Fairly Easy

I can't stop laughing while going through Nury Vittachi writing 'Easy as pie'...sharing the laughter with my 12 years old girl...

"Ha...ha...even morons can score. How I wish these are the UPSR questions..."my daughter exclaimed...

Now, wish to share the world's easiest entrance exam created by Nury

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
1. Greens are a healthy vegetable. What colour are they?
2. What time is it when both hands are on the 12?
3. What does UN (united Nations) stand for?
4. How many weeks are there in a two-week period?
5. What do coffee shops sell?

MATHEMATICS
1. A bald man's hair is 0.0 inches long. Convert this to cm.
2. If I had three apples in my left hand, how many apples would I have in my left hand?
3. If two and two equal four on every day of a week, what does two and two equal on Tuesdays?

HISTORY
1. What was Henry VIII's personal name?
2. What was Chairman Mao's surname?
3. What rank was Admiral Nelson?
4. How many rules are there in The Ten Commandments?

GEOGRAPHY
1. What language do Dutch-speakers speak?
2. What country is the Queen of Denmark queen of?
3. Where is the North Pole?
4. Name the moon which revolves around the planet earth?

BIOLOGY
1. Bird's are type of bird. True/false.
2. What insects do anteaters eat?
3. What is the breast colour of a robin redbreast?
4. How many cells do single-celled amoebas have?
5. What substance do woodpeckers peck?

See what I mean? May be our school going kids will have these type of exam questions as teachers are not satisfied with the new transfer policy...

The Result

The hard work pays off...Alhamdulillah. Congratulations to my beloved daughter, her friends, relatives and friends children who have won the battle today...and for those less fortunate, it is not the end of the world...it is just UPSR...you have at least 5 more years to spend time schooling and face more battles in future...

I preferred to use the word 'less fortunate' as sometimes it doesn't mean that those who scored were better than those who did not and vice versa...

Although it is only UPSR, I believe that the effort put on the exam was way too stressful and sometimes can be a taboo too...

One exam after another ... and at one point, I could see the confidence level of my daughter was a bit shaken...and before she could recover emotionally, had to face another exam...

Honestly, as parent, I felt butterflies in my stomach since my daughter requested me to accompany her to take the results ... I bet other parents also felt this way...

Unfortunately, or was it a blessed, I was not able to be around her during the announcement as my son was down with high fever and I had to make preparation for my daughter who was in the afternoon session...I wasn't that worry as she seemed very calm all this while and very confident that she would score...

I was thinking the result would be announced by 11:30a.m. as usual but this year they announced it earlier. By the time I reached the school, the event was over. I was about to park my car when I spotted my daughter walking out of the school compound.

She was shaken crying with swollen eyes...I felt terrible and guilty...I was willing to accept whatever her result was...

Before she hopped in, I was thinking she really had a bad day...may be she just made it to 3A's...she told me that she got 5A's...and showed me the slip...

Quiet moment as she refused to respond...

It took her quite a while to cool down and explained...she was panicked as her name was not called after most of her classmates already received their slips...and she thought she did not make it...and started to cry...

All this while, she was blessed as she was always run second in her class and whole school since year 3 but this year she was at position 4...so I guess, her expectation was so high and she could not accept otherwise...

One of the teachers even joked with her "Is this fake or real?" as she had won the best actress in an english school drama performance recently.

Well, the stressful day was over but I still have to comfort her and yet to explain to her about 'qada and qadar' concept...

Flood

Praised to Allah that my family in Kedah are safe and have returned home after a few days spending time in Bertam.

The aftermath was much hassle as anticipated. The water had subsided yesterday but left mud pool about an inch thick on the flooring...plus spoilt furniture and electricity goods...

The water supply had been resumed but at a very slow rate...and later in the evening, rain started to pour back...the obstacles hindered the cleaning activities...

The worse flood ever that hit Alor Setar recently was due to rapid development without proper planning? or was it due to certain misconduct in our behaviours...whatever the reason, the conclusion was still 'human error'...and we ought to learn from the mistakes...

Or learn through history...but I wonder, have we human ever learn anything from history???

The Race

Indonesia was hit pretty hard this time with 3 in 1 package...left the affected place as 'padang jarak padang terkukur' and Thailand with the heavy flood...not to forget our own country, especially those in Perlis, Kedah and Kelantan.

My family was not escaped as my father, brother and sisters are staying in Kota Setar region...

Received a short SMS from my brother yesterday, that they were going to move out from the house. I just could not imagine...the horrible and chaotic conditions that they had gone through...

I called my brother immediately and the line was not that good. The water level was at their waist and they were getting on the rescue team boat and ready to be located at a relief center.

We cut the conversation short and asked my brother to update the progress.

At 2 a.m. a called from my brother woke us ...they were leaving the relief center and on their way to his other house in Bertam. I was relieved as I could not imagine my father situation of having to put up at the relief center...

Briefly, my father informed that they were not able to salvage anything except some clothing as the water level raised very fast...furthermore, over 30 years, this was the first time the area been hit ted by flood...so technically nobody had the experience and know how to handle the situation...

The water and electricity supplies were cut earlier...so left them with not much choice...

It was quite an experience as they boarded a rescue team boat to ferry them to the relief center. 4 families boarding the same boat. Half way through, they had to take a pick up truck to continue the journey.

They reached the relief center about midnight after several hours spent on the road...then my brother called one of his friends to send him his car (which he had placed at the friend's house earlier).

There on, they raced to my brother's house in Bertam and safely arrived an hour later. Alhamdulillah...

We should be very thankful to have this bright and sun all day long...

Junk Hub

My house has become 'junk hub' off lately...ever since the kids started watching 'Finger Tips' program. You name it, all types of containers they collected from bottles, tissue rolls, boxes etc until I have to quietly discard some of the collections...

Good habit on one hand but mess up the house area. So far, they created their own pistol, rocket and robot.

Funny enough, today they watched a new creation of making shadows with the torchlight. Eagerly, they copied and played with their new toy...

Just to share, about a year ago, my husband bought two sets o torchlight with different images of dinosaurs for the boy and princesses for the girl. They were not cheap at RM24 each. They only played for a short while and after that started to lost the images one by one and finally the torchlight.

Enjoy looking at them, so enthusiastic and creative...thank you to 'Finger Tips'...hopefully they will fill up the long school breaks with new inventions or copy from the show, at least help the parents to save some money from sending to any art class...

Bahasa Melayu

Thankyou to annynomous who posted comments on my postings...

I am breathless???should I use this term?? I guess so...

I told earlier that I had been teaching my eldest to prepare for her UPSR and that the exam was over, I am much relieved now...thoughout my experience as sole informtion and teaching providers, I really felt exhausted...

The second quarter of the school year, the school called parents and year 6 students to attend a special session on UPSR. It was my first experience and regretted that my daughter could not make it as she was down with tonsilities.

Anyway, I made through the session. Listening to the briefing by subject teachers, so called specialist for respective subjects. I extracted points pointed out by the Bahasa Melayu teacher 'We cannot teach the kids bahasa as the language is so wide. Parents should encourage your kids to read more malay books...'

At once, I even voiced out my dissatisfaction on her 'Bahasa Melayu Pemahaman'...'You are born to be Malay, by right you don't need to work hard on the subject as it is your mother tongue'...I guessed I pushed her hard by forcing her to read malay story books which she reluctance...

My daughter's comment was 'I HATE bahasa melayu...!!!'She spent most of her time on english which she was already proficient ...I even met up with the bahasa teacher and explained the problem. The respond was similar to his earlier comment...

So, I did my own findings...actually, the school or teachers were not teaching the kids on the rules of tatabahasa, that's why the kids faced the problems...unlike english whereby the teachers taught them correct grammar...

Recently, accidentally I bumped into my old friend who studied 'linguistic' during her college time. I brought the issues up and surprisingly, she told me that bahasa melayu keep on changing from time to time. Even though she had the linguistic background, she had difficulties accessing the language especially the public exam papers...

Hmmm....so much about my mother tongue language and now the education policy has been reverted and history is a must pass subject..I really am 'breathless'...

House Husband

Gee...how should I write this. Desperate house husbands! Recently, I heard one ustaz called this group as 'suami solehah' ... quite a common phenomena nowadays...

Well, I am not going to discuss on this sensitive issue but would like to point out an important finding on the house husband.

Research finds that men who depend on their wives financially are likely to cheat their partners than who are the breadwinners - NST, 21/8/2010.

American researchers say that the more dependent a man is on his partner, the more likely he is to stray, but the opposite is true for women who are financially dependent on men.

So, 'lu fikirlah sendiri...'

Facebook

Parenting and especially motherhood is getting tougher each day as the challenges spread vertically, horizontally and diagonally...the worse part is that if the kids are able to camouflage in front of the parents...

In the middle of last year, the Star highlighted on the issue of one Sri Lankan teenager, who was brought up in the US, had run away from home after befriended a guy in the facebook for about half of a year. The girl finally converted to 'Christian' and accused that the parents would finished her off if she returned home...

Whereas the 'poor' parents had been crying days and nights worrying on her where abouts and well beings...

A few weeks ago, there was another news locally that reported a teenage girl who was duped to be a drug mule had fled to South Africa without the parents awareness...she just called a few minutes before flying off. Similarly, her ordeal started with interactions on facebook.

Yesterday, a mother revealed to me about her teenage daughter in the first semester at UITM. I considered the girl as 'pijak semut pun tak mati' as she was very polite and shy.

The mother was shocked when a friend called and informed that the girl fled from hostel and was on the way to Kuantan...she did not inform the parents and did not return their calls.

