Kim Peek

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pop quiz:
what is savant?
click here for the answer
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Today, while I was tracing back some "todolist" that I kept for myself, I found some links there about the name "Kim Peek". Patheticly, I forgotten how I got the name, or how I managed to get the links.

Curiously, I clicked on the links and found a link to a wiki page and a link to youtube, and started the journey of amazement.

I dont know how to say, to say that is he "disabled" or is he really "gifted",
to say that he is pity with the burden to have so many things in his mind, or to say that he is unique and brilliant person.
I am amazed how he has touched the life of so many... and he is still doing it.

I havent watched the movie "Rain Man", but I will soon :)

some sneak peek...

"I have so many things in me that you cant even guess them all"
"has one of the weirdest brain in the world"
"he has become a living google"
"only about 30hrs a day, 10days a week. That's what most parent with children disability feels like that"
"80yrs old father taking care of his 54yrs old son"
"photographic memory"


and you gotta watch these, please please spare some of your busy time...

[1/5]


[2/5]


[3/5]


[4/5]


[5/5]

29th Feb

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pop quiz:

"Every year, specifically in none-leap year, on which day a leap year baby celebrates his/her birthday?"

...

...

answer is "on the 7th day of chinese lunar calendar", which is "ren ri" or "people's day", which is also everybody's birthday.

small talk:

In this modern age of sales and marketing, I noticed recently that lots of shopping malls or product launches took the chance to "reward" the leap year baby with free gift and promotions on the very day of 29th Feb 2008. Arent it nice to be borned on this day?

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This year is a leap year, and it has 29 days in February, and today is the 29th of February

One of my friend wrote
"Dunno if you realize this but today only happens ONCE EVERY 4 YEARS!!! 29th Feb!!!
Maybe Intel should pay us one more day extra or give us half day leave today……… kekekekekeke"

One of my friend replied:
"Innocent..."

MUAHAHAHAHA...

I know I know, I am laughing because I am not romatic or considerate "p

michaelbackman is back

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small talk:
The aircon in the office is ridiculously COLD recently. I believe it is sub 10 deg C.
One of my colleague even wear winter clothing to office. I think it is sonner or later all of us wear winter clothing.
Then, while my colleague was eating some snack, and I was drinking a cup of honeylime for my cough, suddenly I suggested/made a lame joke to my colleague.
"since it is so cold in the office lately, storing the honeylime/food here is a good idea, isnt it?"
~~ a few crows flying in front of us ~~ -_-
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Remember the "michaelbackman" who dare to comment about Malaysia's NEP, astronaut program, Petronas etc? Because of that article, he drew a lot of "fires" from Malaysia Government? (you can read the previous article here)

Well, he is always there actually, and now back with an brilliant article about Malaysia's current political situation facing the General Election 2008.

Although he is not a Malaysian, but his article always enlighten me about Malaysia politics, seems like he is more Malaysian/patriotic than me "p


Please read this if you have the time. Rationalize it yourself.
http://business.theage.com.au/malaysia-needs-a-strong-opposition/20080226-1v0i.html


some excerption...


"does the Malaysian Government deserve to be re-elected? The answer to the second question is no."


"So the next question is: should the Malaysian Opposition be elected to office? Again, the answer is no."


"Malaysian electorates are severely malapportioned."


" Tens of thousands of dead people are believed to have voted in the 2004 elections"


"Absurdly, even family members living in the same house discovered that they had been registered in different electorates."
This i gotta comment. Is a true account. Today, I noticed that one of my colleague was checking the electoral info on this page on behalf of her brother, father, mother etc. Then my colleague told me it is weird to found that her brother's polling area is different from her although they stayed together. I really clueless until i read this Michael Backman article... Enlightening isnt it.


"Next month's election is being held a year early. Why? One reason is because Anwar Ibrahim, who was deputy prime minister until he was charged and convicted of corruption and sodomy in the late 1990s, will only be eligible to stand for election after April 8 because of the convictions."


