Not Made To Have Maids

Star Q

i.  Braised Tofu and Shiitake

ii.  Pendaftaran Pelajar Tingkata 1 / 2013

Maids may snub Malaysia - Nation | The Star Online

I hope this statement that appeared in the papers before Christmas last year, will indeed be turned into a certainty instead of a possibility.  I can hear parents (if there are any reading this entry at all! Haha!) expressing their disagreements loudly and seething through their flaring nostrils in anger!

Free Education At One's Own Free Will

Star Q

i.  Holiday Breakfast Basket

ii.  Mesyuarat Pertama 2013

Every child deserves an education

I read this article today and felt compelled to note that many of these children do not go to school because their parents cannot afford to put them through school.

There is no such problem here in this country because no matter how poor you are, the government finds a way to ensure that children as early as seven years old are given the opportunity to go to school; for free!  What's more, if the parents put in a little bit of effort, everything that the children need to go to school, like bags, clothes and shoes, will also be given free.  To top it all off they even get free textbooks.  

Cell Phones : Keep It To Yourself

Star Q

i.  Ayam Penyet Sambel Ijo

ii.  Mesyuarat Pertama 2013

Cell phones can indeed be a necessity nowadays and people seem to think that they are so indispensable.  That being the case, I wonder how people used to get along with cellphones before they were invented; the days when we only relied on land lines and public phones.  I have to say we got along well.

Till We Meet Again

Star Q

i.  School Starts Early for Teachers

ii.  Pahang's Asam Tempoyak Patin

The year 2012 is coming to a close.  The numeral 12 has a certain sentimental effect on me where examinations, especially Malaysian Examination Certificate, are concerned.  I have met many friends through this endeavor and without doubt have learnt a great many things too; things I learnt through the experiences of these friends and those that I learn from being involved in these examinations.

Lend Me Your Ears

Star Q

i.  Pahang's Asam Tempoyak Patin

ii.  School Starts Early for Teachers

We always get irritated when people younger than us (or just anyone, really!) do not pay attention to what we are saying.  Not only that, they ignore us by talking to their friends (about things that are obviously more interesting to them!) or attend to other matters (like playing video games or texting using their cellphones!)  Suffice to say that we would blow our top and bombard these people with angry words!

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright...

Star Q

i.  Bonda's Asam Pedas

ii.  Operasi Bersih

It's already the 25th of December here in Malaysia.  The date has no real significance to me since I am not celebrating Christmas.  However, many friends I know are celebrating it all over the world and I rejoice in the happiness and celebration.

Choosy Customer

Star Q

i.  Bonda's Asam Pedas

ii.  Operasi Bersih

Image sourced from Google

Everyone has the right to choose, especially as paying customers.  When we purchase something, we definitely want value for the money that we pay; more often than not the cheaper the better without any expense on quality.

Do Not Do Unto Others

Star Q

i.  Salted Egg Prawns

ii.  Titisan Restu STPM 2011/2012

I was strolling by a school for physically and mentally challenged young children this morning when I heard one of the children crying.  At first I thought, being children with special needs, they would tend to behave that way (pardon my ignorance)  But upon a closer listen, I realized that the child was crying because one of the teachers were yelling and scolding the child.

I, of course, did not want to venture into the premises to find out the gender of the child (the teacher was a lady)  Eavesdropping was as far as I dared to go.  I realized however, that the teacher did not attempt to console the child, but persisted on scolding and yelling at the child (I'm sure the neighbours  close to the premises would have heard the ruckus!)

The thing that gets me most, apart from the child being reprimanded in such a manner, is the bigger question as to why the lady wanted to become a teacher for children with special needs.  Being a teacher for students in a daily school is hard enough, imagine the difficulty one would face in such a demanding environment.  Nevertheless, a career is a career, and we are entrusted upon to do our best without ridiculing or dehumanizing our charges.

Exam Time Again!

Star Q

i.  Not-So-Red Velvet Cake

ii.  Majlis Titisan Restu

It's that time of year again!  All the young adolescents in Malaysia are sitting for their life-determining exams. the form 5's are sitting for the SPM  exams which will determine where they will be continuing their studies; whether colleges or institutions (or realistically some may even wander into the unchartered waters of job seeking!)  

