Themed Posts

PD Weekend February 2010 Slideshow

Haris Abdul Rahman — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:14:34 +0000

Irfan's Fourth Party

Haris Abdul Rahman — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:34:28 +0000

Irfan's Fourth Slideshow

Haris Abdul Rahman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:36:20 +0000

Thistle Port Dickson Slideshow

Haris Abdul Rahman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:49:25 +0000

Sunset Dip Slideshow

Haris Abdul Rahman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:46:38 +0000

Teluk Kemang Slideshow

Haris Abdul Rahman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:28:30 +0000

A(H1N1): Malaysia prepped for second wave

Haris Abdul Rahman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:14:37 +0000

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is all set to face a possible second wave of Influenza A(H1N1) infections following reports that the flu has re-surfaced in countries in the northern hemisphere and after the United States issued an alert.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Liow said the surveillance teams set up throughout the country when cases of the flu first appeared in Malaysia were still in place and would continue to closely monitor and detect all cases.

He said thermal scanners at all entry points into the country were still operating as well and he was confident that the second wave of the flu would be quickly detected and control measures put in place if it does happen.

Its difficult to say when we might be hit with the second wave that has already emerged in the northern hemisphere because travelling across borders is so easy.

But the surveillance teams are on alert and we are taking it very seriously, he told a press conference after launching his ministrys Innovation Day celebrations here on Thursday.

However, he said, the spread of A(H1N1) had reduced tremendously over the last few months from 400 to 500 cases a day to just between 20 and 30 cases a day now.

On the 1Malaysia Community Clinics announced by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his Budget 2010 speech, Liow said his ministry had already identified several locations for the 50 clinics that would be opened nationwide, adding that all was ready for the Prime Minister to launch them in January next year.

He said they would be run by medical assistants and offer outpatient services such as dressings for wounds as well treatment for simple colds, coughs and headaches for people living within a walking distance of the clinics.

There will be visiting doctors making rounds at these clinics and if there are patients who need more serious attention when the doctors are not around, they will be referred to the nearest private clinic by the medical assistants. he said.

Related Stories:
A(H1N1): WHO urges governments to fight flu
A(H1N1): Malaysia to get 78,000 doses of vaccine soon
WHO yet to announce on the status of A(H1N1)
US pigs may have tested positive for H1N1
A(H1N1): Study provides clue to surviving the flu
Call to isolate PMR students with ILI
Parents must alert authorities if children fall sick
A(H1N1): No deaths in three weeks

via thestar.com.my

Yup! We're ready ......

Posted via web from Stamp up those photos!

Reward system in the works

Haris Abdul Rahman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:45:15 +0000

PUTRAJAYA: The Government is considering having a reward system to encourage high performance in public administration, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Prime Minister said the system would be different from the vertical and horizontal system (Competency Level Assessment) which is not working.

He said high performance, be it in the private sector or among civil servants, was crucial if Malaysia was to meet its target of becoming a developed nation.

I, together with Deputy Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) and Chief Secretary to the Govern- ment (Tan Sri Sidek Hassan), am thinking of a system which will truly reward good performance, he said. It will be a system that is effective and will motivate civil servants not only to perform but to perform excellently.

I believe we must reward good performance and I know that the present system is not working because there is some sort of agreement being formed. If this is my turn (to be rewarded for good service) this year, then next year will be your turn.

Dont tell me this is not happening because I know it does, he told the Prime Ministers Department staff at a monthly gathering yesterday.

Najib said the move to implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) would lead to the civil servants performing well.

He reminded department heads not to tolerate mediocrity.

There is no need to bang tables or throw files at them but those who do not perform must be told of their dismal performance and the need for them to improve, he said.

Najib said abuse of power would not be tolerated, adding that issues pointed out in the Auditor-Generals report needed to be acted upon.

We really have to do something about it so that matters that have been reported to us will not recur. Every time the Auditor-Generals report comes out, the rakyat become cynical.

They say its the same old story where there is a report but no action taken, he said. This means our performance is not getting better and the rakyat will criticise us. Surely, this will affect the Govern- ment.

via thestar.com.my

Hmmm! Najib admitting that PTK is "not working". Genius!

Posted via web from Stamp up those photos!

