Just So You Know: May 2007

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Interesting Collectible Patch Directory

It's amazing what you can find online these days. Can you imagine there's even a collectible patch directory? Patch of the World, started by Keng from Bangkok, Thailand is one interesting example.

My interest in patches started when I was a boy scout. Our merit badges were the embroided type and there were many different patches to earn. In high school, you also get to collect patches for the different camps you attended. Some were very creatively done. I have a nice collection of patches and each and every one of them brings back sweet memories.

So, when I was asked to write a paid review regarding that blog, I jumped on the opportunity. Though they do not have many scout patches at the moment, the directory is still a work in progress and I'm sure the collection will grow with time.

They have scouts in Iraq?!?

Patches are sorted by country and type. So far, they have samples from Australia, England, Iraq, Ireland and the United States. Apart from scout patches, they also have K-9, police, space mission and sport team patches. They also provide patch collecting tips for all patch enthusiasts. Maybe I should frame mine up like shown in the tips section.

You can also learn a lot from patches like their people and cultures. Even if you are not a patch collector, this is still an interesting blog to visit.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Miss Japan Crowned Miss Universe 2007

Riyo Mori, a 20-year-old dancer from Japan who hopes to someday open an international dance school, was crowned Miss Universe 2007. Personally, I prefer last year's Miss Japan, Kurara Chibana. She's seriously HOT! If you're a guy and don't think she's hot, you're probably gay or visually impaired. I'm sure even gays will tell you she's HOT HOT HOT! And probably the visually impaired too when they get their hands on her. ;)

Miss Japan 2006 Kurara Chibana

I have this thing for evening gowns over bikinis. To me, it is more important to look good in an evening gown than wearing skimpy bikinis. I mean, how often do you bring your girl out in a bikini, right? The new Miss Universe 2007 was however upstaged by Miss USA Rachel Smith who slipped and fell during the evening gown competition.

Watching that really made my day. :)

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Student Loan Consolidation and Scholarship Search With NextStudent

Education is ever more important these days but it is not getting any cheaper to obtain that paper qualification. More and more students are forced to take up an education loan or look for scholarships to further their education these days. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for my Masters degree but I was forced to take up an education loan for my undergraduate degree. It's definitely not easy to get awarded a scholarship, let alone search for one. Fortunately, NextStudent offers services to help search for a suitable scholarship and also help you with student loan consolidation.

It may be a service targeted to students in the United States but it can be helpful for foreign students planning to further their education in the United States too. Their online scholarship search engine comprises of more than 42,000 college fundings all in one place. I do find this to be quite useful and I'm not saying this just because this is sponsored. If you need help securing an education loan or consolidating your current loan, NextStudent will be able to help you potentially save thousands of dollars in interest. Consolidation allows student loan borrowers to combine all of their federal student loans into one easy to manage payment and also cuts borrowers payments by as much as 60%.

For those who intend on continuing on in college, they also provide private student loans. Loan amounts can be up to the full cost of your education expenses and no payments are required until after graduation. There's also no application fees involved and no application deadlines to meet. Funds are sent directly to you and not through the school.

So, if you are intending to further your education or considering to consolidate your student loan, you may want to give NextStudent a visit.

Friday, May 25, 2007

You Know You Shouldn't Be Driving

You know you shouldn't be driving when you do this... [PDF]

Jelutong car accident

or this... [PDF]

Jelutong car crash

What were they thinking trying to bungee-jump with their cars?!? Is it just pure coincidence that both incidents happened in Jelutong and both drivers were women?

Is it a women's thing or a Jelutong drivers' thing or a Jelutong women drivers' thing?

(pictures from The Star)

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Spent Bleaching Clay Research Bags Another Award

Not exactly sure how my supervisor will respond to this. [PDF]

Taylor's University College trio bag HSBC top award

KUALA LUMPUR: Students from Taylor's University College came out tops at the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA) 2006/2007.