Luckily, a short SMS from her aunt alerted her and the parents fetched her home before she reached the destination...All started after she befriended with a boy in the facebook...

My neighbour also told me quite similar version...her friend's daughter who was a 'top' student had eloped with a facebook boyfriend after only 6 months knowing each other. Finally, she worked as 'housekeeping' to support herself...

I believe that a lot more cases like these happen outside, so to youngsters, please remember GOD and place your parents in your hearts, so that you think twice...please do not trust anyone that you just get to know especially through the 'net'...

To parents, I guess we have to keep on praying (doa)...

Selawat Shifa'

Time flies so fast...another week to go and Ramadhan will take place. I hope that this Ramadhan, I will be blessed with good health and able to perform 'solat tarawih', recite Quran plus being more generous and perform other good deeds....

To my close friend and others who are not in good health at this time, may Allah heal you and can fast during Ramadhan. Saying about good health, I wish to share the 'selawat shifa'...and may Allah protect us from serious or chronic illness...

Just zikir the 'selawat shifa' every day and InsyaAllah, you will feel the miracle...

Hello

It's been awhile that I stopped writing here...it's not that nothing to update but I was too much occupied with personal issues...from marital affair to bonding with the kids.

Yup, I guess in any relationship we need to perk up each other from time to time, do some alignment and balancing and end with final tuning...

My eldest is busy preparing for her UPSR which just left less than 2 months on the line and with Hari Raya coming just a week before the exam, I guess she has to rap up by end August...

I told her to 'study smart and not hard'...I guess she grabs the concept well as she just participated in the school's choral speaking competition last Saturday in Subang Parade, participating the school's English club singing competition today and attended extra class provided by the school.

I salute her English teacher for her personal effort to conduct the extra class today for her students free of charge...How I wish other teachers would put similar efforts...

I also have revived my garden and almost finished of the new cross stitch project. My kids had officially sleep on the single bedspread quilt which was completed few months ago...

I shall post the photos of my handwork later...as currently my camera is out of order...

He's Not That Into You Anymore? He May Have Low Testosterone

To those who is entering the era of 40's and 50's...know your partner's problem...He's Not That Into You Anymore? He May Have Low Testosterone

Obsess

It's true...all this while I thought it was just only the illusion of the writer when I learned through my literature class...

A woman had preserved her husband body and pretended that he was alive and spent day and night with him in bed...the obsessed woman had killed of the husband because of jealousy and wanted to own the man's for herself only...I forgot the writer and title...

However, a 91 year old widow in Pennsylvania was reported stayed with corpses of her husband and twin sister.

"Death is very hard for me to take," said the woman...

5 Ways to Exercise Brain

We really need to exercise our brain to keep it healthy. We are never too young or too old to begin the exercise regime.

Among the benefits of brain's exercise are to improve the brain function and help to avoid other related diseases such as Alzheimer or dementia.

The 5 ways are as follows :

1. Start walking
Research suggests that the brain function ca be improved up to 15% if consistently walking for 6 months.

2 Do opposites
Keep stimulate brain and mind fresh by doing things opposite hand from your nornal practice. Example, if you normally use your right hand,try using your left. It will create new challenges for your brain.

3. Play games
Excercise brain can be fun and rewarding as playing games help to keep your btain stimulating be it computer games or board games.

4. Get mental
Doing things that challenge your thinking is a good way to excercise your brain. Reading is a good habit.

5. Travel
While travelling, you take in new images, sites, sounds and smells and get out from your regular routine. This is a great way to get those synapses firing.

_HealthNewsDigest.com

Teenagers

I notice that my eldest girl who has gone into her teenager era is acting rather strangely lately. She is unfocused in class and her academic performance drops since early of this year.

She spends most of her time doing 'unproductive activities' and very obsess of certain artists and the 'idiot box'. She will spend her time watching the same shows over and over and still enjoying herself.

I also notice that most of classmates also acting rather similarly. The similarity polar of 'weird' behaviour is really worrying me as she is going to sit for her UPSR in three months time...

I was thinking, may be the hormonal imbalance plays part in her development until today when I read in the Star 'Why teenagers can't concentrate' helps answer my query.

It is reported that the changes are not because the children are lazy or careless but they are hapless victims of neurobiology.

New research found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previous thought.

MRI scans of the brains also show that their mental processes are like those of younger children.

The chaotic thought patterns are a result of teenagers' brains containing too much grey matter - the cell bodies and connections which carry messages within the brain.

As we age, the amount of grey matter in our brains decreases.

Motherhood

I read a report on Orphancare which was set up by NGO to accomodate for the unwanted babies...it was a noble idea that gave chance for unwanted babies to be placed or rather dumped?? but it was sad as the condition was getting from worse to worst...

Infact, the lady who was incharged of the center admitted that 30 years ago, during her pregnancies period, she prayed not to have girls as she said the world would not benefit this gender anymore...

Infact it was quite common that older generations would put such statement as 'It is better to take care of 10 tigers compared to a daughter'...

Viewing the current scenarios, we are no better than the Jahillyah (era before Islam) as Jahillyah period only deny the rights of the female but in this modern days, we ignored both genders...as to cover up the sins...which is much regretted.

As those parents, who feel that female is at the disadvantages, please relook on the issues and thankful for the Gifts from Allah...neither genders are at the disadvantages provided that we educate and provide equal opportunities...they need our loves and guidances...

There is a story in the Star today on 'Motherhood comes naturally for nanny goat' which has a very good moral behind it.

The nanny goat had given birth to two kids recently and had a big heart by nursing a month old puppy...the puppy would take the opportunity to suckle the goat whenever its two kids were being fed...

I hope the set up of such center is not a flush gate to welcome the 'immmoral' behaviour...but rather an eye opener...'Think deeply before you commit the sinful act and you have to be responsible for your action...'

To those who have crossed the border, please repent and get back on the right track...as nobody is perfect...

My vacation

Just had a three day break at the Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Baharu. It was really refreshing and sort of rekindle the relationship...

It was a nice place for retreat and very ideal location to be out of the busy and hectic town lifestyles.

I guessed it was famous among the golfers...as the golf range covered extensively most of the area.

The club house was uniquely designed and maximise the usage of timber. I love every bit of the design and the compound was well landscaped...

The kids enjoyed the time at the pools very much as they had opportunities to dipped themselves at level 2 of the hotel or much wider pool at the club house...

The one at the club house was equipped with water slide and were divided into three separate sections...the kids wadding pool, rocks pool and adult pool.

For me, I would love to dipped myself in the jacuzzi but got no chance as I had to look after the kids as there was no standby lifeguard...

It would be better to have a lifeguard...anyway, not many people chose to swim as the pools were vacant most of the time...

Sometimes, I had this creepy and strange idea...maybe it was a motherly instinct??? The pool seemed to belong to us as nobody cared to swim as early as 8:30 a.m....So the kids really had fun, after a few times of sliding down, the kids spent time at the wadding pool except my eldest...

She loved to swim at the rock pool which was really isolated and not within my eyesight...I felt scary and started to look after her as the place was extremely quiet...only to find her enjoying herself...

I wonder was it the wrong feeling?... I warned her to be careful and not to go to far ... as any maniac could easily grabbed and pulled her to any hidden area...

She might not totally understand of my reaction, but to me better be extra cautious rather then regret later...this reminded me the case of a man in Terengganu, who admitted of stealing women undergarments and a lot of rape cases out there...

Cholesterol

This is the first time, I come across an article on how certain food help to boost up your HDL (good cholesterol).

Here are the recommendations.

Dark Chocolate
In a recent study, volunteers who ate 100mg of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) every day for a week raised their HDL by 9%. That's a load of chocolate (about 2300kJ).
However, according to the study's coauthor, eating smaller daily (15g) over an extended period should also help.
(I wonder whether consumption of Milo is considered as dark chocolate?)

Salmon
HDL rose 4% in adults who ate two 115g servings a week for four weeks. Other fatty fish like mackerel, herring and sardines should deliver similar benefits.

Berries
HDL level rose 5% when adults ate a cup of frozen berries every day for eight weeks.

Eggs
Healthy adults who ate an egg every day for 12 weeks increased HDL as much as 48%.

Good Luck! At least there are options in food intake to counter attack the bad cholesterol rather than the plain oat:)

Teacher

Today is the last school day and school will resume after two weeks break. Anyway, the kids have to bid farewell to their dear Ustaz Sabaruddin, who has been posted to another state.

It was a heart breaking for my son as he adores the Ustaz very much...and within five months with the Ustaz guidance, he has improved tremendously in his Quran reciting...from alif, ba, ta ... he had moved to Surah Al-Baqarah (only few pages)...

From zero basic of solat, now he is able to memorize a few doas...

Thank you Ustaz...we don't have to express our gratitude particularly on Teacher's Day only, right...

Anyway, it was reported that a schoolgirl prank turned tragically fatal when a 9 year old collapsed and died after eating glue which she thought was jelly.

Her panicked classmates then alerted a teacher, who rushed the girl to a nearby clinic but she was pronounced dead.

So, to all teachers, this tragedy reminds that your responsibilities not only bound to classrooms, academics and exams only...as the kids (out of their parents' eyesights) rely on the teachers' guidance and supervisions...

May be, the least to do is highlight the incident during assemblies and remind the kids that at the end of the day besides getting good results, they also must be well verse with the environment and have good surviving skills...

Teaching is a very respectable profession and 'Happy Belated Teacher's Day"...

Dedicated to all my former teachers....

June's Joke

A young man asks for directions at a set of traffic lights.

