Unleashed

2012-02-08T18:00:00.000+08:00

[pix from google]

Someone has triggered my anger. Superbly triggered my anger. Tremendously triggered my anger. And I have exploded like I never should and never ever had before. So alarming and so dangerous.... that I can't imagine I had behaved like that. And that's what happened when someone pushed my buttons too far. Too far that has even gone beyond the limit. Beyond the respect of one's own right... which I can't even tolerate any longer.

The fire dragon in me has been unleashed ; and the result is formidable!

Word of caution: Don't ever force me. Or I'll go against your will!

Pretty Kitty

2012-02-06T22:00:00.000+08:00

Spotted an orange colored cat from my bedroom window, sitting at the back of the house. It got a little bell clung to a ribbon and wrapped around its neck. Confirmed that someone owns this cat. A pretty kitty cat.

Tuesday with the Clan

2012-02-05T08:00:00.000+08:00

Upon getting home in the afternoon last Tuesday, my nephew, Piok called "Su, ada kat rumah? Orang nak singgah ni. Orang nak tido sana sbb tak nak balik rumah terus". He was on the way back to my hometown after dropping off my niece at Unisel earlier that day. He said it took him more than 2 hours to reach her uni from my sis house at Sepang. So he and my other niece, Nadiah were already very tired to continue the journey. Hence, rumah aku la yg jadi port. Ok la gak, becoz then they can travel the day after with much rested.

That night we went out for dinner. Dua orang tu cakap they wanna eat 'nasi'...and tomyam....and masakan panas. Amboi, demand la plak! When I ask, should we all just go for the tomyam noodle at Secret Recipe again, coz I don't really know much about the foodie scene in Ipoh - they refused. So, the only choice is to find the nice restaurant that serve all those. Thankfully I know there's one restaurant in front of Tesco at Station 18 that looks so interesting with a resort style architecture. I can't recalled what's the name now - maybe De Taman or something. I never eat there before, so this is the perfect time to test the menu.

So, these are the food that we order: totally Thai! I love Thai food as I do have some Thai blood in me too. Daging masak merah + telur bungkus + kailan ikan masin + tomyam campur + sambal belacan ngan timun.... served with white rice. For the drinks, I chose carrot susu, Piok picked the apple juice while Nadiah selected just sirap. Sirap? Datang jauh2 ko mintak sirap jer? At least mintak la Ribena, baru kellas kau jah...ini sirap!? (takper, jimat duit aku...huhu!)

Since each one of us really kebulur, habis licin la segala benda. The cost for 3 people eat: Just RM55, which is quite cheap. Upon our way out we've just discovered that they also got the garoupa aka kerapu for the weigh-and-cook menu. If I know that earlier, I'd have chosen one of them for the ikan tiga rasa dish. Oh well, maybe next time... (ni dah masuk edisi pelahap makanan ala2 Che Kay nih..huhu)

Our next destination after that is Kinta City, coz Piok wanna find some clothes for his job interview. A day before he asked me to join him at MidValley Megamall coz he wanted my opinion on which outfit to buy for work. Well, who better to consult other than your own 'fashion expert' uncle, huh? But, to join him shopping on Monday, ko giler apo?? Orang keja daa....Yet, much to his disappointment as what he saw the previous day, none cater to his petite size.

So, what is my advice to him? I know what to do as I got other plan. Hey, I'm a fashion 'consultant', what...? :)

When Chemical Engineering and Fashion Collides

2012-02-05T05:00:00.000+08:00

WARNING: 'Cerpen' entry and a bit serious. (*serious la sangat....!)

Let's talk about something a bit serious, coz somehow I think people perceived fashion as being somewhat very shallow. At least to me, yes, to a certain degree. Sometimes I do think that fashion industry and everyone that goes into it or involved in it are some kind of shallow people. Not only becoz of the blogging or reblogging activities that is lack of soul by itself, perhaps what is happening around it in general - it's actually full of 'emptiness'. Maybe it is because most things related to fashion is practically being taken based on the face value, instead of going a bit deeper; I dunno. Or maybe because people think clothes is just to be worn, not to be appreciated unlike what the fashion people did; I dunno that either. It's open to one's own interpretation.

Some people used to ask me: is there any connection or relation between engineering and fashion? I get perceived a lot as a designer when I was doing my postgraduate study in the UK, though I am not at all taking a fashion design course whatsoever (one typical case is Ms. Nene at HSBC Tottenham Court Road, who were stunned when I told her I'm doing my PhD in Chemical Engineering). Well, the answer is easy - of course there is, smartypants!

Just take a look around you....everything got to do with fashion is actually directly related to engineering (or science and technology, in general). Most of it, if not all. The construction of the fabric, the process that goes behind it, the chemical reaction to produce the material, the fluidity of the texture, the do's and don'ts way of washing the clothes,etc, etc - it's purely science and engineering! In fact, it's chemical engineering at its best. Fashion designers only mould the art of it and make it into garment that can be worn, and sold to the people. And by all rights, fashion industry and engineering field are direly siblings on their own terms.

When I enrolled my Masters degree at Imperial College London back in 2000 (taking the Advanced Chemical Engineering course), I met a friend while having coffee at our dept's common room. He was Manel Torres - one of the PhD student who's also joining in on the same year. What's special is that, Manel is not really a Chemineer like I am...instead, he's a fashion designer. A real fashion designer previously studied at the Royal College of Art (nearby IC) who is into designing accessories for the womenswear. I was quite surprise to know that a fashion designer is doing a PhD in Chemical Engineering, due to it becoming one of the toughest degree to be taken in the entire universe apart from medicine (I know my statement will offend other degrees, yikes!). It's like my mind was blown away to understand how can fashion actually be related to chemical engineering? Can it be merged? Can it be a real partnership in real world? Can it be a marriage made in heaven? Can they work together? Well, the answer - as I pointed out previously - is absolutely YES.

What did Manel do during his PhD at Imperial? (Then, Imperial College was at top 5 world's best uni). He was formulating a 'spray-on fabric' called the Fabrican, that by which if you sprayed onto your body, the material will become an instant shirt, or a dress, or anything to cover your body parts... that can also be taken off once you've done with it. It's like the spray-on wound dressing, but at a much larger scale and more fashiony version. During the time he's doing it I happen to visit his lab, which is nearby mine to see what's going on (his SV is my postgrad tutor, Prof Paul Luckham). Since it was still in the early stage of fabrication, not much I can actually noticed. Only some sort of polymeric stuff which is more like the 'Spiderman' web that is quite elastic. Yet, I do visited his booth at RCA during his presentation of the invention to the art and fashion audience - which I can still recalled it was through a short video on the plasma screen, simulating how the Fabrican work that changed the topless model into the one who wear a 'top' in just a spray of the product. It's totally brilliant! (yup, topless model, but you can't see the...erm... oh, never mind!)

Time passes by, I lose contact with him or anyone from Imperial though I was there still a couple of years back - at the much trendier uni, UCL (except for Ms Anna at the coffee room, whom I saw again last 2010). Fast forward to last year, I received the TCE magazine in my mailbox and into my surprise I just can't believe to read about Manel in one of the editorials. It's a good surprise too to see the product that Manel invented finally became a success. What's even better, he even did a fashion show during the London Fashion Week at the IC's courtyard (which is superbly refurbished after I left!), showcasing the models wearing nothing but the Fabrican. It's awesome! Though you still need to appreciate the art behind the creation of the 'clothes', the science of it is the one you need to take in even more. Read this article from TCE magazine, and you will realize how science and fashion can be a true partnership in life.

All I'm saying, when chemical engineering and fashion collides - the results would be stellar! And that's when fashion is really does not appear 'shallow'!

Tough Life

2012-02-03T12:00:00.000+08:00

Life can be tough.

But at least we have food. Right? Hot food and lots of it.

At least we have a home. Right? A warm bed, pillows and blankets.

At least we have clothes. Right? Lots of clothes in fact.

At least we have parents, siblings, people who love, protect us. Right?

No matter how tough OUR lives are, there's always someone out there in a worse situation.

Let's pray for them too.

[pix and words from Hadith of the Day FB page]

Points to Ponder

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000+08:00

Something to ponder that I got from someone's FB wall.

Quote: Magic. Believe.

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000+08:00

Completed

2012-01-31T07:34:00.001+08:00

Finally, the a&c decor project has been completed last weekend. Using the fabric I found at Ikea with the abstract floral motif, and cutting it according to the size of the Ribba frame - the simple wall art has been produced with ease. Cost for the 'art'? About RM17, coz the fabric is just about RM16/m. :)
.

Dua Sejoli

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000+08:00

Two feathery visitors came visit the house. Amidst the meadows of lalang, they look good dua sejoli.

Fadhilat Ayat Kursi

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000+08:00

Fadhilat ayat Kursi. Jom amalkan.

Baca pada saat keluar rumah, 70000 malaikat akan menjagamu dari semua sisi
Baca saat masuk rumah, kemiskinan tidak akan memasuki rumahmu.
Baca setelah berwudhu, darjatmu akan dinaikkan 70 tingkat.
Baca pada saat tidur, malaikat akan menjagamu sepanjang malam ke pagi .
Baca setelah solat, maka jarak antara kamu dan syurga hanyalah kematian.

Almost Nothing Has Been Invented Yet?

2012-01-29T10:00:00.000+08:00

I love being an inventor becoz there are so many possible ways to create something new. And this video could inspire me more that we have yet to actually design things which may benefit other in many different other methods that we could.

Ditto

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000+08:00

[pix from metro uk]

Iguana

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000+08:00

Things that I don't normally see every day...