Calm After the Storm

Star Q

i.  Another No-Bother Order!

ii. Majlis Titisan Restu

After almost forty-two weeks of school, it has finally come to a close.  The school has become a much calmer place to be in.  You notice this situation when more and more students take their own initiative to play truant (or taking an early holiday) with or without their parents' knowledge.

What's To Like?

Star Q

i.  Beef Rendang Sendayan

ii.  Penyerahan Slip Keputusan

On the one hand, it may be a good thing to inform other people about our status (in reference to a jargon used for a certain social network)  On the other hand, it can be a bit odd at times, especially when your status gets some awkward comments from friends (or so-called friends!)

Take the status below which I copied verbatim from a friend's wall :

Life is precious. I cant stop thinking of soraya's 18 yo friend who passed away. 

Her parents must be devastated. 

Ya Allah, please keep my children safe and well.

One read and you will know that the most appropriate response is to offer some kind of condolence for the bereaved; or some kind words to console the person who had suffered a personal loss.  The last line in the status, is merely the owner's personal response to the tragedy (not a status)

So, when you consider all the above comments that could possibly be offered, you would never expect anyone to LIKE the status.  LIKE-ing the status would suggest that one likes the tragedy that has befallen the unfortunate individual (surprisingly 13 LIKEs for the status; and counting!)

I suppose if you cannot offer kind words, do not click LIKE!  I know I am being judgemental but the proof is already there for millions to see.  I guess these people should promptly UNLIKE!

CPT - Keeping Us In the Dark

Management of CPT pathetic - Opinion | The Star Online

Okay.  Someone finally had to write about it.  Wait! It is not the first one!  Because I remember reading about some other complaints by some other teachers sometime back.

Of course, one of my personal complaint about this CPT thing is the time I actually had to spend trying (really trying) to complete the test.  In fact after the days of trying (not seven hours!) I was finally instructed to call someone who later told me where to go and what to do!

Au Revoir (Not Adieu) to Education

Star Q

i.  Penyerahan Slip Keputusan

ii.  Tapioca Cake

Why an aspiring student suddenly decides to stop schooling is beyond me.  Of course I can actually empathize with his situation, like stopping school in order to go to work just so he can help his family make ends meet.  Honestly, I do understand because I was in that situation once.

A Serious Shock of Reality

Star Q

i.  Rendang Betawi

ii.  A Different Aura

Image sourced from Google

The reality of life sometimes hit you like a hurricane.  You know the hurricane is coming because you can see the dark clouds and you can even feel the chill in the air.  The wind has started to pick up, blowing and bending the trees to almost breaking point.  But still, when the hurricane hits you, you are shocked and devastated.

Fogging Their Minds

Star Q

i.  Spaghetti Carbonara Ala Malaysiana

ii.  Ceramah Teknik Menjawab

Image sourced from Google

The roar of the familiar mosquito fogging machine, gave the residents of this neighborhood am uneasy surprise this week.  Even more surprising, the health official came twice this week to carry out their duties.

It's Been A Long Week

Star Q

i.  Spaghetti Carbonara Ala Malaysiana

ii.  Ceramah Teknik Menjawab

I don't usually write about weekends, but this is the second time I've been writing about it.  It's just that this week has been so full of activities that I practically prayed that the weekend would come as quickly as possible (if that were possible!)

Mind Your Manners

Star Q

i.  Ceramah Teknik Menjawab

ii.  Orange and Almond Cake

Hamka said that a child's good manners should be taught since young when he is easier to mould or nurture; before he is destroyed by normalcy that is difficult to let go.  You can actually teach a seventeen year old about good manners, but the idea will be just that; learned but not practised. 

And They Stand To Lose...

Star Q

i.  Majlis Yaasin & Solat Hajat 2012

ii.  Kerabu Mangga & Nenas

I still remember the words of a retired colleague who said that she wished she had the opportunity to learn English and that she would be very lucky if the teacher she had was educated abroad.  She was lamenting the situation because her parents used their veto power to send her to an Arabic-medium school.  She did not have the chance to learn much English then.

Of Being Thankful

Star Q

i.  Majlis Yaason & Solat Hajat 2012

ii.  Wantan Tarts

It's budget time again!  And the budget which was tabled two days ago was, in more ways than one, favorable to most of the Malaysian public.  As with the budgets tabled every year, there is always something for every one; no matter how small or how insignificant one may feel it may be.