"Ex-xx-cc-c-uuse mm-e mm-m-madam, ccc-coooould yy-yy-ou tell m-me wh-eeere th-th-the Cc-clllif-fordd sst-st-st tuut-terrr-ing ss-school i-ii-is?

The lady looks at the young man and says,

"Why? You stutter so well!"

Reader's Digest June 2010

Subsidies

Uncertainties on the subsidies are back to haunt us... hate to think about it when the Government claimed that our country will be bankrupt in few years time if the policies are to be carried out...

Very irritating and annoying...

Anyway, I love what Dr. A. Soorian wrote to the Star on 1 June 2010. Here are some of his interesting views.

1. The cost of medicine have skyrocketed and subsidies for healthcare should be retained in the interest of the public. So should subsidies for essential foodstuff and education.

2. Subsidies are from tax revenue and what harm is there in giving back the money to the people?

3. There are many hidden risks in drastically removing subsidies. Inflation will definitely be hard to manage and can easily spin out of control.

4. The Government must control unnecessary spending. Ministers must welcome pay cuts.

It reminded me a story of Umar Al-Khattab once being asked why did he just had a normal meal where as he could afford a better one. The answer was very simple, definitely he could enjoy a much better meal but he preferred to keep his normal meal as it is better to give the extras to the people.

So, isn't this about subsidies?

Prayer

My husband just celebrated his 47th birthday a week ago...Alhamdulillah, for giving us the opportunity to meet and know each other...

and a lot of 'happenings' to catch up especially with 4 lovely children...

Well, life is not a bed full of roses... my husband just broke the news that his fellow friend had just passed away at this moment...

It brought back my memories to my college days...I knew this guy, just had a chanced to say 'hello' on a few occassions...

The last time I saw him was in 1992 and the last time I heard his voice was about 5 years ago when he called to wish us "Selamat Hari Raya".

However, his sudden death was a shock...and reminded me that 'life is too short and we should spend it to the fullest...'.

Again, Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah for blessing my husband and me this wonderful life to cherish ... and for the dearest friend, may your soul be blessed and placed among the 'solihin'...amin.

Birthday

Time flies so fast...it seems as if it was yesterday I gave birth to my second princess...

She's already nine...Alhamdulillah, for giving me such a wonderful and smart kid...though very sensitive at certain times...

We had gone through a lot in the past years and I wish to put the dark episodes behind and start fresh...

It is not deniable that your past creates your presence but with extra guidance, love and 'doa'... you are able to turn the leaf over... be a better person and never give up...

Happy Birthday to my darling princess...

Parenting Pledges

Congratulations to my niece who has been blessed with bundle of joys today with the arrival of a newborn girl in Glasgow.

Mother's Day had just over and father's day is next on the line, wish to quote a very beautiful wordings I got from the Islamic parenting site about the special gift from Allah.

'The soul of your child is like an uncut precious jewel entrusted into your care by Allah.To you is given the awesome responsibility of shaping that precious jewel into a beautiful form, pleasing the eye of Allah.'

Nevertheless, the responsibility is very big to the parents and full of hurdles especially nowadays in modern and technologies eras...

Thus, this is my sincere gift of 'Effective Islamic Parenting Pledges' especially to my husband, all parents and a reminder to myself which I extract from the above site.

1. I am raising my child to be successful vicegerent(khalifah) of Allah, who will help create truly Islamic world.

2. Today, I will try my best to know and understand all the influences upon my child's development.

3. Today, I will try my best to help my child understand the power of negative influences to take him/her away from Allah.

4. Today, I will try my best to shield my children from the power of negative influences to take him/her away from Allah.

5. Today, I will try my best to enhance (increase) the power of the positive influences upon my child to take him/her towards Allah.

6. Today, I will try my best to notice some positive things my child does or says, and tell him/her how much those thing and appreciated by me and by Allah.

7. Today, I will try my best to say nothing negative to my child even if I have to correct my child's wrong behaviour . I will try my best to find some positive way to do so.

8. Today, I will love my child unconditionally but I will try my best to express that loves at times which are most beneficial to my child.

9. Today, I will try my best to be an example of good Muslims for my child.

10. Today, I will pray for Allah's help that I can be a good parent for my child.

It is highly recommended to us to read the 10 pledges every day. I hope with Allah's help we will manage to execute the pledges even with tons of obstacles...

Leading through example, here we go.......GOOD LUCK .

Facts on Fish Oil

I remembered the advertisement of 'Scott's Emulsion' Fish Oil with its famous trademark of a fisherman carrying a big fish on his back...

It is sort of a tradition in each family back then to introduce the products to children as immunity booster...well personally I never like the yucky fish taste and always gave that monstrous ugly face...just tried it for few days and GIVE UP!!!

Recently, my neighbour passed me a bottle of 120 yellowish fish oil capsules to supplement my diet since he has extra stock.

No doubt, fish oil is good for the heart and keep me alert but I can't stand the after taste sensation...which I finally dumb in the refrigerator...

Anyway, there is an interesting outcome of fish oil recently. The researchers from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine had conducted a two year studies on 748 men and women and concluded that there is no evidence that fish oil is good for cognitive function.

The study concluded that 'fish oil may be good for your heart but it doesn't seem to help keep you smart'.

Dumb or Dumbbell?

Normally dumbbell is associates with gym or add weight to the exercise regime...but it has been treated differently by a school teacher in London...

Peter Harvey, 50, bludgeoned the 14 years old boy during a science lesson last July.

He acted out of control when a girl with behaviour difficulties became disruptive during the lesson. He demanded the girl to stop and exchanged words with the girl.

Then the boy started to mess about with a wooden meter rule and then switched to metal bunsen burner...

At this point, he has lost control and chased the boy around the class, grabbed the boy and dragged the boy out.

He then threw the boy on the ground and used a 3kg dumbbell to hit the boy's head and shouted "die,die,die."...

Pretty scary huh ...anything can happen when our emotions surpass our sanity...

Better to act dumb rather than apply the dumbbell...

HEAVEN

I have been telling my son that he has to learn to perform 'solat' as he is now 7 years old.

I teach him to memorize the prayer's reading bit by bit and of course with a lot of objections from him...

So, now I am telling him on the reward for those who perform prayers and do good deeds after death...HEAVEN.

Ultimately HEAVEN is the place that all of us are aiming to stay... We can enjoy ourselves ... every thing is available in HEAVEN.

All kinds of foods , tonnes of toys and abundance of happiness are available in HEAVEN..which keeps him alert and interesting.

I also tell him stories of Prophets and he loves to hear on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) most of the time...

He did question whether we can meet Prophet Muhammad in HEAVEN and how will the Prophet recognise Heaven's inhabitants.

I told him that the Prophet recognise us through our glory faces because we always 'wuduk' and of course this relate to prayers. We need to 'wuduk' to perform prayers.

Last night, he repeated his question on meeting the Prophet in HEAVEN but differently...

He asked me whether we know the Prophet's tomb. I told him that it is located in Masjid Nabawi in Madinah.

He became so happy and confidently said ..."Then we can dig the Prophet grave as it will lead us to HEAVEN..."

??????

The Curse

My eldest daughter has been nagging to have her personal handphone last year as it is the latest trend of the school kids. It is 'cool' to own one I guess and on top of that they would also specify the preferred model...

Recently, she attended one of her friend's birthday party and demanded to have an i-pod just like the other girl...Wow, wow...hold on...it is not that I am against to all these technologies but I don't see the necessities at the moment.

Her school is only 5 minutes from our home and I am the 'obedient' driver...it has been 5 years now that I never fail to send or fetch her from school including during the extra curricular activities...

The public phone is available within her school compound and in emergency case, the school would allow the student to make phone call from the office...

I allow her to open a facebook account and instantaneously she gets hook on it. So, I have to press the buzzer and limit the time.

Now, even worse...she is glued in front of the TV almost 24/7 being a fanatic fan of Akademi Fantasia show...

I just can't imagine if only she owns a handphone at this moment...

I found an article on 'The curse of modern life' which come handy at this point of time.

A study found that American college students are hooked on cell phones, social media and the Internet and showing symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions.

Researchers (University of Maryland) had conducted a study on 200 students to give up all media for one full day and the outcome supported the addiction behaviours. The students showed signs of withdrawal, craving and anxiety along with an inability to function well.

In fact, in one extreme case in South Korea, it was reported that a couple allegedly neglected their 3 months old daughter, who died malnutrition, because they were on computer up to 12 hours a day raising a virtual child.

The obsessions and addictions will come in place if no form of restrictions is introduced to our youths...

'Prevention is better than cure'...

Worrisome

Almost every day, the local newspapers highlight on issues of bullies, molests and rapes especially in secondary schools.

The latest news reported :

1. Axe (kapak) gang - a 14 year old girl claimed that she had been bullied by the members of the gang but she kept quiet until the mother noticed the changed and bruises of the daughter. They lodged a police report but it turned out that the members' parents of the axe gang accused the girl's mother as exaggerating the whole issue. Finally, the girl dropped the charges and turned the leaf over by being friends.

2. A 14 year old girl from an orphanage home claimed that she was raped by her classmates several times within the school compound like classroom, canteen and toilet. She was taken to a hospital for medical check up and the finding was very unbelievable. A 4cm length of pencil was found in her private without her knowledge and she also was 1 month pregnant. However, her claimed was questionable as the police doubt that the incident took place in such a common place where a lot of passers by would notice if something not right happened.

Personally, I pitied both victims as they hide the incidents out of fear or being threatened or the worst was not to embarrass themselves. I do not know what really happened behind the scenes but reading the news and follow up, I feel like vomiting because I don't think it is easy to forgive and forget as in case 1, if it was true as claimed.

