A home, away from home

Whats Abd?!!

A big Thank Yous to the BPYs 2007 for your great hospitality and companionship throughout my short stay in your lovely Sultanate.

BPY 07 Can Make Things Happen!

Aizat and Ikhwan - For picking Naz and me up at Miri, Sarawak upon our arrival.

Tasha and family - For gladly accomodating Naz and me at your residence throughout our stay.

Ikhwan and Amier - For driving me around the Sultanate state for a City Tour and visit to the various places of attractions.

Adai - For taking me to Friday prayers at Masjid Jame' Hassanal Bolkiah and for having us at your engagement. I wish you the best of happiness with your fiance.

Raudhah and Dex - For going jogging with me on a Saturday evening around the National Stadium.

Bob - For having me as his best man on his most important day of his life, marriage with Mimmet. I wish both of you the best of happiness in your future.

Dex - For being a great 'amahnyaa' throughout my stay.

Teo Poi Hoon - For spoiling otherwise my great 'Kolo Mee' by putting in a fly in my noodle.

Everyone who went to JP - For the great bumper car ride. Hope we can do it again soon and bump those whom we didnt have a chance to ;)

Ex-gf, Heleja - For almost meeting you. You stay too far lar... Should move to Bandar instead of Temburong.. Jauh benarr nak jumpa you lar! Hope you're doing well and happy in your life.

P.E - For having us over at his place for Nasi Katok and lepak session.

Aizat and family - For having us over at your residence for the doa selamat and Mar/ Apr Birthday Celebrations plus the slideshow and karaoke session.

Jen, Dex and Mony - For taking photos of us and video for memories sake. I tear when I watch the photos and videos.

Chris - For keeping me amused with your 'Tyra' poses and your great sense of humour.

To anyone else whom I've left out by name - Thank you so much. I'm just too tired to be typing all your names down. Shaza, Ally, Siti, Azie & bf, Adi, Shaq (Rau's bf), Ahmad, Ibnue, Rieyz, Eldi, Shahrin, Ezan and sape lagi haaa??

Coffee Zone - Serving great tasting coffee and waitresses. 'Sellinggg'

WYWY - Colourful lamps.

Fake Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Selling communist products. khekhekhe

MAPYs - Wonderful seeing you in the Sultanate state. Wish could have spent more time together with you guys too.

Aishah - For being my partner at the wedding as a lovely bridesmaid.

Thank You!

Thank You Everyone!

I hope to be there again soon.

Feels like home, away from home.

Air Stumped

What's Abd?!!

This poor dude got stopped at an Airport Security apparently for carrying the latest electronic gadget on the market - MacBook Air

Have you seen it yet?

It's super thin and does not have hard-drive!

He got stopped by TSA agents who were electronically less-educated.

Which comes to my conclusion...

Are Americans just as stupid as how Bush is?

Not to offend you guys but perhaps this is just one good example.

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/07/how-a-macbook-air-baffled-airport-security/

Prostestss

What's Abd?!!

I heard that there's a protest this coming weekend, 15 March 2008 at 1430hrs at the Parliament.

Protest? By Who?

Who else is there other than the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) led by the ever so brave Dr. Chee Soon Juan.

What's it about?

Tak Boleh Tahan!

Tak Boleh Tahan?

I cannot take it!

You cannot take what?

Tak Boleh Tahan is the theme for the protest.

Those attending are encouraged to be in red top.

Okay... Tak Boleh Tahan what?

Tak Boleh Tahan all the price increase in all the various sectors, ERP, Food, Oil etc...

Interesting.. So what can they offer as a solution?

Good question!

There's none!

That's the problem with this party.

I love them for their zest and guts to want to protest but all they do is protest for democracy.

Protest asking the government to lower down prices for the cost of living in Singapore.

Isn't that good?

Yes it is for a start.

However, there is no follow up action to the protest.

No solution provided.

No credible ideas on how to counter the rising cost.

If they had any to begin with, I'm sure they would have won their seat at Woodlands.

I'm all out for a party that can offer me solution and alternative to the problems that we face.

But if there was anyone who had the solution or alternative to the problems, they'd be in the other party already.

So how? Should I go?

