UNCONVENTIONAL WORLD RECORDS

The sad thing is, they could’ve been prevented with relatively simple methods such as providing tetanus immunisation and skilled midwives, the Save the Children Charity said in its report entitled “The State of the World’s Mothers 2006“.

The report also said: (more…)

Popularity: 4% [?]

You’ve heard about enterprising entrepreneurs thriving on death-related businesses like coffin makers, cemetery management (a la Nirwarna) and full-blown all-in-one package funeral management companies (eg, Penampang Lighthouse, Foo Look Siew, 3M Popular).

But how about someone specialising in making gallows (you know, the instrument from which you hang people). (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

The current world record is 8:58 using “normal air,” although freedivers breathing on pure oxygen can last up to 15 minutes.
David Blaine recently “only” managed 7 minutes, but that is while attempting to free himself of chains.
How long can you hold your breath? 1 minute? 30 seconds?

If you want to break the world record, or at least improve your own record, bbc provides some tips.

I am having flashbacks of the movie “Big Blue” now, it’s a highly recommended movie on diving. Click the image below for more info on the movie:

Popularity: 1% [?]

On 20th April, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Abdul Aziz, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Law officially launched a publication titled “Red Book – Police and Your Basic Rights”. Sounds suspiciously similar to the Mao Zedong’s Red Book, but it’s a totally different kind of fish altogether.

Publication of the 31-page booklet (in 4 languages including English and Malay) was initiated by the Malaysian Bar Council following the recent nude squat incident. The association’s president said that the purpose of the Red Book is aimed at disseminating valuable information so that the public would know their basic rights when dealing with the Police, whether in plain clothes or uniformed. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Is it possible? You bet it is! Researchers at Leiden University used the concept of atomic-scale friction to achieve it.

The tool used is called a “friction force microscope.”

How does it work: it creates nano-friction in water by dragging a tungsten wire over a graphite surface. Water vapour in the air would condense and become ice. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

If there’s one car factory I’d like to visit, it would be the Ferrari Factory at Maranello, Italy.

Laurance Yap of Canadiandriver.com was lucky enough to be able to see for himself how these legendary machines are made.
Ref:

canadiandriver.com 

Popularity: 1% [?]

After I wrote this post about David McKinnon, I came across bbc’s newsreport that a confidential Ministry of Defence report on UFOs has concluded that there is no proof of alien life forms.

It’s a 400-page report which has been kept secret for 6 years, and whose writers’ identity is still secret.

Well, I am sure conspiracy theorists have many things to say anbout that.
Ref:

bbc 

Popularity: 1% [?]

That’s one cool mama, or one stupid mama, depending on your point of view. And she smokes it with him every day after he finishes his homework.

Apparently she’s been doing it with him for 2 years.

Ref:

eveningsun.com 

Popularity: 1% [?]

He’s possibly the only businessman in Malaysia, or even the world, who’s seriously dealing with meteorites. So serious in fact that he has amassed RM40 million worth of meteorites and set up a related showroom and factory worth more than RM10 million. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Eminent Sabahan photographer Louis pang said this is his best shot of Mount Kinabalu for 2006. I know I havent seen as many Mount K photos as him, but to me this is not even the best for 2006, it’s probably the best shot of the mountain ever taken. (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Do you believe him? He even said he had seen an alien-made image of a construction, but doesnt have a copy of it to back-up his claims.

Check out his description of it: (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Of course wehosting plans do not stay static for long for most people, competition makes companies shift around their plans, but after shopping around last year, I settled for Exabytes, mainly due to good word-of-mouth references. A friend have been using it for all his domains for some time and gave the thumbs up. I must say that after a year, my experience has been good. Support is friendly, quick and efficient. (more…)

Popularity: 9% [?]

The miracle of 2002, Malaysia beat China 3-1 at their own backyard in the semis. Unfortunately we lost 2-3 to Indonesia in final.

• Xia Xuanze bt Choong Hann 6-8, 8-6, 7-5, 7-5 (0-1)
• Chew Choon Eng/Chan Choong Ming bt Zhang Jun/Wang Wei 7-4, 7-5, 7-2 (1-1)
• Hafiz bt Bao Chunlai 1-7, 7-4, 7-8, 7-5 (2-1) : stunning upset!
• Tan Fook/Wan Wah bt China pair 5-7, 6-8, 7-1, 7-3 (3-1)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Final

CHINA 3-1 DENMARK

FIRST SINGLES

LIN DAN bt PETER-GADE CHRISTENSEN 15-8, 15-13

BOTH players started cautiously. However, Lin Dan looked the stronger player at the front and pulled away at 6-6.

After regaining service with a jumping crosscourt smash at 10-6, Lin Dan only allowed Christensen two more points before wrapping up the game.

Christensen put up a better effort in the (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Boarding passes can give way too much info about yourself, and allows other people (or worse, terrorists) to pose as yourself and get on a plane to do bad things.  (more…)

Popularity: 3% [?]

