Earth Hour is back!

Earth Hour is back for more action today. So, tonight everyone be there, to turn off your lights at 8:30 pm for Earth Hour, a worldwide collective display of dedication to protect the one thing that unites us all - the planet. Here, we get the opportunity to take a simple step that will go an extra mile in making a difference in the world. We will unite more than a billion people across the globe that will come together and turn off their lights for one hour in what is known as the largest grassroots environmental endeavor in history.

Once again we are devoting our support for a noble cause which I believe worth the effort. The contribution of each and every one of us epitomizes the phenomena of additive effects (in the theory of quantitative genetics). The sum of individual contribution in unison can create a difference to realize the significance of Earth Hour. Certainly, Earth Hour 2011 is going to make its usual round again this time. So for those who pre-determined to make a difference, let’s roll it out! It's that time when we turn off our lights for an hour and take a stand against climatic change. This year's Earth Hour will take place at 8.30pm on 26 March, a Saturday (by the way its today). Wherever you are, let’s share our obligation and do your bit for our Planet Earth!
Every year Earth Hour asks individuals, businesses and communities worldwide to show their commitment to the environment. This year’s Earth Hour, we hope you do not ONLY turn off your lights, BUT pledge to do your part in various ways throughout the year. When the lights go back on, we want you to go beyond the hour and think about what you can change in your daily life that will benefit the planet. Even the smallest things will make a huge distinction. Let’s work together to create a better future. Our actions can add up. Earth Hour, go beyond the hour. Take
This meaningful gesture’s aim is to create awareness across the globe about climate change and sustainability issues which was initiated in Sydney, Australia in the year 2007. Since then, there was no turning back and it has grown to be a concerted effort with huge supporters advocating their part which is what now a global sustainable movement. It all began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, with 2.2 million people and 2,000 businesses pledged to turn off their lights for one hour. Now, the substance of the idea was so impactful that actually made its way into everyone’s mind; as such just years later, more than 100 million people from more than 35 countries turned off their lights in one unified pledge and as a reminder to protect the planet against climate change. Even landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge in Australia, the Golden Gate Bridge in USA, and iconic KLCC twin tower in Malaysia were witnessed with momentary darkness for that one hour. Then why can’t we do it?

In the interim, go past the hour to make it a way of life. Think of what you can do after Earth Hour is over. If you have ideas, share it with me here. Let's do our part for the Earth too! It's time to give back to the Earth again! I take the pleasure of saluting my fellow SDarbians for their innovative idea in conjunction of Earth Hour as part of (our famed CSR activities) committed citizen in compliance of with our organization sustainability objective. Kudos folks!! If the entire community can marshal ourselves to dedicate an hour a year for Earth, alongside other means of green effort we can make it a lifestyle and culture.
I believe we are all well aware of the state of the environment and the impact of climate change and global warming. As a smart inhabitant of planet Earth, we are liable to fulfill our responsibilities to the environment and need to proactively engage in sustainable lifestyles. As a matter of fact, all of us are encouraged to opt for Eco-friendly option that truly imply endeavor of going beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on; think about what else you can do to make a difference. As a diligent citizen of this Earth, we need to be forthcoming, transparent and accountable for our own actions. I’m looking forward for the momentous hour and remember to turn off your lights tonight! Lets usher the Saturday Night Fever with a noble raison d'être for a better future for mankind.

Every Little Thing is Magic

Dusk just set in with a lovely hue, I am sitting by my coffee table, sipping a nice homemade coffee, listening to an album by Richard Claydermans’ beautiful masterpiece. I think, without a doubt, it’s the most relaxing thing to do after a hard day’s work. Here I am stretching my legs on the couch, cuddled by soft cushion and pampered by soothing music for the tired soul.

