Youtube (April 2010 Upgrade) Sucks

Well, I thought it was just an April Fool joke when I login to Youtube that day - the layout was terrible. The comments are disorganized, I always get page cannot display error which is fine after a few refresh (stupid right). It's 18th April today and I realize that Youtube isn't going to do much about it having seen no improvement for the past two weeks. Some Youtubers posted that people should check out Metacafe.com and you know what? I just did and I must say that I lurve Metacafe as it has similar interface with the old Youtube design. *Swoon*

Now, play these videos ( from Metacafe ), sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the tune (you might want to let it get fully loaded first before playing).

The New Pornographers - Adventures in Solitude

 

Mark Mulcahy - The Cookie Jar

Where the Hell is Olisabang in India?

Real names are covered.

PRAYER REQUEST:

PLS PRAY 4 churches in India. Buddhist extremists in India burned down 20 churches last night. 2nitE they plan to destroy 200 churches in the province of Olisabang. They plan to kill 200 missionaries within 24 hours. Right now all Christians are hiding in the villages. Please pray for them & send... this mail to Christians you know. Please ask God to have mercy on our brothers and sisters in India. This is how war can happen these days, especially in the information age where 'news' like the above travels to the masses with the push of a button and most readers are ignorant to do their due diligence to verify source(s).

By playing on the sentiment of religion - (while some news are true, most are not) - this type of news are posted to bring out the beast of an emotion in you, especially so if you think like the last person to comment on above screenshot.

Seriously, I don't see how smart people like the above could be so ignorant. If I were to follow the above justification that "who damn stupid wanna kidd wit dis type of situation" to spread such news - if I don't care, if I then spread this news to others, if people get so entangled in the emotional damnation based on the fake news that they couldn't rise above their better judgement and then persecute the innocents in the process - what's gonna happen next?

The greater implications of a single small event like so, even if it's a joke, even if it's a hoax, even if it's not intended that way could affect people differently, to which you have no control of. The above sounds innocent enough - merely asking for prayers. While that prayer is free, spreading lies is not. The above "Buddhist extremists in India burned down 20 churches last night. 2nitE they plan to destroy 200 churches in the province of Olisabang. They plan to kill 200 missionaries within 24 hours" could have injured or cost someone their lives.

I am praying that God gives these people wisdom to see and check their facts before posting stories.

Burnout

Once upon a time, the adrenalin high from deadlines, long hours, and excessive responsibility – I loved it all because I know I could do it. Ten years forward though in what you call present day and present state of mind, all that is no longer the case. Burnout is an apt word to describe. I have fallen before into several long periods of unproductive paralysis. Most times, I had held my head up high and soldier on, because I chose to look at the glass being half full, on the way to filling up with magic. Magic did happen, but ...I am again looking and staring at the glass - still being half-full, wondering if its contents will vaporize, or if its contents should have alcohol in it?

I know there is no standing still. No one can stand still and watch the world go by. The earth orbits around the sun in perpetual motion and so does every element in the universe, from the very smallest quarks to the biggest of matter. Things will come to pass .... eventually.

Craft: How to Create Jar Labels

Things you will need :
(1) Empty Jars
(2) Scrapbook Paper (printed on both sides, preferably with different patterns)
(3) Super Glue
(4) A sharp pair of scissors

Optional:
(5) Any round object that fits the top jar (to cover the label)
(6) Pencil

For the jar label:
Measure the height of the actual height of jar label. Fold the scrapbook paper accordingly to the size. Cut and then paste it on the jar with super glue.

For the jar lid label:
To cover the label on the jar lid, place a round object on top of the scrapbook paper, trace using a pencil and then cut accordingly. Paste it to the jar lid with super glue.

Some photos for reference...

