Despite the worries of recent earthquake in Padang, Sumatra, we finally made up our mind to just carry on with our plan. So on 13 December 2009, off we flew at 7.50 am from LCCT Sepang. The flight took about 1 hour, we landed smoothly at Bandara International Airport, Padang exactly at 8.00 am (local time). Our driver/tour guide was already waiting (whom we contacted a day earlier) with a Kijang (a local MPV). From there we headed Bukittinggi but stopped by at a Padang-style restaurant for breakfast@lunch. Then we enjoyed so much watching the scenery of mountainous range that we almost forgot about the disaster that had destroyed many lives and buildings. Eventhough the route is winding (that's why it is known as 44 Curves), the wide road made the traffic smooth. The road was built along Anai Valley, so we could see strong stream of water along the way. In fact, we passed by a waterfall! The water looked clean and clear but noone dared to swim or have a picnic there, as it was very strong. Then we passed by an area where landslide happened during the earthquake. Big rocks from the mountain blocked the road, so they had to break them (manually) before removing them.
Before reaching Bukittinggi, we passed by a small town, Padang Panjang. Here we enjoyed the scenery while riding a horse cart, aka 'bendi'. It was a nice experience! Then we visited Pandai Sikek, a small industry area, famous for its embroidery. Basically all the shops sell almost the same type of materials - embroidered material, batik, songket and silver souvenir.
Finally we checked-in a hotel in Bukittinggi. Our first impression was - why isn't there any fan? why is it so noisy (as we could clearly hear the voices from the reception)? Then I discovered the answer - the hostel uses nature-concept, they let the windows open for ventilation and air circulation! Quite disappointed at first but later we could feel the cool breeze from outside, as a matter of fact, it was cold enough to make us slip into the comforter!
We had a good time there - everything was calming, as the temperature was moderate and the people were friendly (majority was Muslims). We did not miss the opportunity to record the picturesque view of Mount Merapi, Mount Singgalang, Ngarai Sianok and not forgetting the Jam Gadang and Japanese tunnel. However we could not enter the tunnel as it was temporarily closed for renovation. According to the guide, the tunnel size was 1.5 x 2.0 metres, so it was definitely bigger than Cu Chi Tunnel (built by the Americans) in Vietnam. I wonder if the Japanese are bigger than Americans?!? Shopping is another attraction at Bukittinggi... there's no other than Pasar Atas where we could find all sorts of things - clothes, silver, souvenirs, telekung etc. At Pasar Bawah we could find many kinds of fruits and vegetables which are much cheaper than what we have in Malaysia.
Our tour guide also brought us to the outskirts of Bukittinggi - enjoying the serene view of paddy field and mountains at the back ... We also learned a new term "ruko" which means house@shop (rumah + toko) - smart, isn't it?
After 2 nights in Bukittinggi, we went down to Padang and spent the final night there. Upon reaching Padang, we could see the destroy that earthquakes had caused ... cracked or collapsed houses and buildings. Some were still living in a temporary canvas house, a very sad scene in fact. As we entered the city centre, more huge buildings were seen to be affected by the quakes, so some big hotels and shopping malls were closed temporarily for repair and some had totally collapsed! So that answered the question why we only stayed in a motel that night - it did not really matter, as long as we're safe!
As early as 6.00 am the next day we went to the airport for our flight back to Malaysia. So that's about our 2009 vacation. Can't wait for another vacation ... where this time? Just wait and see ...