A Loving Heart

2012-01-26T13:30:00.000+08:00

In other words, does the quote means that if you love somebody, then you wanna know them even more? Hmmm. Maybe that's why lots of people now wanna know me more... heehee.. :D

RSVP

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000+08:00

(reblogged from the previous 'deleted' post)

Looking at the invitation card, do you realize the part where we have to put the RSVP thing? Look further down, and you'll see its existence. Do you know what is RSVP?

Fyi, RSVP stands for "répondez s'il vous plaît", by which in French translation it means 'please respond' or 'please answer' (which ever one is suitable, according to the situation). It made me wonder: if the event is actually in Malay, what should we use? "Tolong Jawab"? "Tolong Respon"? Sure tak sedap dengar kan? Or, should there or is there any acronym like that 'RSVP' that we could also use in Malay language? I don't think there is. That's why we use that RSVP anyway!

Unless you wanna use the longer version in Malay: PKPGSBHB,
which stands for 'pecah kaca pecah gelas, sudah baca harap balas'. Tak ke haru gitu? Huhu...

Btw. The card that I design has the 'RSVP', not that PKPGSBHB!

How Do You Like It?

2012-01-25T23:00:00.000+08:00

Teringat story masa kat Imperial College London back in the year 2000 - 2001. That time I'm quite naive coz it's the first time going to and living in oversea. Yet, so much so I am not that jakun when it comes to the slang being used by the Brits or American - despite the first time when I still cannot comprehend why the guy at Argos keep saying to me 'do you got your kehel?' a couple of times. Aku ingat dia tanya sama ada aku ni terkehel sbb asyik sebut 'kehel, kehel'. Rupa2nya dia maksudkan 'kettle' sbb slang Londoner mmg tak sebut huruf 't' in between the words. So, kettle jadi 'ke'el', matter jadi 'ma'er'...ehehehe. Kelakar la plak, tp dah slang depa camtu nak wat camner kan?

So, back to the story kat Imperial College. We have an in-house NatWest bank located at the ground floor of the Sherfield building - the main building that also houses the cafes (including halal food) and the main hall, that lead way to the library. At the time I thought it's quite unusual to have a fully functioning bank inside a university campus, but thinking again I think that is actually a brilliant idea coz the number of customer is quite a lot - which is the students. Not to mention the staff and lecturers are also using that bank rather than going to the others at nearby Gloucester Road or High Street Kengsington, which is more than walking distance. So, by having the bank inside the uni itself, it saves a lot of time and effort nonetheless.

Anyway, the actual story (alamak, panjang la plak mukadimah, yer?). One day, during the first week upon registering at Imperial lots of freshies queueing inside the bank, by which the size of the space is not that big after all. And that time banyak la plak bebudak Malaysia yg queue, mostly bebudak JPA and Mara yg tgh nak bukak account segala bagai, including those who wanna cash in their banker's cheque. Like me. Tgh2 queue tu, tetiba sampai la turn sorang budak M'sia yg mmg nampak baik giler muka dia, ala2 nampak sangat baru sampai n x pernah paham loghat omputih. Sampai jer kat counter, dia nak withdraw duit from the account sbb time tu ATM tak leh pakai. So, minah banker tu pun tanya la kat dia.

"How do you like it?"

Dengan muka inesen mamat tu jawab dgn selambanyer sbb dia ingat minah tu tanya amacam dia rasa dok kat oversea,

"I like it very much, thank you"

Tapi, sambil senyum (aku rasa senyum sinis) minah tu tanya balik, this time clarify apa yg dia maksudkan;

"No, I mean how many £20 notes do you like?" (sbb mamat tu mcm nak withdraw more than £100. nak bayar sewa rumah la tu kot..huhu)

"Oh! Erm.. 5 please. The rest £10" (sambil senyum malu... mana nak letak muka aku ni ni Awie!?)

Orang yg belakang2 yg dengar conversation tu ala2 cover2 line tak nak gelak, tp senyum2 sbb rasa kelakar la plak dengar jawapan dia yg sebelum tu. So, bayangkan kalau betul mamat tu jawab "I like it very much".... kalau ikutkan bahasa bank tu, bukan ker itu maksudnya dia mmg nak banyak duit!?

Hmmm.... kaya tuh! So, how do you like it? Absolutely la very much. Ha!

Moral of the story: kalau pi oversea nak withdraw duit kat counter, bila orang tanya "How do you like it?" - tu maknanya berapa banyak note yg korang nak. Bukan maksudnya dia tanya 'oh, amacam ko suka dok kat sini?'. Ade pahem? Sekian....

In the News

2012-01-25T18:30:00.000+08:00

So, muka aku terpampang dalam newspaper hari ni. It was a pleasant surprise indeed coz never expected that it would happen on the new working day of the week. What is the news all about? It's about the event that happened last month - the Impian charity event.

Thanks to the PR for putting great photo in the New Straits Times today. Almost 1/3 of the page tu... besar!

*teringat time hantar Salam Perantauan dari London back in 2000. Harian Metro siap buat half page lagi....waha!

London Big Freeze

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000+08:00

The day London stood still due to the big freeze that happened back in February 2009. All means of transport are halted due to the thick snow lying on the roads and the railways. Some Tube line can't even function especially those that are 'open' to the surroundings like Metropolitan, District and Hammersmith & City lines. Thank God Victoria and Bakerloo are the only few that run in the day, otherwise I couldn't snapped these pix at around Westminster area.

London is still preseved its beauty albeit the whitewash. Even Nelson Mandela turned white for a day!

Florence, Italy

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000+08:00

I was browsing the net on my iPad the other day when I stopped on one shopping site and saw the ad campaign for Balmain. I can't remember which site it is, but I'm pretty sure that the ad campaign is not really the 'ad campaign' by Balmain itself. But, that's not the case. What I'm interested about the pix is the place where it is being captured : at Florence, Italy.

I was like, what? I've been on that bridge before! I'm so sure that the model is actually standing facing backward from the famous bridge in Florence i.e. the Ponte Vecchio that became his background in the pix.

Rewind to 2005, I went to Florence as a quick detour as soon as I reached Bologna a couple of hours before. Bologna to Florence took only 45 minutes by train, and not really knowing the Italian language myself apart from grazie... I just went there without thinking much.

Florence is beautiful. If I'm not mistaken, this is the birthplace of Renaissance that produces the world renowned names like Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael etc...etc. In fact, at the nearby Uffizi building, you can see the statue of the Renaissance icons lining up, tall against the wall.

Yet, one of the most iconic building in Florence is of course, the Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge - which happens to be a block of shops and living quarters that is built across the Amo River. Now, it has became one of the important tourist spots, which sells anything about gold. Gold rings, gold necklaces, gold this, gold that. Not sure whether there's gold digger too in there...nggg.

These are some shots of the bridge that I took using the then my Sony DSC T1 - the first ultracompact thin camera by Sony. It was late in the evening actually, around 7.00 pm - but, given that it was still summer (end of summer) the sun is yet to set down.

The rustic state of the building gave way to its ancient splendour. Not only Ponte Vecchio is looking awesome, the building that lined up along the river bank is also fantastico!

What Today Says...

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000+08:00

So, too much ideas... and too big. That's why I need to lay 'em out so that I know what and how to achieve 'em accordingly. I know there's no such thing as too many ideas, coz as long as this mind and imagination could think - there is where it gonna lead me to. To achieve it.

I always believe in one mantra: it's not about 'can I have it all', instead, it's about the 'DO I WANT IT ALL?' Simple answer is - YES, absolutely!

I'm ready to enter the new Year of the Dragon with a BANG!

I Came to Win...

2012-01-21T11:00:00.000+08:00

This could be my new 'life' anthem for 2012.
I came to win. To fight. To conquer. To thrive. To survive. To prosper. To rise...!

[Originally taken from here]

Quote-of-the-Day: Success. Triumph.

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000+08:00

Decor Inspiration: Eclectic Kitchen

2012-01-19T13:30:00.000+08:00

The Brits are known to be the eclectic bunch of people, especially those who resides in the countryside or the one at Spitalfields area in East London. As far as I've noticed, style-wise, to them anything goes. Rock 'n roll, bohemian, mod; all roll up into one that made their look so utterly original than the whole flocks on the urban side.

That can even transfuses into their choice of décor too, as being eclectic would translates into something that is full of character. Just like this kitchen, seen with almost like a 'garage sale' by itself with a whole lot of pots and pans, ladles and spoons, containers and jars ornamented every corner of the shelves - it's a perfect representation of being 'full of character'. Messy? Probably it is, but this is not just a messy kind of mess. It's eclectic.

I kinda love it actually, though some OCD in me would totally gonna freak out if I spend too much time in here. Yikes!

[pix from es magazine]

Decor Inspiration: Yellow Accent

2012-01-19T13:00:00.000+08:00

One important element of an urban décor is the injection of 'pop' colors that infuse nicely into the whole color scheme. Like this living room in a small London apartment that feels quite 'refreshed' with the addition of some yellow among the greys, whites and blacks. The color works together, especially when pairing up yellow with grey as they harmonize instead of contrasting, which help to tone down the whole ambience to be cool, youthful and vibrant.

[pix from es magazine]

Hidup Ibarat Roda

2012-01-18T21:00:00.000+08:00

Hidup ini ibarat roda.
Kadang kala kita di atas.
Kadang kala kita di bawah.
...dan, kadang kala kita pancit!

(*tu pun kalau roda tu tayar Goodyear la....)

