Back for a rather delayed post, so here I am thinking, Aids an immunodeficiency sexually transmitted disease which has taken many lives over the course of its existence. It comes from a virus called HIV, which probably needs no introduction. HIV has been cureless, though has suppressants which has been able to help some, who are particularly resistant to the virus, to live for an improved duration, enjoying nearly what would seem a normal life. How is it so, a simple organism like a virus has survived the countless cures which was formulated? You see, HIV is very efficient in changing its genetic material within its DNA, and multiplying fast enough to sustain an immunity against it.

So here, I will introduce two groups, who seemingly have claimed of a cure to AIDS, Koronis Pharmaceuticals and University of Louisville’s Owensboro Cancer Research Program.

The Koronis party seems to have develop a drug called the KP-1461, a mutagen which is used to attack the HIV. Using the ability of HIV to mutate and alter its own DNA structure, the KP-1461 takes advantage of it ability and cause errors in its DNA mutation, in due time, the errors will cause the virus itself to be unable to function and ultimately, mutate itself to death. Such a beautiful idea, using the virus’ strength against itself. Personally I would view such a drug, would produce accountable side effects, as researches on the virus’ operation during the course of its erroneous mutation, would it be even deadlier? Or will it just carry on mutating to its end? Also, the cost of the drug would probably be above a threshold where it will be reachable by the general public, restricting itself only to those who hold great financial fortitude.

University of Louisville’s Owensboro Cancer Research Program, has utilized a certain protein in tobacco leaves is effective in blocking the immunodeficiency virus from infecting the cells in the human body. Not much of a cure, but a it would be greatly effective, as it would be reachable by the masses, and you would probably live through it until a proper cure is found. However, the quality of living would not be the same, but it would better than not living at all.

Now we look at it from a different perspective. Though AIDS is a deadly disease, it has helped to keep the problem of over population around the globe, some due to fear of contracting the disease thus stopping they’re own libido, and in some countries, where over population is a great issue. Perhaps, in some religious way of viewing it, probably it was created by the will of a superior being (**Sorry I won’t refer to God here, because it’s a particularly sensitive word to use) of controlling the human species from consuming themselves. Crude, yet effective, but if there exists an affordable but ultimately effective cure, would the overpopulation which is an inevitable event cause the human to spiral out of control and greatly increase the consumption of our little planets finite amount of energy?

However, from a medical point of view, curing HIV would be a miracle, breaking the many years of void of a cure. Many lives could be saved, even if the cure might not be affordable to the general public, where there are many AIDS support societies and clubs to assist with the funding.

So what’s your take on a cure on AIDS?

Hello again,

Recently, the G20 has just been held in London recently with good ol’ Nicholas Sarkozy’s Zorro act of “I’ll GTFO of here if there’s no tighter global financial regulation” and much other entertaining yet serious businesses.

Well, the hot topic was the North Korea alleged recent missle issue, about launching a long range rocket communication satellite into orbit. What I have gathered is that South Korean President Lee Myung-bak says it’s almost certain. Interestingly, this rocket might apparently trespass through some international restricted airspace from both South Korea and Japan, and given the technology of launching a com sat rocket, it’s very similar to launching an ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missle).

Many countries are preparing strict diplomatic measures for security purposes, and given this current state of the global recession, this isn’t a funny joke to play. I haven’t much to say, nor I have much to criticize, but I would really pray and hope that nothing which will further impact the current state of situations to worsen. Loads of shit has been happening around, such as PM K Rudd and his defence minister, Mr Najib’s PM installation, Chrysler and GM strict reformation order from Pres Obama and all, we don’t need to add salt to the wounds.

And off the topic filled with shit, Jamie Oliver had the honor of preparing the catering for the duration of the G20 summit.

Here’s a sneak peak of what he made

Special Salad of Tastebud Stimuli

So till the next time dudes, I’ll find something more interesting to write up, really, it’s hard finding topics with this dry brain of mine.

Toodles~

Hello again, now that there has been several happenings lately, I can start writing again.