"So what should Malaysians do? Firstly, in a country where voting is not compulsory, they should vote. There's no point complaining on internet blogs but not bothering to vote."


"Given the Opposition's unpreparedness to govern, the Malaysian Government is best returned. But it does deserve a good, hard kick. Even more, it needs a significant and strong Opposition to help it govern better. It needs greater accountability and scrutiny, which a strong Opposition in Parliament will help provide. That is what good governments everywhere have and need."

funny speech

good example used in his speech about fuel hike,
great sense of humor :)

rain

After a long spell of dry season (forgotten since when it started), and after a week of sickness, finally it rained.

As you know, I am a rain person who hate dry weather. To me, water brings life while the dryness brings the opposite.

But here's the good news bad news thing.

Good news is, my sickness takes a sharp turn yesterday, and I have regained almost 80% of my voice today. My throat got really better, am very happy after a week of sickness. Was contemplating should I still keep recuperating or fulfill my wish of going to play basketball after work today... hmmm.... hard to decide ler... *_*

Bad news is, the rain came at the wrong time at the wrong place. Approximately around 8.30pm yesterday, it rains and selfish me decided not to join the "ceramah umum" at 9pm nearby which I have been promoting about. Realized that at the end, I am just a selfish person who wants to recover quickly from sickness and wanting to sleep early. Like I said, I am not patriotic. Just analytic person. And I'm not proud of it actually.

politic the fun way :)

politic has never been fun like this before :)
the creator of the clip is indeed a very creative entertainer :)

bsb @ esplanade

Yesterday, bunch of my colleagues went for a first of it's kind in the company history "basketball get together session" after work.

Started as a small initiative by one of the colleague, more than 10 colleagues turned up at the end, including me the camera man :)

Since I am still sick, and dont want to wash my head after sweating, I went there with the intention to take a walk around esplanade, to watch them play and capture some photos.

Turns out, I am glad that I went yesterday :) I was indeed a very fun session. Lots of fun and laughter :) Must share.

the basketball court

the grand entrance

the spectators

the warming up

the rim

the 2-points attempt

the most expensive pair of shoe on the court

candid shot

the late-comer
the late-comers warm-up

candid shot

"yes!!!"

the bowling pose

"why nobody pass the ball to me one???"

the crossover

the everyone

the coach

and the rest... :)

and finally a couple of videos :)

ceramah umum

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Parti Keadilan Rakyat will have a ‘ceramah umum’ this Wednesday (27/2) night 9p.m. at their operation house directly opposite Vistana Hotel, Bukit Jambul.

Speakers are Dato' Zahrain (Parliament), Sim Tze Tzin (man who exposed Lingam tape, DUN seat Pantai Jerejak), Haji Malik (DUN Batu Maung) and lawyer Raveen (DUN Batu Uban).

**Guest speaker for the night is JEFF OOI!**
(Yes, the blogger-turned-DAP-Jelutong-candidate!)

Be there, or be square!!

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Although I'm still feeling not so well, I will be heading over there tonight to listen. Some of my friends will be heading over too. Besides, the venue is quite near to where I stayed in Penang now.

Some people might say
"vote BN or vote opposition, doesnt matter also. Because BN corrupt, opposition not united and not stepping up to the plate also, might as well dont care"
"DAP slogan is a cheap immitation of Nike, reflecting the imature level of thinking the party is. Again, doesnt step up to the plate also. Might as well not waste my time listening to the ceramah"
"dont go lar. Later got riot, got hurt then how?"

Anyway, before casting my vote to anyone, I would like to utilize my sound judgement, at least I try to listen. How about you?

Another thing, do you notice that every politic related forwarded emails that you receive recently are pro-opposition and none of it pro-coalition? Isn't it weird?

Either all these emails are created by the desperate opposition as fire-up campaign agendas OR is true account that the young knowledgeable groups who concur the content. OR maybe I am just coincidently surrounded by circle of friends who just coincidently pro-opposition.

The only avenue you can read all the positive headlines and full page advertisement (not to mention expensive) about coalition is the daily "puppet" newspaper.

You do the thinking, I am just pointing out the facts.