In second case, it seemed to me that the victim was assumed to be flirting around and the incident was so much on sex.

To me, the authorities should take more proactive measures as the victims had gone through physicals, mental and emotions trauma. They should be supported for their braveness to come forward as to avoid more victims.

As parents all this incidents really worrying but worrisome alone does not help us to solve the problems... We, parents, schools and authorities should unite and educate the kids to protect themselves and not to live in ignorance...

Kids & Jogging

This Sunday, my kids school will hold the annual sports day...my kids are sportless, so every year we miss the event...My husband is a bit upset as so far none of his kids follow his footsteps...

Anyway, I wish to share this article with parents on the new finding of jogging...

80% of children are not designed to jog: M’sian Physiotherapy Assoc

Year 1 story

My year 1 son came back from school with red eyes. I asked him why and it was a bit shock to me when he told me that he cried at school.

I took it lightly and was laughing as I thought he was joking...but he was so serious. A few times he convinced me that he cried at school...

I could not believe my ears as this past 4 months, he was enjoying school so much. He involved in a few of school activities and came out as champion in the science story telling competition.

Yesterday, he was so happy showing me the 'token gift' from his class teacher who rewarded him for getting second place in the recent school test.

Last week, he was searching high and low for his note book where he jotted down the names of 'naughty' kids in his class as he hold a position as assistant monitor.

He also kept on informing me that his class was picked as 'the most clean' for year 1, 4 times continuously.

He is also happy to be around his friends as he always mingles around and every day updates me with the new friendship developments.

He even exchanged gifts with friends on his and their birthdays. Basically, he is a happy school kid with less problem...and crying in school is almost impossible to me...but he did today...

According to him, a 'naughty' kid from his class had punched his back several times during assembly...

I guess I overlook on this matter, but I am glad that my son had told his teacher of the incident...at least he practice his survival skill rather than keep quiet or take the matter in his own hand...

Fishy

Warning! Do not disclose your mother's maiden name to anyone through the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity.

A businessman, Ho Yuen Wei, had landed himself in RM40 000 credit card bill after he became the victim of identity theft.

It started a month ago, when he received a call supposedly from a bank offered him a platinum card for his promptness in paying his car loan instalments.

He needed to verify some questions to ascertain his identity before the card been released.

Normally he was very careful but he was so convinced by the caller being accurate of his personal particulars including the loan and monthly installments.

He dropped his guard and provided his mother's maiden name as proof of his identity.

He sensed something amiss when he was informed on April 12 that the card, which he had yet to receive, had been activated.

Upon checking with the bank, he was shocked to find it was used to purchase of handbag, a watch and some electronic items on April 4 & 5 amounting to RM40K.

This is the price that he has to pay ... it costs him a Viva Perodua...

Something fishy...either you are a big or small fish, you will get caught once you open your mouth...

Migraine

Migraine? It is a common attack since the '90s...

Interestingly, migraine not only cause severe headaches but also FAS or Foreign Accent Syndrome.

It was reported that a 35 year-old British woman, Sarah Colwill, suddenly started speaking with a Chinese accent instead of her normal distinctive West Country drawl. Let alone, she never been to China.

She is now undergoing a speech therapy following an acute form migraine last month which left her with a form of brain damage.

FAS has been documented around the world and is usually linked to stroke or traumatic brain damage.

Tips to stay young through food

Mc Donalds, KFC, Secret Recipe and lots more of fast food outlet chains are always frequented on the request of the kids.

At home, instant food like 'maggie mee' and 'mee sedap' top up their favourite food list including my hubby...

The weekly grocery is not completed without replenishing the 'instant food' stocks. This special menu is also a must to be served at least once a week...

I just don't know how to stop them because they know how to sneak and enjoy the 'dish' behind my back as they are fully supported by number 1...

They also love and crazy for all those frizzy carbonated drinks...

Vegetables especially greens are a big NO NO...

So, I found a good article in the Sun today and wish to share this...I hope the number 1 get this message...What you eat matters not only for your health but also your appearance!!!

Five steps to staying young

Fast Foods
Trans fat cause internal inflammation and lead to the body's inability to regenerate organs and shorten lifespan. The tip is to avoid products with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

Sugar
The body is unable to break down large amounts of sugars and in the process makes you look older by creating wrinkles. The sugar molecules gum up the collagen in your skin which makes it less elastic and wrinkling faster, so the healing process is slower once its damaged. The tip is to avoid refined sugar and opt for honey, maple syrup and agave.

Carbohydrate overload
Excess carbohydrates stress the body and create yo-yoing - a burst of sugar followed by insatiateness. This can age the body and lead to type 2 diabetic, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. The tip is to eat diet rich with complex carbohydrates including legumes, vegetables and 100% whole grain.

Eating only when famished
The hormone ghrelin is released when your brain senses it's hungry. It can take 30 minutes to normalise your ghrelin levels and will most likely trigger over eating and that can lead to obesity. The tip is to keep healthy snacks on hand and don't wait until the hunger pangs trigger your ghrelin.

Eating while stressed
Cortisol, a stress hormone can prevent digestion, impact the stomach's acidity levels preventing nutrient absorption and make you more apt to make unhealthy food choices and overeat. This is to remain relax while you eat and not to multi task.

After Sales Service - Part 3

Continued...

My husband informed me that he received a call from the ASTRO technician and advised to try another steps before he came over.

I gave a shot. Carefully...turned off the decoder. Took out the smart card and rubbed the chip with eraser. Inserted the card and waited for 15 seconds. Turned on the decoder and ... sigh...'invalid smart card...'

Informed hubby of the outcome and the technician on the way.

The technician really had 'Midas touch'...off and on...the decoder worked. I felt like being slapped a few times...still could not believe my senses...

The technician " I told already...he went on repeating the steps. Now, it is a waste as you have to pay service charge of RM50."

Tried to think straight and still puzzled..."How??? I did as per instructed and not working."

He went on..." I would say that you will face the similar problem in future since you share the reception from a single disk. I would recommend either install a booster or another disk to prevent the problem."

Tried to think hard "Cannot be...we used it for years and nothing wrong. It just that this time the decoder was faulty as reported."

"But everything has a life span. If you don't believe me, see..." he showed me the reading of AGC 72 and BER 0."

"You better decide now, else next time we will charge RM50 again for the service charge and the price for booster is RM79. The disk cost at RM150."

"What is the different between booster and disk?" I requested. Tried really, really hard to put things together...was he trying to BS me or not...The answer was not up to satisfactory level...

"Please talk to my husband."

He proceeded to contact my husband and delivered the same recommendations. Passed the call to me...Decided not to proceed as I was not totally buy his proposals and short of cash...

Went to get the guy, and before I could open my mouth, he went on " See the AGC 68, BER 0..." he busied pressing the remote control.

"Honestly, I run short of cash as I don't expect you to be here today."

"I only have RM100" matter of fact I responded. "Do you take old decoder?"

He agreed to install the booster. Hard to believe that the offer was so good. The decoder 2 was sold to him for RM20.

"What about warranty?"

"3 months"

Took only few minutes to install. If he 'kelentong' me also I had no choice but to buy his ideas.

He left the house...then only triggered my brain to switch the channel..."Alamak...back to square one."

Retried the steps, still faulty...

Contacted his number and he told me to switch to the other card..."Oh..oh, please...I am sick and tired of this already. Can't you just get it, the decoder is faulty as reported..." I gasped air in between as I had run up and down to get things done...

"I am on the other side of Shah Alam. Pass me the smart card number."

He put down the phone after promised to get back to me...

He called a few minutes later..."Ok. I reported to the customer service. We will replace the decoder to a new one FOC. But I have to replace it tomorrow."

Again, I could not believe my ears...FOC???. So, I waited for him today for the free replacement decoder.

He came in at noon and replaced as promised, FOC...

Had to go through a lot of hassles before finally get things done...this rap up my story on 'after sales service'...

After Sales Service - Part 2

Continued...

Explained to him about decoder 1 & 2 on 'invalid smart card'. Advised me few steps to rectify the problems.

Me : Thank you for being helpful. If let say, the decoder not working, what is the process to get the ASTRO technician.

Recipient : Within 48 hours from request.

Me : What about the charges ?

Recipient : RM50 upon confirmation. Any parts changes are FOC except for the 'piring'.

Me : Wait, I don't understand. Parts, you mean anything from the decoder?

Recipient : Yes.

Me : You mentioned 'piring', what is it?

Recipient : Satellite disk.

Me : Ok. What about warranty?

Recipient : 6 months.

Repeated on the conditions to ensure that I won't miss or misinterpret anything.

Me : Ok. I will try the steps and get back if needed.

Tried a few times with decoder 2 as decoder 1 totally out.

On-off several times with continuous failure...

1-300-82-3838 again...

Me : I need a technician to fix the faulty decoder. Brand Nokia. Silver color.

Recipient : You got 2 decoders. Which one? The latest one?

Me : Yes, the latest one, Nokia.

Recipient : Model?

Me : I just called your center a few hours ago to solve the smart card problem. What I know it is Nokia.

Have to explain the problem as it seemed they do not have proper record...

Recipient : Now, press menu bla...bla...

Oh dear, not again...

Me : Please..., I had tried a few times...now, there is nothing appeared on the decoder even the clock function. I need the technician. May I know what is the charges like.

Recipient : RM80 upon confirmation.

Me : RM80? Eh, I thought RM50.

Recipient : Sorry, RM50. RM80 for east Malaysia.

Me : Is there any other charges?

Recipient : Depends on the parts replacement.