Before and After:

Imma Dutch Milk Baby

Just realized how difficult it is to get this brand from the local supermarket as it's always out of stock. Dutch Lady Fresh Milk - the best milk to go with morning coffee. I was at Mercato yesterday looking for this. Dutch Lady Low Fat version yes, they have it. Chocolate flavored, yes have that too. Full Cream type, also in stock. But not one Dutch Lady Fresh Milk in sight. Damn!! Damn Austin Chase and Starbucks.

I also noticed how Dutch Lady have different packaging for the same type of milk: the Rectangle milk carton (1 Liter), the Square milk carton (1 Liter) and the 900ml bottle which I didn't bother to check. Today however, I saw the difference between the Rectangle milk carton vs the 900ml milk bottle. Check these two:

Dutch Lady Fresh Milk in Rectangle Paper Carton

In other words: Susu lembu gemoks gemoks dari New Zealand. Higher chance to have worked with clients like Legolas, Arwen, and the likes.

Dutch Lady Fresh Milk in 900ml Bottle.

In other words: Susu lembu from haze-polluted environment.

Bila Sky Lausai

Di petang kala ini, aku teruja menulis tentang langit yang kurang siuman semenjak dua menjak. Visual di atas itulah buktinya. Terlihat langit kencing mengangkang ke atas Yo Maha's Favorite Twin Peaks.

Kalau berdasarkan gambar tersebut, semestinya hati terdetik dan sekaligus terfikir tentang banjir kilat yang mungkin bakal melanda kota metropolis Malaysia yang setanding namanya bilamana hujan bertandang. Apatah lagi bila angin gila yang maha garang berdengung singgah menendang di kaca jendelaku, kenyataan 'Kuala Lumpur akan banjir lagi' itu seperti hampir pasti terjadi. Pastinya satu berita gembira kepada penghuni kota yang bekerja 5.5 hari seminggu untuk tidak hadir bekerja pada keesokan harinya dengan alasan kurang kreatif seperti kereta rosak, kunci hanyut, selsema katak, ataupun seluar dalam tak kering.

Malang sekali Kuala Lumpur yang berjerebu ini tidak mengalami banjir untuk menghakis daki-daki kota. Visual di atas cuma hujan perolakan yang berlangsung setakat 10 minit sahaja. Bak kata orang putih, it's just for shows.

How to Keep Cool in Hot Malaysia

Few posts ago, I wrote about the Malaysiaraya's hot weather. Hotter than C4 that was used to blow Altantuya (God bless her soul).

Then it was reported in The Star daily that the dry spell could possibly continue until May (or even past May if the past years' dry spell is anything to go by).

So I would like to share some tips to help you cool down in the house or while outdoors:

(1) Close all windows and doors. Keep the cool air inside, don't let it out. Always close all curtains too. You don't want direct sunlight getting inside the house, especially the morning sun. Get a thicker, light color curtains if possible.

(2) The other cheap alternative is to buy sun shades for car (the one that you can see through it). Buy a few and then put them up on the window panels, especially those facing direct sunlight. You could also use the metallic silver sun shades but those don't really work well.

(3) If you have potted plants, always put them under shaded areas during the drought season. Pity la a bit can? They also could feel the heat leh. Line them right outside your door, creating a barrier between the door and the hot uncovered area of the house (for example: your parking area). Water plants only before 7am and after sun down.

(4) Do laundry in the morning. If you are using a washing machine, do not use the dryspin feature! Ideally, the clothes should still be wet and dripping. Hang clothes on hangers over a rope in front of your main door for drying. It is better if you have one of those pop-up clothes hanger that you could move around as you please. The hot air will dry clothes even if it's not directly under the sun. Although a little slow in the drying process, that's what you actually want.

(5) If you're living in a landed property: water used for the laundry can be placed at the front door, usually the porch. When it becomes too hot during the midday, scoop some and pour on the cemented floor that is hit directly by sunlight. It will dissipate the heat from the ground though only for awhile.

(6) It is better to buy a big stand fan (or two) and set it to the lowest setting instead of using the overhead fan. I always find the overhead fan does nothing during really hot days and especially if it's not been cleaned for awhile.