On other note, undeniebly, my blog becoming more and more politic related already, especially kinda pro-opposition.

As I am casting my vote for the first time, I want to a least put some of my thought to review the past, process the facts and to make my final decision.

Not that I am patriotic, I am really not. I just want to see at least some change in the current ill society/government. Simply put, try to make a difference if can.

So far, from what I have gained about this election, none so far budge me toward coalition.

nomination

" ... forgotten to sign the nomination form ..."

" ... misplaced the nomination form ... "

" ... forgot to put his/her name in the nomination form ... "

" ... submit the nomination form without the accompanying statutory declaration being stamped ... "

" ... xxx put Prime Minister in the occupation column ... "


Think about it.

A candidate that running for the upcoming general election, who will represent the people and charged with responsibility of managing the country, BUT cant even fill in the nomination form porperly, which is one of the most important thing in the whole freaking process!

Undeniebly, human cant run away from making mistakes.
And for first timer, they tend to be nervous and will make mistakes.

But the reports about these "errors" that all these politicians made are just damn too many, and it happens on "old timers"

And most importantly, all these candidates that made these "errors" went through the nomination with "flying colors". There always an "excuse" to any "akta xxx kurungan bla bla bla"

Anyway, what I want to say is

aren't they just plain dumb?

OR plain ignorant?
OR a testament that they cant even manage themselves (like my ex-manager)

Will you put your vote for these people?

Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day

youtube

imeem

spoke too soon

After work yesterday, my condition seems getting worst. Therefore, after dinner, went to see the doc again.

To my surprise, the visit was pleasantly fast, because there werent many patients there, and the doc on duty is in a good mood also. He was talking and joking with the "misi" (nurse)

When I went in for consultation, I told the doc about my previous visit last week, about my medicine going to finish tomorrow morning and about my symptoms bla bla bla

He then take a look at my throat. My my... inflammation got worst...

He then said "antibiotic tak cukup kuat, tak boleh jalan"
(previous antibiotic not strong enough, not effective)
Well, he is a Chinese, but spoke Malay, probably just now talking to the Malay "misi"

He then listen to my lung using his stethoscope, then type away on the computer screen about my symptoms. I didnt pay much attention, but I did notice the last sentence saying "lung clear"
Now I know doctor use the stethoscope to check whether our lung is clear or got worsen and filled with fluids. But mine is good, that a good sign :)

I told him to give me none-drowsy medicines, and he happily noted.

At the end, I brought back a plastic bag of medicines again, and will be wacking pills again *_*

So, what do I have?
1. pain medicine for the swollen throat
2. some running nose pills
3. a bottle of cough syrup
4. some antibiotic pills to be finished
5. 2 stripes of lozenges for the sore throat

No fever med though. Took some of the med yesterday, and as of this morning, felt much better, at least I have a little bit of my "sexy" voice now, hehehehe :)

voiceless again

I woke up this morning, finding myself voiceless again *_*

Whenever I am down with sore throat, I will tend to lost my voice when recovering. So, I will be whispering today or may be tomorrow too...

And since election (or Kenny so called "erection") is coming soon, all of us tend to receive many of the forwarded, not pro-coalition emails. Some of it are short, and some of it are long. I do read some of them, and find that some of it are worth sharing. Therefore, sharing it over here, hope that it doesnt contaminate my blog with politic that chase away the readers. Just a sharing :)

From a forwarded email...

The most famous term used by BN leaders is Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim
(DSAI) is irrelevant, is this true? I was beginning to believe that maybe their claim was justified as it was being mentioned repeatedly over the months until I had personally attended his Ceramah at Buntong and Dewan Tow Bee Keong in Ipoh on the 11-1-08 between 7.30-11pm.

There were banners displayed at several places around Ipoh for a Chinese New Year celebration with DSAI at Dewan Tow Bee Keong, so a crowd of 5,000, mostly Chinese did not take me by surprise. However, a crowd of more than 5,000 people at Buntong with a days notice and organizing it at a small terrace house, with no stage was an eye opener. So why was there such a large crowd? Why an "irrelevant" person able to create such hype.