Me : Eh, I just spoke to one of your personnel claimed that FOC except the disk.

Recipient : No, only parts strike by lightning are covered.

Me : What about warranty? 6 months?

Recipient : No, 3 months.

Me : wonder why the information defer just in matters of hours.

Recipient : We have few promotions and this is the latest one.

She put me on hold for quite sometimes to get the report number.

I left decoder 1 on for the whole evening and suddenly the clock function appeared...tried the on-off, menu and all the steps...still unsuccessful...

Today, around noon...my husband called. Have to continue the update tomorrow...

After Sales Service - Part 1

Rewind...

The faulty ASTRO decoder

Day 1 : Called 1-300-82-3838. After a few seconds, line get connected.

Me : The decoder (Nokia) is faulty. 'Invalid smart card and to contact ASTRO customer service.'

Recipient : Go to menu. Press 'Installation set up'

Me : ok

Recipient : Press 'technical parameters' Scroll to number 16.

Me : Smart card 'Unavailable'

Recipient : Confirm, decoder faulty.

I had two choices, either engaged the ASTRO in-house technician with professional fee of RM50 or bring the decoder to the ASTRO service dealers. My husband decided on a third option - get a second hand decoder from a 'moron'...(refer to earlier entry 'warranty').

Day 2 - Frustrated as the decoder 2 gave the same output 'invalid smart card bla...bla...'

Day 3 - Day 5. Watched the channels from the functional decoder 3. Luckily we subscribed 2 decoders.


Day 6 - Took both the smart card and decoder 1 to ASTRO customer service office in Damansara Utama. After checking the smart card, the person in change replaced it as according to her the card was 'problematic' and could not check the decoder(not within scope of work). To cut short, agreed to change to new card even though confirmed that the card worked well on decoder 3.
The card only could be used after 5 to 6 hours been activated.

Returned home and tried the card after 7 hours. Decoder 1 went blank. Decoder 2read 'invalid smart card' and decoder 3 indicated 'the card need to be activated. Contact Astro customer service'.

Let me summarized : Decoder 1 - faulty
Decoder 2 - moron
Decoder 3 - good

So now, the problems added.

Day 7 - Returned decoder 2 but was frustrated with the policy.

Day 8 - Dialled up 1-300-82-3838. Informed on the new smart card failure.

Recipient : Have you registered the new card in your decoder?

Me : No. What do you mean?

Recipient : You must to register first then only can work. Press menu and bla-bla...

Me : Item 16 . Yupp, the smart card no :xxxxxx.

Recipient : Returned to menu.

Me: Hmm...still gave me "the card is not activated"

Recipient : " Press menu and bla..bla"

Me : Ok. AGC 68, BER 0.

Recipient : Back to menu.

Me : Still the same.

Recipient : Ok, you have to switch off the decoder. After 1 hour, please get back to us ASAP if you still fail to watch anything.

After 1 hour...1-300-82-3838

Recipient : What's wrong?

Me : I have to repeat from A to Z.

Recipient : ok, go to menu, press ok 2 times.

Me : Aahhh....menu again!!!No simpler way??..

Recipient : Ya, you have to try this before we send a technician over...

Luckily, after 'down loading', the system worked.

Shall continue tomorrow ...

Preschooler

My four plus years old son just been about 4 months in preschool. Quite dramatic changes in personality observe these few months, among others the thoughts of being independent...

Among all my kids, I think he is the easiest to be trained and most obedient since small...may be because he is fully raise by myself without any help or interference from third party...

His first month experience in preschool was excellent. Diligent and eagerly to be among the early birds to reach the school compound. Every day, he would eat and sleep with books...He developed his first LOVE...

After the Chinese New Year break, which was the second month, tested my patience. Had to struggle to put him to school...the abrupt changed was really disturbing me. He would cry and plead to stay at home and after series of slow talks, he started to open up that he disliked one particular teacher...

Brought the issue to the school management as I felt awkward to speak to class teacher who is rather a 'puppet'...She was unable to asses my son as she did not teach him any single subject!!!

Upon confirmation from 'the teacher' and other teachers, it was stamped that the reason was not of my son's disciplinary attitudes but rather because he did not open his mouth to talk or sing!!!

Oh dear, isn't it too MUCH!!!Even adults sometimes chose to be on silence mode!!!

I guessed it was a standard procedure that 'the Malaysian kindergarten policy' applicable...it was the child who had problem rather than the 'teacher'...The management cum principal had a long list awaiting to protect and safe guard her employees...

Promised that the issue would be 'handled with care'...left me as parent with not much choice...as generally Malaysian kindies are academically oriented (some overloaded 5 yrs old class with tons of homework) and the quarterly fees are exorbitant which sometimes equivalent to private college charges...

Mean time, my son's loved for books helped him out...the story of 'big big bad troll' played a big role in molding his personality to deal with that particular 'problematic' teacher...

Now he is more confidence and dare to tell me "Teacher tut,tut...JAHAT"...it is not that I am proud with his statement but at least he knows how to express himself and trust me kids do know who genuinely like them or not...

Talking through experience as another new 'kid on the block' also faced the same scenario as my son...and the parent opted not to send him anymore...

The Saint

Act of kindness ended in tragedy...It all started with a hit and run accident which left a motorcyclist injured at the km11 Cheras-Kajang highway.

A passerby with a 'gold' heart stopped his car and went to the rescue mission.

While he was helping the victim, two motorcycles(believed to be over speeding) rammed into his parked car.

One motorcyclist was flung to the other side of the road and into the path of oncoming Proton Wira which killed him on the spot while the other one was seriously injured.

Well, the 'saint' was saved in the tragedy...

Organ Donations

Humans are bound to errors and imperfections no matter how meticulous you are...just as reported that Britain's transplant authority was investigating several hundred thousand errors in its organ donor list stretching back about a decade.

The National Health Service Blood and Transplant organisation said a proportion of its 14 million-strong organ donor list has been affected by technical errors since 1999 - and that a small group of people may have had organs removed without proper authorisation as a result.

It was reported that the glitch affected about 800 000 people which 45 of whom had since died and donated organs.

What about Malaysia? Do we have a proper data registration and record on organ donations as we are promoting for organ donors? Shouldn't we learn to take better measures and adopt stringent procedures from what happen in UK?

Warranty

A lot of things from household items, toys, traditional medicines to electrical goods can be found at the Pasar Tani near the Shah Alam Stadium. Mostly, the goods are second hand items and the price are subject to bargains, not much though...

Last week, my husband decided to look for the 'Astro' decoder since our existing decoder was faulty.

We went to this considered newly operator as the stall just been in the area recently...all sorts of second hand electrical goods from computers, printers and lots more to offer...

May be it was our 'good' luck or 'bad' luck, we spotted the only 'Astro' decoder displayed at RM50.00 and a week warranty.

We got it at RM10 price deduction after a non skill full bargained...not bad as the price offered was about one third of the market price(directly purchased from Astro agent) and a week warranty.

Just like the say, 'you pay peanut, you get peanut'...the decoder wasn't working except that we only able to use the clock function...

So, today, we drove all the way to the Pasar Tani to return the faulty decoder and claimed our RM40.00.

Hahaha...this was the tricky part, the one week 'warranty' only applicable to 'faulty' goods. The decoder was not considered 'faulty' as it still functioning when we plugged it...the operator dare to suggest that we should look for the maintenance guy to fix the decoder and normally it would cost us RM10 for the service...what????

I was disappointed with the tricks that the operator used...'we cannot take it back, otherwise how to do second hand business'...I argued as the lady told us that they had sold two units earlier...so it was not that hard for her to sell the decoder after all...

The worst part came from the violent voice inside the van 'hey, if you buy goods from TESCO also they will not layan (meaning no refund)!!!

We walked off as it was such a waste of time arguing with 'mentally' sick people...so the lesson we learnt...never ever purchased second hand 'electrical goods' from this maniac at any time in the future...and be cautious with the word 'warranty'...

Anyway, I wish to share the best 'warranty' deal that I had ever experience from the "AEON Jusco "...they offer two weeks warranty on electrical goods and 'money back guarantee'...

Complication

Believe it or Not? Two neighbours have been harbouring their good neighbourhood spirits just over 3 coconut trunks!!!

It started when the neighbour was not happy with her neighbour when the neighbour requested the local council to chop of the trees as they had obstructed the overhead electrical cabling and posed danger to the surroundings.

His action, however, had invited unwanted response from the neighbour as the neighbour had caused damage to his properties. This had prompted him to report the incidents to police...

Things seemed to get complicated as the neighbour was seeking a compensation of RM90and an apology over the trees while the other one stood firm with his decision to take the case to court as he claimed his neighbour had caused him loss over the damaged...

May be, another version of 'Romeo and Juliet' drama is in the making...

Think Tank

Lately, the weather is extremely hot, and it is getting hotter from day to day...infact certain areas have what we call as 'drought'...

Earthquakes and Tsunamis are common phenomena lately with the latest report that the earth has moved a bit out of its axis after the earthquake in Chile...

Sooner or later, we have to make changes in the geography map...the sun rises in the west...

A lot of financial institutions collapsed and the worse country affected is Japan...

The delusions previously are emerging to reality...all the reminders popping up, leaving us little time to think and act...

Majlis Tahlil

A friend of mind queries on the tahlil and its practice which I dare not give an opinion on 'bidaah' as claimed by certain groups. So, hopefully the explanation from Datuk Dr. Hassan Din clears the grey area
Utusan Malaysia Online - Bicara Agama

H1N1 is back?

After a long silence, H1N1 is back by claiming a mother and daughter lives which gave a hard blow to the family...