Go to see how they protest but don't get too near or you'll get arrested too for illegal gathering.

Remember we are Singapore, democratic as the pledge may be, it does not tolerate any government demonstrations.

Such instances are considered illegal gathering (if more than 5) under the Constitution and you might also be liable for several other court injuctions on you should your protest be found to have caused public nuisance.

So, my advice, keep your distance and make sure you have your handy cam ready for a good show!

If you're lucky, you might to get to see police brutality!!

What's Abd?!!

Ever Heard Of Spalling Concrete??

What is that??

Well, Spalling concrete is a common surface maintenance problem especially in older buildings. It is largely due to a natural deterioration process called carbonation.

Ohh... What Happens then?

A bulge will appear on your ceiling and if left not repaired, that part of your ceiling will fall off.

Oh my.. That's Dangerous isn't it?

Yeap! Sure is dangerous.

That's why it is important for house owners to know what to look out for to prevent such an incident. (Though I would say that it is even more important for the authorities to educate house owners on how to properly maintain your house to ensure it remains intact and safe to stay in).

What causes this?

Cracks and bulges in small areas of your ceiling are probably spalling concrete. If these cracked pieces are removed, you might be able to see steel bars embedded in the exposed concrete.

Spalling concrete is largely due to a natural deterioration process called carbonation. This causes the steel bars embedded in the ceiling slab to corrode, causing the concrete cover to crack and bulge.

Therefore, spalling concrete is generally a surface maintenance problem that occur on reinforced concrete structures that do not affect the structural integrity of building.

Ohh.. So is there any preventive measures that I can take to prevent it?

In fact, Yes!

There are a few things you can do as preventive measures when you spot such sightings.

Paint ceiling regularly

The carbonation process which causes spalling concrete can be slowed down or prevented by painting your ceiling regularly. You should therefore paint your ceiling every 3 to 5 years, using a few coats of anti-carbonation or good quality paint.

Seal cracks/holes properly

You should check your ceiling regularly. If there are holes drilled in the ceiling that are no longer in use, they should be sealed immediately to prevent moisture and oxygen entering the concrete. Cracks on the ceiling should likewise be sealed quickly.

Provide sufficient ventilation

A humid environment speeds up the carbonation process. You should keep the level of humidity down in wet areas like the kitchen and toilet/bathroom by opening the vents/windows and doors.

Ohhh okay... So can I repair it on my own?

Yeah! You can do it on your own in fact IF you are skillfull and you have the tools to do it.

Here's how!

Step 1: Remove the spalled concrete
Remove the concrete at the spalled areas to expose the corroded steel bars.

Step 2: Clean and paint the corroded steel bars
Scrape and clean the exposed steel bars to remove the rust by using a wire brush.
Apply two coats of anti-rust paint to the steel bars.

Step 3: Patch
Apply a bonding agent to the affected surface before patching to ensure proper adhesion.
Patch up the hacked area using polymer modified cement mortar.

Step 4: Paint
Paint the area to match the rest of the ceiling.

Wow!!! Seems kinda tough. Can I just call in a contractor to do it?

Yes!!!

Yawnss and Dawn

What's Abd?!!

Well, some interesting things over the weekend.

• Pesta Pesta Pesta
• Malaysian Elections

Pesta Pesta Pesta

A very interesting concept this time. Moving away from traditional award shows, this time the concept was refreshing and candid.

The stage had been set to look like a wrestling ring and its presenters as the wrestlers with some celebrities seated at ring side to 'cheer'.

It did look like a kids show though.

There was quite a number of singing going on just to play with time and the awards weren't that impressive.

Oh well, I had given that a miss for something more worthwhile of my time.

I just hope things will go well and put things back to perspective.

Malaysian Elections

A very very interesting and expected result.

Barisan Nasional (BN), the coalition had lost states to the opposition and 4 of its cabinet ministers lost their parliamentary seats.

Ex-Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim's wife and daughter had both won their respective fights. His wife, Dr Wan Azizah retained her seat whilst his daughter, Nurul Izzah, had beaten a Minister in her first ever, general elections. Impressive showing!!!