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
MUET 800/4 (WRITING)
Answer Scheme for Question 1
a) Title : Types of Child Abuse and Its Perpetrators
b) Overview
The graph shows four types of child abuse in 1995, 2000 and 2005 while the table shows the perpetrators identified in 1995 and 2005.
c) General trend
Sexual abuse cases are generally higher in number compared to physical abuses. The perpetrators are mostly known to the victims.
d) Analysis
i) Rape : The number of rape cases fluctuated from 1995 to 2005. There was an increase of 400 rape cases from 1995 to 2000. However, there was a drop of about 200 cases in 2005.
ii)Incest : There was a gradual increase about 200 cases in 1995 to 550 in 2005.
iii) Molestation : There was a gradual decrease from 1000 cases in 1995 to 750 cases in 2005.
iv) Physical Abuse : Number of cases slightly increased from 1995 to 2000 by 70 cases and remained constant at 180 cases in 2005.
v) Perpetrators : The number of child abuse generally increased with parents being the highest. It doubled from 450 in 1995 to 900 in 2005.Cases involving other perpetrators showed an increase of between 20 and 25 percent from 1995 to 2005.
e) Synthesis
Incest cases increased gradually from 1995 to 2005 as the number of cases involving parents and relatives went up. The number of incest cases correlates with the number of parents and relatives as perpetrators. There were more cases involving friends who abused children compared to strangers.
f) Conclusion
People guilty of child abuse were mostly those related to the children.
a) Title : Types of Child Abuse and Its Perpetrators
b) Overview
The graph shows four types of child abuse in 1995, 2000 and 2005 while the table shows the perpetrators identified in 1995 and 2005.
c) General trend
Sexual abuse cases are generally higher in number compared to physical abuses. The perpetrators are mostly known to the victims.
d) Analysis
i) Rape : The number of rape cases fluctuated from 1995 to 2005. There was an increase of 400 rape cases from 1995 to 2000. However, there was a drop of about 200 cases in 2005.
ii)Incest : There was a gradual increase about 200 cases in 1995 to 550 in 2005.
iii) Molestation : There was a gradual decrease from 1000 cases in 1995 to 750 cases in 2005.
iv) Physical Abuse : Number of cases slightly increased from 1995 to 2000 by 70 cases and remained constant at 180 cases in 2005.
v) Perpetrators : The number of child abuse generally increased with parents being the highest. It doubled from 450 in 1995 to 900 in 2005.Cases involving other perpetrators showed an increase of between 20 and 25 percent from 1995 to 2005.
e) Synthesis
Incest cases increased gradually from 1995 to 2005 as the number of cases involving parents and relatives went up. The number of incest cases correlates with the number of parents and relatives as perpetrators. There were more cases involving friends who abused children compared to strangers.
f) Conclusion
People guilty of child abuse were mostly those related to the children.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Consumerim
Salam/Hello everyone!
This your next assignment ... based on the table on page 99 of your textbook, write a report and publish it in your blog.
By the way, I wish you all the best in your coming examination ... remember, MUET is on Monday!
This your next assignment ... based on the table on page 99 of your textbook, write a report and publish it in your blog.
By the way, I wish you all the best in your coming examination ... remember, MUET is on Monday!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Assignment 2
Hello there! (6BS & 6B1)
Welcome back to school after Hariraya break. Since I'll not be around on
Tuesday and Wednesday I have an assignment for you ...................
1. create a blog (for those who have not created one - don't forget to give me your url!)
2. post your article on juvenile deliquency
3. post your essay on the importance of water @ how we can help conserve water (Text, page 91)
Enjoy your blog!
Welcome back to school after Hariraya break. Since I'll not be around on
Tuesday and Wednesday I have an assignment for you ...................
1. create a blog (for those who have not created one - don't forget to give me your url!)
2. post your article on juvenile deliquency
3. post your essay on the importance of water @ how we can help conserve water (Text, page 91)
Enjoy your blog!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hari Raya Greetings
Hello and salam everyone!
It's been a long time since my last post... phew! I've been very busy as the Form 6 scheme is implemented - double work, as we've to prepare our usual lesson plans and also 4 special files. Luckily it's a fasting month, so all afternoon activities are postponed...hmm...relief!#
Today is our last day of school for this week, before celebrating Hari Raya this week-end. What a relief ... finally the ministry announced a special holiday on Friday! At least we've time to prepare - tidy up the house, paint the walls, sew beads on new baju kurung, last minute shopping for cookies and cakes (thank God, there're varieties at the bazaar - and even at school!).