The daughter who was 36 weeks pregnant had to undergo the Caesarean operation to save her child.

She passed away two days after her mother after contacting H1N1 complications.

Anyway, the health ministry stressed that the two cases were not resulted from the second outbreak of H1N1.

Public with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and lung illnesses are urged to seek immediate medical treatment in case of suffering any of the influenza illness symptoms.

We should practice basic hygiene regime in our daily routines...

The Rights

Very interesting findings pointed out by The Star on the wife's right to hubby's assets...

Harta Sepencarian (joint assets accrued during the marriage) only common for women in divorce but not in death as Muslim widows do not know their rights and entitlement.

It is common, that the wives think they are only entitled only to one-eight of the husband's assets according to faraid system(Islamic inheritance law and distribution of estate).

According to Rafie Omar, the CEO of AmanahRaya Legacy Services, women in Malaysia contribute to the success of their husbands, so they should claim the entitlement of harta sepencarian plus the faraid portion. Housewives are not excluded from the entitlement.

So, hopefully all Malaysian women know our rights...

and realize how lucky we are to be born as Muslims women...

The Death

Another big loss in our local entertainment industries after Ustaz Asri and Yasmin Ahmad in the previous year.

Din Beramboi has left his beloved families, fans and the industries for good and just started his new life in another world...Al-Fatihah

Honestly, his name does ring a bell to me when my friend posted of his condition on her facebook wall and to me he is quite synonym as 'Pak Rahim' a dumb character he played in 'Afi dan Abah' and I heard his chatty chatter in one of the telematch aired on ASTRO channel 611.

A few friends posted that they really felt his absence on ERA radio...and another friend posted his last words to Alex, one of the Raja Lawak finalist aired on 7 March 2010 ...

Well, this is quite significant gestures after a person left us and all the praises were not heard during one's presence...

'Harimau mati meninggalkan belang, manusia mati meninggalkan nama'...

Kane And Abel

Kane and Abel's history repeated itself in yesterday tragedy in the middle class suburban home in Kota Kinabalu.

It was reported that Chaw Cheng Hong, 26 was allegedly stabbed to death by his 23 year old brother during a heated argument.

Their shocked parents blamed the death tragic death of the elder brother on years of endless arguments between their two children dated back to their early childhood.

The father exclaimed that there were several quarrels in the past ended up with injuries to each of them. Mostly the fights were over petty issues which the mother believed was due to jealousy and unhappiness.

To my beloved kids, please take the history of Kane and Abel as guidance...jealousy, hatred and grudges are not the solutions but cancerous virus that rob our happiness...

Hopefully, my beloved kids, my utmost asset, will shower me with mounts of happiness now and the life after, amin.

Sex Education

Is it time to introduce sex education in school? If so, what age is the most proper to introduce this taboo subject?

Some groups go for it and others against the idea.

China Press reported that a 15 year old girl in Singapore openly asked a counsellor to teach her about having sex so that she could sleep with her boyfriend.

The 'innocent' request shocked the youth centre director as the girl mentioned that all her friends in school had the experience except her!

Singapore Parents Programme Society chief Wang Jing Yuan said a number of boys who had sex told him that it was their young girlfriends who initiated and asked for it.

A parent told that he and his two wives gave their seven children sex education when they reached 4 years old.

Sigh!...as far as I remembered I was too naive to understand the 3 letter words during my teenagers time...even the other day, my 11 years old daughter popped up the question of condom, I felt reluctant to elaborate...

But now, it seems that it is abnormal to be left out on the subject!

Anyway, I like the proposal from Datuk Harussani, that the subject should be touched based on religion approach and not to explain how but rather focus on the effects of unprotected sex to oneself, family and community.

Also remind them why it is prohibited by Islam and the consequences...

Oral Sex

Head, neck, knees and toes...the kids use to sing this song but I changed shoulders to neck and move their bodies to show the different parts...

Anyway, we should give attention to serious head and neck cancers linked to virus spread by oral sex!!!

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men and women, with about 640 000 new cases each year worldwide.

A recent study found the risk of developing OSCC (oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma) was linked to a history of six or more lifetime oral sex partners, and for men, and earlier age of sexual intercourse.

So, currently scientist are looking for the vaccine and planning to protect both genders with vaccinations. However, still believe the key or remedy to this problem lies in ourselves...

Genie 2010

Zam zam Alakazam...here we go...Bon appetit mademoiselle...

Wow...feel relaxing after hard day at week and the genie serves you your favourite meals...

No joke...it is real evolution of Genie 2010. I read the new invention of deliBot by Corvan after successfully floor cleaning robot, picaBot, in 2008.

DeliBot able to prepare a nutritious home-cooked food with the press of a button.

It is easy to use and maintain. Simply load in the ingredients and set the desired cooking style. Just in a few minutes, the meal is ready.

Dare to try?

Little caliph

I quoted the StarMetro, "Being labelled a disabled person has never stopped Katijah Abu Samah,34, from pursuing her dreams and living to the fullest".

I really admire this lady teacher who only stands at 115cm with deformed legs as she has a big heart as she said "Every teacher wants to see his students become successful. That, I believe, is my life's purpose - to help others achieve their full potential. Really, that is the true measure of success."

She chose to teach the disables as to reconnect with the kids and the results were superb as she gained all the respects from students and teachers.

Her hardworks and perseverance against all the odds were rewarded as she was awarded as a role model in the disabled community by Datuk Zainab Nasir, the secretary of Seremban state affairs and family development committee.

To me, her achievement should be announced at the national level and not only limited to the disabled community...so as to inspire the youngsters to follow her foot steps...have a clear vision and mission of being a little caliph...

Blood Preservation

At least this good news bring new hope to us rather than daily mundane news which insult my intelligence be it politics or crimes...

It was reported that The Health Ministry via the National Blood Bank has begun implemented a technology to preserve blood reserves up to 10 years.

The new technique called 'Red Cell Freezing Technology' freeze the mixture of collected blood in glycerol at -80 deg C.

Blood stored using normal techniques could only last between 35 to 42 days.

Sex Cemetery

Sex Cemetery? Yupp, Stephen King's pet cemetery was outdated in the millenniums and cyber space, I guess...

"Astagfirullah"...once, the most scary place has turned into pleasure hub for two youths in Kuching as reported.

The 19 years old unemployed youth and his under aged 13 years old partner had been meeting at the cemetery in Semariang for sex for quite sometimes until the activities was discovered by the girl's mother.

Desaru

The one week school break was really a relief...the breeze of cool air, wind and the rhythms of waves really energised me.

The splashing of cooling water in the swimming pool really acted as a very efficient mind and body therapy.

The little break was really meaningful although we had to sit still for five hours journey and had to mind the kids monotonous questions 'lambat lagi ke nak sampai?'

We spent 3 days and 2 nights at the Lotus Beach Resort in Desaru and chose the suite as it was under promotional package.

Very good deal, only at RM184(nett) per night (from Monday to Friday), we got a kitchen, bathroom and big TV lounge area downstairs and big bedroom and bigger bathroom on the upstairs.

The TV lounge with two panels sliding door was facing the "water theme park" which made the kids screamed of excitement.

We made a tour around the resort, the theme park comprised of pool, water playground for kids, coconut splash and water slide.

Further down, next to the club house, was a big swimming pool complete with wading pool for kids.

We walked further down to the beach and there was another food outlet facing the beach.

We had our lunch at a medan selera at a nearby township "Bandar Penawar". The mee rebus was tasty but the 'nasi goreng pattaya' was quite expensive compared to Klang Valley.

We had a rest and the kids could not wait any longer to hang around the water theme park.

We tried the water slide first and it was compulsory to slide with a float. We had to go down the hilly to the pool to collect the floats.

We picked the floats and went back to the starting point. My kids were so excited and off they go.

I was not confidence as I had to take my youngest son on the float. I made a few attempt before finally slide down with him on my lapse...'Gadabush"...the float overturned as we lost balance and my son was crying.

Luckily, the float hanged around his neck so he was still floating while I had to struggle to come out from the water and grabbed him.

I could not see my other kids and worried on their safety as well especially my third one who could not even float on his own. My youngest one was crying and did not want to proceed.

So, I had to lift him out of the pool and one good samaritan helped me to climb out as well.

I took him to the pool and reunited with the other kids. My other kids also shared the terrified experience except for the eldest who had great fun.

By the time we reunited, she was already on her second round!!!

Then, we proceeded to the swimming pool next to the club house. I had great time here....

The routine for the next day was similar to the first day except that we had longer hours to enjoy ourselves.

The buffet dinner at the 'club house' was really great...we only spent RM105 for varieties of choices from dessert to main course and from east to west menu...

The Recipe

I am on the Faisal Tehrani book that I bought yesterday. I feel very hard to put the book down even a minute, yes, this book I mean the author really good.

I love the main character, Salsabila, and the hardships that she had to go through to realize her dream to build up the papaya farm and later turned into entrepreneur. The most sweetest moment was that her love to the Creator over powered of her love to His creatures.

Very nice story line with a lot of research on papaya supported with his Islamic knowledge make the story plot interesting and unique...

I think I have found the malay author with right ingredients to spice up the recipe.

Faisal Tehrani

I was browsing through the books at the MPH Bookstore outlet in Subang Parade while waiting for the kids taking part in the colouring activity organised by the bookstore to bookmark the school break.

I went through the 70%, 50%, 30% and 20% price marked down. Got a book for my 7 years old son with 70% price slashed which I would say a very good bargain.

At the 20% discount corner, mostly were malay novels and honestly, I had stopped reading malay novels ever since I left secondary school.