All in all, BN only managed to garner a simple majority to form a government.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi must be scratching his head on what had happened to his leadership which has faced so much clout and critism in recent years. His team of ministers had also been under constant limelight for all the wrong things.

Perhaps Anwar Ibrahim says it best, "It is the beginning of a new dawn".

Oh well, this for your information, kept me awake till 3am in the morning before I surrendered to the pillows, blanket and mattress.

The Election

What's Abd?!!

Malaysian Elections!!!

08 March 2008

SO?

So... it's interesting!

The election date has been set exactly a month before deposed Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is legible to contest for election. Nevertheless, he's on the forefront with his wife, Dr Wan Azizah. The opposition has also been working closely with one another to avoid a 3-corner fight (that will inevitably result in a win for Barisan Nasional).

The Election Commission (EC) has decided against using indelible ink.

Millions more Malaysians are expected to boycott the elections and not vote simply because there is a lack of democracy (only coalition speeches get aired, Singapore a bit better. Give a bit more airtime but critise the opposition in papers and put in good words and big spreads for coalition in the papers) and however way they vote, it's quite clear who's going to win the elections.

Okayy.... Sounds very interesting!

But I'm across the causeway.

How does that affect me?

Eh goondu!

Because you live across the causeway is exactly why you should be concerned. Whoever gets to be the government will make changes and these changes will affect ALL countries. Adding on to that, if you haven't noticed, most of the people who work in Singapore are Malaysians.

Oh yeah... True True...

I got some bad news too!

If you did National Service (NS) with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and have finished your NS, prepare yourself for a RECALL this 08 March!

wahahahah

Really?!! Why!!!

Because, if you have noticed in recent years. Everytime Malaysia holds an election, the army will do a recall.

What the hell are we supposed to do?

Very easy... Report for duty with your full pack and then you will be stationed at the Causeway or near the Causeway (Woodlands Centre Road) and perhaps all other entry/ exit points that link Malaysia and Singapore. Which leaves the other one left only - Tuas Checkpoint.

What for?

Well, in case there's a racial tension there. It might spill over to Singapore and then you have to do what you are supposed to do (suppress and contain any form of uprising).

Gosh... I don't want to get recalled!

Hahaha... I know!!

So what should I do now?

Very easy, make plans now to go overseas on Friday night perhaps?

Indonesia is the nearest and most hassle-free (considering the Causeway is having a big traffic jam recently and it doesn't seem to stop soon).

Afterwhich, go to http://www.ns.sg/ and submit your Overseas Notification to your unit.

If the system is down (very often it is), send an email to your unit to follow up.

That should suffice to cover you in case you get recalled and you are overseas.

That's A Great Idea!

Of course it is you goondu!

Who wants to get recalled on a Saturday to stand guard for the whole day!

I just saved your date with your Girlfriend, Wife, Mistress, Scandal or watever else you call it.

Show me some form of appreciation next time and make good your time with your loved one.

Uncertainty

What's Abd?!!

GCE 'A' Level Results

Are you waiting for your results to be released this Friday, 7th March 2008?

Yes?!

Feeling worried about getting your results??

Yes?!

Don't be!

If you should be worried, it should have been before you sat for your examinations!

It's way over already!

So, just go pick up your results and be content with what you get cause that's what you deserved!

Crying won't help if you didn't do well. You probably weren't smart enough to do well afterall!!

Smile and get on with your life!!

If you're Malay and need to lighten up for the bad/good/moderate results, come to watch 'Pesta Pesta Pesta'. I guarantee you, you will feel smarter when you leave after watching those artises.

Pesta Pesta Pesta??

Yesss....

An awards show for the local malay artises. Here's the link for more information: http://suria.mediacorptv.sg/PPP08/index.htm

Cehh... What's So Interesting About It?

Well, since you weren't feeling good about your results. This is a good place to be at. You can scream and shout as loud as you want since everyone there will be screaming (trust me on this, I been to a show once and I know how deafening it is).

Plus! You might get spotted for being the most 'Semangat' (Enthusiastic) Fan and bring home a prize!

Sounds like a great Idea!! But I Want More!!!

You'll get to meet lotsa mats (if you're a girl) and minahs (if you're a guy) and if you think you're too old for school.