I sometimes wonder as I enjoy listening to the rain pelting outside my garden, or a good sunset, how are others doing out there. I don’t mean the destitute in this context. More like the people who are in rush hours, caught in the jam, especially when it rains heavy, deadlines to meet at work, projects to complete etc. I guess they must be enjoying their working life in their own way.
Memories comes flows in when I contemplate on my good ol’ varsity days. No matter how much I move on with my next phase of life, nothing is more precious than academic years. My corporate working life is entirely different, I agree! The commitments, deliverables of company key projects (KPIs), CSR, and then moving into family obligations, household errands etc, which makes us tied up with life essential compulsions. Despite all the good things in life, we are all accountable to face the other face of reality which is adversity. Life will not be a bed of roses all the time. Just take a time off and ponder on the plights of Japanese at this moment. It’s so heart-wrenching to read news of agonizing loved ones identifying their lifeless bodies in the debris. It is not easy to see your loved ones in such a situation. I had been closely following the news of the crippling disaster that strike the brave nation leaving them speechless. At one moment, they were living in happiness and lavishness, and in a blink of an eye, unimaginable devastation shook the nation into shambles. At the wake of one of the most destructive nature’s wrath, I am grateful for my life which is a real blessing. One great life lesson that I learnt is “We are renting on this earth and one day we need to vacant this place. Along the way, we don’t bring anything with us; unless you can take the loads of cash that you earn with you to the afterlife, (mockingly).
The politics, back stabbings, jealousy, selfish principles and ungratefulness are not something you want to cherish and or even spare a second thought. Why waste your precious time and energy on fools that practice those convictions. I even once encountered with morons where they spend ¾ quarter of their life sniffing on other people’s back. “Get a life, ppl”! I got no time for those people. I have so much to achieve in my life and obligations for my family, why do I need to be like the rest?! Instead I value every little thing right from admiring the nature’s beauty, a cosy time with loved ones every night to catch up with each other after a day’s work, till the weekend getaway to strengthen our bonding.

So if you can, get out of that rat race and look into your own business, then you might progress in life instead of checking out other people’s back will not bring you anywhere. Maybe one day you too can enjoy a lovely cup of coffee with tranquility and listen to a nice smooth Jazz music at home or something you love doing in your extra free time. Maybe do some charity work or even think of spending your time with something constructive (rather than busy being nosey into other people’s affair, I suppose).
Make your life count, don’t live to regret it.

Economic Quandary

Frankly, I felt really annoyed lately with the inflation dilemma popping up in Malaysia. As far as I can remember, every year there will be at least 1-2 rounds of price hike, for whatever the reason. There is no room for most of us to breath; I cannot catch with this sort of inflation. It’s not just about our basic necessities but it extends to other services/taxes that out of nowhere emerge to add up to our monthly expenses. We all know that we have to pay taxes and I'm sure we all know that there are a lot of different taxes that we have to pay. Look at the various taxes implemented upon us; income tax, government tax, service tax, sales tax, and other kinds of taxes that we are liable for (I am still in absolute objection towards the RM50 service tax on our credit card. Thank god I have only one card). This is just enough to strangle us!

Forget about all those useless hogwash economics talk. All these while, I don't fancy in-depth economic topics; I don't really care about the inflation rate in percentage. I have been living in my comfy zone with lavish expenditures. For me, ignorance is bliss like how it is regularly quoted. But when I gradually morph from my comfortable and blithe lifestyle into late twenties which is a serious wake-up call for me to start looking at my financial plan ahead, I felt the fretfulness instantly. Thank god for having responsible parents (whom constantly reprimand on my generous spending) guiding me through the adulthood with poise. Right now, I have learnt to flick through the sections of economics/business to get a general insight on how to manage my fiscal plan (That’s why I’m embarking on this grave topic)

Now, all I know is the amount we earned every month is not adequate for our basic necessities. The huge chunk of the salary is kept aside for various loan servicing payments, absorbing the inflating prices of food items, transportation, utility bills etc. Let's not even talk about overspending; how do we cope with the additional costs which are totally unwarranted. At the end of the day, ‘How do we allocate for a decent saving for our future’? Suddenly you realize you’re going bonkers wondering what else to do to absorb the inflation rate. I don't care about the numbers given in the media, all I know is that I am going to have trouble coping will these entire price hike in time to come. People predict economy will slow down again, of course it will when people don't have money for anything else, do you expect economy to grow?? I don't think you need an economist to tell you that.




Every time when there is a hike, you can hear huge cry over the series of unfortunate upshots from the fuel and diesel hike in the media. But despite seeing the response of the whole economic anguish, it is brushed aside after the ‘hot’ episode. Only time will decide if all of us can survive from this alarming economic call. (It is no surprise that once again, the government can increase prices of petrol and diesel with regard to global market). These two items have been proved to be the main catalyst in driving inflation rates up in Malaysia. The excuse here is that we need to prevent the country from being bankrupt which is why the subsidy has been reduced. In the end, it burns huge hole in our pockets. Government might say, a hike of 5 cents is does not have a dramatic impact on our life. But all of us will be utterly disgusted to deny the burden in our expenses.