The mere presence of Anwar Ibrahim created euphoria, his aura was immense, I was 50 meters away from him but I could feel the vibe, the urge to pay close attention to what he was going to say, he was a born LEADER. It's just like walking into a temple with strong vibration where you feel the sense of calmness and serenity. Anwar is definitely relevant!!!

He did not scream all the way as most politician do, but there was pin drop silence when his tone of voice was soft, I mean pin drop silence amongst the Buntong crowd! He kept the crowd cheering and laughing all the way throughout his hour long speech. He was instantly a big hit amongst the Buntong crowd. He received the same ovation at Dewan Tow Bee Keong as well.

So what were the issues addressed and why should we vote for any opposition party whether its KEADILAN, DAP or PAS.

1. Rising price of oil and all essential goods.
He insists that petrol price would be reduced immediately once he is PM.
In contrast, Najib claims that the country would become bankrupt if this was done, so how would it be possible. Simple, presently PETRONAS annual profit after tax is RM80 billion, take RM 10 billion from it and further subsidize the petrol would not have any material effect on the government revenue as we are an oil exporting nation. During his 8 year tenure as Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, oil was kept at RM1.10/litre when profits from Petronas was between RM
25 - 30 billion annually. Remember that most robust projects were also undertaken during this period but we never went buzz. After his sacking in September 1998, petrol rose in October 1998 and tol rates rose in November 1998.

2. Free education from primary to tertiary education.
Hah! Bolehkah ini? Mana boleh? Well, another RM 10 billion would do from Petronas profit, simple as that. When you can manage with RM 30 billion, why can't you manage with RM 60 billion from Petronas. He says that this is God given gift to the people, at least half of which should go back to the people in some way or rather. What is the point of the nation being rich yet the rakyat being poor?

3. Racial tension like never before
Why so much misconception between races, we are all Malaysians. The annual government revenue is RM 200 billion, to a population of 27 million is one the highest in the world, so there is no need to quarrel, we all can share the cake. So where is the problem, the bulk of the cake is being gobbled by few BN component leaders and leaving the poor rakyat to feel that we are being robbed by the other race. Morgan Stanley reported than corruption has cost the nation RM 100 billion since 2004. So please, let's unite and fight the true enemy, please pass this important message to as many as possible, because as election draws closer, and if BN is on the verge of defeat, they may just stir this sentiment as they have done in the past while we fall victims.

4. Brain drain and lack of opportunities
Many non-Bumis are with the perception that they are being deprived of tertiary education even after obtaining the best possible results, true.
But who are the true beneficiaries, remember that only 30% of the Bumis are either professionals or some how benefited from the growth of the country or somehow is a crony to some prominent individuals. They are the ones able to give their children quality secondary education and they are the ones who have most benefited from government scholarships and tertiary education. The remaining 70% of Bumis are still neglected and aren't given much opportunity just as the non-Bumis. He promised to help the most deserving Bumis (70% who are still poor) and the most deserving non-Bumis from tertiary education to government job employment.

5. Chinese and Tamil schools
He vowed to make all schools as fully government aided schools if keADILan was to come to power. I wouldn't want to repeat the financial means as I've already done so.

6. Fear of PAS or DAP
This is BN propaganda, PAS is contesting in 60 seats and DAP even less, neither party on its own can come to power. Fear is put amongst non-Muslims that PAS are too radical, likewise DAP are a communist organization. Neither is true, 75% of non-muslims vote in Kelantan in the 2004 election went to PAS, there must be something right with PAS and something not so right with BN for people resorting to choose PAS. Lim Guan Eng served 2 years in jail protecting an underaged Malay girl who was having an affair with a top UMNO leader. Are they communist?
Anyway, keADILan would have to win the most number of seats with PAS and DAP making up the numbers for them to govern. So, please do not fear PAS or DAP. Either they would be ideal oppositions in parliament or a coalition party in a keADILan led multiracial government.