TGIF!

Star Q

i.  Majlis Yaasin & Solat Hajat 2012

ii.  Masak Cili Api Maman Jeruk & Ikan Tenggiri

Image sourced from Google

Friday is finally here, again.  And I guess I am one of those people who are really looking forward to the weekend.  After a long week of work, no wonder people exclaim "Thank God It's Friday" when the day comes.

Short Weekend Equals Lethargy

Star Q

i.  Mango Cheese Tarts

ii.  Majlis Doa Selamat

Image sourced from Google

This weekend doesn't really feel like a weekend.  It's been a long month.  We've had two replacement schooldays; one earlier this month and the other one today.  Aside from that, we're still having the usual mundane co-curricular activities every Wednesday.  We've also had in-house courses, afternoon meetings which last till evening.  To top it all off, we're having yet another school-plus-society activity next week.  And people still don't understand why teachers cannot concentrate on teaching their students!

Kids : Now And Then #2

Star Q

i.  Chili Lemon Grass Crabs

ii.  Pertandingan Pengucapan Awam Pra-U

Image sourced from Google

Kids nowadays are more opinionated than their predecessors.  They (at least most of them) are never afraid to voice out their views even when it comes to addressing someone much older than they are.  They are not worried if their opinions may not be the same as their elders as long as they can express their feelings;  what more if they are right.

Kids : Now And Then #1

Star Q

i.  Coffee & Walnut Fudge Cupcakes

ii.  Pertandingan Pengucapan Awam

Image sourced from Google

One thing for certain, they are different.  Let's cut to the chase.  Kids now need to be told what to do around the house, what their chores are and explained why they need to do the chores.  As if that is not enough, the reasons must be acceptable to them and the chores that they do must have some kind of reward or benefit to them; directly!  Otherwise, forget it!

Walk The Talk or Just Walk Away

Star Q

i.  Bakso Nasi Impit

ii.  Pre-U Raya Open House

Image sourced from Google and has no reference to this entry

We have in many occasions been told to utilize our working hours one hundred percent.  We are not allowed to use our working hours even on activities like sports or clubs or uniform activities.  Those can and should be done outside working hours.  Time should be utilized for the benefit of the clients and those activities should be those pertaining to studies; in the classroom (or labs!) with books (exercise books and textbooks together!)

Mobiles In School? Not Yet, okay!

Star Q

i.  Brownies with Chocolate Topping

ii.  Pre-U Raya Open House

Image sourced from Google

Much has been said about the idea of allowing students to bring their cellphones (and other IT gadgets!) to school.  Until now, there has been no word about it from the powers-that-be concerning the rules and regulations regarding the bringing of cellphones to school.  But, when it comes to gadgets, students really cannot wait for the blacks and whites to come out, and so, they have taken the news as permission to bring their gadgets to school.

Should One Know Everything? Part 1

Star Q

i.  Beef Dendeng

ii.  Pre-U Raya Open House

Image sourced from Google

A small minority (double stress) of the public has urged that teachers should be able to teach or knowledgeable in more than one subject!  It pains them so much to see teachers only teaching one subject and then (they claim!) are totally oblivious on how to teach other subjects!

There are two responses to this predicament.  One, the teacher should teach only one subject; and in that subject the teacher should be well-versed and knowledgeable to the point of being a referral either to his (or her) colleagues or students.  By this I mean that, when anything about the particular subject is queried upon, the answer is almost immediately (or referred) obtained and satisfactory.

A Matter of Time Management

Star Q

i.  Pre-U Raya Open House

ii.  Pineapple Coconut Puddings

Image sourced from Google

My friends often ask me, when do I have the time to keep track with my blogs.  I always tell them nonchalantly that it is not difficult at all, without ever going into any kind of details.

Today however, I have decided to disclose the secret behind my keeping up with my (modest) three blogs.  This disclosure came mainly because of a false claim made by an irresponsible individual that people who have time to update their blog(s) are people who have a lot of time on their hands and have nothing better to do!

Is It Really Negaraku?

Star Q

i.  Learning To Be Safe Drivers

ii.  Semur Ikan Pedas

Negaraku!  Our national anthem, when sung, voices our commitment and full-hearted pledge, that this country that we are living in, is ours.  This country, where we were all born in; this country where all of us have prospered, has given us a lot of things that we probably will not get in most other countries.