Team Zerocool from the college, made up of Mervynn Lee, Melissa Tan Jin Peng and Ken Ng Choon Aik, all 20, beat four other teams in the grand finals to clinch the Gold Award in a competition that required participants to come up with an innovative and viable business idea. [...]

Their business plan, entitled Fishworm Corporation (SBC Fish Feed), involves the use of spent bleaching clay, a waste extract from palm oil, as an alternative to fish feed. [...]

First off, congratulations to Mervynn and his team for this success. This was one of the research done in our labs and I was part of it for awhile especially when I supervised a group of high school boys in their science competition project which eventually won the state's top award.

The same team leader has now taken that research work and turned it into a viable business plan and earned another award for the research work. The problem is there's no mention of my supervisor's contribution in this (or at least none in the news report) and my supervisor being very sensitive about intellectual property and all (as are all other researchers), it may prove to be a thorny issue.

Whatever it is, this success has just proven that this project is not just scientifically useful but economically viable too which is what matters most for a research to be considered as successful nowadays.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Raja Nazrin Leading By Example

This is one of the reasons I can't wait for Raja Nazrin to be King. [PDF] Well done, Your Highness!

Raja Nazrin declines using state funds

KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, has politely declined a state allocation for his wedding with Zara Salim Davidson on Thursday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said yesterday. [...]

"Instead, he advised the state government to spend the money for development projects to meet the needs of the people," he said in a statement issued to Bernama yesterday.

Tajol Rosli also said Raja Nazrin had told him that he would pay for all expenses incurred for his wedding.

"Hence, if there are expenditures involving the state coffers, they are to repair and upgrade infrastructures that benefit the people in the long term," he said.

Raja Nazrin also said expenses for the feast for the common folk would also be borne by him. [...]

Tajol Rosli also said the Raja Muda wanted a simple royal wedding conducted on a moderate scale.

He said Raja Nazrin also advised companies and individuals against competing to buy advertisement space in newspapers on the occasion of his wedding.

"Instead, he advised them that he would be happier if the funds for the advertisements are channelled for charity, especially donating to places of worship, welfare bodies, old folks homes, orphanages and schools in Perak," Tajol Rosli said.

Raja Nazrin really lead by example by showing prudence and not going overboard like some *cough* Siti Nurhaliza *cough*. And this is a real royalty, not some celebrity thinking he/she is some royalty. I've always had a great disdain for lavish and elaborate weddings. I've always preferred simple receptions and I very much prefer mine to be small, simple and very much a family affair with some close friends in attendance. The thing that really riles me up is the loud music just to create the 'lau juak' atmosphere. Did you really think that your guests paid to attend your wedding reception AND plan to get deaf in the process? I don't think so!

Congratulations Raja Nazrin and Tuanku Zara. [PDF] That was a really simple yet elegant wedding. I just can't wait for Your Royal Highnesses to be King and Queen.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Find A Friend With FoundYouOnline.com

Have you ever wanted to find a long lost friend but didn't know how to? Well, the internet has definitely helped in this arduous task and FoundYouOnline.com (FYO1) will help you do just that.

FYO1 is one of many dating and personals sites available online but with a little twist. Not only can you find new online friends, you can also find your old friends through a range of categories available in their directory including schools and the military. Yes, the military. All from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines to the Navy. Personally, this is the first one I've seen that includes a category for the military. Now, that's really something different.

Registration is free but some of the services are only available in the United States. People outside the United States won't be able to find their classmates or military pals but of course that won't stop people from other parts of the world from meeting new friends from the United States. The personals and dating services are very much available for anyone around the world.

I've joined a few "Find Your Classmates" services before which also caters to other countries apart from the United States but they never really catch on like Myspace or Friendster. This may be a paid review but still I'm not sure if FYO1 will be any different but I guess it's worth a try and the military category seems useful for those who are/were in the service.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Perodua Viva: Driving Possibilities

It's finally here. The new Perodua Viva was officially unveiled at a grand launching last night through a live telecast on NTV7's Thursday Nite Live. For those who missed it last night, you can watch it in this video.