Things to do in a lift

Haris Abdul Rahman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:44:12 +0000

1) Bring a camera, and take pictures of everyone in the elevator.
2) Move your desk into the elevator, and whenever someone gets on, ask if they have an appointment.
3) Lay down a Twister mat and ask people if they’d like to play.
4) Leave a box in a corner, and when someone gets on, ask if they hear something ticking.
5) Pretend you are a flight attendant and review emergency procedures and exits with the passengers.
6) Ask, “did you feel that?”
7) Stand really close to someone, sniffing them occasionally.
8) When the doors close, announce to the others, “It’s okay, don’t panic. They’ll open up again.”
9) Swat at flies that don’t exist.
10) Tell people that you can see their aura.
11) Call out, “GROUP HUG!” and enforce it.
12) Grimace painfully while smacking your forehead and muttering, “Shut up. All of you. Just Shut up!!!”
13) Crack open your briefcase or purse and while peering inside, as “Got enough air in there?”
14) Stand silently and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
15) Stare at another passenger for awhile, then announce in horror, “You’re one of THEM,” and back away slowly.
16) Wear a puppet on your hand, and use it to talk to the other passengers.
17) Listen to the elevator walls with a stethoscope.
18) Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.
19) Ask if you can push the button for other people, but push the wrong ones.
20) Stare grinning at another passenger for awhile, then announce “I have new socks on.”
21) Draw a little square on the floor with chalk, and announce to the other passengers, “This is MY personal space!!”
22) When there’s only one other person in the elevator, tap them on the shoulder and pretend it wasn’t you.
23) Push the buttons and pretend they give you a shock.
24) Call the Psychic Hotline from your cell phone, and ask if they know what floor you’re on.
25) Hold the doors open, and say that you’re waiting for your friend. After awhile, let the doors close and say, “Hi Greg, how’s your day been?”
26) Drop a pen, and wait until someone reaches to help pick it up, and then scream “That’s mine!”

The 30 most satisfying simple pleasures life has to offer

Haris Abdul Rahman — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:49:18 +0000