To all my friends and students, I wish you all a Happy Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin ( a typical quote!). See you after the break with a new spirit!
It's been a long time since my last post... phew! I've been very busy as the Form 6 scheme is implemented - double work, as we've to prepare our usual lesson plans and also 4 special files. Luckily it's a fasting month, so all afternoon activities are postponed...hmm...relief!#
Today is our last day of school for this week, before celebrating Hari Raya this week-end. What a relief ... finally the ministry announced a special holiday on Friday! At least we've time to prepare - tidy up the house, paint the walls, sew beads on new baju kurung, last minute shopping for cookies and cakes (thank God, there're varieties at the bazaar - and even at school!).
To all my friends and students, I wish you all a Happy Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin ( a typical quote!). See you after the break with a new spirit!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Smile
As a small act of kindness, a genuine smile from one person to another instantly instils a sense of well-being and contentment. A smile sends a universally recognised signal which physically affects our bodies by directly reducing stress-related cardiovascular responses. Smiling is the bedrock of all human social interaction.
People are highly social. We live in complex communities that allow us to thrive despite the threats and dangers presented by the outside world. Smiling is a survival strategy. It is a way that our
ancestors have developed in co-operating and getting along peacefully together on a day-to-day basis. The smile emerged as the single mostimportant way of keeping the peace amongst the group.
People are highly social. We live in complex communities that allow us to thrive despite the threats and dangers presented by the outside world. Smiling is a survival strategy. It is a way that our ancestors have developed in co-operating and getting along peacefully together on a day-to-day basis. The smile emerged as the single most important way of keeping the peace amongst the group. Physically, a smile consists of the zygomatic major muscle pulling up the corners of the mouth. However, this simple description hides the fact that the zygomatic major works alongside other facial muscles to create a vast variety of smiles and friendly gestures. Some smiles tell others that we are happy and contented. Other smiles show that we are embarrassed or uncomfortable. There are even smiles that tell others we feel superior or inferior to them in a particular social situation. Interestingly, it is the orbicularis oculi muscle that helps us differentiate a smile that is genuine from one that is false. The orbicularis oculi muscle surrounds the eyes. When this muscle contracts, it raises the cheeks and creates pouches in the lower eyelids. This action encourages the appearance of "crow's feet" or wrinkles around the eyes. Smiles that use this muscle are called Duchenne or D smiles after the French anatomist, Duchenne de Boulogne, who first recognised its importance and scientifically described its action. Not surprisingly, smiles that do not use this muscle are called non-Duchenne smiles, or non-D smiles.
To view the complete article, subscribe to Just English magazine.
Glossary : Genuine (adj) real and not false.
Cardiovascular (adj) relating to the heart.
Wrinkles (n) lines on the skin that appear as a person ages.
People are highly social. We live in complex communities that allow us to thrive despite the threats and dangers presented by the outside world. Smiling is a survival strategy. It is a way that our
ancestors have developed in co-operating and getting along peacefully together on a day-to-day basis. The smile emerged as the single mostimportant way of keeping the peace amongst the group.
People are highly social. We live in complex communities that allow us to thrive despite the threats and dangers presented by the outside world. Smiling is a survival strategy. It is a way that our ancestors have developed in co-operating and getting along peacefully together on a day-to-day basis. The smile emerged as the single most important way of keeping the peace amongst the group. Physically, a smile consists of the zygomatic major muscle pulling up the corners of the mouth. However, this simple description hides the fact that the zygomatic major works alongside other facial muscles to create a vast variety of smiles and friendly gestures. Some smiles tell others that we are happy and contented. Other smiles show that we are embarrassed or uncomfortable. There are even smiles that tell others we feel superior or inferior to them in a particular social situation. Interestingly, it is the orbicularis oculi muscle that helps us differentiate a smile that is genuine from one that is false. The orbicularis oculi muscle surrounds the eyes. When this muscle contracts, it raises the cheeks and creates pouches in the lower eyelids. This action encourages the appearance of "crow's feet" or wrinkles around the eyes. Smiles that use this muscle are called Duchenne or D smiles after the French anatomist, Duchenne de Boulogne, who first recognised its importance and scientifically described its action. Not surprisingly, smiles that do not use this muscle are called non-Duchenne smiles, or non-D smiles.