Perodua Viva Official Launch

Newspapers today were plastered with full-page advertisements of the new Perodua Viva like this one here.

(click to enlarge)

Television sets nationwide will also be bombarded with the new Perodua Viva TV commercial which I really enjoy watching. A word of caution though, the volume is pretty loud so you might want to turn the volume down a little for this video.

Perodua Viva TV Commercial

With the love theme in their ad campaign and Mother's Day just around the corner, I find it difficult to shake off the feeling that the launch was timed specifically to coincide with Mother's Day celebrations. I wouldn't be surprised if a substantial amount of sales came from filial sons and daughters placing orders for the new Perodua Viva for their mothers.

A few very good reviews have appeared online regarding the new Perodua Viva like this and this. I'll give my own review of the car after I've seen one up-close which hopefully will be in a few days time. Do check back later.

I personally like the car very much. The only problem is, I very much prefer the offerings of the 1000cc EZi model which costs RM43,800 for the Ivory White variant. At that price, I could actually get a Perodua Myvi which is larger and has a higher engine capacity. So, you can see my dilemma here.

Perodua Viva Rear

For those who wish to visit the official website for the Perodua Viva, you'll have tough luck getting in as it is being swamped at the moment. I was only able to access the site at 2am this morning! For the moment, you can visit the following links for more information about the new Perodua Viva.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Final Perodua Viva Teaser Ad And Email

A full page advertisement for the launching of the Perodua Viva (codenamed D18D) which will happen on NTV7's Thursday Nite Live: "True Love Special" at 9pm tonight.

(click to enlarge)

The Perodua Viva ads are everywhere. They are even on Windows Live Messenger!

Perodua Viva ad on Windows Live Messenger

The Perodua team also sent a final teaser email which includes photos of the new car's dashboard and steering wheel.

(click to enlarge)

Remember to catch the show tonight to watch the unveiling of the new Perodua Viva which will be the Kancil and Kelisa replacement model. Here are some related articles regarding the Perodua Viva that may interest you.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

New Perodua Viva Photos

The launch of the new Perodua Viva (codenamed D18D) is inching ever closer. Here are some new spyshots of the car.

(click to enlarge)

From these new Perodua Viva photos found at PaulTan's forum, we can see once again that the Kancil and Kelisa replacement model is a complete makeover from its predecessor and looks quite nice. It also looks very spacious for the passenger seats at the back compared to the Kancil and Kelisa now. Definitely much more legroom. The Ivory White model looks really stunning, if I may say so. You may choose from ~~six~~ four other colours for the Perodua Viva.

Here are some related articles regarding the Perodua Viva that may interest you.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Perodua Viva Colours, Pricing And Dimensions

Here's a round-up of what to expect for the upcoming Perodua Viva (codenamed D18D), set to be launched this Thursday, 10th May 2007.

Perodua Viva Colours
Glittering Silver
Passion Red
Ivory White
~~Ebony Black~~
~~Sapphire Blue~~
Tropical Green
Pearl Jade

[EDIT: Perodua is currently working on offering Ebony Black and Sapphire Blue at a later date]

Through the car recommendation provided by the teaser website, we know for sure that Glittering Silver and Passion Red will be available. From spyshots, we know Ivory White, Ebony Black and Sapphire Blue are also available. The other two are expected to be available for the new Perodua Viva as well. Pearl Jade will be similar to the one offered for the current Kelisa Imago and Tropical Green similar to the one for the Toyota Avanza. Although I was recommended Glittering Silver, I would personally prefer Ivory White or Pearl Jade.

Perodua Viva Pricing
660 MT - RM28,400
850 MT - RM32,500
1000 Basic MT - RM36,800
1000 Basic AT - RM39,800
1000 Premium MT - RM40,800
1000 Premium AT - RM43,800

(add RM400 for metallic colour)

The pricing for the new Perodua Viva will start from RM28,400 for the most basic 660 manual transmission model. The 660 and 850 models will only be available in manual transmission. Auto transmission is only available for the 1000 variant.