Likewise many other issues were addressed. Now the big question is, can Anwar be trusted? Well, how much worst can he be compared to the current leaders. Is there any credible leader in UMNO who can turn this country around? Petrol price is to increase again in April '08.

All essential goods are going to go higher. Malaysia's Foreign Direct Investment (pelaburan asing) has dwindled from top spot in the 90's to 6th in 2007 after Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines in South East Asia. Anwar is a leading financial adviser to many large institution and businessman for investment opportunities in South East Asia. University ranking has dropped below 200 wherelse Univeristy of Singapore are No.3 in Asia and Indian Institute of Tech. are top 10 in the world. Anwar is currently serves as a professor in Harvard and Oxford Universities, needless for me to say about the reputation of these two top class universities.

With all these in mind, why can't we give him 5 years to prove himself.
We have prejudged him as untrustworthy, well, he was in UMNO, to be a leader in UMNO, you must be a fanatic Malay, likewise MCA and MIC because they are race based parties. Now he has formed a multiracial party to fight for all regardless of race and religion but promised to protect the Malay rights as stipulated in the constitution. It's

TIME FOR CHANGE. VOTE WISELY.

stoned

I am really stoned by taking the cough syrup these few days. I do read blogs, but totally no inspiration to write one.

I have been on medicine, and slept a lot. Although I do feel better now, and finishing the prescriptions soon, still not 100% me yet *_*

Anyhow, the sore throat got better, but I have a very itchy throat now. Hate coughing, it disturb breathing and sleeping.

Well, been stoned and lazy around for a few days, and is about time to go back to work tomorrow. Time to re-collect myself, time to re-focus, and finally hope that the inspiration will come back eventually too

MRI

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small talk:
Am feeling not so well today. Therefore, after posting this, will take the rest of the day off. Will be resting a lot, therefore might be MIA from blogging for a while, till then.
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Wanna see something cool about me and "know" me better?

Well, see below. I got hold of my MRI scan recently for the facial injury that I sustained last year August.

I got hold of it recently to make an insurance claim.

While I have it in my possession now, felt as if kinda cool to see my head internally.

Stupidly, will look at the MRI occasionally trying to figure out what is going on in my head, hahaha "p

Dont tell me you see tumor in my head ya "p

layer views from plan

layer views from front

riding the election wave

在哪里你可以看到全世界最烂的工程部长 - 马来西亚
原因：沙美维鲁只有中六的学历，国会大厦经过接近一亿的装修，还是经常漏水。政府医院发霉，高速公路有裂痕，最要命的是签了那些不知所谓的大道合同，赔死我们。更要命的是，他到现在还是工程部长！

在哪里可以看到超人般的部长 - 马来西亚
原因：我们的首相阿杜拉 - 回教系毕业，但是可以同时作为财政部长，国家安全部长及首相，还有时间在南马大水灾发生时去澳洲为自己弟弟的nasi kandar 店开幕。

在哪里可以看到不卫生的卫生部长 - 马来西亚
原因：身为医生的卫生部长和卖花女在酒店开房，口交。或许我们的卫生部长的老婆没有和黄燕燕副部长讨教，如何穿性感的睡衣，绑住卫生部长的心？

在哪里可以看到最成功的教育部长 - 马来西亚
原因：他的孩子都在澳洲读书
在哪里可以看到最会演戏的贸工部长 - 马来西亚原因：AP事件没完没了，拉姑流了一把鼻涕一把泪后，没事！

在哪里做议员最爽 - 马来西亚
原因：能够从火车闸看守员，做到巴生议员，再盖了一个千万皇宫，还请埋普罗大众一起去他的house warming. 老查的钱哪里来？没关系，吃他两支satay再说

在哪里可以找到最善忘的人民 - 马来西亚
原因：未详，或许马来西亚的土壤上有着一种神秘物质，会让人民记忆消退，继续投票给那些没有用的贪官污吏.

about me

"introvert or extrovert?"

I would say I'm a little bit of both.

I'm a person who dont know how and dont really get along well with people anymore.