(7) Get a hair towel soaked and then squeeze the water out till it's not drippy. Place it around your neck. This is the fastest way to cool down.

(8) The second fastest way to cool down is to pour water on your feet. If you like, soak it for 2 minutes or so.

(9) Drink lots of fluid. Preferably water, but not necessarily if you don't like the taste of it.

(11) Buy good-grade UV-umbrella or a cap. You will find that wearing a cap under the scorching sun traps the heat but you can always take off your hat for awhile to release it and it cools down much faster too.

(12) Contrary to what most people think, wearing a long-sleeve thin jacket (cotton is good) under the sun is actually better than wearing plain tshirt or short sleeve. If you don't, you will definitely feel the sting on the bare skin. Once under a cool shade or airconditioned area, quickly take off your jacket to let out the trapped air and then put the jacket back on.

(13) For drivers: If you parked outdoor under the sun, first open the back doors followed by the front doors to let out the trapped hot air. It will be much cooler once you get in.

(14) If you're working on a laptop in a non-airconditioned space, get a USB Mini fan that you can plug in and point at the keyboard where it is hottest. It will help cool your fingers and your keyboard. Also get the other type of USB fan that goes under the laptop.

Kickstart Your Day with a Kicker Creamy Hot Coffee

Now, if you prefer your coffee hot and smooth and creamy, read how.

You need:
(1) Nescafe Classic Instant Coffee (not any other version)
(2) Coffeemate Creamer
(3) A medium size mug and hot water.


All you need to remember is 1:6

1 teaspoon of Nescafe Classic Instant Coffee to 6 teaspoons of Coffeemate Creamer

Add hot water, mix well and ready to drink.

Try it and let me know.

Simple and Easy Iced Latte from the Comfort of Your Home

Feel like sipping a nice cup of coffee latte? Starbucks too far? Sun too hot to go out there?

Here's the Lazybutt's guide to Iced Latte.

In a glass jar with cover, add:
1 x chinese spoon of Coffee (It should taste slightly strong and bitter)
5 x Sugar Cubes (more if you like it sweeter)
Add Cold Water till the jar is full and then cover.
Shake well or use chopstick to mix.
Refrigerate for at least half a day.

Whenever you feel like drinking Iced Latte, go on and take your coffee jar out of the fridge. Shake the coffee jar till you can see foams.

Take a tall glass and then add 2/3 of refrigerated Milk followed by 1/3 Cold Coffee on top. Add honey or caramel if you wish. Scoop out the foams from the coffee jar and add on top too. Ready to drink. No need for ice cubes.

For Coffee, I use either one of these:
(1) Riva Gold Freeze Dried Granulated Instant Coffee
(2) Davidoff Cafe 57 Espresso Instant Coffee

For Milk, I use:
(1) Dutch Lady Fresh Milk (Susu Segar Perempuan Belanda)

Tip:
I reuse the Davidoff 57 Espresso as my 'coffee jar' as it is tall and worth 4x of Iced Latte.

Malaysia Is a Desert In Its Driest Month

I have always hated February as it is the start of the driest period in Malaysia. It always lasts for months, sometimes right up to September, but February is always the hottest month followed by March and April.

These days, the Earth feels like a burning hellhole that I wonder if God has given hope on humankind. The sun stings skin deep. The heatwave is in the air. Even when you're in the comfort of your home you could still melt like butter, baby. When it does rain, the angriest sound of thunder permeates the grey evenong sky as if someone has stolen God's PSP. Lightning cracks through the horizon in quick succeession as if the end of days are near. Ohh, shudder!

All these years, I have never been thankful for the annual haze 'pilgrimage' from neighboring Indonesia to here. But this year is a grateful exception; the haze blocks the direct sun ray. Now, I could at least go under the sun for five minutes without my UV-umbrella. Yep, I am kiasu like that...