You will also be able to choose between the basic or premium package for the 1000 variant. You will get retracting side mirrors, dual airbags, ABS, alloy rims, reverse sensor, rear spoiler and sportier 165/55 R14 wheels for the premium package on top of all the accessories available in the basic package.

All variants of the new Perodua Viva comes with EFI and DVVT engines. If you prefer metallic colours, just add RM400. I have a preference for the 1000 automatic transmission variant but at such pricing, the Myvi 1.3L EZi looks like a better buy for an extra few thousand ringgit. Also, I would very much have preferred all variants to come with reverse sensors instead of the 1000 premium variant only. It is very much part of a vehicle nowadays and should be included even for the most basic models. Whatever it is, looks like sales of the Proton Savvy will be hampered further with the launching of this new Perodua car.

Perodua Viva Dimensions
overall length/width/height (mm) - 3575/1475/1530
interior length/width/height (mm) - 1845/1300/1250

The interior dimensions matter more to me than the exterior dimensions. At such dimensions, it is only 100mm narrower and 20mm lower than the Myvi. As a matter of fact, it is 10mm longer than the Myvi and provides more legroom than a Kenari! That's pretty impressive for a supposedly small car.

We know the keyword for the Perodua Viva ad campaign is LOVE. Accompanying all video teaser ads is Nat King Cole's L.O.V.E. The Perodua Myvi campaign was centred on the keyword PASSION. It seems they've employed Rapp Collins Malaysia (part of the world's largest advertising agency holding company in terms of revenue, Omnicrom Group) to handle thier customer relationship management for the Perodua Viva ad campaign. At least we know it's true for the teaser website as it is hosted on the Rapp Collins Malayia server. I guess they're really pulling out all the stops on this model. And why not? It will be replacing their best selling models, the Kancil and Kelisa, and they have to do whatever it takes to ensure its success.

(click to enlarge)

Perodua showrooms nationwide are prepping for the launch this Thursday. Bookings for the new car was open since the beginning of this month. All you need is RM500 to place a booking and be one of the first few to own the new Perodua Viva. If you can't wait for the launching and would like to know more about the car, you can visit any of the Perodua showrooms.

Are you ready for the launching of the new Perodua Viva?

Monday, May 07, 2007

You Know You're In College

You know you're in college when:

High school started before 8am, but now anything before noon is considered "early".
Weekends start on Thursday.
6am is when you go to sleep, not when you wake up.
You know many different ways to cook instant noodles.
Your underwear/sock supply dictates your laundry schedule.
You check Friendster more than once a day.
Your primary news sources are the gossips circulating on campus.
Your trash is overflowing and your bank account isn’t.
You wear the same jeans for 13 days without washing them.
Your idea of feeding the poor is buying yourself some instant noodles.
You try to study but seem to procrastinate by eating, going to study breaks, talking to people, etc.
You talk to your roommate on instant messenger when you’re both home.
Certain things are now deemed "Friendster worthy". When friends take pictures of you, you wonder how long it will take them to post them.
You see people you know you’ve met but can never remember their names or how you know them.
You sleep more in class than in your room.
You've traveled with bags of dirty clothes.
You go home to do your laundry during college breaks.
You throw out bowls and plates because you don't feel like washing them.
It takes preparation and 3 people to take out your garbage.
Going to the library is a social event.
You skip one class to write a paper for another.
You stay up late to finish homework then sleep through the class in which it was due.
You've stopped to get RM5 of gas.
Going to the mailbox becomes an ego booster/breaker.
You never realised so many people are smarter than you.
You never realised so many people are dumber than you.
Western Europe could be wiped out by a terrible plague and you'd never know, but you can recite the last episode of your favorite show verbatim.
You meet the type of people you thought only existed in movies.
Printers break down only when you desperately need them.
You've paid bills over RM5 in coins.
You can't imagine life without your computer/cell phone.
A cancelled class is almost as exciting as Christmas.
Taking a nap in the library is perfectly acceptable.
You take condiment packets and napkins from fast food restaurants because they're free.
Christmas lights seem to be acceptable all year round.
Class size doubles on exam days.
You begin to include ketchup on your list of acceptable vegetables.
You stay on campus for hours in between classes when it's too cold or hot to walk home.
There's always a "question kid" in at least one of your classes, and you really wish someone would just tell him/her to shut the hell up.
Laundry is an all-day event.
You no longer find it uncool to take naps. In fact, you quite enjoy them.
You find your list of acceptable napping places expanding daily to increasingly uncomfortable locations.
You know at least one person who has dropped his/her cell phone into a toilet.
You hang multiple shirts on the same hanger to save space/money.
You become increasingly annoyed with the "old" people in class - props to them for going back to college but they generally ask really, really annoying questions.
You set your clock 5-10 minutes ahead so you can potentially make it to class on time.
You text faster than you type.
You only find out a class is cancelled after you get there and sit for about ten minutes.
You run out of black ink and, instead of buying a new ink cartridge, decide blue is a nice substitute. Adds a little flair.
You finish reading this and wonder how you can procrastinate next.