Now, the most recent event, was Earth Hour. An event where everyone switches off their lights quite simply as a vote to sustainability of life on earth. An event which would symbolize the unity of people towards a greener, healthier earth from now on.
I have my personal views on them, which probably in some pessimistic way thinks this event was only half assed. However, its significance still proves to override the little short comings it has.

Let us view the general events of Earth Hour. Everyone (including participating businesses, which if I’m not mistaken, would have to register themselves) switches off their lights. Then there are the events celebrating Earth Hour, with stage performances and such, consuming all power that was saved by all the lights anyway. Oh, the bitter sweet irony, this probably has already been thought of, criticized and scrutinized and probably passed off as a negligible factor.
But, that’s just to tell you folks who never thought of this negatives which often comes with the objective of this sort of events, the term is called compromise. (Just applies to those who are really completely ignorant, a rare breed, right?)

Well above all, I myself supported Earth Hour, as a sustainable processing stream engineer (might change to nanotech though) I see Earth Hour as a great event to bring awareness to all whom has never seen the greener light of the earth. The earth is a body which contains a finite amount of energy, though large, with our humanities great consumption of it, it will undoubtedly run out of it, and the effects of a planet which has no energy, is the same to that of a dead star (which didn’t turn into a black hole). Everyday we work to lower the consumption of this vital resource, yet, through the significant amount of ignorant people around the globe, our efforts might go in vain if no awareness is raised. Thus, Earth Hour is a vital event which I would like to thank the environmentalists and the event management for such an essential event.

Now for some pictures, courtesy of The Associated Press and their affiliations.

Giza Pyramids.

Torronto!

Venice, Italy!

Participants in China!

Now that you know that the current situation the Earth is in, why don’t you do your part, though small, but with infinitismal unity and mindset, we’ll probably extend the age of the Earth, because every little thing we do counts. As time goes by, with our newfound mentality and as our technology continues to flourish, what we do now, will prove to be a winning factor against the death of our beautiful blue marble.

So ladies and gentlement, it’s lights out.

Drive safe, play safe and have a very merry and happy Chinese New Year.

yes, I’m running out of things to talk about

Alright, it’s been awhile since the last update. Nothing much going around other than the Gaza conflict and the President Elects few nothing-to-shout-about-so-called-scandals.

Recently, Israel has launched a land assault on to Gaza, which has painted (and still is) Palestine red with blood. I would certainly hope a ceasefire to take place immediately. However, the Israelis actions to continue the siege and ignoring UN’s proposal for an immediate and permanent ceasefire has caused the Muslim community to act against the main powers of this very conflict.

Thus, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has suggested publicly a few days back to boycott American and Israeli products. Yes, we understand and are deeply touched by the unity of the Islamic community (no one wants bloodshed anymore, since Hitler probably) but a total boycott would be heavily affect the economy, not only for the Americans but also ourselves.

Recently however, Selangor’s MB made a very good point that we should indeed boycott American and Israeli products, but only after a close analysis of products which are fully owned by Americans or Israelis, as there are a majority of products which are co-owned by Muslim countries.
“There should be a ban on Muslims buying weaponry directly from these countries or even through a third party,” said Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. That would be a great example of a product which a total embargo would serve its purpose.

All in all, in this short post, I pray for all the lives lost, along with greater strength and endurance towards the families of those who have passed. May god (of any religion if necessary) bless you all.
May this conflict quickly come to an end before more blood is shed.

Yes, hello. I’m sure many of you would have kept up with the recent issues between the conflict of the Hamas government and Israel. Now, I strictly disallow racial and religious comments, as I believe that respect between all would probably have averted conflicts such as this.

Moving on, now this all started when the Hamas started launching rockets towards a small town in Israel which resulted in casualties and wounding several civilians. Now, Hamas was a democratic party (ironically) which was fairly elected, but it seems their actions would only label them now as an extremist terrorist group.