The Tidong people in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia has surely one of the strangest marriage customs in the world. (more…)

Popularity: 7% [?]

UPDATE 18 July 2010

Now Wook Kundor, 108 wants a baby!

On 15th July 2010, she was reunited with her husband of 5 years, Mohd Noor Che Musa, 38 who was released from the Besut drug rehabilitation centre after 18 months’ treatment for his addiction.

Amazingly, Noor was quoted to have said:

We tried (to have a baby) earlier but my wife’s age factor was an obstacle. So, we decided to adopt a baby, preferably a boy.

Incredible. I think the oldest woman to have given birth was 69 years old – and Nek Wook actually tried to be the world’s first centenarian to get pregnant?!

As for his addiction, he was quoted to have said:

She asked me to kick my drug habit but I was too obstinate then. I am now a changed man and cherish every moment with my wife.

—————————————

UPDATE 14th Sept 2009

Now Mek Wook Kundor a.k.a. Tok Wook, 107 of Kuala Berang, Terengganu wants to marry for the 23rd time.

Reason? She’s afraid that her current drug addict husband of 4 years “might leave her for a younger woman”.

She said her sole purpose of marrying him was to ease her loneliness.

It tugs at the heartstrings to read that she plans to visit her husband at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kuala Lumpur during Hari Raya “if her neighbours were willing to drive her to Kuala Lumpur, to express her feelings and tell him that she is lonely without him and if he reciprocates, she will wait for him without thinking of another marriage.”

She added, “I realise that I am an aged woman. I don’t have the body nor am I a young woman who can attract anyone.”

———————————

UPDATE 8th July 2009

The New Straits Times reported that police in Terengganu have arrested Che Mat Nor Musa on suspicion of being a heroin addict.

Anti-narcotics officials said he would be sent to a drug rehabilitation centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Wook was quoted to have said that she was aware that he had undergone treatment for drug addiction in the past, but quickly added that their married life had been happy. She said that she’ll let him undergo the treatment to cure his addiction and later to return to their home.

———————————

Recently, in Terengganu, ex-military personnel Muhamad Noor Che Musa, 33 married religious teacher Cik Wook Kundor, 104. That means an age difference of 71 years. It’s his first marriage and her 21st.

I couldn’t verify this in Guiness Book of World Records, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, or any other reference. This could be a new category!

(more…)

Popularity: 15% [?]

I would call that medium one smart aleck. He’s only a coffeeshop waiter, but not many can pull similar stunts up to THIS level.

(more…)

Popularity: 3% [?]

Update 7th May

Final: I am proven right. China beat Denmark 3-0. Where Chong Wei and Hafiz failed, Lin Dan and Bao Chunlai succeeded. Time to learn again: how to win under pressure.

• Lin Dan bt Peter Gade 17 & 19 in 48
• Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng bt Jens Erikssen/Martin Lundgaard-Hansen -19,11,18 in 55
• Bao Chunlai bt Kenneth Jonassen 12,-12,12 in 46

———————————-

Update 5th May

Final: my prediction: China will rip Denmark apart. A repeat of the 2004 final, which China won.

The happiest day of Joachim Persson’s life…

…and the worst in Beng Hong’s… (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Now that South Korea have done a mighty leapfrog and much more past us, I could only reminisce that it seemed only yesterday that we were at least equal to them. Heck, Park Ji-Sung’s achievement is mere wet dream for our national players. It’s like Khalid Jamlus on the left flank of the 1st XI of Barcelona! Get real indeed…..

Some postings by veteran football fans follow.

60s and 70s & early 80s

Pestabola Merdeka

Best memories

1980 olympics qualification: beat korea 2-1, that goal by James Wong, after pass by Hassan Sani.

Profiles of 2 Malaysian soccer legends who’ve left us:

R. ARUMUGAM a.k.a SPIDERMAN

Represented Malaysia :

1972 Olympics Finals in Munich
1972 – 1987 Pestabola Merdeka
Champions 1973, 1974, 1976, 1979
SEA Games 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985
1974 Asia Games in Tehran
1977 Pre-World Cup Championship
1986 Asia Club Championship in Kuala Lumpur
Saigon Indonesia Cup Championship
Vietnam Cup
Merlion Cup in Singapore
Asia Cup
Jakarta Raya Cup
Park Cup

Malaysia’s Unsung Hero: reputed to be the best goalkeeper not only in the country but also in Asia, R. Arumugam is well-known for his astonishing feats on the football field. His exceptionally long arms and brilliant saves earned him the nickname “Spiderman”. It was a measure of his stature and style that even in the company of the best Malaysian players of his time, Arumugam was not overshadowed. Selangor’s star goalkeeper left us on a bitter cold morning of December 18, 1988 in a motor accident which occurred on the Federal Highway at around 5.25a.m. He is survived by a wife and two daughters. R.Arumugam was born on January 31, 1953 in Port Klang. He started his football career at a very young age. His first milestone was the Burnley Cup Youth Tournament in 1971. He represented Selangor in the Malaysia Cup Tournament from 1972 to 1988, a period during which Selangor won the Malaysia Cup eight times. Arumugam’s first international stint was in 1973, representing Malaysia in the World Cup qualifying round matches in Seoul. Since then, he played in numerous matches around the world, bringing glory to Malaysia each time. At the time of his departure, he had 194 international caps to his name, 6 caps shy of his personal goal of 200 caps. R.Arumugam did more than play the game. In 1983, he formed his own club, Starbrite SC, as part of his personal contribution to the youngsters in his housing area. In recognition of his services to both state and nation, the Football Association of Selangor and Public Bank where Arumugam was employed started a trust fund in the name of R. Arumugam on January 5, 1989. R. Arumugam AMN; PJK may not be with us in person today but his name lives on as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Malaysian football history.