I found myself nodding as I went down the list. How about you?

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Grace Kelly

by Mika

"Grace Kelly" music video by Mika

Do I attract you?
Do I repulse you with my queasy smile?
Am I too dirty?
Am I too flirty?
Do I like what you like?

I could be wholesome
I could be loathsome
For I'm a little bit shy
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me without making me try?

I try to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
I've gone identity mad!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you walk out the door!

How can I help it
How can I help it
How can I help what you think?
Hello my baby
Hello my baby
Putting my life on the brink
Why don't you like me
Why don't you like me
Why don't you like yourself?
Should I bend over?
Should I look older just to be put on your shelf?

I try to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
I've gone identity mad!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you walk out the door!

Say what you want to satisfy yourself
But you only want what everybody else says you should want

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you walk out the door!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Walk out the door!

If you are ever feeling the blues, just take a listen to this song. I guarantee you an instant energy boost! A change in your mood for the better. The song is so bubbly and perky, it's impossible not to feel at least a tad better after listening to the song. I've been shaking my head to this tune in such a way some may misconstrue it as a sign I'm high on drugs! Yes, I admit I'm high but definitely not due to any drugs; prescription, recreational or whatsoever. Unless of course listening to this song is considered a drug. Then yes, I've probably overdosed. It's just plain addictive!

Excuse me as I go get myself another shot of this 'drug'.

Friday, May 04, 2007

New Perodua Viva Teaser Email

Perodua today sent a new Perodua Viva teaser email to those who participated in their "What love can do for you?" survey which contained a photo of the new car's headlamp.

(click to enlarge)

From the increase in traffic to my announcement regarding launching date of the upcoming Perodua Viva (codenamed D18D) , I dare say there is great interest in this car which will be replacing the popular and affordable Perodua Kancil and Perodua Kelisa, and will undoubtedly sell as well (if not better) than the very successful Perodua Myvi.

(click to enlarge)

The headlamp in the teaser email is similar to the spyshots circulating around the internet, thus confirming the authenticity of the spyshots. If that is the case, we have a major upgrade to the current Kancil and Kelisa models. At this stage, it looks very possible that sales of the Proton Savvy would be hampered even further with the introduction of the Perodua Viva.

Perodua Viva Teaser Email

Before receiving the teaser email, I was spammed with about 20 emails meant for other participants of the survey. The details derived from the emails were quite interesting. For one, most participants were recommended the colour Glittering Silver. Only three received Passion Red recommendations.

Half of those seem to have preference (based on the survey) for the 850cc model and 40% preferred the 660cc model. Only two (including me) were recommended the 1000cc model. If these figures are anything to go by and representative of those actually interested in purchasing the Kancil and Kelisa Replacement Model, Perodua will experience a smooth transition from these two models to the new Perodua Viva. The Kancil 850 was the most popular model and the trend looks like continuing with the Perodua Viva 850.