Happy 55th Birthday

Star Q

i.  Semur Ikan Pedas

ii.  Learning To Be Safe Drivers

As the last of the Baby Boomers, I remember when I was young, ever since we could afford our own black and white television set, my siblings and I would make it a point to sit right in front of it come every 31st August.  We would eat our fried rice and plain coffee that our mom had prepared for breakfast, and have it while watching the Merdeka Day parade telecast live.  And for every independence day celebration, it would always be a small picnic in front of the television set and my mom wouldn't mind the least!

Fuss Over A Proverb

Star Q

i.  Nazam Perpisahan

ii.  Semur Ikan Pedas

Image sourced from Google

I read with much amusement one person's anger over a proverb mentioned by one of our most prominent national figures.  Obviously the person's anger was mainly due to his ignorance pertaining to the meaning that the proverb intends to convey (or perhaps he just refuses to admit that the prominent national figure is much better in English than he is?)

Not Serious About Trials! Seriously!

Star Q

i.  Semur Ikan Pedas

ii.  Nazam Perpisahan

The SPM trial examination is just around the corner (this Monday 3/9/12, to be exact!) and form five students every where are busy doing their revisions and conducting group studies aside from burning the midnight oil.

Return To Routine

Star Q

i.  Terima Kasih Datang Beeraya

ii.  Lemon Squares

I'm not sorry to say that I may be one of the few people who do not enjoy long holidays; and to me the eleven-day Eid holiday was really long for me.  I actually find pleasure in short but fulfilling holidays, because one thing about long holidays, the longer you go on leave, the more you spend!

Dizzy Driver

Star Q

i.  Eid Mubarak

ii.  Beef Stew

There is always the case of a (carefree!) driver who parks however and wherever he (she) likes; and in this town, this sort of situation is not difficult to find.  Surprisingly (or not so surprisingly!)  there is ample parking space and the surrounding area is large enough for the driver to make a 90 degree turn and park like everyone else!

Of Cows and Their Owners!

Star Q

i.  Beef Stew

ii.  Serah Tugas!

Image sourced from Google

It has often been reported in the media about cattle causing accidents on major roads.  A lot more have been said about what should be done and what steps the owners of these cattle should take to prevent further unnecessary accidents.  Today, unfortunately, one of those accidents involves a Form 6 student from here.

To Pray Or To Play?

Star Q

i.  Serah Tugas!

ii.   Tomato Provencal & Aglio Olio

We are nearing the end of this year's month of Ramadhan and the people going for Terawih prayers does show any sign of subsiding.  That is surely a good sign.  People, young and old, seem to be coming to this mosque without fail every night.

Add-on Holidays!

Star Q

i.  Tomato Provencale & Aglio Olio

ii.  School Students Or Under Grads?

It has taken me a long time to write about this holiday thing especially ones related to festivals, in particular Hari Raya holidays.  Don't get me wrong.  I love holidays and I think people would be bonkers not love them!  The only thing that gets to me is why ask for additional holidays to the already gazetted public holidays?

School Students Or Under Grads?

Star Q

i.  Lemon Curd Tarts

ii.  Cool Air At Last

This is a picture of a class on a regular school day at 9.00 in the morning.  It is an exam week and the paper at the time this picture was taken was Chinese and Tamil which ends at 9.40.  The following paper, which was Chemistry, was at 10.00 a.m.

What is so striking about this picture is, even though a majority of the students were in class, quite a few of them were not.  Not least because they did not take the two papers mentioned earlier since almost all the Malay girls (plus one boy!) were in class.  The problem is, what happened to the rest of the Malay boys?  

Defying Nature With Money

Star Q

i.  Patin Masak Kuah Lada dengan Kerisek

ii.  Bergambar Lagi!

Image sourced from Google

My blog is not a sensational one, but today I feel compelled to write about this very popular phenomenon and that is trying to turn back time where one's beauty is concerned.  It seems with the advent of modern cosmetics people (those with money of course!) are doing every thing they can to continue looking young and radiant.