Reimagining Energy Delivery: A 21st Century Counterpoint

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000+08:00

I've been bugged with the new tagline 'Reimagining Energy' which somehow made me confused in a way. I was looking for some answer what that term means. Though I do realize that 'reimagining energy' does relate to the searching for a new source of fuel as an alternative to the depleting fossil fuel, yet, in what sense could we really embarked on the new journey towards achieving this energy reimagined.

This article give one good explanation among others out there.

Reblogged from the original source [click]

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What with the nuclear tragedy in Japan; mounting concerns about global warming amplifying the demand for energy; and fears of oil depletion – we simply cannot ignore the need for thoughtful planning to secure this country’s energy future. Typical debates have been mired in questions surrounding the domestic availability of a fuel and securing energy independence versus reducing carbon emissions through cleaner options such as nuclear, solar, geothermal or wind. These are valid questions.

However, policy planning should be based on a detailed analysis of data, and guided by a national debate over our goals for an energy future. The public has not been able to participate in the energy debate in the past in a meaningful manner. Therefore decisions related to this trillion-dollar industry (including billion dollar public investments) have been left to lobbyists of various energy companies and our representatives in the federal government.

A review of energy data reveals that in the past our national policies have supported the growth of domestic coal and nuclear energy, as well as imported oil and natural gas, with limited incentives for the alternative energy sectors. The early interest in hydropower was soon overshadowed by the ability to place coal-powered industries anywhere. At the same time, national policies perpetuated a system of centralized energy generation over stimulating a distributed generation portfolio.

There are some obvious reasons for these. For instance, at that time, this country boasted large manufacturing centers that needed uninterrupted and concentrated energy. Moreover the technology that would allow distributed generation was not available. These arguments, however, are no longer valid. We have a limited number of heavy industries left in this country that need such concentrated power, most of which are power plants. Though there is a need to improve storage solutions and conversion technologies for solar and wind power, even today without these improvements, they outperform most other energy sources in their lifecycle performance. Lastly, the Smart Grid Technology allows for a distributed energy system that was not feasible before.

Also, lets not forget that centralized power generation is an inefficient means of producing energy and that conservation remains the most viable and lucrative investment in the energy arena.

A review of our energy use policies for the past 60 years (described in depth in the report that CREÄ prepared for the RICS Foundation) describes the increasing inefficiencies we have tolerated in our energy generation. A fact not much known is that thanks to a number of key initiatives taken at the federal level in the late 70s, the consumption of energy by end users of the system has not increased greatly. Instead, total energy use (which includes the energy consumed as well as that used to generate energy – including that needed to burn fuel to create steam, lost in transmission or otherwise lost in generation) has more than tripled since the 1950s. In other words, it now takes more than double the amount of energy to generate what we consume. In other words, while buildings and appliances have become more efficient (and there is scope to make them even more efficient) we are actually using more energy to generate electricity and heat, primarily due to our move to huge central power plants.

As a country, we have moved away from heavy industry for a preference for the service and technology sectors (or what are popularly known as white-collar desk jobs). These desk jobs do not demand the type of energy that heavy industry does and more typically than not, follow the circadian clock. Therefore the lighting, heating and other electricity needs of these businesses could be well met by solar power. Some argue that solar power will never have the potential to fully meet a building’s energy use. However, buildings in Europe are being designed to perform at 50-55 kwh/m2a, about 1/3rd the level of the average US building. At such high efficiency levels, solar power can on its own deliver the heating, lighting and electricity needs of these buildings reliably. Depending on their building footprints, their rooftops should be able to accommodate much of the solar PV needs. There are inefficiencies related to the storage and conversion technologies for solar power. However, with continued investment and improvements in these two arenas, Solar Photovoltaic has the potential to outperform other technologies in emissions and lifecycle performance. Some argue that according to cost per unit energy delivered, solar still lags behind other energy sources. This argument is simplistic, since these discussions or data do not account for the billion-dollar subsidies that fossil fuel industries receive to offset their expenses, including research and development. Perhaps a diversion of these subsidies to solar research and development may expedite experimentation with new technologies or help enhance existing technologies. Solar power is not perfect; little is known of the impact of the reflection of the glare from the surface of solar panels. Also, concerns remain about the safety of their manufacturing and their safe disposal since the panels have mercury and lead. However, even with their carbon content (from being manufactured by fossil fuel plants) their toxic emissions are 300 times less than the typical coal burning plant.

The benefits of the other clean fuel, nuclear, such as the domestic availability of uranium and its clean emissions, are outweighed by the dangers surrounding the disposal of nuclear waste. Given the unprecedented increase in earthquakes across the globe, the decreasing availability of water that is necessary for nuclear power, and the absence of safe storage technologies, nuclear does not present a viable and safe alternative for the future. Would it really make sense to replace a 400-800 half-life material in the atmosphere (carbon dioxide) with nuclear radiation that has a half-life of 10,000 years? We simply cannot wish away these dangers.

Natural gas plants have increased in favor; yet it is a source that is only available in a limited amount domestically. The environmental impacts of the marine facilities from the import of natural gas, along with the potential damages caused during shipment of this fuel must be considered in planning for a natural gas based future.

For this country, a focused effort on energy efficiency, which in and of itself can set off billions of dollars of new technology development and services, is the easiest and most impactful investment that the government can make. Similarly, rebuilding and extending the national grid should be another focus of national policy. Lastly, allowing for distributed energy generation from renewable sources and coordinating the location of new industries with clean central power plants will secure this country’s economic future and maintain its leadership role in environmental stewardship and innovation.

So what is holding us back? For one, energy remains a very lucrative industry that the private sector would like to increasingly control. With empty coffers, the government is unable to construct, manage or maintain energy infrastructure – therefore it is reluctant to overly regulate the power industry. They would rather hand it over to the private sector than maintain their public ownership (for instance by creating new Public Utility Districts or Municipalities taking ownership). In the US, as a private business, the role of energy delivery as a public good is overshadowed by the legal necessity of generating shareholder profit. Therefore there are few incentives to promote conservation and invest in innovation since it could reduce revenue. Lastly, without a doubt, moving to a distributed energy system complicates the billing system, and raises issues of who takes responsibility for maintaining this distributed system.

In this new energy environment, utilities will have to address several important issues:

Who owns the grid and how does this owner recover costs to maintain and expand the grid? And, must each state and energy entity connect to the national grid?
Should energy utilities be for-profit entities? If so, how does it then address its impacts to the environment and who pays for these impacts? What financial tools can be put in place to fully protect the public’s interests in the energy delivery choices of private entities?
How can we decouple billing for capital costs and energy use to increase incentives for conservation and efficiency?
How can we plan for a gradual replacement of nuclear and coal technology with others that have better life cycle performance?
How can we coordinate a revival of domestic energy policies through strategic national level energy investment? Even though science and financial analyses underscore our unsustainable energy policies, national level policies show no signs of change.
What will it take to stop the subsidies into carbon fuels and nuclear technology and move those to wind, solar and other renewable industries?

None of these are difficult questions or insurmountable problems. However, they will require a complete revision of our understanding and approach to energy; the role of utilities; and the responsibility of governments in energy delivery. Where can we find the leadership willing to engage and lead this discussion?

Tak Tahan!!!

2012-01-15T20:30:00.000+08:00

Tak tahan! Betul2 tak tahan!

Apa sebenarnya yg tak tahannya nih? Tak tahan sebab too may ideas came in one shot. Mencurah-curah macam hujan yg turun pagi tadi. Too much ideas that I dunno how to tackle all at the same time.

Ideas everywhere. Ideas for décor project. Ideas for fashion projects. Ideas for photography projects. Ideas for research projects. Ideas for writing projects. And oh, ideas for shopping 'projects' too.

Tak tahan! Too many datang mencurah-curah!!! HELP! ^__^

*nway, nak kena pi shopping dulu. at least that project settle. ngeehehe...

Weekend Project

2012-01-15T20:00:00.000+08:00

This is just a random dunno-why-I-post-this-one-but-I'm-just-bored post. It's not even a profile shot either coz you can only see me sipi-sipi. The point of this post is actually the far back of the first pix... look further, and you'll see the picture frames at my dining hall.

Actually I just wanna say, I almost finish off my weekend project i.e. creating the art for the display. Kira art la jugak ala-ala... coz it decorates the wall, though not that much.

Ever since I bought the house 6 years ago, the Ikea Ribba frames has been like the top part - dogol macam gitu jer - coz I dunno what to fill in it. At last, a couple of months back upon going to Ikea @ Damansara i found the fabric with the floral motif which I think is the perfect one to be made as the wall art. So, i cut it according to the size and voila.... there you go, the self-made art.

After 3 frames, gua terus jadi malas....though it's actually so simple to do. Think, next time I finish it off. Ngeheehee... :)

Macro: The Morning Dew (Again)

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000+08:00

The macro project again. It's the morning dew on the grass in my own lawn. (Nampak sangat lawan tak terurus, nggg....!)

* I think the pix looks a bit over exposed.

Disrespect?

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000+08:00

That's a good one. ;)

But to be honest, there're lots of people out there do disrespect other people in their own blog. And sometimes, they disrespect people in that people's Facebook or their fanpage. I dunno what's on their mind really... can't they just be happy for that person?

Lobby

2012-01-12T13:30:00.000+08:00

Can I lobby people through my blog? Tak kesah la kan?

Anyway. The FYP titles under my supervision are already out on the notice board. Only for those who are interested... and wanna challenge themselves in doing something great for the science & engineering world. (whoaaa...!) :)

*nnt ada la tu yg nak gi snap gambar n post the titles dlm blog diorg... huhu.

The Bear Parade

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000+08:00

The Bear Parade @ Pavilion KL, snapped last 26 December 2011. They were finally in the capital making a tour across the continent. Just like the Elephant Parade that I saw in London, these statues are auctioned off to raise money for the charity.