The first malay novel I read was the famous Khadijah Hashim "Badai Semalam" and the last one was "Saga" by Abdul Talib Mohd Hassan.

To me, those two novels were really good and had their own class. I also read Shahnon Ahmad "Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan"...

I stopped because of few reasons but one of the reasons was that I could not find really good malay novel with good text and strong/relevant story line...

I turned to english novels as my husband is a great fans of those novelist like Sidney Sheldon, Marry Higgins Clark and John Grisham to name a few.

However, the storylines were almost similar from one novel to another as I already could anticipate what was going to happen so on and no climax.

Then, I read Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". It didn't let me down at all. Every inch of the story was filled with suspense.

While running through the tittles, I spotted "Tunggu Teduh Dulu" by Faisal Tehrani. Actually, the writer's name caught my attention first as it was unique. I read the synopsis and a comment by S. Othman Kelantan "Great dramatic impressions to the readers".

I hope that the author will not let me down...

Memory

My family and I attended a wedding reception in Ampang, to be precised 'Kampung Desa Pahlawan'.

It was a very important event to us as the wedding invitation came in about two weeks ago. My husband and I were touched with the notes written at one corner of the card "(Penjaga Sajidah)"...

It has been over 10 years that we did not keep in touch, not even a single news was heard since we moved to our new house.

Out of nowhere, we received this invitation and from the simple card, we gather a lot of information. Both the guardians, 'pakcik & makcik' as we used to call them had performed 'haj' and now they are going to celebrate their youngest son's wedding.

Immediately, I dialed the number printed on the card and the line got connected. Unbelievable, the lady on the other end recognised my voice, MasyaAllah...

Congratulated her and promised to present on the wedding day after catching up on the current status, in between felt happy tears rolling on my cheeks, we ended the conversation with salam.

We reached the house by noon, the surroundings were not much different from the time we left. The orchids still look lovely ...

I picked up the memories of sending my first daughter to this wonderful couple, whom I treated so much like my very own auntie and uncle, and gave makcik the most warming hugs...

Makcik even looked pretty much the same and infact 'younger' with her pearly white 'gigi palsu' except for pakcik who seemed to lost his barrel belly over the years.

Unfortunately, my daughter, Sajidah, could not relate anything from her toddlerhood to these "opah and atuk"...

Hammer Man

It was havoc that 3 kindies kids in Muar had been attacked by 'hammer man'.

I remembered the true story related to 'hammer man' once revealed by no other than my beloved father.

The man was known as 'Mat Mertun' as mertun was a malay word for hammer. My father bumped into him while we were hanging out around shoplots at Alor Setar sometimes back in the early '80s.

"Mat Mertun' was not mentally sound and his head looked very fragile almost wobbling like jelly (not that bad but noticed that it was not normal though).

When we reached home, my father told us the untold story...my father just started his career as a teacher and was sent to 'Pokok Asam' , a very remote area in Kedah.

He rented a room at a shop house with another friend and most of the times they were confined in their two bedded room as not much activities or places to hang around as they were outsiders.

Their presence were not that welcomed by the villagers and even there was an incident during school whereby they had been attacked by 'kampung people' who were not satisfied with their teaching styles.

So, on that fated night, around 11 p.m., they heard gruesome arguments between two men who they believed were drunk.

After a while they heard screams and peeped through the window. It was too dark but they spotted that one of the men was hitting the other men's head with a hammer several times.

They really scared and tucked themselves in their bed until the next morning, when almost every one in the village was talking of the incident.

Since then, the 'mat mertun' had been mentally unsound. The other man fled and never been brought to justice.

Luckily, the kids in Muar are recovering and hopefully whoever behind the attack would be brought to justice...

I was smiling to myself when I saw another suggestion that kindergarten should employ a security guard to ensure safety.

I feel funny on how Malaysian thinks on solving problems...

Voice

It was reported that a Form 5 girl in Kangar jumped from the third floor of her school building after a 'voice' told her to do so despite as having clear state of mind and act normal as claimed by families and friends.

Interestingly, there was a report that a woman in New Zealand sold two vials contained ghosts of an old man and a young girl for RM4794 in an online auction.

Avie Woodbury from Christchurch claimed that she captured the spirits after an exorcism session of her house. She submerged the ghosts in holy water and stored them in separate vials before deciding to auction them.

She would donate the money to animal charity and felt that she felt better after the exorcism and no more scary voices...

Papaya Leaf

Several months back, my neighbour informed me that papaya leaf was very effective in preventing dengue fever.

He said it was proven as his friend let his kid who was hospitalised after being suspected of having dengue and the platelet reading shot up immediately.

I even told a few friends with suspected dengue cases to try out the remedy but I think none had tried.

Anyway, the report on researches found that papaya leaf extract and its tea have dramatic cancer fighting properties against a broad range of tumours backing up this belief.

Papaya leaf extract boosts the production of key signalling molecules called Th1-type cytokines, which help regulate the immune system.

Eyes

Simple tips for Better Vision

The tiny precious and delicate gift to us which we take for granted. Nowadays, even kids as young as five have to put on thick glasses...

So, hopefully the extract of these tips from Reader's Digest, March 2010 will help benefit us...

1. Always wear eye protection when swimming or doing carpentry.

2. Aim your car vents down at your feet and not your eyes. Divert the air flow from air conditioning from your face as the dry air will suck moisture out of the eyes.
Serious blindness can lead to cornea abrasions and even blindness.

3. Eat fish twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome.

4. Cook with red onions, not yellow. Rich in antioxidant, quercetin, which can protect against cataracts.

5. Wear a large hat or cap along with sunglasses. Reduce 50% of UV rays to your eyes.

6. Put on sunglasses when you leave the house. Help to protect harsh glare from the sun and drying effects of the wind.

7. Have sweet potatoes for dinner. Rich in vitamin A and good at improving night vision.

8. Remove eye make up every night.

9. Take a bilberry supplement every morning. Contains 'anthocyanosides' helps protect the retina against macular degeneration.

Wish to top up the list with tips from my late 'ustaz'

Always spend 10 minutes in the morning to look at green grass to help to sooth the eyes and avoid doing activities like reading or sewing during dawn.

Alhamdulillah and thank you to him that at this age, I am still bless with good eyesight.

Bank

Japanese banks have been hit almost as hard as American banks: The Origami Bank has folded, and we hear the Sumo Bank has gone belly up too.

Bonsai Bank plans to cut some of its branches. Karaoke Bank is for sale and is going for a song.

Meanwhile, staff at Karate Bank got the chop, and analyst report there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank, where workers fear they may get a raw deal.

-Barbara Padwell

True Power

Knowing others is intelligence;
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength,
Mastering yourself is true power.

-Lao-Tsu

Hero

I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles, but today it means getting along with people.
Mohandes K. Gandhi

I wonder whether this statement is still relevant to our politics...as a lot of turmoils happen in between the people but never reach to the people...

There's always somebody got to be the 'hero'...

Money

My bargain-happy brother took his eight-year-old son to the pizzaria to pick up their order. Corey wanted to get the pizza himself. so my brother handed him a $20 bill and a two dollar coupon and waited in the car.

A few minutes later, Corey appeared with the pizza, change and the coupon.

"Wouldn't they take the coupon?" my brother asked.

"Oh sure, but we didn't need it," said Corey.

"We had enough money."

-Alan Zoldan

Quite a similar incident happened to my 7 years old son at KFC one day. We were so tired waiting for my husband and the shopping complex was packed with people.

There was no place for us to sit and relax as no such facilities were provided. So, I spotted a vacant place in the KFC outlet.

I gave my son $5 to buy soft drink as I did not have small change. After queuing for quite sometimes, my son brought back the drink with a broad smile.

Suddenly, a young man chased my son and handed him the balanced...

Isn't it cute...but sadly to say that nowadays a lot of 'sick people' don't realize it...

Attitude

Reading the story of Pang Soo Sin made me feel eerie and regret with the respond from the school authorities.

Yes, it was true that her kid was safe from being kidnapped while waiting for her school bus but the 'tidak apa' attitude of the school was much regretted.

Even though the incident happened not within school hours or compound and we don't want to hold school to be responsible but at least be more sensitive to the issue as it involves school going kids.

I am sure there are other ways to respond to parent(s) who was just had shocked over the incident rather than "Don't worry as the child was safe now".

Anyway, Datuk Michael Chong, the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department, complemented the school for following the correct procedure by making a police report and informing the education department.

Thus, wish to share Soo Sin brave and smart move that saved her from the abductor as precautions and alert our kids to be street smarts.

While waiting for school bus, she was blocked by a woman wearing dark glasses and smoking a cigarette at the foot of stairs leading out of the compound.

The woman in brown T-shirt and blue jeans told Soo Sin that she was requested to pick her up.

Immediately, Soo Sin shot back by asking her mother's name. Not receiving an adequate reply, she asked the woman for 50 sen to call her mother.

She then ran off after taking the money. She confirmed with her mother later that the lady was an impostor.

It also reported that the incident brought back the memories of the case of Tin Siong Shen,7, in 1996 was reported accosted by a woman wearing dark sunglasses. Song Sheng has never been found.

At one time, there was a suggestion by our ministries that the school should be carried out in a single session as to safe keeping the kids.

Is it so? I think as long as 'tidak apa' attitude exists, the problem will still persist...

Preschool

'Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but lead them by what amuses them' - PLATO

This quotation is dedicated to teachers especially preschool teachers as I am so frustrated seeing them handling little kids with force, harshness and impatience...

I know that some of the teachers really take up the jobs because of labour of love and really angels in the eyes of the kids, but mostly have to take the jobs to supplement their incomes...