Sleeping In on a Rainy Day – As the rain beats lightly against the window, you nestle your head deeper into your pillow. The sound is soothing and your bed feels like a sanctuary. There is no place you would rather be.
Finding Money You Didn’t Know You Had – You reach into your pocket and find a $20 bill from the last time you wore these jeans. You aren’t rich, but you are richer than you were a second earlier.
Making Brief Eye Contact with Someone of the Opposite Sex – You pass him/her on the street or in the subway. He/she glances up at you momentarily, making direct eye contact in a way that seems to communicate a subtle curiosity. For a split second it makes you think… and then it’s gone.
Skinny Dipping – There is something mysteriously liberating about being naked in a body of water. You are naked, but it feels natural, a sense of unrefined freedom.
Receiving a Real Letter or Package via Snail Mail – E-mail has become the primary source of written communication. Most snail mail these days is junk mail. When you check the mail and find a real letter or package from someone you know, excitement overtakes you as you tear into this rare gift.
Making the Yellow Light - It’s one of the most common simple pleasures, the act of beating the pack. As you blaze through the yellow light you glance in your rearview to see all the cars behind you stopping at the red light. Yes! You made it!
Telling a Funny or Interesting, True Story - One of the most enticing roles you lead in life is that of the storyteller. You love to share stories, especially those that will captivate your audience with deep curiosity and humor. There are few things more satisfying than telling a true story that others enjoy listening to.
Seeing a Friend Stumble Over Himself – As you walk across the street with your friend, he fails to accurately address the curb on the other side. He trips and stumbles around momentarily before regaining his footing, then swiftly attempts to play it off like nothing happened. This can be a hilarious sight if the moment is right.
Hearing the Right Song at the Right Moment - It doesn’t matter what the setting is, hearing the right song for that moment is one of those simple pleasures in life that instantly lifts your spirits. You could be driving home from work, hanging out at a bar with friends, or jogging. When the right song rattles your ear drums the entire meaning of life seems crystal clear.
The First Sip of a Beverage When You’re Thirsty – You just finished mowing the lawn or taking a long jog. The only thing on your mind is an ice-cold glass of water. When you are really, really thirsty, that first sip of any liquid beverage is sheer bliss.
Catching a Glimpse of Bare Skin on the Opposite Sex – For guys, it’s when the waitress bends over a little too far. For girls it’s seeing that buff guy in a Speedo. Either way, when you see a bit more skin than you were expecting on the opposite sex, you can’t help but to smirk on the inside.
Saying the Same Thing Simultaneously – There is a moment of silence. Then all of the sudden you and your friend blurt out the same exact set of words simultaneously. This rare occurrence is something to smile about.
The Pull-Through Parking Spot – You pull into a parking spot and are delighted to see the availability of the parking spot immediately in front of you. You pull through to the spot in front so that when you return to the car you can drive forward out of the parking spot. Why? Because driving backwards is a pain in the butt.
Realizing You Have More Time to Sleep – Something abruptly awakens you and you think it’s time to get up. Then you squint over at your alarm clock and realize you still have 2 more hours to sleep. A warm euphoric feeling shoots though your body as you glide gracefully back to your dreams.
People Watching – Sitting there on your bench you can see people in every direction. Tall people, small people, thin and plump. Blond, brunette, and redhead alike. Each of them has a different stride and a unique expression. As you drift from body to body you are mesmerized by what you see.
Putting On Clothes Straight from the Dryer – As soon as the dryer buzzes, you pull out your clothes and put them on. They feel soothingly warm on your skin and emit a fresh-scented aroma into the air. A sentiment of ease comes over you as you head out to conquer the day.
A Familiar Smell – You just pulled into your parent’s driveway and opened the car door. You haven’t been home in a long while. You smell familiarity in the air, the scent of a large pine tree in the neighbor’s yard. As you head through the front door, more familiar smells consume your senses. Gosh, it feels good to be home…
The Feeling You Get When Your Idea Works – You have been struggling to resolve a complex problem all day and you just can’t seem to get it right. Filled with frustration, you decide to exercise one last idea before calling it a night. You’ve had many ideas before that failed miserably… but this time it works.
Fresh, Clean Bed Sheets – You yank at the corner of the bedspread to create just enough space to slide your body under the freshly cleaned sheets. The sheets feel cool to the touch. Everything seems so clean, like nobody has ever slept in this bed before.
A Beautiful View – As the car veers around the side of the mountain you gaze out the passenger window. It’s a clear, sunny day and you can see the entire valley below filled with wild flowers and bright green vegetation. The scenery reminds you of something you once saw in National Geographic. But here it is live, right before your eyes.
Reminiscing About Old Times with Your Closest Friends – Pink Floyd once said “the memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime”. There is no simple pleasure more satisfying than recounting the greatest moments of your life with your closest friends who lived these moments alongside you.
Receiving an Unexpected Compliment – It’s been an average day. Nothing really great has happened, but nothing terrible occurred either. This monotonous day has put you in a dreary mood. Unexpectedly, an older, attractive lady taps you on the shoulder, calls you “handsome” and says she loves your shirt. The day just got a whole lot better.
Having a Good Laugh – Laughter is the greatest cure of all. Life is extraordinary in the moments when you are laughing so hard you can barely breathe. These moments of deep laughter are divine in the sense that they cleanse your mood and set your mind on a positive track.
The Feeling After a Healthy Workout - It’s a giddy feeling of self accomplishment; the one true activity that actually makes you feel better and look better simultaneously. When you walk out the front door of the gym you are on top of the world.
The Celebration in the Instant Something Makes Sense – Even now that it has explained to you for the third time, you just don’t understand how it works. Everyone else seems to understand but you. Then out of the blue the dots connect in your mind. You finally get it, and it feels great!
Relaxing Outdoors on a Sunny Day – As you relax sprawled out in a lawn chair, the sun warms your skin and a light breeze keeps the temperature comfortable. Birds are chirping merrily in the trees behind you. You are at complete peace with the environment.
Holding Hands with Someone You Love – Every time she grabs your hand you are overcome with an awareness of how much she means to you. Holding hands is sensual and physically intimate, yet subtle. There are few people you allow to hold your hand, so when it happens you can be sure that the moment is special.
Playing in the Water – Water marvels people of all ages. From jumping in puddles as a child, to doing cannon balls in the pool as an adolescent, to enjoying a cocktail in the Jacuzzi as an adult… water is enjoyable.
Making Someone Smile – You notice that your colleague has been under a great deal of stress with meeting a deadline, so you take it upon yourself to complete one of her indirect responsibilities for her. As soon as she realizes what you did, she comes into your office with a big smile on her face. “Thank you”, she says. You just hit two birds with one stone, because making her smile just made your day.
Finishing What You Started – You just finished up a big project you’ve been working on for the last few months, or maybe you just finished your first marathon… Either way, you finalized what you set out to accomplish. The feeling of self accomplishment you get when you finish what you started is by far one of the most rewarding simple pleasures life has to offer.