So, throw your hands up in the air.... just like these bears!

The entrance of Pavilion.

[all pixs taken using iPhone4]

WordLess Wednesday: Steel Mosque

2012-01-11T21:00:00.000+08:00

with Haris, the nephew...

pix by Hanis, art direction by Zamri :)

the photographer, the niece...Hanis

Ed McGowan's Miniature Shot

2012-01-11T20:30:00.000+08:00

One thing I love about photography is how to manipulate the image. And this is one of the perfect example done by the famous photographer Ed McGowan in capturing the sceneries using the miniature effect. With a little tweak in HDR (I think) and some contrast here and there, these shots are nothing but fantastic.

You too can achieve it without trying that hard if you use certain lens or camera out there in the market. Most Canon camera now can easily do this with the miniature effect options in the setting. For example is the Canon Ixus 130 for the point-and-shoot, and the EOS 60D in the DSLR part. One example is what I did previously by capturing Oxford Street in London. [click]

I truly love minature shot. It made everything look like toys!

the famous X-crossing at Oxford Circus. I miss London!!

[pix from shortlist]

1 Gb? It's The Fourth Time!

2012-01-11T19:00:00.000+08:00

So, it happens again. By the time I'm about to write a new post, and click the 'Publish' button - Google buat hal lagi. And it happens for the fourth time when the message saying 'you have reached your storage quota limit' or something like that came up out of nowhere.

What storage quota limit? Tak tau la plak Blogger ni ada quota2 segala bagai nyer. It turned out that Google does give only a 1 Gb free storage quota for anyone out there who's using any of the Google related apps, be it the email, Blogger, YouTube, etc...etc. Hence, when you reached the storage limit quota, everything that you wanna do later on will be stopped. Or paused, whichever term that you like to use.

So, tengah hari tadi dengan 'rasminya' dua-dua blog di'tutup' sekejap untuk memberi laluan kepada 'blog maintenance'. Maintenance, sebab nak kena godek2 punya pasal cari mana blog post yg banyak pakai file size yg besar. Mana taknya, dua2 blog ni kan mmg heavy laden dgn image, tambah plak ngan my YouTube channel mmg ada store a big movie filesize eventhough not that much. That doesn't include the email inbox... tu pun banyak jugak makan storage.

Btw, after about 're-editing' just 5 blog post kat BigFatBlog sana, tetibe rasa macam buang masa giler. Last2 terfikir: Is there any way that I can solve this 'storage' problem issue? It turn out that, YES! Of course la yes coz when you said 'storage problem' the only way to solve it is to get more storage definitely. And how to get more storage? Rupa2 nya dalam Google tu sendiri memang boleh beli more storage quota as you wish for.

Pendekkan cerita: nah ambik aku beli 20 Gb terus! Tak yah susah2 nak dpt mesej 'you have reached your storage limit quota' forever dah. Harga? USD 5! Am I serious? 20 Gb storage quota cost only USD5, which is about RM 15 jer? USB drive pun takder rega nyer camtu. Aiiyooyoo....ni dah murah gilerrr...

So, apa lagi. 20Gb. Banyak bleh buat blog post ngan segala image bagai tuuu. Amek ko!

So Young?

2012-01-10T09:21:00.001+08:00

What a funny but a flattery start on a Tuesday morning.

I've just returned from the breakfast at the nearby kopitiam when I then parked my car in front of the Centre of Biofuel. Upon coming out from the car, suddenly this guy (whom I think is the new PhD student there) tegur me in somewhat a very nice way...

'Wow, you look so nice today. Very nice outfit! (pause). You have a presentation?'

Presentation? What presentation? It was then I suddenly thought that he might be thinking I'm a Masters student instead, who will be having the proposal defence session today coz that's how the students normally look: formal.

Then I replied. 'Oh no, I'm not a student. I work here.'

He was slightly surprised, especially when I mentioned 'I've been here for more than 10 years now!'

It was then he replied, 'Oh! (pause, realising his mistake). I think you should probably wear something different coz you look so young! So young! I thought you were an Msc student'

Betul apa yg aku pikir, MSc student, huh? Lol...lawak la plakss! But what is more lawak tapi flattered at the same time is when he said that phrase 'you look so young!'... coz I think he might rank somewhere out there among all other people who said the same thing.

Hmmm. Do I really look that young? Yer ker? Apa rahsianya? Tak kesah la beb, asalkan I am who I am. :) Upon leaving the scene that guy apologize coz he thought I'm a student. Lol.

Nway. What did I wear today that made him said 'you look very nice'. That, tgk di sebelah blog yg satu lagi la...huhu.

How to Innovate?

2012-01-09T23:30:00.000+08:00

Another case of 'pandai la plak nak komen2 kat FB wall orang"... similar to what I did last time to someone else's blog. Tapi yg ni mungkin lain sket sbb kalau nak bagi komen pun, kena la ada ilmu dalam diri sendiri, kan? Kena la based on experience baru la apa yg dikomen tu akan lagi bermakna pada si empunya yg dikomen tu.

When a friend of mine post to his wall asking how to innovate and be an innovator, I didn't wait long except to reply based on what I've gone through in the recent years. After winning four design awards myself - both in the local and international arena (including the Bronze Medal at Geneva a couple of years back) - I think I can give a point or two on what it takes to kick start that innovative and inventive side in him.

It really is about looking what's around you. Look at what can inspire you, and what 'annoys' you that you wanna change it for good. Or at least to improve it for the better. Then things will start evolving from there as you'll discover the trick of the trade in carrying out the project in hand. Something that you think might work and might not work with the set of objectives that you wanna achieve. It's also about reality check too coz then you'll know where does your invention and innovation really stands in the eyes of the public.

Another thing to consider is originality. By hook or by crook, you must create your own niche in the market. It's less worth it if things that you wanna create is already there for people to buy. Just ask yourself: What is special about my design? How special is my design? Why my design is THE one that people should come to? It's as simple as that.

Having said that, I'm ready to jump start the new year 2012 and to win more awards...!

What Today Says...

2012-01-09T11:00:00.000+08:00

Every person in this world has their own importance in the society. No matter big or small - you possess a huge significance to the people around you. And today, I got to play my part by contributing some portion of my expertise to the research area that I've been involved with all these years. Just a tiny small part, which I hope could assist those in need.

But, 'plump up the ego?'. Hmmm... yg part tu kena revise sikit, otherwise riak pulak kang nanti. Errkss!

The Boys Have Grown...

2012-01-08T07:30:00.000+08:00

One of the best thing having a camera is the ability to capture history. Be it history about the progression of nature and its surroundings, or even the people that make up of it. Seeing the progression and changes - that's the main thing about capturing the moment in time.

And I am privileged to be able to capture the growth of some of my nephews through the years. Can't believe how time flies so fast, that in a period of 6 to 7 years the boys has evolved into young adults now. Just like the other day, my big bro told me 'la ni anak2 sedara semua nya dah boleh buat kawan dah...' proving that they have grown so fast - even some becoming as tall as I am!

I love that a digicam can help me capture history.

Muhammad, now 15.

Afiqi, now 15.

Izzat & Faiz, now 12 and 10.

Killer Squat

2012-01-06T14:00:00.000+08:00

They ain't call it the king of leg exercises for nothing. Apparently, this squat exercise is the most killer among all of the leg exercise coz it'll left you totally knackered. Well, at least I am.

When I was in London, this is one exercise that I will avoid once and for all. Why? Coz I have to walk a lot when I was living there - especially taking the stairs up and down the tube station out there in Seven Sisters. Not to mention have to climb the stairs too at the Roberts building, from my bunker to the office if I need anything. So, by right if anything gotta do with leg exercise; I try to shun it no matter what. The last time I did it was in late summer 2010, and it left me totally knackered. My hamstrings hurts like hell. Though my legs get toned so beautifully underneath my skinny jeans, yet no one ever know the whole pain that I have to go through just to get that. It's manic.

The exercise may look simple, yes. You just lift the barbell and rest it on the shoulder. And bend up and down so that you'll making some sort of quasi-squat position which is repeated for a couple of times. But, i tell you... though you might not be feeling the pain during the session you'll definitely do afterwards. It's hell.

Having done for 50 reps last Monday with weight of about 30 kg (yeah, it's not heavy), I went into absolute KO'ed. Right after Maghrib prayer, I just can't stand the exhaustion. I'm totally flat out to sleep right through 4 in the morning (when I woke up for my Isya' and the supper). It a massive sore around the thighs. Not to mention a couple of days later, I hardly walk coz the stretch feeling on the lower body is making it worse. I went from a normal 'catwalk' to a ''robocatwalk' instead! Mwaha!

Yet, whatever it is - this simple exercise really paid off. I can't complain on how toned the thigh became right after. It's awesome! As what people say: No pain, no gain! :)

*nanti nak kena buat lagi!

Moth

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000+08:00

Spotted this moth while I was waiting at the elevator to go for my lunch. It's beautiful. Too bad I didn't bring my DSLR with me coz otherwise I could've done the macro shot - and focus on its eyes.

It's easy to snap photos of moths rather than butterfly, coz moth will stick to the wall for hours without flying away. But, hmmm... blurry shot. Oh, well... :)

Impian Tercapai, Nazar Tertunai

2012-01-04T20:00:00.000+08:00

Back three years ago I made a promise to myself: if I reach a certain amount of money in my bank balance, I'm gonna donate part of my fund to the orphans. It's not just a promise. It's bigger than that. It's a nazar. Nazar that I think I have to achieve to say my deepest gratitude to Allah.