MOKHTAR DAHARI (Nov 13, 1953 – July 11, 1991)

Represented Malaysia :

Merdeka Tournament: 1972-1984
Asian Games: 1974 (Teheran), 1978 (Bangkok)
Sea Games: 1975 (Bangkok), 1977 (Kuala Lumpur), 1979 (Jakarta)
Final appearence for Malaysia: Pre-olympics in Seoul in 1985

His prowess on the football field has earned him the nickname “Supermokh”. As a striker, he is well-known for landing powerful goals. His outstanding ability coupled with strict discipline got him elected as captain of the Malaysian national team. His decision to retire in November 1978 and in October 1982 was a blow to all in the football arena.

Never has there been a national football player that has received more attention than Mohd. Mokhtar Dahari. Born on November 13, 1953 in Kampung Pandan , Kuala Lumpur, Mokhtar Dahari cultivated his interest in football at a very young age, representing his school and clubs in various football matches.

It was while attached to the Darul Afiah Club that Mohktar began his football career at Selangor state level. He played in the Merdeka Tournament from 1972 to 1981. Mohktar joined the Selangor team in 1972 and led the team to victory in the Malaysia Cup matches ten times out of twelve, creating a new record for Selangor. Mokhtar’s record of representing Malaysia at international matches are countless, so are the goals scored by him. Among the international matches he has played in are the SEA Games, Asian Games, Pre-Olympics and the Asia Cup. He has also played against football greats such as Diego Maradona, Franz Beckenbauer and Kevin Keegan. Although he retired from the national squad in 1982, Mokhtar was requested to play in the 1984 Merdeka Tournament and represented the nation for the last time in 1985 for the pre-World Cup match against South Korea in Seoul.

The news that he had muscular dystrophy came as a shock to all who loved and admired him. Mokhtar Dahari left us on July 11, 1991. Although sadly missed, he is fondly remembered by one and all as the legend who brought glory to Malaysia. We salute you, Mokhtar !

So there you have it, two short biographies of Malaysia’s best ever soccer players. In fact, soccer is the most popular sports in the country. Granted, other sports like baseball and hockey, basketball and golf have their niche too, but they do not generate as much buzz as soccer could, or are as easily accessible. For example, golf equipment and baseball bats are either more expensive or not easily found, whereas a soccer ball can be found absolutely everywhere.

Popularity: 3% [?]

According to Internet security specialist Symantec Corp, Cyberattacks are becoming even more focused on making money than making headlines.
It said this in its latest biannual Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) covering the six-month period from July 1 to Dec 31 2005. (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Good article at computerworld.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Devil is said to have the best tunes, but what do they sound like? A new film about the history of heavy metal highlights the so-called Devil’s Interval, a musical phenomenon suppressed by the Church in the Middle Ages.

On the surface there might appear to be no link between Black Sabbath, Wagner’s Gotterdammerung, West Side Story and the theme tune to the Simpsons. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

US physicists made water in hot steam move over metal sheets scored with a carefully designed array of grooves.

Useful application in industry: effect may be useful in driving coolants through overheating computer microchips. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Of all the boring SIGs in the world, this could be the most interesting to join. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

How would you like to go to such a conference? It will be held in San Francisco, 8-9th June 2006. Cost per person about RM1,600.
(more…)

Popularity: 5% [?]

That’s right, zero reflection. I wonder, would that make it invisible?

(more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

You just have to read this thought-provoking article. in complete contrast to what Bill Gates said in recent CNN Money’s article. (more…)

Popularity: 1% [?]

After that USD26,000 real estate business investment milestone in 2004, now a cash card that allows gamers to spend money earned virtually has been launched. The card can be used at cash machines around the world to convert virtual dollars into real currency.

Popularity: 2% [?]

A more recent update: It should be clear by now that this vigilante style thingy did not work; the spammers won, for now, perhaps with the aid of a keylogger?

————————

BlueSecurity is maker of BlueFrog, the vigilante-style antispam product that’s gaining a huge following, working on the premise that the more users join in, the more pressure it will have on spammers to beat it.

As of right now, some say yes, some say no.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Jurors at his federal fraud trial got a glimpse at his lavish lifestyle, including homes in Aspen, a vacation on the French Riviera and $20,000 spent on antiques in Spain.  (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]