To view the complete article, subscribe to Just English magazine.
Glossary : Genuine (adj) real and not false.
Cardiovascular (adj) relating to the heart.
Wrinkles (n) lines on the skin that appear as a person ages.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
When school reopens ...
I have lots of activities to be done with my new batch of students ... the Lower 6, of course. Hopefully the activities could boost their confidence in their communication skill, as well as listening, reading and writing.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Ho Chi Minh - Day 4
This is our last in Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning we gathered at a Tourist agency as we'd booked a half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnel. At 8.15 am we started the journey by bus. According to the tourist guide, the journey would take about 2 hours. In the journey I noticed 2 different situations - busy streets in Ho Chi Minh City and the green scenery approaching Cu Chi Tunnel. As I mentioned earlier, HCMC is crowded with motorcycles ... and another interesting sight is the cables, sometimes it's scary to see so many cables hanging across the road! It seems that they don't have the underground cables like in our country. As we approached Cu Chi Tunnel, we could see the rubber plantation and paddy fields. They are still using the buffalo...
To enter Cu Chi Tunnel we had to pay 80000 dong, that did not include transportation (another 110000 dong). There were a few identical huts and we were instructed to enter one of them. Here we were given explaination on how the tunnel worked ... it could save the Vietnamese and could trap the Americans at the same time!
To enter Cu Chi Tunnel we had to pay 80000 dong, that did not include transportation (another 110000 dong). There were a few identical huts and we were instructed to enter one of them. Here we were given explaination on how the tunnel worked ... it could save the Vietnamese and could trap the Americans at the same time!
After the video show, we were brought to see the tunnel, traps, meeting room, dining hall, trucks, bombs, rest area and etc. Here we could also experience walking through the tunnel ... however it is not real one. Although the tunnel height is 1 metre, we still had a difficulty walking in the dark and of course lack of oxygen... so we decided to get out at the first 20 metre exit. I wonder how those soldiers could survive in the much smaller tunnel! Besides that, my husband didn't want to miss a chance to shoot using the machine gun - he paid 50000 dong for a bullet.
Then we were given a tea break ... the same menu that the soldiers had many years ago - tea and boiled tapioca! It was nice, though...
After buying some souvenirs we headed back to HCMC. On the way, the bus dropped us where Aman picked us up and brought to his house. We had lunch there and then we had to say goodbye to all the family members ... it was quite hard for us, after spending 4 days there. Although it was a very short visit, it still gives us unforgettable memory .... especially to Aman, our faithful, patient and sometimes funny tourist guide - we gonna miss the time we spent together!
At 4.40 pm we flew back to Malaysia by MH759. Alhamdulillah, we safely landed on time.
Ho Chi Minh - Day 3
We spent the whole day shopping in the city... Cho Ben Thanh, Ipa Nima, Saigon Square etc. After lunch our friend brought us to Suoi Tilam (don't know the spelling!). Here all the shops sell accessories like beads, ribbons, crystals etc ... however they sell in bulks. Then we went to another area where they sell all types of cloths .... from cotton to chiffon,silk and wool. They sell chiffon for 45 dong per metre (rm 9) but we can get cheaper if we buy more than 10 metres (who wants to be 'boria'?)!
So Day 3 ended with shopping as the next day we would be leaving early for Chu Chi Tunnel trip. See you there!
Ho Chi Minh - Day 2
We had our breakfast in the room as we brought some bread and a sandwich maker. It's difficult to find halal food here. Then we started our exploration to Cho Ben Thanh. The market is crowded - just like Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kelantan. The people are quite friendly, some can even speak Malay! Their favourite phrases are : Madam, mari-mari, murah-murah! We didn't miss the chance to buy some Vietnamese silk, beaded shoes and bags to bring home.