Three years went by, and I couldn't find the right moment to give away to any orphanage. Maybe I was being too analytical and calculative coz I want my money to go to a right hand, not to just to anybody though they might came under the same 'orphan' clause. I want those who really deserve it to get my hadiah to them. I am an orphan myself and I know how it feels to be an orphan : it's not easy. At least to me it's quite easier coz my big brothers and sisters are there to help, but to these people... who?

Probably God hear my doa which has been pending for so long, suddenly three weeks ago I received an email coming into the mailbox asking if any staff wanted to involve in the charity event organized by the university. Donors are needed to sponsor and give away some goodies to the selected orphans from all around Perak.

I was like overjoyed reading the email, but not until a couple of days before the due date I made a phone call to my friend Zairee, who's also a part of the organizing committee if I can still participate. He said, 'eh, still boleh, doc!' upon hearing my request. And he did asked how many kids do I wanna sponsor? I say sekian sekian sekian...with the amount that I have decided, and hearing from his voice I think he's a bit stunned. 'Are you sure?' he asked. Absolutely. But I didn't tell him that it was actually my nazar.

On 21 December 2011 my dream comes true when I attended the event as required by the organizer. Upon checking in at the reception counter, my other friends whom I think it was Yati and Kak Zura, kinda shouted, "haaa.. ni dia bapak yang paling banyak anak!". Banyak anak, how? Coz apparently according to them I had become the biggest donor of the day. Oh my... tak tau pun aku yg the biggest donor?! But seriously, for the sake of the orphans I don't really mind. It's the nazar after all.

For the 10 kids from Rumah Anak Yatim Dar'us Salam Tambun, I am so glad that I got to give something to you guys. I hope that my small contribution on that day at least could get your life going. As what Tesco used to say: every little help. And I hope my contribution to the house would not stop there after all...

So, i'm very delighted that that day my impian tercapai, my nazar tertunai. Alhamdulillah.

*Sometimes I think the reason why God put me on earth is to do one thing: to help people.

New Year Revolution?

2012-01-02T18:15:00.001+08:00

The references are already there. So as the equipment. Now the thing that's needed to be done is: just do it.

I'm one of the 12%

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000+08:00

So, the verdict is out for the new year resolution. I'm one of the 12%. 12% of what? 12% of those guys who wanna gain weight. It's not amazed me at all that the statistics for those men who like to put on some pounds on their frame is way to little compared to those who wanna lose weight (i.e. a whopping 63%).

I think I've been skinny for far too long though in planet 'fah-shion' is considered a must. But in real life, men shouldn't look too skinny coz it's an unhealthy look. We all have to look yang sedang-sedang saja (ikut slang lagu Amelina ngan Iwan...lol) coz it's the embodiment of balance. Just like the Prophet himself as being mention in the hadeeth; he's not skinny, nor too big - by which if I made my own interpretation he's in the healthy range region. Medium size - which is 'balance'.

Or perhaps, in the statistics I probably fall under the 65% who wanna look athletic. Not too lean and skinny. Nor too muscular and bulky. Just perfectly in between... with a good weight on the scale.

One way to achieve that is easy - to eat and exercise accordingly. These two combinations is by far the most classic way that one should always abide. In the recent issue of Men's Fitness magazine, I have learned a new tip which I think is quite vital too, such as to start doing the lower body exercise first in order to get better result in muscle growth since testosterone levels will increase through this approach too.

and other tips that to not overeat the fruit coz it'll promote visceral fat deposit, to maintain supply of protein to the body in creating a lean muscle mass and to choose free weight over the machine in order to produce greater muscle activation.

Well, since the new year has just made its debut; what better than to have this resolution to gain weight and create a much athletic body with a great lean muscle mass this year. It's a promise, absolutely.

And I'm happy that for the previous three weeks, I can see some packing of pounds on the scale (that takes a whole lot of effort especially when my metabolism is way too high). Though at the moment, most of them went to the mid-section and gaining more love (love handles, that is...errkks!). Yet at least I do need that since the approach is: gain weight first, and sculpt that added mass later. :)

going up, up...and up. The target: 75 kg!

To: Santa...

2011-12-29T20:00:00.000+08:00

What really make up the festivities? It's the kids, for sure. Regardless of what races or religion, kids are the one that made the whole celebrations even more meaningful. And talking about the festive season, though I'm not celebrating Christmas, this article in the recent issue of Readers Digest is absolutely funny. It's about how kids emailed 'Santa' mentioning things about the presents and stuff.

My fav one is : 'Do you know Tim Allen?'. Lol. Mentang2 la Tim Allen pernah berlakon jadi Santa Claus kan, nak2 jer dia tanya kenal ker tak si Tim Allen tu. Kelakar!

[article from Reader's Digest]

Tower Bridge...Winter Morning

2011-12-25T08:25:00.000+08:00

One day London is in gloomy grey. The next week it gave such a bright sunny sky in the same winter month. This is winter, you ask? Yup. That's what made London so unique by itself. As unique as its signature landmark - the Tower Bridge - on a winter morning.

* This is Tower Bridge. Lots of tourists mistaken this as London Bridge. London Bridge is actually the one adjacent to it, which is located further west.

Date: 17 January 2009

View from the North Bank, captured from the Tower of London side.

View from the South Bank, by the London City Hall.

The Potter's Park, by the City Hall.

You are NOT in London if you haven't visited this iconic Tower Bridge!

The Gloomy London

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

The weather in London can severely change within split second. One day you may have a bright sunny day. The next day you might have a cold gloomy winter. Sometimes it's so unpredictable.

This is the look during one winter morning in London, when the temperature plunged to the single number. Though there is no snow albeit the winter season, but the grey ambience gives off some kind of sombre mood to the gloomy weather.

Date: 10 January 2009

The National Gallery @ Trafalgar Square

The fountain froze!

View from the South Bank, on the left side of the Westminster Bridge facing Big Ben

Big Ben and the Parliament House

View of London Eye and Big Ben from the Waterloo Bridge

View of the City of London aka London's east side from Waterloo Bridge. The St Paul Cathedral looks faded in the morning mist.

London Eye

Somerset House, where twice a year is the venue for London Fashion Week

Whenever it's winter, Somerset House turns into an ice skating rink.

London Aquarium, nearby London Eye

[pix taken using ultracompact digicam Samsung NV3]

The Other Black & White

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000+08:00

The current pillow cases went into the laundry. So, as a replacement I changed to the other cases with black & white floral motifs from Ikea. Kinda Marimekko lookalike.

Fyi, pillow case is one factor that will affect acne on the face. Therefore it's important to always keep 'em clean before you stuff your face on it when you go to bed. :)

Scenery: Seri Wawasan

2011-12-23T06:15:00.000+08:00

This is a superb shot of the Seri Wawasan bridge at Putrajaya taken by my nephew Pipi Piok (nama glamer) aka Affadd aka Addaff aka Teneng...aka whatever, aku pun tak tau berapa banyak nama glamer ko dah.

Taken during very late night and showcases such an amazing blurry mirror image of the façade. The composition, the contrast, the color blend... it's one splendid shot. Speechless.

p/s: Affadd - nama combine ngan gilpren le tue...wahahaha!

Macro: Mimosa

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000+08:00

When I was a little kid, this is one of the fav 'plant' to play with - the mimosa pudica, aka pokok semalu. Whenever you touch the leaves, it'll automatically retract and become 'shy' as what the name 'semalu' is all about. But ever wonder how beautiful its flower is if you look closer. Looks kinda similar to the cotton candy...

*gua skang ni gile bokeh, okay.... kira yg ni orait la gua punya macro shot. :)

And the plants surrounding it... lalang...

I love this flower. Nowadays, I can't get it anymore around the house coz I've redone my own lawn...

Ooops...there's a fly!

Blogging

2011-12-22T23:55:00.001+08:00

I should take my own advice that I gave to another blogger friend:

"...blogging should be a hobby, not a chore."

WordLess Wednesday: LIFE

2011-12-21T13:50:00.000+08:00

[pix: mana lagi kalau tak google!]

Stay Positive

2011-12-21T13:30:00.000+08:00

This article from the New Straits Times seems to give good tips on how to stay positive.

********************

Exercise and eat healthily

Exercise raises endorphins and make one feel happier and healthier. It is certainly an easy and effective way to boost your self confidence.

Get feedback

When you are feeling insecure, write down your positive traits and read them back. This feedback will give you surprising results.

Step out of your comfort zone

Do not be afraid to push yourself beyond your physical or mental limits. Such a pressure would help you see how easily things can be achieved, and thereby helps you hone your skills.

Talk positively about yourself

Every time your mind wanders and say you are not apt, pause for a minute, undo those negative vibes and say you can do it. At least you should make an attempt to accomplish that daunting task. With that, you will learn more about yourself.

Avoid perfectionism

Perfectionism paralyses you and keeps you from accomplishing your goals.

*Pray

If I may add another one, to stay positive is always to stay in touch with God. Coz by praying and remembering Him, you'll see that not everything in this world is what it seem to be. Tak semua benda dalam dunia ni is worth getting. Sometimes, we worry about stuff that we just made up in our mind. Through lots of prayers, hopefully God will help to eliminate all sort of negativity that has been plaguing our mind.

source:

NST, Dec 19, 2011.

pix from various sources.