Let us now try to view from an Israelis point. Just a peaceful day when rockets begin pouring from the sky blowing everything you were familiar with to bits. In my humble opinion, Israels retaliation against the initial rocket strikes with air strikes to halt the missile strikes from Gaza was absolutely necessary. However, it seems now if the Israeli government would not stop, and might obtain authorization for a land assault. If that were to happen, countless lives would be lost, Palestinians and Israelis alike. This should and must be condemned. However, I do see the risks of not completely disabling every missile silo controlled by the Hamas, in case they were to breach the ceasefire (if they were to even accomplish that agreement)

I can only view that extremism practiced in anything, and maybe everything, would only lead to some very poorly made decisions with very obsessive rationals. I’m gently instigating the point that extremism in religion is even disliked by the general population of the same religion alike. Your rationality is and will be completely clouded.

This conflict will probably end up being a vicious cycle. Only the strongest foreign pressure might put an end to this (namely the United States of America). Let us all give a prayer to those who have lost their lives and that this would have a more peaceful ending than what has to come.

P/S I think I wrote this quite poorly, excuse me. =/

Good day, today has been rather entertaining as it is, and will continue to be, as it is a week filled with festivities. However, in the midst of all the joy and celebration, in a rather pessimistic point of view, you’d see the the ugly side of this festivities.

Shall we begin with the occasion of the festivities. Everybody loves Boxing day, the lovely 24th of December where you would be busy boxing (read: not giving a sharp jab in the face to score points) up gifts for people whom you care or wish to present a heartfelt gift.
This will then be followed by the day of Christmas. A wonderful celebration of love and gratefulness towards practically everyone and everything. Just a marvelous event.
Also, just after, the New Year. Where you set everything of the yesteryear behind and strive forward with not only a renewed resolution, but determination and goals as well.

Thus, we approach today’s topic. In the late evenings of Boxing day, many would gather at a nice spot, together with friends and such, to do a massive, loud and fun countdown. The screams of joy echo around the globe upon the arrival of Christmas. Many, would term this to be a party. Indeed, beside the road screaming your lungs out probably is fun (and yes I have done it myself regardless) But we should always refrain ourselves from crossing boundaries that differentiates between partying for a celebration or acting like a mad hooligan. I have been in several countdowns, mostly for Christmas, New years and Independence day, and I have seemed to notice many of the general population (and please, if you’re thinking any racial stuff, I can assure you, this act is shared with harmony amongst all races, just like what Malaysia is known for, right?, heh) tend to act exactly what was described latter.
It is understood that a country which is located around the equator, we do not receive any amounts of snow, and a white Christmas has only been an ideal vision of what many would view that special day to be.

Therefore, ingenious chemists and businessman (sorry, not gonna quote the entire workforce here) alike took the effort to create a non-toxic foam spray which if sprayed upwards in massive quantities would certainly emulate a snowing night. Oh, the sight would be lovely. Or would it? You see, although the intent of this product was to be fun, however, as you would expect, this has been taken overboard. This so called party people abuses this spray with acts such as disrupting traffic, molestation and such.
There was a video, taken in Penang, which I haven’t got the link (it was on Youtube I think), you can clearly see this hooligans, massing the roads and spraying all the cars that drive by. Now lets think just a little deeper than the surface, you see, they not only blind the driver by blocking the windscreens (read: plural) but there is not guarantees that the additives used within the foam spray is not corrosive towards the car, or its finish. How would you like it if just because you were driving home from dinner for Christmas with your beloved family, just to find out you mowed someone down ’cause you were blinded by a joint act of foolishness.
Now moving on, other than blinding drivers, there have been cases where this sprays have been used to blind females. You know, white sticky stuff all over your face, the crowd pushing around, then you realize there is this hand up your skirt or on your chest. Somehow, I can’t bring myself to think that parents and the innocent girls might have been that ignorant to not know such risks are around. Indifferent? Maybe.

Now look, I’m not implying that countdowns should be completely ignored, just a reminder that sometimes, countdowns in a more controlled environment, would be better; in every way.