Then we headed to Parkson for lunch. We didn't take a taxi because we wanted to explore the city. On the way, we passed by the Opera House, the famous Cathedral, Reunification Palace and hmm ... I couldn't stop myself from entering the Louis Vuiton boutique! The weather was nice ... not too hot but the environment is so much polluted with the smoke from motorcycles. I have never seen so many motorcycles like in this city... and we also noticed that the traffic was not systematic like in our country. I don't think I can drive in this busy city .... motorcycles come from everywhere and they can make a turn at anytime! All the motorcyclists wear helmets but they are not for safety ... you should see their fancy helmets! However we were more interested in their fancy masks with colourful designs. My daughter bought one for 10000 dong ( about rm2 ) as a souvenir.
After lunch at Parkson, we went to pray at the mosque. We were told that this mosque was used to be a temple.
At night we went to Saigon River. There are a few floating restaurants there, however we just had a stroll before going to our friend's house for dinner. She cooked pizza and spaghetti for us.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Trip To Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1
Arrived at the international airport at 3.40 pm (local time) - 1 hour behind our time. Aman (a friend's son), was waiting for us. He has been here for 5 months but his parents have been staying here for 3 years.
We were lucky coz Aman had booked 2 rooms for us at Hai Nam Hotel. It's located at Le Than Ton, 5 minute walk from Cho Ben Thanh, the famous shopping centre. I think it's a 3 star hotel, has 5 storeys, with 4 rooms per level ... so you can imagine how it looks. I noticed that most of the budget hotels look alike, they are small but tall! The room was not bad ... it was clean and complete with fridge, tv, aircond and hot shower. Service was so-so as we had to call for many times before they sent us the hot water. After we checked-in at Hai Nam Hotel, we went to Parkson, where Aman's stall is located. Actually his mother runs a stall, named D'Anjung at the food court. We were proud to see malay food is sold in Vietnam, in fact the Vietnamese have started to like the nasi lemak sold there!
We had our dinner there and on the way back to the hotel, we 'browsed thru' the night market. It is like the night market at our place, mostly selling handbags, shoes, t-shirts and souvenirs. According to Aman, we have to bargain up to 50%. None of us bought anything, maybe we were still confused with the currency! By the way, they accept both dong and dollar - that's why it's confusing .... So that's how the first day in Ho Chi Minh City ended. ( to be continued ..... )
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Life – Out with negative, in with the positive
THE way she dresses and presents herself — the bright pink sun dress, the painted toenails and the pretty dangling earrings — indicates a woman who enjoys life and loves herself.
This, coupled with a bubbly personality and practical approach to life, certainly shows that Anne Jones is a spiritual teacher with a difference.
The British writer who has authored five books on spirituality, healing and finding a balance in life travels extensively around the world, lecturing on these subjects.
But for Jones, walking the spiritual path doesn't mean living like a hermit or changing life as you know it.
In fact, the first step is learning to love and appreciate who you are.
"Once you stop judging yourself and begin to respect yourself, you'll find that others will stop judging you," she said.
"You are the role model for how other people are going to treat you," said Jones.
Her seminars and lectures focus on this truth, teaching people that the negative energies they carry with them, be it guilt, self-criticism or a lack of self-worth, can affect how others treat them.
Jones said that many of the negative belief systems we carry with us are the result of "programming" we may have endured as children.
Some children may have had very dictatorial parents who demand certain achievements and are constantly criticised when they fail to meet the mark.
Jones said that individuals who have been emotionally scarred in this manner go through life holding on to negativity while having their own coping mechanisms.
Some respond by constantly reacting in anger, while others become withdrawn. Then there are those who are overeager to please and gain approval.
"My role is to help you see yourself differently," she said.
"This will help you heal from the repercussions of those negative belief systems, and once you become less of a victim, you will see the world differently and people will start to treat you differently as well."
Jones, an experienced programmer, trainer and international sales representative in the computer industry, made the switch to a completely different career and way of life in the early 1990s.