Based on the figures above, it is fair to say that those aspiring to purchase a Glittering Silver Perodua Viva 850 will have to wait for awhile due to the high preference in this particular model. So those who would want their cars sooner may want to go for a different colour. Passion Red is confirmed to be offered for the new Perodua Viva. Other rumoured colours include Ivory White, Ebony Black, Sapphire Blue, Tropical Green and Pearl Jade.

(click to enlarge)

Perodua has promised to send more updates on the new car and with just a week to go before the official launching, the updates may be coming thick and fast! If you've not participated in the survey, you may want to do so here and get a recommendation for your new Perodua Viva.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Astro Introduces Celebrity Gossip Channel

Among Astro's new channel offerings from the beginning of this month, Malaysians will be able to enjoy a 24 hour celebrity gossip channel.

Astro's nine new channels

Astro added nine new channels to its already huge listing - one new Chinese channel called Jia Yu Channel, two new Tamil channels in Astro Vellithirai and Sun Music, three new Discovery themed channels in Discovery Science, Discovery Home and Health (for mothers), and Discovery Real Time (for those with the Y chromosome), two new sports channels in Eurosport and a 24 hour Golf Channel, and last but not least, E! - the celebrity gossip channel.

Astro's nine new channels

The new Chinese channel Jia Yu is catered more to a younger audience but seriously, don't we already have enough Chinese channels?!? Apart from Astro Wah Lai Toi and occasionally TVB8, the other channels under the Dynasty umbrella remains mostly untouched by most households that subscribe to it. Mind you, it's not cheap to subscribe to the Dynasty package. Subscribing to the Dynasty package alone will set you back RM74.95! And at a minimum subscription of RM49.95 per Astro subscriber, it is no wonder Ananda Krishnan is the second wealthiest man in Southeast Asia. As for the new Tamil channels, I have nothing to comment since I've not watched them due to my lack of understanding for the Tamil lingo.

Astro's nine new channels

The new Discovery themed channels are taken from the UK franchise and like most British programmes, it's a tad boring compared to their American counterparts. The only one I find interesting is Discovery Science. OK, it ain't no Animal Planet or National Geographic but it definitely beats Discovery Home and Health aka The Mothers Channel and Discovery Real Time aka The Alpha Male Channel.

Astro's nine new channels

The introduction of a dedicated Golf Channel and Eurosport definitely adds more choices for sports fans. With the new Golf Channel, I now have the best antidote if I have problems falling asleep. Ten minutes of watching this channel and I'll definitely go into deep sleep.

And finally, we have E! - the ultimate celebrity gossip channel. You can now have lunch with your colleagues and not feel inadequate during their discussions regarding Alec Baldwin's tirade, Boy George's arrest for assault or Britney's (horrible) comeback performance. Isn't that the best brain-drain channel ever?!? I don't know about you but I've had enough of Ryan Seacrest. Seeing him on American Idol and listening to him on AT40 is already bad enough. Now I have to watch him host another show on E! and flirt with Anderson Cooper while hosting Larry King Live?!? I don't think so.

The new channels (along with the eleven launched last year) will be available for free until 31st August 2007, even if you are not subscribed to the packages the channels belong to.

What I would really like to see from Astro is not more channel offerings but a chance to pick and choose which channels you want to subscribe to. As it is, I doubt most households even watch a third of its 75 total channels on offer. Even if they were to charge RM5 per channel (if you decide to pick and choose the channels instead subscribing to a certain package), I would gladly pay. What they could do is to continue offering package subscription but also offer the choice to pick and choose certain channels to supplement the package subscription.

For example, you love movies and subscribe to the Movie package but occasionally you would also like to watch some Chinese drama. So, you add Astro Wah Lai Toi for an extra RM5 instead of having to pay an extra RM20 for the whole Dynasty package on top of the Movie package (RM74.95 compared to RM89.95). This way, those who wants the full spectrum of channels for the Dynasty package will be rewarded with a lower price per channel subscription (~RM3 per channel) for choosing the whole package but those who just want certain channels can still subscribe by paying less subscription fee but a higher price per channel ratio (RM5 per channel) for the individual channels.