Pretty long stuff eh? If you till here, you’re doing good, ’cause I think that many wouldn’t have bothered to read this far =/ But we’re not finished yet. You see, large crowds of people wielding their spray cans of doom and destruction, well at least until the propellant or the foam compound has been used up, will probably leave loads, and loads of trash.
Singapore slaps you with a fine and hangs you up for community service if you’re caught littering. The government probably could collect enough money to allocate a small amount of funds for the defense budget if they were to slap fines on this sort of occasions. And again, lets look just a little deeper than the surface. Who is going to clean up after you? Hmmm? It’s just mind boggling how selfish people can be. Malaysia isn’t exactly an underpopulated country. If this sort of occasion was common, I really just wonder would Malaysia really have first world infrastructures, or would it be a country which would have problems with waste disposal problems and the government is forced to allocate a sum of money to deal with this problem.

Yes, you have a right to party but please, do it in a manner which it would really be less chaotic. For once be a little less selfish and act accordingly, probably you’d feel a lot more satisfied thinking if that thing you didn’t do, helped someone else in one way or another. Wake up and smell the roses people.
Oh, and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Alright, I may have mislead you to think that this would be an emo post. Right, I apologize. Now, getting to the point, in the year 1997, the global economy experienced a meltdown which caused many jobs to be axed and purchasing power to dip way below a comfortable point. Now, economic analysts say that (to be fair, I’m not quoting exactly anyone, sorry I’m too lazy to find references) every 10 years, an economic recession would take place after it’s boom.

However, ten years later, 2007 nothing of sorts happened. Now we forward to today. The 23rd of December year 2008, we have yet to experience the recession. It’s only a matter of time before the recession hits, and because it has delayed for 2 years, it will hit harder and faster than before (excuse the cliché)

Now put some thought into it, are we, Malaysia, ready to face the recession? Quite frankly, I haven’t been actively keeping up with the local news, my bad on that with no excuses, but with my already limited knowledge, I have a strong feeling that Malaysia, will be pushed to the limits of its economic strength.
Back in 1997, when Tun Dr Mahathir was leading the nation as prime minister, the Ringgit was packed, therefore, we didn’t suffer as badly as many other nations.

Under the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Malaysian Ringgit was unpacked for several positive economic reasons. The impending recession will now probably drown the Ringgit at it’s most vulnerable stage, but times have changed, and with some luck and blessing, I really pray that the Malaysian economy will be able to withstand the crushing force which is to come.

Alright, so there’s been a lot going on, and I finally decided to update. Penang and good food.
Thats bout it. Lol bye.

Okay this month is the month of December, the end of the year, rhetorical statement as it is but it’s relevance will prove to be significant as I elaborate.
This month is the month where the bread winners take their long leaves of their stressful jobs (read: dads!) to have a good vacation and spend some quality time with their families.

Malaysia is quite an intriguing country to visit for its tropical weather, diverse culture and the multitudes of flavors that would make life enjoyable to live. But the irony is that, many comments left by tourists leave a bitter memory of their experience rather than the much buttered up sweet talk adverts.

Take this, there was a wedding held recently in a 5 star hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur which the identity will be kept confidential, had services that would keep you away from Malaysia for a good amount of time.
Firstly, upon arrival the hotel was able to allow check ins, because there weren’t any rooms available yet. The greatly annoying point about this is that, reservations were already made beforehand, how can this happen? It’s a 5-star hotel. Fine, so maybe they weren’t so pushy to kick out the overdue occupants. But still this says something about the service in Malaysia.