Partially Hyrolyzed Polyacrylamide: Part 3

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000+08:00

HPAM is preferred in EOR application since it can tolerate the high mechanical forces present during the flooding of a reservoir. In addition, HPAM is a low cost polymer and is resistant to bacterial attack. Although the HPAM solutions display pseudoplastic behavior (shear thinning) in simple viscometers, it has been demonstrated that these solutions show pseudodilatant characteristics (shear thinning) in porous media as well as viscometers at relatively high shear rates. Research has demonstrated the presence of a critical shear rate at which the shear thickening behavior arises in viscometers. This critical shear rate depends on the degree of hydrolysis of the HPAM, the solution concentration, the temperature, the quality of the solvent and also on the molecular weight of the polymer. An increase in the degree of hydrolysis leads to an onset of shear thickening at lower shear rates. By decreasing the average molecular weight, an increase in the polymer concentration results in a higher critical shear rate.

The aforementioned shear thinning of HPAM solutions below a critical shear rate arises due to uncoiling of polymer chains and the dissociation of entanglements between separate polymer coils. Stiffening of the polymer backbone has been suggested as a possible approach to control the dependency of HPAM solutions on the shear. A stiff polymer will have lower mobility and therefore the entanglements, related to the solution viscosity, will be conserved as the shear increases.

The shear thickening behavior has been attributed to changes in the molecular conformation involving the formation of additional links between two chains. The shear thickening behavior is observed both in laboratory rheometers (in pure water and aqueous salt solutions) and in porous media. According to several studies the shear thickening behavior in porous medium can be seen as alternating wide openings and confined throats through which the polymer coils have to navigate. In the wide openings the polymer chains attain a coil structure. When these coils then have to pass through a narrow throat the polymer coils are forced to deform and stretch (elongational strain) in order to pass. This successive contraction and expansion of the polymer coils leads to pseudodilatant behavior of the polymer solutions. This conformational change of the macromolecules is reversible since it is commonly explained by formation at macromolecular level of reversible interactions like hydrogen bonding. Indeed, it is believed that hydrogen bonding arises for HPAM solutions between the carboxylic functionalities. However, this is contested due to the conflicting data on similar polymeric solutions (e.g. dextran solution). Instead, aggregation of hydrophobic bonds has been proposed, albeit in polymethacrylic acid, but this has not been confirmed. Hu et. al. proposed a schematic presentation depicting the essential behavior of HPAM solutions in shear flow.

Schematic presentation of behavior of HPAM coils in shear flow.

Reference:
D.A.Z. Wever, F. Picchioni, A.A. Broekhuis, (2011) Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Paradigm for Structure–Property Relationship in Aqueous Solution, Progress in Polymer Science, 36, 1558– 1628.

We Are Family!

2011-12-19T14:10:00.001+08:00

One of the best weekend ever this year... it's the BigFat family way of spending time together. Awesome, though the body is still aching sbb main air kuat sgt, wahaha...!

Oh, btw. That should be 'partial' BigFat family... coz the total sum is actually larger than the '8 star'! :)

Philosophical Monday

2011-12-19T13:56:00.001+08:00

The best people that you have to 'treasure' in your life should be the one who knew who you are even before you're successful and still be with you till now, rather than people who just tag along once you become successful.

~ Zamri A. ~

Idiot or a Total Ignorant?

2011-12-18T17:11:00.001+08:00

Is this the case of someone who is an idiot or simply a complete ignorant.

This is a perfect example if you use a direct translation from English to Bahasa: "Ipoh Field" becomes "Ipoh Padang"?

What a total idiot!

Masa Untuk Menjala

2011-12-18T08:24:00.001+08:00

Bukan menjala di laut, tapi menjala dalam perut. Roti jala to be exact.

Pepagi buta akak ngan abang aku dah bangun to cook breakfast, buat sambal tumis untuk nasik lemak n all the stuff. Including la this batter for the roti jala. Diorg siap bwk acuan untuk buat roti jala tu. Nice, walaupun my big bro ckp roti ni color ni putih sket sbb rumah aku xder yellow food coloring. Tapi xper asal dpt makan kira okay le tu.

So, see the difference: my big bro punya roti jala (top pix) n mine (kat bwh). Nampak sgt ni first time aku try 'menjala'...ehehe.

Bantal Busuk

2011-12-17T09:46:00.001+08:00

This is a pillow. But not just a typical pillow. This is bantal busuk my niece Nadiah that she has kept for as long as I can remember. Is it 17 years, coz that how old she us now. She said, no. 10 years? And dia gelak jer...

Yer la tu... more than 10 years! Eeek!
.

Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide: Part 2

2011-12-16T12:19:00.001+08:00

The majority of flocculants employed in mineral processing are polyacrylamide-based high molecular weight polymers. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is nominally a non-ionic uncharged polymer. However, industrial polyacrylamides are in fact partially hydrolyzed to yield a number of acrylic units along the main macromolecule chain. These acrylic units containing carboxylic groups make such co-polymers weakly- to moderately-anionic. The ratio of the number of acrylic monomer units to the total number of acrylic acid and acrylamide units is known as the degree of anionicity (DA), or the degree of substitution (DS). Figure 1 and Eq. 1 illustrate the structure of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and the definition of the degree of anionicity, respectively.

DA = 100% x n/(n+m)

The degree of anionicity of flocculants is usually vaguely provided by polymer suppliers. The terms “weakly anionic” or “moderately anionic” do not really explain much about the actual degree of anionicity. It is, however, rather easy to understand that this parameter must be of critical importance to every flocculation application of PAM-based polymers. The surface chemistry of minerals (e.g. wettability, surface charge) to be flocculated varies widely by application, and the adsorption of PAM and the resulting bridging of fine particles by PAM must also depend on the chemistry of the flocculant itself. Each mineral system works best only with a given type (i.e. degree of anionicity) of flocculant. Along the same lines, it should also be recognized that non-ionic (e.g. pure PAM) and anionic (hydrolyzed PAM) polymer chains behave differently in process water under a given set of physicochemical conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature) in terms of their conformations in solution: the bridging mechanism of flocculation depends not only on flocculant adsorption but also on whether the flocculant macromolecule is coiled or stretched in solution, which again is a strong function of the degree of anionicity of the flocculant.

Reference:

Esau Arinaitwe, Marek Pawlik, (2009), A Method for Measuring The Degree of Anionicity of Polyacrylamide-based Flocculants, Int. J. Miner. Process., 91, 50–54.

Hang Kasturi

2011-12-16T10:30:00.000+08:00

Kalau semal dah makan Lopez de Sequira, hari ni pekena musuh ketat dia plak Hang Kasturi. Oh, silap eh nama dia? Kuih kasturi...actually, ha!

It's made of beans that's been done patty-like and dipped into a yellowish batter, then deep-fried - one of the best local delicacies out there. Yeah, it may be quite high in calories due to the deep-frying method it went thru; but it's also high in protein since beans is packed with amino acids element which become the building block of living cells. Kinda offset the bad stuff like the high carb n fat that it previouly gives.

Apepun, yg penting sedap. Janji rock!!

What Today Says...

2011-12-15T17:30:00.000+08:00

So, my star sign today says...

I think it's time to really see the world and those people... Coffee, anyone? =)

*star sign = boleh baca, tp jgn percaya. ha!

Jennifer Lopez Bogel in Black Sea

2011-12-15T11:46:00.001+08:00

Haa.. kalau buat title cenggitu sure ramai yg nak click, kan? Tau sangat dah...

Anyway, ni bukan pasal Jennifer Lopez pun. Tapi kuih lopis... bleh? Sbb hari ni pepagi buta dah jumpa Kak Mon kat cafe tu jual kuih ni. Pelik gak sbb jarang orang jual kuih lopis utk breakfast.

Apepepun, mmg best bila pekena ngan ayaq gula tu. Kalau lg pekat sket, lg power rasa nyer. Sbb tu la title atas tu Black Sea - air gula hitam tu dah jadik mcm lautan plak berladung2 bila masuk kuih lopis kat dlm dia. Still.. best gilerrr....!

Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide: Part 1

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000+08:00

NOTE: Not for everybody. It's just an important note for me to remember all these fact so that I know where to find the info - in my own blog!

****************************************************************************

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), by far the most used polymer in EOR application, is a copolymer of PAM and PAA obtained by partial hydrolysis of PAM or by copolymerization of sodium acrylate with acrylamide.

HPAM Chemical Structure.

The chemical structure of HPAM is provided in Figure 1. In most cases the degree of hydrolysis of the acrylamide monomers is between 25 and 35%. The fact that a relevant fraction of the monomeric units needs to be hydrolyzed (lower limit of 25%) is probably related to the formation of the corresponding salt. According to the general theory of polyelectrolyte solutions, the presence of electrostatic charges along a polymer backbone is responsible for prominent stretching (due to electrostatic repulsion) of the polymeric chains in water and, eventually, results in a viscosity increase compared to the uncharged analogue. On the other hand, according to a study by Shupe the degree of hydrolysis cannot be too high because the polymer solution will become too sensitive to salinity and hardness of the brine (electrolytes present in solution have a “shielding effect” on the electrostatic repulsion).

Indeed, polyelectrolytes i.e. polymers bearing charges, show significantly different rheological behavior compared to their neutral analogues. The thickening capability of HPAM lies in its high molecular weight and also in the electrostatic repulsion between polymer coils and between polymeric segments in the same coil. When polyelectrolytes are dissolved in water containing electrolytes (salts) a reduction in viscosity is observed. It has been demonstrated that the specific viscosity of HPAM solutions depends on the amount of salt present. This effect is attributed to the shielding effect of the charges leading in turn to a reduction in electrostatic repulsion and consequently to a less significant expansion of the polymer coils in the solution. This results in a relatively lower hydrodynamic volume, which is synonymous with a lower viscosity. A few decades ago, substitution of one or both hydrogens on the amide nitrogen with alkyl groups has been presented as a solution to the salt sensitivity of the HPAM, although the exact reasons for this behavior have not been fully elucidated.