Although I knew a lot of people and seems to have many friends, I treated those who are close to me with formality and direct/blunt expression that might not be most popular way to express yourself/concern.

I dont like and dont know how to handle confrontation with people close to me, and tend to silent and fade away.

I treated many with smile, and recognizing their face rather than their name, because I am not good with names.

I'm easily get provoked with other people's wrong doings, and would think of millions ways to provoke those people to make them realize the same disgust feelings that I had.

I complained a lot, trying to make a difference, but little efforts came out and make no difference, and the ways I did it were wrong.

I'm building a taller and taller wall in me, that I have forgotten to see the beauty in life/human, and reluctant to/dont give anymore.

Sometimes, I just couldnt believe some of the words that came out from my mouth, or the actions that I had taken, some undeniebly wrong, yet didnt admit it.

I had lost the touch in expressing care for my family, because I'm a stubborn quiet son.

I stood proudly and preach on my own beliefs and way of life, that I have forgotten "one man's meat is another man's poison"

I'm an atheist, and at times, dont know what to belief in anymore.

For the past 28yrs and 8months, majority of my life has been wondering about me, no others and many are slipping away.

I think nothing changes after I wrote this

Paul Potts

I got this from a forwarded email,

it happened last year, in "Briton's Got Talent"

it is a story of Paul Potts

and i find it very amazing, and NOT sharing it is indeed really really wrong.

The only regret that I have is only get to know about it today.

Hope that you enjoy the clips as well :)


"1st impression/appearance is always important but it’s the courage, strength, talent, faith & confidence that makes one change his own world"

"Maybe Paul stopped believing in what people told him for so many years and ultimately started listening to his passion. If one takes but one thing away from his appearance, it should be to never judge a book by its cover. Absolutely fantastic ................"

http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd.html
http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd-Part-2.html

roofball

cool...

still CNY

Yesterday was an eventful day trying to catch up while CNY is coming to an end.

Spent great reunion lunch with some colleagues.

Later at night, ate lotsa things and got drunk a little with wine at 619F. To end the evening, went up Kek Lok Si for kodak moment :)

tempting lamb shoulder for lunch

the landmark pagoda images by DSC-T50

looks like lotsa fireflies more "fireflies"
the model of the day
more models :)

the CNY gang to Kek Lok Si

sneak peek

Here's a little sneak peek to my future condo to be, actually only 1 small little unit

Will be busy again soon :)

mini project

So, what's the mini project that I worked on during the CNY?

Hehehe, it is a hobby robot that I bought from Japan when I went to Tokyo more than 4yrs ago :)

I forgotten how much it costed me, but what I can think of now is, if the jap already had these kinda things 4 yrs ago, what they have now will be beyond my comprehension. Scary thought isn't it.

And "NO", I am still not a geek "p



I started off with this box.
Yeah, lots of japanese text on it.
The only words that I can recognize is "AVOIDER III" and "mechatronic".
*phew*... it is going to be a tough one *_*






This is my dusty (I cleaned it actually) toolbox that I dig up from somewhere in my room.
With it, the assembly process become "no problem", or may be not "p



I setup the solder iron (kinda like the uni time).
Then I unpacked the box content, and I have all these parts.
So, which shall I start first? mini mini mani mo...

OK, let's start with the manual first.

Oppss... lotsa japanese jargon... *_*

The manual kinda interesting too, because it explain in detail about robotic evolution, i guessed only "p

So, according to the manual, I need to do these tiny tiny thing first.

"Haiya, all these small small things, no problem lar!!!"

AND I spoke too soon... I spent almost 2 hours soldering them, making sure each and every one of them are correctly soldered *_*

Here is the 2hrs well spent effort :)

ok, moving on to the big parts...

after some time...

nearly...

okok, the post is dragging too long d...

*Press button "fast-forward"*

heheheh...

...

...

...

...

And finally I present you ...

4yrs ago "AVOIDER III" from the land of rising sun

:)

Wanna see how it works? :)

Anyhow, it is a one hell of a noisy robot.

Therefore, I sent it away as a gift :)