Think again.

You just finished 'A' Levels!

You are right where you belong!!!

Where do I get Tickets??

Don't worry! Just gate crash your way!! How else better to spend a sucky day knowing you're not academically smart! You'll get the thrills too!

That's too risky!!!

Oh well... I guessed it. You ain't got the guts to do it.

Tell you what, stand and wait then cause they might just let you in if the studio ain't full enough.

Sigh... Wait??

Lazy is it??

Go down to Caldecott Broadcast Centre and take the tickets on your own lah!!

PIG!!!

Will you be there?

ME??

Maybe

I need to express myself out too you know with all the stress that I have entertaining stupid pigs like you and I have a good friend who got nominated.

So, the reception will serve good food for me when I crash through!!

Rise Of The Giant

What's Abd?!!

image courtesy of wikipedia.

China is increasing their military spending by 17.6% this 2008.

That's up to about 57.2 billion dollars!! BUT don't jump out of your seat too soon.

President Bush proposed to spend 600 billion dollars on the U.S defense and military this 2008!

That's more than 10 times more of what China is spending.

Guessed who's making the most noise yet?

The United States of course!!!

Guessed why yet??

Because China is growing exponentially in terms of economic growth and military growth and would surpass any other economy in the world in the next few years (I project it to be by 2015), eventually becoming the world power in economy and military (after population growth of course which they have shown clearly how capable they are). So it's quite obvious that the U.S is worried that they might not be able to be the world power in the near future.

Should we worry?

As long as we're not in Taiwan and remain allies with China, we're pretty much safe.

What would be better than China you say?

If the Middle East countries decide to push their egos aside and join forces.

That would be a sight to be seen and to bow down to.

Why Middle East you say?

They are the main producers of oil in this world. Without them, there'd be no proper economy in the world to steer by. They should seriously consider joining arms in brotherhood of Islam creating their own Union (after pushing Israel aside since Israel is being supported by U.S and stole land from Palestine historically speaking a matter of fact after getting borrowed land from U.K). The Middle East nations should really form a union of their own! Imagine what would happen if one day they decide to stop selling oil to U.S and supply only China. Can you imagine that??

What happens to Singapore then?

Really depends on which side they want to bank on. If they take sides with U.S, then I don't suppose you'll be heading anywhere further since most of Singapore economy is U.S reliant.

What should you do?!

Migrate!!! Migrate!! Migrate!

Where?!!

To any other country that supports Middle East. Seriously, Indonesia would be a great place despite what the U.S says about Jemaah Islamiyah. Indonesia has more than 17, 000 islands! There's more than enough land to go around!

Plus!

If Indonesia get its act together, it'll be the top five economy in the world (I project it to be 3rd if it progresses like China) after China and India.

Still thinking??

Yah!

You should be!!

If someone crazy bombs ExxonMobil at Jurong Island, we'll perish!

(Judging from how Mas Selamat managed to get away despite tight security - Impossible Is Nothing!)

Can't Speak Bahasa??
You are kidding me!! Were you born here or are you one of those who took up citizenship huh?
Majulah Singapura is THE national anthem and you can't speak bahasa?!!

You are definitely not Singaporean if you don't know and you probably know the U.S anthem better right???

So what are you waiting for?
GO and LEARN Majulah Singapura or return your citizenship back okay?

But if you are Singaporean and have forgotten the national anthem and if all else fails just say this, "Marilah Kita Bersatu, Dengan Semangat Yang Baru!" (thrusting your clench fist into the air) and that means "Let us come together, with renewed spirit!".

That should get those Indonesians roaring in support for you!
Hell!
You might even get to lead the provincial government!!

Bounty Hunter

What's Abd?!!


We want a bounty on his head!
S$10, 000, 000 perhaps?

He's a highly trained, dangerous individual who have the capability to bring down this tiny island. He's already humiliated the 'high security' facility guarded by Singapore's most feared - Gurkhas.

Mas Selamat Kastari CV commands a deserving bounty.

Having escaped twice before in Indonesia and now in Singapore.

C'mon Uncle Wong, give us the bounty, I'd get him for you dead or alive
(not before I get an exclusive photo and interview!)