Besides the salt dependency, other factors influencing the viscosity of HPAM solutions are the degree of hydrolysis, solution temperature, molecular weight and solvent quality. Pressure also affects the viscosity of HPAM solutions. According to a study by Cook et. al. the increase in the viscosity of the HPAM solutions cannot be solely accounted for by the increase in the viscosity of the solvent. The intrinsic viscosity and the radius of gyration are both invariant with pressure, albeit with a 10% experimental uncertainty. In principle, the dimensions of the polymer coils do not change while the solvent volume decreases. Therefore the volume fraction of the polymer coil per unit volume of the solvent increases, hence a higher viscosity. Another parameter that affects the solution viscosity of the polymer solution is shear. Under high shear the HPAM polymer chains are reduced in size due to chain scission i.e. fragmentation. This leads to a reduction in the solution viscosity.

Reference:

D.A.Z. Wever, F. Picchioni, A.A. Broekhuis, (2011) Polymers forEnhanced Oil Recovery: A Paradigm for Structure–Property Relationship inAqueous Solution, Progress in Polymer Science, 36, 1558– 1628.

7 Surprising Health Facts about Coffee

2011-12-14T13:30:00.000+08:00

Whether you like yours hot, iced, black or with sugar, one thing's for sure: Coffee serves up plenty of health benefits. Not only can a cup of Joe help ward off depression, but it has even been linked with a decreased rate of skin cancer and increased fertility. Read on to learn about the unexpected heath benefits of coffee, plus other brew-related facts.

1. It may help ward off depression.

Anyone who perks up after the first sip of morning coffee will tell you that it has mood-boosting effects. Now there's proof: A study from the Harvard School of Public Health, published last month in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that women who regularly drink fully caffeinated coffee have a 20% lower risk of depression than non-coffee drinkers. The study, which followed a group of women for 10 years, found that as more coffee was consumed (up to six cups per day), the likelihood of depression decreased.

[link to original paper]

(p/s: ooo..sbb tu aku kurang depressed kot. Stress, yes... but depressed, nehi!)

2. It may help promote a healthy weight.

Drinking an espresso or cappuccino after a meal is more than a relaxing habit. "When you drink coffee after a meal, it causes your body to more slowly process the meal you just ate," says Chris Kilham, medical researcher, founder of Medicine Hunter, Inc. and author of Psyche Delicacies. According to David Levitsky, PhD, professor of nutritional science at Cornell University, "Caffeine decreases the rate at which the stomach dumps its contents into the duodenum-a part of the small intestine where digestion takes place-and also increases metabolic rate." Keep in mind, though, that java isn't a miracle brew: Downing it after dinner won't make the pounds melt away; rather, sipping a cup post-meal could, in small part, help promote a healthy weight.

(p/s: ooo..maybe sbb tu berat aku maintain seksa! ahaks3x!!)

3. It may boost fertility in men.

"Studies have shown that caffeine has a positive effect on sperm motility-the ability of sperm to move toward an egg-and could increase your chances of [getting pregnant]," says John Wilcox, MD, FACOG, managing partner and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility in California. In fact, a study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo found that sperm motility was markedly higher incoffee drinkers versus non coffee-drinkers. And it turns out that it doesn't matter whether you drink one or ten cups a day: The only detectable difference was found between coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers.

(p/s: ooo..sbb tu aku rasa aku ni 'subur'. waaahaha, tak larrattt..!)

4. It can harbor bacteria.

When you think of the germiest places in your house, you probably picture the kitchen sink or garbage disposal. But your coffee machine's reservoir also tops the list. A study performed by NSF International, a not-for-profit health and safety organization, found that the coffee reservoirs they studied were "loaded with yeast and mold organisms," says Robert Donofrio, PhD, director of NSF International's microbiology labs. "Hardly any of the volunteers we spoke to cleaned or disinfected their reservoirs. The residual water in that area, plus the fact that it's a humid part of the machine, contributed to bacterial growth." To properly clean your coffee machine, follow the manufacturer's cleaning protocol. If nothing is specified, clean it once a month by adding three or four cups of undiluted vinegar to the reservoir, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes and then running the vinegar through the unit. Finish by adding fresh water to the reservoir and running the machine through two or three cycles to wash away vinegar residue.

5. It may reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Staying out of the sun and regularly applying a liberal amount of SPF should always be your number one line of defense against skin cancer. That said, a new study out of Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women who drank more than three cups of coffee a day had a 20% lower risk for basal cell carcinoma, and men had a 9% reduced risk. However, the research did not indicate that coffee consumption reduced the risk of squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, making it all the more important to protect your skin when outdoors.

(p/s: hmm. kulit gua kira okay jgk la. kerana diriku begitu berharga! nggg...)

6. It's not truly addictive.

While many people claim that they can't make it through the day without a few cups of java, Liz Applegate, PhD, faculty member and director of sports nutrition at the University of California at Davis, explains that caffeine is not addictive. "Caffeine is a mild stimulant, and the World Health Organization states that it is wrong to compare caffeine intake to drug addiction, since people can reduce or eliminate caffeine from their diet without the serious psychological or physical problems that result from a true addiction." However, serious coffee drinkers may experience symptoms such as fatigue and irritability if they reduce their intake. According to Dr. Applegate, people who consume 600 milligrams of caffeine (about six small cups of coffee) daily are most likely to experience these symptoms, but they will usually resolve themselves after a few days.

7. It doesn't necessarily cause stomach pain.

If you've ever blamed java for stomach discomfort, you might want to visit your doctor to see what else could be at the root of the problem. According to Lauren Gerson, MD, MSc, associate professor of medicine and gastroenterology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, "There is no evidence from reviewed studies that coffee causes ulcers or more pain in patients with documented ulcers." She also notes that there is no evidence that coffee could be the cause of stomach pain in patients with indigestion. However, there is one type of digestive issue that coffee can aggravate; Dr. Gerson explains that drinking coffee may worsen heartburn symptoms, since it stimulates the stomach to produce gastric acid.

(p/s: stomach pain ada la sket... tp stomach pain sbb minum kopi bleh wat rasa lg lapar!)

[original article here]

Wordless Wednesday : Xmas Muffin

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000+08:00

@ Jusco Kinta City, Ipoh

Busted!

2011-12-13T16:00:00.001+08:00

So, I am reading the Literature Review done by those people who wrote a report. While I was so excited about what I read through, suddenly this statement came out of nowhere:

"please click here to see bla, bla, bla"

What? Oh my...is this some kind of joke? Is this whole paragraph that I've been reading is 100% copied from somewhere that even that 'please click here...' is also being copied blindly. No wonder all the words and phrases n the whole thing sound too good to be true. Rupa2 nya ayat songlap dr org lain. Ni la gamaknya term yg org pakai, 'tiru bulat2'.

My word: kalau yer pun nk copy statement from other people's work - kena la guna akal jugak. Takkan benda yg x releven pun nk masuk sekali. Haish... fenin gua!

To the writer, you're busted. Gotcha!

Eiffel Again...

2011-12-13T13:00:00.000+08:00

A friend just came back from a short vacation in Paris and brought home a souvenir: the Eiffel Tower miniature.

It looks so cool, but I dunno how many more Eiffel Tower mini-me's I can handle coz I already have loads at home myself.

Maybe Arc de Triomphe's miniature for me next time, perhaps? :)

Charity

2011-12-13T11:44:00.001+08:00

It's been more than a year, now it's time for me to get back into the charity road again. Time to make other people's dream a reality too. And time to help those unfortunate people out there.

It's time to really do what the company's brand essence said: Energy Received, Energy Returns, Aspiring People Everywhere...

Red Velvet Cake

2011-12-11T19:30:00.000+08:00

Kakak aku tanya, dah boleh makan telur ker? Then aku reply, dah boleh dah.

Then last week dia buat Red Velvet cake yg super delicious... siap ada hearts lagi kat atas2 tu. Cantik n very the sedap. Mujur dia tak buat 4-layer mcm yg selalu tengok kat TV show tu, kalo tak memang terus tertido bila makan satu slice! Anak sedara aku plak asyik nak korek2 segala bagai gold beads yg kat tepi2 tu. Suke jer dia tgk kaler2 kilat2 tu...

Apapepun, untung ada kakak yg pandai dan suka masak. Mekasih yer kekanda...! nnt buat lagi sbb x dan nak bwk balik sket hari tu.. hehe. :)

Nasi Pelita

2011-12-11T14:21:00.001+08:00

Pernah makan nasik pelita? Nasi kat Pelita Nasi Kandar to be exact. Whoa...what a surprise. Kalau early this year, nasi briyani + ayam gulai + sayur kubis harganya kurang RM6, skang ni ambik benda yg sama tau berapa? Kat RM10.

Whaaaatttt? Seriously?

Patut la kurang org mkn kat Pelita Ipoh skang ni. Huhu...

I Shall Have My Way of Life

2011-12-10T21:00:00.000+08:00

Al-Kaafirun, 109:6 : For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.

The word 'deen' in the surah could be viewed in many context. As being translated from the verse, 'deen' means religion, but in a bigger context 'deen' also means 'the way of life'.

Therefore, what I really wanna say is the same thing: lakum deenukum wa liyadeen. For you your way of life, for me is my way of life. So, stop judging and comparing the way I live mine!

Fa La La La La....

2011-12-07T23:00:00.000+08:00

I am absolutely loving this dining table that IKEA did for the Christmas décor in their store. Not that I celebrate Christmas, no. But given that I have a bigfat family, this loooooong table surely gonna fit everyone during the dinner. Or, will it not?