The huge different of outcomes can be seen between the two reasons...please make their early school lives wonderful as they have more hurdles in future...

Iman

There was an article in Utusan Malaysia on the incident in a toilet at KLCC. Actually, the location of the toilet was not important but what happened inside the toilet was an eye opener to adults especially parents.

The writer's friend faced a rather odd experience while she was at the toilet. However, regretfully the incident was not new as I read earlier it happened even in a taxi.

May be this is where Datuk Nazri Aziz got his idea to conclude that 'Our Taxi is worse than public toilet'...

Back to the incident, her friend was terribly shock and angry at the couples (both girls around 12 years old) for misconducting sexual behaviour.

One of the girl dressed up and acted like a boy while the 'girlfriend' dressed up completely with tudung (head scarf).

According to the writer it was rather strange that nowadays, kids are easily influenced of all these vice activities where as during her time she was also exposed to such information at early age but was not influenced by one.

To me, a lot of factors contribute to such act and the most crucial is 'iman'...

Reality

I am still not recover emotionally after reading the 'Saffiyah Humairah' case. I still have no strength to write even after few days the news passed.

The picture of her in white cloth still emerges and the headline stories catch a crowd of readers.

First, I was so upset that someone had a heart to abuse a little three year old girl
where as at that age kids are so adorable.

After reading the rest of the stories, I was silenced for a while, astagfirullah...I could not believe what was going on with the families but it happened.

I don't know what was wrong with the families as both parents (the mother and suspect) agreed to such relationship...they have accepted the 'open relationship' concept all this while ...

without having any guilt conscious? The news hit me and brings me to current reality of our societies...

Deep inside I am really hurt to see all these incidents occur in our Muslims communities...hopefully Allah give us His guidance and have mercy on all our ignorance...

Decision Making

The idea of getting a new property has been lingering my husband's mind for quite sometimes since he switched job to a new work place.

The jam, toll and petrol funds are really buzzing him off. On the other hand, we have to weigh the needs versus our financial limitations and the kids needs.

We have surveyed the area nearer to his working place but none so far could match the property we are staying at the moment in terms of pricing and amenities like schools.

So, we have KIV the idea for a while and hopefully this article will help us and others to decide on the new ventures...

StarProperty.my - Find Property in Malaysia. Largest Real Estate Listing for Sale / To Let. New Development launches & Reviews. Find New Property /Sub-sale Houses & Apartments

Siblings

It was a heart-wrenching news to learn that a sister would do anything to save her brother even to the extend jeopardising her own lives.

A 10 year old girl, Teng Wen Yan, rushed back into a burning double-storey shophouse in Jitra to rescue her 7 years old brother.

However, her efforts ended in tragedy when both of them were perished in the 12:30 a.m. fire that razed their family home and five adjoining units.

Hopefully, my kids especially the duo rival siblings learn this lesson of the importance of each family member.

Generosity and Happiness

'Happiness...is giving to others, I don't expect the recipients to thank me' - Koon Yew Yin.

Yet another touching story on generosity. Yesterday, it was about a pauper helping a pauper and now about a rich helping a pauper...

I still remembered 'Mark Twain' book 'The Prince and the Pauper'. Love it so much...

After reading the story of a retired chartered engineer and a co-founders of IJM Corporation Bhd, Gamuda Bhd and Mudajaya Group Bhd, Koon Yew Yin, has spent a large part of his life making others happy by giving out scholarship, I felt amazed.

However, not so many are as generous as him as none of the members of a service club, consist of professionals and businessmen, willing to take up his challenge to give up a month salary to charity during a talk.

Well, generosity will lead to happiness as he said 'I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. Nevertheless, I just laughed. They have not tried giving to others because if they have and felt the happiness, they would do it over and over again."

Friendship

It is quite difficult to find people that really harbour true friendships.

It is really touching story to read about friendship between Tahir Isa and Ismail Ali who have gone through the sweets and hardships together even at this point when Ismail is fighting for his life.

The friendship started back in 1990s when both arrived in Kuantan to start their lives as trishaw riders.

The duo were forced to quit the profession as the demand for the transport faded.

Seeing that Ismail had no one to take care, Tahir brought him back to his house. Both him and his wife have been taking care of the fellow friend since.

Tahir, who earns a meagre income by collecting scrap metal with his trishaw, has never complained about having to shoulder the extra burden.

Now, he has sleepless night thinking of his friend, Ismail, who was diagnosed with stomach ailment 5 years ago, as they are forced to move from their shack as the land occupied has been slated for development.

Ismail refused to follow Tahir and requested to be left behind. Tahir does not have the heart to do so as Ismail's health is deteriorating and worry lots of his friend well being.

Believe that not many are as lucky as Ismail who has been blessed with a good friend like Tahir.

Iceberg

It has been more than a week since I last visited this blog...pretty much busy with 'balik kampung' and the 'jam mood'.

Not much time spend myself updating on current affairs during the Chinese New Year break...just had a rush to try on the so called 'therapy' recommended by my mother- in-law and relatives in Kanthan, Perak.

Not really a pleasant experience...after 20 minutes been in special herbs mix 'steam treatment' and another 20 minutes of 'relaxing' on the 'electrical chair'...

Anyway, I spot an interesting issue in the NST today under the 'weekend notes' column by Shariman Johari.

Love what he writes on 'Disconnect creeping in again?'.

Hopefully, his writings get the attention of our Government to get reconnect with people as he concluded 'And working harder should not just mean more meetings or conferences, but also more meaningful interaction with the people.'

Break the iceberg...

Mentality

Never cross my mind...this is my expression after going through a letter under Star view section 'Good habits flushed down the toilet'.

The writer had a rather unpleasant and unexpected experience of being in a public toilet at a mall in Sri Hartamas.

He overheard a conversation between a man and his son on the 'flush button'. The father had stopped his son from pressing the flush button as he claimed was dirty. He grabbed his son, washed his hands and left the toilet.

No wonder the men's toilets are far disgusting than ladies...

RM50

The new RM50 notes has been around for quite sometimes and a mechanical engineer just made a new discovery of the notes.

He had experienced literally 'washed away' of his new RM50 notes when he accidentally left his wallet in the laundry.

The printing on the notes were completely washed off including the serial numbers contradicting to the old version of the RM50 notes which were not damaged in the process.

Supposedly, nothing is ever lasting....

Doodling

A 12-year old student in New York was arrested for doodling on her desk with a marker.

She scribbled 'Lex was here 2/1/10' and 'I love my friends Abby and Faith'.

According to her mother, she was released several hours after she was taken in handcuffs to a police station.

This action was condemned by the Education Department spoke person.

Just imagine the same penalty is imposed to our schooling kids...

Toilet

This is not a complaint about dirty public toilet but rather a shocking news discovered by a worker cleaning the women's lavatory at a petrol kiosk in Ipoh. She found a pinhole camera hidden in a plastic socket facing the toilet bowl as reported by Sin Chew Daily.

The camera had a 5 hour battery life, was discovered about 25 minutes after it was installed.

The cleaner became suspicious when she saw an extra socket on the wall and upon further checking was surprised to find that it contained the camera.

It was suspected that a syndicate was behind the secret filming.

So, ladies please be extra vigilant when using public toilets.

Joss Paper

I dropped by the mini market on the way to fetch my second daughter from her school. I was with my eldest who wanted to buy few items to prepare for her 'merentas desa' activity tomorrow.

As we stepped out from the car, we were approached by an Indonesian lady clad in bright red t-shirt and black pants. She was holding a roll of paper in one hand and looked quite loss.

She approached both of us and started to reveal her ordeal. She had been cheated and loss all her cash and jeweleries.

I felt sceptical and doubtful but at the same time felt sorry for her. I was without a handphone and felt quite risky to attend to her at the parking bays.

So I quickly made a move inside the mini market as easily to get in touch with a crowd incase she was the assailant instead of the victim.

She did not follow me. Subconsciously, I felt guilty of leaving her at loss if she was truly the victim.

After picking up the goods, we proceeded to the cashier counter and I asked the cashier if the lady approached any of them for help.

They were not aware and when I came out, she was with another Malay lady with a small kid. The lady was on her handphone and I told the Indonesian lady to get into the shop for any help as I already informed the cashier.

Meantime, she told that she was asked by people in the car she took a ride to take the roll of paper to the upper level of the shop and when she returned to the parking bay only she realised she was cheated.

She followed me into the shop and I left the rest to the cashier for further action.

I think that was the best attempt to try to help her out as I dare not risk my safety to take her to the police station.

Coincidentally, Harian Metro also reported a claim by a kindergarten teacher that she was charmed by a group of con men using 'joss paper'.

The victim alleged that she was put under spell in a 3 hour ordeal, during which she surrendered all her cash and credit cards.

It looked like the Indonesian lady was conned in a similar manner. So, please be extra careful when you need to be alone either on the streets or home, especially ladies, when you are approached by con men using 'joss paper' or 'pamphlet'.

No Spooky Business

Earlier, I wrote on the spooky news at the Bukit Jalil Sports School as highlighted in the Star.

However, Marina Chin, The Principal of the school, had written a letter to disclaim the report.

'Please be informed that nothing of that sort has happened in the Bukit Jalil Sports School hostel. The reporter has misquoted Harian Metro : if he reads the article properly, he would be aware that it refers to the National Sports Council hostel and it was National Sports Council officials who were being quoted.'

The news had caused stress and worry to many parents. Hopefully, this clarification letter will clear the situation.

So reporters, next time please double check your info or prove read your text to avoid any confusions.