Given the latest round of price increases in petrol and diesel, I don't see how we can ever escape from the inevitable price increases and real inflation that we are going to see on the streets without the mandate by enforcement. Ultimately, food, transportations, utility bills, and other items will see a new price revision without warning. Who is going to comprehend the poor citizen’s plight and monitor our daily wrestle with harsh livelihood? The authorities can impose a strict reminder not to increase the price but will they be able to enforce it? Or will the business people abide to the caveat? One good paradigm scenario that I would bring into debate will be the fuel hike. When the global price increases, the Malaysian government will unconsciously blame it on the global market price to mandate the price hike. But when the global market sees a decline in the cost of fuel, nothing is said to cut-back the cost. It falls back on us to absorb the economic shock.

The inflation rate in Malaysia was last reported at 2.4 percent in January of 2011. The Malaysian inflation rate chart exhibits the average inflation rate is seeing a rise as from October 2010 (Source: TradingEconomics.com). We don’t need an economist to compute the increase in cost against the standard level of purchasing power. We can predict the relative purchasing power by formulating our very own financial plan. At individual level, the most important thing here is to start planning our future financial state by saving more and spending less (*Grinz* That sends out a signal for me to reduce my lavish shopping, fine dining, blah blah blah which is not easy for a women like me. But it will be a faux pas, if I don’t!). Cut down on redundant expenses and make life easy. On the other hand, at government level, they ought to devise a good policy to encounter inflation predicament for a better economic growth. Maybe with a good salary revision by comparing our incomes against expenses we are absorbing in? Or simply managing a good enforcement on prices of myriads commodities that affects the people on the whole? If something like this or close to it is put into place, then we might not end up in suffocation.

Sayonara February

It was like yesterday when February came. All the excitements building up within me were electrifying then. But in a blink of an eye, February left with a promise to be back next year for more memorable one. What is so special about this month?



February is beyond doubt, a month of celebration and epitome of love. When January gets ready to leave, the arrival of February is sensationalized by the emblem of love and splashes of red-pink in every nook and corner of shopping malls, billboards, adverts, magazines and etc. Fancy gifts, resembling the heart or cupid with his love struck arrow are found to be abundant all over the places. Although it brings the celebration of love for many, February brings a plethora of birthday celebrations among my social network. To the skepticism of many, February sees the birth of fantastic people around me. Right from the 4th of February till the very last week of the month, it brings a sense of bliss to share the birthday in the same month.



The best days of birthday celebrations were during my varsity days. I can recall how we used to celebrate each of our classmates birthday each month. And since February has the most number of babies which shares the same birthday ‘tiara’, you can imagine the large celebration or ‘havoc’ made in this month. I can still remember the nightmare when our birthday approaches. This is simply because when we become the celebrated person, a string of ‘bizarre’ ideas pop into your friends ‘evil’ mind…Evil here metaphorically means out of the ordinary plan to paint your birthday celebration with what-not-you-least-expect. How can I forget my 21st birthday celebration at my first year in varsity…Despite being away from home for the first time in my lifetime, my friends back then didn’t let my reminiscent self to control me. Instead, they went an extra mile just to make my 21st the most memorable and awe-inspiring day. Thanks a bunch my first year mates! The midnight ‘flour’ treatment followed by water drenches with deafening screams on top of your lungs! It’s hilarious when I recall it at this moment. But at that nick of time, I was so stunned and vexed with the sheer thought of removing the sticky flour-water blend on my favorite tee! Hahahah.. Very stereotype for young lass about her looks and her favorite stuffs….Wait a minute! The celebration doesn’t end there! Its nightmarish, trust me.. Birthday gathering for the whole bunch of February babies comes masking with customary cake-cutting for all of us with a huge cake ( You might wonder why did I mention ‘masking’, coz truth is yet to unfold). Right after that, there will sweet surprises like cute gifts, lovely food and celebration becomes crazier. Crazier? What does it sound to you like? Of course the REAL celebration starts with splashing each other with fizzy drinks, flour (plenty of stock), whatever left over food/drinks they can lay their hands off just to ‘treat’ the birthday babies….
Gone are the days…when you’re younger, you will be loved to have such fun and nerve-cracking celebrations…but as you grow older, I tend to prefer a simple, quiet celebration with a fine classic dinner, lovely hugs from loved ones, and sweet wishes from your good friends in the form of SMS, emails or snail mail. Nothing beats than having your postman honk at your gate to deliver greeting card. And by god’s grace, I still do have those privileges in my life. It’s a gift of God. And I truly cherish it.


To double my happiness, Valentine’s Day comes knocking on my door with a sense of being loved by my better half. It’s a month of love, celebration, with loads of gift and memories treasured. Its definitely a busy month for me to sit back and enjoy like a holiday month. Cheers