In my opinion, such a pricing mechanism may actually spur more subscriptions as those who would never have thought of subscribing to a certain channel will do so when they are able to pick and choose the channels they want and only pay for the channels they know they will watch. Of course, this is only wishful thinking on my part but I do seriously hope Astro would look into the viability of such a scheme.

Wouldn't you subscribe to certain channels you would never have dreamed of subscribing to if such a scheme existed?

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

New Perodua Viva Teaser Ad

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Take Two

And just like that, this blog is two.

2nd Anniversary

Although I've blogged less frequently in the past year compared to the year before, it has been a really exciting year. With other matters taking up most of my time, I managed to only come up with about 100 articles this past year but that was more than enough to push it over the 500 mark. This doesn't seem such an arduous task when the total number of articles was already at 427 after my first year of blogging.

Since the turn of 2006, the number of articles has steadily decreased but the length of each article has increased. From daily postings in 2005, it has now averaged to about 10 posts a month. I've become more selective with what I write. I've no choice really especially when time is a luxury I do not have.

In fact, there were so many things I wanted to write about but just couldn't find the time to do so. I like to do some research before I write on a particular subject and that usually takes time. If I'm unable to do ample research on the subject, I choose not to write it. If I can't find the time to write up a good enough article, I choose not to write it also. So, that has really affected the quantity of articles but fortunately (and hopefully), not the quality.

The most happening entry on this blog during this past year has got to be the one concerning the Konsortium bus driver abusing passengers. I received an email containing a video of the alleged wrongdoings of a Konsortium bus driver and decided to post it on my blog instead of forwarding it through email. I believe in the power of blogs. It can reach more people and faster compared to email. True enough, the news spread like wild fire and reached thousands of people within days.

The entry received so much attention, it was even highlighted in Guang Ming Daily [PDF], Sin Chew Daily [PDF] and The New Straits Times [PDF]. In just three days, the entry was viewed over 10,000 times and still receives a constant stream of visitors to this day. The entry received over 50 comments within a very short time and even months after the incident, people still visit and post their bad experiences with express buses. If it was left to forwarding emails, I doubt it would have made such a huge impact and reached such a wide audience in such a short period of time.

The popularity and importance of videos increased exponentially during the past year. The popularity of the Malaysian School Bullies and UPM Fracas articles are other examples of the demand and influence for videos. I was seriously letdown by the verdict of the UPM fracas investigation [PDF]. Not only did the culprits walk free unpunished, their shameful actions were also regarded as non-racist and non-violent. Seriously, anyone who has seen the videos will tell you it was very much racially motivated and violent in nature. How the investigators conclude otherwise is really beyond my comprehension.

During this period, I also started the "You Know" Compendium with the very first one being You Know You Are Chinese. Other interesting articles in this category include You Know You Are Technologically Backward and You Know KOMTAR Has Seen Better Days.

Most Popular Entries

Even with newer content on the blog, some of the old entries seem to remain very popular. Among the all time favourites are Tong Hua (Fairy Tale), the Tammy NYP sex video scandal, the Malaysian Police ala Abu Ghraib controversy and the wardrobe malfunction at Lakme India Fashion Week. Also a crowd-puller is my review on the Da Vinci Code.

I'm still finding it hard to squeeze enough time to blog the things I feel strongly about. The fact is, I have something to say for many issues but time does not permit me to do so. I've also realised in the past year, there's been a lack of articles on current events and social issues. I'm not too happy with that since I started this blog to speak my mind mostly on social issues. The good thing is, those that I chose to highlight did help to make an impact and that's the important thing.

I do hope I will be able to blog more frequently in a few months time but I'll probably be entering a new chapter in my life then and that would probably mean I still wouldn't be able to blog as frequently as I would like to. Whatever it is, I've found the two years of blogging very therapeutic and will definitely continue to speak my mind, whenever time permits. Whether you will still be reading the nonsense I write is a different matter altogether. Anyway, thank you for having taken this journey with me and let's wish for many more wonderful years to come. Cheers!