The Shopping Spree Begins

Star Q

i.  Bergambar Lagi

ii.  Patin Masak Kuah Lada dengan Kerisek

Today's the fifteenth day of Ramadan and already you can see the shoppers are gearing up for the festivities. Malaysia is such a unique country such that when one part of the people celebrates a certain festival the rest of the nation will rush along together.  One example is our Hari Raya.  When the Malays' shopping frenzy get into fever pitch, the rest of the nation, the Chinese, Indians and the rest, follow suit and become embroiled in the festivities.

Bizarre Bazaar

Star Q

i.  Sardines with Tapioca Shoots

ii.  A Day to Prove Their Worth

Image from Sightings1969.blogspot.com

This is a late entry about my trip to the Ramadan Bazaar on the first day of fasting.  It had been raining the whole afternoon until about 4.00 p.m.  I did not to see throngs of people there, but I was literally taken aback (due to people shoving and pushing) when I saw so many people there!

The Best Present for A Teacher

Star Q

i.  Smoked Catfish with Fingerling Aubergines

ii.  Another form 6 Cook Off

There is no present more valuable to a teacher then to see his students succeed.  And the joy is felt even more when the students come to visit their teachers to convey their thanks personally.  And to top it all off, they even come bearing gifts!  This is the ultimate joy of a teacher!

One For All!

Star Q

i.  Marhaban Ya Ramadhan

ii.  Another Form 6 Cook Off!

Trying to organize an activity and to have everybody to attend can be a daunting task.  Especially, when not everyone whom you have been hoping to attend, decide to make a quick 180 degree turn and leave, just 15 minutes into the activity!


Putting poor attendance as an excuse to leave the activity is as weak as building made from straws.  It doesn't hold any credit and other people tend to become judgmental.  More so when these people passing the comments are actually the ones who take the trouble to sit through the activity right to the end.

Such Greedy Brutes

Star Q

i.  Hari Koperasi 2012

ii.   Strawberry and Apple Crumble

Image sourced from Google

If you have ever been to Jalan Ros located near Segamat McDonalds, then you will know how difficult it is to find a parking space; on any given day!  I sometimes have to 'tawaf' a few times to get a parking space!  Parking gets even more difficult come pay day, weekends or anywhere near any kind of festivals.  And the rush for parking spaces can result in drivers waiting in queues just to wait for other cars to leave the parking spaces.

A Little Courtesy, Please!

Star Q

i.  Parking ; Not At Par!

ii.  Fried Rice Cubes

I say that the second best place for a child to learn about courtesy is in school.  Of course, the best place for that child to learn about it is in his (or her!) own home.  However, this particular child, who was sent to school by him mom, did have the luxury of learning about courtesy in any situation!

The mother obviously didn't teach any kind of good manners at home because the lack of it was displayed very clearly by she herself when she drove into the small school compound like it was a racing track.  She drove through the school gate at more than 30 km/h, made a sharp 360 degree turn, splashed through the puddle (splashes which missed me by mere inches!) and made an emergency-brake stop, occupying half the road!

I pity the child more!  Mainly because, if he doesn't learn about courtesy now, he may eventually turn out to be a clone of his mother!

Go Local! Love Local!

Star Q

i.  Hermit Crabs : Are We?

ii.  Two-Berry Muffins

Image sourced from Google

The time has come for us to take the Use Malaysian campaign to a new level.  We should now consider, not to only use products made in Malaysia, but also to seriously (I say, seriously!) consider using every thing Malaysian.  Local products should therefore not be restricted to clothes or shoes made in Malaysia, but they should also encompass food (originally local), culture (originally local), songs (originally local) and even traditional or contemporary dances (originally local)

Hijrah to AlHijrah!

Star Q

i.  Hermit Crabs : Are We?

ii.  Two-Berry Muffins

My first reaction when reading this article in one of the newspapers I bought today (every Sunday I usually buy three!) was to agree one hundred percent!  The writer and I seem to be on the same wavelength as far as the credibility of the news on this particular channel is concerned!

Waste Not Want Not

Star Q

i.  Hermit Crabs : Are We?

ii.  Two-Berry Muffins

This is just another term for recycling which was coined many, many years ago by our fore-fathers who did not have plenty to go by during their times.  Nothing went to waste because food, and every thing was not easy to come by.  Curtains for example, would be used again and again, and when they are no more suitable to be hung to adorn windows and doors, they would be turned into bed spreads and pillow cases.  And further down the line, when even then they are no more presentable, they would be turned into rags or coverings for fruits in the orchard.