Hmmm.....

Whatever it is, this décor I LOIKE! ^^

Wordless Wednesday : Nescafe

2011-12-07T13:30:00.000+08:00

Map on the Pillow

2011-12-06T21:00:00.000+08:00

This is the perfect interpretation of 'buat peta atas bantal', no kidding! But the difference is - the map is drawn properly by the proper ink.... not by your you-know-what. Nggg...

*pix snapped at Ikea.

Kuala Lumpur

2011-12-06T20:00:00.000+08:00

The very best of Kuala Lumpur, captured using my very own iPhone 4. The look is magical especially when the sunny Saturday made the sky as blue as it can be, with a bit of cirrus cloud to give a sense of ornament to the great ambience.

With the scene of the world's tallest twin tower - the PETRONAS Twin Tower on the right, and the KL Tower on the left; what more modern Malaysia's façade could you ask for?

It's superb!

Dunkin' Donuts

2011-11-30T04:30:00.000+08:00

Every time there's a trip down south, it's a must for me to stop by at Dunkin' Donuts to get my fair share of the luscious, succulently delicious donuts of many many varieties. Either at Restoran Jejantas Sungai Buloh or Petronas Station R&R @ Kelana Jaya/Damansara stretch of NKVE or even at IKEA Damansara; I would never miss it. If I miss one of those, there's always R&R Tapah to get my supply!

I prefer DD compared to Big Apple donuts coz DD has lots of chocolate-based batter rather than just the typical plain one. The taste is different definitely coz eventhough both would be having the same topping, the choc-based has much richer taste compared to the non-chocs. We're talking about the ultimate indulgence here, okay..! ^__^

Off Guard...

2011-11-29T18:00:00.000+08:00

In relationship you always discover new things about that person.
Sometimes you wanna feel happy for them. Sometimes you wanna feel sad for them too.
And for sure...both of you are very vulnerable and ready to let the walls down.

*apsal tetiba mood jiwang plak ni? haish...

Kerabu Mangga

2011-11-29T13:30:00.000+08:00

Lunch hari ni memang best. Makan nasik putih + ayam bakar + sayur air sket with suhun. And the best part: kerabu mangga. Ni la, kalo dah memang ada darah Siam, segala mak nenek makanan Thai memang la suka giler. Semalam dah pekena tom yam kat KL. Hari ni mango salad plak. Perggh...

This entry takder gambar sori. I don't like when there's no picture in blogpost. Or a very short post.

I think I need to return to tweet again...

Quote: Principles

2011-11-27T20:00:00.000+08:00

One quote that I found on a friend's wall the other day. Very simple yet got a very deep meaning. Yeah, it's hard sometimes when you've gotta make a big decision. Yet, you have to weigh all the pros and cons before taking the plunge which may or may not be affecting others in some way or another. Only you knows best what's the right thing for you.

It's true: you must stand on your own principles, even if it means sometimes you have to stand alone.

The Prince and The Frog

2011-11-27T10:30:00.000+08:00

Pantang jer hujan. Pantang jer tingkap toilet tu terbukak sikit; katak si katak lompat mesti masuk dalam toilet tu. Tak paham betul camner dia boleh masuk. Ni bukan katak puru yg macam citer yg Nora Danish pegang tu... yg tu besar bagak. Ni katak yg lembik... katak yg very slimy and gooey. Katak pisang....so ewwww.

Yang tak tahan, every time nak halau dia keluar, dia mesti lompat balik ke arah kite. Ewwww.... so gross. Tapi last-last sekali, dgn segala battlestar galactica moves ni, dapat jugak tepis katak pisang tu dalam lubang drain tu. Akhirnya. Oi katak, apa ko ingat toilet rumah aku ni macam spa ker senang2 nak masuk. Haish....

ini bukan gambar katak, tapi Hummingbird cupcake yg limited edition sempena World Cup 2010. Tapi bila dah ngap, tengok2 macam muka Kermit the Frog la plak.. ahaks!

Kitty in the Meadows

2011-11-26T19:30:00.000+08:00

Dari jauh ku sudah tahu jantan atau betina nya. No, not the person in the banner, silly... but the cat on the meadow of this hill. It's a tabby, and she's just finished having her breakfast that morning. She climbed the hill and sit down nicely while preparing itself to sunbathe.

Nak gi dekat and ambik saja kucing ni coz she look so healthy and pretty glowing in her orangey fur. So cute. I've got to call her everytime though... tsk, tsk, tsk... so that she really looks towards me.

tengok muka camni, mmg rasa nak gi picit jer idung dia... ahaha!

Location: St. Paul's Hill, Melaka

Macro: Morning Dew

2011-11-26T19:00:00.000+08:00

How many times do we take things for granted? Countless maybe, which we did nor realised. Take a look around us, have we ever be grateful to what God had given to us?

Just like these morning dew. They exist every day on the leaves of the grass. Sometimes a little number. Sometimes to many that it is unbearable. But do we really take a look closer and see the beauty it gives? Do we appreciate their existence to our surroundings even if they're hardly visible to our eyes? Have we ever stop and say: oh wow.... these little dew is so unique by itself!

Ar-Ra'd, 28

2011-11-25T05:30:00.001+08:00

Ar-Ra'd, 28: Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured."

*hanya dengan mengingati Allah, hati kamu akan menjadi tenang...

Malaysian Sushi

2011-11-16T19:00:00.000+08:00

Malaysian sushi... made of pulut and wrap in banana leaves. Or better known as LEMANG! :D

Butterfly Light Graffiti

2011-11-09T19:30:00.000+08:00

I love doing light graffiti coz it's the easiest ever - and without causing any pollution to the wall. This one is during the previous Eid at my sis home when me and my clan went visiting. I think the butterfly that I'm creating is not that bad, at least there's still the silhouette of the wings.

But what is not good is when someone suddenly screamed, "hoi...jgn main bunga api kat kereta aku! main jauh-jauh sket!!" That's my eldest sis, Aini, btw... =)

Macro #1: The Insects

2011-11-09T19:25:00.001+08:00

One great thing about balik kampung - apart from meeting with the old folks - is the nature that is still preserved from any bad hands of human beings. And the availability of the insects swarming around which is abundant.

This is my first trial shots of the insects available around my nenek's house which is quite a find. I got my one helper at hand - my nephew, Lutfi - who seem to be tagging along with me and not going away from my sight, who's also helped to scream "ni dia lalat...!" when he found the fly stopped on the leaves.

When my other nephew, Pipi Piok, who's also the avid macroshot photographer himself saw my photos, he said, "Su kena focus kat mata belalang tu... baru boleh nampak lagi cantik!"

Laaa... camner la aku nak focus kat mata belalang tu kalau menatang tu dah la kecik, tambah lagi mmg aku tak nampak mata dia!? Ekekeke! So far, kira ok la dek non untuk first trial ni.... =)

Hello Tabby

2011-11-09T19:00:00.000+08:00

This tabby is so active that snapping its short range pics is quite a challenge. But I manage to do it upon calling it a couple of times and calm her down. I love how this short-haired domestic tabby blend in to the sand its sitting down.

Membosankan

2011-11-04T19:30:00.000+08:00

Makin lama makin pulak terasa dunia blogging ni membosankan.
Tak faham kenapa komunikasi mesti menjadi satu hala?
.
.
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So, rasanya mungkin sudah tiba masanya untuk . . . . .

So, the Architect Asked...

2011-11-04T05:30:00.000+08:00

"Eh, Zamri...bila nak start project ni?"

Suddenly that question was asked by my architect the other day when we're having lunch at the department. Actually it's not the real architect pun, but the wife of the architect - which is a good friend of mine here in the office. Her hubby is the real architect-slash-lecturer at the nearby uni, and has been doing lots of construction projects including his own home.

"alamak, takder masa lagi la Dr Su. Tunggu la dulu..." I replied.

Indeed I don't have time to really decide when I wanna carry out the home renovation project that we've been discussing for quite some time. It was actually last October 2010 that I wanted to renovate the house that I bought back in 2006. In fact, the interior plan and its decor has already being long completed by myself way back them. But, when I have to fly off to the UK for my study... everything come to a pause.

Money doesn't seem to be an issue for me, the only nuisance is the time. I simply don't have time to really allow the project to commence. I know it definitely gonna take some time for the project to be completed, which might mean I have to move out and being away from the comfort of my own home for quite a period. That's a big challenge as I have my own important agenda at hands.

Anyway, last year I gave my 2D drawing to my architect which I've done long time ago on my new house layout. And he successfully translated it into a 3D rendition which made me utterly excited. He captured exactly what I have pictured in my 2D drawing, with some recommendations based upon his architect's point of view. The results... voila!

It's awesome. The lawn, the pool, the new windows, the area for my wardrobe and the shoe closet, the big kitchen, the utilities room etc etc... I love what I'm seeing. It's like having my one foot already in the new home. What a splendid feeling!

Now, is finding the suitable time to just do the plan, once and for all. Which is a challenge... but I do have to if I wanna make it a reality!

Yet, when friends came to the house they always asked, why do you wanna renovate? Your house already look like a show house to me? And it's too big for one person?! *Hmmmm...*

Butterfly

2011-11-02T16:30:00.000+08:00

Don't change your channel, coz this butterfly is really sticking to the wall like it is. Such a beautiful butterfly...which is quite big as well. One of the true nature's beauty.

Happiness

2011-10-31T13:30:00.000+08:00

I just love this quote that Muhammad mentioned in my other blog. Very beautiful meaning.

This is a Total TGIF

2011-10-28T09:43:00.001+08:00

Isn't this sooo cute?