Moving on, was the wedding reception. Sounds great right? Well, thats where your great expectations would be shot to the ground and burnt to the ground. It all began when the services started. The waitress had such excellent speed in serving the table, one of the attendees stood up and started serving the rest (much faster and efficient, with pleasing presentation as well). Hello? Attendee > waitress. Fine. Disregard that. So then, the same nice guy, asked for vinegar. Yes, vinegar is usually provided on the table, by Malaysian culture, but you see not everyone is local. So then, the waitress just stared blankly and went, “Harh?” as if he was speaking an alien language. Great, first the bad service, now they can’t even communicate through an international language. This is then followed by a helpful local, who helped him with the vinegar.
Shortly after, another attendee was craving for something extra spicy, so she asked for some pepper (she’s a local so she spoke in BM) and this was replied with a puzzled look from the waitress. She then proceeds to ask a passing waiter, “Eh, kita ada lada ke?”. Now ladies and gentleman. That would mean (not a direct translation), “Eh, is it possible that we have pepper?”. Funny, 5-star hotel restaurant hosting a wedding reception, no pepper. So I really what they use to flavor some of their dishes. Probably due to the impending recession, they decided to follow China and used shredded leather as pepper. Oh, just to note, this was a blatant comment by one of the attendee “The food sucked.”
Now now, that was not the end of it. Purely by observation, you can see how much this servicemen and women lacked the basic manners for everyday life, not just for hospitality for tourism. They would bump into you, and say “Excuse me” instead of “Sorry”. Fine, that’s probably excusable, but anyone would be expecting better service.

Now returning after the reception, they proceeded to check-in, and were quickly directed to their rooms, only to see one queen sized bed, when the reservation clearly stated 2 single beds. Fantastic!! You may even say that no one is as lucky to step on shit thrice a day! After a good few minutes of chewing tongues, they agreed to reset the bedding, but for the time being, they were asked to spend some time, with their luggage at the lounge. Despite the mix up, no sort of reimbursements were offered. So, another few minutes chewing more tongues, the hotel finally did something right, which was to upgrade the bed to a king sized bed.

Now, for locals, I believe you would have seen Malaysia Airlines (MAS) advertisements saying MH is not just a flight code, but it also stands for Malaysian Hospitality. And given much of that experience by tourists, is it all that hospitable? I can only agree that many countries still think Malaysia is a land where people still stay on tree houses and move around by swinging on vines.
Shape up Malaysia! Tourism is one of the biggest cash flow into the country, any local, would feel ashamed if they had introduced this and that to their tourist friends, only to be embarrassed by the numerous screw ups that they conjure.

Ah, finally. The finals are over. I wish I could say it all went well. Incredibly tough it was. Sigh. Nothing I can do now.

So lets get straight to whatever activity I’ve been up to.
Haven’t been doing much productive stuff. Went to watch the latest Bond installment. I didn’t watch the previous one (was during my examinations or so, nonetheless I missed it) but I thought it’d be nice to catch Olga Kurylenko on the silver screen for once. Right after, me and the guys headed back to my place to finish up the green label which we had left since the previous session. You know, savour the flavour. Spent bout 4-5 hours just drinking and chatting, blowing all sorts of secrets and stuff which we haven’t been able to share.

The very next day, me and CK got up early, kicked started our engines and headed to KL. We first picked up Joe from the KTM then we drove up to Petaling Street to have some awesome beef noodles for breakfast as well as meeting up with Richard. After we were done, headed off to do some shopping.
Joe was looking for an acoustic, which was suitable for fingerstyling, so we showed him around, you know all the usual places, for all the bad acoustics first. Come on, Ibanez acoustics? All maple dreadnought wei! Not short of nasty, with a bad price tag, 2000MYR for a whole piece of firewood. Great way to get the cash flow into the economy. Heh (sorry Ibanez fanboys =p)
We first started at CK music, as it’s closest to BTS (where we parked), and I did some shopping of my own.

Teaser?

Teh new cables!!

Fine fine, it’s nothing much, just new cables. Huge improvements in tone and noise though. Great purchase!!
Then we headed on to JS music, where Joe tried an OM copy Takamine, I got to try an OLP Steve Morse fitted with another neck (can’t remember). Following shops we visited was Bentley and finally SMX, where we spent most of our time.

Thats bout it. I might post some more pedal demos soon, though theres only like 2-3 more, and it’s nothing much bout it. Heh I’ve a recording of Fall to Pieces though, lazy to put it up. I’ll see how it goes.

**Pending Geek Post** Till next time. See ya.