She was then living in Malaysia and actively involved in charity work, editing and writing for an expatriate magazine and giving computer classes to expatriate women.
She had what she calls her "spiritual awakening" two years into her stay in the country, and subsequently went on to publish her first book in 2002 titled Heal Yourself, a down-to-earth guide on healing the mind, body and soul.
In her latest book, The Soul Connection, she tells you how to heal the "soul wounds" that hamper you from living life to the fullest and to release the imprints of the past that continue to inhibit you.
She said that it's become a habit for many people to complain about their lives and everything in it without realising just how ineffective that is.
For many, these complaints have to do with their jobs or their bosses, family demands or simply the stress of daily living.
"Complaining doesn't improve anything and in fact, only attracts more negative energy. So, how about saying 'I'm going to focus on all those good things I have in my life and let those things which irritate me take on a smaller role,'" she said.
She added that while we cannot avoid negative comments from other people, it is possible to create a "barrier" to protect yourself from them.
By visualising this protective mental barrier, which Jones calls an "energy egg", we can put ourselves within its safe confines and ensure that other people's negative emotions and energies don't come through.
We can also learn how to let down this barrier to allow in positive energy.
Jones said that people often say that some things are out of their control but the reality is that we are in control of our lives and the minute we realise it, change happens.
"But if you continue to think that you are under the control of another force, be it your boss, family or cultural demands, you will always be a victim."
She said that finding the right work-play balance is also crucial to ensure fulfillment.
Married for 23 years, Jones, who described her relationship with her spouse as a "real love story", said this work-play balance is crucial to staying fresh.
Living with her husband near Southampton, she rejuvenates her mind and body by taking long walks in the forest with her two beloved Labradors, pampering herself with body treatments or simply sitting down with a good book.
"More importantly, my philosophy is to always look on the bright side of things. If you have that attitude, you bounce back quickly no matter what happens in life."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Word Power
Have fun - answer these questions!
Circle the correct meanings of the following words.
1. affinity (n)
a) attraction b) limitation c) duration d) purification
2. contiguous (adj.)
a) aligned b) touching c) parallel d) overlapping
3. calibrate (v)
a) to measure b) standardize c) reinforce d) level
4. distressed (adj)
a) marred b) stripped c) stretched d) broken
5. embossed (adj.)
a) varnished b) engraved c) textured d) marbled
6. hasp (n)
a) fastener b) nail c) clamp d) file
7. authentic (adj.)
a) ancient b) genuine c) false d) elegant
8. procure (v)
a) acquire b) pack c) find d) borrow
9. niche (n)
a) lack of goods b) suitable place c) unique offer d) persuasive point
10. rapport (n)
a) ecstasy b) fast speech
c) harmony d) response
Before you look at the answer key, why don't you refer to the dictionary or thesaurus first?
ANSWER KEY :
1. A 2. B 3.B 4.A 5.C 6.A 7.B 8.A 9.B 10.C
Circle the correct meanings of the following words.
1. affinity (n)
a) attraction b) limitation c) duration d) purification
2. contiguous (adj.)
a) aligned b) touching c) parallel d) overlapping
3. calibrate (v)
a) to measure b) standardize c) reinforce d) level
4. distressed (adj)
a) marred b) stripped c) stretched d) broken
5. embossed (adj.)
a) varnished b) engraved c) textured d) marbled
6. hasp (n)
a) fastener b) nail c) clamp d) file
7. authentic (adj.)
a) ancient b) genuine c) false d) elegant
8. procure (v)
a) acquire b) pack c) find d) borrow
9. niche (n)
a) lack of goods b) suitable place c) unique offer d) persuasive point
10. rapport (n)
a) ecstasy b) fast speech
c) harmony d) response
Before you look at the answer key, why don't you refer to the dictionary or thesaurus first?
ANSWER KEY :
1. A 2. B 3.B 4.A 5.C 6.A 7.B 8.A 9.B 10.C
Monday, May 25, 2009
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